church in LAODICEA

 

The LORD's command to the church in Laodicea:

Revelation 3:14-20

King James Version

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; 

These things saith the Amen, 

the faithful and true witness, 

the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works, 

that thou art neither cold nor hot: 

I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, 

and neither cold nor hot, 

I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, 

and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; 

and knowest not that thou art wretched, 

and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, 

that thou mayest be rich; 

and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed,

and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; 

and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, 

that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: 

be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: 

if any man hear my voice, and open the door, 

I will come in to him, and will sup with him, 

and he with me.

To him that overcometh:

Revelation 3:21-22

King James Version

21 To him that overcometh 

will I grant to sit with me in my throne, 

even as I also overcame, 

and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith 

unto the churches.

More articles here.

Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches

church in PHILADELPHIA

 

The LORD's command to the church in Philadelphia:

Revelation 3:7-11

King James Version

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 

These things saith he that is holy, 

he that is true, 

he that hath the key of David, 

he that openeth, and no man shutteth; 

and shutteth, and no man openeth;

8 I know thy works: 

behold, 

I have set before thee an open door, 

and no man can shut it: 

for thou hast a little strength, 

and hast kept my word, 

and hast not denied my name.

9 Behold, 

will make them of the synagogue of Satan, 

which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; 

behold, 

I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, 

and to know that I have loved thee.

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, 

I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, 

which shall come upon all the world, 

to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: 

hold that fast which thou hast, 

that no man take thy crown.

To him that overcometh:

Revelation 3:12-13

King James Version

12 Him that overcometh 

will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, 

and he shall go no more out: 

and I will write upon him the name of my God, 

and the name of the city of my God, 

which is new Jerusalem, 

which cometh down out of heaven from my God: 

and I will write upon him my new name.

13 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith 

unto the churches.

The next post is on the church in Laodicea.

Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches

church in SARDIS

 

The LORD's command to the church in Sardis:

Revelation 3:1-4

King James Version

3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; 

These things saith he 

that hath the seven Spirits of God, 

and the seven stars; 

I know thy works, 

that thou hast a name that thou livest, 

and art dead.

2 Be watchful, 

and strengthen the things which remain, 

that are ready to die: 

for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, 

and hold fast, and repent. 

If therefore thou shalt not watch, 

I will come on thee as a thief, 

and thou shalt not know 

what hour I will come upon thee.

4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis 

which have not defiled their garments; 

and they shall walk with me in white: 

for they are worthy.

To him that overcometh:

Revelation 3:5-6

King James Version

5 He that overcometh, 

the same shall be clothed in white raiment; 

and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, 

but I will confess his name before my Father, 

and before his angels.

6 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith 

unto the churches.

The next post is on the church in Philadelphia.

Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches

church in THYATIRA

 

The LORD's command to the church in Thyatira:

Revelation 2:18-25

King James Version

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; 

These things saith the Son of God, 

who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, 

and his feet are like fine brass;

19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, 

and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; 

and the last to be more than the first.

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, 

because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, 

which calleth herself a prophetess, 

to teach and to seduce my servants 

to commit fornication, 

and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; 

and she repented not.

22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, 

and them that commit adultery with her 

into great tribulation, 

except they repent of their deeds.

23 And I will kill her children with death; 

and all the churches shall know that I am he 

which searcheth the reins and hearts: 

and I will give unto every one of you 

according to your works.

24 But unto you I say, 

and unto the rest in Thyatira, 

as many as have not this doctrine, 

and which have not known the depths of Satan, 

as they speak; 

I will put upon you none other burden.

25 But that which ye have already 

hold fast till I come.

To him that overcometh:

Revelation 2:26-29

King James Version

26 And he that overcometh, 

and keepeth my works unto the end, 

to him will I give power over the nations:

27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; 

as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: 

even as I received of my Father.

28 And I will give him the morning star.

29 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith 

unto the churches.

The next post is on the church in Sardis.

Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches

church in PERGAMOS

 

The LORD's command to the church in Pergamos:

Revelation 2:12-16

King James Version

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; 

These things saith he 

which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

13 I know thy works, 

and where thou dwellest, 

even where Satan's seat is: 

and thou holdest fast my name, 

and hast not denied my faith, 

even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, 

who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

14 But I have a few things against thee, 

because thou hast there them 

that hold the doctrine of Balaam, 

who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock 

before the children of Israel, 

to eat things sacrificed unto idols, 

and to commit fornication.

15 So hast thou also them 

that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, 

which thing I hate.

16 Repent; 

or else I will come unto thee quickly, 

and will fight against them 

with the sword of my mouth.

