The Last Written Message Directly From Jesus Christ to His Church

1
Vol.2
The Last Written Message Directly From Jesus
Christ to His Church
We are ready to study of seven remarkable letters
to seven specifically selected churches. They
were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Inspired means
divinely influenced. These seven short epistles
are similar to the parables on the Mount of
Olives in that they are composed of Christs own
words. His message is confirmed by His seven fold
command to hear what the Spirit says to
the churches. Despite the clear command of
Christ to pay close attention to these messages,
it would be difficult to find any other area of
Scripture that has been so universally ignored by
the Church over the centuries. Why did Christ
send messages to these particular churches?
2
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Is there an obvious connection? Well, there is
an obvious connection concerning the seven eyes
and seven lampstands. His vision described the
seven eyes They are the eyes of the Lord, which
scan to and from throughout the whole earth.
Spiritual Problems
This expression, the seven eyes refers to seven
distinct characteristics of the one triune God.
Isa. 112, describe the coming Messiah, the Son
of God, and reveal the meaning of the seven
spirits. Each describe a Divine characteristic of
the coming Son of God.
These first century churches were undergoing a
series of spiritual problems and challenges that
motivated the Lord to address them with warnings
and promises These 7 individual churches were
chosen because their specific problems and
conditions were characteristic of the situation
of the Church at various times throughout the
last two millennia. Read Zechariah 410

V. 1 And to the angel of the church in Ephesus
write The One who holds the seven stars in His
right hand, the One who walks among the seven
golden lampstands, says this
The first church addressed is the church of
Ephesus, covering the time period from
approximately A.D. 33 (the birth of the church at
Pentecost) until A.D. 100 when John, who wrote
the book of Revelation died.
3
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Temple of Diana The incredibly wealthy city was
famous for its Temple of Diana, one of the seven
wonders of the ancient world.
"Ephesus", a wealthy city

• Two Important things to know about Jesus
• He is all powerful, yet loving.
• He will never forsake His Church.

How thrilling to note that the Lord both holds
the churches (believers)in His hand and walks
among them as well. Outside the Promised Land
itself, the city of Ephesus was the most
important city in the life of the early
Church. The Apostle Paul and John both labored
for the Lord in the city. It was the capital of
the Roman province of Asia. This was Johns home
church, so it was natural that he would begin his
first letter here. The name Ephesus means
desirable but also suggests the meaning to let
go or relax.
V.2-3 I know your deeds and your hard work and
your perseverance. I know that you cant tolerate
wicked men, that you have tested those who claim
to be apostles but are not, and have found them
false. You have persevered and have
endured hardships for My name, and have not grown
weary.
The penetrating eyes of Jesus are everywhere
beholding the evil and the good. He knows
everything we do.
4
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Ephesus began in purity The Ephesus church began
in purity, as can be observed from the study in
Acts. Then false prophets entered in. This is
exactly the warning Paul had sounded during his
last gathering in Ephesus For I know this, that
after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in
among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking
perverse things, to draw away disciples after
them. Therefore watch, and remember Acts
2029-31).
Paul founds the church
The church was founded by the missionary labors
of Paul as recorded in Acts 19 and 20. Paul
wrote his Epistle to the Ephesians during his
first imprisonment in Rome. Timothy was the
first Pastor of this early church. The Lord
commends it for its genuine good work, its toil
and patient enduring, not simply lip service to
God. Jesus praises the Ephesians for their
fidelity that refused to tolerate evil men. They
continually tested and rejected the false claims
of so-called apostles. This commendation
reminds us of Pauls warning to this church (Acts
2029-30) about savage wolves, men speaking
perverse things to draw away the disciples after
themselves.
Trends of Church history

• The loss of first love for Christ. Fellowship is
  replaced with activities.
• Ecclesiastical hierarchy (Rev. 214-15) men
  taking place of the leadership of the Spirit.
• Religious sanction of immorality- spiritual
  adultery and idolatry. (Rev. 220)
• Resulting in dead orthodoxy (James 2) profess a
  form of godliness but deny the power.
• Condition of Laodicea-Lukewarm (2 Thess. 212).
  Filled with unbelievers phonies.

