A look at the church of Ephesus...

In our last study, we saw the introduction of the seven candlesticks and stars. The Lord Jesus had appeared unto John in the midst of the candlesticks. He noticed that the Lord had the seven stars in his right hand. This imagery is interesting and symbolic as we will see below–

1. The Holy Spirit defined the stars as angels. The  Greek word for Angels is Aggelos, which means human messengers. These were the Pastors of the churches located in Turkey.
2. The candlesticks were defined as the churches.  There were seven churches mentioned —-

•  Ephesus–The Loveless church
• Smyrna–The Suffering church
• Pergamos–The Worldly church
• Thyatira–The adulterous church
•  Sardis–The dead church.
• Philadelphia–The faithful church
• Laodicea–The Lukewarm church.

The church of Ephesus

For the sake of our studies, we will take a look at the church of Ephesus. It is interesting what we will find described below–

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; (Rev 2:1)

Let’s begin by taking a look at our Lord Jesus. Jesus came to earth to die for our sins. He rose up on the third day and is sitting on the right hand of the Father. Sitting is symbolic of rest. He completed his work on earth  There are times in which he has stood up for important events.

One good example was with Stephen. As he was getting ready to be martyred by the mob, he had a vision. Jesus stood up to honor Stephen. (Acts 7:55) In Rev 1:13, we see Jesus standing again in the midst of the candlesticks.

As we turn our attention to Rev 2:1, we see him walking. Jesus wanted to see the whole picture concerning what was happening in the churches. Walking among the churches gave him a better view of existing issues within that area. Let’s look at the following verses below —

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. (Rev 2:2-3)

Notice how the Lord begins his conversation. I know thy works! The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He starts off commending them for their good works. They labored (Worked hard in the ministry), exercised patience, and hated evil.

A blow against idolatry

It would do the body good to hate evil and love righteousness. It will bring a spirit of joy which, in turn, will give us strength. It gave the church of Ephesus the strength to do God’s work. (Heb 1:9) Joy is a powerful force.

One point to consider is the name of Ephesus. The word Ephesus means desirable. God desired to reach the city of  Ephesus. It was a stronghold for the godess Diana. Its temple housed a great multitude of people. It is believed that it seated about 20,000 to 30,000 people.

Idolatry was big business in that area. It brought great gain in the financial realm. Silversmiths were making good money craving the idol of Diana for the people. The Apostle Paul was sent by God to do his work in that area for about three years. God used him to bring about a mighty revival in that area.

The turning of the people from Diana to God affected the idol trade. Greedy and evil people stirred the mob against Paul, putting his life in peril. (Acts 19) God’s word prevailed, and the church developed tremendous revelation knowledge to win that whole city for the Lord. In our next study, we will see how important it is for believers to enter into God’s rest. We will, also, see some wonderful revelation knowledge that was brought to that church.

Prayer–Dear Lord, help me to apply this lesson to my life. Help me to love righteousness and hate iniquity. Restore the joy of my salvation. Use me to impact my family, community, and society–In Jesus's name. Amen.

Reprint courtesy of the Christian corner community church. 

 

Highlights of Revelation 1

 

Note-Welcome to our study of highlights of Revelation 1. We, highly, suggest that you pay attention to these highlighted words. As you click on these words, it will give you more material to help you in this study.

Chapter one of Revelation is filled with many wonderful insights. We can spend a month on just chapter 1 and not finish it. In this study, we are going to see the use of symbolism and its analogies. This is a timeless message for the church and its leaders. Let’s begin by looking at Rev 1:12-20—
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Six major points

As we study the verses above, we see six major points that stand out in these verses—

