"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31
Exclusive Love
What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? Using the picture of marriage is probably the best way to describe it. Rightly so, because the church of Christ is called the bride of Christ. This love is the kind of love that involves passions and desires. This love waits for and longs for Christ. This is the love, that more than anything else, wants to be with Him. There is a burning in the heart and soul that won't go away until its desire is fulfilled. This love is exclusively for God. It means rejecting with contempt anyone or anything that tries to compete with Him as number one. This love makes a person think of Jesus, dominating a person's thoughts day and night. Imagine a young lady who meets the man of her dreams: Is she kept up at night thinking about him? This is a lose yourself kind of love; it requires total surrender. You'll be hanging on every word that comes from the mouth of God. You'll obey His commands with a desire to please Him. We all know that God needs nothing from us, yet He asks us to serve Him, and that is so we can demonstrate our love for Him. This is the love that drives us to worship. We worship Him, and Him alone, because only God is worthy of our worship. This is the total love that consumes every bit of strength and desire and thought and affection and expectation. This is what might be called crazy love.
Brotherly Love
This is the second greatest command: Love your neighbor as yourself. This is the kind of love that looks out for each other. We have a common bond, being united in the church of Christ, and all being made in the image of God. Because of that, we treat each other with respect and care. We want what is best for the other person, just as we might for ourselves. We encourage one another. We strengthen each other. We warn when there is danger. We celebrate at victories. We cry with each other. This is the kind of love that looks beyond self and looks to the best interests of everyone. This is brotherly love
Monday, October 24, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Both Physical And Spiritual
There's a number of biblical issues some people have a hard time understanding, which can easily be understood if you think of the physical and the spiritual reality. Firstly, I should define what I mean by both. The physical is material things in the world. The spiritual is that which is heavenly and from God. The thing is, what people often don't understand, the physical and spiritual realities are combined into one. Lets take a look at one example that any average Christian knows of, and we'll move on from there.
Jesus is God, and Jesus was man. Jesus was both 100% man and 100% God. The physical reality, when Jesus was here on earth, was that Jesus was a man; He came in the flesh (2John 7). The spiritual reality, and eternal reality, is that Jesus is God (John 1:1). When people try to think strictly with logic, without any allowance for paradox, they find that this is a contradiction. But its not a contradiction, its a paradox, and as we shall see, its not the only paradox involving the physical and the spiritual. I mention this example to lay some groundwork to make a point with another issue, in which there seems to be less agreement among Christians. With this example, there is agreement. And the agreement is that Jesus was both man and God. So it shouldn't be hard for Christians to understand the paradoxical reality when it comes to salvation. The keyword in all this is -both-
Who does the work of salvation? That is the question that Calvinists and Arminianists have been arguing over for years. Calvinists say that God does the work of salvation; Arminianists say that man does it. I say they're both wrong, or both right depending on how you look at it. The fact of the matter is that -both- man and God do the work of salvation. This is another paradox, just like the paradox of Jesus being 100% man and 100% God. And if you're going to understand salvation, understanding this fundamental fact is essential. Both man and God do the work of salvation. The Holy Spirit works in us, and what the Holy Spirit does, we do. In other words, what we do is a result of what the Holy Spirit does. Consider this verse: continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (2Philippians 2:12-13). So who is doing the working, man or God? Both, and at the same time.
Think about it, we are the body of Christ, right? And we did already establish that Christ is both man and God, right? So doesn't that make -us- both man and God? If you have been born again, that is who you are; you are both a man and one with God, because the Holy Spirit is in you. You might think that sounds like blasphemy, saying that we are one with God, but that's exactly what Jesus says: On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you (Jesus in John 14:20). The act of doing the will of God because of God doing it in you is exactly what unity is. I am doing it, and God is doing it; my will is done by His will, and His will is done by my will. That is what unity is. And that is the paradox of the physical and the spiritual - they are two different things, but they are brought into unity by God. Jesus was the first man to be both physical and spiritual, and Jesus is an example for us all. What Jesus was and became, that is what we are and will become. Just as Jesus died and rose from the dead, so shall we, because we are in Christ Jesus. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). Just as Jesus displayed the paradox of being both physical and spiritual, so do we. We are both physical and spiritual.
