A Study of the Address to The Churches Continued!

   Thyatira. Jesus tells them that they are indeed good servants. But yet, He has somewhat against them. What can He have against a church that is exceedingly active and working for God? He says that they allow a false prophet (can be a preacher, teacher, elder, deacon, or just a member of the church). He says that they allow this false prophet or prophetess to teach false teachings and seduce or lead astray the good people of that church. He says He has given these people a chance to repent, but they did not. He says that if you have not fell into this seduction and have endured and stood up to these false teachers that He will give them according to their works. (again, works is emphasized as being important to keeping your salvation. If you do nothing, you receive nothing).

   We are told in all of these addresses so far that we must WORK and ENDURE til the end. He says to hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Hearing in this case means to Heed what He says and then DO IT.

Chapter 3 The address to the churches continue.

   Sardis. Sardis is a sad church indeed. Jesus says to them that they say they are Christians but are not. They are dead. They have no works. They are told to strengthen what remains. They are told that what they have is about to die.    Jesus tells them their works are not perfect before God. They must remember what they have heard and to repent (could refer to having backslid or at least they need to renew their salvation). They are told that if they do not watch (what they do), Jesus will come as a thief at an unknown hour and their judgment will begin. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS TO THE RAPTURE. I BELIEVE IT REFERS TO THE FACT THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN YOU WILL MEET GOD AND BE JUDGED. YOU MUST ENDURE TIL THE END.

   Jesus says that not all of the church in Sardis is guilty. He does say that there are only a few. These will be dressed in white for they are worthy. Again He says he who overcometh will not have their name blotted out of the book of life. Jesus will confess or say to the Father and before the angels that this is MY CHILD.

   Philadelphia. Jesus says that these people has been given an open door. They may have little strength, but they have been true to God and His commandments. Regardless of the trials, they have not turned away or denied God. Jesus says that He will make the sinner and even Satan bow before them. All will know that Jesus loved them.    I believe the 10th verse may be one comment about the rapture and that is might be pre-tribulation. This verse says that they will be kept from the hour of temptation. It does not mean their temptation, it refers to the temptation that will come upon the whole world.

   They are told to hold fast to what they have so that no one can take away their crown. (I think this might mean that even these can have their place taken away or BACKSLIDE)    He who overcomes will be a pillar in the temple of God. He will receive the name of God, the city of God and a new name. I kind of believe that a pillar in the temple of God could refer to us being a mansion in My Father's House.

   Laodicea. This church is told that they are neither cold nor hot. They are indifferent. They don't try, they don't care and, in my opinion, count on Grace to see them through. Well, if Grace will see them through alone, then why does Jesus say to all the churches that He knows their works. Works must be important!

   Jesus says it would be better for them to be hot or even cold. He will spue them out of His mouth because they just try to muddle their way through by the skin of their teeth.

   If they are cold, then they can be convicted of their coldness and repent.

   If they are hot, they are working, they are diligent, they are Christian.