Why are the 7 Churches in Revelation each greeted differently...

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Giuliano

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You do show your Biblical illiteracy, especially of The New Testament.
Thank you for your opinion. Everyone's entitled to his own opinions, and now I know what yours is about me. I am informed, so thank you.
Christ's Book of Revelation is written in the method much like God's Old Testament prophets. It covers events past, present, and future. As a matter of fact, just about every Book of God's Word does that!
I'll continue to put my faith in Revelation 1:1 which says the things in the book are about to come to pass shortly. If you want to believe some were in the past, that's fine with me. You read it, so I won't call you illiterate -- but I don't agree.
 
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Davy

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Consider Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

“a cloud received Him” out of their sight...and the great cloud of witnesses we are told of...those whom “receive” him in as One body, one mind, one voice ...in agreement in And for His great namesake...as Paul then said consider it ...now lay aside the weight and run.

Maybe Aline how he left “this world” yet could say “I will never leave nor forsake you” as those who receive him iin as that great cloud. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

With his leaving having been received into a great cloud of witness to return again on or in “a cloud” .

Just seems to me that some people struggle with the English language when they should not, like there wasn't enough English comprehension taught in elementary school like there used to be.

Jesus ascended on a 'cloud' into the Heavenly dimension, and that's how He will return, per Acts 1. Simple.
 

Giuliano

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That idea has nothing to do with subject we've been discussing about the day of Christ's 2nd coming.
So you say.
No, that idea is whack!
Do you think saying that is going to change my mind, or are you trying to be annoying? It won't do either.

Jesus' coming is about His future return, AFTER... He had already ascended to The Father per Acts 1. It's crazy to think that His short 40 days appearance to His disciples (only) right after His resurrection was the 2nd coming! That idea is totally whack! And there's plenty of Scripture that declares what His 2nd coming is going to be like, and it certainly isn't just a short period of showing Himself to His disciples! You should read Revelation 19 sometime and believe it, instead of heeding false prophets.
I did not say his appearance to the disciples after the resurrection was his second coming. You appear unhinged to me, inventing ideas out of thin air. Why would I think that since he went up, the angel said he'd return the same way he went up?

If you aren't going to read my posts, I'll consider not responding to you. I'm not here to hold pointless conversations, especially when you think I said something I didn't say. Get a hold on yourself, Davy, please. Please.
 

Giuliano

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I found something interesting about Mary's appearance at Fatima. Even you're not Catholic, you may find it interesting.

Some people saw it raining. The dirt turned to mud, and their clothes got wet. When it was over, there was no rain. The dirt was still dry and so were their clothes. To add to the mystery, other people saw nothing.

It seems clear to me. Those with spiritual eyes saw it. Those without eyes did not.

Luke 11:34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

And we're back to the message to Laodicea.

Revelation 3:18 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.
 

Waiting on him

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Coming-on-a-cloud historically (Biblically) references judgement coming on people or a nation. (Isaiah 19:1 is an example.)
The expression is used in a similar way throughout the Old Testament (Isaiah 13:6; Micah 1:3-5; Psalms 97:2,3).
Revelation 10:1 KJV
[1] And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:


Tecarta BibleHow about this one? ^
And this one?
Exodus 13:21 KJV
[21] And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Or this one?

Acts 2:3 KJV
[3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.


Tecarta Bible
Tecarta Bible
 
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VictoryinJesus

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Revelation 10:1 KJV
[1] And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:


Tecarta BibleHow about this one? ^
And this one?
Exodus 13:21 KJV
[21] And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Or this one?

Acts 2:3 KJV
[3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.


Tecarta Bible
Tecarta Bible

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
......

Jeremiah 3:3
[3] Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.

Hosea 6:1-3
[1] Come, and let us return unto the Lord : for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. [2] After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. [3] Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord : his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

John 16:23-24
[23] And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. [24] Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Zechariah 10:1
[1] Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

As opposed to ??Jude 1:12-13
[12] These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds(a tempest); trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; [13] Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
 

marks

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I'm noticing a trend... For cryin' out loud, let's not try to develop the idea God used clouds as a means of transportation. LOL

Psalm 104:3
Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:


Gotta love it!

