Pergamum – Bible Study, Scriptural Cross-Reference & Picture Galleries

“Satan’s Throne”
“Antipas” “Killed”
“Teaching of Balaam”
“Eat Foods Sacrificed to Idols”
“Practice Sexual Immorality”
“White Stone”
“Hidden Manna” ???

Pergamum
Revelation 2:12-17
Study Guide & Scriptural Cross-reference

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

Each Letter to ALL 7 Churches is Addressed to the Angel of that Church: Rev 2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:1, 7, 14.
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:1
➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:8
➥ Pergamum – 2:12
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:18
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1
➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:7
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:14

(“angle” appears 64 times in Revelation, aggelos Strongs G32.
Use of Angel in the rest of Revelation – Rev 1:1, 2, 20, 3:5, 5:2, 11, 7:1-2, 11, 8:2-13, 9:1, 11, 13-15, 10:1-10, 11:15, 12:7, 9, 14:6-10, 15-19, 15:1, 6-8)
(Angel or Angels appears 294 times in the Bible, Heb 1:6-7, 14, Heb 2:2, Rev 14:6-12, Exo 3:2, 14:19, 23:20-23, 32:34, 33:2, 2 Kin 6:17)

‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

“Sharp two-edged Sword”
“out of Mouth”

The sharp two-edged sword is mentioned twice to Pergamum at Revelation 2:12, 16.
Armageddon, 6th Vial of Wrath during 6th Sea and 7th Trumpet Wrath – Revelation 19:14-16, 21.
Opening vision, Revelation 1:16.
Sword and Mouth mentioned at 2 Thessalonians 2:8 and Isaiah 11:4.

In ALL 7 Letters to the Churches, Jesus is the Speaker & Provides a Brief Reference back to the description of Himself in the 1st Vision of Chapter 1 & foward to other descriptions of Himself in visions in latter chapters.
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:1 quoting Rev 1:12-13, 16, 20
➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:8 quoting Rev 1:17, 22:13
➥ Pergamum – Rev 2:12 quoting Rev 1:16, 2:16, 19:15, 21
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:18 quoting Rev 1:14, 15, 19:12
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1 quoting Rev 1:4, 4:5-6, Rev 1:16, 20
➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:7 quoting Rev 1:18
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:14 quoting Rev 1:5, 19:11, 21:6

13 “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is.

Satan’s Throne
The Devil Replaces New Jerusalem with Old Jerusalem (Zionism)
Where will Satan’s Throne be during Revelation?
Scriptures that give clues!

Daniel 11:45 Identifies the Location or place of Rule of the King who sets up the “Abomination of Desolation” (Daniel 11:36-38) as, “he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain.” The Glorious Holy Mountain is only Mount Zion and the sea or seas (plural rendered by many translations) around Mount Zion are the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea.

Old Jerusalem is also the SAME location of where are the 2 Witnesses of Revelation 13 Prophesying? Revelation 11:8 clearly identifies the location as Jerusalem in the Middle east when it says, “their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified.” The Lord was crucified in Jerusalem in the Middle East!
The showdown between Elijah and the false prophets of Baal which parallels the 2 witnesses also took place in Jerusalem. Some similarities include, Location, 3.5 years, killing of God’s true prophets, fire from sky devouring enemies & no rain or drought.

According to 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 which is quoting from Daniel 11:36-38, the “man of lawlessness” or the “King of the North,” “exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Zionism, Freemasonry and many other groups will rebuild Solomon’s temple so the Jewish messiah will rule from Jerusalem in the Middle East. Unfortunately most of Lamestream Twistianity sends money to the Jewish state supporting the Devil’s future rule from Old Jerusalem.

A few supporting scriptures regarding the “King of the North:”
Isaiah 14:13-14 – “far reaches of the north”
Jeremiah 1:13-15 – “Out of the north disaster shall be let loose upon all the inhabitants of the land” & “calling all the tribes of the kingdoms of the north”
Jeremiah 3:18 – “come from the land of the north”
Jeremiah 4:6 – “I bring disaster from the north”

Jeremiah 6:1 – “disaster looms out of the north,
and great destruction.”
Jeremiah 6:22 – “Behold, a people is coming from the northcountry,
a great nation is stirring from the farthest parts of the earth.”
Jeremiah 10:22 – “great commotion out of the north country
to make the cities of Judah a desolation”

The Book of Revelation offers 2 possibilities for the location of Satan’s Throne, the Beast or False Prophet of Revelation 13. According to Revelation 13:4 the Beast is militarily dominate on planet earth. The False Prophet also bears a military super weapon at Revelation 13:13, “making fire come down from heaven.” (Whoever the first beast of Revelation 13 turns out to be, it will suffer a “mortal wound” “by the sword” and be “healed” according to Revelation 13:3, 14.)

