Daily Grace

In chapter seven of Revelation we see Christ as the “Washing Lamb” who washes sin away with His own blood.

1. The Account - (v. 1 – 8 ) In these verses the Word of God teaches us that there will be 144,000 Jews that will be saved, sealed, and sanctified during the Tribulation Period.  They will be set apart for God’s specific purpose during this time.  Please take note how specific this chapter is about these people.  They are Jews, literally and not figuratively.
2. The After Effects (v. 9 – 12) Though the Word of God is silent, in this chapter, regarding the work of the 144,000, it is clear that there are many who come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as a result of their work.  The additional ones who are saved are innumerable, and they are from every nation, kindred, people, and tongue.
3. The Agent (v. 13 – 17) The cleansing agent for these born again individuals is the blood of the Lamb.  There is no other detergent that can cleanse the sin-stained soul of man.

Daily Grace

Thus far, we have seen:

• The Church in Ephesus – This church had left their first love.
• The Church in Smyrna – This was the church under heavy persecution that remained faithful.
• The Church in Pergamos – This church struggled with doctrinal purity.
• The Church in Thyatira – This church allowed an individual to lead others into idolatry and fornication.
• The Church in Sardis – This church was to be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that were ready to die.
• The Church in Ephesus – This church had a door of opportunity that was opened up by Jesus Christ.

Revelation 3:14 – 22 speaks of the church of Laodicea.  There is no commendation given to this church by Jesus Christ.  It is a lukewarm church that nauseates Christ.

1. The Perception of the Church (v. 17) – “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing...”  This church had become self-sufficient in their minds.  The perception they had of themselves was that of wealth and independency.
2. The Poverty of the Church (v. 17) – “…and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked…”  As Christ looked upon this materially wealthy church, He said that, in reality, they were poor and had reason to be ashamed.
3. The Prescription for the Church (v. 18) – “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”  The Great Physician assesses the situation and gives the remedy.  Their spiritually impoverished state could only be corrected by provision from Heaven’s medicine cabinet.

Daily Thought:
Surrender to be a Christian who is “hot” for Jesus!

Personal Application:
In the “Prescription for the Church” given by Christ there are several things noted by Christ:

• “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire” – This would be the purest of any gold.  Gold in the Word of God is consistently a type of Deity.  In some form or fashion it would seem that this church had either questioned or begun to reject the Deity of Christ.  The truth is that Jesus is God!
• “White raiment” – This is a type of purity or righteousness.  There is no question that there were some that were not saved within the church.  The purity is thus offered to them by Jesus Christ.  The righteousness of God is imputed to us through Christ (II Corinthians 5:21)
• “Eyesalve” – This would seem to give reference to spiritual illuminiation which is brought by way of the Holy Spirit.

Whatever the case may be with a church or a Christian like this, the principle that begins this entire “lukewarm process” is found in verse 20, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man will hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”  Christ has been ushered out of the church.  Whenever this happens in the life of a church or an individual, the result is this lukewarm, nauseating, self-sufficient state.

• Jesus is calling.  Are you listening?
• Opening the door is a matter of yielding to His call.
• “…and will sup with him, and he with me.”  Fellowship is promised if we allow Him in.  While most people use this passage solely for salvation, that is truly a secondary application.  The context of this passage is that of one who is being chastened by a loved One (see verse 19).  This is a mark of being a child of God according to Hebrews 12).
• Yield to Christ today in fellowship, and be a Christian who is “hot” for Jesus!

Daily Grace

Thus far, we have seen:

• The Church in Ephesus – This church had left their first love.
• The Church in Smyrna – This was the church under heavy persecution that remained faithful.
• The Church in Pergamos – This church struggled with doctrinal purity.
• The Church in Thyatira – This church allowed an individual to lead others into idolatry and fornication.
• The Church in Sardis – This church was to be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that were ready to die.

