(Chapter 3)

The fifth church is Sardis.

The chief city of Lydia, famous for arts and crafts. Sardis was the first city to mint gold and silver coins; and the area became so wealthy - that people said the very sands of the area - were made from gold. Historically - Sardis also became known for being a braggart, and having much arrogance in their accomplishments and abilities. This arrogance was remembered for the city of Sardis - because in 549 B.C. the city attacked Persia; and this attack led to the fall of Sardis; and the eclipse of this huge and wealthy kingdom. In 17 A.D.; a huge earthquake utterly destroyed the city. The Romans gave over 10 million in relief aid - but the city never fully recovered. Sardis is the ruined capital of ancient Lydia. And the ruins include the ancient Lydian citadel and about 1,000 Lydian graves.

So, Sardis was an extremely wealthy area, and had much pride and was known for being arrogant, and thinking nothing could conquer or stop them. Sardis is the only city among the seven which Jesus mentioned - where the historical references being cited - mention graves, and about one thousand dead.

Jesus, in His letter to ‘Sardis’ (US) - states that they have a reputation for being alive - but are actually dead. He then requests that they strengthen what remains - and is about to die  . . . Please do not let your very foundation of Christ whither away! What are you DOING with Jesus?? Are we just existing? Waiting to be ‘taken out’ just before the great tribulation? Is that your ‘goal’ in life? To watch TV, eat burgers, have fun and play games with your kids; climb the ladder of success; and then go to your great eternal reward with Jesus when you die??

How are you advancing in one of the goals Christ has set before you - to “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 5:48 & 19:21)

Is the true experience of Salvation only asking Jesus to save you - and after that - you have it ‘made’? If we have nothing to do in Christ - if we are only to exist until we die and go home to be with Him - than what is the point?? Salvation might as well be a “beam us up - Scotty.” You get saved; and poof - God beams you up to be with Him . . .

Jesus has positions and jobs for us each to occupy and excel . . . Do you really believe that Christ only wants you to be polite at work? That your service for Christ is to be a ‘good’ father; to provide financially for your family, and to stay faithful to your wife? Please. Get real.

It is TRUE that God will welcome you into His presence if you love Jesus, and have submitted to Jesus as Lord. And I certainly do not wish to get into an extraneous debate on what constitutes ‘love’; obeying His commandments (John 14:15); or how the civilized world indulges our pleasures; or how things are different now . . . and I am NOT creating new rules for getting or being saved! It is just that Jesus DOES have things for us to do!

To ‘Sardis’ (US) - Jesus states: “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.” (R3:2)

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

We all have actions and works which God has given us to do, and to accomplish! I do not like writing commentary on Revelation. I would much rather know that people are soaking in it; just reading it every day; and learning to actually HEAR God teach them . . . To be like Daniel, and to persevere in the greatest prophecy given to mankind; and fast and pray, and just let the greatest Teacher who has ever been among us - the Holy Spirit - teach you about what this prophecy states. How it is put together, etc. But God put it into my heart to read it; God has made it known to me how important this prophecy really is; and so - since God has opened it up to me - ONLY because I have spent hundreds of hours letting Him teach me - now I am required to shout from the roofs what has been given! So, I am writing a commentary. It is a very, very small thing to do . . . But I do KNOW that God is asking me to write it! Just as He asked John to write the prophecy - so He is asking me to write this commentary. We must freely give out what has been freely given.

I have other things which God wishes for me to accomplish. Don’t know what they are . . . but God does have things which He wishes for us all to accomplish, So, I have this very small writing, and other things as God leads. But let the letter to Sardis motivate your heart. What is God asking you to accomplish? Are you giving Him the time to allow Him to teach you? Is your heart open to instruction? Are you teaching others, and being an encouragement? How is God moving in your life? What has been forgotten which God accomplished, and what needs to be strengthened before it has faded away?

