Intro to the 7 Churches, 7 Spirits, John's exile, and the Apostles' Martyrdom (Day 2)

 

Message to the 7 Churches

Revelation 1:4-8 ⁽⁴⁾John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, ⁽⁵⁾and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, ⁽⁶⁾and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. ⁽⁷⁾“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. ⁽⁸⁾“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (NIV)

 

            John wrote to the seven churches that were in Asia during the time of this revelation. This is not to say that there were only seven churches because the gospel had been spread throughout the world as Jesus had instructed them to do. Matthew 28:18-20 ⁽¹⁸⁾Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ⁽¹⁹⁾Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ⁽²⁰⁾and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV) The instruction to give the message to these churches seem to have been given because they represent the body of Christ at large in its “completion” due to what the number 7 represents in the Bible. We will go into more details about these seven churches and how we can learn from them concerning God’s desire for His children.

 

 

            The salutation: “Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come,” lets us know that God’s existence has always been and will never cease. Job 38:4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” (NIV) God’s response to Job lets us know that He was from the beginning of time. He is ever present and always will be. You can also understand this by His response to Moses when asked who he should tell the Children of Israel sent him. Exodus 3:13-14 ⁽¹³⁾Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” ⁽¹⁴⁾God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ” (NIV)

 

            The seven spirits found in this text represent those found in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him — the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— (NIV) Let’s breakdown the Holy Spirit, which embodies these seven Spirits rolled into one.

 

7 Spirits Explained

 

1.)    Spirit of Rest – John 16:7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. (NIV) Jesus had to go away for the Holy Spirit to come and rest upon those in the upper room to do the work of God. Jesus had been sent by his Father to die in order to save mankind from eternal damnation, but once his earthly work was over, the Holy Spirit had to come to reside in all those who believed and accepted the Good News about the Gospel of Christ. This Spirit of Rest was essential for all who were willing to allow Him to reign in their lives in order to be a witness to others.

2.)    Spirit of Wisdom – Ephesians 1:17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (NIV) God wants His children to be wise in all things. Therefore, when we ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom, this is one of the gifts that He gives generously to His children. In order to defeat the enemy and stay steadfast in the will of God, one must have wisdom given from the Holy Spirit and not upon our own accord.

3.)    Spirit of Understanding – John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (NIV) It is the work of the Holy Spirit to teach all things given from the Father above. During this process, He grants us wisdom and understanding to be able to whole-heartedly receive it and will bring it back to your memory when recollection is needed. There’s a term that many people use, “educated idiot.” This refers to those who have acquired book knowledge, but do not have the understanding and wisdom to use it. God wants His children to understand what He is saying to the church, so that when the enemy comes like a flood, they will know how to use the knowledge that they learned.

 

 

4.)    Spirit of Counsel – John 16:8-11 ⁽⁸⁾When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁽⁹⁾about sin, because people do not believe in me; ⁽¹⁰⁾about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; ⁽¹¹⁾and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (NIV) Many in the world have been deceived by the enemy; the Holy Spirit, however, is the One who convicts and gives counsel as to the things of Christ in order that we may be saved through Jesus’ Salvation. This counsel is not forced upon anyone, but it is there to be received by all. It is only through humility that one would be willing to accept the counsel that the Holy Spirit has to offer. Pride has no room with God. A humble heart opens the pathway to God in all areas of our lives.

5.)    Spirit of Power – Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV) No one can do the Lord’s work correctly without the Power given through the Holy Spirit. The devil is like a roaring lion and seeks to destroy all who will be a witness for God. Therefore, the Power of God, given through the Holy Spirit, will defeat the enemy at his own game of evil, destruction and deceit. It is just like a car, which needs a jump. The Lord is the juice who gives the electrical surge for the Power that we need by way of cables from the Holy Spirit. Once the jump has been given, you are then ready to drive.

6.)    Spirit of Knowledge – 1 Corinthians 12:8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit. (NIV) Once again, we see that the Holy Spirit gives wisdom and then knowledge upon the believer and the true follower of Christ. This knowledge, led by the Holy Spirit, is given and received through the Word of God. It is not just enough to have acquired knowledge without knowing when and how to use it. The Holy Spirit uses this balance to the believer.

7.)   The Spirit of Fear (Reverence) – 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (NIV) This work of the Spirit is not one that makes us afraid as in the natural. This fear is one of humility and reverence for the things concerning God and for God himself. Psalms 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (NIV) The Holy Spirit allows us to acknowledge that God is Greater than we are and therefore we must present ourselves in full submission to our Creator and Lord.

