Rev 3:8I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, andhast not denied my name. 9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Let's not leave verse 8 just yet. The open door is significant in its meaning. First it is open and second, no man can shut it. So, what is the meaning of the open door?
1. There are several examples in the New Testament of open doors; 1 Cor. 16:19, 2 Cor. 2:12, Col 4:3, & Acts 14:27 are a few. Each time it is an opportunity for that person to minister or a missionary opportunity. It may be that the door is open for us to go testify and preach the gospel. Now, I am not saying head off across sea to be a missionary, it is not a calling for everyone. So, where?...for me it is in my family, across the street, at the grocery, my work environment, and even at my church. Pray that Christ gives you an opportunity to speak to someone. But, let me warn you now, if you ask, He will provide. Be ready, bold, and proud to speak of Christ.
2. The door may be referring to Christ. See John 10:7 &9 where it states, Christ is the door.
3. There is another door which no man can shut and that is the door of prayer. Remember, Christ died on the cross so we can go boldly into the throne room and speak to God! Matt 27:51 with the tearing of the curtain on Christ's crucifixion means we do not need anyone to stand between us and God.
Now on to verse 9
The Jews who have denied Christ are mentioned here specifically. In that age, the Jews continued to offer sacrifices to God and follow the old law. Christ on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, to continue to follow the old law is denial of what Christ has done for them. Therefore it is of Satan to do those things. The Jews are mentioned here because they were God's chosen and will be given every opportunity to acknowledge Christ as the Son of God, this is a specific warning to them. But, it is not only the Jews who deny Christ who will suffer. Please know that and find the answers you are looking for before Christ makes his glorious appearance again.
Blessings on all !
Calabash
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Revelations 3:7 & 8
7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 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 8I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name
We start off with three great titles for our Lord, holy, true and, "hath the key of David".
Starting with holy, the greek translation (hagios) means different, seperate from. This is the seperation from man and seperation from evil. To state that Jesus is Holy implys the connection or "oneness" with God. It is something we should strive for by God's direction, "Be holy, for I am holy." We must reject sin, repent and strive to walk with God, holy like Him.
True: Greek, alethes meaning true. i.e. The sky is blue. That statement is true, not false. Then there is the greek word alethinos meaning real. Reality, not fiction. It is the second word, alethinos which is utilized here. Christ is the reality!
"hath the key of David.": The key here is a symbol of authority. We find in I saiah 22:22 that he who had the key of David was the treasurer of David's house. Here we find that he, Christ has the key that opens the door, and no man can shut it and shuts the door and no man can open. Christ has the final say, the final authority. There is a more indepth meaning here in that Christ is the key himself. He is the one who opens up the meaning and the gifts of His Word. He is the key to the Holy Scriptures, there is no other, He is the only way.
The Church in Philiadelphia kept His Word, they didn't just go to church and leave, they allowed Christ to be their authority, their guide, their answer. It was more than just believing for them. This is what the church Philiadelphia is being commended for. They did not deny His name!
This may seem basic but it is really not. How do you act when your with your friends? Do you act cool, maybe cuss, stretch the truth some, maybe gossip??? This is peer pressure for today, for the churchs in the book of Revelation, things were much the same in that the people were faced the same things we face here. It may be a different scale but it came down to the same thing. Let me give you an example. If you wanted to sell your product or hang around with the "cool kids", how do you do that? You get approvial of the person your selling to or you want to be with, right? To get that person to like you or want to hang with you, you conform to their likes and dislikes. If Christ and speaking of Him makes them unconfortable........do you still speak of Him? The answer for Philidelphia was YES! Is your answer YES?
Something to ponder!
Blessings on all till next time,
Calabash
We start off with three great titles for our Lord, holy, true and, "hath the key of David".
Starting with holy, the greek translation (hagios) means different, seperate from. This is the seperation from man and seperation from evil. To state that Jesus is Holy implys the connection or "oneness" with God. It is something we should strive for by God's direction, "Be holy, for I am holy." We must reject sin, repent and strive to walk with God, holy like Him.
True: Greek, alethes meaning true. i.e. The sky is blue. That statement is true, not false. Then there is the greek word alethinos meaning real. Reality, not fiction. It is the second word, alethinos which is utilized here. Christ is the reality!
