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
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
"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
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
Saturday, January 14, 2012
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
Friday, January 13, 2012
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
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
Thursday, January 12, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
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
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
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