Jesus is God, and Jesus was man. Jesus was both 100% man and 100% God. The physical reality, when Jesus was here on earth, was that Jesus was a man; He came in the flesh (2John 7). The spiritual reality, and eternal reality, is that Jesus is God (John 1:1). When people try to think strictly with logic, without any allowance for paradox, they find that this is a contradiction. But its not a contradiction, its a paradox, and as we shall see, its not the only paradox involving the physical and the spiritual. I mention this example to lay some groundwork to make a point with another issue, in which there seems to be less agreement among Christians. With this example, there is agreement. And the agreement is that Jesus was both man and God. So it shouldn't be hard for Christians to understand the paradoxical reality when it comes to salvation. The keyword in all this is -both-
Who does the work of salvation? That is the question that Calvinists and Arminianists have been arguing over for years. Calvinists say that God does the work of salvation; Arminianists say that man does it. I say they're both wrong, or both right depending on how you look at it. The fact of the matter is that -both- man and God do the work of salvation. This is another paradox, just like the paradox of Jesus being 100% man and 100% God. And if you're going to understand salvation, understanding this fundamental fact is essential. Both man and God do the work of salvation. The Holy Spirit works in us, and what the Holy Spirit does, we do. In other words, what we do is a result of what the Holy Spirit does. Consider this verse: continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (2Philippians 2:12-13). So who is doing the working, man or God? Both, and at the same time.
Think about it, we are the body of Christ, right? And we did already establish that Christ is both man and God, right? So doesn't that make -us- both man and God? If you have been born again, that is who you are; you are both a man and one with God, because the Holy Spirit is in you. You might think that sounds like blasphemy, saying that we are one with God, but that's exactly what Jesus says: On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you (Jesus in John 14:20). The act of doing the will of God because of God doing it in you is exactly what unity is. I am doing it, and God is doing it; my will is done by His will, and His will is done by my will. That is what unity is. And that is the paradox of the physical and the spiritual - they are two different things, but they are brought into unity by God. Jesus was the first man to be both physical and spiritual, and Jesus is an example for us all. What Jesus was and became, that is what we are and will become. Just as Jesus died and rose from the dead, so shall we, because we are in Christ Jesus. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). Just as Jesus displayed the paradox of being both physical and spiritual, so do we. We are both physical and spiritual.
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Seven Churches: The Church in Philadelphia
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars - I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. -Jesus in Revelation 3:7-13
We have now come to the present day. We live at a time when the church in Sardis is diminishing (the Protestant churches), the church in Thyatira continues (the RCC), and the church in Philadelphia is emerging. Don't take that to mean that this is the "emerging" or "emergent" church. Its hard to define the church in Philadelphia, since it is such an infant. But you can look for these signs: holds to the Bible and keeps the name of Jesus. This is churches that go by the name of Christ rather than the name of a denomination. And this is churches that hold to Scripture and know it well. You can tell which is the church in Philadelphia, if you see these two signs.
So what is the open door that Jesus speaks of? Clearly this is figurative, as a literal open door means nothing. Generally speaking, an open door is an opportunity. Specifically, I believe this open door is the internet. The internet is the most beneficial technology the church has ever seen; even better than the printing press. Our mission as Christians is to communicate a message. The advantage of the internet is that it gives us the ability to communicate that message near and far and wide, all without leaving the house. Even just in a believer's spare time, he can post Scripture on his Facebook. He could make a video defending the Christian faith in just a hour or so. There is much us Christians can do to make disciples by using the internet. Its simple and easy; its just a matter of doing it.
So the church in Philadelphia is emerging, Jesus has placed an open door before this church, and this church has kept His word and not denied His name. Jesus says that He will make those who are the synagogue of Satan acknowledge that He has loved the church in Philadelphia. So what is the synagogue of Satan? Again, this is clearly figurative. Jesus says that they claim to be Jews but are not. And since its mentioned here, it must be something significant. I believe the synagogue of Satan is the Islamic world. Muslims claim to be Jews, or at least to be children of the promise - through Ishmael - but anyone that studies Islam can see clearly that it is wrought with evil. Calling it the synagogue of Satan is accurate, if you know anything about Islam. Also, if you know the OT prophecies, you know that God will punish the enemies of Israel. Muslims in the middle east have made themselves the enemies of Israel. If you connect the prophecy in Ezekiel 38 to what Jesus says about the synagogue of Satan here, you see a picture in which Muslims will come to acknowledge God after being humiliated in defeat.