"hath the key of David.": The key here is a symbol of authority. We find in I saiah 22:22 that he who had the key of David was the treasurer of David's house. Here we find that he, Christ has the key that opens the door, and no man can shut it and shuts the door and no man can open. Christ has the final say, the final authority. There is a more indepth meaning here in that Christ is the key himself. He is the one who opens up the meaning and the gifts of His Word. He is the key to the Holy Scriptures, there is no other, He is the only way.
The Church in Philiadelphia kept His Word, they didn't just go to church and leave, they allowed Christ to be their authority, their guide, their answer. It was more than just believing for them. This is what the church Philiadelphia is being commended for. They did not deny His name!
This may seem basic but it is really not. How do you act when your with your friends? Do you act cool, maybe cuss, stretch the truth some, maybe gossip??? This is peer pressure for today, for the churchs in the book of Revelation, things were much the same in that the people were faced the same things we face here. It may be a different scale but it came down to the same thing. Let me give you an example. If you wanted to sell your product or hang around with the "cool kids", how do you do that? You get approvial of the person your selling to or you want to be with, right? To get that person to like you or want to hang with you, you conform to their likes and dislikes. If Christ and speaking of Him makes them unconfortable........do you still speak of Him? The answer for Philidelphia was YES! Is your answer YES?
Something to ponder!
Blessings on all till next time,
Calabash
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Philadelphia
Philadelipha was the youngest of all the churches, it was located a mere 28 miles from Sardis. Attalus the Second, founded it. He was a ruler from Pergamum living around 159 to 138 B.C.
Philadelphos is the Greek word for one who loves his brother. Attalus had a brother, Eumenes who was called Phiadelpos and it was after him this city was named. Philadelphia was on the edge of a great plain of Katakekaumene, meaning Burned Land. Aptly named because it was a great volcanic plain having the lava and ashes of the old volcanoes. This land was extremely fertile and grapes grew very well there. Where there are grapes, there is wine and great wine came from this area as well, which lead to growth and prosperity in the city.
Phiadelphia had a special reason for being set up, it's location was in little danger, it was a perfect place for peace and education to occur, and it did. It was to be a missionary of Greek culture and for the Greek language to Lydia and Phrygia. This did happen well enough that Ramsay spoke of Philadelphia as "the center fro the diffusion of Greek language and Greek letters in a peaceful land and by peaceful means." In Revelation Chapter 3 :8 Christ says, "I have set before thee an open door," this is what He was talking about, the open, peaceful educated place that was Philadelphia. Philadelphia was given full reign to spread the Greek ideas, to have a huge missionary opportunity.
In 17 a.d. there was an earthquake which destroyed Sardis and other cities. The quake was so large that the after shocks went on for years. These shocks drove the people to live outside the city walls due to the large cracks and crevices left from the aftershocks. Eventually the shocks subsided and the city lived on, it went through two name changes (in attempts to forget the tragedy) but, they did not last and the title "Philadelpha" was restored.
Of all the cities mentioned in Revelation, Philadelphia received the most praise. We will see why when we dive into the Word next blog. However, it needs to be known that the city became great, even when other towns had fallen into enemy hands, Philadelphia stood. It continued to stand, a Greek Christian city surrounded by pagan peoples. It finally fell in the fourteenth century but it continues to hold Christians in that area where it once stood. It still stands for what it was meant to be, a Christian banner of faith.
Next blog, what went right, and how we can learn from it!
Blessings on all,
Calabash
Philadelphos is the Greek word for one who loves his brother. Attalus had a brother, Eumenes who was called Phiadelpos and it was after him this city was named. Philadelphia was on the edge of a great plain of Katakekaumene, meaning Burned Land. Aptly named because it was a great volcanic plain having the lava and ashes of the old volcanoes. This land was extremely fertile and grapes grew very well there. Where there are grapes, there is wine and great wine came from this area as well, which lead to growth and prosperity in the city.
