Now let’s continue right here in Revelation, the first chapter, before we get to Revelation two and three. Notice a little bit more about Jesus. Jesus Christ is in charge—we need to understand that. That’s why no man is to put himself between Jesus Christ and the people.

“And in His right hand He had seven stars, and a sharp two-edged sword went out of His mouth… [Jesus Christ means business. He is giving eternal life. And He wants us perfected. And if there has to be correction for that perfection then He is going to do it with His word] …and His countenance was as the sun shining in its full power. [Then John said:] And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as if dead; but He laid His right hand upon me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last, Even the one Who is living; for I was dead, and behold, I am alive into the ages of eternity. Amen. And I have the keys of the grave and of death” (vs 16-18).

So you see everyone, whether they like it or not, believe it or not, are going to have to deal with Jesus Christ. That’s just the way it’s going to be. So then He gave the “mystery” of the seven stars and the seven lampstands: “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven lampstands that you saw are the seven churches” (v 20).

Now, we’re not going to go through in detail in all of these things, because we’re going to add some other Scriptures, which support some of the things that go on here. But let’s understand: one of the first things that came along, and Jesus warned of this over and over and over and over again: so did Peter, so did Paul, so did John. And now Christ is emphasizing it here, again: false prophets, false apostles! Yet, brethren in the Church still fall for false doctrines and false teachings

·        because they don’t know their Bibles, and

·        because they’re not studying and praying, and

·        because there are certain men who want power—so they rise up.

Now, we’re going to see this. Now, Ephesus tested the false prophets, resisted them. And there are some brethren who have done that—resisted the false prophets, and have come out of it. But here comes a great (how shall we say) almost fatal flaw, which a lot of people fall into. Very similar to Laodiceanism—not quite.

But here it says, Revelation 2:4, FV—to the angel at Ephesus, He says: “Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” And when you leave off the first love, which is the primary love, which is what? Loving God with all your heart and mind and soul and being. What’s going to happen? Your whole spiritual life is going to tone down. Your whole spiritual life will be just like a light on a rheostat and you turn it down and down and down and down and next thing you know it’s very, very dim.

Now, remember what Jesus said here. So this is your particular case because we have a lot of that combined with Laodiceanism, we have both of them at the beginning church and the ending church, we have very similar problems. But in the ending church they’re subject to all kinds of sins. Whereas the beginning church started out very righteous and then, what did they do? They lost their first love. They became ho-hum.

So Jesus says, “Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the first works, for if you do not, I will come to you quickly; and I will remove your lampstand out of its place unless you repent” (v 5). See, we always, brethren, have to be in a state of repentance before God, because that’s the very nature of human nature, that we have sin within us—and we need to overcome. That’s why in the series of The Keys to Answered Prayer—what is the one thing we need to do every day? Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us! Right? Yes! And so, what happens when people get complacent like this? I’m ok, you’re ok—just like the world.

Now they did have one thing that they hated; that was the works of the Nicolaitanes or the hierarchal setup. So he has here—verse 7: “The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…. [ALL the churches—because things like this can happen in any of the Churches of God, anywhere at anytime, and God calls us to repentance. If we are going to be in the first resurrection, we’re going to have to repent.]. …To the one who overcomes I will give the right to eat of the tree of life that is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

Now, church at Smyrna—very interesting. Doctrinally: probably just understood the basics. But they had a love and a zeal for God, and they were to stand for God even though they were persecuted. Satan threw them in jail and they had tribulation—severe tribulation—for ten years. And God said to them, He said: “…Be faithful [verse 10] unto death, and I will give you a crown of life…. [And again He says:] …The one who has an ear… [now, I want you to tie that together where we started, with Matthew 13] …let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (vs 10-11). And this is Jesus Christ talking.

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos, write: ‘These things says He Who has the sharp two-edged sword” (v 12). Now, here is a church that is living right where Satan’s throne is. And when you’re right in the middle of the world, like they were, and you allow yourself to become a part of this world, a part of the Satanic system that is out there, notice what happens: He says, verse 13: “I know your works and where you dwell, where the throne of Satan is; but you are holding fast My name, and did not deny My faith, even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful witness [so they were faithful up to a certain point], who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.”

But what happens? Same thing, just like you read the history of the kings. Righteous king dies, an evil king takes over. And the people follow along, right along with the king, and idolatry and stupidity and false doctrine, right? So what happened with this church. It had a lot of false doctrine come in. A lot of false preachers come in. Let’s read it here: Verse 14: “But I have a few things against you because you have there those who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children if Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication.”

