CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA   REVELATION STUDY CHPT 3:7-13

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 SHUTETH; AND SHUTTETH AND NO MAN OPENETH;
I KNOW THY WORKS: BEHOLD, I HAVE SET BEFORE THEE AND OPEN DOOR, AND NO MAN CAN SHUT IT FOR THOU HAST A LITTLE STRENGTH, AND HAS KEPT MY WORD, AND HAST NOT DENIED MY NAME.

Philadelphia is a word which means brotherly love: the question was asked,  “who is my mother, who is my brother? Those that do the will of my Father.” He mentions that He is Holy which speaks as to distinguish between cleanliness and something not divine. The operation of the Spirit is Holy and He’s truthful and pure. He hath the keys of David which means he hath favor of the most high. He has access to God’s own heart. He can move him to open and close doors.

II SAMUEL 12:8
AND I GAVE THEE THY MASTERS HOUSE, AND THY MASTERS WIVES INTO THY BOSOM, AND GAVE THEE THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND OF JUDAH, AND IF THAT HAD BEEN TOO LITTLE, I WOULD MOREOVER HAVE GIVEN UNTO THEE SUCH AND SUCH THINGS.

The need is present to address the favor that the Lord poured upon David. How much more so now that Jesus has come and died, rose, and poured His Holy Spirit? He is stating that his favor is there for those who pursue him their whole heart. He addressed the works. There are times where your works get as far as they can go on your own strength. Sometimes the works require access that can only be given by the power of the Holy Spirit. Man cannot get you access you need. Through your works you haven’t denied the Lord’s name. Be sure your works are works in obedience to the faith and not to the flesh.

BEHOLD, I WILL MAKE OF THEM THE SYNOGOGUE 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.
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.

Most people want their enemies handled. They want to know that Jesus Christ will fight for them. Jesus said that vengeance belongs to Him, he will repay those that trouble you. Fret not thyself because of evildoers. He said he will make them of the adversary who say that they are Jews and aren’t meaning those who claim to be part of the fold of believing bodies. For this reason the Lord has often stated that He does the separation, not we ourselves. Because you are faithful you will be shielded from the time of tribulation that shall come upon the world.

BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY: HOLD THAT FAST WHICH THOU HAST, THAT NO MAN TAKE THY CROWN. HIMM 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.
HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.

The Lord is warning this church to hold tight to what has been established from the beginning. The adversary also knows your works of faithfulness and he will be relentless with attempts to get you to lose your crown of life which the Lord has promised you.

JAMES 1:12
BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT ENDURETH TEMPTATION, FOR WHEN HE IS TRIED, HE SHALL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE, WHICH THE LORD HAS PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM.
You will  be tried but you must overcome the traps and the snares of the enemy. The Lord promises those who do shall be pillars in the house of the Lord. He shall go no more out, meaning that he is assured. His word will not fail He will remain unshakeable, unmovable, ever abounding in the love of Jesus Christ. Pillars are significant in the fact that they make and frame the house  and keep the house form falling. There is power in a name, so much so that many names have changed to signify the presence of the Most High. We see this example with Abram and Sarai. We see the need for such changes when man gives a name according to the flesh, then the Holy Spirit intervenes and gives a name according to the Spiritual will of God comparing spiritual with spiritual. Jacob meaning “trickster” was changed to Israel. People go forth and  they want to make a name for themselves. They build towns, legacies, and businesses. However, Jesus Christ shares that those who are called by His name, who overcome, and remain faithful will He give a name. He will write His God upon Him as well as His city. This is similar to a record of birth showing that you belong to God from Heaven. Heaven makes record of all things including the residents which come cometh down from God:
JOHN 14:1-3
LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED: YE BELIEVE IN GOD, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME.
IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE ARE MANY MANSIONS: IF IT WERE NOT SO, I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU. I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU.
AND I GO AND PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU, I WILL COME AGAIN , AND RECEIVE YOU UNTO MYSELF, THAT WHERE I AM, THERE YOU MAY BE ALSO AND WHITHER I GO YE KNOW AND THE WAY YE KNOW.

