B i b l e   S t u d y

Lesson: Revelation 3:1-22
Email: info@icogsfg.org

SCRIPTURE READING: Revelation 3:1-22

GOLDEN TEXT:  Revelation 1:20

1. The Book of Revelation is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants, the things which must shortly take place. This book is a book of prophecy that deals with "end time" events and it deals with a lot of imagery and symbols. Did Jesus reveal the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars in His right hand and the seven golden lampstands? (Revelation 1:20.)

Note: Jesus revealed the answer to this mystery in that the seven stars are the seven angels of the seven churches and the seven golden lampstands are the seven churches.

2. Jesus addressed the angels of the seven churches.

Which church was first? (Revelation 2:1.) Which was second? (Revelation 2:8.) Which was third? (Revelation 2:12.) Which was fourth? (Revelation 2:18.) Which was fifth? (Revelation 3:1.)

Note: This fifth church also had an angel, perhaps a guardian or protective angel. As a reminder the Greek word for "angel" is "aggelos" and it could be translated as "messenger."

The Church of Sardis  (The Fifth Church)

Scripture Reading: Revelation 3:1-6.

"SARDIS [SARR dis] - the capital city of Lydia in the province of Asia, in western Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The church at Sardis was one of the seven churches mentioned by John in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 3:1-6).

Sardis was situated on the east bank of the Pactolus River about 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Smyrna; it occupied a rocky spur of Mount Tmolus and a valley at the foot of this mountain. In ancient times Sardis was well fortified and easily defended. It became the capital of the ancient Lydian empire, then passed successively to the Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans during their respective dominance of the ancient world.

During its days as a Roman city, Sardis became an important Christian center. However, the church at Sardis was evidently affected by the complacency of the city and its reliance on past glory: "You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead" (Rev. 3:1). Sardis, the dead church, was like "whitewashed tombs which . . . appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones" (Matt. 23:27). Its thriving, healthy appearance masked an inner decay.

The most impressive building of ancient Sardis must have been its magnificent Temple of Artemis, built in the fourth century B.C. The temple was 100 meters (327 feet) long and 50 meters (163 feet) wide and had 78 Ionic columns, each 17.7 meters (58 feet) high. Some of these columns remain standing until this day. (Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1995, p. 1129).

3. Who is the ‘He’ that has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars? (Revelation 3:1, 1:13 & 16.)

Note: Seven is the number of completeness. These seven churches were real First Century Churches and they are symbolic of the whole Church at the End Time.

Did Jesus say that He knew their works? (Revelation 3:1.) Did He say that they have a name that they were alive but were dead? (Same verse.) Did Jesus say that the gates of ‘hell’ would not prevail against His Church? (Matthew 16:17-18.)

Note: In the King James Version of the Bible the word ‘hell’ is used, but the Greek word is ‘hades’ which means the ‘grave.’ So the gates of the ‘grave’ will not prevail against His Church. How could a Church die? People in the Church can grow old, get sick and die. It was hard to be a Christian in the First Century, they could have been thrown into prison or into a lion’s den, stoned or crucified. Other ways that a Church can die are: If the people aren’t replaced in the Church, if people are not active, not teaching their children the truth to keep them in the faith, not evangelizing, etc. The result of no growth is a dead Church.

Another point of being alive and yet dead is that you can call yourself a Christian physically, but if you don’t live it, don’t repent and don’t keep God’s Commandments then you are dead spiritually.

A physical Church may die but the spiritual Church will live on.

4. Did Jesus tell this Church to be watchful and strengthen the things which remain? (Revelation 3:2.)

Note: This phrase indicates that the Church wasn’t totally dead and there was a spark of life left.

5. Did Jesus tell them to ‘remember’ and to ‘hold fast’ and ‘repent’? (Revelation 3:3.) The Bible has a lot to say about things to ‘remember.’ What day of worship are we to ‘remember’? (Exodus 20:8, Hebrews 4:9.) What are some other things that we are to remember? (Luke 17:32, John 16:4, Acts 20:35, Jude 1:17, Galatians 2:10, 2 Timothy 2:8, Hebrews 10:17, 13:3, 7.)

Note: When you find yourself concerned about your Christianity, then there is still a spark of life left. Jesus told them to ‘remember’ because they ‘forgot’ to keep God and Jesus in their lives.

