A Recap of Revelation Chapter 4........

See Revelation 4:1-11

This chapter begins the 3rd section of Revelation.

The first section is in chapter 1, where John writes about what he was seeing, which was the Lord Jesus Christ.

The second section is in chapters 2-3, where John was told to write about the things which are.
In this section about the things that are, John received 7 letters from Jesus, addressed to 7 different churches that existed at that time.

It's believed by many that these 7 churches represent the Church Age, from start to finish.
That is, Ephesus being the very early church, and the churches of Philadelphia and Laodecia in particular being the last days church.

Thus when chapter 4 opens, with "After these things" and, " I will show you things which must take place after this" that this then is the third section of revelation, showing what would happen in the world after the church age, and after the church is removed from the earth prior to the great tribulation.

In fact, in 4:1 we are told that John heard "Come up here" in other words, come up to heaven. Again a type if you will of the church being taken up to heaven. By the way, there is in 4:1, this "door standing open in heaven" What a picture of invitation and grace this is. Jesus is called the "door" A door is something one goes through to get from where they are, to where they are going. There is something on the other side of the door. And, in this case, it's the Lord Himself in Heaven.

It's very  clear that the Lord has not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation. See Rom 5:8, and 1st Thess 5:8, and of course many other parts of the Bible where God's people have been delivered just prior to judgement.

So, with that in mind, we enter then into this third section of Revelation, the church in Heaven. Please also see chapter 4, and you will see that the people in this 5th chapter are the redeemed of the Lord, and then you will see as we move into chapter 6, ( which is really like a table of contents for the rest of Revelation ) that the tribulation begins, and leads to the coming of Jesus Christ.

So, the church is raptured and taken to heaven right at the start of chapter 4, and the tribulation will follow their removal from the earth. See also Rev 3:10

So, here is a quick overview of what's in chapter 4.

John sees a Throne in heaven, and One that sat on the throne. This is the first thing John sees, it's the Lord seated upon His throne. By the way, the Lord and the throne are filled with colors See 4:3

Secondly, John sees 24 Thrones around God's throne. And, on these 24 Thrones were 24 elders seated and clothed in white robes ( these robes would no doubt be robes of righteousness, robes of salvation, and the 24 elders also had Crowns of gold on their heads. Crowns are spoken of in Scripture as that which God gives His people by way of rewards. So, I think that these 24 elders are redeemed people. I'm not particularly sure exactly who they are beyond saying they are redeemed.

Thirdly, John describes what comes from the Throne and then adds what was in front of the Throne, and then more about what was around it. There were lightnings and thunderings coming from the Throne, along with seven lamps burning before it. We are told that these seven lamps are the seven  Spirits of God. Or the Holy Spirit who has been described in the book of Isaiah, as having seven aspects of who He is, and what He does. Thus, it seems that this is the Holy Spirit.

Fourthly, there is a sea of glass in front of the Throne, it is like crystal. And, then these 4 very interesting creatures around the Throne. They are full of eyes, and have wings and they speak, saying worshipful things about God, and when they speak the 24 elders prostrate themselves in front of the Throne.

That's about it. Here are some things that have come to my mind as I've pondered this chapter, and I pray that they might be an encouragement to you.

1. The door to heaven is Jesus Christ.

2. The Lord is on His Throne in heaven.

3. The Throne of God, and God speak of His great power and control.

4. The colors and the sounds, speak also of God's beauty and power.

5. There are others in heaven. Represented by the 24 elders.

6. The creatures who are busy worshipping, remind of God being the focus in heaven.

7. There are many things said about who God is in Chapter 4.

8. We are actually going to be there in Chapter 4.

9. The church will be taken to heaven.

10. One way or the other we will wind up there.

11. We will be singing these songs of praise one day in heaven.

12. Chapter 5 gives us more detail about heaven.

13. In the meantime God has us here on earth to do His will.

14. Let's help others get to heaven.


Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

What is said around the throne of God, and what happens there

See Revelation, 4:8b-11


The four winged creatures that are around the throne of God do not rest day or night, and they are saying "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come"

So, we see that they are constantly active, with their attention completely focused on the Lord, and they are saying things about God, that is, they are describing Him, basically in two ways.

First of all, God is Holy.

Secondly, God is Almighty.

Thirdly, God is eternal, was, is, and is to come.

What does Holy mean? The word in greek, is Hagios, meaning, sacred, pure, morally blameless, ceremonially consecrated, most holy. So, the creatures say it 3 times, over and over again. That God is Holy. This word is used all through the Bible, many, many times to speak of the Lord. He is other then us, He is different then anything else, or anyone else, He is above us. He is pure.

He is also Almighty. And the idea here is that of His complete power, unlimited power. He holds sway or rule over all things. He is the ruler of all.

