The commendation, warning and promise to Pergamos. Rev 2:12-17

The title of this post describes the 3 or so movements or thoughts within this short 7 verse letter from Jesus Christ to the church @ Pergamos.

First of all the intended recipient, and description of Christ, and the commendation of the church itself.

This letter, as is true of each of the 7, is addressed to the angel, or the messenger, or most likely, the pastor or shepherd of the church there in Pergamos. Christ says the things that He says, as the one who has "the sharp two-edged sword" That was by the way how John in chapter 1:16 described what was coming out of the mouth of Christ. We do know that the Sword of the Spirit is indeed the Word of God.

Here's what Christ knew about them, and commended them for. ( He of course knows everything, but, is simply stating that He knew about them )

1. I know your works. So, they were a working for the Lord church.
2. I know where you dwell. Their physical/spiritual if you will location.
3. I know that Satan's throne is where you are.
4. I know you hold fast my name. They were faithful.
5. I know you do not deny My faith. Again, they were faithful.
6. I know you are faithful even in the face of martyrdom.

The ref to "Satan's Throne" could be a reference to the type of Emperor worship that took place there, or the worship of Zeus @ his altar, on the local acropolis, or both. But, needless to say, Satan was well entrenched there in the life of the community, and in the minds and hearts of it's citizens. The believers in that city were living right in the middle of this Satanic influence and power.


Here's what Christ had "against them" Two doctrines, or teachings are mentioned. There were people in the church who were holding to these teachings.

1. They had those who held to the doctrine of Balaam.
2. They also had those who held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

Balaam is an example of greed and misuse of ministry position.
Nicolaitans, are believed to be those who were given over to an ungodly liberty, especially in the area of morals, and or practiced an unbiblical form of church leadership, where the leaders were placing themselves as lord's over the people, and the people were allowing it to be so.

So, both of these things were what Jesus calls "against you" or teachings that He was against if you will. They were not true and not right, and it was displeasing to the Lord that these would be going on in His church.

Here's what Jesus said they were to do.

Repent, or change your thinking, or else, ( if you do not repent ) then I will come to you quickly and will fight against these two groups with the sword of My mouth. What a warning. And, it's also clear that the Lord was giving them time to repent of these teachings.

Finally here's what Jesus promised them by way of blessing.

He asked them to listen, by saying, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" And, then promised to things.

1. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. This may refer to the sufficiency of Christ for the Christians needs, just as manna was in the OT for the Hebrew people, while they were in the wilderness wandering for 40 years.

2. 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. Again, this may refer to custom there in Pergamos of voting for the acquittal of an accused person by using a white stone. ( indicating that the believer can be assured of his or her being acquitted before God ) Or it might refer to the sufficiency of Christ from the custom there of wearing amulets around the neck. We are not sure.

In reflection and application.

The Lord is completely aware of all the circumstances in our lives. And, in particular of course, He knows of the spiritual warfare that we go through, and the difficulties that Satan can bring into our lives.

Also, it's very possible for their to be teachings, and practices going on in our lives that are displeasing to the Lord, He is faithful to point those out, and is patient in giving us time to repent of them, and repentance from them is what's expected by the Lord.

Finally, we can overcome, or endure, and in the meantime, the Lord is faithful to provide for our needs, and to sustain us, and to accept us into heaven when we leave this world.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

Be faithful unto death......the message from Jesus in Rev 2:8-11

Please see Revelation Chapter 2:8-11 The Church of Smyrna

This second letter from Christ, to John in the book of Revelation, was written to the angle, or messenger, or pastor of the church located in Smyrna, ( modern day Turkey ) While it was an actual and specific church, most Bible Scholars and commentators, believe that the messages to this and the other churches, can also be applicable to any individual christian down through the ages, and to various churches. Some also believe that these letters span the history of the church age, starting with Ephesus, as the early church, winding up with Philadelphia and Laodecia as the last days churches.