5
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Questions to ask yourself Have I lost my first
love? Is my spiritual life better defined as one
of duty or devotion? Am I content with Bible
study, prayer, church attendance, giving without
coming to Jesus Christ? Am I abiding with Christ
all the time, or am I just biding my time?
Why they failed
Part of the reason this church (who had
perseverance and patience and not grown weary)
failed may have been that they were too busy
serving and not taking time for fellowship at the
feet of Jesus. When one is so active that he has
no time for Bible and prayer, he is too
busy. Many have fallen into this trap. Jesus
noted how the Ephesus church remained faithful,
even though it was surrounded by immorality and
pagan beliefs.
v.4,5 Yet I hold this against you You have
forsaken your first love. Remember the height
from which you have fallen! Repent and do the
things you did at first. If you do not repent, I
will come to you and remove your lampstand from
its place.
6
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Today we are concerned about whos in charge of
the nations of the world. We believe if the right
man is elected, or the wrong one ousted, the
world will be better.
Johns very first notice of the kings of the
earth is to proclaim that they have a ruler
They are being ruled. Some may think God is
powerless and evil rulers guide the destiny of
this planet. Things are not what they seem! Jesus
is in control.
v.6 But you have this in your favor You hate the
practices of the Nicolatians, which I also hate.
Who were the Nicolaitans and what was it about
them that so angered Almighty God? Some say that
they were a cult that tried to create a ruling
class of priests in the Ephesus church. The term
comes from two Greek words which mean victory
over the laity a religious dictatorship that
allowed little or no freedom to its members. This
is precisely what the Holy Spirit had in mind
when He told the church elders not to be lords
over Gods heritage, but examples to the flock 1
Pet. 53 During the Ephesus period, many groups
tried to introduce false doctrines and false
practices into the Church. What they were doing
was repulsive to Christians, and more
importantly, it was repulsive to Jesus.
In spite of all the good things about the church
in Ephesus, there was a problem. There was a
decline in the peoples relationship with Jesus
because they stopped loving Him the way they once
did. Jesus asked them to recall the relationship
they once had with Him, to take inventory of
their lives, and to turn from the things of the
world back to Him.
7
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Revelation is the account of Jesus campaign We
are clearly told of His relationship to the
Church, His appointment by the Father to the
throne, His crusade against the Satanic forces of
evil, and His final victory. There is no need to
count votes here folks. He is the clear winner!
V. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit says to the churches. To him who
overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the
tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
How can one be an overcomer? By trusting in the
merits of the shed blood of Jesus Christ Who is
he that over comes the world, but he that
believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
v. 8 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna
write These are the words of Him who is the
First and the Last, who died and came to life
again.

• 3 Steps for Overcoming Sin
• Remember the height from which you have fallen
  (your first love).
• Repent of your backsliding or falling away.
• Restore the good deeds you did at first.

The church in Smyrna was experiencing great
persecution, so Jesus reminded them that He is
the First and the Last, the Alpha and Omega. He
is the one who created all things, and the One
who will end all things.
The aim of Revelation is not only to present to
us the coming King, but also to tell us the
purpose of His kingdom.
8
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Smyrna, poor in worldly good, rich in spiritual
gifts
During the 2nd and 3rd centuries, the
Smyrna church members were fed to the lions at
Rome while multitudes cheered.
Check out these verses
Rev. 18 I am the Alpha and the Omega Matt.
2735and when they had crucified Him, they
divided up His garments among themselves, casting
lots John 2018 Mary Magdalene came, announcing
to the disciples, I have seen the Lord, and that
He had said these things to her.
These people probably suffered the
greater persecution in all Christianity. Their
works, faithfully performed in the name of Jesus,
brought great tribulation and accompanying
poverty, materially. However, great
riches are laid up for them in heaven. Their
relentless, dedication brought the Word of God to
the entire Roman Empire.
Church history informs us that 5 million may have
been martyred during this era. Believe it or not,
the church flourished and grew during the Smyrna
period.
Just like the Church, Jesus also was persecuted.
His enemies falsely accused Him, beat Him, spit
on him, ripped out his beard, crowned Him with
thorns, and nailed Him to a cross where He died.
The church in Smyrna was persecuted almost to the
point of death by the Roman pagans.
9
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Polycarp burned at the stake According to the
early Christian writer Polycarp, the Apostle Paul
founded the church at Smyrna on his missionary
journey to Ephesus. Of the seven churches the
only two that escaped condemnation by Christ, was
Philadelphia and Smyrna.
V. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty
yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who
say they are Jews and are not, but are a
synagogue of Satan.
Shortly after the death of John, a series of
great waves of persecution fell on this church.
The aged pastor of Smyrna, Polycarp, a convert
and pupil of John, was burned at the stake,
because he would not renounce his faith in
Christ. He died victoriously with these words on
his lips, I am a Christian.
Jesus knows what His Church is facing

