Revelation Part 1 by Estuary Elim Church

Anne o’Brien

Revelation Part 1 – The Seven Churches A Bible Study on Revelation. We encourage you to pray before you begin reading that the Lord would open your heart and mind to be receptive and responsive to God’s message contained within this study. There may be times when you find it

difficult to reconcile God’s truth to your own opinion or worldview, God’s truth is eternal, it does not change, our understanding of the truth does change as we allow God to work in our hearts and minds.

REVELATION Introduction The Book of Revelation has been called ‘a history in advance’. It is a Book which unfolds what is to come. It is written in literal and figurative language and is both illustrative and factual. It begins with Jesus Christ ascended on his throne at the right hand of God; it continues with personal and national, spiritual and real, battles; and it ends with a final judgment and glory for God’s people in his presence for eternity. It is written in such a way that it applies to all people throughout the ages. But it is not written in chronological order. That fact, and the amount of symbolism in the Book, make it very difficult to interpret precisely; this results in many different opinions about the meaning. I am no scholar!! I will simply look for what God is saying to us as we study it – and hopefully we will find enlightenment and encouragement as we study it. Chapter 1 (You may want to use a pen to jot down the answers) Read the chapter and consider the following questions: Who is revealing the message? Who is it to? And who is receiving it? See verses 1-3 WHO?

Who will John give the message to? See verse 11

WHERE?

Where was John at the time? (Note: He was in exile because he was a witness of Jesus) See verses 9&10

WHAT?

What was John asked to do? See verse 11

WHY?

Why do you think God chose John and asked him to do this?

HOW?

How did God reveal the Revelation to John? See the following verses in the chapter.

WHEN?

When would the vision apply? See verse 19.

So, the Revelation was given to John in a vision, for the Seven Churches, both for ‘now’ and ‘later’. But there were more than 7 churches. Why did God specify seven? In the Bible the number 7 is very significant. For example, the number 7 is mentioned about 450 times, but the number 4 only a few times and the number 6 not at all. This is because the number 7 is the number of perfection and completion. So, these 7 churches symbolise the whole, complete church of God. Therefore, these letters which follow are for the whole church, both then and throughout history, and now. Re-read verses 12-20: John saw this amazing vision of Jesus, dressed in pure white, and portrayed as blazing and shining – surrounded by 7 lampstands and holding 7 stars in his hand, and coming from His mouth was a doubleedged sword. It was an image full of meaning – and knocked John out!! (v17) Jesus identified himself: the first and the last, eternal and very much alive, holding the keys of death and Hades (he will be the final judge). In the following verses, Jesus explains the meaning of the vision. What did the seven lampstands represent?

What did the seven stars represent?

Note: The ‘angels of the seven churches could refer to God’s ministering angels, but the word can also mean God’s people who do the work of the church – having the same function as angels – ministering and telling God’s message. The symbology in the lampstands and stars is wonderful – Jesus is in the midst of his church and he holds us in his hand. So, although Revelation will go on to explain difficult days ahead, we need not fear because Jesus is amongst us. Jesus said to John, “Do not fear”. And he would say the same to us. We are in God’s hands and the events that will unfold (maybe even this Covid virus is part of them?) will be in God’s control … and we are in his hands. Although there will be a prolonged battle with Satan, Jesus has already won the victory by his death and resurrection – “I have the keys to death”. We are not to fear Satan or death. Jesus is in charge! Some questions to consider, in the light of this chapter: Did you learn anything new about Jesus?

How do you view ‘church’ in view of John’s vision?

How should we respond to this chapter?