 

Jesus is described in this text as being a faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and ruler of kings. Jesus was sent down to earth in the form of a baby and witnessed all the things that man goes through here on earth. Not only was he rejected and abused, he suffered even unto death for the Salvation of mankind. Nevertheless, he was buried but rose again on the third day. Therefore, He is our Priest, King, Lord and Savior with all Power given from the Father in His hands. Hebrews 4:14-16 ⁽¹⁴⁾Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven. Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ⁽¹⁵⁾For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ⁽¹⁶⁾Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)

 

               Therefore, we have been chosen and handpicked by God to be part of His royal family. We have been made worthy by the Blood of the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. We are no longer our own, but are servants of the Most High God and we are to be a light for others to see. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (NIV)

 

        Jesus is coming again! Every eye is going to see Him. The Bible says that even those who pierced Him will see Him coming in the clouds with Glory. Some will mourn because they will not be able to stand the sight of His appearance, while those who have been found worthy will cry out for joy at the Coming of the Lord. Luke 23:30 Then “ ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’ (NIV) Only those who are not in right standing with the Lord will try to flee from His presence. Sin cannot stand in the presence of the Lord.

 

Why was John on the Isle of Patmos?

Revelation 1:9-10 ⁽⁹⁾I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. ⁽¹⁰⁾On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet. (NIV) All the disciples died as martyrs according to historical reports with the exception of John who had been banished to the Island of Patmos for preaching the Gospel. He is recorded by early Christians as having been boiled in oil as he continued to preach, while in the pot. However, God still had work for him to do and this attempt to kill him proved to be unsuccessful.

            The religious rulers, Rome, and other governments did not want the message of Jesus, having died and rose again, being spread throughout their land. The apostles had been ordered to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. Nevertheless, they defied the law and continued their message. As a result of their stance, they were martyred. The Bible only records the death of one, not to include Judas Iscariot because he killed himself, but the early Christians are said to have kept records concerning the deaths of the other apostles.

 

Deaths of the Apostles

 

Simon (Peter) – Died around 68 A.D. by crucifixion upside down at his request.

James the son of Zebedee – Executed by Herod Agrippa I approximately 11 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Acts 12:1-2 ⁽¹⁾It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. ⁽²⁾He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. (NIV)

Andrew – (Date unknown) Recorded as having been crucified in Patrae in Achaia.

 Philip – Recorded as being crucified in 80 A.D. in Hierapolis, Turkey.

 Bartholomew (Nathaneal) – Recorded as being martyred in 68 A.D. by way of crucifixion

Matthew (Levi) – (Date unknown) Recorded as being killed by a sword wound in Ethiopia.

 Thomas – (Date unknown) Recorded as having died by a spear to his body in India.

James (Alpheus) – (Date unknown) Recorded as being stoned to death.

Simon the Zealot – (Date unknown) Recorded as having died by crucifixion or hacked to death.

Jude (Thaddeus) – (Date unknown) Recoded as having died with Simon the zealot by crucifixion or hacked to death.

 Matthias – (Date unknown) Recoded as having preached and possibly martyred in Ethiopia by stoning or beheading.

 Paul (Saul) – Recorded as having died around 67 A.D. by way of beheading in Rome.

Judas (not Iscariot) – (Date unknown) Recorded as having died from stoning.

Mark – (Date unknown) Recorded as having died by being dragged by horses through the street.

John – (Date unknown) Recorded as having died from old age.

 

Tomorrow, we will dig further into the Book of Revelation and see more of what God has to say. You can purchase the complete set of this series, "Revelation: Removing the Prophetic Veil" by K L Rich on Amazon.com.

 

 

Revelation: Removing the Prophetic Veil Introduction (Day 1)

REVELATION

           

         

We are in the last days prior to Jesus’ return. On any given day, you can turn on the news and see proof of how close we are due to the various things shown that will make your stomach turn. There are all kinds of violence, sex, murder, theft, drugs and other ungodly acts being displayed on the screen. A significant amount of music promoted by record labels and their artists contain lyrics endorsing sexual promiscuity, disrespect to authority, and violence, to say the lease, which help in keeping the prisons, abortion clinics and morgues full.