Finally, since I write this to many who are in this church whether they realize it yet, I want to emphasize what Jesus says. Jesus says that the church in Philadelphia has kept His command to endure patiently. That means we must endure patiently. And it means there must be a reason, otherwise it wouldn't be written. There is a great promise in this letter, but evidently we will have to work hard and long before that promise will be realized. We must persevere.
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars - I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. -Jesus in Revelation 3:7-13
We have now come to the present day. We live at a time when the church in Sardis is diminishing (the Protestant churches), the church in Thyatira continues (the RCC), and the church in Philadelphia is emerging. Don't take that to mean that this is the "emerging" or "emergent" church. Its hard to define the church in Philadelphia, since it is such an infant. But you can look for these signs: holds to the Bible and keeps the name of Jesus. This is churches that go by the name of Christ rather than the name of a denomination. And this is churches that hold to Scripture and know it well. You can tell which is the church in Philadelphia, if you see these two signs.
So what is the open door that Jesus speaks of? Clearly this is figurative, as a literal open door means nothing. Generally speaking, an open door is an opportunity. Specifically, I believe this open door is the internet. The internet is the most beneficial technology the church has ever seen; even better than the printing press. Our mission as Christians is to communicate a message. The advantage of the internet is that it gives us the ability to communicate that message near and far and wide, all without leaving the house. Even just in a believer's spare time, he can post Scripture on his Facebook. He could make a video defending the Christian faith in just a hour or so. There is much us Christians can do to make disciples by using the internet. Its simple and easy; its just a matter of doing it.
So the church in Philadelphia is emerging, Jesus has placed an open door before this church, and this church has kept His word and not denied His name. Jesus says that He will make those who are the synagogue of Satan acknowledge that He has loved the church in Philadelphia. So what is the synagogue of Satan? Again, this is clearly figurative. Jesus says that they claim to be Jews but are not. And since its mentioned here, it must be something significant. I believe the synagogue of Satan is the Islamic world. Muslims claim to be Jews, or at least to be children of the promise - through Ishmael - but anyone that studies Islam can see clearly that it is wrought with evil. Calling it the synagogue of Satan is accurate, if you know anything about Islam. Also, if you know the OT prophecies, you know that God will punish the enemies of Israel. Muslims in the middle east have made themselves the enemies of Israel. If you connect the prophecy in Ezekiel 38 to what Jesus says about the synagogue of Satan here, you see a picture in which Muslims will come to acknowledge God after being humiliated in defeat.
Finally, since I write this to many who are in this church whether they realize it yet, I want to emphasize what Jesus says. Jesus says that the church in Philadelphia has kept His command to endure patiently. That means we must endure patiently. And it means there must be a reason, otherwise it wouldn't be written. There is a great promise in this letter, but evidently we will have to work hard and long before that promise will be realized. We must persevere.
Friday, October 14, 2011
The Seven Churches: The Church in Sardis
To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. -Jesus in Revelation 3:1-6
We are now getting into the later churches. The church in Sardis represents the dominate church from the time of the Reformation (AD1500) to about this day. We think of this church as the Protestant churches. The reformers have always had a reputation of being alive. Today many Protestants put about as much emphasis on their favorite reformer and their own particular denomination's tradition as the Bible, and maybe more. But the reality of these churches, which came out of the reformation, is that they were not alive. If you study closely the history of Protestant churches and the people in and around them, you can see clearly that all is not well. Spiritual deadness is hard to see in history, but we can see the effects of it. During the time that Protestantism was dominate in Europe, there were wars and colonial slavery, which is obviously contrary to Christ's teachings. Its also evident in the amount of division, with all the different denominations in Protestantism.