Jesus said he walks amongst us – so he is with us – but we are not always aware of this. Personally, it has made me realise how important it is to be ‘in the Spirit’, and to know that we are in God’s presence, not just on the Lord’s Day but at all times. 3

The Seven Churches of Revelation

EPHESUS

Read Revelation chapter 2, verses 1-7 In verse 1 we are reminded that it is the risen, glorified Jesus himself who is speaking to his church. And he not only holds his people in his hand, but he walks among them. (See also ch 1v20) And not only is Jesus described in terms of gold and light (ch 1v12-15), but so is his church! We are golden lampstands – precious in his sight – but we have a function, which is to shine his light in this dark world. In verses 2 & 3 we see that Jesus sees and knows all that we do. The Christians represented by the Ephesian church are commended for: · Good works – kindness, lending a helping hand or a listening ear, caring and praying for people. Jesus knows. · Hard work – the occasions when we give our all, when we do the jobs no-one else wants to do, when we give up our time to serve, when we sacrifice what we wanted to do for what He wants us to do. Jesus knows. · Perseverance (v2&3) and patience – the times when we just keep on keeping on. If you feel that life is a bit of a slog, be encouraged that Jesus sees and knows and commends you in your perseverance. · Rejection of evil influences (v6) – God is pleased when we correctly discern what is right and wrong. He sees when we make a stand for our beliefs. He sees because he is there walking amongst us. · And He sees that, despite hardships and difficulties and disappointments (and there have been many during this difficult year of Covid!!), we have not given up, we have not grown weary to the point of throwing in the towel. Jesus wants us to realise that he knows, he sees, he is with us, and he cares. In the light of this, consider those things that you have been finding hard – and know that God is pleased with you for persevering and continuing to worship him. In verses 4&5 we see there is a “BUT”. We need to remember that these words of judgment are not to just one church or one group of Christians, or even for everyone, but to anyone with an Ephesus spirit. It’s a case of “if the cap fits, wear it”. Or as Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, then let him hear.” The failing of the people who are represented by the Ephesian church is that they have lost their first love. They are people who are still going through all the motions of Christian life, but they have forgotten the most important thing: Love for God and love for one another. Our “first love” is the love that first drew us to Jesus, the love which formed the basis of our relationship with him, the love on which everything else should be built. If you take away the foundation what are you left with? Jesus sees and knows whether our good deeds are motivated by our love, or whether they have become a mere ritual, a desire to please, something we feel we have to do but don’t really want to. How easy is it to replace relationship with work? 4

We are all prone to this at times, but my prayer is that the Lord will make us aware if we are doing this. We can all fall into the trap of being defined by what we do, and not by our relationship with Christ. In verse 7 Jesus reminds us that we need to hear these words. There is a serious consequence for not listening! (v5) I do not believe that this means that Jesus will take away our salvation, however, because these words are spoken to the church – but they serve to make us realise how serious Jesus views the need for relationship and love to be the basis of all that we do. If the church is no longer a lampstick reflecting the light of Jesus, then it is just a useless empty vessel. In verse 7 there is a promise to all who are victorious in their walk with God. “To the one who is victorious I will give to eat from the tree of life that is in Paradise.” God’s covenant with Adam and Eve was that mankind could eat of the fruit of the Tree of Life. In other words, they would have eternal life and live in the presence of God (who we are told walked in the garden with them). But, disobedience would break the terms of the covenant. And, as we know, Satan in the guise of a serpent tempted them to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Access to the tree of life and the garden was barred, and death and decay entered the world. And don’t we know it!! Praise God, that was not the end of the story. Jesus (referred to as the second Adam) came to restore the covenant of life, by dying a death which wiped out our sin – which is the only barrier to a relationship with God. And so, Jesus is reminding his church who are victorious, that we will eat of the tree of life in Paradise, in a new life which will be a restoration of all things as they were meant to be. In the words of John Milton – Paradise regained. Summary: Keep on doing good to others, keep on loving God, and be blessed!

The Seven churches of Revelation

SMYRNA

It is said that the name Smyrna is derived from the word myrrh, (in Greek both are Smurna), a bitter-sweet substance which was mentioned both at the birth of Jesus and at his death. The oil derived from myrrh was used for anointing and embalming, and it was also used as a mild analgaesic. It tasted bitter but its perfume was sweet. Smyrna in Revelation represents the persecuted church – then and now – Christians whose walk with Jesus is both sweet and bitter as they suffer for His Name’s sake. And there are millions in this position today, just as there were in the early church. Every day, 8 Christians worldwide are killed because of their faith. Every week, 182 churches or Christian buildings are attacked. And every month, 309 Christians are imprisoned unjustly. (Open Doors report 2020) 5