• Jews that claim to be Jews John 844 they are
  of the devil. Their origins are satanic.
• There is no distinction between an unbelieving
  Jew or gentile.
• The scripture charges the Jews with the
  crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. 26
• No Jew is a true Jew unless he is a saved Jew.
  Rom. 828-29
• There is no distinction between a believing Jew
  or gentile. Gal. 328.
• God is revealing His glory in the present age
  through the body of the Church. Eph. 37
• Its important that we recognize that when a
  Jewish person believes, he has equal standing in
  the place of the Royal Family.

Smyrna was surviving through its steadfast faith
in its Savior. The church maintained its love and
faithfulness to true doctrine against the
continuous assault of pagan persecution. In
addition the Jews joined in persecuting the newly
formed church.
10
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Overcomers to Receive Crowns

• Crown of Righteousness 2 Tim. 48 Living in the
  light of the Lords coming
• Crown of Glory 1 Pet. 54 Faithful ministry
  prayer life
• 5. Crown of Life James 112, Rev. 210 We win a
  crown by being an overcomer

V.10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to
suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of
you in prison to test you, and you will suffer
persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to
the point of death, and I will give you the crown
of life.

• Incorruptible crown 1 Cor. 925 Faithfulness in
  self-discipline
• Crown of Joy Phil. 411 1 Thess. 219
  Faithfulness in witnessing

10 Periods of Persecution
When the hour of trial arrived, the believers
were not to fear. They were to keep their
eyes on eternal rewards as mentioned in James
112 Blessed is the man that endures
temptation for when he is tried, he shall
receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath
promised to them that love Him.

• Nero (64-68 A.D.) burned Rome and blamed
  Christians crucified and threw Christians into
  pits with wild animals executed Paul and
  possibly Peter
• Domitian (90-96 A.D.) killed thousands in Rome
  banished john to the Isle of Patmos
• Trajan (104-117 A.D.) outlawed Christianity
  burned Ignatius at the stake
• Marcus Aurelius (161-180 A.D.) tortured and
  beheaded Christians
• Seveus (200-211 A.D.) burned, crucified, and
  beheaded Christians
• Maximinius (235-237 A.D.) executed Christians
• Decius (250-253 A.D.) tried to wipe out
  Christianity and executed those he could find
• Valerian (257-260 A.D.) persecuted Christians
  executed the Bishop of Carthage
• Aurelian (270-275 A.D.) persecuted Christians
• Diocletian (303-312 A.D.) burned the Scriptures

11
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
V.11 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.
Do not fear those who kill the soul. But rather
fear Him who is able to destroy both the soul and
body in hell. Matt. 1028
We can be overcomers by our faith in Jesus
Christ Faith in Jesus is also rewarded with
victory over the second death. The Bible teaches
that there are two deaths a first death and
second death. The first death is physical. The
second death is spiritual. Death is not the end
of things. It is a separation. The first death
is a separation of the soul and spirit from the
body. The second death is a separation of the
soul and spirit from God. A person would be
better off having physical death be the end of
things than to die this second death being cast
into the lake of fire forever and having eternal
separation from God. Think about this If we are
born just once, we will die twice, but if we are
born twice, we will die just once.
The reference to an eternal crown of life is
that like a wreath or crown given to the winning
athlete in the Smyrnean Olympic games which took
place every five years.
The second death is the spiritual death of the
soul who rejects the life and salvation of Jesus
Christ. The Bible reminds us that we should not
fear the one who can only destroy our physical
bodies, but rather the one who controls the
eternal destiny of our soul.
For many Christians today, their entire
focus is on their present life and problems.
12
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Compromise was the big problem Compromise was
the big problem for those under this pastors
authority. It was caused by a merging of church
and state. The church of Pergamum allied itself
with the world.
Pergamum was famous for its library that was said
to house two hundred thousand rolls of parchment
I imagine the city attracted the finest minds in
the world. However, Jesus didnt write to
professors in their ivory towers, but to
Christians, struggling to keep their faith amidst
the critics of higher learning. He called
Pergamum Satans city, which may not have
pleased the professors.
What Does A Compromising Church Need To Know?
That Jesus wields a sword called the Word of
God. Watch Out!
V. 12 To the angel of the church in Pergamum
write These are the words of him who has the
sharp, double-edged sword.
Every town, school, and business houses the
potential of Satans city. If we had entered
Pergamum, the capital of Asia, we might have been
caught breathless by its beauty. It was built on
a rocky hill, where the Mediterranean could be
seen on a clear day. It was a cultural center.
13
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
The letter to the first 3 churches began with
commendation To each Christ says, I know your
works. God sees what we do for Him. How sad when
backsliding destroys the many good deeds
performed in His name! We see this strange twist
at Pergamos.
Here the bad works outweigh the good
ones. This church period, extending
from A.D. 312 to A.D. 606, was one of
materialism, self indulgence, and worldliness.
Wickedness spread like a brushfire. The
name Pergamos has in it the same root from which
we get our English words bigamy and polygamy.
The power of Satan was strong, but the power of
the Holy Spirit was stronger These Christians
refused to surrender. They didnt back off, and
greater words could not be spoken of anyone than
was of Antipas. He was a faithful martyr.