If you do not remember who you are, and what has been given . . . If you do not learn to Hear the spirit of God actually speaking to you - then you will miss the seasons and the days at hand. You will not know if it is a Monday, or a Wednesday. In other words - you will not know when Christ is knocking at your door, and the time is at hand.

Jesus also states that individuals who overcome - will be dressed in white. And that He will never remove their names from the book of life. A promise is given for those who actively overcome. Those who pursue what Christ desires for them to do and to accomplish. To those who overcome - He (Jesus), our God and Judge; will not blot out (remove) their name from the book of life! Not only that - but Jesus Himself - will acknowledge your name before the Father and his angels!

And we are again encouraged to LISTEN to the Spirit of God. To truly learn to hear the voice of God. These words to Sardis and us; are marvelous. Full of confidence, encouragement, commandments, and resolve.

Rev 3:1 - 6

To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The sixth church is Philadelphia.

For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . . (Isaiah 43:3)

. . . How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true . . . (Rev 6:10)

The letter to Philadelphia opens with Jesus stating that He is God. Only God is Holy, true, and faithful; and these are His words . . . God loves us dearly, and the very word Philadelphia means brotherly love. Philadelphia was a Lydian city founded by Attalus II Philadelphus; who was devoted to his brother Eumenes . . . Philadelphia was founded on a disastrously seismic area; being situated directly above a fault . . . However, even though it suffers from recurrent quakes, and has experienced much Muslim invasion and subsequent pressure against Christianity - a Christian witness has been maintained throughout all the centuries in this city - up to and into modern times.

This Christian witness is noteworthy and interesting since Jesus states to the church located at Philadelphia - that he has placed before them an open door - that no one can shut! Philadelphia’s physical foundation is extremely weak. Being founded directly over a seismic fault - their physical foundation literally has no strength . . . Constantly being physically assaulted - Jesus states they have little strength - yet have kept his word; and not denied his name . . . Philadelphia is only one of two churches who receive no rebuke . . . (Smyrna is the other.) But, as we have seen - this is not so much that this church is perfect - but more a reflection of the historic reputation, and traditions of the city. Philadelphia’s reputation is that of LOVE. Brotherly love for one another. Jesus stated:

“If you love me, you will obey what I command. (John 14:15)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34 - 35)

Love is very important to God . . .

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. (Deuteronomy 7:9)

But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1John 2:5 - 6)

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. (1John 3:14)

But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness . . . (1John 2:11)

Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. (1John 3:15)

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (1John 3:17 - 18)

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1John 4:7 - 8)

And do not grieve lupei'te ((act.) to cause sorrow, grief; (pass.) to be sorrowful, sad, distressed) the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of ALL bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love . . . (Ephesians 4:30 - 5:2)

Now, I have focused slightly on the subject of Love - because it is so important to God; and since so many apparent Christians - do not actually love. In fact - the majority of those who call themselves Christians; and who reside in the US for example - truly do not have LOVE for one another. We delight in cutting one another down; gossiping with regards to someone else’s troubles . . . etc. We ask for an opinion on something - but don’t wish to hear the truth - or what the person we are asking - believes to be the truth . . . We put on ‘plastic’ faces; and tell people we are glad to see them in Church; but have no intention of actually getting to know them; nor do we desire to get to know them. We do, in fact - HATE them... We consider them to be, dumb, stupid, not socially adept; too fat, too skinny, too ugly, too good looking; not our type; etc.