Revelation 3:7 – 13 speaks of the church of Philadelphia.  The word Philadelphia means “brotherly love.”  This church is known as the “Loving Church with an Open Door.”  Here are three things to note in this passage:

1. The Description of Christ (v. 7) – “These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth…”  Jesus is here presented as the One with the key Who opens and shuts doors with absolute authority.
2. The Description of the Church (v. 8) – “…for thou has a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.”  This church had little strength, yet they were faithful to the Word of God and the Name of Jesus Christ.
3. The Description of Christ’s Coming (v. 10 – 11) – “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”  There are at least two things that are sure, for the believer, in these two verses:
   1. • “…keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world…” – This phrase does address the coming tribulation period and the fact that the Rapture of believers will take place before the time of this tribulation.
      • “Behold, I come quickly” speaks to the fact that Christ could return at any moment.

Daily Grace

Thus far, we have seen:

• The Church in Ephesus – This church had left their first love.
• The Church in Smyrna – This was the church under heavy persecution that remained faithful.
• The Church in Pergamos – This church struggled with doctrinal purity.
• The Church in Thyatira – This church allowed an individual to lead others into idolatry and fornication.

Revelation 3:1 – 6 speaks of the church of Sardis.  The word Sardis means “remnant.”  There are three things in this message that we can see:

1. Their Profession (v. 1) – “…that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead…”  This church had a name that they were alive.  In other words, on the outside it appeared to be very busy and full of works, but by Christ’s viewpoint, they were dead.
2. The Plea (v. 2) – “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die…”  Not everything was dead!  Christ commanded them to strengthen, which means “make stable or firm,” the things which remain.  They were to make stable or sure up the things that were not dead.
3. The Promise (v. 5) – “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life…”  This is a wonderful truth that we will develop later.  The truth is that we are secure forever!

Daily Grace

Thus far, we have seen:

• The Church in Ephesus – This church had left their first love.
• The Church in Smyrna – This was the church under heavy persecution that remained faithful.
• The Church in Pergamos – This church struggled with doctrinal purity.

Revelation 2:18 – 29 speaks of the church of Thyatira.  The dominating condemnation to this church was the fact that they had allowed a woman like Jezebel to teach and seduce individuals to commit fornication and to perform idolatrous actions.  What this woman was doing was very similar to what we addressed in the church of Pergamos.  The main difference seen in the text before us is that the doctrine is clearly being taught within the walls of the church.  In the case at Pergamos we are told that they had those who held to the opposing doctrines.

Whether this woman’s name was Jezebel or not, her doctrine was not correct.  In addition, she had apparently usurped a position in the church that she was not to have.  To this woman and those she has seduced, judgment is pronounced.

1. The Mercy of Christ (v. 21) – “And I gave her space to repent…”  Christ has mercifully provided time for this individual to repent.
2. The Mandate of Christ (v. 21 – 25) – “But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”  The command given by Christ is two-fold:
   • To this teacher of false doctrine, they must “repent.”  Christ has not only given them time, but His desire is that they would repent or turn around.
   • The second part of the mandate is that they who have NOT followed this false doctrine are to hold fast what they do have.
3. The Method Given by Christ (v. 23) – “…and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts…”  Christ’s judgment of this individual is based upon the fact that He searches the hearts.

Daily Thought:
Christ’s judgment is perfect.  He sees all, including the heart of each individual.

Personal Application:
Christ unveiled Himself in this message as the One with eyes “like unto a flame of fire” and feet that were “like fine brass.”  The eyes speak to the fact that He sees all.  The feet speaks of judgment since brass is a picture of judgment in the Bible.  In other words, Christ is merciful and long suffering; but there will come a point when opportunity to repent will be gone for those of this age who have heard the Gospel.

To the Christian, I say:

• Recognize that Christ sees your true motive.  He sees your heart.
• If you have given yourself over to idolatry, REPENT.  This is not for salvation, but rather it is for restoration.

To the non-Christian, I say:

• Your time is limited, and what time you do have is given by God’s mercy.
• Repent of your sin, and trust Christ as Saviour before it is too late.  How can I be born again according to the Word of God?