For a scriptural answer to determine which is really in control, compare the first Beast of Revelation 13:2 with the second beast at Revelation 13:11-12 (referred to as False Prophet at Revelation 16:13, 19:20, 20:10). The conclusion is, the False Prophet is superior to the Beast because Revelation 13:11-12 says it “exercises all the authority over the first beast.”
In the 5th Bowl of Wrath, the vial is poured out “on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness.”

In ALL 7 Letters, Jesus expresses complete Awareness of the 7 Churches condition, good and lacking when He says to each, “I Know…”
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:2
➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:9
➥ Pergamum – 2:13
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:19
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1
➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:8
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:22
Revelation 2:23 – I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
This gives deeper understand the meaning of the words, Jesus “walks in the midst of the 7 golden lampstands” Rev 1:12-13, Rev 2:1.

Yet you hold fast my name,
and you did not deny my faith
even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

Jesus commends 3 Churches for holding fast His Name!
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:3, “bearing up for my name’s sake & you have not grown weary.”
➥ Pergamum – 2:13, Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.”

➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:8, “I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Those who deny Christ are denied – Matthew 10:22, 32-33.
All nations will hate you on account of His Name – Matthew 24:9.
Peter Denies Christ Luke 22:54-62.
During the Beast, Image and Mark, most fake christians deny and exchange Christ’s Name for the Name & Mark of the Beast! Revelation 13:16-18

14 But I have a few things against you:
you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam,
who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel,
so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.

“Teaching of Balaam”

The Full story of Balak & Balaam is found at Numbers 22-25
Summary & Bottom Line – If Evil wants to attack & corrupt God’s people, demonic divination won’t work because you can’t curse what God has blessed. Therefore to successfully attack and seduce God’s people one should use Sexual Immorality and Pagan Celebrations as Balaam taught Balak.

Balak wanted to destroy the Israelites for fear of them so he hired Balaam to demonically conjure a curse against the Israelites (Numbers 22:1-6).
First attempt to curse Israel – Numbers 23:7-13
Second attempt to curse Israel – Numbers 23:16-27
Third attempt to curse Israel – Numbers 24:3-10, 15-25
Numbers 25:11-13, 24,000 Fall from plague as a result of Sexual Immorality whoring with the daughters of Moab.

“Practice Sexual Immorality”

“Sexual immorality” Strongs G4205, Pornos, Destination is Lake of Fire – Revelation 21:8, Not have right to tree of life or enter gates – Revelation 22:14-15.

“Sexual immorality” Strongs G4203, porneuō, Pergamum – Rev 2:14, Thyatira – Rev 2:20-23, 1 Corinthians 6:9-20
“Do not associate” & “Do not eat” with Believers who are sexually immoral, “Purge the Evil Person” – 1 Corinthians 5:7-13
Sexual Immorality as a Thought Crime – Matthew 5:27-28
Sexual Immorality not even to be named among you – Ephesians 5:3

“Eat Foods Sacrificed to Idols”

The WILLFUL WORSHIP of False gods or idols sealed or consummated with a meal.
Exodus 34:11-17 – Warning of foods sacrificed to idols.
Paul is refers to Exodus 43:11-17 at Acts 15:19-21 and Acts 21:25

Reproof, Discipline & Zealous Repentance!

To 5 of the 7 Churches Jesus Provides “REPROVE” & “DISCIPLINE“
with a call to REPENTANCE.
Rev 3:19 “Those whom I love, I reprove & discipline, so be ZEALOUS & REPENT.”
Only 2 of the 7 Churches, Smyrna & Philadelphia received no reprove or discipline.
5 of the 7 Churches needed to Repent of Jesus’ reprove & discipline or perish. His reprove & discipline to these 5 Churches is:

➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:4-5 – Abandoned the love you had at first.
➥ Pergamum – 2:14-15 – Teaching of Balaam, eat food sacrificed to idols, practice sexual immorality & teaching of Nicolatians.
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:20, 24 – Tolerate Jezebel, practice sexual immorality, eat food sacrificed to idols & learned the deep things of Satan.

➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1-3 – Reputation for being alive but dead, Wake up, strengthen what remains and is about to die, have not found your works complete in the sight of my God,
Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:15-18 – I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot, lukewarm, for you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

Works & Teaching of the Nicolaitans are mentioned to 2 Churches.
The other mention is to Ephesus at Revelation 2:6, “
Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

16 Therefore repent.
If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.

The sharp two-edged sword is mentioned twice to Pergamum at Revelation 2:12, 16.
Armageddon, 6th Vial of Wrath during 6th Sea and 7th Trumpet Wrath – Revelation 19:14-16, 21.
Opening vision, Revelation 1:16.
Sword and Mouth mentioned at 2 Thessalonians 2:8 and Isaiah 11:4.

To 5 of the 7 Churches Jesus Provides DEADLY CONSEQUENCES for NOT ZEALOUSLY REPENTING of His REPROVE & DISCIPLINE :
Jesus states His PURPOSE of Deadly Consequences at Rev elation 2:23 “ALL the CHURCHES WILL KNOW that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:5, “Remove your Lampstand.”
➥ Pergamum – 2:16, “War against them with the sword of my mouth.”

➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:20-23, “throw her onto a sickbed,” “throw into great tribulation,” & I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:3, “If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:16, ” I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Rev 3:19 “Those whom I love, I reprove & discipline, so be zealous & repent.”

17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Jesus Concludes All 7 Letters to each Church with the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22.
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7
➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:11
➥ Pergamum – 2:17
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:29
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:6
➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:13
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:22

1 other occurrence in Rev 13:9-10
Phrase used in the Bible is equated with REMEMBERING, PERCEIVING & UNDERSTANDING God’s Words.
➥ Matt 11:15, John the Baptist is Elijah, Matt 11:10-15, 36-43
➥ Matt 13:9, 43, Parable of the Sower, Matt 13:3-23
Not Hearing Matt 13:14-15, 19, 22
Fruitful Hearing Matt 13:23
Blessings for Hearing Matt 13:16

➥ Mark 8:17-18, 21, Remembering, Perceiving & Understanding Mark 8:13-21
➥ Jesus concludes all His Parables at Luke 14 with the saying, Luke 14:35
Parable – Luke 14:7-11, Honored Position at Wedding Feast.
Parable – Luke 14:12-14, Invite the poor, crippled, lame & blind for repayment at the Resurrection of the Just.
Parable – Luke 14:15-24, Excuses for not attending banquet.

Luke 14: 26-27, 33, Requirements for being a disciple: Hate all family & own life, bear his own cross & renounce all that he has.
Parable – Luke 14:28-30, Counting the cost of building a tower.
Parable – Luke 14:31-32, Counting cost for battle
Acts 7:51 – Uncircumcised in hearts, ears & resist holy spirit.
also : Acts 28:27, Rom 11:8

To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna,
and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’

White Stone & New Name
Zechariah 3:1-10
Zechariah 3:9 – “For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts.”
“New Names” – Rev 3:12 “Name of My God,” “Name of the City of My God” & “My own New Name”,
Rev 14:1, “His Father’s Name Written on their foreheads”
Rev 19:12 – “He has a Name Written that no one know but Himself”
New Name – Isaiah 62:2-4 and Isaiah 62:1-12 for context! Beautiful!

Hidden Mannah
Mannah was placed in the Arc of the testimony at Hebrews 9:4, Exodus 16:33-35Mannah in the wilderness Foreshadowed Jesus as the Bread from Heaven that gives eternal life, John 6:35, 48-51, 57

REWARD

Jesus Concludes ALL 7 Letters to the Churches with a Reward for Overcomes or Conquerors:
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7, “I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:11, “will not be hurt by the second death.”
➥ Pergamum – 2:17, “I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.”

➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:26-29, “I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star.”
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:5, “clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”

➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:12, “I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.”
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:21, “I will grant him to sit with me on my throne.”
Overcomers – 1 John 5:4

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Pergamum

2 of the 7 Churches of Revelation “eat foods sacrificed to Idols,” and “practice sexual immorality” with other god’s (Rev 2:14, 20). Are you? At Revelation 2:20 & 24 Yeshua calls this the “Teaching of Balaam” & “what some call the deep things of Satan.” Yeshua says, “unless they repent,” “I will strike her children dead” (Rev 2:23) and “I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth” (Rev 2:16).

