“The Time is at Hand!” ~ Church of Sardis “He that Overcometh, I will confess his name before My Father!”

“He that hath an ear, let him what the Spirit saith to the Churches, Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die;”

Today we are in Rev. 3:1-6; Jesus, the Angel of the Churches, identifies Himself – “These things saith He that hath the Seven Spirits of God, and the Seven stars; The Introduction calls for a “pause” – Seven Spirits – Seven Stars? In Ephesus He tells us He walks in the midst of the Church and He holds the Stars/Pastors in His hands. In Smyrna His introduction is: “Saith the First and the Last, which was dead, and is alive!”  And in Pergamos, “He which hath the sharp sword with two edges.” To Thyatira, These things saith the Son of God, who hath eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass! Now as we enter the sixth Church, Sardis, we pause to meditate upon Jesus’ as He introduces Himself: “He that hath the Seven Spirits of God, and the Seven stars!” Theologians have many varied thoughts regarding the Seven Spirits: my simple thot: There is the strength of the Holy Spirit in the Church! In this case Jesus, the Angel was addressing Seven particular Churches and He Himself was providing the Power of the Spirit to each Church, it is notable that He is speaking to Seven Churches and their Pastors. Seven Spirits of God represents the “fullness of the Spirit of God!” --  Which is given to the Church. There is but One Holy Spirit, and He was given to us as Jesus’ life flowed out of Him at Calvary: John 16:7 Jesus said: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” In the Holy Spirit of God there are abundant operations, He guides us, He nudges us, He protects us, He illuminates God’s Word to us … etc. It is sobering as we hear Jesus say: You have a name to live, but thou art dead.  I believe we are watchful, but we need more strength for the day lest we die, and that is spiritually! Again we “Hear” - Hold Fast – Repent - Overcome, “Let us have an ear to hear what the Spirit of God is saying unto the Churches!”  Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain.  Loving you, Pastor

“The Time is at Hand!” ~ Church of Thyatira “I Am He which searcheth the reins and hearts

He that hath an ear, let him what the Spirit saith to the Churches,

     And I will give Him the Morning Star!”

Today we are in Rev. 2 18-29; Jesus, the Angel of the Churches, identifies Himself as the “Son of God, who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire and His feet are like fine brass;” This is part of the introduction which we saw in Chapter One, as He was revealed to us. Christ desires to be seen in the Church and He introduces Himself personally to each one of them. His introduction to Thyatira is powerful, “The Son of God!” The flame is burning in His eyes and He stands solid in the Midst of the Church. Thyatira was in West Turkey between Pergamos and Sardis. Jesus always see the potential in His people, even when He must chastise them. This Church is full of Works, Charity, Service, Faith, Patience and again more works then at the first! Remember as we begun the study of these Churches, Ephesus was reprimanded because they had left their First Love! This Church continued strong in Charity/Love. It is important that as we work, as we serve, and even as we walk in Faith and Patience; His eyes are ever upon us and nudging us to grow in His Grace, His Mercy, His Word!  It is important in our day to note that evil spirits try the Churches of the Living God. It seems that the “Stars” of today are always searching for ways to build the Church, but it is Jesus desire and His Father’s desire to ‘Build the Kingdom’! We are all on a mission in this world and that is to know the Doctrine of our God! For it is in false doctrines that the Church is sorely draw up short – this is why His Word says: Study to shew thyself approved unto God – but in our world today it seems there is study going on by how to build the Church and evil doctrines arise. This Church at Thyatira with all the good things, works twice mentioned, has once again failed to set itself apart from false teachings, that of Jezebel. The only way one can identify false teachings is to “know the Word of God!”  It is interesting to know that this woman who was teaching false doctrine was given space to repent. When she rejected His call of repentance – well -- you can see in VS 22-23 the pending judgment of such evil activities. There is Promise for obedience to God’s Holy Word! Please note “Unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many that shun evil which have not known the depths of Satan; “That which ye have already hold fast till I come.” He that overcometh … I will give him the Morning Star!”  Loving you, Pastor