v.13 I know where you livewhere Satan has his
throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did
not renounce your faith in me, even in the days
of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to
death in your citywhere Satan lives.
Pegamos signifies a mixed marriage of the church
and world. This happened because Babylonian
religion established its headquarters at Pergamos
and infiltrated Christianity.
14
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
2nd grievance They had given heed to false
doctrinethe theology of Balaam. Remember, Balaam
had the smart donkey.
V. 14,15 But I have a few things against you You
have people there who hold to the teaching of
Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites
to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by
committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also
have those who hold to the teaching of the
Nicolaitians.
Balaam was a prophet who said he could influence
the gods for or against men by his incantations
and offerings. Balaam ran a wholesale business
in divine favors. So, Balak, king of Moab,
offered Balaam a nice profit if he could bring
down a curse on the kings despised enemies in
Israel. Balaam tried to command God, but instead
Israel was blessed. Balaams plan backfired.
Frustrated by his failure to get what he wanted,
he showed Balak how he could corrupt Israel by
having the adulterous Moabite women seduce the
Israelite men.
The grievance against the church It was the fact
that they had embraced the pleasure of the world
or become a worldly church.
15
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Balaam's planned worked
V. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon
come to you and will fight against them with the
sword of my mouth.
Balaam was the prime mover in the fall of Israel.

The teaching of the Nicolaitans were more
complicated As far as we know, they believed a
persons spirit is inherently good and a persons
flesh is inherently evil. They also believed that
it did not matter what one did in the flesh
because sin in the flesh had no effect on the
spirit.
In essence they were saying Live it up
immorality doesnt matter. That just tickled
some peoples ears. They liked the idea of living
loose. But Jesus was not pleased. He knew a
little yeast works through the whole batch of
dough. 1 Cor. 56 A little compromise would
eventually corrupt a lot of people.
This is serious business. The Christian is not to
close his mind, heart, and ears to Gods warning.
The compromising Christians in Pergamum heard the
same command that is heard today Repent
therefore! God gives His rewards for turning our
lives from compromise to commitment. He loves us
enough to forgive us, but He will not force that
love upon us. These churches were real people
attended services in them and listened to the
messages. Although the letters were written in
the 1st century, they apply to every believer
today!
16
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
V.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.
I will also give him a white stone with a new
name written on it, known only to him who
receives it.
The letter ends with a promise
The white stone is a reference to the way votes
were cast
To those who overcome that He will give them
hidden manna, the bread of life, the spiritual
food from heaven, if they turn from food offered
to idols.
At the courts of justice in Johns day, white
stones were cast into urns when a case was tried.
Jurors voted by either dropping in a black stone
for guilty or a white stone for innocent. So, we
see the Jesus promises that Overcomers will be
found innocent. God judges all things. Because of
the shed blood of Jesus overcomers are set free
from the penalty of sin.
In Pergamos, the people used special crystals or
stones with pagan symbols marked on them for
healing and protection, just as the New Agers of
today do.
Christ promised the faithful overcomers, I will
give him a white stone, and on the stone a new
name written which no one knows except him who
receives it. Throughout the Bible we see the
incredible importance that God places on the
names of people and things. Gods love for us,
though universal, is so personal that He has
chosen a special name for every single Christian
that remains faithful to Him.
17
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
V.18 And to the angel of the church in Thyatira
write These are the words of the Son of God,
whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet
are like burnished bronze.
Eyes of Fire and Feet of Bronze
The city of Thyatira is called Ak-hissar in
modern Turkey. It was founded as a Greek colony
by Selucus Nicator, the founder of the
Greek-Syrian monarchy that followed the death of
Alexander the Great. He named it Thyatira in
commemoration of his daughters birth. The only
other time it is mentioned is in Acts 1614
speaking of the conversation of Lydia, a seller
of purple, of the city of Thyatira.
Jesus is the Son of God, which reveals his
relationship to the God, the Father. He goes on
to identify Himself as the one whose eyes are
like a blazing fire. His fiery eyes depict his
penetrating insight, his anger, and his attitude
toward the adulterous nature of the church in
Thyatira. Jesus describes himself as the one
whose feet are like burnished bronze. This is a
reminder that he will judge his Church. Those who
bring evil into the Church in the name of
Christianity are begging to be judged by the Son
of God.
The city Thyatira, was known for its purple dye
factories and its great wealth. Perhaps because
the church was founded by the woman Lydia, they
were more open in later years to the feminine
leadership of the reprobate woman, Jezebel.