They platted a crown of thorns for Jesus Christ. Then they put a name plate over him in three different languages which stated “ JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS”. People often mock and threaten to take what the Lord has established for those who love him. They threaten to take your home. They may threaten to take your identity or name. They oftentimes have attempted this through tactics of fear and intimidation, abuse of authority. They came to Jesus at his time to be delivered up and Pilate asked in John 19:11 : THEN PILATE SAID UNTO HIM, SPEAKEST THOU NOT UNTO ME? KNOWEST THOU NOT THAT I HAVE POWER TO CRUCIFY THEE AND I HAVE THE POWER TO RELEASE YOU?
JESUS ANSWERED, THOU COULDEST HAVE NO POWER AT ALL AGAINST ME; EXCEPT IT WERE GIVEN THEE FROM ABOVE: THEREFORE HE THAT DELIVERETH ME UNTO THEE HATH THE GREATER SIN.

Stand tall and do the will and purpose of Christ. Remain unshakeable, unmovable. Jesus will make you a pillar. He will give you a name that no one can take. He will do what He promised to do. Hear what the spirit is saying. Therein is the patience of the saints, children of Most High, what they have to look forward to.  

WORD OF THE LORD 
THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO SIDE WITH THE ENEMY WILL GO DOWN TO TH EPITS. THEY WILL NOT RETURN AFTER DEATH. THESE THINGS MUST BE TAUGHT. YOU BOTH KNOW THESE THINGS. THERE ARE SEVERAL TEACHERS THAT ARE TEACHING THAT THERE WILL BE ANOTHER CHANCE AFTER THEIR EYES ARE SHUT. YOU MUST TELL THEM THAT THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH. YOU MUST TELL THEM THAT THERE IS NO RETURN ONCE YOU GO DOWN TO THE PIT. DEATH IS ETERNAL. TELL THEM THAT HELL WILL BE CHANGED INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE AND THAT WILL BE THEIR ETERNAL HOME. THEIR SPIRIT WILL COME BACK TO ME AND THEIR SOUL WILL CRY OUT. THEIR SOUL WILL CRY OUT. PASTOR SPEAK THESE WORDS. NO YOU’RE NOT A PROPHET BUT SPEAK THESE WORDS AS THOUGH YOU WERE A PROPHET. CRY OUT TO THEM THAT THEY MUST CHANGE BEFORE THEIR LAST BREATH. SPEAK AND LET THEM KNOW THAT THERE IS STILL HOPE IF THEY TRUST AND BELIEVE IN ME. IF THEY LET THE HOLY SPIRIT COME INTO THEM AND DWELL WITH THEM AND SUP WITH THEM I WILL BE THEIR GOD AND THEY WILL BE MY CHILDREN. I WILL BE TO THEM WHAT THEY WANT ME TO BE. BUT THEY MUST SURRENDER TO MY WILL AND PURPOSE. 

I AM THE REVEALER OF SECRETS. YOU SHALL REVEAL THE SECRETS OF THEM THAT CALL THEMSELVES PROPHETS, APOSTLES, PASTORS, TEACHERS, MISSIONARIES...YOU WHAT THEY CALL THEMSELVES. THIS IS WHY YOU DO NOT HAVE A TRADITIONAL MINISTRY. DO NOT BE ASHAMED O F THE MINISTRY I HAVE GIVEN YOU. TELL THEM THAT YOU MUST DO THE WILL AND PURPOSE OF THE LORD, THOSE THAT TRY TO GET YOU TO DO THEIR WILL. DON'T LET THEM MAKE YOU ASHAMED OF YOUR MINISTRY FO RIT IS NOT TRADITIONAL. I AM RAISING UP A NEW GENERATION THAT WILL GO FORTH WITH MIRACLES, SIGNS, AND WONDERS. THEY WILL NOT FEAR THE DEVIL BUT WILL FEAR ME WITH A REVERENT FEAR. EVERYWHERE YOU GO PU THE DEVIL TO SHAME. THIS GENERATION WILL BE BOLD AND CONFIDENT AND WILL NOT FEAR THE DEVIL. EXPOSE THE ENEMY FOR WHO HE IS WITH EVERY BROADCAST AND EVERY TEACHING. I HAVE EXALTED YOU MORE TO EXPOSE THE DEVIL. SPEAK THE WORDS THAT I HAVE FOR YOU TO SPEAK.