What we are NOT doing - is LOVING our brothers and sisters. The Greek word ajgapw'n being used in these referenced verses - specifically has the meaning of:

to love; in the NT usually the active love of God for his Son and his people, and the active love his people are to have for God, each other, and even enemies

Active Love?? Enemies?? What’s that all about? We have enough difficulties even shaking someone’s hand - who is in a wheelchair; or looks different from us; or who stutters . . . So many, many reasons exist in our head and in our unrepentant hearts - why we truly want NOTHING to do with various people - while we lie, and smile at them . . . and call ourselves Christians; and delude ourselves - into thinking that we are working for God; doing his great work - when we are really only concerned for our own pleasure - and not concerned for the lonely brother - who needs fellowship and encouragement; or for someone who has burdens placed on his heart by God - but the church does not wish to hear or listen . . . We state that we listen to Jesus - but we don’t have ANY desire to listen to our church brothers or sisters . . . to receive instructions from anyone but ourselves or our husband or wife - or just very, very close friends. And let us not be challenged by anyone in our faith or in areas where we need growth - PLEASE - show me the miracles first - please work great and wonderful miracles - then I might listen to you . . . But I probably won’t - since your still not Jesus; and I only listen to Jesus . . . While the truth is: Most Christians - are only listening to weekly Sunday sermons; and their own heads! We are NOT listening to our teacher and instructor - Mr. Holy Spirit! GOD forgive us! PRAISE be to GOD! Who cares for us so very, very much - that He sent GOD to dwell with us - in this very desolate world . . .

Of course - when the time of tribulation comes - who will stand beside you - and help you remain firm? And you can’t state the Holy Spirit - since you don’t know him, and have not been listening to him - while you go about your life, concerned mostly for yourself; and your few chosen, elite friends . . . while not demonstrating true, pure love to all of those around you - who come into your sphere of influence . . .

And will you run to the people doing great and mighty miracles then? The mighty deception which is coming upon us - will be achieved in part - due to the great and mighty FALSE miracles which will be done in our midst! Those miracles will be performed ONLY to deceive and cause you to FALL away from Christ... and this great deception WILL be successful and a great many Christians WILL fall away - because they do not KNOW Christ. And one of the many reasons why we fail to hear the Holy Spirit in a significant way; and WILL be ripe for deception - is because we are pursuing our own pleasures and lusts; and harboring hate and ill feelings towards our fellow believers in Christ.

Sorry - I hope you can hear the Spirit asking you to repent and change. Because without true deep LOVE for ALL of your brothers and sisters in Christ; and for even those who are your enemies - individuals who sin against you, who cause you tremendous grief or offense - even these people - you should be desperate to show them the true and pure LOVE of Jesus, and His salvation and tremendous grace towards men; to extend the right arm of fellowship to those who have hurt you - without this bedrock of Love ruling your life - you are ripe for deception, and falling away from God and our Lord . . .

And he performed great and miraculous signs . . . Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived . . . (Rev 13:13 - 14)

Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs . . . (Rev 16:13 - 14)

Many will say . . . Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:22 - 23)

At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. (Matthew 24:10 - 11)

For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now - and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:21 - 22)

I am not against miracles or people being healed; or numerous miraculous signs! But - we need to learn to HEAR the Holy Spirit - so that we know whom we are running to; and by what authority we or they - are performing miracles.

God knows that we are still sinners. He knows that I am not perfect. But He wants me to be perfect. And when we willfully do not love our brothers; and want nothing to do with them - when we rejoice in our sinful, deceptive heart - we are putting our very relationship with Jesus at risk. How can we hear the

Spirit of God - when we are willfully, joyfully unrepentant; and not changing or reaching out to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ - who would require ‘extra’ effort on our part . . .

GOD help us. God help me! A couple of days ago (today is 6/24/10); my wife and I were at a grocery store purchasing some supplies for Father’s day. I noticed the man whose job position is to place purchased items back into the cart; and bag them etc. - seemed to me on glance - to be retarded - or mentally slow. I heard him speaking, and this was my immediate impression. Then, he came on over to me back in the line, and asked me to move - so that he could get the cart...

I was not thinking condemning thoughts towards this man. (Tony was the name on his name badge.) I felt briefly sorry for him; but I really did not desire to enter into conversation with him either. After all - he is mentally inferior to my immense intellect - right?? Why would I invite him over to my house, or genuinely wish him well, and inquire into how his family was . . 