We need to meditate on God’s ways and His Commandments like David did in the Psalms. We need to resist the devil and draw closer to God (James 4:7-8.) We need to ‘hold fast’ to the truth of God (John 17:17) and we need to ‘repent’ (Acts 2:38.)

6. What did Jesus tell them would happen if they did not watch? (Revelation 3:3.) Did the apostle Paul say that the ‘day of the Lord’ would come quickly as a thief in the night? (1 Thessalonians 5:2.) Did Jesus say that no one knows the day or the hour in which He will return to the earth in power and glory? (Matthew 24:36-37.) Who is the only one that knows when Christ will return? (Same verses.)

Note: One of the purposes of the Book of Revelation is to help us to know what to watch for.

7. Did Jesus say that there were a few in the Sardis Church who were worthy and would walk with Him in white and their names would be in the Book of Life? (Revelation 3:4-5.)

Note: The phrase "walk with Him in white" (Revelation 7:9, 13-14, 19:14) is a reference to those who are in the first resurrection (1 Corinthians 15), those who have repented of their sins (Acts 2:38), who have eternal life (John 3:16) and whose names are written in the Book of Life.

8. Are your ears hearing what the Spirit says to the churches? (Revelation 3:6.)

In Conclusion: Jesus told the Sardis Church "you are alive, but you are dead." There is no point for Jesus writing a letter to a ‘dead Church.’ He wrote this letter as a letter of ‘hope’ that this First Century Church and the people in the Church at the End Time would repent of their sins of breaking God’s law and live righteously.

The Church of Philadelphia  (The Sixth Church)

9. Jesus addressed the angels of the seven churches.

Which church was first? (Revelation 2:1.) Which was second? (Revelation 2:8.) Which was third? (Revelation 2:12.) Which was fourth? (Revelation 2:18.) Which was fifth? (Revelation 3:1.) Which was sixth? (Revelation 3:7.)

Note: "PHILADELPHIA [fill ah DELL fih uh] (brotherly love) - a city of the province of Lydia in western Asia Minor (modern Turkey) and the site of one of the seven churches of Asia to which John wrote in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:11).

Philadelphia was situated on the Cogamus River, a tributary of the Hermus (modern Gediz) and was about 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Sardis. It was founded by Attalus II (Philadelphus), who reigned as king of Pergamos from 159 B.C. until 138 B.C. Philadelphia was a center of the wine industry. Its chief deity was Dionysus, in Greek mythology the god of wine (the Roman Bacchus).

In the Book of Revelation, John describes the church in Philadelphia as the faithful church and the church that stood at the gateway of a great opportunity (Rev. 3:7-13). Christ said to this church, "See, I have set before you an open door and no one can shut it" (v. 8). The "open door" means primarily access to God, but it also refers to opportunity for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Still a city of considerable size, Philadelphia is known today as Alashehir."

(Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1995, p. 981).

10. Who is the ‘He’ who is holy and true? (Revelation 3:7, 6:10, Mark 1:24, Luke 4:34, Acts 4:27, 30, John 8:14.) Was Jesus a descendant of David? (Matthew 1:1, 6, 17, 22:42, Luke 1:32, 3:31, John 7:42, Romans 1:3, Revelation 22:16.) Does Jesus have the key of David of which He opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens? (Revelation 3:7.) Did Eliakim have a similar position? (Isaiah 22:20-25.)

Note: In ancient times a ‘Key’ expressed the idea of authority, power, or privilege. Eliakim was a servant who had the key of the household. The key of the household is the key that the steward carried on a chain around his neck. The key was symbolic of his authority in the house, of which only he could open and close and no one else could do that except the king himself. The Key of David is symbolic of the authority of the household. God the Father is king and Jesus Christ is His Steward. Christ has the Key that belongs to the House of David. The opening and shutting is symbolic of Divine or Kingly authority. The authority of Christ in God’s House is absolute, only the God the Father can override Him.

11. Did Jesus tell the church in Philadelphia that He knew their works? (Revelation 3:8.) Did He tell them that He had set an open door before them that no one could shut? Did this church keep the word of Jesus and not deny His name? Did Jesus tell His disciples to live by every word of God? (Matthew 4:4.) What is the result if we do not deny Jesus’ name? (Matthew 10:32-33.) Did the apostle Paul talk about an open door? (1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12, Colossians 4:3, Acts 14:27.)