Church Of Sardis 3:1-6
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.
The Lord first wants to bring focus and attend to the fact that he holds the seven spirits of God
Isaiah 11:2
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
Having these spirit, Jesus says also he has seven stars which are his messenger angels. I know thy works. You cannot hide behind your work and labor. He sees through the propaganda. You cannot fake your spiritual condition. He sees all. He knows all. You cannot hide with your counsels.
Isaiah 29:13-15
Wherefore the Lord said. Forasmuch as this people. Draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have remove their hearts far from me, and their fear toward me is taught be the precept of men. Therefore, Behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous wok among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of there prudent men shall be hid. Woe unto them that seek deep to die their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? And who knoweth us?
This church in particular appears to have it all together. They’ve got it all figured out. Doing a whole lot of nothing and calling it something. While inside is death. There is unresolved issues. There is brokenness. There are hidden spirits.
Matthew 23:27
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites! For ye are like unto white sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but within are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleaness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Things are not what they seem to be. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die.
For I have not found thy work perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, 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. 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.
A daily walk... these people walk with the enemy putting on deception so people will think everything is fine. Everything is not fine. A daily walk but not with Jesus. Therefore they must repent. There is a remnant that hasn’t defiled their garments with such foolishness and propaganda. They shall walk with the Lord in white for they are worthy. They have been cleansed by the blood of the lamb. This is a salvation situation. You must be clean when Jesus comes without spot or wrinkle.
Matthew 10:32
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my father which is in heaven. We must understand that its not only what comes from our mouths as a confession, but confession with our actions of obedience to do righteousness. Those are found worthy who are willing to sacrifice all for the sake of doing the will and purpose of the Most High. We must present ourselves a living sacrifice, hold and acceptable unto God.

​THE WORDS WHICH I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU IN THE PAST ARE NOT WORDS OF ENTERTAINMENT. MY WORD MUST GO FORTH AND WILL NOT RETURN VOID. DO MY WILL AND DO MY PURPOSE. THE FUTURE IS NOW. GO FORTH AND DO MY WILL. YOU MUST GO IN MY VISION. MY VISION IS CLEAR. YOU CANNOT OPERATE IN ANYONE ELSE’S FOUNDATION. I WILL SHAKE THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR ENEMIES IF YOU WILL ALLOW ME TO. I AM WHO I SAY I AM. I AM A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK AFTER ME. YOU CANNOT OPERATE IN ANYONE ELSE’S VISION.
YOUR ENEMIES HAVE STRENGTHENED AND HAVE MOUNTED NEW ATTACKS WITH SPIRITS TO WREAK HAVOC AND DESTROY. SOME BELIEVE THEY ARE FIGHTING OFR ME BUT THEY ARE NOT. THEY ARE FIGHTING THE FIGHT OF THE ENEMY. BE SURE YOU ARE FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH AND YOU’RE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. YOU’LL KNOW BY THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR. MANY OF MY SAINTS IN THE GRAVE ARE CRYING HOW LONG O’ LORD.

​STUDY GUIDE NOTES CHURCH OF SMYRNA
REVELATION2:8-11
AND UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH; THE FIRST AND THE LAST, WHICH WAS DEAD, AND IS ALIVE.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.
The church in Smryna Is also located in Western Asia in what is known as modern day Turkey. The church has been planted in what is known as Roman territory. The Romans of that time were heavily into emperor worship which is another form of idolatry and because of such expectation the Christian believers were greatly persecuted. Righteousness was not popular. The Lord speaks as the fist and the last to this church, as to state that he is the author and the finisher of our faith. The reminder is given here that Jesus Christ is risen who was once dead and is now well alive. Though the adversary had a plan to take the life of Jesus Christ it was the plan of God to overcome by conquering death and leading captivity captive. He overcame the will of the adversary.
The Lord declares that he knows our works that we do and also our tribulations and the troubles that we endure while doing such a work. He says he even knows the poverty meaning he knows our economic struggles and the things which affect our ability to thrive, though spiritually we are rich with spiritual treasures. He says he even knows those that blaspheme that say they are Jews and are not. There are some who they have been chosen. There are some who say they have been called. They say that they have been sanctified. They have been gifted to do a work for the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not something where someone has shortcomings or has come short of the glory of God. The Lord God calls it blasphemy; meaning they have boldly lied on His Spirit and have made it clear that they do not serve the truth but are servants of the enemy.
FEAR NONE OF THESE 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.
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 enemy comes with threats, fear, and intimidation. But the Spirit of the Lord commands us to fear none of those things that shall come to pass for His name sake.
Acts 4:29
AND NOW, LORD, BEHOLD THEIR THREATENINGS: AMD GRANT UNTO THY SERVANTS THAT WITH ALL BOLDNESS THEY MAY SPEAK THY WORD…
The Lord warns in this message of the things that some will suffer because of the location of the church which is surrounded by such wickedness. Remain faithful even until death because the Lord has taken away the sting of death. The reward for your faithfulness is everlasting life. The flesh may die but to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. He will give you a crown of life.