It could be that the "Wake up!" in this letter is reflected in the Great Awakening. The two great awakenings were massive revivals that get a good bit of attention. The awakenings themselves are pretty cool, but a person has to wonder why they had to awaken. Their impact did not last for long. It seems that churches went right back to sleep. Christ tells the church in Sardis that they must strengthen what remains, because their deeds are not complete. The fact that their deeds are not complete is a result of Sola Fide (by faith alone), which is a teaching peculiar to Protestant churches. Protestants have always had the idea that deeds do not need to be done to enter heaven, and as a result, deeds have not been done. So today, if you think about it critically, you see that there are many Protestant churches that are dead and dying. You see churches that are spiritually dead and physically dying. Those that go to church do not take their religion seriously, and you find more and more post-Christian people, because there is little reason to go to church. There must be a realization that deeds are necessary, and good deeds have been lacking in Protestant churches. The word "strengthen" is used, because there is an overall weakness in these churches. Church-goers must learn the Bible and learn some apologetics, which will strengthen their faith and make them able to defend it. This is one thing that has been lacking in Protestant churches.
Even still, there are some in the Protestant churches that have done good deeds and have obeyed their Master. These are the "few people" that Jesus talks to in this letter. You can read about missionaries that went to distant lands and put their lives in danger. You can read about song-writers who wrote countless worship songs. You can see strong fathers and mothers who raised their children well and taught them Scripture. You can see, among the broader deadness, a few saints that have paid attention to Christ's words and followed them.
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. -Jesus in Revelation 3:1-6
We are now getting into the later churches. The church in Sardis represents the dominate church from the time of the Reformation (AD1500) to about this day. We think of this church as the Protestant churches. The reformers have always had a reputation of being alive. Today many Protestants put about as much emphasis on their favorite reformer and their own particular denomination's tradition as the Bible, and maybe more. But the reality of these churches, which came out of the reformation, is that they were not alive. If you study closely the history of Protestant churches and the people in and around them, you can see clearly that all is not well. Spiritual deadness is hard to see in history, but we can see the effects of it. During the time that Protestantism was dominate in Europe, there were wars and colonial slavery, which is obviously contrary to Christ's teachings. Its also evident in the amount of division, with all the different denominations in Protestantism.
It could be that the "Wake up!" in this letter is reflected in the Great Awakening. The two great awakenings were massive revivals that get a good bit of attention. The awakenings themselves are pretty cool, but a person has to wonder why they had to awaken. Their impact did not last for long. It seems that churches went right back to sleep. Christ tells the church in Sardis that they must strengthen what remains, because their deeds are not complete. The fact that their deeds are not complete is a result of Sola Fide (by faith alone), which is a teaching peculiar to Protestant churches. Protestants have always had the idea that deeds do not need to be done to enter heaven, and as a result, deeds have not been done. So today, if you think about it critically, you see that there are many Protestant churches that are dead and dying. You see churches that are spiritually dead and physically dying. Those that go to church do not take their religion seriously, and you find more and more post-Christian people, because there is little reason to go to church. There must be a realization that deeds are necessary, and good deeds have been lacking in Protestant churches. The word "strengthen" is used, because there is an overall weakness in these churches. Church-goers must learn the Bible and learn some apologetics, which will strengthen their faith and make them able to defend it. This is one thing that has been lacking in Protestant churches.
Even still, there are some in the Protestant churches that have done good deeds and have obeyed their Master. These are the "few people" that Jesus talks to in this letter. You can read about missionaries that went to distant lands and put their lives in danger. You can read about song-writers who wrote countless worship songs. You can see strong fathers and mothers who raised their children well and taught them Scripture. You can see, among the broader deadness, a few saints that have paid attention to Christ's words and followed them.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Seven Churches: The Church in Thyatira
To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): Only hold on to what you have until I come. To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations - 'He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery' - just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. -Jesus in Revelation 2:18-29
The churches up until now were all churches of early Christianity, with a fair amount of overlap among them. This church, the church in Thyatira, is the last of the early churches, but also the first of the late churches. This is the church that connects ancient Christianity with modern Christianity. Its commonly known as the Roman Catholic Church, but also includes the Eastern Orthodox churches. The time period in which the Roman Catholic Church was most dominate was from around AD500 to around AD1500, or from the rise of the papacy to the Reformation. You can see, by studying church history, that the Roman Catholic Church has always been keen on good works, and they do a good many of them. You'll also notice that during the dark ages (the beginning of this church age) the church was doing less than after the middle ages (the latter part of the church age). The church progressively has done more and more, and that is worthy of commendation. Jesus also commends them for their love and faith, which is something much less obvious from our vantage point, but I trust that its true.
