Will someone explain the 7 churches that was addressed in Revelations?

[Yeshua HaDerekh]

Wow, two of those churches Jesus had nothing good to say about them. One of them even believed in the abominable doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Are you sure you want to claim them all to yourself?

And Peter denied Him 3 times...what's your point? Many letters were sent to Churches to provide instruction.

 

[ViaCrucis]

There's an incredible amount of wrong in this post.

They were the first to accept Christ Yeshua as Savior and Lord and none exist today .

Well, no. The first church was in Jerusalem, and as the Apostles preached that message went from there, throughout Judea, and so on.

Actually Syria was the first Christian nation and they like the rest turned from God and America is following on the same path .

The first nation which officially converted to Christianity was Armenia, in the 3rd century.

Are you talking about Antioch where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians? Because Antioch while in the region of Syria was very much part of the Roman Empire. There was no independent Syria at the time.

The US nor any other nation are of the Seven Churches of Asia , however God fearing Christians founded America for the Glory of God America was founded a Christian nation.

That's simply not true. The founders of the American republic were of many different backgrounds, many of them were Christians, but not all of them; and there were unorthodox Christians. There were Episcopalians, Congregationalists, Unitarians, Presbyterians, and Deists. The major founders and framers of the foundational documents had no intention of the United States of America being a "Christian nation"; James Madison the father of the US Constitution was fairly explicit about this, and Madison and others actively sought to overturn Virginia's state church laws. James Adams was responsible for the Treaty of Tripoli in which it explicitly states that the United States is not, and never has been, a Christian nation and was not founded as one. An objective reading of the founding documents and ideas of the American republic makes it clear that the nation was founded on the basis of secular principles as a secular nation which would not interfere in the religious liberties of its citizens.

There are more than Seven Christian Denominations that have their roots in the Catholic Church Baptist the only Christian Church that does not have their roots in the Catholic Church . See "The Trail of Blood" By J.M. Carroll

A work of fiction which does not correspond with objective history. The "trail of blood" theory is codswallop.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[1stcenturylady]

And Peter denied Him 3 times...what's your point? Many letters were sent to Churches to provide instruction.

He was claiming they were all Orthodox Churches. It is a continuation of his belief that Orthodox are the only true Churches.

I believe they represented prophecy of the whole Church, all denominations, and are stated in the exact order of church history at different church ages. And only the age of Thyatira represented Orthodox and Roman Catholic. There was something about those 7 churches that was significant, otherwise, why did Jesus leave out the church of the Corinthians, or Colossians, or Galatians? And, especially the church at Jerusalem?

 

[mark kennedy]

He was claiming they were all Orthodox or Catholic Churches. And only these are true Churches. I believe they represented prophecy of the whole Church, all denominations, and are stated in exact order of church history in different church ages. And only the age of Thyatira represented Orthodox and Roman Catholic. There was something about those 7 churches that was significant, otherwise, why did Jesus leave out the church of the Corinthians, or Colossians, or Galatians? And, especially the church at Jerusalem?

You left out the church in Rome, probably founded shortly after Pentecost. Lining this up with church ages that I have seen are less then impressive, but still kind of interesting.

 

[1stcenturylady]

You left out the church in Rome, probably founded shortly after Pentecost. Lining this up with church ages that I have seen are less then impressive, but still kind of interesting.

No, that was Thyatira, which I already stated. "Roman" Catholic.

 

[1stcenturylady]

You left out the church in Rome, probably founded shortly after Pentecost. Lining this up with church ages that I have seen are less then impressive, but still kind of interesting.

I can understand your hesitancy to see church history in that lineup seeing as you are Calvinist, and Sardis, the Reformation, was called by Jesus, the dead church.

 

[mark kennedy]

I can understand your hesitancy to see church history in that lineup seeing as you are Calvinist, and Sardis, the Reformation, was called by Jesus, the dead church.

That's an interesting thought, the Calvinist churches of the Reformation were involved in the Thirty Years War and the Civil War in England. My but they did fight a lot. But breaking the power of Rome in Europe was not an easy task, perhaps you shouldn't judge us too harshly.

