Thanks again for your input....one reason I compare the 7 churches to today and the timing pointing to His return is because the Revelation was given to Jesus by God, the 7 stars are the 7 angels assigned to each church, the 7 candlesticks are the 7 churches....this gives the reader the idea that it wasn't solely addressed to the physical 7 churches but all churches who followed in their example (spiritually)....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
Also you can read in chapter 2 that this church is in danger of having it's candlestick removed unless they repent. Can this only occur for this 1 church?....no this is a warning to all churches who follow after their example.
Anyway, nothing is concluded as far as what I have learned so far....still seeking.
God Bless