There is one major problem with the Roman Catholic Church though, and that is the Vatican. The woman Jezebel, that Jesus speaks of, is the Vatican, or possibly the office of Pope. Either way, whether its the papacy or the Vatican, its basically the same entity. There is no doubt that this Jezebel is a figurative representation, since the literal Jezebel was long dead when this was written, and she never lived anywhere near the city of Thyatira. Its also quite telling that Catholics refer to the Vatican as "Mother Church" and the Pope as the "Holy See". Notice that Jesus uses a female form of a false prophet to describe it. And look at the things that Jezebel leads God's servants into by her teaching. Its practically common knowledge that the problems in Roman Catholicism are idolatry and sexual immorality, as well as false teachings. Consider also where the Vatican has taken up residence. With the previous church, and Revelation 17:9, we discovered that Rome is where Satan lives and has his throne (Revelation 2:13). In short, Rome is a tool on earth for Satan. So its no surprise that this false prophetess, the Vatican, has taken up residence in Rome. It also could be speculated that this Jezebel has some connection with the prostitute woman in Revelation 17. Its clear from this letter and Revelation 17, that both Jezebel and the prostitute woman have many children by adulteries. They could be one in the same.
The latter part of this letter is directed to those "who do not hold to her teaching". I believe, in general, this is anyone, either throughout the church period or now, that has not taken the Vatican's teachings to heart. Specifically, it could be the Eastern Orthodox Church. Its clear that Eastern Orthodox are practically the same as Roman Catholics, but without the Roman part. They might be, more specifically, who Jesus is talking to in the latter part of the letter, but that's a speculation. Basically, its simply anyone who does not hold to the false teachings of the Vatican.
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): Only hold on to what you have until I come. To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations - 'He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery' - just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. -Jesus in Revelation 2:18-29
The churches up until now were all churches of early Christianity, with a fair amount of overlap among them. This church, the church in Thyatira, is the last of the early churches, but also the first of the late churches. This is the church that connects ancient Christianity with modern Christianity. Its commonly known as the Roman Catholic Church, but also includes the Eastern Orthodox churches. The time period in which the Roman Catholic Church was most dominate was from around AD500 to around AD1500, or from the rise of the papacy to the Reformation. You can see, by studying church history, that the Roman Catholic Church has always been keen on good works, and they do a good many of them. You'll also notice that during the dark ages (the beginning of this church age) the church was doing less than after the middle ages (the latter part of the church age). The church progressively has done more and more, and that is worthy of commendation. Jesus also commends them for their love and faith, which is something much less obvious from our vantage point, but I trust that its true.
There is one major problem with the Roman Catholic Church though, and that is the Vatican. The woman Jezebel, that Jesus speaks of, is the Vatican, or possibly the office of Pope. Either way, whether its the papacy or the Vatican, its basically the same entity. There is no doubt that this Jezebel is a figurative representation, since the literal Jezebel was long dead when this was written, and she never lived anywhere near the city of Thyatira. Its also quite telling that Catholics refer to the Vatican as "Mother Church" and the Pope as the "Holy See". Notice that Jesus uses a female form of a false prophet to describe it. And look at the things that Jezebel leads God's servants into by her teaching. Its practically common knowledge that the problems in Roman Catholicism are idolatry and sexual immorality, as well as false teachings. Consider also where the Vatican has taken up residence. With the previous church, and Revelation 17:9, we discovered that Rome is where Satan lives and has his throne (Revelation 2:13). In short, Rome is a tool on earth for Satan. So its no surprise that this false prophetess, the Vatican, has taken up residence in Rome. It also could be speculated that this Jezebel has some connection with the prostitute woman in Revelation 17. Its clear from this letter and Revelation 17, that both Jezebel and the prostitute woman have many children by adulteries. They could be one in the same.