So, they had idolatry, they had spiritual and physical fornication. And they also had the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes (v 15), which Jesus says He “hates.” Why? Because that oppressive, hierarchal government grinds the brethren down into the ground and takes advantage of them when it should not be doing it. That’s why Jesus hates it. And He hates it because it puts men between the brethren and God. And if there’s any one lesson that needs to be learned in the Church of God today, that is this lesson!

Now notice what happens. And so Jesus is serving warning to all the Churches of God who do this. He says, “Repent! For if you do not repent, I will come to you quickly, and will make war against them with the sword of My mouth” (v 16). Jesus Christ Himself is going to fight against those who do that. So we need to understand it. Now you see, brethren, God has called us to eternal life. God has called us for the greatest thing that there is, as we will see tomorrow. And for those who are teachers and ministers, they better listen up. And they better not set themselves up above the brethren. And they better not set themselves up above God! Because that’s what happens. And even in the Churches of God today, there are so many hierarchal, hard-fisted, just top-down oppressive government—when Jesus said: “You shall not do so!”

And God’s judgment is coming! And God’s judgment is going to be upon them—and any who participate in it as far as being ministers, and any of the brethren who go along with it because they love the social and entertainment factor that they receive in that church, you see.

Now, let’s look and see something concerning false prophets. There are those false prophets, which come straight out of the cauldron of Babylon. We have in Acts, the eighth chapter, Simon Magus. Let’s go there for just a minute. And they want to come into the Church. Remember we saw how that the tares were sown. So if we are alert, we can keep some of these tares from being sown within the Church.

So what happened. Let’s see about Simon—Simon Magus. We’ll just look at his character, see what he did. Acts 8:9, FV: “But there was a certain man named Simon, who had from earlier times been practicing sorcery in the city [that is of Samaria] and astounding the nation of Samaria, proclaiming himself to be some great one.” And he was wanting to take the name of Jesus and add it to his Gnostic teachings. Now, I’ve got to bring a sermon here soon which is going to show that, yes, this is happening again, in exactly the same way. And certain elements of this also have crept into the Churches of God. So those without coming in to try and take over.

“To him they had all given heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘This man is the great power of God.’ Now they were giving heed to him because he had for a long time bewitched them with sorceries” (v 10). So we have those without, the servants of Satan. Remember, Satan is planting seeds trying to bring them within the Churches of God.

Now let’s see, come to Acts, the twentieth chapter. Let’s see where else false prophets will arise. This is very interesting. Acts 20, and let’s pick it up here—Paul is talking to the elders—the elders at Ephesus. And what did we read about the church at Ephesus? They lost their first love. And what happens? False prophets rise within the ranks of the eldership and ministry.

Let’s read it. Paul gave warning to them. And he said to all, all the elders—verse 28—Acts 20:28, FV: “Take heed therefore to yourselves…” Now, the first responsibility of any elder, teacher, minister is to what? Take heed to himself.

·        Maintain the relationship with God.

·        Maintain the understanding of the Word of God.

·        Grow in grace and knowledge the way that God wants him to.

·        Teach the brethren.

·        Feed the flock.

·        Shepherd the lambs.

That’s his responsibility. Not to exalt himself. Now, when you lose your first love, there are those who will do that. And we’ve seen it. Yes, it’s even taking place today! And there even erstwhile ministers who have not been ordained, who want to stand up and become ministers. Well, are you ready for the correction of God? Now, if you’re truly desiring to be an overseer—as it says there in 1 Timothy 3, you’re “seeking a good work.” But for what purpose do men stand up and start preaching false doctrine. And stand up and start bringing false accusation against brethren—and against me personally. And people sit there: “oooooooo”

·        You know, God called us to think!

·        God called us to be faithful.

·        God called us to use His Spirit.

·        God called us to understand His Word and Truth.

So, here’s a warning given: “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood” (v 28).

All the brethren belong to God, so everyone who’s an erstwhile leader, you better sit up and take notice—because God’s judgment is going to come upon you, sooner or later. And remember, the judgment of God always comes when you least expect it, and in a way you least expect. And sometimes the judgment of God comes where you are so self-deceived that you think that this judgment is, in fact, success! Until you finally stand at the end of all that has been done.