The third area the creatures speak about is the fact that God is eternal. He was, that is, He existed in the past, He exists now, and will exist in the future, and is to come. Speaking of not only His future eternal existence, but as the book of Revelation explains, will once again be returning to the earth. 

Now, whenever the four creatures speak, and give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne who lives forever and ever, here's what happens...........

The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him.

They also cast their crowns before the throne saying, "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created. 

So, the four creatures are like worship leaders in a sense. And the 24 elders are somewhat like a congregation if you will. They respond in worship. 

They fall down. Or they prostrate themselves before God. 

They cast down their crowns before the thrones. 

They declare that God is worthy to receive glory, honor and power.

They also declare that God has created all things. 

They declare the will of God. 

They declare that all exists and has been created by the will of God. 

Some thoughts in reflection and application 

1. All of what we have just read is currently going on in heaven at this moment. 

2. God has existed forever in the past, and so has His throne.

3. The elders are never tired of worshipping the Lord. 

4. These elders have crowns, that they take off and cast down. 

5. Humility will permeate the air of heaven. 

6. God as the eternal creator of all things is very understood. 

7. We can worship throughout this very day also.

8. God is on His throne in full control of all that is going on in our lives. 

9. May we be humble today, and each day. 

10. We have been created by God also.

11. Let's join heaven in keeping God the primary focus of our lives today. 

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

The four creatures around the throne of God.......

Here in Revelation 4:6-8a much is said about these four creatures, that is, what they look like, and what they say, and what happens when they say what they say.

First of all, there are said to be 4 of these creatures. See 4:6b. And, they are of course living, but they are full of eyes in front and back. What interesting creatures. John does not tell us much else about them, except what is said in the next few verses.

Secondly, John describes each one of them. The first one was like a lion, the second, like a calf, the third had the face of a man, and the fourth one, was like a flying eagle.

Thirdly, it's worth noting, that in 4:7, when John is attempting to describe these creatures, he uses the word "like" 3 times. So, the creatures were like etc, etc. This was his best attempt to tell us what he saw. They were like a lion, calf, man, and eagle.

Fourthly, each of the creatures had six wings, and then says "were full of eyes around and within" It's difficult to imagine what he saw. For example, a lion, with 6 wings, and eyes in front and back, and here, eyes around and within. 4:8a

Fifthly, these creatures never rest, not day or night. But, they are continually speaking, and here's what they say, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is, and is to come" So, they do talk, and all of their speech is really praise, and they are in their praise describing the Lord saying a number of things about Him. He is holy, He is the Lord God, He is Almighty, and He was, and He is, and He is to come.

Some further thought for reflection and application.

1. The throne is actually at the center of all this activity. God Himself on His Throne. His throne reminds of us of the fact, that God is in control of all things, since He is above and before all things.

2. The throne being central here, also reminds us of our keeping Christ central, or keeping Christ first, or keeping Him the main priority in our lives. He will be uppermost once we are in heaven. And, we can keep Him that way in our lives now day by day.

3. The creatures are alive, and so are we in Christ. We were dead, but now, we are alive.

4. The creatures are different looking from one another, but they are all tuned in as it were upon the Lord. We here in the body of Christ, are also very different one from another, yet, we have one Savior, one Lord, etc. We are alike in that regard.

5. The creatures have wings, which speak of movement. Only God knows what movement we will have once we arrive in heaven. Where will we go, what will we do, etc, etc. Again, only the Lord knows.

6. They have eyes all around and within. Eyes of course are for seeing. So, that which is outside of us, can be understood by our minds within. We once were blind to the things of God, but now we can see. And when we get to heaven, we will see the Lord as never before. There must be so much of God that these creatures need eyes in abundance to take in His great, great glory.

7. The creatures can move, see and they can speak. What they speak about is the Lord. And they say many things about Him. There is so much to say about God, and the Bible tells us all that God wants us to know for the time being.


8. The creatures are aware in detail of who the Lord is, and they talk about each of those truths. One that is of interest to us in this study, is the truth that the Lord "is to come" He is coming again to the earth. That's one of main and primary teachings here in the Book of Revelation.

9. May the Lord give us great understanding about Him. May we see Him through the eyes of faith, and may we move about in response to His will, and may we declare His greatness to any and to all that we may come in contact with.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

What is around, from, and in front of God's throne in heaven?

See Revelation 4:4-6

John was invited to "come up here" in Rev 4:1, after having been shown a door that was open in heaven.

Immediately, "I was in the Spirit" as he says, and saw the throne of God and One that sat upon that throne. What John saw there was color, color, color. It's beautiful to read about, and imagine what it looks like, and then a blessing to know that we will see it also one day.

But, now in 4:4, he begins to tell us what was around the throne, and then what was coming from it, and then what was in front of this colorful throne, and in the midst of it, and again what was around it.

