Revelation 2:7-13

REVELATION 2:7-13

Listed on the board today: in Asia Minor, or Turkey at the time. These have a prophetic meaning, telling what's going to happen to the churches throughout history.

Apostolic age: Ephesus (Backslidden) AD70-AD170

Age of persecution: Smyrna (Persecuted) AD170-AD312

Dark Ages: Pergamos (Licentious) AD312-AD606
Constantine takes over Rome: started Nicolaitans (Catholics)

The doctrine of Balaam is – “if you can't kill them, join them”. Divide & conquer.
This is known the ‘sensuous church”.

Thyatira (Lax) 	AD606-AD1520
Sardis (Dead) 	AD1520-AD1750
Philadelphia (Favored) 	AD1750-AD1900
Laodicea (Lukewarm) 	AD1900-Rapture

Revelation 2-3 are the 7 letters to the 7 churches. The Lord says first and foremost of each of the 7 churches in each letter: “I know your works.” It is very important what you do, not just what you say.

Rev 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. They say you have to go thru them to get to God, a teaching which Jesus hates, because this doctrine is not true.

Proverbs 6:16-19 ASV: “There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood; 18 A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that uttereth lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren.”