Daily Grace

Thus far, we have seen:

• The Church in Ephesus – This church had left their first love.
• The Church in Smyrna – This was the church under heavy persecution that remained faithful.

Revelation 2:12 – 17 addresses the church in Pergamos.  The message to this church is about “doctrine” (teachings and beliefs).  The word “doctrine” is used 45 times in 44 verses in the New Testament.  Twelve of those times, it is used in the Gospel records.  Doctrine is important to Jesus Christ.

In the message to this church notice three specific doctrinal positions:

1. The Doctrine of Balaam (v. 14) – “…thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam…”  This doctrine that is referenced here would be worth an in-depth study.  Numbers 25 gives to us the story that is referenced here in Revelation.  Here are some other references for study regarding what Balaam did: II Peter 2:15 – 19, Jude 11, and I Corinthians 10:1 – 8.  In summary, this doctrinal philosophy would be “Idolatry through Immorality.”  Balaam could not curse Israel, so he caused Israel to fall morally.  As a result of the immorality, idolatry took hold within the camp.  This is still Satan’s M.O. (Method of Operation).  He uses that which appeals to the flesh to do damage to that which is spiritual.  Consider the temptations of Eve and of Jesus.
2. The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans (v. 15) – “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”  When the name “Nicolaitans” is disected it means “to dominate the laity.”  This identifies some type of hierarchy that was developing within the church.  Immediately, most minds think of Catholicism which had not officially begun at this point, but the seeds of this type of “domination of the laity” had been planted.  The truth is that the hierarchy that was later realized after the rule of Constantine (“legalization of Christianity”) was a copy of a pagan hierarchy that was in Babylon before the time of Christ.  The Babylonians had a hierarchy that consisted of bishops and cardinals…etc.  III John 9 may also be evidence that the desire by some to dominate had begun to infiltrate the churches during the time of John.  Either way, Christ hated this doctrine.
3. The Doctrine of the Word of God (v. 12 & 16) – “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”  Consider the following verses:
   1. • “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
      • “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” – II Timothy 3:16
      • “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” – Ephesians 6:17

Daily Grace

In Revelation 2:8 – 11 we are given the message to the Church in Smyrna.  This is the persecuted church.  Of the seven messages, Smyrna is one of two that is not given any condemnation.

1. The Persecution of Smyrna – This church was under some very harsh and specific persecution during its existence.  Death was the result in some cases.  The word “tribulation” is used to describe the time in which Smyrna endured.  This is not the same as what is known as the “Seven Year Tribulation” period, but it is the word used to emphasize the great trials and troubles endured by this body of people.
2. The Power of Satan – “…behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried…” (v. 10)  Satan still has power to attack and inflict pain upon churches as well as upon individuals.  This power is LIMITED by God.  Praise the LORD!
3. The Presentation of the Savior – “These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.” (v. 8)  As Christ presents Himself to this church, He does so by presenting Himself as the One Who meets the specific need of this church.

Daily Grace

Chapters 2 and 3 of the Revelation of Jesus Christ are messages sent from Christ to 7 literal churches that were in Asia.  Each message has application to each church corporately and each Christian individually.  Please take time to read 2:1 – 7.  Please also keep in mind that the angel or star is a messenger or pastor/elder/bishop of the congregation.  The candlestick refers to the church itself (1:20).

The first church to be addressed in chapter two is the church of Ephesus.  This was a church that was said to have been started by the Apostle Paul.  There was clearly a strong relationship between Paul and the Ephesian elders as noted in Acts 20.

Verse 2 says, “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou has tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars…”  Three areas of commendation are noted about this church in this verse:

1. Works – These are the accomplished things.
2. Working (labour) – This is the working that it took to accomplish the works.
3. Waiting (patience) – This is the persevering that they had while in their working to accomplish their works.

This was an industrious church that was not weary in well-doing.  They had “weeded out” the liars.  They were straight doctrinally, and they were persevering.  There was one major condemnation, and it was that they had left their first love.  The first love of the Church (the Bride) is the Bridegroom, and this Person is Jesus Christ.

