The Seven Churches Of Revelation, Part 1: Ephesus

Revelation 2:1-7

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that YOU HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE.”

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works,

or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.  But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’

–

–

Jesus through John, His Jewish secretary, wrote seven different letters to the seven Churches in Asia.  He wanted to make sure that He addressed certain problems or issues they were having at the time.  They also teach us about dispensations of the Church and speak of the end times.

–

Messengers.

Why did He say, “To the ANGEL of the Church of Ephesus,” and not simply “To the Church of Ephesus?”  Why put the word, “angel” in there at all?  Who is this “ANGEL” He’s addressing?

Angel, in Greek, is the word, “Ángelos”  It can refer to an angel, as in one from heaven, but simply put, it means, “Messenger.”  Also, notice that the word is SINGULAR.  Who is this messenger for each of these Churches?  

Another clue that this is not an angel from heaven is this little phrase:  "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works,

or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent."

-

Obviously, God would not have a FALLEN ANGEL watching over His Church.  So who is the one who is fallen?  THE SENIOR PASTOR.  

These letters are not written to the rank and file; they are directed at the senior pastors of the Churches to encourage, admonish and correct some wrong doctrines, which were found in five of them.  The only two pastors who were not corrected were the ones at Smyrna, who were under great persecution at that time, and Philadelphia.

–

First Love.

In the case of Ephesus, they had “Left their first love.”  What does that mean?

Most of you have heard a sermon or two on this topic telling us that we need to put God first and love Him more.  They’re implying, of course, that we would live more holy lives if we worked harder to show our love for Him.  But is that Jesus’ message here?

–

Surprisingly, NO.  But you know how religious folks are.  Man always feels the need to twist everything around to make it all about man, as if there’s anything you and I can do to add to what Jesus has already done.  HELLO!!!  His work is FINISHED!

–

–

First Love.

Church, Jesus wasn’t telling the Church at large they needed to love Him more.  THE PASTOR FORGOT IT WAS JESUS WHO FIRST LOVED US.”  He had been telling his people to love God more instead of unveiling Jesus and His love FOR us.

That’s what He meant by “FIRST LOVE.”

–

The Church at Ephesus used to be described this way:

I Thessalonians 1:3 “…remembering without ceasing your WORK OF FAITH, LABOR OF LOVE, and PATIENCE OF HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father….”

–

Notice the words He left out of the verse in Revelation?  FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE.

Their works lacked faith; their labor lacked love and their patience lacked hope. 

–

What He wanted that pastor to do was to turn once again and focus on The One Who “FIRST LOVED” him and teach it to his Church.  Then faith, hope and love would once again be found in their works, labor and patience!  These things become a “fruit,” when we are rooted and grounded in His love, as opposed to a dead “work.”

–

That’s why the people’s love for God had cooled.  Jesus’ love was not being unveiled to them.  Remember, we are transformed by beholding Him.

–

–

Wrong  Direction.

The spotlight isn’t shining on you and me, on what we are doing or not doing.  Preachers are POINTING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.  Under the Old Covenant, God commanded the people to “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your and soul and with all your mind.”  But has anyone done that?  Can anybody do that?  BIG FAT NO!  We try…..and fail MISERABLY!

SO God TOOK US OUT OF THE EQUATION.

This is love under the new covenant:

I John 4:10
“In this is love, NOT that we loved God, BUT THAT HE LOVED US and sent His Son to  be the propitiation for our sins.”

–

You saw how God used to describe the Church.  They forgot WHO it was that first loved them:  JESUS!  It’s not the other way around.  See how man twists things?  Full consciousness of that one fact is what activates (energizes) faith.  Faith comes by HEARING.  HEARING causes  miracles to take place.  FOCUS ON THAT.

–

–

Clarity In The Greek Text.

Galatians 5:6
“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE.” 

–

The word for “Worketh” above is the Greek word “Energéo,” from which we get the word  “energy.”  Focusing on Jesus’ love FOR us “ENERGIZES” the faith that creats miracles!  Want your faith to grow and energize miracles in your life?  Focus on the love of Jesus FOR you!

–

So, Church:  Why do we love God?  We love Him because HE FIRST LOVED US.

–

–

JESUS…..He is our FIRST LOVE.