 

 

         There are threats of war, demonic terrorist organizations and government being led by the devil himself. The lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community is spreading their abominations onto children, TV, churches and even your local restroom in an act of defiance against God’s law. Right is being called wrong and wrong is being called right. All the while, many within the body of Christ are sleep, in a demonically induced coma and drunk off the wind of many greedy, cowardly, and spiritually compromised pastors. However, God sent a warning about these last days. This warning is great! What does God have to say to us in today’s times and why must it be Revealed? Revelation 1:1-3 ⁽¹⁾The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, ⁽²⁾who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. ⁽³⁾Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (NIV)

In the Koine Greek, Revelation is described as the apolocalypse, (ἀποκάλυψις, apokalupsis) which means unveiling and end time destruction. When you unveil or reveal something, it means to uncover or discover its purpose. I also means to expose and make something known. Therefore, the book of Revelation is meant for us to understand and make known to others. By unveiling its contents, we will be prepared for the end time. No longer is this book just about times to come, but it is giving insight into what is taking place right now in real time. God wanted His children to be prepared for what they would have to face and the blessed hope they could look forward to. Therefore, He gave this Revelation to Jesus, who gave it to the angel to give to John for him to write down and give it to the body of Christ.

 

 

 

 

Who was John?

       John was an apostle of Christ, the youngest of the 12 disciples chosen to follow Jesus. He was the son of Zebedee and the brother of James. Matthew 4:21-22 ⁽²¹⁾Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ⁽²²⁾and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (NIV) John is often called, “The Beloved,” for he seemed especially dear to Jesus’ heart. Jesus gave John the responsibility of looking after his mother, while on the cross. John 19:26-27 ⁽²⁶⁾When Jesus saw his mother there, and the ^disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” ⁽²⁷⁾and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (NIV) Jesus showed that he trusted him deeply by leaving the care of his mother to John.

 

 

Why was a blessing pronounced over this particular book of the Bible?

            There were going to be many things that would take place during the last days. God did not wish for wish for man to be blind, but to have full knowledge and understanding of his word. He also knew that this book would be the most controversial of all others written. Therefore, spiritual guidance and discernment would be needed and given to all who desired to have access to its knowledge. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. (NIV) This prophetic book was given to: teach, rebuke, prepare, warn, and encourage those in regards to the devil and his attempt to destroy the body of Christ, while deceiving the world. Amos 3:7 Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. (NIV) Therefore, this revelation was given to John and a blessing was pronounced over it for all how understand and know that there will be hard trials to endure, but they who remain strong will be blessed in the end.

 

Over the next few weeks, we will be doing a Bible study over the entire book of Revelation based off my series, "Revelation: Removing the Prophetic Veil Bible Lessons 1-11," which are available on Amazon.com. May you be blessed as we study this prophetic book in-depth and understand the times we are currently in and the times quickly approaching us.

 

 

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Even the Dogs Deserve Food

Ephesians 6:20 I’m an ambassador in chains for the sake of the gospel. Pray so that the Lord will give me the confidence to say what I have to say. (CEB)

           

The Israelites were God’s special chosen people. God made a covenant between Himself and Abraham that He would make him the father of many nations. Genesis 17:1-2 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty, walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers. (NIV) Despite the barrenness of his wife, Sarah, God promised to give Abraham and Sarah an heir of their own and his descendants would be as countless as the stars. God fulfilled His promise and despite the hardships that had come their way, mostly due to their own rebellion, the Lord blessed the Israelites to populate the earth. 

As part of the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, He gave the Israelites the land of Canaan. Genesis 17:8 The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God. (NIV) Notwithstanding God’s many blessings upon the Israelites, they continued to rebel against Him and subsequently, was taken into captivity time and time again. Yet, God sent His son, Jesus, to save all mankind from their sins, but even this did not keep them from having a hardened heart when the Savior of the World finally came.