To him that overcometh:

Revelation 2:17

King James Version

17 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; 

To him that overcometh will I give to eat 

of the hidden manna, 

and will give him a white stone, 

and in the stone a new name written, 

which no man knoweth 

saving he that receiveth it.

The next post is on the church in Thyatira.

Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches

church in SMYRNA

 

The LORD's command to the church in Smyrna:

Revelation 2:8-10

King James Version

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; 

These things saith the first and the last, 

which was dead, and is alive;

9 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.

10 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.

To those that overcome:

Revelation 2:11

King James Version

11 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; 

He that overcometh shall not be hurt 

of the second death.

The next post is on the church in Pergamos.

Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches

church in EPHESUS

 

The LORD's command to the church in Ephesus:

Revelation 2:1-6

King James Version

2 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;

2 I know thy works, 

and thy labour, 

and thy patience, 

and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: 

and thou hast tried them 

which say they are apostles, and are not, 

and hast found them liars:

3 And hast borne, and hast patience, 

and for my name's sake hast laboured, 

and hast not fainted.

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, 

because thou hast left thy first love.

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, 

and repent, and do the first works; 

or else I will come unto thee quickly, 

and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, 

except thou repent.

6 But this thou hast,

that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, 

which I also hate.

To those that overcome:

Revelation 2:7

King James Version

7 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; 

To him that overcometh will I give 

to eat of the tree of life, 

which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

The next post is on the church in Smyrna.

Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches

JESUS to John

 

Revelation 1:3

King James Version

3 Blessed is he that readeth, 

and they that hear the words of this prophecy, 

and keep those things which are written therein: 

for the time is at hand.

We all know that the Book of Revelation is the last book of the Bible.

We also know it's pure prophecy from JESUS.

We also know it was revealed to apostle John.

What prophecies were given to him?

What did he see?

What was he shown?

We look to the FIRST chapter.

In its totality:

Revelation 1:1

King James Version

1 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 1:2

King James Version

2 Who bare record of the word of God, 

and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, 

and of all things that he saw.

Revelation 1:3

King James Version

3 Blessed is he that readeth, 

and they that hear the words of this prophecy, 

and keep those things which are written therein: 

for the time is at hand.

Revelation 1:4

King James Version

4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: 

Grace be unto you, and peace, 

from him which is, 

and which was, 

and which is to come; 

and from the seven Spirits 

which are before his throne;

Revelation 1:5-6

King James Version

5 And from Jesus Christ, 

who is the faithful witness, 

and the first begotten of the dead, 

and the prince of the kings of the earth. 

Unto him that loved us, 

and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And hath made us kings and priests 

unto God and his Father; 

to him be glory and dominion 

for ever and ever. 

Amen.

Revelation 1:7

King James Version

7 Behold, 

he cometh with clouds; 

and every eye shall see him, 

and they also which pierced him: 

and all kindreds of the earth 

shall wail because of him. 

Even so, Amen.

Revelation 1:8

King James Version

8 I am Alpha and Omega, 

the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, 

which is, and which was, and which is to come, 

the Almighty.

Revelation 1:9

King James Version

9 I John, who also am your brother, 

and companion in tribulation, 

and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, 

was in the isle that is called Patmos, 

for the word of God, 

and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:10-11

King James Version

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, 

and heard behind me a great voice, 

as of a trumpet,

11 Saying, 

I am Alpha and Omega, 

the first and the last: and, 

What thou seest, write in a book, 

and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; 

unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, 

and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, 

and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, 

and unto Laodicea.

Revelation 1:12-16

King James Version

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. 

And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks 

one like unto the Son of man, 

clothed with a garment down to the foot, 

and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, 

as white as snow; 

and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, 

as if they burned in a furnace; 

and his voice as the sound of many waters.

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: 

and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: 

and his countenance was as the sun shineth 

in his strength.

Revelation 1:17-20

King James Version

17 And when I saw him, 

I fell at his feet as dead. 

And he laid his right hand upon me, 

saying unto me, 

Fear not; I am the first and the last:

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; 

and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; 

and have the keys of hell and of death.

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, 

and the things which are, 

and the things which shall be hereafter;

20 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.

Now, we're ready to hear what JESUS told the seven churches.

Starting with the church in Ephesus.

Image: Clipart Library

being BORN AGAIN

 

John 3:5

King James Version

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

From the previous post, we realize born agains in Turkey are an endangered species.

Perhaps the book, "Born Again in Turkey", has another story to tell.

But what does it mean to be born again?

How did JESUS answer Nicodemus, a teacher of the law?

John 3:1-3

King James Version

3 There was a man of the Pharisees, 

named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, 

Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: 

for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, 

except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born again, 

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:4-5

King James Version

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, 

How can a man be born when he is old? 

can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, 

and be born?