The Seven Churches Of Revelation, Part 2: Smyrna.

Revelation 2:8-11  "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." ’
-

-
The letter to the "Angel," or messenger, of the Church of Smyrna, is the second of the seven Churches addressed.  This pastor, along with the leader of the Church of Philadelphia, received no rebuke or correction, each for different reasons.
The believers of Smyrna were under persecution that was about to get worse to the point that some would even be thrown in prison.
-
Encouraging Words.
Jesus only offered words of comfort and encouragement, assuring His flock that they, as believers identified with Him, and were overcomers.  They did not have any fear that they would be hurt by the second death.
He told them not to fear what man could do, which may well have brought to mind the His words recorded in Matthew 10:28-31
-
 "...Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
-
Smyrna.
Smyrna was a city in Asia Minor, in present day Turkey.  The name occurs only once in the Bible, here in the Book of Revelation.
-
Jesus' words to them are filled with affection and joy that comes from triumph over hardship and persecution.  They faced strong Jewish opposition in their town as there were a considerable number of Jews in the city.  Notice how Jesus describes them:  "I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." 
Pretty strong words!  They may have been of Jewish descent but they certainly were not serving the Most High.  That's the way it is with the self-righteous who set themselves as defenders of God's holiness.  Looks like the only thing they were doing was heaping guilt and destruction on themselves.
-
Myrrh.
In Jesus’ message to their leader, twice He makes reference to His resurrection in chapter 2, verses 8 and 11. This is no accident.  You see, all names in the Bible have meaning.  Though scholars may differ somewhat on the root word from which Smyrna is derived is, most have settled on the noun, "Smurna," which comes from the Hebrew and Aramaic word מר or מור (mor), meaning "Myrrh."
-
Myrrh is a depiction of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross.  This is especially showcased in how it is made and how it was used.  The description paints quite a picture of Him.
-

(Commiphora myrrha tree, one of the primary trees from which myrrh is harvested.)

-
Harvesting Myrrh.
This is one of the spices brought to Jesus by the wise men from the East when He was about 2 years old.  It is a natural gum or resin extracted from a number of small, thorny trees. Its resin has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense, and medicine. Myrrh mixed with wine can also be ingested. Look at the description below of how it is harvested.
-
When a tree's wound penetrates through the bark and into the sapwood, the tree bleeds a resin (their words). When people harvest it, they wound the trees repeatedly to bleed them of the gum.  That’s the industry term from those who engage in gathering the sap or resin.  The bark is "Pierced" so that it will "Bleed" the sap so it can be used in perfume, incense, and even medicine.
-
Healing Myrrh.
Myrrh has been used as an antiseptic in mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpastes.  It is also used in some linaments and healing salves that may be applied to abrasions and other minor skin ailments. Myrrh has also been recommended as an analgesic for toothaches and can be used in linament for bruises, aches, and sprains.  It is a common ingredient of tooth powders. Myrrh and borax in tincture can be used as a mouthwash. A compound tincture, or horse tincture, using myrrh is used in veterinary practice for healing wounds.  It is also commonly used to treat indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, lung congestion, arthritis pain, even cancer.
-
That sure brings to mind the Isaiah 53:5 which says, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed."
-
Myrrh was the main ingredient in the anointing oil that Moses used to sprinkle the Tabernacle.  In so doing, it became prominent not just visually but the perfume of Myrrh gave it a sweet aroma.  This anointing oil was used to anoint priests, prophets, and kings.
-
Oil Of Joy!
It became known as the "Oil of Joy" with which God anointed the righteous.  Mostly, it became associated with the consummation of marriage.  Esther, for instance, bathed in myrrh for 6 months before presenting herself to the king.  Solomon sprinkled his bed with myrrh and invited the Shulamite to drink their fill of love until morning.
-

-
Secrets In The Hebrew Language.
It's not uncontested where the name Smyrna might come from. It appears to be an adaptation from an ancient word, but it's not known which word and what it might have meant. But the adaptation upon which finally was settled is identical to the noun σμυρνα (smurna), which comes from the Hebrew and Aramaic word מר or מור (mor), meaning myrrh:

The word, "Myrrh," comes from the the verb "Marar," which means, "To be bitter."  Hebrew audiences, however, associate the idea of bitterness not only with grief but strength.  A bitter-tasting dish is often said to have a strong taste.
The Ugaritic, Arabic, and Aramaic languages, often having very similar meanings, denote the meaning of this verb as "To bless, strengthen, or commend."  A Hebrew audience would almost certainly been aware of these alternate meanings.
-

-
Gentle Shepherd.
What a picture are all these things of our Jesus!  He is all about healing, comforting, strengthening.  Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  He is the Oil of Joy in our trials and tribulations.  By His stripes, we are healed, comforted, strengthened.
-
Brings to mind Isaiah 42:3 which says, "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoking flax, He will not quench."
He is not a High Priest that is far removed from us.  He knows what we are going through.  He feels what we feel having been born into the world as human child.  He knows that we are dust and has mercy on us.
-
The lesson of Smyrna to us is that God is not some angry, absentee landlord holding a stick over our heads, waiting to pounce at each minor infraction.  NO!  He understands what we face in this life.  He will never leave or forsake us, and be an ever-present help in time of trouble.

The Seven Churches Of Revelation Part 3: Pergamos

Revelation 2:12-17

12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the DOCTRINE OF THE NOCOLAITANS, WHICH THING I HATE.

"16 Repent, {metanoia-change your mind} or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. {spoken word of God}

17 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the *hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."’

-

-

The senior pastor of the Church at Pergamos is the third one addressed by Jesus in the letters to the seven Churches in Asia.  As usual in the manner of a Divine sandwich, He praises this pastor first as well as after His correction.  He was please that the leader had taught his people to hold fast to God’s name and not to deny the faith in the wake of the marrying of Antipas, reminding them that will be given the "Hidden manna," and a new name written on a the stone, referring to Jesus, no doubt.

-

Jesus submits that Pergamum was host to "satan's throne" and "dwelling place."  But it should also be noted that both Smyrna and Philadelphia also housed a "synagogue of satan," and that at Thyatira folks went after the "deep things of satan." 
-
In these contexts, "satan" should probably be understood to have to do with Roman totalitarian rule; that which aims to turn humanity into a machine.  It attempts to convince people that they must suppress their individuality, blindly obeying orders that come from outside of themselves, and that their purpose in life is to play a minute part in the greater mechanism.  This serves the purpose to make them think they are easily replaceable and thus effectively worthless.  

-

Sound familiar?  It should!  This evil mentality is alive and well today in governments around the globe.  This teaching is in direct opposition to what Jesus of Nazareth teaches, i.e., that all individuals are to partake in the anointing of Christ (2 Corinthians 1:21, 1 John 2:20), and be Christs and Messiahs (kings and priests), in this world.  We, in effect, have no earthly superiors and a direct link of communication with the our Father/Creator. In Christ, our orders come from within, like DNA.

-

Jesus was also makes mention that He was displeased with the death of Antipas (2:13), the Pergamumites' flirtations with the teachings of Balaam (2:14) and those of the Nicolaitans (2:15).  In order to discover what those are all about, we'll have to go all the way back to Numbers 23.

-

(King Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel.)

-

The Error Of Balaam.

Numbers 23:19-21

"God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
Behold, I have received a command to bless;
He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

"He has not observed iniquity in Jacob,
Nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.
The Lord his God is with him,
And the shout of a King is among them."
-

How often do you hear the first part of this passage quoted:  "God is not a man that He should lie?"  Then (predictably) it is used in the context that God is a just God and therefore does not wink at sin, so you can expect to be punished by Him if you err.  The speaker is implying, of course, that once again, you have not measured up.  

Sound familiar?

-

The context in which Balaam said those words has nothing at all to do with God judging sin or punishing sinners.  What He said was, "God has blessed (the children of Israel) AND HE (Balaam) COULD NOT REVERSE IT." It means, Church, that those whom God has blessed CANNOT BE CURSED.  

–

That’s the real message in the story of Balaam.  Believers, you and I, fall into this category of those blessed by God by virtue of the fact that Jesus has FULLY taken upon Himself ALL our curse and ALL the punishment for sin that we deserve!

–

–

Sin In The Camp?