Now notice what Paul said: “For I know this: That after my departure grievous wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock… [we’ve already talked about that, didn’t we? Yes] …And from among your own selves… [you who are right here in front of me. Those that he taught. Those that he ordained.] …from among your own selves men will rise up speaking perverse things… [contrary to the doctrines, right? Yes] …to draw away disciples after themselves. Watch therefore, remembering that for three years I ceased not to admonish each one night and day with tears” (vs 29-31).

·        And how many warnings have gone out?

·        And how many warnings have been sent?

·        But how many people pay attention?

·        How many ministers are so lifted up in their pride that they won’t humble themselves to stand for the Truth?

·        And to stand against a tyrannical hierarchy?

·        And where one leader of a church commands people to break the fifth commandment of honoring your father and mother?

That if you are in his church, and your mother and father are in another church, you cannot have anything to do with them. And so severe was this, and so despondent was one man over this that he committed suicide. And know for sure, God’s punishment is coming upon that minister and those kinds of attitudes that are in the Church of God which is supposed to be what? Loving God, loving each other, loving your neighbor—yea, and loving even your enemy!

So think about it. It comes because of men just like this. The warnings have gone out. The words are in the Bible. So he says: “And now I commit you, brethren, to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. [then he says:] I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing” (vs 32-33). And neither do I.

Now, let’s go on. Let’s see what Paul wrote concerning these kinds of teachers that rise up. And actually what they are doing to themselves. So let’s read it. Let’s come here to 1 Timothy, the first chapter, because you see, this is a reality of the seven churches represented by the seven weeks of the harvest.

And living in the world that we are living in today, which we covered, and seeing the things that are taking place, God is judging all of us—do we love Him with all our heart and mind and soul and being? Do we really believe the Truth or are we going, are we so weak and, and faithless that we are going to believe any doctrine that comes along. Like one, one man says: “Well, you know, Jesus didn’t exist until He was conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary.” That is blaspheme!

·        And what does he think he’s going to do?

·        What is his judgment going to be?

·        What is the judgment going to be upon the brethren who follow such things.

You know, we need to stop and think!

Now let’s read here in 1 Timothy, the first chapter. Let’s see some of the instructions to Timothy. And we’re going to see, also some of the things that he instructs on what to do that is right. Because we can tie this together, we can tie this together with the church at Thyatira, with Jezebel, who taught the depths of Satan. We can tie this together with the church at Sardis that is nearly dead, has a few little, eeny-teeny-weeny works that they are doing. And some of them are, are about to be blotted out of the book of life. And Jesus said, “Now if you just do the minimum I won’t blot your name out.” And we’ll talk about the Laodiceans a little later.

But all of these things are reflective of false teachings, lack of love, lack of understanding of the calling and where they’re going. Now, let’s pick it up here in verse three—and let’s notice these things were happening back then, and now we have, now we have these things recorded for us so we can learn not to do these same things. But what happens? People end up doing the same things! Amazing, isn’t it? Verse 3: “When I was going to Macedonia, I exhorted you to remain in Ephesus, in order that you might solemnly charge some not to teach other doctrines” (1 Tim. 1:3, FV).

Now, doctrine is IMPORTANT! Because doctrines are the teachings of God.

“Nor to pay attention to myths [now, we’ll see about myths here a little later on] and endless genealogies, which lead to empty speculations rather than to edification from God, which is in faith” (v 4).

And that’s what happens?

·        It leads to disillusionment.

·        It leads to scattering of the brethren.

·        It leads to anger and hatred.

·        All of those things.

Now, verse 5: “Now the purpose of the commandment [now that means commandment and message of Christ] …is love out of a pure heart, and a good conscience, and genuine faith… [That’s the whole goal of the commandment of Paul and Christ to Timothy.] …From which some, having missed the mark, have turned aside unto vain jangling… [And any of these doctrines that people work up—‘a little paper’—and think that they have done a magnificent work. And I read them and frankly, they’re just plain stupid. So people want to fall for them. Fall for them. They miss the mark!

Now, here’s the key: “Desiring [or you could put there: ‘lusting’] to be teachers of the law…” (v 7).