But, here in this letter, the Lord identifies and explains Himself as the "First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life" This is a favorite and so often used term by the Lord when speaking of Himself, and trying to help us understand who He is, and thereby help us know Him, and grow in Him.

He is the eternal God. He always has existed, and always will exist. He did come to earth and took on a human body. The God Man, Jesus Christ, came specifically to go to the cross to die for our sins, and then rose from the dead, and He is alive forever and ever, amen. He came to life.

( I might add here, just by way of applicational thought, taken from the very context of this letter..........that some reading this post today, may feel as if they have died, or are dead, spiritually, and or just in general in your life and ministry. Please be encouraged, that Christ in His love, and His grace, and mercy, and power, can make you "come to life" as it were. Let's pray that He does )

At any rate, to this Church, the Lord says a number of things.

1. I know your works. So, they were a working church, for the Lord.
2. I know your tribulation. They were a church with trials.
3. I know your poverty. Physically, ( but you are rich spiritually )
4. I know the blasphemy spoken against you.


This blasphemy, ( was coming from those who say they are Jews, or God's people, so called religious persons , but who were neither, and were in fact a synagogue of Satan ) slander, evil speaking, reproachful speech, etc. Jesus says, I know what they are saying to you, and about You.

Then, the Lord gives them instruction as to what to do in the midst of their situation.
1. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.
2. Indeed the devil is about to throw some of you in prison, that you may be tested.
3. And, you will have tribulation for 10 days.
4. Be faithful unto death.
5. And I will give you the crown of life.

Finally, as He says often to the other churches also, 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, or the eternal judgement of God.


Some final thoughts and application.

1. What a comfort to know that Christ "knows" what you may be going through.
2. If you are a worker for the Lord, then "God bless you in your work, and keep working"
3. You are indeed wealthy in Christ. You have eternal treasures being stored up.
4. Persecution and trouble generally come to those serving Christ.
5. God's prescription, is "do not be afraid" It's what we choose not to do.
6. You may even suffer more then you are, but do not be afraid.
7. God does test His own people, to work in and through them. So keep that in mind please.
8. Along with not being afraid, "be faithful" that a marching order from the Lord, be faithful
9. Know that rewards are coming one day. And there is more to life then this earthly one.
10. You are in Christ, and headed to heaven. Nothing can separate you from Christ's love.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love"

The title of this post, is found in verse 4 of Rev 2:1-7.

The first 7 verses of Rev 2, are a letter sent by Jesus through John the apostle to the church at Ephesus.

This letter, like the other 6 found in Rev chapters 2-3, are each addressed to the angel, or messenger, or pastor of the church the letter is being written to.

Most of the letters are like this first one, where there is quite a lot of commendation, and then a word or two of correction and rebuke. The only two that did not receive correction were the Churches of Smyrna, and Philadelphia.

To Ephesus, the Lord again, ( as He did in the first chapter, ) says, that He is holding the seven stars, or the messengers in His right hand, and that He walks in the midst of the lampstands, or the church. So, He is there, in the church, in a very intimate and personal way.

He goes on to say, that He knows a number of things about the church ( of course, the Lord knows everything about all things, but here He just lists some things ) There are about 10 things that Jesus says here.

1. I know you works.
2. Your labor.
3. Your patience.
4. And, that you cannot bear those who are evil.
5. You have tested those who say they are apostles, and are not.
6. And you have found them liars.
7. You have persevered.
8. And have patience.
9. And have labored for My names sakes.
10. And have not become weary.

Then the Lord points out the one thing that He has against them, or the thing that He wants them to change. He also by the way, not only points what He has against them, but He shows them what to do about it, and then also gives them a warning.

"that you have left, or are leaving your fist love" The word left, means an intentional, not accidental act. Some 30 years earlier, Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, ( see chapter 1:15-16, had commended them for their love. But, here, 30 years later, Jesus is reproving them for leaving it.

At one time they had a great love for the Lord, but, now they were leaving that love. ( Although, they were continuing on in their various Christian activities and ministries. ) This is a sobering reality.
That as believers, we can leave that love for Christ, and all the while keep right on with our involvement in church and such.

