TheShiningLight

The Seven Churches Part Two

If we stand back and look at the overall history of the Mosaic Covenant,  we find that this history spans seven distinct eras.  It is therefore reasonable to conclude that the earthly history of the Espoused Bride of the New Covenant Assembly, as revealed by the messages to the seven churches in Rev 2-3 also incorporates seven distinct eras. To repeat a statement made in THE SEVEN CHURCHES article;  Each of these churches has distinct attitudes, strengths and problems.  While all exist at the same time, one would be dominate at any given time.  I conclude that the messages to the seven churches were about their future conduct, after at least 70 ad, because those messages are addressed personally and directly to those churches.  One does not address a message to people who are already dead!  Therefore the messages were directed toward the future as seen from that time.

Further the book of Revelation is not an historical book about the past, the time before it was written, but is a prophetic book about the future from the time that it was written.  In conclusion; The message to the seven churches was for the future from at least 70 ad up to the present and  the messages reflect a mirror image of the Mosaic Covenant history.

We are told that all things happened to them for OUR ensample (examples) and our admonition (instruction) 1 Cor 10:11.  Therefore let us examine that history.

In the beginning, we find all Israel in Egypt, completely controlled by the Egyptians.  This pictures how all men, like slaves are dominated and controlled by their sins.  Israel then finds freedom, through many miracles from God, going out in great joy, only to see their enthusiasm and excitement quickly disappear in the face of trials.  This first stage is the coming out of Egypt under Moses and Aaron.

The next stage for Israel, is the entry into the land under Joshua. Through much trial and tribulation they possess the land.

Third, is the period of the Judges of Israel.  This is a time of repeated falling away from God and repeated renewals of repentance.

Fourth, is the period of the Kings.  With many bad kings and a few good ones.

Fifth,  Is the great Captivity.  When first Israel and later Judah are removed from the land because of their habitual sins.

Sixth, is the Return to the land of those persons who had learned from the correction and repented.  
Seventh, is the period of the Mosaic Pharisees.  These people have become confident of their own righteousness.  They believe that all truth is invested in them.  No one can teach them anything.  They rely on their own traditions instead of the Word of God.  Messiah comes to them, but they can't recognize Him, for He tells them the Truth about themselves, which they cannot accept.  Mat 23

This last period.  The period of the Mosaic Pharisees corresponds to the message to the Church of Laodicea in Rev 3:14-22.  Notice that they have exactly the same problems.  They think that they are spiritually rich and need nothing.  They do not know that they are miserable, poor and wretched in God's sight, lacking any real understanding of the Word of God and substituting their own traditions and the words of men.  They are naked, not being clothed with righteousness Rev 19:8 and shall be ashamed before their God if they fail to repent.  They may have much zeal for their church group, leader or minister but they lack zeal toward God.  Standing on the words of those men instead of standing upon the Word of Almighty God.  They are absolutely BLIND to their condition, for they REFUSE TO SEE.  They WILL NOT LOOK into God's Word to examine themselves. They think that every good thing is about themselves and that every criticism is about someone else.  Brethren,  JESUS CHRIST CAME TO SUCH PEOPLE THE FIRST TIME.  He is coming the second time to FIND SUCH PEOPLE AGAIN!

Almost every Church of God group claims that they are of Philadelphia, because they say, there is no criticism of that church.  My friends, it's time that we understood WHY there is no criticism of Philadelphia.  It's time we understood the REAL DIFFERENCE between Philadelphia and Laodicea.  The truth is that  ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD  Romans 3:23.  IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NOT SINNED, WE MAKE HIM A LIAR, AND HIS WORD IS NOT IN US 1 Joh 10. 

Philadelphians have sinned, some have sinned greatly.  Why is there no criticism?  It is because they KNOW that they are sinners!  They KNOW that they are WEAK.  They ACKNOWLEDGE their sin, they REPENT, they TURN to GOD.  They LOOK to God, they STAND on the INFALLABLE WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD!  So much in the Bible is written about or written by David.  This is because he is a Classic Philadelphian in attitude. A man agter God's own heart.  A man who may make some big mistakes, but who has a repentant and contrite heart. A man totally dedicated to and filled up with; love for God; and love for truth and justice, a man of truly NOBLE CHARACTER.  

The Laodicean thinks that he is clean and righteous, because he leans to HIS OWN UNDERSTANDING,  he relies on the WORDS OF HIS LEADERS AND THEIR TRADITION, INSTEAD OF ON THE WORD OF GOD.  His leaders and his church have BECOME HIS GOD!

The most defining thing about a person's spiritual life may be found in how they pray, for this shows their relationship with and attitude toward God.  Our MASTER JESUS CHRIST revealed the difference between the Philadelphian and the Laodicean in Luk 18:11-14.  The Pharisee was exactly like the Church of God organizations today.  The Publican, the sinner was exactly like those scattered, precious jewels of God, spread throughout the Church of God and the world today.  I ask you; Who rose up justified?

The Philadelphian is a SINNER who KNOWS that he is a sinner and turns to his God, relying on Him.  The Laodicean is a SINNER who DOES NOT KNOW OR BELIEVE that he is in any way falling short.  He relies on his TRADITION, his TEACHERS and NOT ON HIS GOD!

Dear CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH GOD.

We live at the very end of an age.  We live right at the time of the coming of our Lord.  We live in a Laodicean age of self righteousness.  As it is written Mal 4:6 we shall all surely be DAMNED if we do not REPENT and turn to our God.  The Great Tribulation is not about satan persecuting a righteous people.  It is about a RIGHTEOUS GOD allowing satan to persecute a wicked, rebellious Church of God! Allowing him to destroy the flesh in order to save the spirit 1 Cor 5:5, Rev 3:19.  If we do not turn to God NOW, we face His LOVING AND MERCIFUL BUT SEVERE CORRECTION!  If we do not repent under that correction, we face IMMINENT UTTER DESTRUCTION.