“Oh I want to be a minister. I want to be an elder. Whooowhoowhoo—maybe I could be a preaching elder.” And in the church where we were in we had the hierarchy, didn’t we? Then we had ‘local elders,” and then we had some who really were not good local elders, so they were local, local elders. And then we had others who were “preaching elders.” OOO-now, that’s like a corporal moving up and getting stripes on his suit. Then we had pastors—whooo-oooo, that’s like becoming a first lieutenant. And then we had district superintendents—that’s like becoming a colonel. And then we had evangelists, didn’t we? Yes! ooooooooo, that’s like becoming a brigadier general, correct? Then we had the only apostle on earth—and that’s like becoming the only six-star general in the world. Everyone get in, and they want to climb, they want to climb, and some still do it, right? Yes!

“Desiring to be teachers of the law, neither understanding what they are saying, nor what they are strongly affirming” (v 7). They don’t even understand it.

Now, put your mind around this: Some men have recently said you don’t need to tithe—because a tithe comes out of the land. Where pray tell does everything come from? It comes from the land—even you! You’re made of the dust, so am I. So get real. “However,” they said, “you go ahead and tithe to yourself so you can keep the Feast.” Now, if that is not mind-boggling and stupid—you go figure it out. And yet, people “Oooooo, what a wonderful thing. I never heard this before.” Really amazing, isn’t it? Yes.

Now, verse 8: “Now we know that the law is good, if anyone uses it lawfully… [Use it the correct way, the way God intended.] …Understanding this: that the law is not enacted for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for slayers of fathers and slayers of mothers, for murderers. For fornication, for homosexuals, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing that is opposed to sound doctrine. According to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, with which I was entrusted” (vs 8-11). So that says an awful lot.

Anyone want to jump up and be a teacher? Think about it!

All right, let’s look and see. They also have very willing—very, very willing—don’t they? Yes! People who follow them. Yes! Now let’s read it here. Let’s come to 2 Timothy, the fourth chapter, all right. 2 Timothy 4—so he gives a charge in what to do: preach the Word, be in season and out of season, verse 3, 2 Timothy 4, FV: “For there shall come a time when they will not tolerate sound doctrine…” Have all kinds of wild speculations, false doctrines, lies and so forth. And even there were some, that Paul said, were in the Church who were saying that there is no resurrection. Now, think about that. And that is what all of Catholicism and Protestantism today believes—you go to heaven.

“…but according to their own lusts…” (v 3). So, not only do you have false minister from without coming in, sneaking in, conspirators, and we’ve seen how that has happened, haven’t we? And you have men within the Church rising up to become teachers, not knowing what they are saying or affirming. And wanting to be great leaders of themselves, they’ve got willing, they’ve got willing accomplices.

Verse 3: “For there shall come a time when they will not tolerate sound doctrine…”

·        Because they lost their first love.

·        Because they’ve given themselves over to wrong doctrine.

·        They have learned the ways of Satan.

·        They have become dead in their relationship with Christ.

·        Or they have become lukewarm!

So, they won’t endure sound doctrine.

“…but according to their own lusts they shall accumulate to themselves a great number of teachers, having ears itching to hear what satisfies their cravings; And they shall turn away their own ears from the truth; and they shall be turned aside unto myths” (vs 3-4).

Now, know for sure that in the scheme of the harvest of the seven churches, there is going to be correction to correct this, and there is going to be expulsion from God and removing of the Holy Spirit for those who won’t repent. Now, we need to understand that.

Now, let’s come back here to Revelation, the second chapter, and let’s see that again. Let’s see how this is going to happen. Let’s see what Jesus told those in Thyatira who allowed all of these things to be taught within the Church. Now notice, he says that they taught “My servants to commit fornication and eat things sacrificed to idols” (Rev. 2:20). And what is the first thing that Satan always likes to do and false prophets always like to do: change the Passover; change the footwashing; change the day; combine the 14^th and 15^th or to eliminate the 14^th and do the 15^th.

And that then becomes “eating things sacrificed to idols” because an idol can be a false doctrine as well as physical thing that you bow down to, right? Yes, indeed!

“And I gave her time to repent of her fornication [Rev. 2:21], but she did not repent. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their works. And I will kill her children with death… [They are going to lose salvation. There’s a warning, right there.] …and all the churches shall know that I am He Who searches the reins and hearts; and I will give to each of you according to your works…. [Then He gives a little space of relief.] …But to you I say, and to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will not cast upon you any other burden. But hold fast that you have until I come. And to the one who overcomes, and keeps My works unto the end, I will give authority over the nations; And he shall shepherd them with an iron rod, as vessels of pottery are broken in pieces; as I have also received from My Father. And I will give him the morning star. [Now notice:] The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (vs 21-29).