Around the throne, there were 24 thrones, with 24 elders sitting clothed in white robes, and, they had crowns of gold on their heads. See Rev 4:4

From the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. And, there were also 7 lamps of fire burning from before the throne which are the 7 Spirit's of God.

Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal.

And in the midst of the throne and around the throne were 4 living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.

Some things to reflect upon, and for application.

1. God is gracious and has brought others to be with Him in heaven and for all eternity.
This is clear from the 24 elders who are there around the throne of God. I'm not sure who these elders are, but, they are not angels, they appear to be men who were at one time here on the earth. At least that's my understanding. But, we know God brings people to heaven to enjoy His grace forever and ever.

2. God has clothed these 24 elders in white robes and placed crowns of gold on their heads. The Lord gives us the white robes of His righteousness to wear. We will have ( and do now in a real sense ) these robes of righteousness as well. The elders have crowns, and so will all of God's people to one degree or another. We will be given in heaven, rewards, i.e crowns for various aspects of our service here on earth. We will also reign and rule with Christ during the 1000 year reign of Jesus on the earth.

3. What John heard and saw from the throne, i.e the lightnings, and the thunderings and voices, we will also see and hear one day. This is reminiscent of what Moses and the children of Israel saw and heard from the mountain where the 10 commandments were given. It speaks of God's great power, and one can only try to imagine who these voices are, and what were they saying. We will learn a little bit of what's being said later in this fourth chapter. But, here in these verses today, it's not explained in any great detail to us. But, lighting and thunderings in our world remind us of how small we are, and how big and powerful what we call nature is. The skies and heavens roar sometimes and it almost shakes the earth below. The sound of powerful cracking in the skies makes us feel our smallness in any real storm above. What great eternal, infinite power there is in our God.

4. What is the sea of glass? I do not know, except to say that the word "sea" is used in Revelation, to describe vast multitudes of people. This sea in front of the throne is a sea of glass, like crystal.
Again, the use of the word "like" is seen here. This sea was "like" crystal, that's the best way that John could describe it. One thing that comes to my mind is, that this could in some way represent the multitudes of saved people, who are clear of all sin as it were. Crystal is clear. You can see right through it. We are cleared of all sin, no remembrance of them, all of them gone forever and ever, never to be mentioned again. All sin paid for.

5. These 4 living creatures that are around the throne will be explained in some detail in the next few verses. They also speak to and about God. See 4:8. We will see these creatures when we arrive in heaven. We also know that the 24 elders are affected and act when these 4 creatures give glory to God. And, then the elders speak out as well. All of the speech is really praise and adoration to the One who sits on the throne.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

What did John see through the door into heaven?

Revelation 4:2-3 and following answer that question. This is a look into heaven itself.

First of all, John was in the Spirit, that is, John is expressing that he was in some way  ( that is beyond our normal experience with the Holy Spirit ) being affected by the Holy Spirit. That same Holy Spirit by the way lives in all who have come to Jesus Christ for salvation. We are in fact, the temple of the Holy Spirit, we are indeed in Him also, and He is in us.

Secondly, we are told of the first thing John saw. It was a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. John was seeing for the first time in his life, what he had been taught about by Jesus, he was seeing God sitting upon His throne in heaven.
How comforting for us to know that God is in control. That's what a throne represents. It means there is a place of power and authority. That place is God's throne in heaven.

Thirdly, John begins to describe the One he saw sitting on the throne in heaven. You will notice that John uses the word "like" many times. He was trying to explain what he was seeing, and the best thing he could do in many cases was to say, "it was like" Not that it was that, but rather it was "like that" and so on.

Fourthly, what John saw was like a jasper and sardius stone in appearance. Jasper can be of various colors such as purple, blue, green, and others the color of brass. A sardius can be flesh colored. And, there was a rainbow around the throne of God, like an emerald.

A few thoughts for reflection and application.

1. One day we will see exactly what John describes for us here in Rev 4. Because we are on our way to heaven.

2. The Holy Spirit gives us in this life, little bits and pieces of what we are reading about in Rev 4. We read about it in the Bible, and within ourselves we enjoy from God, thoughts and blessings about heaven.

3. We live in a world with many thrones now. Nations, kings, presidents etc, etc. All of them have some degree of power and authority. But, above them all is this one singularly, powerful authority, our God and Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. And the Holy Spirit of God.

4. While here on the earth, looking at Jesus, keeping Him central in our lives, and the main focus of our lives is His will for us.

5. Colors are beautiful to behold. And, seeing the Lord in heaven is going to be colorful to say the least. And anytime we see a rainbow, it's a blessing, we all say to others, "hey can you see that rainbow over there" God created rainbows, and they are so wonderful to look at, and there is one around His throne at this moment.

6. God Himself was to John like colors. Many different types of colors. That's what John said in Rev 4:3. So, one of the things we will notice in heaven right away is it's color. And that color starts with seeing God if you will.


Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"A look into heaven itself"

See Revelation chapter 4:1

Today, I'd like to simply look at the first verse of chapter 4.

After these things I looked and behold a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this"

The "after these things" is no doubt a reference to the things of chapters 2-3, which comprise 7 letters from Jesus to 7 actual churches that existed in John's day. These letters are also believed by many to comprise the entire age of the church, from the early church to the last days church.

So, the after these things may indeed be referencing the church age, and what is recorded for us in chapter 4, would be the things that will happen after the church age, or at the end of the church age. This is a very commonly held view by many very respected Bible commentators and scholars.

John tells us that "I looked and behold a door standing open in heaven" This is what he saw. A door that was open in heaven. He could see in past the door, looking into heaven itself.

Then, he says, "And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me" Later he will tell us what else he heard, but right off the bat, he heard this first voice. We don't know whose voice it was, only that it was a voice, and that it sounded like a trumpet speaking to him.

"Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this" So, John was being invited as it were to come up into heaven itself, to be shown the things which would take place after the church age.

Some things to consider........

1. After is a word meaning, hereafter, or with, that is, with this comes something later, or afterwards. And, we know from the Bible of course that there is something after this life, and the Bible calls it the "hereafter" It's the the after part, it's what comes after this life.
See Proverbs 23:18 for an encouraging promise about the next life.

2. We are blessed to have the Bible to tell us what is coming after the things of this life.
That is essentially what the Book of Revelation is about. God unveils for us, through Jesus Christ, His plans for the next life, and more specifically, the plans He has for the very end of the worlds existence as we know it.

3. John was enabled to see this door that was open and that was in heaven. An open door in heaven. Not only is heaven a real place, but there is a door now to heaven. That door is Jesus Christ Himself.  John 10:9 "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture"

4. John heard a voice speaking to him,  it was like a trumpet, very distinct and easily heard.
The Word of God the Bible is the voice of God as it were. It is very clear, very easy to be heard, and there is God's message to us in the Bible.

5. The invitation to John, was to "Come up here ......." How glorious, how wonderful to have this invitation. It's an invitation that has been extended to many of you who are reading this devotional today. You may have accepted the invitation already, that is, you have come to Christ the door, and are now saved, and you are on your way to heaven someday. Or you may be considering what you have heard. I pray you will accept Jesus Christ

6. There are things which must take place after this. God does have a plan, and He will see to it, that His plan does take place. You can count on it. God has promised it to you. What a blessing to know that God does have a plan for us for the future.

Blessings to you.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"Jesus opens and closes doors"

In Revelation 3, the Lord Jesus Christ is unveiled for us, and we see not only Him as revealed in chapter 1, and then the churches are addressed, and then we see the things that will happen in the world.

But, in looking at the churches, let's just take another look at one of the things that Jesus said to the church in Philadelphia. See Rev 3:7-13 for the entire message to this church.

First of all, the Lord identifies Himself ( among other things ) as "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens"

So, the Lord has what is called the Key of David. This phrase if found in Isaiah 22:22.
In this portion of Isaiah, the Lord through the prophet was speaking to Judah, and was denouncing those nations that had at some time or another persecuted Judah, and also teaches that God is universally sovereign.

The particular section in Isa 22, is speaking of the death of a man named Shebna, and his replacement by God of a man named Eliakim, who would be given a position of responsibility over the house of Judah.

The key of David, is speaking of being in that position, and having the power to make decisions. Isaiah went on to speak of Eliakim, saying, " I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place, and he will become a glorious throne to his father's house.

So, Jesus in Rev 3, uses a portion of Isa 22, to speak of Himself as being in the position of power and responsibility and sovereignty.

Jesus is encouraging the church of Philadelphia to know that He is in the position to lead, to guide, and that no one can counter what He may want to do. For example, if He wants to open a door, there is no one who can counter that open door by shutting it. And, on the other hand, if He wants to close a door, there is no one who can counter it by opening it.

Jesus went on to say that He had set before this church "an open door"

Paul used similar language in his speaking to the Corinthian church . See 1 Cor 16:9 "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries."

Paul was using this language to speak about the possibility of expanding ministry, and of moving ministry into a new area. And, Paul recognized that this door that had opened, had been opened by someone other then himself. He implies that. He also mentions that on the other side, or around that door are many adversaries Doors and adversaries went together in this instance, as it seems they generally do in our service to Christ.

But, the thought here for our own consideration, is from my own mind, the thought of what doors are open to any of us in our service to Christ? What might the Lord be opening up for you at this time in your life and ministry? Where is the Lord leading you, and how would you describe the opportunities for ministry that are in front of you?

And, a companion thought would be, what doors are closing?