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. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Rev. 3:4-6)
​

We all face our challenges. Where do you see yourself in the letters to the churches? Oh and btw, aren't we running out of ages or are they cyclical?

Grace and peace,
Mark

 

[mark kennedy]

No, that was Thyatira, which I already stated. "Roman" Catholic.

Rome has it's issues but I'm not sure they are going around trying to get people to commit fornication. I'm not crazy about their doctrines concerning Mary but at least they are emphasizing chastity with that doctrine.

 

[1stcenturylady]

That's an interesting thought, the Calvinist churches of the Reformation were involved in the Thirty Years War and the Civil War in England. My but they did fight a lot. But breaking the power of Rome in Europe was not an easy task, perhaps you shouldn't judge us too harshly.

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. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Rev. 3:4-6)
​

We all face our challenges. Where do you see yourself in the letters to the churches? Oh and btw, aren't we running out of ages or are they cyclical?

Grace and peace,
Mark

Yes, the Reformation got us out from under the Roman Catholic rule, and all their additions to the pure Scripture called "holy traditions," especially the worship of Mary and the money schemes such as indulgences and purgatory. The problem with the Reformation was they didn't go far enough, they didn't remove everything pagan in the reform, and were still steeped in liturgical rituals. So they had a reputation for being alive, but they were still dead. The next church age, the Philadelphian age, the age of brotherly love was known to love and keep the whole word of God. That would have started around the time of John Wesley. A good name for them would be Bible thumpers who were zealous for missionary work and spreading the pure gospel. The Church regained the power of God and focused on His holiness. God honored that movement with His presence. He is not on the outside, knocking as in the next and last movement, Laodecia, who have a form of worship, but deny God's power. The Bible is more of a history lesson, rather than anything that can transform their lives. Many are pew warmers if they go to church at all, but never read the word of God. So they are neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. They are not on fire for God, nor are they refreshing like a cold drink on a parched tongue. They are Christian in name only.

 

[1stcenturylady]

Rome has it's issues but I'm not sure they are going around trying to get people to commit fornication. I'm not crazy about their doctrines concerning Mary but at least they are emphasizing chastity with that doctrine.

The parts about Jezebel and fornication were references to the Babylonian mystery religion, that they superimposed onto Mary and the baby Jesus. Jezebel, wife of Ahab, was a high priestess to that religion, but it started long before she was alive. It started just after the fall of the tower of Babel. It started with Nimrod's wife, the first ever high priestess and her illegitimate son, Tammuz. The "mother and child" mystery religion spread to every country - the religion of the goddess and child. Venus and Cupid were one of many pairs. But always, the mother was the focus, not the child. This is why most Catholics pray to Mary, not straight to Jesus.

 

[Yeshua HaDerekh]

He was claiming they were all Orthodox Churches. It is a continuation of his belief that Orthodox are the only true Churches.

I believe they represented prophecy of the whole Church, all denominations, and are stated in the exact order of church history at different church ages. And only the age of Thyatira represented Orthodox and Roman Catholic. There was something about those 7 churches that was significant, otherwise, why did Jesus leave out the church of the Corinthians, or Colossians, or Galatians? And, especially the church at Jerusalem?

They were all Eastern Churches...
Probably because those Churches were intimate to John...

 

[mark kennedy]

Yes, the Reformation got us out from under the Roman Catholic rule, and all their additions to the pure Scripture called "holy traditions," especially the worship of Mary and the money schemes such as indulgences and purgatory. The problem with the Reformation was they didn't go far enough, they didn't remove everything pagan in the reform, and were still steeped in liturgical rituals. So they had a reputation for being alive, but they were still dead. The next church age, the Philadelphian age, the age of brotherly love was known to love and keep the whole word of God. That would have started around the time of John Wesley. A good name for them would be Bible thumpers who were zealous for missionary work and spreading the pure gospel. The Church regained the power of God and focused on His holiness. God honored that movement with His presence. He is not on the outside, knocking as in the next and last movement, Laodecia, who have a form of worship, but deny God's power. The Bible is more of a history lesson, rather than anything that can transform their lives. Many are pew warmers if they go to church at all, but never read the word of God. So they are neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. They are not on fire for God, nor are they refreshing like a cold drink on a parched tongue. They are Christian in name only.