So the question is on this day 49: Do you have an ear to hear? Are you willing to listen?

Now, you know what it says to those in Sardis: “…you have a name as if you are alive, but are dead” (Rev. 3:1, FV).

And we know what it says to the Laodiceans. But let’s understand, of all the seven Churches of God, only the Laodiceans talk back to God! They say, “God, we’re rich and increased with goods, we have it made, we have need of nothing” (paraphrased).

And so that’s why there’s this “spewing out of the mouth” of Christ. And that’s why the Church has been scattered the way it has today. And that’s why God is still dealing with His Church. Now He says to the Laodiceans: “REPENT!” He says, “I’m still giving you a chance. I’m standing out here knocking at the door. And if you will open up by repentance, I will come into you and sup with you and you with Me. Be zealous therefore, and REPENT!” That’s what God says. And this is what the Church of God needs to do, if you want to make it to the 50^th day harvest—you better repent!

Now, let’s come to 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy and let’s see the charges that are given to those who are the true ministers of God that Paul gave to Timothy. Let’s come here to 1 Timothy, the first chapter. This is important to understand. So any who are teachers and elders, whether you’re with the Christian Biblical Church of God or your not with the Christian Biblical Church of God, doesn’t make any difference, you judge yourself before God and see, are you following these charges.

1 Timothy 1:3, FV, we read it: “When I was going to Macedonia, I exhorted you to remain in Ephesus, in order that you might solemnly charge some not to teach other doctrines. Nor to pay attention to myths…” (vs 3-4). So there’s one.

Let’s look at the other one over here in verse 18—here’s a charge that he’s giving personally to Timothy. Verse 18, 1 Timothy 1, FV: “This charge I am personally committing to you, my son Timothy, in accordance with the prophecies that were made long ago concerning you; in order that by them you yourself might wage a good war, Holding to the faith and a good conscience… [So that’s a charge. Now notice verse 19:] For some, having cast aside a good conscience, have made shipwreck in regard to the faith. Of whom are Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I turned over to Satan in order that they may learn not to blaspheme” (vs 18-20).

So you see, God’s judgment is, if you don’t follow God and do what Jesus said, sooner or later the judgment’s going to come. And the ultimate will be, being turned over to Satan. Now, we’ve seen that in the parable of the sowers. We’ve seen that in the situation with Simon Magus. We’ve seen that in concerning gross sin within the congregation (in 1 Cor. 5), and so forth.

Now let’s see the next charge—1 Timothy 5, let’s read it here in verse 21. You want to know what to do an elder: “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, and let nothing be done by partiality” (1 Tim. 5:21, FV). That’s how a ministry is to be operated.

Now, let’s come here to chapter six and verse thirteen. Now here’s a charge that he says here concerning this—let’s come back here to, come back here to verse eleven. “”But you, O man of God, flee these things… [that is after money and temptation and foolish and hurtful lusts and things like this] …and pursue righteousness… [here’s the life of an elder] …godliness, faith, love, endurance and meekness. Fight the good fight of faith! Take hole of eternal life to which you were also called, and did profess a good profession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the sight of God, Who gives life to every living thing, and Jesus Christ, Who in testifying before Pontius Pilate gave the exemplary profession of faith, That you keep this commandment… [all the instructions given in 1 & 2 Timothy and we can add on to that, Titus. And we can add on to that the other instructions that we find in the New Testament.] …without fault and without rebuke until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; Which in His own times the blessed and only Sovereign will make known, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:11-15, FV). So, we have that charge.

Let’s come to 2 Timothy, the fourth chapter. We were there but let’s read this charge here, because this becomes very important. How should a minister preach? And what should he preach on? Well, let’s read it.

After telling him that all Scripture was God-breathed (in chapter 3); he says in chapter four and verse one: “I charge you, therefore, in the sight of God… [this is as good as God physically (or how should we say) literally coming before you and commanding you] …even the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is ready to judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the Word!…” (2 Tim. 4:1-2, FV).

That’s what’s to be preached: The Word of God. Not nicey-nicey little tales, not emotional things—although there is emotion in truth and repentance and love and sincerity, that is true. But not in, in great productions, you know. And if you watch some of these Protestant ministers, what do they do? They get in front of the camera, run back and forth in front of the people, they tell stories, they cry, they weep and they have everyone all centered in and focused in on himself. NO! The focus is on God the Father and Jesus Christ through the Word of God.