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:6-8

King James Version

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, 

and thou hearest the sound thereof, 

but canst not tell whence it cometh, 

and whither it goeth: 

so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

GOD made me born again over four years ago.

And I haven't looked back since.

Is my life better?

Measured in spiritual ways, yes, it's definitely better.

Measured by the world's standards, I'd be a failure.

A person with no ambition, but to share the gospel.

EXACTLY as GOD gave it.

It's what makes me happiest.

SPIRIT gives me many clues each day.

And I take it from there, turning to Scripture.

So far, we've had MANY discoveries.

Before we delve deeper into the seven churches, allow me to share a couple of things with you.

Here's a FREE pdf version on "CHRISTIANITY in TURKEY".

And a BLESSING from SPIRIT and SCRIPTURE:

Numbers 6:24-26

King James Version

24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, 

and be gracious unto thee:

26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, 

and give thee peace.

Now we look into the BOOK of REVELATION.

As given to apostle John.

Click this link now.

Related material:

What it Means to Be Born Again

BORN AGAIN articles

BORN AGAIN classics

Image: Amazon

CHRISTIANITY in Turkey

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

King James Version

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, 

for reproof, 

for correction, 

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, 

thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

What is the state of Christianity in Turkey?

More precisely, the born again movement?

We all know Turkey is a Muslim nation.

As such, Islam would be the religion.

And yet, Wikipedia reports Turkey is a secular state.

Which means, she is "officially neutral".

The same report informs us that Islam comprises 82% of the population.

Christianity a mere two percent.

Christian denominations represent from 120,000 to 320,000.

From those denominations, here's a breakdown:

-- 80,000 Oriental Orthodox

-- 35,000 Roman Catholics

-- 18,000 Antiochian Greeks

-- 5,000 Greek Orthodox

-- smaller number of Protestants

-- 512 Mormons

There is no specific number for Protestants.

There doesn't seem to be a number to their existence.

We born again fall under that category.

From the breakdown, perhaps our numbers are anything between 512 to 5,000.

We are, indeed, a vanishing "race".

But our race runs a spiritual race:

1 Corinthians 9:24

King James Version

24 Know ye not 

that they which run in a race run all, 

but one receiveth the prize? 

So run, that ye may obtain.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

King James Version

7 I have fought a good fight, 

I have finished my course, 

I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me 

a crown of righteousness, 

which the Lord, the righteous judge, 

shall give me at that day: 

and not to me only, 

but unto all them also 

that love his appearing.

Now that I saw those figures, I'm not surprised apostle Paul labored to share the gospel, with both Jews, and non-Jews.

Born agains are being eradicated from the very country JESUS prophesied on.

That's what I found the most intriguing.

From all the Christian churches in the world, WHY did JESUS choose those seven churches in Turkey?

Why particularly for this last book in the Bible?

That's what I wish to explore, through SPIRIT, on this blog.

SPIRIT will give me clues, as we go along.

That's what He always does with this curious workman.

And now, Turkey's in the forefront of news, in relation to Israel.

All the more this blog is timely.

We shall take it a step at a time.

As SPIRIT prods me.

The next post tells us more about being born again in Turkey.

One is FREE to download; the other can be purchased at Amazon.

Related material:

"CHRISTIANITY in TURKEY" (FREE pdf download)

Image: Clipart Library

WHY Turkey matters

 

JESUS to John:

Revelation 1:11

King James Version

11 Saying, 

I am Alpha and Omega, 

the first and the last: and, 

What thou seest, write in a book, 

and send it unto the seven churches 

which are in Asia; 

unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, 

and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, 

and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, 

and unto Laodicea.

The greatest revelation, as I was creating this blog?

Turkey is in the Book of Revelation.

The first THREE chapters, in fact.

JESUS identified His seven churches in Asia.

Which happens to be all in Turkey.

He gave them warnings.

He gave them instructions.

JESUS was clear on the following:

1. The name of the church He admonished.

2. The sins of that church.

3. The punishment for those sins.

4. The benefits of heeding the Lord's command.

5. The power of Jesus over these churches.

6. The relevance of these churches to each one of us.

7. The urgency of heeding God's call.

Surely, it's not by accident those churches are all found in Turkey.

Surely, it's not by accident Turkey's a powerful nation.

Surely, it's not by accident SPIRIT led me to relevant news on Turkey.

It's all by GOD's design.

This blog, JESUS, SPIRIT, Israel, Turkey, you, us.

Our job is to know more, through Scripture.

The next post tells us more about Christianity in Turkey.

Image: Free Bible Images