notes on the seven churches of revelation: lessons for america’s spiritual crisis – introduction

PART I: EPHESUS – The Loveless Church

PART II: SMYRNA – The Persecuted Church

PART III: PERGAMOS – The Compromising Church

PART IV: THYATIRA – The Corrupt Church

PART V: SARDIS – The Dead Church

PART VI: PHILADELPHIA – The Faithful Church

PART VII: LAODICEA – The Lukewarm Church

DIVINE CATEGORIES. While it has been written by some that these characteristics overlap to some degree, Jesus Christ Himself constructed this Taxonomy, so I will approach it as Inviolable. You will note the inescapable fact that all of this Command from God was and is about PURE DOCTRINE.

SCRIPTURE: “I, John, your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patient endurance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos, [exiled there] because of [my preaching of] the word of God [regarding eternal salvation] and the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit [in special communication with the Holy Spirit and empowered to receive and record the revelation from Jesus Christ] on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, ‘Write on a scroll what you see [in this revelation], and send it to the seven churches—to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.’” – REVELATION 1:9-11, AMP

Amen, to the Lamb who was Slain for us all, and to the Lion who is soon to Return to us as Judge.

QUOTATIONS

“If Christianity were meant for this life only, it could be seriously asked if it were indeed a satisfying religion. Many of the worldly religions provide blessings in the flesh and the unbeliever, as we have pointed out, does many good works. But the fact that the King is Coming separates the True Faith from all other of men’s ideas ‘on how to please God’.” – ZOLA LEVITT, ‘Seven Churches: Does Yours Fit In?’ 1980; edited

“In the days of Jeremiah, God said, ‘I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall; for from the prophets of Jerusalem profaneness has gone out into all the land’ (Jeremiah 23:15 NKJV). The Prophets of Jerusalem should have been decrying evil by giving out the pure water of the Word, but they were catering to the morally corrupt by giving out the poisoned water of False Doctrines. Hence, God judged them.” – LAWRENCE O. RICHARDS, ‘The Book of Revelation,’ 2006; edited

“‘The world is on fire, and the Messiah is Coming soon.’ Or, as the Messiah Himself put it so very clearly: ‘And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work’ (Revelation 22:12, NKJV). While that thesis may at first appear like a pretentious, careless, almost clichéd boast to many informed readers of Politics and Eschatology – or what myself and Dr. Pamela Jason have posited as ‘Political Eschatology’ (the fusion of theology with cultural and geopolitical analysis) – it is demonstrably true, as this work will attempt to show.” – CLIFFORD W. KELLY, ‘The Sixth Seal: A Pre-Wrath Commentary on the End of History As We Know It,’ 2017; edited

THE FIRE. Let me be clear: That ‘Fire’ I referred to is all about the titanic Struggle for Truth in the Last Days. Keep that in mind as we travel to all Seven Churches.

1. FIRST THOUGHTS

As I pen these first ideas concerning a topic of the most terrible and timely importance, I get the sense that we shall be diving into the Book of Revelation in the coming weeks, and perhaps more, as God’s Interpositions increase and proliferate.

That said, this installment will serve only as Introduction Christ’s Letters to the Seven Churches, a most formidable task. I once taught on this subject in the early 1980s in my then home church at Lincoln Neighborhood, borrowing from the just published work of the late ZOLA LEVITT, cited in the Quotation above. Levitt, a Jewish believer, began his work in the year 1979, the year I was saved.

I was to learn much from this amazing man in the first year or two of my matriculation as a follower of Christ, from his unique blend of Jewish and Christian theology. And all without my becoming a ‘Judaizer,’ as so many have.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. You will please forgive me for quoting at length from my book, but it contains, among other things, a careful Introduction the study of the Book of Revelation that should prove helpful in orienting ourselves to what wil follow. Note: Lord willing, I should be releasing a Revised Edition of the book in early 2022 through Christian Faith Publishing.

“One of the most informative books of the Bible concerning what is commonly referred to as ‘the Last Days,’ or ‘Last Things’ is the Book of Daniel (c. 605 BC – 533 BC).  In chapter 12 of this gifted Jewish prophet’s writings, the first verse, we find a rich context into which to cast our introductory remarks for this study.

          ‘Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard

          over the sons of your people, will arise.  And there will be a time

          of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until

          that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found

          written in the book, will be rescued’ (Daniel 12:1, NASB; emphasis added).

The key phrase here is the reference to ‘a Time of Great Distress.’  Theologian William Barclay elaborates on this under the aegis of “The Apparatus of Apocalyptic” (‘The Revelation of John,’ 1959, p. 7).  This period of history, or ‘the End Times,’ is characterized by a series of events and characteristics.  What follows is a partial summary of those aspects of things that occur in the end of history as we know it, according to Barclay.

In this Apocalyptic Era, The Jewish Messiah is viewed as the central, all-powerful figure who waits to descend into the middle of earth’s intensifying tribulations to announce that He is, in effect, taking complete control over them in order to set the world aright once more.  Second, the Coming of Messiah will be preceded by the return of Elijah, or more figuratively the spirit of Elijah, who would prepare the way for His Return.  Third, these Last Times are known as, among other things, ‘The Travail of the Messiah’ (Barclay, 1959, p. 8).  It is likened to the Agony of Birth – a key point in this present study.  Fourth, the End Times will be a time of enormous, world-wide terror in which the strongest of men will tremble and run for cover wherever they might find it.  Fifth, this Era will also be a time when the entire world is quite literally shattered, with the very earth and heavens heaving to and fro out of their normal emplacements.  Sixth, human relationships will also suffer greatly as hatred and conflict will characterize even family and ethnic groups.  Seventh, clearly the Last Days will be a time of Judgment, in which God will come as an Avenger to all evildoers.  And eighth, Jews will increasingly Return from throughout the earth to their historic homeland in Israel.” – KELLY, 2017, pp. 24-25; edited

This provides us with the central driving point that the Book of Revelation is most distinctly, a ‘Prophetic Book,’ an issue that the theologians continue to debate. Selah.

1. THE SEVEN CHURCHES

WILLIAM MACDONALD gives us an insightful approach to understanding Christ’s Prophecy concerning the Seven Churches, though there are other interpretations. I much prefer this one.

“The features found in these Letters have existed in part, at least, in every century since Pentecost. In this respect, the Letters bear marked resemblances to the Seven Parables of Matthew 13.Finally, the Letters give a ‘Consecutive Preview’ of the History of Christendom, each church representing a distinct Period. The general trend of conditions is ‘Downward.’ Many believe that the first three Letters are consecutive and that the last four are concurrent, reaching to the Time of the Rapture.” – ‘Believer’s Bible Commentary, 1995, p. 2355; edited

My strong agreement with this Futurist View comes to us from the work of JOHN WOOLVORD, who was cited in the following Commentary on the Seven Churches.

“Some have argued that the view that these Seven Churches represent Seven Ages in Church history should not be accepted, citing that it is too close to taking a Historicist View of the Book of Revelation. However, it has been argued by scholars like John Walvoord that this view is in complete agreement with the Futurist View. He wrote, ‘There does seem to be a remarkable progression in the messages. It would seem almost incredible that such a progression should be a pure accident, and the order of the messages to the churches seems to be divinely selected to give prophetically the main movement of the church history … The ‘Prophetic Interpretation’ of the Messages to the Seven Churches, to be sure, should not be pressed beyond bounds, as it is a deduction from the content, not from the explicit statement of the passage. It is fully keeping with the Futurist point of view father than the Historic.” – DAVID Q. SANTOS, “The Seven Churches of Revelation,” ‘Biblical Connections,’ September 12, 2009; edited

By that Futurist Hermeneutic, then, we shall see that it is ‘The Lukewarm Church’ at Laodicea that most characterizes Today’s massively syncretized, material, politicized, and spiritually indifferent American Church Reality.

Selah.

1. THE TEACHING

SCRIPTURE: “I, John, your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patient endurance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos, [exiled there] because of [my preaching of] the word of God [regarding eternal salvation] and the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit [in special communication with the Holy Spirit and empowered to receive and record the revelation from Jesus Christ] on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, ‘Write on a scroll what you see [in this revelation], and send it to the seven churches—to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.’” – REVELATION 1:9-11, AMP

First, as always, to some KEY TERMS.

• TRIBULATION. This variable term can refer either to the common tribulations of everyday, even Last Days, life; or to ‘The Great Tribulation,’ as that which occurs during the 7 Years of Jacob’s Trouble. It is taken from the Greek, ‘Thlipsis’ [θλῖψις], meaning at least generally: “Persecution, affliction, distress; properly, pressure (what constricts or rubs together), used of a narrow place that ‘hems someone in’; especially internal pressure that causes someone to feel confined (restricted, ‘without options’); when feeling there is ‘no way of escape’; also, to break, crush, press, compress, squeeze; a grievous affliction or pressure of a burden upon the spirit; narrowness of passage through a great trial.” DK: Again, the Birth Pangs are lesser tribulations, though harsh enough; the Great Tribulations are nearly unspeakable in their severity.

• IN THE SPIRIT. Here we have the absolute necessity of surviving and succeeding in these perilous Last Days. From the Greek, ‘En’ [ἐν], a proposition meaning “Properly, in (inside, within); (figuratively) ‘in the realm (sphere) of,’ as in the condition (state) in which something operates from the inside (within); close nearby; in the person, nature, soul, thought of anyone; ‘under the strong influence of.’” And ‘Pneuma’ [πνεῦμα]: “Properly, Spirit, wind, or breath.” DK: Thus, the Apostle was virtually soaked in and by the Holy Spirit at his moment, completely surrendered to and quiet before his Lord.

• A GREAT VOICE. From two key terms, ‘Megas’ [μέγας], or: “Large, [loud, piercing], great in the widest sense; spacious, violent, mighty, strong; eminent, distinguished [authoritative]; higher, exalted, majestic; notable, august, on a grand scale.” And ‘Phóné’ [φωνή]: “A blast; a sound, noise, voice, language, dialect; a wailing or lamentation; carries with it the sense of an official address.” DK: Note, this is not the “still, small voice” that we believers are to encounter in our daily lives and mediations. No, this ‘Voice’ is mighty to the destroying of wicked kingdoms. The Messiah is not instructing; rather, He is Commanding! Selah.

COMMENTARY. “‘I was in the Spirit’ — That is, in a trance, a Prophetic Vision; so overwhelmed with the power, and filled with the Light of the Holy Spirit, as to be insensible of outward things, and wholly taken up with Spiritual and Divine. What follows is one single, connected Vision, which St. John saw in one day: And therefore, he that would understand it should carry his thoughts straight on through the whole, without interruption. The other prophetic books are collections of distinct prophecies, given upon various occasions. But here is one single Treatise, whereof all the parts exactly depend on each other.” – ALEXANDER MCLAREN, ‘Expositions of the Holy Scriptures,’ 1900; edited

1. LAST THOUGHTS

As we launch into the ‘Study of the Seven Churches,’ I want us to keep one prevailing Idea close in mind: The entire Book of Revelation and the Letters to the Seven Churches are singularly designed TO PREPARE US FOR HIS COMING.

THE EDITORS at ‘Bible Study Tools’ fully grasp this, in their brief Introduction to their own review of the Seven Churches; retrieved on August 5, 2021; edited.

“‘The Return of Christ is Imminent’—it could happen at any time. And although we don’t know when He will Return, we do know how we are to function in the Church in the meantime. Christ’s Message to each church in chapters 2–3, represents an aspect of His Plan during the Church Age for every properly functioning church—represented by the numeral ‘Seven, the number of Completion.’”

THE QUESTIONS. This study will bring us to the point of addressing Three Critical Questions concerning our own walks here and now, in 2021 America.

1. MY CHURCH. If you still attend church, we shall use these ‘Seven Templates,’ if you will, for the theological assessment of where your church fits in this Christ-breathed Equation.

• THE CHURCH. More broadly, where in the more generalized, sociological sense, does ‘The American Church’ fit in this Historic Scenario. I have made a number of proposals to you, but this will now tie each of them to solid Biblical analysis, as we now Judge Us by His Word.

• OUR DUTY. Depending on how we Answer these first two questions, what then is my individual Christian Responsibility of prayer, thought and possibly, action as a result?

WHAT GOD WANTS. I heard a preacher just this past weekend say what I have  heard for decades now: “God is not some mean Being looking to catch you your sin. No, He’s love and always at the ready to be your Savior.” Half right. Half wrong. Yes, He is all that the preacher proclaimed, but without the fluffy nuance that I hear so often that is so disgusting and dishonoring of His Majesty.

Recall, beloved, that He is also HOLY, Who shall storm against sustained, unrepentant Sin after a very long time of His knocking at the door of an Habitual Offender of His Grace. Most especially, beloved, if that Offense is committed over and over again by Leaders, Church Elites, Pastors and Teachers.

To those belongs His Severe Wrath, housed in a passage that frankly terrifies me daily.

• JAMES 3:1. “Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly.” – Amplified

• WM. MACDONALD. “The words ‘Let not many of you become teachers,’ may be paraphrased: ‘Do not become unduly ambitious to be a teacher’ … It is a simple Warning that this ministry should not be undertaken lightly. Those who teach the Word of Truth will receive heavier Judgment if they fail to practice what they teach. It is a great responsibility to teach the Bible. The Teacher must be prepared to ‘Obey’ what He sees in the Word … The Teacher begets others in his own image; he makes them like himself. If he ‘dilutes’ or explains away the clear meaning of any Scripture, he hinders the growth of his students. If he condones sin in any form, he fosters lives of unholiness … It is a serious matter to teach from such a book!” – ‘Believer’s Bible Commentary,’ 1995, p. 2230; edited

THE HOLY GRAIL. No, I am not talking of a legendary golden chalice. Vastly more happily, He holds in reserve for the obedient and the righteous, the ones who Love Him more than their own lives. Those who zealously believe in and honor, ‘The Doctrines!

That is: Those who love and honor Truth, beloved, ‘however imperfectly.’ This is the Core of the Holiness of a true follower of Christ.

This is what He truly looks for, constantly, and wants from His people more than any other thing: “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His.” – 2 CHRONICLES 16:9, AMP

THE CENTRAL QUALIFICATION for this highest of accolades is vital to such Holiness.

“THE REMNANT of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. – ZEPHANAIH 3:13, KJV

For the True Church, the Remnant, the Command is crystal clear: They must not lie! They must tell the truth! And thereby they shall never need be afraid of anything or anyone. They are fully set free in Him, who is the Truth. Selah.

THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION. Now this from just this morning’s conversation with the Lord. God is fairly Shouting at this point, beloved, that His Church has dared for five years running, to invite or permit a ‘Lying Beast’ to come INSIDE the Holy of Holies, and lie down beside The Christ and His Priests. 

This is ‘Spiritual Harlotry ‘of the highest – or lowest – order, and He shall not have it! Therefore, there is Coming a blistering, fiery Judgment to His own House first, and soon, should there be no Repentance.

• THE GREAT OBSCENITY. “So when you see the abomination of desolation [the appalling sacrilege that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains [for refuge].” – JESUS OF NAZARETH, Matthew 24:15-16, Amplified

• COMMENTARY. “Mentioned also in Matthew 24:15, this is one of the Signs of the End, when the Antichrist sets up an Abomination in the Holy Place and will command the people to worship it. This object of disgust, ‘an Idol,’ will cause Desolation, causing those in Judea to flee to the mountains (Matthew 24:16). In History, this Abomination was an Idol (more on that later in the article). But in the case of the End of Days, the Antichrist will set himself up as the Idol for the people to worship (Revelation 13:14).” – HOPE BOLINGER, ‘Bible Study Tools,’ September 17, 2019; edited

• JUDGMENT OF GOD’S HOUSE. “For it is the time [destined] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not respect or believe or obey the gospel of God? And if it is difficult for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the godless and the sinner?” – 1 PETER 4:17-18, AMP

Is everyone hearing this? If you are in a church that in the slightest way submits to this Spirit of the Beast, by affirmation or by silence, you are commanded to “Flee” from that Desolate Place! To a higher, cleaner Habitat to worship your King. Selah.

MAKE READY. Though I will close out our Series on matters of Preparation in some detail, for now, suffice the very Words of Jesus Christ to that crucial goal.

“SO BE ALERT [give strict attention, be cautious and active in faith], for you do not know which day [whether near or far] your Lord is coming. But understand this: If the head of the house had known what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.Therefore, you [who follow Me] must also be ready; because the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him.” – MATTHEW 24:42-44, AMP

This is an absolutely Vital Teaching, dear friends of God, ‘Necessary’ indeed, Please prayerfully INVITE your friends, family, neighbors, and most especially, your Pastors, to join our Study of Christ’s Last Letters to the Churches.

I have the strongest sense that this Series, and what shall follow, will grow more Urgent as we head for the Year 2022. And for some reason, I sensed ‘Beware the Ides of March.’   Selah.

Ever your servant, DK

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