Note: When Paul was talking about an open door, he was talking about an opening to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to where it had not gone before. So here in Revelation Christ has set before the church of Philadelphia an open door and had given them the opportunity to preach the gospel that He was not going to allow anybody to shut down. This was not a powerful church because He indicated that they had but a little strength.

12. Does Jesus mention the synagogue of Satan? (Revelation 3:9.) Does the apostle Paul make a reference that a Christian should be a Jew inwardly? (Romans 2:28-29.) Does Satan have his own ministers who transform themselves into ministers of righteousness? (2 Corinthians 11:13-15.)

Note: The reference in Revelation 3:9 to the synagogue of Satan could be referring to a Jewish synagogue, but the Book of Revelation is dealing with the church in the ’end time’ and this is probably a reference to Christians who think they are spiritual Jews but aren’t. The word ‘synagogue’ could be translated as church or congregation according to Strong’s Concordance # 4864 which is defined as a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy a Christian church:--assembly, congregation, synagogue. The apostle Paul does make reference to churches having false apostles, deceitful workers and ministers of Satan.

13. Did Jesus tell the church in Philadelphia to persevere or endure patiently? (Revelation 3:10.) What is the reward if we endure patiently?

Note: By patiently keeping Jesus’ word, not denying His name and continuing to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God, we have a promise or reward from Christ that He will keep us from the hour of trial of the Great Tribulation that will come upon the whole world.

14. Does Jesus say that He will come quickly? (Revelation 3:11.)

Note: Notice that this is referring to the ‘end time’ church and that the church will be here when Christ returns.

15. Does Christ say to "Hold fast to what you have, that no one may take your crown?" (Revelation 3:11.) Are we promised a crown of life and glory? (James 1:12, 2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Peter 5:4, Revelations 2:10.)

Note: We are to hold on so no one can take away what we have. The Biblical truths that we have are precious including the knowledge of the Sabbath and the seven annual Holy Days of the Lord (Leviticus 23:1-2.)

16. What are the promises that Jesus gave us if we overcome? (Revelation 3:12.)

Note: The over-comer is the person who faces adversity and the challenges of life and he fights to the end and wins.

17. Are your ears hearing what the Spirit says to the churches? (Revelation 3:13.)

In Conclusion: We need to do good works, preach the gospel while we have an open door, keep God’s word and hold fast and to the winners goes the glory.

 

The Church of Laodicea  (The Seventh Church)

18. Jesus addressed the angels of the seven churches.

Which church was seventh? (Revelation 3:14.)

Note: "LAODICEA [LAY ah duh SEE uh) - a city in the Lycus Valley of the province of PHRYGIA where one of the seven churches of Asia Minor was situated (Rev. 3:14). About 40 miles east of Ephesus and about 10 miles west of Colossae, Laodicea was built on the banks of the river Lycus, a tributary of the Maeander River.

The words of the risen Christ to Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22 contain allusions to the economic prosperity and social prominence of the city. Founded by the SELEUCIDS and named for Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II (261-247 BC.), Laodicea became extremely wealthy during the Roman period. For example, in 62 B.C. Flaccus seized the annual contribution of the Jews of Laodicea for Jerusalem amounting to 20 pounds of gold. Moreover, when the city was destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 60 (along with Colossae and Hierapolis), it alone refused aid from Rome for rebuilding (compare the self-sufficient attitude of the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:17). Laodicea was known for its black wool industry; it manufactured garments from the raven-black wool produced by the sheep of the surrounding area.

The apostle Paul does not seem to have visited Laodicea at the time he wrote Colossians 2:1. Epaphras, Tychicus, Onesimus, and Mark seem to have been the early messengers of the gospel there (Col. 1:7; 4:7-15). A letter addressed to the Laodiceans by Paul (Col. 4:16) has apparently been lost; some consider it to be a copy of the Ephesian letter. ..... The site of Laodicea is now a deserted heap of ruins that the Turks call Eski Hisar, or "old castle."

According to the comments about the church at Laodicea in the Book of Revelation, this congregation consisted of lukewarm Christians (Rev. 3:14-22). The living Lord demands enthusiasm and total commitment from those who worship Him." (Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1995, p. 744-745).