It's encouraging to me to recognize that the door is not just there by itself, but the Lord is in charge of doors. He holds the key. Doors need keys, and He is the holder of the key.
He opens and no one can close.

Try to imagine for a moment, someone, or a group of people who may be doing all they can to close a door that Jesus has opened. They might all push together, but to no avail. Because if the Lord has opened that door, they, those people do not have a greater power then Jesus does. They cannot close what He has opened.

I find great comfort in Christ's Leadership and power. I trust you do as well.


Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"I could wish you were cold or hot" Rev 3:15b

This final of 7 letters, is addressed to the angel, or the pastor of the church in the city called Laodicea. These are the things that Jesus said to him, the pastor, and then to the church there.

Jesus introduced Himself as......

1. The Amen.
2. The Faithful and True Witness.
3. The Beginning of the creation of God.

Jesus explained what He knew about them....

1. I know your works.
2. You are neither cold nor hot.

Jesus wished something for them..

1. I could wish you were cold or hot.

Jesus explained what would happen to them. 

1. Because you are lukewarm...
2. And neither cold nor hot.
3. I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Jesus gave them the following counsel.

1. Because you say "I am rich, and have need of nothing"
2. And do not know that you are wretched, miserable and poor,
3. And, you are blind, and naked.
4. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire.
5. That you may be clothed.
6. That the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.
7. And anoint your eyes with eye salve that you may see.

Jesus said the following about Himself and what He does.

1. As many as I love.
2. I rebuke and chasten.
3. Therefore be zealous and repent.
4. Behold I stand at the door and knock.
5. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and he with Me.
6. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne.
7. As I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
8. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.


Personal reflection and some applicational thoughts.

1. Jesus is revealed to us in great detail in 3:14
2. This church, though filled with problems, did have some works in it.
3. This church was the "lukewarm" church
4. Jesus wanted them to either be hot, or cold, but not lukewarm.
5. Their lukewarmness meant they would be vomited out of Christ's mouth.
6. Jesus had the true perspective about them.
7. He gave them counsel, because He loved them.
8. Jesus loves His church, and He will rebuke and chasten His church.
9. Jesus was seeking to have fellowship with this church.
10. The church was being invited to open their hearts to Jesus.
11. Jesus gave them a promise about the future.
12. Jesus would let "him who overscomes" sit with Him on His throne.
13. Jesus overcame, and has sat down with His Father on His throne.
14. There is hope even for the lukewarm church and it's members.



Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"To know that I have loved you" Rev 3:9

In His letter to the angel, or messenger of the church of Philadelphia, which means, brotherly love, here's what's said about Christ, about the church, and about some other people.

The Lord introduces Himself, and describes Himself. 


1. He who is Holy.
2. He who is True.
3. He who has the key of David.
4. He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.



The Lord describes them, and what He has and is doing in them as a church. 

1. I know your works.
2. See I have set before you an open door.
3. And no one can shut it.
4. For you have a little strength.
5. You have kept My Word.
6. You have not denied My Name.

The Lord explains what He is going to do those of the Synagogue of Satan. 

1. He describes these people as of the synagogue of Satan.
2. He assures the church He is going to act towards them.
3. He explains that they say they are Jews, but are not, but are liars.
4. He will make them come and worship before the church of Philadelphia's feet.
5. He will make them know that He has loved the church of Philadelphia.

The Lord further describes the church of Philadelphia. 

1. They had kept Jesus's command to persevere.
2. Jesus promises to keep them from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world.
3. The hour of trial or tribulation will test those who dwell on the earth.


The Lord tells them what He is going to do. 

1. Behold, I come quickly.


The last few things Jesus said to this church.

1. Hold fast what you have that no one may take your crown.
2. He who overcomes, I make him a pillar in the temple of My God.
3. And, he shall go our no more.
4. I will write on him the name of my God.
5. I will write on him the name of the city of My God the new Jerusalem.
6. The new Jerusalem comes down out of heaven from My God.
7. And I will write on him my new name.
8. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.


Some final thoughts in reflection and in application. 

1. One day, we will meet the pastor of this church, and it's members in heaven.
2. They are an example of grace, and interestingly, Jesus had no correction for them.
3. Christ was emphasizing to them His nature,  position, and  authority.
4. The main message to them seems to be about the open door He gave them.
5. He assured them, that no one could close what He opens and keeps open.
6. They did not have a large amount of strength.
7. Their little strength did not mean they were somehow deficient.
8. They also were keepers of His Word. Jesus commends them for this.
9. He also commended them for not denying His name.
10. They had trouble come upon them from liars.
11. One day the tables would be turned against their enemies.
12. This church also was faithful to simply "persevere", or hang in there.
13. The Lord promised this church they would not go through the "hour of trial"
14. Many people, including myself, believe this is the last days church.
15. I also believe the next church is part of the last days church. The lukewarm church.
16. The last days churches have a open door, little strength, and lot's of opposition.
17. The last days church includes many who are not hot or cold.
18. There are many promises made to the church of Philadelphia. ( 3:9-13 )


I do pray that you are blessed by your own reading, meditation, and study in this book of Revelation. We have the promise of blessing in it, from the Lord Himself. See Rev 1:3

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"You are alive, but you are dead"

That's part of what the Lord said to the church of Sardis, in Rev 3:2, for the entire message, please see Rev 3:1-6.