• John heard the voice of the Lord and saw seven golden candlesticks. (Rev 1:12) This symbolic meaning is defined as the seven churches. (Rev 1:20) Notice the word candlesticks. The Greek word for candlestick is Luchnia, which means a lamp.
  A lamp had Olive oil running through it with a wick for light. The light is the witness of the Holy Spirit. A true church of the Lord should be a light to the community, family, and nation.
• The Lord Jesus was dwelling in the middle of the Church. (Rev 1:13-15) He was and is observing everything the church does.
• The lamps were made of gold. Gold was a precious commodity even in those times. The church is precious to the Lord Jesus.
• The number seven. Seven is the number of completion. He sees the church complete in him. (In spite of having to bring about correction) The word says that we are complete in him. (Col 2:10)
• His feet of brass. (Rev 1:15) Brass speaks of Judgement. Many have misunderstood the meaning of grace. God’s grace will allow us a season to repent. Failure to do so will result in judgment.
• He had seven stars in his right hand (Rev 1:16) and out of his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. The stars represent the angels of the church. Angels in the Greek text are defined as messengers. They are not literal angelic beings because they were being corrected. We, all, know that heavenly angelic beings are perfect and sinless. This is speaking of the Pastors of the churches.

Thoughts to ponder.

Where were these churches located? They were located in modern-day Turkey. Turkey had experienced a revival on a great scale that impacted its society, along with persecutions. The Lord Jesus had a prophetic word for them thru the Apostle John. John was in charge of the 7 churches located in Turkey.

Today, ruins remain as a testament to those churches. Turkey went through a series of changes. It is believed that radical Islamic invaders took over the churches, converted them into mosques, and forced Christians to convert to Islam. There are some pockets of churches and believers that still remain to this day. More to come.

Want to further your studies? Click on this link…https://bit.ly/3yMXSBp

Reprint courtesy of the Christian corner community church. 

Cave survival 101

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)

 Life inside the cave

Are you in a cave? Believe it or not, you can benefit from your cave experience. Let’s look at the  Apostle John’s life. Living in a society that was hostile to the Lord, he went through great persecutions. Emperor Domitian demanded the people to worship him. Many Christians refused, preferring to worship the Lord instead. Since John had a leadership position in the church, the Emperor wanted to make an example of him. 

Tradition says that they took him to the Roman Coliseum, where they poured hot boiling oil on the Apostle John. Domitian, himself, was there wanting to make an example of him. Upon seeing that God preserved John, it caused many in the multitude to turn to Christ.

This event was too much for the Emperor to bear. He sent John to the isle of Patmos, where he would face an uncertain fate, but God had other plans. His protection was upon John and he found refuge in a cave.

It was in that cave that God met with him. He entered into a new dimension with revelation insights. A new level in which his message would resonate for generations to come. God gave him a series of messages for the 7 churches as well as insights for future events. For the sake of our study, we are going to define John’s cave as the cave of Banishment.

The Apostle John passed the test of his cave. Eventually, he was set free to preach the word again. (Rev 10:11) John was restored and got back everything that Satan had stolen from him. He lived a long life and died a natural death.

The Prophet Elijah

Elijah was a man with human frailties, just like all of us, but he prayed and received supernatural answers. He actually shut the heavens over the land so there would be no rain for three and a half years! (James 5:17–TPT)

When we think of the prophet Elijah, we think of power. Let’s look at some of his miracles…

• Prophesied a drought over Israel (I Kings 17:1,7)
• Elijah revives the widow’s son ( I Kings 17:17-24)
• Elijah confronts the false prophets, puts them to shame, and prays fire from heaven. (I Kings 18:20-40)

These and more miracles were accomplished by the hand of the Prophet Elijah. The miracle of Mount Carmel was unique. It was there that God manifested himself by fire. The false prophets were put to shame and killed by Elijah. Like Emperor Domitian, Jezebel hardened her heart.  She put a death sentence on Elijah!

Elijah, upon hearing about this, ran away. This mighty man of God was afraid and hid in a cave. His human nature took over causing him to be depressed. We will call this the cave of depression. It was at this time that God spoke to Elijah. He confronted him and gave some instructions to follow.