The remedy is given by the Lord. It's a 3-fold remedy. The three "R's"

1. Remember therefore from where you have fallen.
2. Repent.
3. Repeat, or do your first works.

There is also a warning from Jesus given to the Ephesian church. "Or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from it's place-unless you repent.
So, this removal of them from their place as it were, but, it they repented, all would be well.

What does this mean? To have their lampstand removed from it's place? Perhaps, it means that their usefulness would cease. The Ephesian church would no longer be useful in the hands of the Lord.

One thing we can deduct from this warning that a healthy and useful church has at it's core, members, who are not only active in their Christian works and such, but are primarily and centrally, focused on loving the Lord. That all healthy ministry flows out of, and from that primary relationship. And, the Lord will not have it any other way. Love is what makes a church powerful.

There was one other word of commendation for this church, and it's found in 2:6,
"But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate"
So, they hated something, and it was the same thing Jesus hated. Interesting to hear Jesus say that He hates something.

What is it.? Well, there were followers of one, Nicolas. His name is mentioned in Act 6:5, according the to the early church fathers.

Here's what is believed to have been going on. A sect, or group arose, which advocated what is called "license" in matters of Christian conduct, which included among other things, "free love"
A kind of anything goes attitude in relationships with one another.

Additionally, it's believed that they were also misusing the roles and offices of leadership.
The word "Nicolaitans" means, conquering the people. So, there was then this group of people who were promoting a kind of religious, or clerical hierarchy. See also Rev 2:15

So, in Rev 2:6, the Lord simply states that they had this going on, and that He hated it.

Finally, at the end of this brief 7 verse letter to the Ephesian church, the Lord appeals to them and then gives them a promise.

The appeal........."He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. "
The promise......."To him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God"

So, that marks the first of 7 letters given to the 7 churches that were in Asia.
According to Rev 1:19, these letters it seems, comprise what is called in the book of Rev, "the things that are" Or the church age.

If indeed, that is the correct way to look at the time line of the churches, then it means that starting in Rev 4, you have the things which are to come , or the things that will take place after the church age.

Thus, Rev 4-19, which comprise the majority of the book of Rev, would show us that what is called the great tribulation will take place at the end of the church age, or just after the church is removed from the earth. That removal has been called the rapture of the church.

See Rom 5:8, 1st Thess 4:13-18, and 1st Thess 5:8. These tell us what we as christians are delivered from, and will not be subjected to, and what we can expect by way of meeting the Lord etc.

Well, more to come tomorrow on the 2nd of the 7 churches in Revelation.

May God bless you.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

The things Jesus said, and said about Himself in Revelation chapter 1

Rev 1:11 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.

Rev 1:17 Do not be afraid; I Am the First and the Last.

Rev 1:18a I Am He who lives and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore. Amen.

Rev 1:18b And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Four simple statements, that are the most profound thing anyone could ever say. These things are true about Jesus. He said them because they are true. Let's just look at each one briefly.

# 1. Alpha and Omega, are the first and the last letters of the Greek Alphabet, indicating that the Lord God is the beginning and the end of all things.

# 2. Do not be afraid: I Am the First and the Last. This was the first thing from Jesus to John, that was instruction if you will to John personally, and it's based on who Jesus is. Here is something John, "not to be" Do not be afraid. Do not fear, don't be in terror, or fright. And the reason is, because of who I am. I'm eternal, I was here before anything. I'm the one who lives forever. My person and position is greater then any problem, or predicament you may find yourself in. So, Do not be afraid.

# 3. And, this is somewhat of a repeat, but with explanation. I'm the one who lives and was dead, and I'm alive forevermore, Amen. Looking at His current state, He was alive, but looking back at His time here on earth, and focusing on the cross, where He died. He was at one point dead. But, now, being alive, He is also alive, never to die again, but is alive forevermore. Or for eternity.