​TEARS OF FIRE WILL RAIN UPON THE RELIGIOUS SECTOR
TEARS OF JOY WILL RAIN ON THE NONBELIEVER TO BRING THEM HOME TO JESUS
A STORM IS COMING…NOT A NATURAL STORM…A LIFE CHANGING STORM
RICH MAN BEWARE
TITHES WILL MAINTAIN THEMSELVES
DELIVERANCE WILL NOT COME TO THOSE WHO GIVE TO THE RICH
NO ONE WHO IS NOT GOING TO THE RIVER WILL SEE THE FIRESTORM IN ADVANCE
THERE IS GOING TO BE REVIVAL OF THE NON-BELIEVER TO BECOME BELIEVERS
THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL COME TO THEM
WITCHCRAFT WILL BE RAMPID IN THE CHRISTIAN SECTOR BECAUSE OF DEMONIC FORCES WHO HAVE THEM BOUND. BEWARE BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN THERE FOR SO LONG.
REMEMBER YIELD TO THE SPIRIT AND YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE FLESH
 
 

​REVELATION 2:1-7
THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS – THE EPHESIANS
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 candlesticks;
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 to be liars.
The emphasis is placed on the seven stars and seven candlesticks which are symbolic of the angels which carry the message to the seven churches which carry the truth and represent the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the originator of all truths and righteousness.
The Apostle Paul is also used to establish the church of Ephesus and address the church with the letter which addresses the faithfulness of the believers at Ephesus and the need to endure and overcome the whiles of the enemy. Oftentimes, in the letter to the Ephesians Paul uses the phrase “in times past” to have us remember the deliverance and the foundation of the grace through faith in Jesus Christ that was established. He wants us to remember the old spiritual condition that we were in when he found us so we can use that to overcome the present battles and warfare and walk in the newness given through the blood of Jesus Christ and trust and believe that all things are possible which seem impossible to man. He wants us to not go back to the familiar. Remember the promises of salvation and redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. The Lord pleads with us to stay the course of the truth and fight the good fight of faith. We have overcome the falsehood. We have overcome the world.
This letter to the Ephesians gives the revelation of the purified love of Jesus Christ and the Spirit of Promise and leads and guides us in the path of all truths and righteousness. This love passes all understanding.
This church has the operations of the Spirit of God and just wants to do the will and purpose of Christ. They want to go forth and work signs, miracles, and wonders that build the faith. They have searched for the true apostles and desire fellowship with the true believers. The fellowship that they have desire for cannot have them go backwards to the old life of sin and iniquity. There is a wrestling with the enemy in the spirit and that adversary wants you to take down the standard of righteousness and go back to the old lifestyle. The Lord Jesus, however, tells us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might and to put on the whole armor of God he has given us to overcome!
Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thou first love.
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do thy first works, or else will I come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
It is easy to slip into the “Mary/Martha syndrome” where you become so accustomed to doing a work for the Lord and are so used to looking outwardly at people and the way they live and how they receive the word of God that you can lose sight of why you fell in love with Jesus Christ in the first place; Being in the lap of Jesus where there is true worship, intimacy, mercy, and longsuffering. Jesus loved us enough to be touched with our every infirmity and those things that concern us. He said come learn of his ways because his yolk is easy and his burden is light. Come unto him because he cares for you. Therefore, the message is a sense of urgency to the church at Ephesus to return to the Lord with repentance. He says return to your first love when the love and faithful works were done in purity and sincerity of heart. The Lord Jesus pleads with them to remember from where they had fallen. What caused you to stumble? Get back to that place and surrender completely, repent, and overcome. Get back to the first work that the Lord had you start as an effective member of the body of Christ with simplicity and purified love. He says to the church that if they do not return, then will he remove that candlestick which is symbolic of his light, the church, that he uses to draw unto him. When darkness comes no man can work.
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.
​