This is the 5th of seven letters sent by Jesus to actual churches that existed during John's day. These churches are also believed to represent what could be any church at any time, that is, a church could find itself in the very condition that is described in these letters.

It's also believed that the churches in these two chapters may represent the condition a christian might find themselves in.

And, finally, it's believed that these 7 churches represent the entire span of church history, from the early church right on down to the last days church.

So, let's take a quick look at the letter sent to the church of Sardis.


Here's how the Lord described them. 

1. They had works, as did the previous 4 churches. Thus they were a working church, they were working in Christ, and for Christ.

2. They had a name that they were alive, but you are dead says the Lord. This may very well mean they were devoid of, or without spiritual life and power. That is, they were a church in name only.


Here's what the Lord prescribed for them. 

1. Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain and are ready to die. ( for I have not found your works perfect before God )

2. Remember therefore how you have received and heard:

3.  Hold fast and repent.


Here's the warning the Lord gave them. 

1. Therefore if you will not watch , I will come upon you as a thief.

2. And you will not know what hour I will come upon you.


Here's encouragement from the Lord to Sardis.

1. You have a few names even in Sardis that have not defiled their garments.

2. And they shall walk with Me in white for they are worthy.

3. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments.

4. And I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life;

5. But I will confess his name before My father and before His angels.

6. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.


A few thoughts in reflection and some application.

First of all, they did have works, but, to some degree their were people there who were Christians in name only.

Secondly, the church even though it had it's problems could take the instruction from the Lord and move forward in fruitfulness.

Thirdly, the Lord prescribed the Word for them. To remember the Word they had received and heard. To get themselves, back to the Word of God that had been given to them at one time.

Fourthly, the were to hold fast, ( to the Lord, to His Word, ) and they were to repent, ( that is to change their thinking, and their actions and activities )

Fifthly, there would be consequences if they did not heed the Lord's instruction to them. This is of course is consistent with the patience of God throughout the entire Bible. He is always so patient, and yet if anyone does not take His instruction, they will reap the consequences of that decision. And, so with this particular church as well.

Sixthly, there is much by way of encouragement to be found in 3:4-6. And, there is always much encouragement to be found by the Lord. He details it out in these verses.

Blessings to you.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

How amazingly different are God's ways and thoughts from our ways and thoughts.

" For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts" Isaiah 55:8-9

It's very encouraging to note the context of these two verses. These words given by God through Isaiah the prophet, were being spoken to a rebellious and sinful people. God was speaking to His own children, in Judah, before they went into captivity by the Babylonians. 

And, it seems that the main point God was trying to get across had to do with how gracious and loving, and forgiving He is, towards sinful and rebellious man. In other words, the way we would think and the way we would act towards someone, is not necessarily the way the Lord would think and act. 

So, here's what the Lord says.......

First of all, He has thoughts, Just like we do. Within Himself, He thinks with His mind. But, His thoughts are not like ours. They are infinitely different then ours. 

If you were to take how we might think about a person who is very sinful, very rebellious, very given over to idolatry, and extremely wicked, and cruel, and then compare those thoughts with God's thoughts, we could see the difference. 

For example, it seems to me, that the average person would not think to be so gracious towards a very wicked person. Wouldn't you agree. Not only would we not think to be gracious, but I don't believe we would be inclined then to give great blessings to that person. In fact, in Isaiah, there is a promise from God, where He says that He will give blessings in such abundance, that they will be greater then what He would give to His own sons and daughters.  ( See Isa 56:5 )

So, His thoughts are not like ours. They are so much different.

Secondly, His ways are not like ours. God has ways, just like we do. We often speak of the ways in which a person acts. Or how we act, or the way that anyone acts. The activities and things that people do. God's acts and activities are infinitely different then ours. 

What the Lord says in Isa 55:9, is to help us understand the difference between His thoughts, His ways, and our thoughts and ways. He does so by stating that "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. 

So, what happens in these verses, ( 55:8-9 ) is to state that there is a difference, and then gives us a simple picture of how great that difference is,  by using distance to show the difference. 

The specific example He gives is that the heavens are higher than the earth, and just like they are higher, or a great distance, so my ways are higher, and my thoughts are higher than ours. 

So, the distance between the heaven and the earth is great, and that great distance is how different His and our thoughts and ways are. 

