The next two chapters consist of letters written to the seven churches in Asia. Each letter is different, yet the same. These churches are no longer standing today, but their characteristics exist in every church in the world. As we go through the letters and understand what Jesus is saying to them, examine yourself and see if you yourself have any of these characteristics: good or bad.
The first letter is addressed to the church of Ephesus. "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, these things say He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place-unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." (Rev. 2:1-7)
The Ephesus church is known as the loveless church. It started out loving God, but as they continued in their works, the fire and love they started out with dwindled out. Their labor and works though good have become tradition, legalistic. This happens to a lot of Christians. When we first receive Christ, we are on fire for Him. We love Him with all our hearts and are eager to do anything and everything for Him. But then several things happen. One thing is we become too busy serving God that we neglect to spend time with Him. Distractions from family, friends, school, our jobs, and other things start to take up more and more of our time. When we do finally find time to read the Word or pray, we realize that we don't have that same fire burning in our hearts anymore. It's becoming routine. God cares way more about having a personal relationship WITH Him than us doing a bunch of things FOR Him. So, make sure to keep the fire God placed in you burning. If it's low, look at your priorities and change them if necessary. Jesus promises to him who overcomes, He will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.
The second letter is addressed to the church of Smyrna. "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, these things say the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life. I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.
For years, there have been many pastors and speakers who question who the true Jews are. There are quite a few groups of people who claim that they are the true Israelites, but let's take a deeper look at what this means. The synagogue of Satan is a group of people who don't practice the basics of Judaism. They don't keep the Torah; let alone follow it. Some of these people may have been born into Jewish families, but when they grew up, they walked away from everything they were taught. They tell people that they're Jewish due to their background, but they don't live or act like true Jews.
These are the ones who cause the most problems for people because they act like the devil. They are the persecutors, liars, and murderers who destroy everything they touch. But Jesus promised that those who overcome shall not be hurt by the second death. As far as those groups who've risen claiming they're the true Israelites, are they lying? Honestly, I don't know. I say that because we've got to remember that the Israelites didn't stay in just one place. At one point, the nation was scattered to different parts of the world. And of course, they married locals and have children with them. So, there are Black Jews, White Jews, Asian Jews, Hispanic Jews, and Native American Jews walking around today. The main message here is to be faithful unto death. Hang on despite tribulations.
The third letter is addressed to the church of Pergamos. "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, these things say He who has the sharp two-edged sword: I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus, you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Sprit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."
Balaam was a false prophet paid by King Balak to curse the nation of Israel. Instead of cursing them, he spoke a blessing over them and a curse over their enemies more than once. Of course, Balak was angry that this happened, but then Balaam ended up doing something far worse. He couldn't curse them, but he advised other nations to seduce Israel through sex and worship with other gods. The result of this bad advice cost 24,000 people to die from a plague.
Today, there are many false prophets who have become stumbling blocks for the children of God. Some come straight out and preach another Jesus and another gospel. But the most dangerous false prophets and teachers are the subtle ones. They preach a watered-down gospel to make sure nobody is offended. They never preach on repentance, hell, or holy living. They make Jesus look cool not realizing that while Jesus is a loving God, He is a holy God above all else. Some add a little false doctrine here and there into the gospel but do it in a way that makes it sound biblical. It's like poisoning somebody a little at a time. In 1999, the movie Lethal Vows, starring John Ritter came out based on the true story of Richard Overton. Overton’s first wife Dorothy Boyer had become suspicious when Overton’s third wife Janet Overton suddenly died from the same mystery illness that had plagued Boyer for years. It eventually came out that Overton had been putting small doses of poison in their food and drinks over time. Overton was sentenced to life in prison where he would ultimately die. As for Boyer, the years of poisoning had created irreversible damage that would take her life years later. But that's how false doctrine poisons the Church. It's given in small doses and often by the time a church realizes what's happened, the damage in some cases is irreversible.
But the good news is every false prophet and teacher is going to have to give an account to God on that great day of Judgment. They'll be without excuse and they're going to not only answer for the lies they taught, but the blood on their hands because many will and have gone to hell due to false teachings. But this is also a reason why Christians need to read the Bible for themselves. Don't rely on the pastors and speakers only for your growth. Know the Bible so when you hear something that seems out of place, you won't be deceived. Jesus promises to him who overcomes He will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And He will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.
The fourth letter is addressed to the church of Thyatira. "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, "These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and beguile My servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed, I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death. And all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they call them, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-He shall rule them with a rod of iron; As the potter's vessels shall be broken to pieces- as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Once again, we deal with false teachers. There's only so many chances these false teachers and prophets they will get until God's patience finally runs out. Like in the last letter, this false prophetess seduces the servants with false teachings and sexual immorality. But Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24 that false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so to deceive, if possible, even the elect. We need to make sure we know the Bible for ourselves so that way if somebody comes along preaching another gospel, we'll be able to discern the truth from the lies.
Jezebel’s story can be found in I Kings 16-21. This wicked woman was an idol worshipper who influenced Israel to follow the ways of Baal. The true prophets of God were murdered under her direction and those who were fortunate enough to live had to flee to the caves. This woman was ruthless. She struck fear in the heart of Elijah after he killed over 600 false prophets of Baal which caused him to flee for his life. 1 Kings 19:1-18 She even plotted the murder of Naboth, a man who refused to give Ahab his vineyard. 1 Kings 21 In response to Ahab's temper tantrum, Jezebel wrote a letter to each of the leaders of Naboth's town falsely accusing him of cursing God and the king. After suggesting Naboth be stoned to death, Jezebel signed Ahab's name. After Naboth was killed, Jezebel told Ahab she got him the vineyard. But like a lot of evil people, they don't stay in power forever. It eventually comes back to them. Ahab was killed in battle (1 Kings 22) and Jezebel met a bloody end when the eunuchs threw her out the window at the direction of Jehu. She was trampled by horses and later eaten by dogs. 2 Kings 9:30-37
There is nothing we can do without God knowing it. He hears every word we speak, sees every word we type and text, sees every action we do in secret, knows every thought in our minds and hearts. That conversation you had in which you were gossiping about that person, God heard you. That nasty message you sent on Facebook to that unsuspecting person who thought you were their friend, God saw that. That pornographic website you clicked on while your spouse was upstairs asleep, yep. You were spotted. You may have deleted the history, but sorry. You've been found out by God Himself. Proverbs 15:3 says the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Trust that God will give to you everything in response to what you do. Galatians 6:7 says, "Be not deceived. God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man sows, that he shall reap."
The good news is not everybody in Thyatira had fallen prey to this Jezebel woman and Jesus promises that he who overcomes, and keeps His works until the end, to him He will give power over the nations.