​REVELATION CHPT 1 STUDY GUIDE NOTES
 
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.
Who bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all the things that he saw.
THIS IS A REVELATION OF COMMUNICATION ORDER
The first revelation of Jesus Christ given by God through this prophetic chapter is our Heavenly Father’s preferred order and lines of communication with his servants as well as his creations.
The Lord God shares that He communicates His will with the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who then delegates His will to the messenger angels, who in turn delivers the message of the Lord’s will to the servants of the Most High, the Apostles and prophets. This scripture also fulfils the prophetic spoken through the prophet Amos notated in Amos 3:7.
Surely the Lord will do nothing; but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
The Lord God is revealing the operation of His Spirit and how He communicates with His servants so that there is no confusion. Once the angels are given a message or instructions concerning the Lor’ds will, it is delivered to the Lord’s disciple often times and Apostle or prophet who are to carry out the vision of the Most High. It is then the servants who become responsible to carry forth the revelation of the will of God given through the prophetic; meaning, we, as servants become responsible for the implementation of those instructions given, and going forth bearing record of the Word given. We must share the Word and testify of Jesus Christ and all the things He has revealed to us as his servants. This is a revelation of our spiritual chain of command.  
The Lord Jesus Christ sends his angel to give revelation and instruction to the Apostle John concerning the Lord’s will soon to come with regards to his seven churches which are in Asia. The instruction given was to write the visions and send it to the churches.
The revelation to the churches comes with grace and peace. Jesus Christ is that grace and peace. There is no condemnation in Christ. Then he makes mention that grace and peace originates from Him which is, which was, and which is to come. So, He is everlasting; and from the seven spirits which are before his throne; he makes it clear that these are the characteristics of the Spirit of God, the everlasting Father. With grace and peace, these spirits of truth operate in unity together. The Lord Jesus Christ also reveals these seven spirits of operation through his prophet Isaiah 11:2 which states:
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
These spirits are at the throne of God. They’re what comes of the Father through the Son Jesus Christ. What is given directly through the Son Jesus Christ is the ability to be faithful witnesses and his resurrection power to overcome death and to be washed of our sins by His shedding of blood. He has willed for us to be kings and priests so that God can be glorified for ever.
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.
The Lord God then reveals himself as the Alpha and Omega. He is the Beginning and the End. He is the author and the finisher of the prophetic and this is His will concerning His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He instructs us to behold, meaning, to look and see. When Jesus Christ returns, He will come in a cloud. This will not be a secret thing. This event will not just be for believers. He has prepared a table in the presence of His enemies. Everyone shall see him, including those who pierced Him; as to say, those who rejected him and those who turned on Him. Those of all nations shall see Him, not just the Jews. Many shall cry out because of Him. The Word says that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
John reveals to the servants of God that though he has been given such a privilege to bear record of these revelations of the Lord Jesus Christ; He is first partaker of such words and must also take up his cross and partake of the sufferings for the sake of Jesus Christ, just as we do. The privilege of revelation does not eliminate the afflictions that we must endure.
John then shares that the particular time these revelations through visions had come, he had been on the Island of Patmos and was there for the purposes of the Word of God and the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was in the Holy Spirit on the Lord’s day and the messenger of God spoke in a great voice sounding as of a trumpet. The Lord announces that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last and gives John His instructions to write what he sees in a book and then send it to the seven churches. John wanted to see the voice that spake unto him and when he turned he saw seven candlesticks. In the midst of the candlesticks was one like unto the Son of man. This is Jesus in the mist of the churches.
He described his feet as brass, as if they burned in the fiery furnace. This scripture confirms the skin tone of the Lord to be tanned and bronze. It also puts into mind of Him walking through the fiery furnace with the Hebrew boys; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
The Lord had in his right hand seven stars and out of his mouth went a sharp tow edged sword. The Lord looks strong and in his hands are his angels with the Word of God as  a sharp two edged sword.
The Lord makes it clear that He is the First and the Last and tells John not to be afraid. The Word states that John fell to his feet as one being dead. This confirms the Word of God which states that no man could see His face and live, when the Lord shared a similar revelation with His servant Moses. The Lord Jesus puts emphasis on that fact that He is He that died and is risen and lives for ever more. That He is the author of life and that He is the originator of all things for His own pleasure. He has the keys of death and the grave.
He instructs John again to write what he has seen because those things shall be hereafter. The stars are mentioned as the messenger angels of the Lord and the seven golden candlesticks are symbolic of the seven churches.