Read chapter 2 verse 8: At the beginning of each letter Jesus introduces himself in a significant way. Here, he declares that he is the First and the Last, who died and came alive again. Read the following verses and make notes to learn more: knowing about the One in whom we put our hope will give us more confidence in him. Matthew 13v35

Matthew 25v34

John 17v24

Ephesians 1v4

Colossians 1v15

1 Peter 1v20

When speaking to the Smyrna church, and to us, Jesus didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say I was the first and will be the last. He said I AM. He had no beginning and will have no end because he is eternal. The encouragement is that he will be there at our end, because he qualifies his statement by reminding the church that he is a risen Christ. And because he is eternal, we too can know eternal life when we trust in him. Read chapter 2 verses 9 & 10a: As with the Ephesian church (v1-7) Jesus once again states what he knows about the church he is addressing. These are the things he sees and knows: Âˇ I know your afflictions and your poverty. Attacks and poverty are common to all persecuted Christians - who get side-lined for jobs, who are stood last in the queue for emergency aid, who cannot get promotion at work and who have no rights if they refuse to give up their allegiance to Jesus. Persecution and poverty go hand in hand as world governments and religions reject Christians. But Jesus is walking amongst our brothers and sisters (Ch. 1v13) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he sees and he knows, he is there to help and comfort. 6

· “And yet you are rich”. This may sound odd to our ears. But of course Jesus means that although materially poor, they are spiritually rich. The greater our need, the more opportunity we have to experience the comfort, strength and help that Jesus gives us. · He knows they have been slandered and wrongfully accused. An excerpt from Barnabas Fund says: At this present time there are 24 Christians in Pakistan accused of “blasphemy”, 8 of them have been sentenced to death, all as a result of false accusations. Slander is a common form of persecution. In verse 9 “the synagogue of Satan” refers to religious people who are anti-Christ. Nothing changes! This verse shows us that when people attack Christians they are also attacking Jesus Christ. He will know and feel it just as much as they do, Jesus identifies with the persecuted church and suffers with them. And like Paul, they are able to say we “know Him in his suffering”. Read verse 10b & 11: The rewards · Those who overcome and are faithful will receive the crown of life. This is not a royal crown but a victor’s crown. The Greek word used is ‘stephanos’ – the victory wreath presented to the winner of a marathon or race. In the Christian walk, everyone who stays in the race will receive their crown. For sticking with it, for persevering through thick and thin, for keeping on to the end, whatever our battles have been. · For those who serve Christ to the end the promise is that they need have no fear regarding the ‘second death’, i.e. the final judgment (as mentioned in Rev. 20 from verse 11), the final day of reckoning. · The flip side of judgment is of course eternal life and reward for all who overcome. And Jesus, the First and the Last, promises to be with us now and throughout eternity. It costs to be a committed Christian. In many places it costs a lot more than others. We have a Christian duty to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters and to help them where we can . I pray that we will remember that even when we are suffering, we can at the same time be rich, in spiritual terms. “He who has ears to hear – let he or she hear.” (v11)

The Seven churches in Revelation

PERGAMUM

Read Revelation chapter 2 verses 12-17 As mentioned before, the Seven Churches are characteristic of different types of Christian gatherings. And often there is a clue in their name, which is meaningful. Pergamum was a centre of learning – it apparently had a huge library of 200,000 volumes; and it was also the place where parchment was invented and produced (the word parchment comes from the place name, Pergamum). And so, the Word of God was written on Pergamum parchment and distributed throughout the Roman Empire. ABOUT JESUS: Read verse 12 Jesus goes on to introduce himself as the One who has The Word, the two-edged sword. 7

Look up the following references to get a better picture of what this means for us. Ephesians 6v17

Hebrews 4v12

Revelation 1v16

Revelation 2v12 & 16

Revelation 19v11-16 (esp 15)