18
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
To this point all 4 churches have been
complemented for their works Thyatira, however,
was loaded with meritorious service and unusual
deeds. She was known for her good works, love,
service, faith, patience, and last works.
Check out these verses
The term last works means that this church
outdid itself. Its works became greater toward
the end of its lifetime than they were at the
beginning.
2 Cor. 510 For we must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be
recompensed for his deeds in the body, according
to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Gal. 522 But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness 1 John 47 Beloved, let us love one
another, for love is from God and everyone who
loves is born of God and knows God.
The Bible teaches that all believers will appear
before the judgment seat of Christ. This is not
the Great White Throne Judgment where only the
lost will appear.
v.19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your
service and perseverance, and that you are now
doing more that you did at first.
While Thyatira had many admirable qualities, it
also had some deep rooted problems as well.
Instead of diminished love, it had growing love
the people worked hard, faithfully, and
patiently. But beneath the healthy surface,
however was a cesspool.
19
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Outward conduct We cant fool Him. Outward
conduct may be exemplary, but His burning eyes
pierce the darkness and flash the flame or moral
anger. They look through everything they pierce
through all masks and coverings they search the
remotest recesses they behold the most hidden
things of the soul and there is no escape from
them. In this church a cancer was allowed to
grow.
Jesus was patient. He gave Thyatira approximately
1000 years to turn around. This is why some call
it the Devils Millennium. Jesus held his peace
while the Church cooperated with false teachers.
Multitudes were led astray. Instead of repenting,
some in charge often had the true servants of God
killed.
Who was Jezebel? In the Old Testament she was
perhaps the most wicked woman of her day. She
became so hated that she was thrown from a window
and the dogs ate her flesh. The sin of this self
appointed prophetess was to bring Baalism into
Israel as a new religion. She is accused of
seducing Gods servants to commit fornication and
to eat things sacrificed to idols.
V. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering,
and I will make those who commit adultery with
her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her
ways.
V. 20, 21 But I have this against you You
tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a
prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my
servants into sexual immorality and the eating of
food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time
to repent of her immorality, but she is
unwilling.
20
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
V.23 I will strike her children dead. Then all
the churches will know that I am He who searches
hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you
according to your deeds.
Jesus had given her time to repent, but she
refused People often think that they have gotten
away with sin because God mercifully delays His
punishment for a time.
How sad that the church of Thyatira, so highly
praised for good works, in the opening passages,
must be horribly judged because of having undone
every good thing that had been originally
performed in the name of the Saviour.
Judgment always comes Read Numbers 3223, The
Lord promises to cast this church and her bed
partnersthose who have partaken of her
abominable iniquity. Christ is always patient and
desiring people to turn from their wicked ways,
he gave this adulterous woman time to repent, but
she refused. He issued a dire warning His
message to the cult was severe. Rev. 222