# 4. There are two keys that Jesus has. This places Him in the position of authority over these two areas. One is hades, or modern day hell, where the souls of unbelievers go upon their death, as they await the final judgement, and then they will be cast into the lake of fire. The other is death itself.
Death is under the control of Jesus, in that He has conquered it. The separation that sin brought to man, has been fixed if you will by Jesus. He bridged the separation, by becoming separated from His Father, and dying, but only to be raised from the dead, and alive, to never die again. He is the authority over death.


When you review what Jesus said, it mostly has to do with His eternal nature, and ability to influence our lives, and the great authority He has, and the peace we have by being in Him.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

Are you discouraged? This may encourage you.

Isaiah 49: 4 Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; Yet surely my just reward is with the LORD, And my work with my God.’”

This may have been Isaiah speaking in the first part of verse 49, expressing that he felt that his labor and work in the Lord was in vain. He did not seem to see any results from his work.

Also, in the middle part of the verse, he says the same thing a little differently. "I have spent my strength for nothing in vain"

This seems to mean, that as he looked back on all the work he had done, all the strength and energy that he had put into his work, his ministry that it was for nothing it was in vain, it was ( as far as he could tell ) futile and empty of results or fruit. 

These thoughts and feelings of discouragement are not uncommon to the servants of God. In fact, there is no doubt that the Lord would not be the one to initiate them within a person's mind. 

On the same note, many over the years have said, that discouragement is one of satan's "favorite tools and weapons" and he uses it all the time against God's people. 

But, as we look at the rest of verse 4, we see the truth of God coming to the forefront of the prophets mind and heart. In other words, he was coming around to his right mind, to the mind of the Lord, the way things really are as far as God is concerned. This truth is truth, it's not a made up thing, to be used by the enemy to hurt and discourage, but to encourage, and to build up, and to give strength and peace. 

Please note the two things that are said in 49:4b

1. "Yet surely my just ( or justice ) reward is with the Lord"

How true this is. Our service here on earth is connected with rewards and treasures that are being stored and reserved in heaven for us. God keeps them, and will give them to us when we arrive there in heaven.

2. "And my work ( or my recompense ) is with my God" The Bible teaches us, and tells us that God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love, and also that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 

So, while we may feel sometimes like Isaiah did, ( and I'm quite certain we all do from time to time ) the truth is, that our feelings are just that feelings. And the eternal, true, truth is that God is reserving our treasures and rewards in heaven. And, there is coming a day when we will stand before Him, and He will lavishly distribute them to to us, and reward us in a just and gracious manner. 

So, may you be encouraged today, as your thoughts might turn away from your feelings, and rest upon the truth found in God and in Christ, and in His precious Word. 

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

What are the keys of Hades and Death that Christ has?

See Rev 1:18  “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.


Jesus explains who He is, and what He has with Him. 


First of all then, "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore" What do these three things mean?


Jesus is alive. That's what He says about Himself. He had existed eternally in glory with the Father, and with the Holy Spirit, but then came to the earth, being born of a virgin, and entered humanity as a little baby. He grew and then entered His ministry, doing many miracles, teaching many things, demonstrating that He was God, but then accomplishing what He primarily came to do. 


And, that was to die on the cross for the sins of the world. He came to die for our sins. That was His hour, and He accomplished it. He finished it. He was then buried in the ground, as is most anyone who has died. He had a funeral if you will, His body being put into a tomb. He was dead. 


But, then on the 3rd day, He arose from the dead. And, it's these twin truths that Jesus mentions to start with. I am alive, I was dead, but now I'm alive. He rose from the dead. 


There is an additional thing he says here....I am alive forevermore. So, I was dead, I'm am alive now, but not just alive in the sense that anyone is alive, I'm alive forevermore. Or forever, and forever.  I will not die, I will never change my being alive status. I will continue to live into eternity, and for eternity, forever, and forever. 


So, He came from eternity, into this temporal existence, and is now back in eternity if you will, and it's forever as a man raised from the dead. 