The sword is obviously a metaphor for the Words of God. Just as the sword has serious impact, so too does the Word of God. This introduction is emphasising the sheer importance and power of Jesus as the One who is not just walking amongst the churches, but as the One who is also actively engaged in speaking to the churches, and doing battle for the churches. But the sword is two-edged – it can cut both ways. The Words of Jesus can speak of judgment and mercy, Law and Grace, meekness and majesty, works and faith, death and life. It can bring life, but may also bring judgment. With the sword we can conquer, without it we may die. Read verse 13: Once again we are assured that Jesus knows “where we live” – he knows and sees our circumstances, and he wants to speak into our individual situations. Because these words to the seven churches are not just set in history, and are symbolic of Christians everywhere, they are still speaking into our lives today. Jesus sees our faithfulness, despite our circumstances. Note: Antipas was martyred for his faith, in Pergamum. THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM Satan’s Throne – · Often in the Bible, the throne of Satan is centred in the big cities. Abel was praised for his sacrifice, whilst (after murdering Abel), Cain went off and built a city (Genesis 4v17). · Noah’s great grandson Nimrod went and built the cities of Babylon and Nineveh (a thorn in the side of Israel). · Lot chose Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 13v12) – say no more! And Pergamum itself was a large city, proud of its knowledge and wisdom! The concentration of temptation is far greater and more available in the city that it is in the 8

countryside. But we need to be careful, because the new “cities” are more likely to be digital ones, we must be careful to not let the media influence our thinking more than God’s Word. So, the church at Pergamum were faithful, but what were there shortcomings? Read verses 14-16: There were three shortcomings. 1) The teaching of Balaam The whole story is found in Numbers chapters 22 and 24. To cut a long story short, the prophet Balaam was hired for money to curse Israel. God intervened by using Balaam’s donkey and an angel to prevent this. And Balaam found that he was unable to curse Israel, so he eventually blessed them. Look up Numbers 22v31. What was the angel holding?

What is the significance, in the light of this study?

2) Balak: Balam’s plan was foiled when the Angel stopped a false prophesy, but the enemy, King Balak of Moab, found another way of bringing Israel low (see Numbers 31v16) by enticing the men of Israel to commit sexual immorality with the Midianite women. The Israelites had the outward appearance of holiness, but their worship was not pure. They had compromised – and this was the charge against Pergamum. 3) The Nicolaitans: Apparently, they ate things offered to idols. Once again, an example of compromising their faith, possibly to win favour. THE REWARD to those who overcome · Hidden Manna – another symbol pointing to Jesus, the Word of God who is to us the Bread of Life. But why does the Bible say “hidden”? Probably it won’t be revealed until we get to Heaven, but my guess is that it might be a part of the great banquet, that will the reward of all who overcome. For a parable of this read Luke 14v15-24 · A white stone with a new name written on it – apparently in Bible times, a white stone with your name on was used as an invitation to a party or a feast. So, once again this could be referring to the banqueting table of heaven. See also Revelation 19v7-9 What can we learn from the advice to this church? · God’s Word is living and sharp, it is not just printing in an old book! · He sees our faithfulness · He also sees when we compromise our faith · He promises a great banquet in Heaven to those who overcome.

The Seven churches in Revelation

THYATIRA

Read Revelation chapter 2 verses 18-28 Thyatira was famous for its cloth dyeing. They could produce the best royal purple dye that was completely colour-fast. It did not fade like other dyes. (Background: Lydia, who lived in Thyatira, is mentioned in Acts 16v11-15 and was part of the early church there.) Purple was for royal robes. The dye made in Thyatira was colour-fast. The theme of the message for this church is that they hold fast to the teachings in the Scriptures and do not compromise – they must hold fast. Read Ch. 2v18 In each of the letters Jesus reveals a bit more of himself. What two things does Jesus reveal about himself? 1.

Some of these things are difficult to picture. The thought behind the blazing eyes is that they can penetrate and discern even our inner thoughts. If the word ‘laser’ had been invented John might have described them like that. Jesus’ feet of bronze are shining and pure because He is in Heaven, but bronze in the Bible speaks of humanity, so they remind us that Jesus trod where we tread. He sees and he knows. His shining feet are our example. Read Ch. 2v19: Once again Jesus lists the things that please him. See if you can list the 6 positive things in this verse: 1.