Below is my own attempt ( I'm not a scientist ) to try and explain using what we are standing on, i.e the earth, and then some of what is above us, the sun in particular, to help us understand this great difference between God and us. 

We have all heard of the speed of light, and of light years, and of how far various planets are from the earth. These are incredible numbers, and are awesomely greater than anything we know down on earth in our day to day lives and use of distance and time to measure things. 

The speed of light, the fact of what we call light years, and the various stellar bodies, planets, stars, and such are what I'm talking about. In other words, using those things to try and envision what the Lord is saying about the differences between Himself and us. 

Below is a brief articles from a web site, called, "how stuff works" Please enjoy it, and then I'll have just a few comments at the end. 

A light year is a way of measuring distance. That doesn't make much sense because "light year" contains the word "year," which is normally a unit of time. Even so, light years measure distance.

You are used to measuring distances in either inches/feet/miles or centimeters/meters/kilometers, depending on where you live. You know how long a foot or a meter is -- you are comfortable with these units because you use them every day. Same thing with miles and kilometers -- these are nice, human increments of distance.

When astronomers use their telescopes to look at stars, things are different. The distances are gigantic. For example, the closest star to Earth (besides our sun) is something like 24,000,000,000,000 miles (38,000,000,000,000 kilometers) away. That's the closest star. There are stars that are billions of times farther away than that. When you start talking about those kinds of distances, a mile or kilometer just isn't a practical unit to use because the numbers get too big. No one wants to write or talk about numbers that have 20 digits in them!

So to measure really long distances, people use a unit called a light year. Light travels at 186,000 miles per second (300,000 kilometers per second). Therefore, a light second is 186,000 miles (300,000 kilometers). A light year is the distance that light can travel in a year, or:

186,000 miles/second * 60 seconds/minute * 60 minutes/hour * 24 hours/day * 365 days/year = 5,865,696,000,000 miles/year

A light year is 5,865,696,000,000 miles (9,460,800,000,000 kilometers). That's a long way!

Ok, all of what's just above probably leaves you like me, with your mind's jaw wide open if you will. Things in the heavens are a long way a way. They are a great distance, and that's exactly what the Lord said, that the heavens are higher than the earth, and that height, that distance is a measurement of the difference between His thoughts and ways, and ours. They are vastly different. 

In closing, I would encourage you to read Isa 55, and try and get a feel for the context of 55:8-9, by reading 55:1-7, and particularly 55:7, and then go on to read the rest of the verses in 55:10-13, that talks about God's Word, it's power, and the plans and intentions He has.

Back to 55:6-7, the Lord calls for men to seek the Lord, and to do it while He may be found, and to call upon Him. He also calls the wicked to forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and to return to the Lord and He will have mercy on them, and pardon them abundantly. It's at this point that God then talks about His thoughts and ways being different than ours. 

In closing, may I say that our God is so wonderfully different than we are, in that He will forgive, He will pardon, He will bless those who have been wicked and unrighteous, He invites them to turn, to forsake, to seek Him, etc, etc. And He will bless them. 

How great is our God. 

Many blessings of grace to you. 

Pastor Bob Grenier 

Reflections on, and a Recap of the four letters from Jesus in Revelation Chapter 2.

Revelation Chapter 2, is believed to be part of "the things that are" ( see Rev 1:19 ) or part of the church age. Or what can happen to any church, at any time, or to any individual christian at any time.  And, Rev 2, is also believed to a record of church history up to a certain point. Chapter 3, will round out church history, bringing us right up till this last days church.

But, here's what the first four churches were like. Note: only one of them had no words of rebuke from Jesus. They all had some good fruit, but Jesus did not hold back from telling them what He had against them, or was against in general. Nor did He not have wonderful words of encouragement for each church, because He did, and I pray that you might be encouraged as well.


There was the active but loveless church.
There was encouragement to patience and no rebuke to the suffering church.
There was the church of pride and greed, and the misuse of spiritual authority.
There was the church that allowed sexual immorality to be taught and practiced.


So, if there is one thing very encouraging by way of example, it would be the patience being born by the church members in Pergamos. They were simply enduring persecution and trouble. And, that is one of the best things anyone can do who is in a similar situation. Just endure it. Endure the afflictions, don't give up, but rather just be patient, hang in there, and trust the Lord in the mean time.

As to the sins and activities to avoid, to repent of, to get rid of there is quite a list of them in 3 of these letters. And, it's interesting to note that the bad fruit can grow right along side of the good fruit. Like the wheat and the tares that Jesus spoke of.

Some things to consider.

From the active but loveless church at Ephesus, we see that we can do all that can be done, and yet not be doing ( or being ) the one thing that is the most important to the Lord, and that is our love for Him, and for others. We can be a hard working but unloving church. Something to take note of, and to examine in our own lives, and to repent of if needed.