:)
 

charity

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In Chapter 1 all of the characteristics below are used to describe Jesus...but when addressing each church separately only 1 characteristic is used in the greeting to the church....and each church received a different one. WHY? Is there any significance to this?
Refer to Revelation 1:11-20


2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars;

7 And 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;

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

I don't believe this was done by mistake or happenstance. I believe there is a reason and am studying it as best I can. Anyone got an answer?
Hello @Heart2Soul,

I praise God that you noticed these differences and desired to understand them.
I have also read #205, the feedback you have given of the results of your study of this subject to date.

Having only read through your thread today, I have nothing to contribute personally, but just wanted to acknowledge and applaud your choice of subject, and manner of approach.

Within the love of Christ our Saviour,
Our Lord and Head,

Chris
 
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charity

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Heart2Soul (OP):-
In Chapter 1 all of the characteristics below are used to describe Jesus ...
but when addressing each church separately only 1 characteristic is used in the greeting to the church ...
and each church received a different one.
WHY? Is there any significance to this?
Hello @Heart2Soul,

With reference to your feedback on page 11 (#205):- With respect, I do not believe that the assemblies listed in Revelation chapter one, (Ephesus; Smyrna; Pergamos; Thyatira; Sardis; Philadelphia & Laodicea) are symbolic of seven successive stages of ecclesiastical history: for how can a place (or assembly) be symbolic of Time? When one thing is used symbolically of another, there is always something common to both, by which the symbol is connected with the thing symbolised. At best it is a theory which has it's origin in the mind of man.

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 
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Heart2Soul

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Hello @Heart2Soul,

With reference to your feedback on page 11 (#205):- With respect, I do not believe that the assemblies listed in Revelation chapter one, (Ephesus; Smyrna; Pergamos; Thyatira; Sardis; Philadelphia & Laodicea) are symbolic of seven successive stages of ecclesiastical history: for how can a place (or assembly) be symbolic of Time? When one thing is used symbolically of another, there is always something common to both, by which the symbol is connected with the thing symbolised. At best it is a theory which has it's origin in the mind of man.

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
Thanks for your reply. What do you suggest is the purpose of addressing the 7 churches in the Revelation of Jesus given to Him by God?
 

charity

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Heart2Soul (OP):-
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars;

7 And 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;

Revelation 1:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

-------------------------------------------

'Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write;
These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand,
Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.'

(Revelation 2:1)

Hello @Heart2Soul,

Taking up the principle which you have referred to, concerning allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture: The words quoted (above) appear to have reference to Deuteronomy 23:14; where this 'walking', and the object of it, are the same as in 'the Day of the Lord' (or 'the Lord's Day' of Revelation 1:10), which is what the record of Revelation is concerning. Here Christ 'walks' according to Leviticus 26:12, 'And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be My People,' and His eye sees and exposes the unclean things in the camp of these Assemblies.

'For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp,
to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee;
therefore shall thy camp be holy:
that He see no unclean thing in thee,
and turn away from thee.'

(Deuteronomy 23:14)

* This is how I believe the book of Revelation should be read, and understood: so that there is no imposition of man's interpretation, but all is of the Spirit, according to His Word.

In Christ Jesus
Chris
 
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Heart2Soul

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-------------------------------------------

'Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write;
These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand,
Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.'

(Revelation 2:1)

Hello @Heart2Soul,

Taking up the principle which you have referred to, concerning allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture: The words quoted (above) appear to have reference to Deuteronomy 23:14; where this 'walking', and the object of it, are the same as in 'the Day of the Lord' (or 'the Lord's Day' of Revelation 1:10), which is what the record of Revelation is concerning. Here Christ 'walks' according to Leviticus 26:12, 'And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be My People,' and His eye sees and exposes the unclean things in the camp of these Assemblies.