When we are compassionate, when we encourage one another, when we reach out to the lost – it pleases Jesus, he sees and he knows. More often than not, other people do not see all the things that are done behind the scenes in a church family. More often than not, those people who work for God (and I mean everyone – not just the ministers) seldom receive thanks. But Jesus sees, and Jesus knows, and Jesus acknowledges and affirms you. Read verses 20-25: The church at Thyatira was tolerating some awful things, personified in Jezebel, who was responsible for Israel’s downfall. Background reading: 1 Kings 16v29-22; 21v11-16; 21v25-26 Jezebel committed physical adultery and spiritual adultery. She lied, murdered and stole. She persuaded the Israelites to worship her gods, which resulted in child sacrifice and idolatry. The theme of our modern society is tolerance and choice. Sounds good on the surface – but … it could be hiding one of Satan’s lies (mentioned in verse 24). You see, when we are tolerant of everything, it means we allow things to happen that are against God’s Word. (Abortion, Sexual deviation, Euthanasia etc.) First, society tolerates and then accepts things as normal, and very soon afterwards, churches follow. Where do we draw the line between tolerance and merely ‘turning a blind eye’? Jesus wants us to accept and love people for who they are, but that soes not mean accepting all that they do as right. In this church, which I believe is very representative of today’s church, what does Jesus have to say to us? (Verse 25)

The theme of being true and fast (in the original meaning) – like the purple dye - runs through this message. Hold fast, stay true, don’t compromise. The thing about the purple dye was this: the more it was in the sunlight the more colour-fast it became. The more time we spend in the Light, the more we will show our true colours to the world. 11

Read verses 26-29: What two things are promised to those who ‘hold fast’? 1.

2 Tim 2v12: Authority - If we endure with Him we shall also reign with Him. The Morning Star: In many places in the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the star, or Morning Star. See the following: Numbers 24v17; Malachi 4v2; 2 Peter 1v19; Revelation 22v16 One day we will see Jesus in person, in all his glory – for eternity. We only have a foretaste now and that is great, but to be in the light of the Morning Star with no fear of darkness or evil, will be beyond words!

The Seven Churches in Revelation

SARDIS

As with all the seven churches there is a clue to the message within the name. You may have heard of the saying, “As rich as Croesus” to describe a very wealthy person. Well, Croesus lived in the area known as Sardis in around 600 B.C. – an area where gold was found in plenty. Consequently, Croesus was secure in the strength of his kingdom and his wealth; and boasted that he was beyond any disaster. He became complacent, and ultimately was taken unawares by the Persian Invasion which ended his reign and his life. The moral from this is that we should not be self-satisfied or complacent. Our trust must be in God alone. Read Revelation chapter 3 verses 1-6 Verse 1a: Once again we get a description of Jesus and once again, we see the number seven – the number of perfect wholeness. 7 churches – representative of the One church of Jesus Christ 7 stars – representative of the complete angelic host 7 spirits – we know from Scripture that there is only one Holy Spirit, some say the number seven represents the seven-fold work of the Holy Spirit. But it could also be reiterating that the Holy Spirit is one complete and perfect Spirit. Think about these “sevens” in this verse: What do they tell you about the authority of Jesus? And who does he have authority over?

Verse 1b: What is the reputation of the church symbolised by Sardis?

And what is the true state of affairs?

The church, as many today, was busy doing a lot of stuff â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and they had a good reputation, but all was not well. One of the things we learnt at school that distinguishes a living entity, is that it should be able to bear fruit. Therefore, what would be a good definition of a church that is alive?

Sometimes, we can be doing all the right things, like meeting together and helping one another. But if we, as a church, are not helping people to come to the place where they find salvation, we are not bearing fruit. If not actually dead, we may be dormant! Verses 2&3: The Good News is â&#x20AC;Ś Jesus gives us the opportunity to put things right! What 5 things does Jesus tell us that we should do (if we recognise ourselves in this church)? 1.