Secondly, Jesus speaks of two keys He has. The keys of Hades and the Keys of Death. These two keys. 


What does all of this mean? 


1. Keys speak of authority.
2. Jesus has authority over Hades and Death.
3. Hades is where unbelievers go at this time when they die.
4. Hades holds the immaterial part or soul of unbelievers. 
5. Hades will one day be emptied.
6. Those in Hades will go to the lake of fire forever. 
7. Jesus has victory over death. 
8. He has the key or authority over death. 
9. Jesus proved this by raising from the dead.
10. Jesus will always have the key over death.
11. Jesus is alive forevermore.


What does all of this mean for those who believe in Christ?


1. It means we will not go to Hades or the Lake of Fire.
2. The reason, is that we are in Christ.
3. And, Christ has the authority over these two places. 
4. We will be with Christ forevermore. 
5. We have eternal life in Christ. 
6. We also will live forever, and not die again if you will. 


Death is the great enemy of man, and Christ has defeated Death. Man exists now in this world, and will one day leave this world and arrive in an eternal dwelling place. 


There are only two places that a man can go after he dies. But, those places are determined not after death, but while alive here on earth. 


God wants every man to wind up not in the lake of fire, but in heaven with Him. 


The good news is, that heaven is available for anyone who will come to Christ, and receive Him into their lives as savior.


Blessings to you.....
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

God has given us revelation, to know what will happen.

See Revelation Chapter 1.

First of all, this is for His servants. The Lord specifically gave this Book of Revelation, to show His servants the things that would come to pass.

Prophecy, is not prediction, or fortune telling, or communication with the dead. Prophecy is when God speaks and reveals what He wants to reveal about the future. It's one of the characteristics of God that sets Him apart from anyone, or anything that people might worship, or hold in high regard as some great and powerful personage, or entity etc. Only the Living and the true God, The Father of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ Himself, and the Holy Spirit have this ability.

Secondly, the prophecy contained in the Book of Revelation is associated with a blessing to those who hear it, and  read it, and to those keep it. Blessed means to be happy. There is then a certain happiness that one will have as they hear, read and keep what's in this book.

Thirdly, the contents of this book were to be given to seven particular churches that existed at the time John received this revelation. Those churches were located in what is modern day Turkey.
However, most Bible Scholars, commentators, and teachers are of the opinion that the seven churches also are representative to two things.

1. Church History. From the inception of the church, right on through to the last days church.

2. The lessons in these letters can have application to any Christian at any time.( That is, for example, "leaving your first love" as with the church of Ephesus. Well, they, thatactual church was indeed losing it's first love, but, so with the average Christian, they canalso find themselves losing their first love. So, the letters in chapter 2-3 do have both a historical application to seven particular churches, but also to you and I as christians )

The Lord is very self revealing in this book of Revelation and very much so in the first chapter.
As you read it through you might try counting up the specific things that are said about Jesus.
It's a long and detailed list.

Let me just mention a few of them to you.

1. He is the God of grace and peace. Jesus gives grace and gives peace. See Rev 1:4.
This means, that He can give us grace and peace. He is unchanging and thus, these
blessings are also available for us today.

2. He is intimately connected with His church. He is standing in the midst of His church. He is in
His church ( although there are some warnings in the 2nd 3rd chapter about His removing
Himself from the church etc ) But, to start with He is in His church. And His church is not a
building, but it's people. And people are individually members of His church. A Christian is a
church member, and Christ is in that person. Christ in you, is how the Bible puts it.

So, the one who gives grace and peace is in you if you are a christian.

Let's today, as we begin this first week of the new year, 2012, and head to our various church services this week and coming weekend, be blessed by this book of Revelation, and be receivers today of His grace, and of His peace.

We can pray for those blessings. We can ask for them. We can have them multiplied through the knowledge of God, that is through His Word.

May God bring great, and abundant blessings of peace and grace to you today, and lay that foundation moving into the new year.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.