Do you think that there were people among the Israelites who were committing sins?  Of course there were.  Did they always obey God perfectly all the time?  Certainly not!  Yet God said He had not "Observed" iniquity in Jacob,  Nor has He "Seen" wickedness in Israel." He didn’t say that there was none; simply that He has not "seen or observed" any.  Why? 

Because the blood of an acceptable sacrifice had been sprinkled on top of the Mercy Seat on the last Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement.)  The blood reminded Him that, years in the future, His beloved Son would shed His blood for the sins of all men for all time and eternity.

–

Christians CANNOT Be Cursed.  Anyone, ANYONE…..I don’t care if they have a PhD…..who preaches or even HINTS that a Christian can either be cursed or under a curse, generational or otherwise, IS PREACHING A LIE.  

–

If you happen to be hearing this kind of message from the pulpit at your Church, I’m truly sorry.  But be assured of this:  It may be scripture you are hearing but IT IS NOT THE GOSPEL.   It is the Error of Balaam spoken about in Revelation chapter 2 in Jesus’ message to the Church at Ephesus.

–

–

The Doctrine Of The Nicolaitans.

Then, there is the not-so-little matter of the false teaching called "The doctrine of the Nicolaitans."  Both are doctrines of demons.

–

(*The hidden manna no doubt is a reference to the years Jesus spent as a child which are "Hidden" from us.  We have only information about His birth and a line or two about the time in the temple when He was twelve.  Other than that, the Manna from heaven: Jesus, the Bread of Life," was hidden from our eyes.")

–

 

–

Salvation Kept By Works?

Paul wrote about the doctrine of the Nicolaitans to the church in Galatia.  Galatianism, also known as "Mixture or balance," is the false teaching which tells you that, though you are saved, you must also keep the Ten Commandments, ADDING your "Right doing" to Jesus’ finished work in order to keep your salvation.

 –

AS IF!!  Trying to do that not only avails NOTHING, sadly, it adds the curses below to those who try to follow that teaching, only to fail miserably.

–

Revelation 22:18

"For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone ADDS to these things, God will ADD to him the plagues that are written in this book;"

YIKES!

–

–

I dare you:  Turn to Deuteronomy 28.  You can read all about those curses, if you like nightmares that is.  It’s an exhaustive, not to mention frightening, list.

–

No Balance Needed.

Those who preach this error think that grace must be "Balanced" with the law.  Let me tell you something, Church:  God’s GRACE doesn’t need any so-called "Balancing."  To go back to the law is to "FALL FROM GRACE."  Galatians 5:4 makes it very clear: "You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; YOU HAVE FALLEN FROM GRACE."

–

How do you fall from grace, according to this verse?  By committing some sin?  NO.  By trying to obey the Law to be acceptable to God.

–

Nicholas, Author Of This Heresy.

Why is it called, "The doctrine of the Nicolaitans?"  Nicholas, for whom the error is named, was actually one of the deacons of the early church. He was taught the true gospel but then went off on a tangent, creating a whole satan-inspired movement.  It is still deceiving much of the Church to this day.

–

Well, FLUSH IT!  You and I, Church, can neither be cursed nor are we under the Ten Commandments because God has written His laws on our hearts.  Who needs the "Map," when you have "The Man?"  (See Hebrews 10 and/or follow this link for more on that topic:  https://emmausroadministries.wordpress.com/2016/07/06/the-laws-of-the-new-covenant/)

–

Does that mean that we are "law-less?  Far from it!  We have The Holy Spirit leading us from within.  That’s a much better deal. 

–

–

Not Your Heritage.

It is crystal clear that if you try to "do the WORKS of the law," even though you are a Christian, YOU ARE UNDER A CURSE….but it was never meant to be your heritage.  God’s plan for us is PURE GRACE: No law mixed in…..PERIOD!

Don’t take my word for it, though.  Read it for yourself in Hebrews 8.  The Sinaitic covenant, the Ten Commandments, HAS BEEN REPLACED, because Jesus fulfilled it ALL.  That’s what He meant when He cried out with a LOUD voice, "FINISHED."

–

Remind yourself, LOUDLY AND OFTEN, that you are the righteousness of God in Christ, especially when you sin.  That way you won’t fall prey to either to the Error of Balaam or the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans.