The Seven Churches of Sardis (part five)

 

The Sardis church represents the time period after the early reformer’s rediscovery that individuals cannot earn their salvation. As the reformers died and the novelty of this new idea of righteousness by faith wore off, increasing lethargy and spiritual complacency seeped into the church. Again, compromise with paganism became prevalent (Plain Revelation by Ranko Stefanović) to the point where Jesus says to this church, “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1).

The most heartbreaking part of this rebuke from Christ is that the church thinks it is alive, but is, in reality, dead. Christ’s solution to this state of spiritual death is remembering the Source of salvation and repenting. “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent” (Revelation 3:3). Only remembering the true Way to salvation (Jesus is the Way, John 14:16), asking for forgiveness, and turning way from past mistakes can revive lifeless religiosity.

But there is good news! Jesus has three promises for those who choose to repent. He will give them the white robes of His righteousness to wear, include their names in the Book of Life and bring their names up in commendation before His Father and the angels (Revelation 3:5).   

(source: bibletopics.com)

5 And when head opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. Rev. 6: 5-8

Text Overview

Verse 5-6 (Third Seal – Black Horse): When the Lamb opens the third seal, John sees a black horse whose rider holds a pair of scales, symbolizing scarcity and economic imbalance. A voice declares the high cost of staple foods: “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages; do not harm the oil and the wine” (NIV) BibleGateway.com. This imagery represents famine and inflation, where basic necessities become expensive, yet luxury items like oil and wine remain untouched, highlighting social and economic disparities Biblia+1.
Verse 7-8 (Fourth Seal – Pale Horse): The fourth seal reveals a pale horse, with its rider named Death, followed by Hades. They are granted authority over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine, plague, and wild beasts (NIV) BibleGateway.com. This symbolizes widespread mortality and the destructive consequences of war, disease, and natural calamities, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of divine judgment Bible Hub+1.

Symbolic Meaning

• Black Horse and Scales: The scales indicate measurement and scarcity, reflecting economic hardship and famine. The preservation of oil and wine may symbolize that the wealthy or privileged are less affected, highlighting social injustice during times of scarcity Bible Study Tools.
• Pale Horse – Death and Hades: The pale color (often interpreted as sickly green or ashen) represents decay and mortality. Death accompanied by Hades signifies both physical death and the realm of the dead, showing the spiritual and earthly consequences of judgment BibleGateway.com+1.
• Scope of Judgment: The text specifies that a fourth of the earth is affected, suggesting partial but significant devastation, consistent with the apocalyptic theme of progressive calamities as each seal is opened Biblia+1.

Theological Context

These verses are part of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, which symbolize the unfolding of divine judgment and the trials preceding the end times. The imagery conveys both literal and metaphorical warnings: famine, economic imbalance, death, and the inevitability of divine justice. The passage encourages reflection on human vulnerability, societal inequities, and the spiritual consequences of sin BibleGateway.com+1.
In summary, Revelation 6:5-8 portrays famine and death as instruments of divine judgment, using vivid symbolic imagery to communicate the severity and scope of the trials that accompany the opening of the seals. The black and pale horses serve as warnings of both material and spiritual consequences in the apocalyptic vision.

💖💖💖

Hello, Friends.

While I was reading the bible text today, this question

came to my mind.

OF ALL THE SO-CALLED PROPHETS, PREACHERS and TEACHERS IN CHURCHES TODAY,

WHY AREN'T MANY PREACHING ABOUT SIN, AND END TIMES,

AND THOSE THINGS WE SEE IN REVELATION?

Sin, because without its forgiveness through Christ,

will put us right through this time when it happens?

The answer is not difficult. 

I would submit that their main objective is not to warn the Church,

but to empty the wallets of members, to become rich.

For just one example (and you can look this up)

Kennth Copeland said one time to his church,

I am very interested in being very rich.

And in most of his so-called sermons, 

he has preached that kind of message. 

And guess what?

He is like many others in the Prosperity Gospel.

 Jesus said to beware of them 

Mathew 7:14

And take a look at other scripture:

2 Peter 2:1

1 John 4:1

Friends, we are not going to be excused from this period 

in time for simply not knowing what is to come.

We will escape it from repenting to God for our sin.

And in the meantime, refuse to listen to those who want 

to empty our pockets into theirs.

For that is their goal.

They otherwise couldn't care less about whether or not

We end up in hell.

Maybe they really don't even believe in hell?

Thanks for coming by today, and God bless!

The Seven Churches of Revelation: Thyatira (part four)

 

This church symbolizes the condition of God's people during the Dark Ages of persecution. During this time period, the organized church itself became the persecutor. Our Savior referred to this period in His wonderful prophecy recorded in Matthew 24. He said:

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:21- 22).

God has a special promise for His persecuted children in Revelation 2:25-26, 28: “But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations… I will also give that one the morning star.”

Jesus is the Morning Star. Here He is promising us Himself. Jesus wins in the end. He is promising us the victory even before it happens!

(Source: bibleinfo.org)

6 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. Revelation 6:1-4

Revelation 6 describes the opening of six of the seven seals by the Lamb, revealing a series of divine judgments including conquest, war, famine, death, the cry of martyrs, and cosmic upheaval.

Verses 1-2: The First Seal – The White Horse

The Lamb, representing Jesus Christ, opens the first seal, and one of the four living creatures calls John to “Come!” John sees a white horse whose rider holds a bow and is given a crown, going forth to conquer. This rider symbolizes conquest or false peace, often interpreted as the Antichrist or a figure who exerts authority deceptively, using power without immediate violence (no arrows) to dominate the earth. The imagery reflects the beginning of God’s judgment and the unfolding of end-time events, paralleling Old Testament prophecies in Daniel and Matthew 24 biblestudyjoy.com+2.

Verses 3-4: The Second Seal – The Red Horse

The second living creature announces the opening of the second seal, revealing a red horse. Its rider is granted the power to take peace from the earth, causing people to slay one another, and wields a great sword. This represents war and bloodshed, illustrating the escalation of human conflict during the Tribulation period godsbless.ing+1.

💖💖💖

Hello, Friends

Thanks for stopping by today.

Have a wonderful and blessed day in Jesus!

The Seven Churches of Revelation: Pergamos (part three)

 

The word Pergamos means height or elevation, and the city of Pergamos itself was built on a lofty hill. It represents the period of Christian history following the conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity and the setting up of the full union of church and state.

The church which formerly was persecuted and, like her Savior, had no place to lay her head, gradually grew into a mighty power which could command untold wealth and the armies of imperial Rome.

As a result of this unsuitable union, many heathen rites and ceremonies were gradually introduced into the church. In this way the pure faith of the early church was corrupted. But there remained many faithful believers in those days of whom Jesus spoke:

“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith” (Revelation 2:13).

This is a wonderful testimony about the true servants of God. The Lord knows each person’s situation and faithfulness. He helps his children to stand firm in the face of hardship and temptation.

(Source: bibletopics.com)

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. Revelation 5:10-14

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

5:8-14 It is matter of joy to all the world, to see that God deals with men in grace and mercy through the Redeemer. He governs the world, not merely as a Creator, but as our Saviour. The harps were instruments of praise; the vials were full of odours, or incense, which signify the prayers of the saints: prayer and praise should always go together. Christ has redeemed his people from the bondage of sin, guilt, and Satan. He has not only purchased liberty for them, but the highest honour and preferment; he made them kings and priests; kings, to rule over their own spirits, and to overcome the world, and the evil one; and he makes them priests; giving them access to himself, and liberty to offer up spiritual sacrifices. What words can more fully declare that Christ is, and ought to be worshipped, equally with the Father, by all creatures, to all eternity! Happy those who shall adore and praise in heaven, and who shall for ever bless the Lamb, who delivered and set them apart for himself by his blood. How worthy art thou, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, of our highest praises! All creatures should proclaim thy greatness, and adore thy majesty.

💘💘💘

Hello Friends.

Thanks for coming by this morning.

I pray you had a wonderful weekend.

God bless you and yours today.)

 

 

The Seven Churches in Revelation: Smyrna: (part two)

 

This period of Christian history covers the time of pagan Roman persecution of Christians, when many of God's children suffered martyrdom in the second, third, and early fourth centuries. To these suffering, persecuted Christians, the message came:

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10)

The most severe persecutions by pagan Rome began under Emperor Diocletian and continued from the year 303 to 313, exactly ten years, or ten prophetic days. (In Scripture, a prophetic day often stands for a year.) It was in these days that being a Christian could cost a person's earthly life, but Jesus has promised those who suffer for His name a crown of life that will never fade.

(Source: Bibleinfo.org)

 💕💕💕

5 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; Revelation 5:1-9

n summary, Revelation 5:1–9 presents a heavenly courtroom scene where the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is revealed as the only one worthy to open God’s sealed plan, leading to a proclamation of His worthiness, the beginning of His reign, and the start of a new song of worship.

💓💓💓

Thanks for coming by today, Friends.

May your day be blessed by

our precious Lamb of God!

Amen!!!

The Seven Churches in Revelation: (Ephesus: part one)

 

Ephesus

The message to the first church begins, “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write.”

Ephesus symbolizes the condition of the church in its first state of purity in the days of the apostles of Christ. Christ’s followers received His doctrine, kept it and enjoyed the benefits and blessings of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

But Jesus declares that he has something against even this first period of the Christian church, because he says in Revelation 2:4 “you have left your first love.”

The first followers of Christ, who were on fire with their love for Him and for His gospel, eventually saw a cooling in their willingness to serve Him. Maybe they lost their first fervent love because they no longer saw Him physically in their midst or maybe because speaking of the good news became common place. For whatever reason, Jesus says that they no longer felt or expressed the first pure Christian love that they had previously.

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works” (Revelation 2:5).

If we allow God to restore His infinite love in our lives, we will find our first love returning with new life. Then we will be empowered to renew the first works of salvation: obedience, earnest Christian service, willingness to suffer for the Master, love of the truth and a desire to make known to others the gospel of Christ.

(Source: bibleinfo.org)

💘💘💘

7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:7-11

Verses 7-8

“The first living creature was like a lion, the second like an ox, the third with a face like a man, and the fourth like an eagle in flight. Each had six wings and was full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’”
The four living creatures symbolize creation: the lion (strength), ox (service/sacrifice), man (intelligence), and eagle (transcendence). Their six wings and eyes signify divine awareness and omniscience, continually praising God, reflecting His sovereignty over all creation godsbless.ing+1.

Verses 9-11

“The twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.’”
This scene emphasizes worship and submission, showing that all authority and honor belong to God. The elders casting their crowns symbolize recognition that their victories and authority are derived from God’s power, reinforcing His ultimate sovereignty and the purpose of creation to glorify Him godsbless.ing+2.

Summary

Revelation 4 shifts the focus from earthly churches to heavenly realities, revealing God’s throne, the worship of creation, and the eternal majesty of God. It invites believers to participate in worship, recognize God’s sovereignty, and understand the divine perspective on history and prophecy. The chapter sets the stage for the subsequent visions of judgment and redemption in the book of Revelation godsbless.ing+4.

💕💕💕

Thanks for stopping by today, Friends. Have a blessed day!