In Search of the First Congregation

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rockytopva

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The purpose of Revelation was to reveal what was going to come to pass....

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.... - Revelation 1:1

Which all of this was to heavy for just ordinary churches in Asia that did not amount to anything....

The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. 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 1:20 - Revelation 2:1

Ephesus - Messianic - Beginning with the Apostle to the Circumcision, Peter
Smyrna - Martyr - Beginning with the Apostle to the Un-Circumcision, Paul
Pergamos - Orthodoxy formed in this time... Pergos is a tower... Needed in the dark ages
Thyatira - Catholicism formed in this time - The spirit of Jezebel is to control and to dominate.
Sardis - Protestantism formed in this time- A sardius is a gem - elegant yet hard and rigid
Philadelphia - Wesleyism formed in this time - To be sanctioned is to acquire it with love.
Laodicea - Charismatic movement formed in this time - Beginning with DL Moody, the first to make money off of ministry

Candlesticks - Seven church congregations
Stars - Individuals within the congregations, all held in the right hand of Christ
Seals - The seven seals sealed each congregation within the lambs book of life
Angels - The current preacher to the congregation.

And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. - Revelation 5:4

If this interpretation is not correct why all the ado? And... If you have a better interpretation please post your info! I dont mind for people to disagree with me and may end up learning a thing of two! I believe the churches came down as seven and each congregation is different in their generation!

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Messianic - Until the Sacking of Jerusalem
Roman Martyrs - Until the time of Constantine
Orthodox - Built in Constantinople (Oriental Orthodox before that)
Catholic - Built in Rome
Protestant - Built in Germany
Revived - Built in England
Material - Built in the United States

All unique churches built in their times and geographies. Wondering... What happened to the Messianic church? The first congregation?
 

rockytopva

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A few of the issues Christ spells out against the Gentiles...

Roman Martyrs - Few issues with the persecuted church, most likely called Oriental Orthodox
Orthodox - The doctrine of the Nicolaitanes - Sexual Impurities
Catholic - Built in Rome - Spirit of Jezebel - To control and to dominate
Protestant - Built in Germany - Has a denominational name - But are spiritually dead
Revived - Built in England - "No more go out" Cannot keep the revival going
Material - Built in the United States... Rich, increased with goods, and have need of nothing?
 

rockytopva

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With little evidence of the first congregation there is another place to look… Ethiopia…
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church - Wikipedia

1. The church there seems very old and Jewish like
2. Great fear with shoes being removed for worship
3. It is said the Ark of the Covenant resides within a church there
4. Great fear towards the Ark and heavily guarded
5. Unique church more Messianic like than any other
6. Some Oriental Orthodox characteristics akin to the early church

And further narratives with Leonard Nimoy…
 

rockytopva

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Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christians have long maintained that the ark has been held in a chapel at the Church of St. Mary of Zion in the holy northern city of Axum. The Ark of the Covenant... Notice the respect as we have worshipers covered and bare foot...
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