Jesus had praised them for their activity, but says here that it was incomplete. Deeds are not enough unless our faith is thriving and driving our actions. King Croesus was caught unawares and lost everything because he became complacent. Jesus says to us, “Wake up” – we don’t know when Jesus is coming again – but we must be ready. Verses 4&5: Those who did not compromise “Those who have not soiled their clothes” are those who do not compromise with the world. They are the ones who are found to be worthy to wear the robes of white: the robes of righteousness (Rev 19v8). They are the ones who are faithful to the end and have maintained their Christian witness. What two things are they/we promised as their/our reward? 1.

Being a Christian is not always easy. But, be assured that Jesus sees what you are doing and is acknowledging it in Heaven. While we are here on earth, we are only too conscious of the fact that we often struggle with the “filthy rags” of our humanity – but one day we will be free to wear the white robes of righteousness. And when will we be given these robes? At the Wedding Feast of the Lamb – that great occasion in Heaven when the Lord Jesus Christ receives his church. Does the second part of verse 5 suggest that God may blot out a name from his Book of Life? In the context of all Scripture, I do not believe so. Exodus chapter 32 tells us about the occasion when God told Moses he would never blot out his name from the Book of Life. Luke chapter 15 tells us how the Father waited and looked for his errant son every day until he returned. Once a son always a son – or daughter! 2 Timothy 2v13 When we are faithless, He remains faithful. The point is – our salvation is secure. This verse is talking about our reward. However, we do need to be sure of our salvation, as it is possible to attend a church, sing all the songs etc. but never really repent of our old life and be born again as a new child, in the family of Jesus. This is the only way we can be sure that our name will be in the Book of Life for eternity.

The Seven churches in Revelation

PHILADELPHIA

The word philadelphia means brotherly love. They were a small, faithful and loving congregation. From the little description we have, we can surmise that God doesn’t gauge the spiritual life of a church by the size of the building or the number of people in the congregation. He looks at people in the church individually – and how they work together. 14

Read chapter 3 verses 7-13 Verse 7 What two things does Jesus tell us abut himself in verse 7?

Jesus, by saying he is HOLY, is using the name applied to God in the Old Testament. Jesus is saying he is God. Jesus also embodies truth and said of himself, “I am the way, the truth and the life – no man comes to the Father but by me.” (John 14v6) When Jesus said he holds the key, it signifies access – he is the Way. Jesus is the only way to God. Although the verse mentions David’s house (the Temple and the Jewish nation) it also gives us, as gentiles, access to the Heavenly Temple. We will look at the Heavenly Temple in a later study. If Jesus has opened the door of heaven to you, nothing or no-one can shut it. Our destiny is protected in this promise. Verses 8&9 Once again, we see Jesus saying, I know your deeds. We might feel un-noticed or insignificant, but God sees and knows our heart and what we do. What does Jesus know about us? (verse 8)

There is no word of criticism for this church that are weak. Weakness is not a sin. God does not judge us by how much we can do or how strong we are. In fact, he often chooses the weakest person to serve him. So, know that God sees you for yourself … he doesn’t compare you with others. He just wants you to do the best you can. In these verses, (8&9) what 2 things does Jesus promise to the church at Philadelphia?

We come back to the ‘open door’ theme. They have the promise of a destiny in Heaven. The Judaizers (referred to as the synagogue of Satan) were constantly perverting the message of Christ by adding works to faith. Jesus – the truth – called this a lie. No-one can ever do enough or be good enough to enter Heaven. That is why we are saved by faith alone, through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. 15

Read verses 10 To each church Jesus promises a reward in heaven. But what is the special promise that Jesus has for the people represented by this church (in verse 10)

From the description we infer that ‘the trial which will come on the whole world’ is in fact the Tribulation, which will be at the beginning of the End Times. Once upon a time it would have seemed impossible for trials to affect the whole world simultaneously, but since Covid we know different! (Extra information in Rev. 6v10; 8v13; 12v12; 9v6) Read verses 11&12 Here we read of what is promised to them in Heaven if they are victorious – holding fast – overcoming obstacles to their faith. What are the two promises?