"Laodicea earned its wealth in the textile industry in the production of black wool and in the baking industry. Laodicea was also known for its medical school which concocted a spice nard for the treatment of ears and an eye salve. The major weakness of Laodicea was its lack of a water supply. This need was met bringing water six miles north from Denzil through a system of stone pipes (another sign of Laodicea’s wealth)." (Holman Bible Dictionary, 1991, p. 862).

19. Who is the ‘Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God’? (Revelation 3:14, John 1:1-3, 14.)

Note: The name ‘Laodicea’ means either the people ruling or the judgment of the people. There is a contrast between what this name means and the fact that Jesus is the embodiment of faithfulness and truth. Jesus is the One who guarantees and fulfills the promises of God. Jesus is the True Witness and He fulfills all three conditions of a witness: A witness must have seen with his own eyes that of which he tells, he must be completely honest and accurate about what he has heard and seen, and he must have the ability to tell what he has to say and that his witness may make its true impression on those who hear. Jesus can tell of God because He came from God and His true witness is recorded by the Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

John records that it was Jesus who is the ‘Beginning of the creation of God‘ in that Jesus from the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God and all things were made through Him (John 1:1-3.)

20. Did Jesus know their works, that they were neither cold or hot, but lukewarm? (Revelation 3:15-16.) Did He say that He would vomit them out of His mouth?

Note: Jesus is obviously talking about their spiritual condition, because physically they were wealthy. Their spiritual condition of being ‘lukewarm’ was similar to their city’s ‘lukewarm’ water supply. They were self satisfied, complacent, indifferent, barren of works and blind to their true spiritual condition.

21. Did the people in the church of Laodicea say that they were rich and had need of nothing? (Revelation 3:17.) Did Jesus tell them that spiritually they were miserable, poor, blind and naked?

Note: This church was different from the other six churches, because in that day and time, being a Christian was a hardship and typically you were poor and discriminated against. Funny thing about wealth and possessions, it can change your attitude toward your fellow man. Solomon recorded the following in Proverbs 18:23: "The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly." When people are rich they can use their wealth to have power and control over other people, while the poor person has to plead his cause. Jesus said: "Blessed are the poor in spirit [be humble], For theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3 NKJV.)

22. Did Jesus tell the church of Laodicea to be clothed with white garments and to anoint their eyes with eye salve? (Revelation 3:18.)

Note: Jesus is making a reference to their black garments and eye salve that made Laodicea wealthy. The white garments is a reference to righteousness (Revelation 3:5) and the eye salve is a reference to their being spiritually blind.

23. Did Jesus admonish them to be zealous and repent? (Revelation 3:19.) Are we to let Jesus live within us? (Verse 20.)

24. What is the reward if we overcome? (Revelation 3:21.)

25. Are your ears hearing what the Spirit says to the churches? (Revelation 3:22.)

In Conclusion: Jesus said: "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich" (Verse 18.) We need to pray to God that He will help us build righteous character so we can make it into His kingdom (Matthew 6:10, 13, 33.)

Scriptures

Golden Text: (Revelation 1:20 NKJV) "The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

Scripture Reading:

To the Church in Sardis

(Revelation 3:1-6 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. {2} "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. {3} "Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. {4} "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. {5} "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. {6} "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'

1.) (Revelation 1:20 NKJV) "The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

2.) (Revelation 2:1 NKJV) "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:

(Revelation 2:8 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:

(Revelation 2:12 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

(Revelation 2:18 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:

(Revelation 3:1 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

3.) (Revelation 3:1-6 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

(Revelation 1:13 NKJV) and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

(Revelation 1:16 NKJV) He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

(Matthew 16:17-18 NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. {18} "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

5.) (Exodus 20:8 NKJV) "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

(Hebrews 4:9 NKJV) There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.

(Luke 17:32 NKJV) "Remember Lot's wife.

(John 16:4 NKJV) "But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

(Acts 20:35 NKJV) "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

(Jude 1:17 NKJV) But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ:

(Galatians 2:10 NKJV) They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.

(2 Timothy 2:8 NKJV) Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,

(Hebrews 10:17 NKJV) then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."

(Hebrews 13:3 NKJV) Remember the prisoners as if chained with them; those who are mistreated; since you yourselves are in the body also.