Likewise today it is possible for the Christian
to lose every reward he has earned, so look to
yourselves, that you lose not those things
which you have earned (2 John 8). The only
good news concerning Thyatira was that a remnant
remained faithful in spite of the deterioration
of this local church.
21
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Christ promises reward To those who have
rejected Jezebels sinfulness and the depth of
Satan, Christ has promised a reward.
The Lord Jesus tells John
The depths of Satan referred to the antinomian
heresy that suggested that Christians could
indulge in all manner of immorality to the depths
of sin with safety because their sins wee
forgiven. They forgot that without holiness, no
man shall see the Lord. Christ tells His
faithful followers to hold fast what you have
until the end, to him I will give power over the
nations.
Those who did not fall for Jezebels
theological follies or fall into fornication and
idolatry propagated by this false Babylonian
religion would not have any other burden. They
had experienced enough heartache.
Thyatira tolerated a satanic woman in its midst
and refused to censor her. The Christians in
Thyatira had either a poor conscience or very
weak courage their refusal to rebuke their
Jezebel was like Ahabs refusal to deal with his.

Revelation 224, 25 Now I say to the rest of
you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her
teaching and have not learned Satans so-called
deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden
on you) Only hold on to what you have until I
come.
Jesus did have some advice though. Hold on to
your love, faith, ministry, patience, and
ever-increasing works. Hold on to these until I
return. This is another reference to the Rapture.
22
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
V.26-28 To him who overcomes and does my will to
the end, I will give authority over the
nationsHe will rule them with an iron scepter
he will dash them to pieces like potteryjust as
I have received authority from my Father, I will
also give him the morning star.
A Promise
Not everyone participates
If you refuse to follow Jezebels teachings,
refuse to do her works, continue in the works of
Jesus, persist until your death or Christs
return, you will receive a position of power over
the nations. Be a faithful believer and you will
rule over nations with a strong loving hand.
Not everyone in the church of Thyatira had become
a part of this evil cult to this group of
Christians, Christ gives some marvelous promises.
Its encouraging to know that a remnant of the
Church will rule someday with Christ in His
earthly kingdom. Christs final promise to the
overcomer is that I will give him the morning
star. Just as the morning star refers to Christ
himself, it also describes a star that appears
just before dawn, while night still lingers. Like
the morning star. Jesus will come for His Bride,
the Church, without warning before commencing the
great and terrible Day of the Lord.
Literal punishments of sickness and death were to
be inflicted upon the spiritual children of this
cultic family. This truth about our Lord ought to
be a sobering reminder that He looks past the
façade and sees us for what we are.
23
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
Let your light so shine before men, that they
may see your good deeds and praise your Father in
heaven (Matt. 516).
The responsibility The responsibility of
Christians is to let a lost world see the light
of the glory of God. Jesus is to be the focus.
V. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit says to the churches.
While Christians are appearing for their awards,
the people remaining on earth will be living in
the worst time of final history. Christ will
return not only to reward His own, but to judge
the world. Between His first appearance and His
second will be a time of trouble, and then will
occur the judgment of all those who rejected Him.
This will not be a judgment for believers, for
they have already stood before the judgment seat.
This will be a judgment with no parole, no
lenient sentence, and no pleas of insanity.
The only true church is made up of individuals
who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. Within
every church building or denominational structure
there are true members of the church and there
are other who call themselves church members
simply because they are in the directory. God is
not a member of one denomination or another.
24
Author John the Apostle
Date written About A.D. 95
The first four The first four church letters are
addressed to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and
Thyatira.
Study Questions
Remember, those who conquer their sinful nature
can overcome the second death. Through faith in
Jesus Christ one can live forever with God. Rev.
211

• What did God hold against the church in
  Ephesus?___________
• What was the affliction of the church in
  Smyrna?_____________
• What was the good asset of the church of
  Pergamum?______________________
• Why was God upset with the church in
  Thyatira?_____________
• What message should Christians today get from
  these letters?_____________________________

Christ is described
He has eyes of fire and feet of bronze. His eyes
depict his ability to see everything that we do,
and his feet refer to his position as judge over
all of creation. Rev. 218
When Christ promises to give the Bright and
Morning Star to overcomers he is really promising
the gift of himself to the believer. Rev. 228