The latter part of this letter is directed to those "who do not hold to her teaching". I believe, in general, this is anyone, either throughout the church period or now, that has not taken the Vatican's teachings to heart. Specifically, it could be the Eastern Orthodox Church. Its clear that Eastern Orthodox are practically the same as Roman Catholics, but without the Roman part. They might be, more specifically, who Jesus is talking to in the latter part of the letter, but that's a speculation. Basically, its simply anyone who does not hold to the false teachings of the Vatican.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The Seven Churches: The Church in Pergamum
To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live - where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city - where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. -Jesus in Revelation 2:12-17
You probably noticed that there's a theme in this letter, which is "where Satan lives." Jesus makes it clear that Satan lives in their city (I know, sounds really bad!). The church in Pergamum represents the mixed church, from about AD313 to around AD750. This is when the church and the Roman Empire were wedded together in some sense, which is why Pergamum is "where Satan has his throne." We know based on other parts of Revelation that Rome is a tool for Satan. We know that the woman, who is a great prostitute, sits on seven hills (Revelation 17:9). And Rome has always been known as the "city on seven hills" because it is surrounded by seven hills. We also know that Rome is the throne of Satan, because Revelation 13:2 says that Satan gave the first beast his throne, and Revelation 17:9 says the seven heads of the first beast are the seven hills on which the prostitute (Rome) sits. It makes perfect sense, because the church during this period existed in the Roman Empire, both east and west at first and then later only east. And Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire during this time.
Because the church and the Empire were wedded together, a number of false teachings and practices began to creep into Christianity. The council of Ephesus, where Mary worship essentially began, was during this period. A number of the historic pagan temples and statues were not destroyed, but were simply converted to use in Christianity. In this way, idolatry entered the church. Honoring, and even praying to, certain saints became a practice. Some Christian clergy were more concerned with pleasing the emperor and Roman authorities than pleasing God, and they taught things that corrupted Christian truth. Pagan rituals, where food sacrificed to idols was eaten and sexual immorality taken place, did not cease, but took on a Christian disguise. This is why its called the mixed church - because paganism and Christianity were mixed together. It did much more harm to the Christian church than the many persecutions before it did.
But not everything was bad in Pergamum. Jesus commends them for their faithfulness, even in persecution. The persecution He speaks of is the lingering persecution following the Smyrna church age. Even after the Edict of Milan in AD313, Christians were still poor and facing persecutions from people who hated them. And certainly not all Christians during that time took part in the corrupt practices. There had to have been many who remained faithful to Christ's teachings. The rebuke is mainly aimed at the fact that they tolerated the false teachings and practices that crept in during that period.
Notice that it was the Roman Empire that persecuted Christians in the first few centuries, and notice that Jesus says that Antipas (a figure representing the persecuted Christians in the church in Pergamum) was put to death in their city - where Satan lives - which was the Roman Empire.
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live - where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city - where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. -Jesus in Revelation 2:12-17
You probably noticed that there's a theme in this letter, which is "where Satan lives." Jesus makes it clear that Satan lives in their city (I know, sounds really bad!). The church in Pergamum represents the mixed church, from about AD313 to around AD750. This is when the church and the Roman Empire were wedded together in some sense, which is why Pergamum is "where Satan has his throne." We know based on other parts of Revelation that Rome is a tool for Satan. We know that the woman, who is a great prostitute, sits on seven hills (Revelation 17:9). And Rome has always been known as the "city on seven hills" because it is surrounded by seven hills. We also know that Rome is the throne of Satan, because Revelation 13:2 says that Satan gave the first beast his throne, and Revelation 17:9 says the seven heads of the first beast are the seven hills on which the prostitute (Rome) sits. It makes perfect sense, because the church during this period existed in the Roman Empire, both east and west at first and then later only east. And Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire during this time.
Because the church and the Empire were wedded together, a number of false teachings and practices began to creep into Christianity. The council of Ephesus, where Mary worship essentially began, was during this period. A number of the historic pagan temples and statues were not destroyed, but were simply converted to use in Christianity. In this way, idolatry entered the church. Honoring, and even praying to, certain saints became a practice. Some Christian clergy were more concerned with pleasing the emperor and Roman authorities than pleasing God, and they taught things that corrupted Christian truth. Pagan rituals, where food sacrificed to idols was eaten and sexual immorality taken place, did not cease, but took on a Christian disguise. This is why its called the mixed church - because paganism and Christianity were mixed together. It did much more harm to the Christian church than the many persecutions before it did.