“…Preach the Word! Be urgent in season and out of season…” (v 2) Showing they were keeping the Holy Days and everything, you see. This is what needs to be done. Now, when it is done, those who hear it: do you receive it? Do you act upon it? Do you make it part of your life? Are you being educated through the Word of God, so that you likewise can stand. Because when you look at the scope of the whole church, as pictured by the seven weeks of the harvest—and we’ll talk about the 50^th day tomorrow—“be urgent in season and out of season.”

“…convict…” (v 2). So that you know right and wrong and you are SURE and absolutely convicted that it is true. Not wishy-washy, mealy-mouthed, two-sides of the fence, standing in the middle.

“…rebuke…” [There’s a time to rebuke—and]…encourage…” (v 2). Because we are to be encouraged. We are to be uplifted. That’s why we have said over and over again, you walk in faith, believe in hope and live in love. And all of those things are to encourage us and uplift us. But you see, there comes a time when things need to be said. And there comes a time when there needs to be some of the things for the correction and conviction. Now notice:

“…with all patience and doctrine” (v 2).

First sign of apostasy is: love unites and doctrine divides! I’ve seen it over and over and over again. You go back and you study the seven churches yourself, there in Revelation two and three. Let’s see the ideal that we are to come to.

Let’s come back to Revelation three. So through it all, through it all, what are we to be doing and what is the model that we are to follow? Let’s come here, Revelation three, and let’s pick it up here in verse seven.

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia…” (Rev. 3:7, FV). And everyone wants to be a Philadelphian. No one wants to admit he’s been a Laodicean. No one wants say, “Well, I’m a Sardisite. Boy, I was almost dead.” There are some few who will do that. How many will say, “Oh, I enjoyed all those false doctrines and came from the Catholic Church.” Or like Pergamos, that you “rule with an iron fist.” Or like Ephesus, that you “lose your first love.” No, you can’t be a church of brotherly love unless you love God first. Very simple.

He says: “…write: ‘These things says the Holy One, the one Who is true; the one Who has the key of David, Who opens and no one shuts, and Who shuts and no one opens. I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, and no one has the power to shut it because you have a little strength, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (vs 7-8).

Then there’s going to be a reversal of how Satan affects the Church.

“Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who proclaim themselves to be Jews and are not, but do lie—behold, I will cause them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept the word of My patience…” (v 9). Always faithful day in and day out, week in and week out, Sabbath in and Sabbath out, month in and month out, Holy Day in and Holy Day out, all the time—FAITHFUL! “Kept My word.”

“…I also will keep you from the time of temptation which is about to come upon the whole world to try those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly; hold fast that which you have so that no one may take away your crown” (vs 10-11).

Because, brethren, there are a lot of “crown snatchers” out there and Satan wants to get yours.

“The one who overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall not go out any more; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which will come down out of heaven from My God; and I will write upon him My new name” (v 12).

Now let’s finish where we began: “The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (v 13). So that you will be in the complete harvest of the seven weeks that depict the harvest of the Church.

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Day 49—2007

7 Week Harvest

Scriptural References

1. Deuteronomy 16:9-10 (KJV)

2. John 4:32-38

3. Matthew 9:35-38

4. James 1:17-18

5. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-50

6. Matthew 19 (paraphrased)

7. 2 Timothy 3:1-9

8. Revelation 1:10-14, 16-18, 20

9. Revelation 2:4-5, 7, 10-16

10. Acts 8:9-10

11. Acts 20:28-33

12. 1 Timothy 1:3-11

13. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

14. Revelation 2:20-29

15. Revelation 3:1

16. 1 Timothy 1:3-4, 18-20

17. 1 Timothy 5:21

18. 1 Timothy 6:11-15

19. 2 Timothy 4:1-2

20. Revelation 3:7-13

All Scriptures from The New Testament in it’s Original Order, A Faithful Version, by Fred R. Coulter—except where noted.

Scriptures referenced, not quoted:

• Leviticus 23

• Revelation 13

• Matthew 19

• 1 Corinthians 5

Also referenced:

• Video—Counting to Pentecost by Fred R. Coulter

• Book—God’s Plan for Mankind Revealed by His Sabbath and Holy Days by Fred R. Coulter

• The Journal

• Book—Marketing of Evil by David Kupelian

• Tape series—Keys to Answered Prayer