As we purchased our groceries, we got involved in a quick conversation with the cashier. What stores had the freshest food, best prices, etc. She did not believe that the store she was working for - had the best prices, or freshest food... Just as we finished this brief exchange - I noticed Tony (who is standing right there) is intently listening. But - I haven’t even acknowledged his presence to him! He was - by my actions - a total non-entity! So, as I was now leaving - I stated: “Have a good day, Tony.” But - I believe I stated this almost under my breath - and I don’t believe he heard it...

Now, GOD (Holy Spirit) totally convicted me on this little exchange. And my immense lack of compassion towards this man. I truly don’t know anything about him. Except for his name badge. Are these the attitudes of my heart, towards my fellow man? Woe to me - if I do not change.

And as far as my perceived assessment of Tony’s intellect - Stephen Hawking (who needs Jesus) doesn’t look so smart either! But he is easily recognized as one of the smartest minds in the last two centuries!

I am deeply ashamed by my response. I had a brother who WAS retarded. A very, very sweet person. My parents spent YEARS working with ‘disadvantaged’ or ‘special ed’ children. I have driven for Metro; and picked up numerous people in wheelchairs - who were on their way to work or college - who it was quite obvious - needed assistance in just getting dressed . . . but they are out and about - being productive, and attending University! My heart needs immense changing. GOD LOVES Tony. And so should I. Period. God wants to Bless Tony. And so should I. With every part of my being.

The Philadelphian church was blessed by Christ - because of the tradition of Love which surrounded the city. Christ deeply desires for us to recognize how vital and important it is - for each one of us - to be totally filled with immense love and compassion for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ . . . Then Jesus states that He will make those who claim to be Christians - but are not, and are liars - to fall down before them (these believers who love unconditionally) and acknowledge that Jesus loves them tremendously!

Without LOVE - we truly do not know Jesus or God!

I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars . . . (Rev 3:9)

A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit . . . (Romans 2:28 - 29)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion . . . Bear with each other and forgive . . . And over all these virtues put on love . . . (Colossians 3:12 - 14)

And since you are keeping my commands to LOVE and to endure patiently - even while surrounded by those who bring false accusations against you; who claim to belong to me - but do not . . . Because you are keeping all of my commands (their lives are ruled by Love for God, and Love for fellow man); then I Jesus, will keep YOU from the ‘hour’ of trial and distress which is coming to the entire world. This trial will test the remaining Christians - who are not being ruled by immense Love - but do know me . . . But they need to be refined and to make a decision . . . as does the whole, entire earth. WHO are you going to allow to be LORD of your life? Satan or Jesus? But, since these Christians have already made Jesus to truly be their Lord, and they love unconditionally - then Jesus is going to keep them from the hour of trial and distress which is going to engulf the entire world . . .

Jesus reiterates that He IS coming soon! And to hold onto what they have - the tremendous love which they have for each other and for God - so that they will not fall, and no one will be able to take their crown. A rich crown of Glory which Jesus is giving these believers . . .

If we continue to overcome; continue to put down our flesh, to LIVE in the LOVE which God has for us; and to give out that Love towards all of our brothers - then Jesus will make us a PILLAR in God’s temple. A strength and foundation stone in God’s temple. And the name of GOD will be written on us; and part of our very being . . . And our name will also be that of the City of GOD - the new Jerusalem . . . The new Jerusalem is the BRIDE of CHRIST. She is the BRIDE of the Lamb!

And the church of Philadelphia - who loves unconditionally, and without reservation - will also have Jesus’ new name written on them. The name only Jesus knows . . . Since that name - the name only Jesus knows - will be written on His Bride. The Bride will know His new name . . .