Among those instructions, there would be a change of command in his life. Elisha was going to over Elijah’s ministry. God had other plans for Elijah. He was going to take him up to heaven with a chariot of fire. Glory! What a beautiful illustration of the rapture of the church. He went from the cave of depression into glory!

The cave of victory

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:  He went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.  And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. (Matt 27:57-60)

Finally, we see another cave. This cave was Jesus’ burial site. It was sealed with a stone. Soldiers were guarding the body of Jesus. (Matt 27:63-65) It was a crucial and challenging time for his disciples. The work of the Lord seemed to suffer a setback, but God had other plans. Resurrection day came and Jesus rose from the dead. Glory!

In life, we will face testings and challenges. There will be caves in which we may have to dwell in. (Spiritually or naturally) The good news is that God wants you to pass the test. He wants you to rise above the circumstances and walk in victory. If you are in a cave, it is time to learn from your experience and come out. You are more than a conqueror!

Prayer-Dear Lord, Forgive me for complaining about my situation. Help me to learn and understand concerning my cave experiences in life. You have a plan for me. Use me for your glory. Help me to impact others in the years to come.  In Jesus’ name–Amen!

Reprint courtesy of the Christian corner community church. 

 

The presence of God

 A quick review

Greetings. In continuing with our studies of revelation, let’s do a quick review of what we have studied—

• We saw a background on the life of the Apostle John. His life was an example of Love. In our past studies, we defined how the fruit of love helped to preserve his life and how God spoke to him at Patmos.
• We, also, saw the power of faith that was at work in his life. His faith helped John in his problems and tribulations.
•  We saw the prophetic significance of the words Alpha and Omega. God started to reveal himself to John in a prophetic dimension.
• Finally, the importance of listening to God. Not assuming nor jumping to conclusions but learning to hear God in a clear and concise manner.

Understanding the presence of God. 

In this study, we are going to look into the Presence of God. How the fear of God is essential especially in the times in which we are living. Folks, God is real and he wants to dwell among us. We need to learn the proper way to reverence God and prepare our hearts to welcome his presence. Let’s look at the verse below–

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: (Rev 1:17)

Some theologians say that the Apostle actually died. I, respectfully, have to differ from this opinion. I, personally, believe that he was slain in the spirit. Slain in the spirit is Biblical. It is defined as a person being overwhelmed by the power of God. This effect causes the individual to fall down as if they were dead.

We saw this as an example when the angel of God came down to remove the rock of the burial cave of Jesus. The word of God says that the guards became as dead men. (Matt 28:1-4) They did not die but fell down as if they were dead. We see another example of being slain in the spirit. This happened during the realm of King Solomon. The spirit of God came to the temple and it affected the priests (I Kings 8:10-1) They could not stand in his presence.

The visitation of God

There are many who want to have God’s presence during church services. God’s presence is good, but there are pros and cons. In his presence, there are manifestations of healing and miracles. For the believer, God is inside of us by faith (We walk by faith and not by sight) We do not see nor feel him. When it comes to God’s presence, He will start to manifest himself in a real way.

Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.(Jer 23:2)

God’s presence can be compared to electricity. Electricity can be used for good. It brings the heat in the winter among other things. The bad news is that if you tamper with it in the wrong way, it will hurt or even kill you. God is not a sugar daddy. He is God. We need to learn how to reverence him.

The fear of God is much needed within the churches. Let’s reverence God and enjoy his presence in a good way. Who knows?  He might show you things to come into your life and family.

For our online Sunday morning service, click on this link and check out the Presence of God….https://www.facebook.com/PastorSantos56

Reprint courtesy of the Christian corner community church. 

What are you hearing?

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people, therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. (John 12:28-29)

In our last study, we saw the mystery of the Alpha and Omega and how it was prophetic in nature. Today, we are continuing our study on the book of Revelation on another topic. We are going to address the subject–What are you hearing? I am sure we have heard many in the body saying–I need a word. People want to hear from God and walk in his ways.