But not everything was bad in Pergamum. Jesus commends them for their faithfulness, even in persecution. The persecution He speaks of is the lingering persecution following the Smyrna church age. Even after the Edict of Milan in AD313, Christians were still poor and facing persecutions from people who hated them. And certainly not all Christians during that time took part in the corrupt practices. There had to have been many who remained faithful to Christ's teachings. The rebuke is mainly aimed at the fact that they tolerated the false teachings and practices that crept in during that period.
Notice that it was the Roman Empire that persecuted Christians in the first few centuries, and notice that Jesus says that Antipas (a figure representing the persecuted Christians in the church in Pergamum) was put to death in their city - where Satan lives - which was the Roman Empire.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The Seven Churches: The Church in Smyrna
To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty - yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. -Jesus in Revelation 2:8-11
This letter describes the Christian church from the time of the first major persecution (AD64) to the time of the last major persecution (AD311), which was the most severe of all. Not long after this the emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan (AD313), legalizing Christianity. The "ten days" in this letter symbolically represents ten major persecutions. Here are the ten emperors that enacted these persecutions:
1) Nero AD 63-68
2) Domition AD 81-96
3) Trajan AD 112-117
4) Marcus Aurelius AD 161-180
5) Septimus Severus AD 202-210
6) Maximus the Thracian AD 235-238
7) Decius AD 250-251
8) Valerian AD 257-259
9) Aurelian AD 270-275
10) Diocletian and Galerius AD 303-324
This church has always been know as the early persecuted church. This church is also known as the most pure of any Christian church. Jesus states that they are poor in physical possessions, but rich in spiritual wealth. In no way does Jesus rebuke of criticize the church in Smyrna, giving us a shining example to follow. The ones who say they are Jews, but are actually a synagogue of Satan, is most likely the Jews who persecuted early Christians. We see this clearly in the book of Acts, where Jews are causing trouble for Paul everywhere he goes. When Jesus implies that they're not actually Jews, He is speaking of them not being the spiritual Israel, or truly Jewish in their heart (Romans 2:28-29). So while they may have had a Jewish pedigree, they were not truly Jewish. Take a closer look at the early persecuted church; there are many amazing stories of perseverance and faithfulness. We truly have an amazing example of how to be faithful followers of Christ with the church in Smyrna.
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty - yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. -Jesus in Revelation 2:8-11
This letter describes the Christian church from the time of the first major persecution (AD64) to the time of the last major persecution (AD311), which was the most severe of all. Not long after this the emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan (AD313), legalizing Christianity. The "ten days" in this letter symbolically represents ten major persecutions. Here are the ten emperors that enacted these persecutions:
1) Nero AD 63-68
2) Domition AD 81-96
3) Trajan AD 112-117
4) Marcus Aurelius AD 161-180
5) Septimus Severus AD 202-210
6) Maximus the Thracian AD 235-238
7) Decius AD 250-251
8) Valerian AD 257-259
9) Aurelian AD 270-275
10) Diocletian and Galerius AD 303-324
This church has always been know as the early persecuted church. This church is also known as the most pure of any Christian church. Jesus states that they are poor in physical possessions, but rich in spiritual wealth. In no way does Jesus rebuke of criticize the church in Smyrna, giving us a shining example to follow. The ones who say they are Jews, but are actually a synagogue of Satan, is most likely the Jews who persecuted early Christians. We see this clearly in the book of Acts, where Jews are causing trouble for Paul everywhere he goes. When Jesus implies that they're not actually Jews, He is speaking of them not being the spiritual Israel, or truly Jewish in their heart (Romans 2:28-29). So while they may have had a Jewish pedigree, they were not truly Jewish. Take a closer look at the early persecuted church; there are many amazing stories of perseverance and faithfulness. We truly have an amazing example of how to be faithful followers of Christ with the church in Smyrna.
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