The last two churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, describe the church of the twenty-first century to a "T!" Churches have two kinds of members: professors - those who profess to love Jesus Christ, but are really more in love with themselves and their religious social club; and possessors - those who have believed that Jesus died for their sins, that He was buried, and that His Father raised Him from the dead, just as the Scriptures said would happen (1 Cor. 15:1-4). As a result, they not only worship God, but they also have a compelling desire to obey Him! The Church in Philadelphia, first century Asia Minor, pictures born again believers, and as a result, they are promised to escape God's wrath to be poured out upon the entire world; while the church in Laodicea, also in first century Asia Minor, is actually described with Jesus standing on the outside, knocking for someone to open the door and let Him in! "Philadelphia" means "brotherly love, while "Laodicea" means "the people rule." The church where Jesus is leader, obeys the great commandment mentioned in Galatians 5:13-14, while the church where the people rule, and who deny His authority, also exclude Him! Be sure you are attending the "right church" when Jesus returns!
Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia.
This is the message from the One Who is holy and true, the One Who has the key of David. What He opens, no one can close; and what He closes, no one can open: I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed My Word and did not deny Me. Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue - those liars who say they are Jews but are not - to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love. Because you have obeyed My command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of My God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of My God, and they will be citizens in the city of My God—the New Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from My God. And I will also write on them My new name. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches (Rev. 3:7-13).
Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea.
This is the message from the One Who is the Amen - the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation: I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth! You say, I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing! And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from Me - gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from Me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat with My Father on His throne. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches (Rev. 3:14-22).
People have been warning of His return for centuries!
As a result, we are that much closer to the glorious event! Are you ready?
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