The first thing I want to do is ask the following question. Are you listening? You can be hearing people talking to you but are you listening? Let take Jesus as our example. Jesus was having a conversation from heaven with the Father. (John 12:28-29) At first, people just dismissed it as Jesus spending time in prayer with God. All of a sudden, a voice answered him. It was the voice of the Father.

This took the people around him by surprise. The voice was so loud that there was no doubt that God was speaking. The problem was that some people were not listening. Some said that it thundered, not hearing the contents of what was said. The others claimed that they heard an angel, not recognizing the voice of the Father.

This voice was a loud and booming voice. The few that heard it was the Apostle John. He was being trained to hear the father’s voice. A skill that he would use at a later time in his life. Learning to listen to the Father’s voice takes practice and time.

The voice of a trumpet

The voice of the Lord came upon the Apostle John, again, at another time in his life. While spending time in the isle of Patmos, he decided to seek the face of the Lord. Hidden in a cave and isolated from all civilization, he did not get discouraged. Let look at the verse below–

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet (Rev 1:10)

Notice he was in the Spirit. There is a good possibility that he might have been praying in tongues. Praying in tongues has been so misunderstood in the body, that it has caused many to miss their blessings. I believe that the Apostle had spent some time praying in tongues. This, in turn, allowed God to unravel a mystery. A word that he would carry to the seven churches.

A still small voice.

Another way of hearing God is in the still small voice. Let’s look at the verse below–
And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (I Kings 19:11-12)

We associate hearing God’s voice with the spectacular. In the verse above, it was not in the great and strong wind nor in the earthquake. Like John, the prophet Elijah was taking refuge in a cave. It was during that time, that he heard a still small voice.

Sometimes, we let outside circumstances take the place of the voice of God. This kind of mentality could mislead us and cause us to miss God altogether. God spoke to his prophet in a still small voice. There are times when God will speak to you when everything around you is calm and quiet.

There are other ways in which God speaks to his people, but I will leave you with this thought— Study and meditate on his word. (Joshua 1:8) The Bible has the words of life and is a sure prophecy to you. Practicing and doing that will sharpen your spiritual hearing.

Consistency in that area will prepare you for the service of God. It’s time to develop your spiritual hearing so you can discern the times in which we live. So, having that in mind, let’s apply that principle so that we can be useful vessels in the kingdom of God. Who knows what impact you might have on future generations to come!

Reprint courtesy of the Christian corner community church. 

The First and the Last...

 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Rev 1:8)

(Editor’s note–Please click on the highlighted letters and click on the links below. They will help you better understand today’s study. ) In our last study, we saw how you can be blessed by reading the book of Revelation. Today, we will understand why the Lord Jesus used the words Alpha and Omega two times in this chapter. Dear Reader, when you see words repeated in the Bible, please pay attention. God is trying to unravel a revelation to you. Nothing is more exciting than to see the Bible speak directly to you.

The Hebrew Alphabet 

Alpha and Omega are the Greek letters of the alphabet. Alpha is the beginning word and Omega is the end word. Jesus defined himself as the beginning and the end. Think of it this way–If he was to use the English alphabet, he would be saying I am A to Z.

Now at first glance, that doesn’t make sense. As we dig into the word, we are going to find some exciting revelation of this analogy. I, personally, believe that the Apostle John was well versed in Hebrew and Greek. I, also, believe that when the Lord spoke to John, he spoke to him in the Hebrew tongue. Another example is Saul (Paul). Jesus spoke to him in Hebrew.

And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (Acts 26:14)

Why is this so important to us? Simply because God is going to give us a revelation. A revelation of prophetic events found in the Old testament. When God spoke to the Apostle John in Hebrew about the first and last, he used Aleph and Tav’s letters. The Aleph is the first and the Tav is the last.

Psalms 119–The beginning and the end

Hebrew letters are picture symbols and carry meaning. Some Bibles have Psalms 119 separated by Hebrew letters translated into English. The reason for this was simple. The author wanted to separate the Psalms into rows of eight verses. It was a way for God to use the memory method of association. This is used in improving one’s memory even today.

