This chapter details the revelation of the churches to John as the Lord spoke to him about the spiritual states of the "churches."
Revelations 3:1- 6 describes the 'dead church' the church in Sardis. The angel of the Lord said this church has a name that is alive however the church was dead. The Lord admonishes them to be careful and preserve the things that are alive and ready to die because He hasn't seen their work's perfect before God. The Lord said He will return as a thief in the night. Although the works of this church was recorded as being imperfect before God but it's noted that there were some within them whose garment were not defiled and if they continue to be in the Lord He will keep their name in the book of life and their names will be confessed before the Lord. It ended with the statement 'he who has ears, let him hear what the spirit says to the church'.
There is always a lesson to learn from the scriptures, from these first six verses, I learned that a church can appear bubbly and active but the spiritual state is dead. When we refer to the church, I do not want us to have a notion of specific doctrine but the people because the church is beyond the four walls or the auditorium but the people in there makes the church. Narrowing that down to individual, it is important for us to know if we are spiritually alive in Christ and if our Garments are undefiled and our name is still worthy to be in the book of life.
Revelations 3: 7 - 13 talks about the faithful church, which was the Church in Philadelphia the Lord referred to this church as having a little strength however He promised to open a door no man can shut Revelation 3:8 NKJV
[8] “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
The Lord's promises here denotes divine help and deliverance where needed. He went further to condemn the synagogue of satan who proclaim themselves to be Jews, the Lord promises that they will bow before the faithful church. This was because the faithful church kept the word of the Lord. Another significant promise of God to this church, the Lord said He will hold them through the hour of trial that will come upon those on earth. Those who overcome will have their names written in the city of the Lord.
The trial hour will be encountered by everyone on earth, even the faithful church (people) but the main thing through this trial is to hold on to God. Are you ready as a church (individual) for the trial that will befall the earth before the Lord comes? Will you or will I be able to withstand the trial to the very end because the eternal goal is weightier and worth it? May the Lord help us in Jesus name.
Revelations 3: 14- 22 talks about the Lukewarm Church this is the Church in Laodicean. This church is described to be neither hot or cold, because they depend on their physical riches however the Lord said they are poor, blind and naked. The Lord counsel this church to buy a gold refined in fire so they may be rich and white garment so they may be clothed, and anoint their eyes to see because God chastise the ones He loves.
From this church it's obvious that material things has blinded them and spiritually stripped them but God is still merciful requesting they are refined. The comparison of gold refined by fire means thorough searching, pruning, reshaping, yielding and molding. Also the white garment exemplifies a holy living, a life without blemish that is worthy to stand before God. For God is still willing to have them to Him and that's why He keeps knocking at their hearts and mind to get them back to Him. Like I mentioned earlier when you hear about the church do not think of the building but the individual, you and I are the church.
Revelations 4 Talks about the throne of heaven.
Revelations 4:1 to 5 John is talking of the aftermath of the revelation of the states of the seven churches. he saw the throne of God. There was an open door, then came the first voice sounding like a trumpet beckoning to him to come up and he will show him things that must happen.
Immediately in the spirit he saw a stone and the one sitting on it had a shining appearance like a jasper and Sardius stone with rainbow 🌈 around the stone like emerald. There were twenty four thrones and twenty four elders surrounding this throne. From this throne proceeded lightening, thundering with seven lamps burning which was the spirits of God. There is no need to second guess who's throne it was. It was the throne of the almighty God. Whom we cannot behold His eyes because of His holiness.
Revelation 4:6-11
In front of this throne was a crystal glass and around it were four living creatures as described in the Bible. Revelation 4:7-8 NKJV
[7] The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. [8] The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was, and is, and is to come!”
As these four creatures gives glory and honour to the one sitting on the throne, the twenty four elders bow before Him saying
Revelation 4:11 NKJV
[11] “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.”
From this scripture it shows that we are created to worship God. Our lives, our living, our existence all that we are or we will ever be is meant to worship God. The angels and everything in heaven are worshipping Him non stop, we have no excuse to worship this God. From the lessons of the church we can only practice or give acceptable worship if we are truly in right standing with this God. That is,no sin is hidden in us, while we pretend to be Holy.
Lord I ask that you purge all unrighteousness out of me and help me to live my life worthy of your worship in Jesus name amen.
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