'For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp,
to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee;
therefore shall thy camp be holy:
that He see no unclean thing in thee,
and turn away from thee.'

(Deuteronomy 23:14)

* This is how I believe the book of Revelation should be read, and understood: so that there is no imposition of man's interpretation, but all is of the Spirit, according to His Word.

In Christ Jesus
Chris
I like what you have shared. Thank you for your insight into this study. Line upon line, precept upon precept.
Much has been shared by many here, and I believe all have contributed wisdom and knowledge that brings understanding to the scriptures.
You have brought another point to consider and I will meditate on it and continue to seek His truth.
God Bless!
 
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charity

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Hello once again, @Heart2Soul

That these epistles to the seven assemblies are addressed to those who shall be on the earth during,' The Day of the Lord', may be seen by comparing many expressions contained in them with the actual scenes and circumstances described in various parts of the Book, for example:-

* Compare Revelation 2:3 with Revelation 13:10 and Revelation 14:12:-

'And hast borne,
and hast patience,
and for My name's sake hast laboured,
and hast not fainted.'

(Rev 2:3)

'He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity:
he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.
Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.'

(Rev 13:10)

'Here is the patience of the saints:
here are they that keep the commandments of God,
and the faith of Jesus.'

(Rev 14:12)

* Compare Revelation 2:9-10 with Revelation 13:5-8:-

'I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)
and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews,
and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer:
behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried;
and ye shall have tribulation ten days:
be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.'

(Rev 2:9)

'And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies;
and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God,
to blaspheme His Name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them:
and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,
whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb
slain from the foundation of the world.'

(Rev 13:5-8)

* See also:-
Revelation 2:13 - (Revelation 13:2 & Revelation 16:10)
Revelation 2:16 - (Revelation 19:21)
Revelation 2:18 - (Revelation 19:15)
Revelation 2:20-23 - (Revelation 17:2 & 4 and Revelation 18:3)
Revelation 3:3 - (Revelation 16:15)
Revelation 3:12 - (Revelation 21:2)
Revelation 3:21 - (Revelation 20:4)

* List compiled by Dr Bullinger in 'Commentary on Revelation'

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 

Enoch111

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The words quoted (above) appear to have reference to Deuteronomy 23:14; where this 'walking', and the object of it, are the same as in 'the Day of the Lord' (or 'the Lord's Day' of Revelation 1:10), which is what the record of Revelation is concerning. Here Christ 'walks' according to Leviticus 26:12, 'And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be My People,' and His eye sees and exposes the unclean things in the camp of these Assemblies.
There are several things which will not allow for this interpretation.

1. Christ walking among the churches is a reminder that He is still carefully scrutinizing all the churches which call themselves Christian. As He did then, He is doing it now. And He also has holy angels observing Christian worship. See 1 Cor 11.

2. When God eventually walks among His people, they have been thoroughly purified, cleansed, perfected, and glorified: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. (Rev21:3)

3. The Lord's Day is the first day of the week, the day of Christian worship, commemorating the resurrection of Christ. "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day" says it all. Sabbatarians resist this truth.

4. The Day of the LORD is a period of God's wrath upon the unbelieving and the ungodly: Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. (Joel 2:1,2)
 
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Justin and Johanna

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Because of their works and the way they act. He greets them as to how he knows them and how they know Him. He's coming as their personal God and Savior, as the Son of God. Then he rebukes them for the stuff theyre not doing, encourages them to repent. And then gives them a promise, which, if they obey-- you get this, a reward.
 

Waiting on him

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Because of their works and the way they act. He greets them as to how he knows them and how they know Him. He's coming as their personal God and Savior, as the Son of God. Then he rebukes them for the stuff theyre not doing, encourages them to repent. And then gives them a promise, which, if they obey-- you get this, a reward.
1 John 5:5 KJV
[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?


Tecarta Bible
 
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