An example of this is very simple. If I asked you to start a sentence with the word B, what would you have in mind? My sentence would be… Blessed are the merciful. Now, compare this to the Hebrew format. Upon reading Hebrew, you would start from right to left. As you read the first eight verses of Ps 119, it starts with the Hebrew word Aleph.

As you read the rest of Psalms 119, it finishes with the last word of the Hebrew alphabet, Tav. When Jesus appeared to John at the isle of Patmos, he brought forth a powerful revelation. He said…I am the Aleph and Tav. This, in turn, highlighted his whole name in the book of Psalms 119. Why is this so important? Because it highlighted him as the Messiah to come. Notice in Rev 1:8, the following words were added-

• Which is (Indicating the word which stands to this day and will always be.)
• Which was  (He came into his own and they receive him not. He was crucified at the cross).
• Which is to come (Jesus was resurrected and is coming soon!) This and other associations can be found with the letters Aleph and Tav. Please go to my Facebook page the Christian Corner community church 56 for a more detailed explanation of this exciting and prophetic revelation. God bless.

For further clarity, go to https://bit.ly/3hdGAqx

Extra bonus–Can you find the first and the last in Gen 1:1? Click on this link (Hint it is found in the Hebrew letters)..https://bit.ly/3xYT9fy

Reprint courtesy of the Christian corner community church. 

A study on the book of Revelation---Part 2

 

                                             Do you know you can be blessed today? 

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (Rev 1:3)

Greetings. In our last study, we discussed how love played an important part in the Apostle John’s life.  It managed to deliver him from the fear of man. Arrested, he was brought before a crowded Coliseum. His enemies wanted to make an example of him. They poured boiling oil over his body but God had the last say. He was delivered and this caused a massive outpouring of souls into the kingdom.

Frustrated at this event, the Romans exiled him to Patmos in the hope that he would meet his doom. Again, God had the last word. His protection was upon him. Living in a cave, God showed him what would happen in the end times. Love is powerful.

It is a fruit of the spirit and when unleashed, it can open a flood of blessings to us. Today, we are going to see how Revelation can be a book of blessings for us. How do we start getting blessed? It starts with the words…Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy.

Contrary to popular opinion, Revelation can be a book of blessings for us. Yes, it is gloom and doom for the wicked. For the Born-again believer, it is a book of blessings. The word says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:17)

When you read and hear God’s word with an open heart, something happens. Faith starts to arise in your heart and will cause the impossible to become possible. It is just like the formula for water ( H2O). What happens when you mix Hydrogen and Oxygen? You get water. You get 2 elements that are unseen and mix them to get something tangible.

Likewise, it is the same with faith. God’s word (Unseen), along with our faith (Unseen) will cause his promises to become manifested in our lives (Deliverance, Healing, Prosperity, etc)  Now, I want to make it clear. I am not telling you that life will be a bed of roses. In fact, when you are standing on God’s promises, sometimes, things will get worse. John sets the record straight with this.

 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Rev 1:9)

John is our brother and companion in tribulations. Brethren, we are going to go through tribulations, testings, and afflictions. It is part of the package of salvation, but there is good news! God delivers us from all our afflictions. (Ps 34:19) In this book of Revelation, we are going to study the subject of the rapture of the church and the end times. So, please don’t miss it and lose your blessing.

Friend, Jesus is coming soon. Are you prepared? Don’t be left behind. Accept him as savior today! Enclosed below is a prayer of Salvation. Don't hesitate because today is the day of Salvation. 

Sinner's prayer---Dear Lord, I am a sinner. Forgive me for my sins. Come into my heart and make me a new creation. Your death, burial, and resurrection have now become mine. I accept you as Lord. I believe that God has raised you from the dead and I am saved! Thank you, Jesus, for saving me. I am born again and I will serve you the rest of my life!

Reprint courtesy of the Christian Corner community church.