Jesus helped many people during his short time in ministry here on earth. Because God had chosen the Israelites as His special people, the message of salvation was first given to them. Unfortunately, many rejected the message and most importantly the Savior. Matthew 15:24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” (NIV) Therefore, when a Canaanite woman came to Jesus out of desperation to have her demon-possessed daughter healed, Jesus ignored her initially. Despite Jesus’ seemingly coldness towards the woman, she pleaded with Him to help her daughter. Jesus’ finally responded by referring to her as a dog not worthy of a meal. Nevertheless, her response was not of insult, but of pure faith by saying that even dogs received crumbs from their master’s table. Jesus being pleased with the woman’s persistence and faith, granted her request, and the Canaanite woman’s daughter was healed that very hour. Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)

We are just like that Canaanite woman. We are undeserving of God’s grace and mercy. We too would be likened unto dogs, if it were not for God making us heirs to His kingdom. Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (NIV) This is why we can go before the throne of God boldly for we are His sons and daughters with all the rights of natural-born children. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)

The Apostle Paul lets us know that we can be confident in our stance for Christ before others and also with God. We must be bold just like the Canaanite woman was when approaching the Savior for what we are in need of. We do not have to be afraid of God when we are aligning ourselves up in His will, for He cares for us. There is no good thing that He will withhold from us. All we have to do is be humble, persistent and unyielding in our requests unto Him.

As warriors for Christ, there will be times when we will have to ask our Commanding Officer for supplies. These “supplies” are our prayer requests that we must make known unto the Lord. Does He already know what we are in need of? Yes! However, when we present ourselves unto the Lord and ask Him for what we need, it is an act of humility, active communication, and faith that He will give us the desires of our hearts. God loves to bless His children, especially, when we are acting in accordance to His will and not our own selfish desires. Let us always remember that God is a God of love, covenant, power and great glory. Most importantly, there is nothing that He cannot do, but all we have to do is ask. Matthew 7:7-11 ⁽⁷⁾“Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. ⁽⁸⁾For everyone who asks, receives. Whoever seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door is opened. ⁽⁹⁾Who among you will give your children a stone when they ask for bread? ⁽¹⁰⁾Or give them a snake when they ask for fish? ⁽¹¹⁾If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. (CEB)

 

A Fearless Queen at the Wrong Time

Ephesians 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (NIV)

            King Xerses was the ruler of over 127 provinces in Persia and Media extending from India to Cush. His wealth was beyond measure and he wanted to show it off to his elite friends throughout the kingdom. Therefore, he had a six-month celebration in honor of his superlative empire. His guest were served an unlimited supply of the best food, wine, and drank from goblets made of gold. The celebration was decorated with great lavishness to reflect the king’s royal success. His queen, Vashti, also gave a royal banquet for the women in the palace.

            One day, after drinking a lot of wine during this extended celebration, King Xerses wanted to show off his gorgeous queen to his royal subjects. She was a beauty to behold and He desired to parade her in front of his distinguished guests as one of his proudest accomplishments. However, when he sent word to her commanding her presence, she refused him. She did not want to be put on display in front of his guests. Therefore, she declined to come and this fearless act of defiance, unfortunately, angered the king. As a result, Queen Vashti was removed from her royal position for fear that other women would use her example as a reason to disrespect their husbands in the same manner. Esther 1:20 Then when the king’s edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.” (NIV)

            The Apostle Paul wanted the saints to pray for him to be able to proclaim the message of Christ fearlessly. To be a follower of Christ during those times required an incredible boldness that could only be given through the Holy Spirit. To preach about the risen Savior meant there would be tremendous persecution. The religious leaders during that time forbade the apostles to teach about Jesus. However, this was one rule that the apostles had to disobey. Jesus had given them strict instructions to spread the gospel and baptize new coverts. Therefore, the apostles did not have an option to play it safe. They had to do as the Lord commanded even at the expense of their own lives. Mark 16:15-16 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (NIV)

            There are days ahead and even now when we must declare the Word of God although it seems to be the wrong time. What is the wrong time? It is when the world is saying that right is wrong and wrong is right. It is when everyone seems to be following the majority and you are sticking out like a sore thumb just because of your refusal to compromise God’s standards. It is when those who profess Christ have compromised their faith, but you are told that you are the problem. The Bible tells us of times like this, but as a warrior for Christ, we must still endure the many hardships that comes with the call. 2 Timothy 4:2-5 ⁽²⁾Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (³⁾For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (⁴⁾They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (⁵⁾But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (NIV)

            Never allow the devil to discourage you in standing up for Christ even when you seemingly have to stand alone. Allow the love of Jesus to overflow in and out of you even when there is opposition from those around. Allow the Holy Spirit to do the convicting, so that He may bring change to those who are blind. Most importantly, be a warrior of strength, patience, endurance, and above all else love, in order to set an example for those living in an ungodly world. 2 Timothy 2:25-26 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (NIV)