Protestants had a major issue with Roman Catholic authority, they believed they had the authority to impart salvation and revoke it. When Martin Luther protested the Roman Catholic church he emphasized the priesthood of all believers. With the advent of the printing press the Scriptures could be produced in the native language of common believers. In addition to the rise of Protestantism there was a rise in democracy, after a long and bloody fight to break the tyranny of Rome. John Wesley was an Anglican minister who saw the many poor in the wake of the industrial revolution, he preached compassion in the wake of the Johnathan Edwards sermon, sinners in the hands of a angry God. When there was political opposition he was an important part of what was called the Bloodless Revolution, compassion was extended even to rulers. The United States revolution was sandwiched between two profoundly important Christian revivals The Great Awakening 1 and the Great Awakening 2. This gave rise to Methodist tent revivals that were known for being highly emotional and spontaneous.

Indeed revivalists are very lively but there is a major problem with Bible illiteracy in a society where Bibles and Bible study tools are at an historical level. The life of the church is found in the Scriptures, and then manifest in the hearts and lives of believers. You make an interesting point but my personal opinion, trying to get a real Bible study going is like pulling teeth these days.

 

[1stcenturylady]

They were all Eastern Churches...
Probably because those Churches were intimate to John...

That still doesn't answer the question of why Jesus chose them.

 

[1stcenturylady]

Protestants had a major issue with Roman Catholic authority, they believed they had the authority to impart salvation and revoke it. When Martin Luther protested the Roman Catholic church he emphasized the priesthood of all believers. With the advent of the printing press the Scriptures could be produced in the native language of common believers. In addition to the rise of Protestantism there was a rise in democracy, after a long and bloody fight to break the tyranny of Rome. John Wesley was an Anglican minister who saw the many poor in the wake of the industrial revolution, he preached compassion in the wake of the Johnathan Edwards sermon, sinners in the hands of a angry God. When there was political opposition he was an important part of what was called the Bloodless Revolution, compassion was extended even to rulers. The United States revolution was sandwiched between two profoundly important Christian revivals The Great Awakening 1 and the Great Awakening 2. This gave rise to Methodist tent revivals that were known for being highly emotional and spontaneous.

Indeed revivalists are very lively but there is a major problem with Bible illiteracy in a society where Bibles and Bible study tools are at an historical level. The life of the church is found in the Scriptures, and then manifest in the hearts and lives of believers. You make an interesting point but my personal opinion, trying to get a real Bible study going is like pulling teeth these days.

I've studied church history by myself, but to reveal the remnant filled with God's Spirit throughout church history after the first century in the midst of mind-blowing wickedness. What I haven't studied are the two Great Awakenings you mentioned. Please tell me about them and their differences. I am very interested. I have noticed different revivals that seem to polarize to a theme in my own lifetime. When God's Church is out of balance, He seems to swing the pendulum way off to bring a forgotten aspect to His truth, and when it settles, the Church is back in balance again.

 

[mark kennedy]

That still doesn't answer the question of why Jesus chose them.

Paul is going to the fall feasts in Israel, so he drops off Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus along with Apollos. When he gets back there is a thriving church not just in Ephesus but fellowships had sprung up all along the road through Asia Minor. Paul ended up ministering there for three years but he didn't fond that church, and what is more important, they were evangelizing on a level none of the churches in Galatia, Macedonia, Greece or Rome could have imagined. John would eventually become the Pastor of Ephesus and later in life he was refereed to as John the Elder. This had become the hub of the mission to the Gentiles, that's why the letter went to them.

 

[1stcenturylady]

Paul is going to the fall feasts in Israel, so he drops off Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus along with Apollos. When he gets back there is a thriving church not just in Ephesus but fellowships had sprung up all along the road through Asia Minor. Paul ended up ministering there for three years but he didn't fond that church, and what is more important, they were evangelizing on a level none of the churches in Galatia, Macedonia, Greece or Rome could have imagined. John would eventually become the Pastor of Ephesus and later in life he was refereed to as John the Elder. This had become the hub of the mission to the Gentiles, that's why the letter went to them.