Phiadelphia had a special reason for being set up, it's location was in little danger, it was a perfect place for peace and education to occur, and it did. It was to be a missionary of Greek culture and for the Greek language to Lydia and Phrygia. This did happen well enough that Ramsay spoke of Philadelphia as "the center fro the diffusion of Greek language and Greek letters in a peaceful land and by peaceful means." In Revelation Chapter 3 :8 Christ says, "I have set before thee an open door," this is what He was talking about, the open, peaceful educated place that was Philadelphia. Philadelphia was given full reign to spread the Greek ideas, to have a huge missionary opportunity.
In 17 a.d. there was an earthquake which destroyed Sardis and other cities. The quake was so large that the after shocks went on for years. These shocks drove the people to live outside the city walls due to the large cracks and crevices left from the aftershocks. Eventually the shocks subsided and the city lived on, it went through two name changes (in attempts to forget the tragedy) but, they did not last and the title "Philadelpha" was restored.
Of all the cities mentioned in Revelation, Philadelphia received the most praise. We will see why when we dive into the Word next blog. However, it needs to be known that the city became great, even when other towns had fallen into enemy hands, Philadelphia stood. It continued to stand, a Greek Christian city surrounded by pagan peoples. It finally fell in the fourteenth century but it continues to hold Christians in that area where it once stood. It still stands for what it was meant to be, a Christian banner of faith.
Next blog, what went right, and how we can learn from it!
Blessings on all,
Calabash
Friday, June 17, 2011
Rev 3:4-6
4Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy 5He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels 6He that hath an ear, let him hearwhat the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Take heart, there is hope. We see in verse four that there are some in Sardis that have held to God's Word....(I pray your saying "that's ME!" right not or repenting.) This is great news for those of us who have hope and know we sin (cause we are not perfect). God never quits looking for the few faithful. Abijah alone with all the sons of Jeroboam was spared because of some good in him (1 Kings) & Abraham pleading with God for Sodom (Genesis) are two wonderful examples. The reference of not defiling the garments is that the soul was kept clean or we have kept the baptismal vows. To those, they get to walk with God! See Genesis 5:24 Enoch is there, God took him and now walks with him. No death for Enoch.
To those who have been faithful there is mention of three promises:
1. Clothed in white: See Matthew 13:43, we will "shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father". Not sure what that is gonna be like but, I'm in! White robes are guests wearing garments at the old banquets, and white stands for victory and purity.
2. Names not be wiped out of the Book of Life: This book is mentioned often in the Bible (Exodus 32: 32& 33; Psalms 69:28; Daniel 12:1; Phil 4:3; and again in Rev further down the road) Those who are not written in the Book of Life are to be cast into the lake of fire. Not my words, it is from God, please get right with Him, he only wants what is the best for you, He loves you!
3. Jesus will confess your name before his Father and the angels!! COOLIO! But, the other side of this is true as well...If you deny Christ, He will deny you.
Remember, Matthew 28: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. He is here, He is with us!
Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is ALWAYS with us, depend on Him, learn from Him and lean on Him. He is your strength! AMEN!
Headed to Philadelphia next!! Hope to see you there! Remember, you can always reach me through this blog!
Blessings on all,
Calabash
Take heart, there is hope. We see in verse four that there are some in Sardis that have held to God's Word....(I pray your saying "that's ME!" right not or repenting.) This is great news for those of us who have hope and know we sin (cause we are not perfect). God never quits looking for the few faithful. Abijah alone with all the sons of Jeroboam was spared because of some good in him (1 Kings) & Abraham pleading with God for Sodom (Genesis) are two wonderful examples. The reference of not defiling the garments is that the soul was kept clean or we have kept the baptismal vows. To those, they get to walk with God! See Genesis 5:24 Enoch is there, God took him and now walks with him. No death for Enoch.
To those who have been faithful there is mention of three promises:
1. Clothed in white: See Matthew 13:43, we will "shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father". Not sure what that is gonna be like but, I'm in! White robes are guests wearing garments at the old banquets, and white stands for victory and purity.
2. Names not be wiped out of the Book of Life: This book is mentioned often in the Bible (Exodus 32: 32& 33; Psalms 69:28; Daniel 12:1; Phil 4:3; and again in Rev further down the road) Those who are not written in the Book of Life are to be cast into the lake of fire. Not my words, it is from God, please get right with Him, he only wants what is the best for you, He loves you!