Here, in the prophecy which is Revelation - is the first description of the Bride of Christ. All are called - few are chosen. Philadelphia because of her immense LOVE for God - obeys God and Christ’s commands. She LOVES. Without hate, envy, jealousy, or spite. Slow to anger, rich in patience and understanding; the believers who embrace LOVE towards God, fellow believers, and OVERCOME the many deceits of this world - consist of Christ’s chosen, beloved BRIDE.

And a husband - protects his Bride. He loves his wife, and keeps her from harm. And so - Jesus promises that these believers - the ones who have walked the path worthy of being His Bride - these he will keep from the tremendous tribulation which is going to engulf the entire earth . . .

And we are again encouraged to develop our Ear to HEAR the Spirit of GOD!

‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ . . . throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:12 - 14)

His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. (Rev 19:12)

I and the Father are one. (John 10:30)

Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. (1Corinthians 6:16 - 17)

You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. (John 3:28 - 29)

. . . the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery - but I am talking about Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:31 - 32)

For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. (Rev 19:7)

. . . Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper . . . (Rev 19:9)

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (Rev 21:2)

“Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And he carried me . . . to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. (Rev 21:9)

. . . My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. (Rev 22:12)

Rev 3:7 - 13

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars - I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The seventh church is Laodicea.

Keeping in mind that GOD rules HIS creation; that GOD is in charge of everything - the letter to Laodicea opens with the following words:

. . . These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. (Rev 3:14)

Laodicea was physically located at the head or start of a great Asian trade route. Established as a commercial and banking center - Laodicea was the most important city in the entire area . . . They had immense wealth, and in 51 B.C. - Cicero cashed drafts there . . . Laodicea had so much financial wealth and influence - that after a huge earthquake - they refused all financial earthquake relief from the Roman Senate.

Laodicea was the location for a medical school; and manufactured collyrium - a famous eye salve . . . Their water supply came from the Maeander river and nearby Hierapolis. Hierapolis was famous for thermal, soda - laden hot springs - which ran into the Maeander river. Consequently - Laodiciea’s water was lukewarm. The thermal spring water was cooled down, both from distance and from mixing with the Maeander. The surrounding valley produced a sought after glossy black wool; so the city was famous for their various cloaks and carpets . . .

But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Mark 10:31)

“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

As we have seen , Jesus is using the various cities historical traditions, and cultural references; to make certain specific points about various attitudes which He knew would be prevalent during the end times. Many people who have seen the city of Seattle - think of the ‘Space Needle’ - when Seattle is referenced in conversation. New York City - people thought of ‘Times Square’; and the Statue of Liberty. Now, we invariably remember the Twin Towers and September 11^th.

So it is with the church at Laodicea. These were not evil Christians. They were, in all likelihood - probably just as faithful and enduring persecution; as those Christians residing in the city of Philadelphia or Smyrna. But Jesus does want us to be extremely aware - of situations which we can so easily be caught up in; which significantly affect our intimacy with Him.

So, to Laodicea - which is the first and leading city of the entire region; Jesus mentions them dead last. Absolutely minimizing their importance, and suggesting that if they wish to be significant - they should strive to be ultimate servants.

When we quench our thirst - we invigorate our entire being, and our very mouths - with good healthy swigs, of cold water. Especially on hot, sweltering days. Laodicea had no cold water. With all of their riches - only lukewarm or tepid water existed in this city. So Jesus, who is the one who freely gives out Life, and water - asking all those who thirst to come to Him - he states that Laodicea is lukewarm, and that He is about to spit them out of His mouth.

Jesus wants us HOT for Him! No more fence sitting. RUN with our Lord; or why even be a Christian? Choose this day whom to serve . . .

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . (Joshua 24:15)

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. (Matthew 6:24)

They believe they are completely healthy, and lack nothing. They are absolutely complete. But nothing is further from the truth! They lack everything, and have nothing. Those who produce medicine to help people see - are spiritually blind. They have NOTHING; but they are not looking to Jesus to be their strength and sufficiency.