(Hebrews 13:7 NKJV) Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

(James 4:7-8 NKJV) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. {8} Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

(John 17:17 NKJV) "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

(Acts 2:38 NKJV) Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

6.) (1 Thessalonians 5:2 NKJV) For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

(Matthew 24:36-37 NKJV) "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. {37} "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

(Matthew 24:45-46 NKJV) "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? {46} "Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.

7.) (Revelation 7:9 NKJV) After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

(Revelation 7:13-14 NKJV) Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" {14} And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

(Revelation 19:14 NKJV) And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.

Scripture Reading:

To the Church in Philadelphia


To the Church in Philadelphia

(Revelation 3:7-13 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": {8} "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. {9} "Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie; indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. {10} "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. {11} "Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. {12} "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. {13} "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'

9.) (Revelation 2:1 NKJV) "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:

(Revelation 2:8 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:

(Revelation 2:12 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

(Revelation 2:18 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:

(Revelation 3:1 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

(Revelation 3:7 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens"

10.) (Revelation 3:7 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":

(Revelation 6:10 NKJV) And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

(Mark 1:24 NKJV) saying, "Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are; the Holy One of God!"

(Luke 4:34 NKJV) saying, "Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are; the Holy One of God!"

(Acts 4:27 NKJV) "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together

(Acts 4:30 NKJV) "by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."

(John 8:14 NKJV) Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going.

The Genealogy of Jesus

(Matthew 1:1 NKJV) The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

(Matthew 1:6 NKJV) and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.

(Matthew 1:17 NKJV) So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.

(Matthew 22:42 NKJV) saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" They said to Him, "The Son of David."

(Luke 1:32 NKJV) "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

(Luke 3:31 NKJV) the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David,

(John 7:42 NKJV) "Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?"

(Romans 1:3 NKJV) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,

(Revelation 22:16 NKJV) "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."

(Isaiah 22:20-25 NKJV) 'Then it shall be in that day, That I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah; {21} I will clothe him with your robe And strengthen him with your belt; I will commit your responsibility into his hand. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem And to the house of Judah. {22} The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open. {23} I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place, And he will become a glorious throne to his father's house. {24} 'They will hang on him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the posterity, all vessels of small quantity, from the cups to all the pitchers. {25} 'In that day,' says the LORD of hosts, 'the peg that is fastened in the secure place will be removed and be cut down and fall, and the burden that was on it will be cut off; for the LORD has spoken.'"

11.) (Revelation 3:8 NKJV) "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

(Matthew 4:4 NKJV) But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"

(Matthew 10:32-33 NKJV) "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. {33} "But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

(1 Corinthians 16:9 NKJV) For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

(2 Corinthians 2:12 NKJV) Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,

(Colossians 4:3 NKJV) meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,

(Acts 14:27 NKJV) Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

12.)   (Revelation 3:9 NKJV) "Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie; indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

(Romans 2:28-29 NKJV) For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; {29} but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

(2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NKJV) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. {14} And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. {15} Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

13.)  (Revelation 3:10 NKJV) "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

14.)  (Revelation 3:11 NKJV) "Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

15.)  (2 Timothy 4:8 NKJV) Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

(James 1:12 NKJV) Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

(1 Peter 5:4 NKJV) and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

(Revelation 2:10 NKJV) "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

16.)  (Revelation 3:12 NKJV) "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

17.)  (Revelation 3:13 NKJV) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'

Scripture Reading:

To the Church in Laodicea


To the Church in Laodicea

(Revelation 3:14-22 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: {15} "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. {16} "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. {17} "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'; and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; {18} "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. {19} "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. {20} "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. {21} "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. {22} "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' "

1.) (Revelation 1:20 NKJV) "The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

18.)  (Revelation 3:14 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

19.) (John 1:1-3 NKJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. {2} He was in the beginning with God. {3} All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

(John 1:14 NKJV) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

20.) (Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV) "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. {16} "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

21.) (Revelation 3:17 NKJV) "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'; and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked;

(Proverbs 18:23 NKJV) The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.

(Matthew 5:3 NKJV) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

22.) (Revelation 3:18 NKJV) "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

(Revelation 3:5 NKJV) "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

23.) (Revelation 3:19-20 NKJV) "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. {20} "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

24.) (Revelation 3:21 NKJV) "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

25.) .(Revelation 3:22 NKJV) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' "

(Matthew 6:10 NKJV) Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

(Matthew 6:13 NKJV) And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:33 NKJV) "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.