I agree with church history, but that is only one aspect, as I mentioned about the three-fold meaning of the letters. In yours, where is the prophetic aspect? History is just dead if there is no spiritual revelation.

 

[mark kennedy]

I've studied church history by myself, but to reveal the remnant filled with God's Spirit throughout church history after the first century in the midst of mind-blowing wickedness. What I haven't studied are the two Great Awakenings you mentioned. Please tell me about them and their differences. I am very interested. I have noticed different revivals that seem to polarize to a theme in my own lifetime. When God's Church is out of balance, He seems to swing the pendulum way off to bring a forgotten aspect to His truth, and when it settles, the Church is back in balance again.

The Great Awakening revivals spread like wildfire in the colonies and later in the newly formed United States. There could be as many as 10,000 people at some of these gatherings, the newly formed United States was soaked in preaching. When Benjamin Franklin was at an impasse in the Constitutional convention that was trying to establish the Federal Constitution he proposed that they pray and they went in a group to churches around Philadelphia to listen to sermons. Alexis de Tocqueville came over in 1831 to learn more about the United States and wrote the most important book on the political structure of this newly formed republic of the time. He said America is great because it is good, and the reason can be found in it's churches.

It was the apex of the Protestant Reformation, I fear in an age of growing skepticism and naturalism Protestantism has gone to seed. We crest on the wave of revivalism that started hundreds of years ago, you can only ride that so far. The revivalists took their tent revivals in doors and indeed they are very well known to be lively, but with regards to actual work in doctrine, it's as dead as a door nail.

 

[mark kennedy]

I agree with church history, but that is only one aspect, as I mentioned about the three-fold meaning of the letters. In yours, where is the prophetic aspect? History is just dead if there is no spiritual revelation.

If by prophetic you mean the predictive element, that comes after Jesus starts opening the seals. The seeds of the churches in Asia Minor have been scattered to the four winds, you can find churches and believers like them around the globe to this day. These are our most important mother churches, we can understand the full grown tree sometimes by looking at the sapling. The problems associated with these churches exist to this day, so do the blessings of their ministries.

It's kind of interesting. Rome identifies with the first century ministry in Rome, the Orthodox more identify with the Antioch Syria church. The bulk of church growth happened in Asia Minor, that is a commonly overlooked fact of church history.

 

[Mark Corbett]

The seven churches were seven real, historical, local churches which existed during John's time when he received the visions which became the book of Revelation.

We can learn lessons from these churches because modern churches have some similar problems, temptations, and trials. The book of Revelation is actually very practical. I wrote an OP on this topic two months ago. You may read it here.

If you do read my post, please return to this thread to discuss it.

 

[rrobsr]

I was wondering if the 7 churches that were addressed in Revelation correlated to 7 denominations of faith of today and if so which ones.

The word church can be misleading. It is often assumed it is talking about the Christian church, but that is not the case here. The word church is the Greek word ecclesia and it simply means an assembly. There is an account in Acts where a riotous crowd is called an ecclesia. It is the called out for any common purpose, be it godly or devilish.

All of Revelations deals primarily with Israel and secondarily the gentiles. It has nothing to do with Christians who are neither Jew nor Gentile and will have joined Jesus Christ in the air (a.k.a. the rapture) before the events of Revelations begins. Sadly, too many Christians are in fear of being caught in the tribulation. There is no need to fear it as God plainly tells Christians in Paul's epistles that we have been saved from the wrath to come.

The book of Revelations is the final fulfillment of the promises God made to Israel, the promised everlasting kingdom wherein would dwell righteousness. In other words, unlike this world, the new will function rightly. This world, due to our lack of understanding of God's word is highly dysfunctional. It's the nature of the beast. In a way the whole point of the Bible is how God originally made the world functional, Adam and Eve made it dysfunctional, and Jesus Christ will make it functional once again when he returns. The important thing to understand is that God will fulfill all the promises that he made to Israel in the OT when he returns to gather Israel together. The seven assemblies have nothing to do with Christians. They are assemblies of Jews. I admit I'm being somewhat vague, but that is really all I understand about it.

That's a real quick and dirty explanation. I know there are no scripture references, but they can be supplied if you are interested.