Philadelphia was a very grand place, with marvellous tall buildings. You can still see the remains of many if you look it up on the internet. Significantly, there are several very tall strong pillars that are still standing. Amazing in once sense, and yet, a reminder that nothing on earth is everlasting. Pillars are fundamental to the strength of the building. And what does God promise the weak Philadelphian church? They would be pillars in Heaven! Pillars bearing the name of The Lord God and of Jesus Christ! Christians who are the weakest (in their own strength) are to be made the strongest in eternity! (Read 2 Cor. 12v10 – admitting our weakness helps us find God’s strength).

The Seven Churches of Revelation

LAODICEA

Read Chapter 3 verses 14-22 Once again, it is worth explaining something about the City of Laodicea – because it gives meaning to the words that Jesus has to say to the Christians in that place. Laodicea was a wealthy place, having made its riches by selling black wool and eye salve. The city’s one problem was its water supply. It didn’t have one of its own, and consequently water was piped in from the nearest towns: water from hot springs in Hierapolis, and ice-cold water from the hill lakes in Colossae. It all sounds good, but when the two sources of water were mixed for use, it had the effect of making people feel nauseous. 16

Read verse 14 What is the Name of Jesus here, and two of his characteristics?

When we say ‘amen’ we are agreeing with the truth of what has been said. Jesus is the ultimate truth. Everything he says is authentic, sure and certain. So, his characteristics of faithfulness and truth are derived from his name – who he is. Jesus also tells us that he is the ruler of creation – the King James version says ‘author’. He is both author (the source) and ruler (the sustainer). So, to a church town that had a poor source of water, Jesus is saying, “I am the source. I am pure and trustworthy. I can supply your needs.” Jesus still says this to us today: I am the source of all that is good – I can supply your needs. Read verses 15 and 16 As usual, Jesus used a situation they could identify with to make his point. These verses can sound really harsh, until you realise the parallel that Jesus is drawing a parallel with the water supply. They were neither hot and on fire for God, like the springs – or cold and refreshing like the mountain fresh water. In fact, they were unpalatable. They were neither for or against – just apathetic, nominal Christians. Please note: They were still Christians and Jesus still loved them – he loved them enough to give them some advice and encouragement , and discipline. To be good disciples we need discipline (the clue is in the word!) Read verse 17: They had become complacent. What does Jesus accuse them of, and what were they blind to?

They were suffering from complacency and didn’t realise what they had come to. It is much harder to be spiritually rich when you are physically rich. When Jesus was on earth, he had plenty to say about this. Read: Matthew 19v24; Mark 10v17-23; Matthew 6v19-21; Matthew 6v33 The love of money is the root of evil – if you have money, make sure you are using it for good! 17

Read verses 18 and 19 In his love and compassion, Jesus gives them another chance. They, and us, can exchange our earthly riches for spiritual gold. They, and us, can cast off our shameful clothes and be clothed in white (for purity). Jesus reminds them of his love, but what did they (do we) need to do to please him?

Read verse 20 One of the most well-known verses in the Bible, often used with non-Christians, is actually aimed at the Christians in the Laodicean church. It applies to everyone who has left Jesus outside the door of their heart, to those who are not wholeheartedly committed to him, to those who are self-reliant and complacent, to those who just want an easy life. Jesus, the great Amen, the Creator and Ruler of all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; humbly knocks on the door of our hearts. The onus is always on us to open our hearts to Jesus. Read verses 21-22 And the reward? We will sit in a place of authority with Jesus in Heaven. When we ask Jesus to sit on the throne of our heart, he will invite us to sit with him, on his throne, in Heaven. The last phrase reminds us to really hear what Jesus is saying, to all the churches, and to us as individuals.

The Estuary Elim Group of Churches are three Essex based Elim Pentecostal Churches in Ashingdon, Rayleigh and Southend on Sea with a shared Leadership team. We are a group of people responding to the love of God and the life changing message of Jesus Christ. Our services are lively with contemporary music, worship and preaching and teaching relevant to the 21st Century. To find out more about us visit www.estuaryelim.church Whether you are new to church, someone with questions or a committed Christian, we want to serve you and help you discover and fulfil Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose for your life. If you would like an opportunity to email or talk to one of the team email your contact details to info@estuaryelim.co.uk The Ashingdon, Rayleigh and Southend Elim Pentecostal Churches are branches of The Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance (Registered Charity No. 251549)