3. Jesus will confess your name before his Father and the angels!! COOLIO! But, the other side of this is true as well...If you deny Christ, He will deny you.
Remember, Matthew 28: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. He is here, He is with us!
Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is ALWAYS with us, depend on Him, learn from Him and lean on Him. He is your strength! AMEN!
Headed to Philadelphia next!! Hope to see you there! Remember, you can always reach me through this blog!
Blessings on all,
Calabash
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Revelation 3 : 1-3
1And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God,and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast,and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief,and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
As we go through the four last letters, remember these are the churches that survived, they are the ones still around today. Ponder what is being said and apply it, for they are warnings and promises for us today.
Verse One; Notice the seven stars are mentioned again here. This is reminding us that God has the seven churches, the translation is that Christ is holding the seven churches, the ministry belongs to Him. The point being made is that the ministers of the Church are ministers of Christ, not to be influenced by the world, nor to conform to the world for it's promises are weak and not of Christ.
Next is the description of the church that is alive yet dead. What is being said is that there are Christians, baptized, excited about church, and taking the Lord's supper. Yet, they are missing the root of worship, they remain in their sin and in their lack of trust and faith in Christ. The Church they attended shies away from controversy, saying what is "politically correct" and not what is actually written in the Word. Wouldn't want to offend anyone would we! (my sarcasm and yet, true to this world)
Verse 2 and 3 tells how to fix this...."Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain.." Christ is calling us to repent, to remember (the Word) and to cast off the old sinful self. To grasp hold of the gospel again and live for Christ and the Word. Return to the fundamental truths of Christianity, whether they are "politically correct" or not, they are God's Word and a minister of Christ must proclaim them, teach them and live by them or, they are not a minister of Christ.
The next sentence tells us we need to be careful and remember that salvation only comes through faith, NOT works, and that He is watching~ He knows our behavior is not perfect, we are sinful and need to repent constantly and strive to be Christ-like. Since He is always the same...He is always watching. Time to get right with Him! The third verse is continuing the warning to come back, repent, hold fast, for He is coming, and since we do NOT know the time He will return, we need to be ready!
*Notice verse 2 and 3 are saying much of the same thing, when Christ says something twice, take notice!!
We will finish with Sardis on the next blog.
Until then, Blessings on all,
Calabash
2Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast,and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief,and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
As we go through the four last letters, remember these are the churches that survived, they are the ones still around today. Ponder what is being said and apply it, for they are warnings and promises for us today.
Verse One; Notice the seven stars are mentioned again here. This is reminding us that God has the seven churches, the translation is that Christ is holding the seven churches, the ministry belongs to Him. The point being made is that the ministers of the Church are ministers of Christ, not to be influenced by the world, nor to conform to the world for it's promises are weak and not of Christ.
Next is the description of the church that is alive yet dead. What is being said is that there are Christians, baptized, excited about church, and taking the Lord's supper. Yet, they are missing the root of worship, they remain in their sin and in their lack of trust and faith in Christ. The Church they attended shies away from controversy, saying what is "politically correct" and not what is actually written in the Word. Wouldn't want to offend anyone would we! (my sarcasm and yet, true to this world)
Verse 2 and 3 tells how to fix this...."Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain.." Christ is calling us to repent, to remember (the Word) and to cast off the old sinful self. To grasp hold of the gospel again and live for Christ and the Word. Return to the fundamental truths of Christianity, whether they are "politically correct" or not, they are God's Word and a minister of Christ must proclaim them, teach them and live by them or, they are not a minister of Christ.
The next sentence tells us we need to be careful and remember that salvation only comes through faith, NOT works, and that He is watching~ He knows our behavior is not perfect, we are sinful and need to repent constantly and strive to be Christ-like. Since He is always the same...He is always watching. Time to get right with Him! The third verse is continuing the warning to come back, repent, hold fast, for He is coming, and since we do NOT know the time He will return, we need to be ready!
*Notice verse 2 and 3 are saying much of the same thing, when Christ says something twice, take notice!!
We will finish with Sardis on the next blog.
Until then, Blessings on all,
Calabash
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