Apparently, in spite of all of the faithful labor and doctrinal accuracy they left their first love.  How was this evident?  The problem on the inside was evident on the outside because they had left their “first works” (v. 5).

Daily Grace
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.”
- Revelation 1:10

Today, we begin The Revelation of Jesus Christ.  This is a book that has been highly debated, and still all of the truths within this wonderful finale have not been exhausted nor understood.  Please bear in mind that this is a devotional rather than an exhaustive commentary.  Please pray and allow the LORD to guide you as you seek to understand and apply the truths that will be highlighted each day.

We will divide this chapter into three segments for our understanding.

1. The Person (v. 1 – 8; 11 – 18; 20) – The Preeminent Person of this chapter, Book, and entire Word of God is Jesus Christ.  Revelation is about His unveiling of Himself to this world.
   • Four times in this chapter (v. 4, 8, 11, & 17) the eternal existence of Christ is emphasized.
   • A detailed description of His appearance is given (v. 12 – 16)
     • Seven Candlesticks (v. 12) – reminiscent of the Jewish menorah.  These candlesticks are the seven churches (v. 20), and Jesus is seen to be in the midst of them.
     • “Clothed with garment down to the foot” (v. 13) – Majesty
     • “Golden girdle” (v. 13) – Deity (gold is a picture of Deity in Scripture)
     • White hair (v. 14) – Purity
     • “Eyes were as a flame of fire” (v. 14) – Penetrating and all-knowing.  There is nothing hidden from His sight.
     • Feet like “fine brass” (v. 15) – Brass is a picture of judgment in the Scripture.  Jesus will carry out the wrath of God.
     • Voice as the sound of “many waters” (v. 15) – powerful or roaring.  His voice demands attention.
2. The Playwright (v. 9 – 10) – The writer is John.  He writes this Book humbly with no claim to his apostleship.  He is the same writer of the Gospel account as well as the books of I John, II John, & III John.
   1. • The Price (v. 5) – The price of the redemption of man is the blood of Jesus Christ.  John gives witness to this truth.
      • The Position (v. 6) – This is established already for those who have been TRULY born again.  “Kings” speaks to authority over others.  “Priests” speaks about those who mediate on behalf of another.  According to Scripture, we will reign with Jesus Christ.  This position is already established and will be further realized in the millennial reign of Christ.
      • The Persecution (v. 9) – John is under persecution for two reasons: “the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”  Verse 2 of this chapter indicates that this is what he is bearing witness of, and 6:9 show that others will be slain for these two things.
      • The Power (v. 10) – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day…” does not speak of a second work of grace.  This is speaking of one who is under control of the Holy Spirit.  This speaks of power.
3. The Partition (v. 19) – “Write the things which thou has seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter…”  This is the key to understanding this book.  This book is partitioned in this way: things which thou…”hast seen”; “which are”; “shall be hereafter.”

Grace Baptist Church is moving forward in 2010, by God’s grace!  There are so many wonderful opportunities on the horizon.  The open doors will be met with challenges, but “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” – I John 4:4

Here are a few things to watch for:

• “With This Ring” – Young Marrieds Class: Mark and Joyce Curtis will begin this class Sunday, January 3rd.  Mark or Joyce can be reached by email at jcurtis@grace-middletown.com should you have any questions.
• 2010 Youth Winter Retreat – January 16 – 18: Visit www.gbc-youth.org to get the documents needed.  Deposit is due Sunday January 3rd ($15.00).
• Enabled Ministries Meeting – January 17th @ 4:00 PM in Lamplighters.  This meeting is for all volunteers.  Visit the new blog for this ministry for additional information: enabled.gbcblogs.com.
• Children’s Ministry Weekend – Saturday, January 30th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and a special day for all children’s ministries on Sunday, January 31st.  See Bro. Lake or Michele Taylor or email them at masterclub@grace-middletown.com.