Greed and pride, are twin powers that if given into can bring a man or a woman, or a church down.
Loving money is a root of all evil. It has pierced through many a soul, and is an ever present danger in and around us, and especially in this material loving world that is trying to exclude God, and make money, and materialism the god of all things and of all people.

Sexual sins are also a real and pervasive and never ending problem it seems. We see it almost daily on the news, and don't see it when it's hidden in the lives of people around us, or perhaps our own lives. It's a sin common to man, one that brings destruction into lives, and into marriages, to families, to jobs, to friends etc, etc. It's not right and anyone who says it is, is not in line with the teaching and heart of God. God created sex for the marriage bed, and not for anywhere else, or with anyone else. It's a husband and wife blessing.

God is slow to judge, and very patient in giving time to repent and change our ways. He does not want to pounce on anyone, but rather desires to lead them away from harmful things, and to heal them, and to bless them. But, there has to be a reception by the individual into God's grace and mercy.

These letters are a good window to look through into our own souls and see who we are, and see what we may or may not be doing. And, they are a great look at our wonderful and powerful loving, and graciously, merciful, all knowing and present in our churches Lord.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

The tolerating church of Thyatira See Revelation 2:18-29

See Rev 2:18-29

This particular church also received a letter from Jesus Christ.  Before we look at the letter, let's look at what is about Jesus Christ.

1. He is the Son of God.
2. He has eyes like a flame of fire.
3. He has feet like fine brass.

Now we see the things Jesus  knew about the church. ( of course He knows everything about any and everything that exists any and everywhere, but here's what He said He knew about this church particular church, by the way they had many good qualities along with their toleration of things that they ought not to have tolerated )

1. I know your works.
2. I know your love.
3. I know your service.
4. I know your faith.
5. I know your patience.
6. I know your works are more now then when you started.


Here's are the several things that Jesus had against this church.

1. I'm against that you allow that woman Jezebel to be active in the church.
2.  I'm against Jezebel who calls herself a prophetess.
3. I'm against her teaching and beguiling My servants to do two particular things.
4.  I'm against her teaching them to commit sexual immorality.
5. I'm against her teaching them to eat things sacrificed to idols.


Here's what the Lord had given to Jezebel, and here's what He will do to her.

1. I gave her time repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
2. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed.
3. I will also cast those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation.
4. I will not cast them into great tribulation if they repent of their deeds.
5. I will kill her children with death.
6. I will cause all the churches to know that I am He.
7. I will make them know that I search the minds and hearts.
8. I will give to each one according to their works.

The final things Jesus says to those in that church who did not have the above teaching.

1. They were said to not have this doctrine, or they did not believe it, and practice it.
2. They had not known the depths of Satan as they call them.
3. I will put no other burden on you.

The very final things Jesus says to them.

1. Hold fast what you have till I come.
2. To those who overcome and keep my works until the end.
3. To those people, I will give power over the nations.
4. He then quotes from Ps 2:8-9
5. I'll give as I've received from my Father.
6. I'll give the morning star.
7. The Holy Spirit will speak to those who have an ear and listen.

For Reflection, and application.

Jesus is wonderfully described throughout these letters, We will see Him one day, just as He is described in these letters. And, though we can't see Him now with our eyes, He is like this today in the church, and we can hear Him speak if we will but listen.

Jesus is aware of, and blessed by, and acknowledges the good and Godly things and activities in the church. This is of course what He is seeking to promote. This church at Thyatira was in many ways a model church.

Nevertheless, in-spite of their good things, Jesus did not hold back from talking about what He had against them. They were allowing, or tolerating, and doing nothing about this woman named Jezebel who was teaching a corrupting doctrine within the church. She was a self promoting person, claiming she spoke for and from God, and God's servants ( some of them anyways ) were going along with her teaching. They were being taught to commit sexual immorality, and then to eat foods that had been sacrificed to pagan idols. This was a corrupting influence within the church to say the least

Jesus Christ had given this woman time to repent. He either spoke to her directly, or had someone or some person speak to her, but He clearly was being patient with her, and it was so that she would repent of her sexual immorality but, she chose not to, and continued right along in it.

Jesus tells in this letter what He would do to her and to those who went along with her teaching. He would not do it if they repented, but if they would not repent, He was going to move upon them in judgment. He knew what was going on there. He searches hearts and minds. And would deal with each one individually according to their works.

He had a different attitude to the others in the church, the ones who did not hold to that doctrine, and who did not personally know the depths of Satan as they called it, ( or the deep things of Satan, his false doctrines which lead you down and away from God ) He had many blessings He would give to them.

Jesus encouraged these doctrinally true christians to simply hold on to the truth they had, and to keep holding on to it, until He returned again.

Blessings await the man who trusts in the Lord, and who waits upon the Lord, it's a promise from the Lord.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

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.