Jesus NEVER sells anything! EVERYTHING Jesus has to give us - He FREELY gives! Yet, to Laodicea - since the city is so much into buying and selling, and making immense wealth - to Laodicea - Jesus asks them to ‘buy’ . . . Laodicea is a COMMERCIAL city, and BANKING center. So, they are asked to purchase virtually everything which makes Laodicea wealthy! (Money, clothes, and eye salve!)

I counsel you to buy from me . . . (Rev 3:18)

Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” (Mark 6:36 - 37)

. . . with your blood you purchased men for God . . . (Rev 5:9)

. . . “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)

. . . Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (Rev 22:17)

. . . I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost . . . (Rev 21:6)

Laodicea is asked to purchase from Jesus - gold which has been refined . . . with this refined gold - they will be rich! They are asked to purchase white clothes to wear . .  The preferred garb in Laodicea were those coveted special black wool cloaks which the city was famous for producing and selling. . . And they are requested to purchase from Jesus - a special eye salve to put on their eyes!

Jesus reminds us that He LOVES the people of Laodicea . . . That is why He is rebuking us! He only rebukes and disciplines those whom He LOVES. So we are asked to be earnest with regards to Jesus and our relationship with Him; and to repent. To turn from our self absorbed ways . . .

He is standing at our door - knocking on the door to our heart. If we Love Him - we will obey His commands. If we hear the knocking at our door; which Jesus is doing, and we open our door - He will enter us and make us Holy; and we will be one with Him. If we overcome - Jesus himself - will allow us to sit with Him - on His throne!

And - we are again - because GOD really, really wants us to learn to HEAR Him - we are again encouraged to learn to HEAR the Spirit of God, and what GOD is saying to the ‘churches’ . We are encouraged to learn to HEAR what GOD is saying to US! Get intimate with God, spend time in prayer, revelation, and learn to Hear GOD!

Rev 3:14 - 22

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Finally, as we close out the letters to the seven ‘churches’ - we should remind ourselves that Jesus could have been offended with any of them. Only two churches did He not rebuke. But his words, and encouragements - were to strengthen us. To cause us to follow Him - in true humbleness and meekness of heart. Jesus was sinless. Yet, he lived surrounded by sinful people. He could have rebuked every single person he came across; every single day; for hours on end . . . He easily could have been offended by virtually every word which he heard uttered. Instead, he chose to lay down his life for us; to wash our very feet, and to be a true servant to anyone who comes to Him . . . to show us the pure way of God, and to provide a free entrance into Heaven. To allow us to sit at His right hand. Consequently - put off your childish ways. Put off your offenses with various brothers and sisters. Walk, as much as possible - in the pure love of God - which God would have you pour out on others. Do not continue to wallow in your selfishness. To bathe in your self pleasures of pity, offenses, strengths in the word of God, your great job, etc. Soak in the wonderful pure love and hope which the Holy Spirit is willing to wash you with; and put off your childish ways of immaturity. Put on kindness, gentleness, and peace towards all. Start walking in the full maturity of Christ, and the Love which He desires for you to pour forth; just as he gave his life and love for you to be able to walk in Him, and to come to know Him. It is impossible to Know Jesus, and to be led by the Spirit and walking with Christ; while your actively harboring offenses, hate, and lack of respect towards your fellow believers in Christ.

And do not grieve lupei'te ((act.) to cause sorrow, grief; (pass.) to be sorrowful, sad, distressed) the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of ALL bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love . . . (Ephesians 4:30 - 5:2)

*Chapter 2*   *Chapter 4*

"Questions??? Give a shout!"

All Greek/Hebrew definitions (unless otherwise noted) are taken from
The NIV Exhaustive Concordance by Edward W. Goodrick & John R. Kohlenberger III © 1990 by The Zondervan Corporation. ISBN 0-310-436970-7

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, International Version®, NIV84®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Copyright 2011 - Revelation Disclosed Updated 10/14/11

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