Most people who claim to be Christians regularly engage in pagan celebrations in which they “eat foods sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality” with other gods (Rev 2:14, 2:20, 24). For example, during Easter, which entomology means goddess of spring & fertility, by eating eggs or candy bunny rabbits they “eat foods sacrificed to Idols,” and “practice sexual immorality” with the goddess of fertility. Easter, eggs & rabbits have nothing to do with the scriptures and everything to do with demonic paganism which according to Yeshua at Rev 2:16, 22-23 will be punishable by death! The same pattern of demonic paganism is found in Halloween and Christmas.

➥ Revelation 2:14, 16, Pergamum

14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.

➥ Revelation 2:20-23, Thyatira

20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works,

23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan.”

The “Teaching of Balaam” is “what some call the deep things of Satan.” (Rev 2:14, 2:20, 24)

Summary – Balaam couldn’t curse Israel (Num 22:35) he infiltrated and seduced them into Idolatry through pagan religious festivals (Num 25:1-5). This same exact scenario plays out in the Book of Revelation! Both Pergamum & Thyatira are also seduced into idolatry through religious festivals and like corrupted Israel, “eat foods sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.” (Rev 2:14, 2:20, 24)

This is “what some call the deep things of Satan!” (Rev 2:24)

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Pergamum & Thyatira “Eat Foods Sacrificed to Idols” & “Practicing Sexual Immorality”at Rev 2:14, 20.
Christ’s Deadly Consequences:

Pergamum
Revelation 2:16
“Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.”
Thyatira
Revelation 2:22-23
“Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”

Pergamum

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Pergamum

Consider Revelation Chapters 1-3 as 1 Collective Vision!

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Consider Revelation Chapters 1-3 as 1 Collective Vision, the 1st Vision!
Jesus in the Midst of 7 Lamp Stands / 7 Churches Sending 7 Letters to the 7 Churches.
Pergamum

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Pergamum

➥ Chapters 1-3 are the 1st Vision in Revelation.
➥ The 7 Letters to the 7 Churches serve as Jesus’ complete INSTRUCTION GUIDE for Believers to “OVERCOME,” “CONQUER” or be “VICTORIOUS!” (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22, 21:7, 22:14)
Rev 3:19 – “Those whom I LOVE, I REPROVE & DISCIPLINE, so be ZEALOUS & REPENT.”


Out of “LOVE,” Jesus provides “REPROVE & DISCIPLINE” with encouragement to be “ZEALOUS & REPENT” to 5 of the 7 Churches. According to Rev 2:5, 16, 21-23, 3:3, 16-17, failure to Repent means destruction by Jesus personally.
➥ Jesus Concludes All 7 Letters with the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22). Believers Must listen to what the Spirit says through Jesus (Rev 5:6, 4:4, 1:4) to ALL 7 Churches (es) PLURAL.

Failure in any 1 area means failure to “Overcome,” as exemplified by Ephesus in Rev 2:1-7. Jesus’ high standard for Conquerors is NOT taught or highlighted in most of today’s Churches.
➥ MAY YOU “Overcome,” “Conquer” and be “Victorious” by “KEEP(ING)” ALL the words of Revelation! May God Bless you with HIS WORDS, SPIRIT, REPENTANCE & OBEDIENCE! (Rev 1:3, 2:7, 21:7, 22:7, 14)

Summary

1. ➥ Starts with “to the Angel.”
2. ➥ Jesus is the Speaker.
3. ➥ Jesus refers to His attributes described in Chapter 1.
4. ➥ Jesus says, “I Know…”
➥ Jesus praises positive qualities. (5 of the 7)
➥ Jesus provides “Reproof & Discipline” (Rev 3:19) with a call to “repent.” (5 of the 7)
➥ Jesus describes destruction from Him personally for non-repentance. (5 of the 7)
➥ Jesus speaks about “works.” (5 of the 7)

5. ➥ Jesus says, “to he who overcomes…”
6. ➥ Jesus says, “he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.”
7. ➥ Jesus speaks of a “Reward” for Conquerors!
5 of the 7 Churches need to Repent or be destroyed by Jesus personally.
Jesus has only good things to say about 2 of the 7 Churches, Smyrna and Philadelphia. Jesus speaks to both of these approved Churches about the “Blasphemy” or “Slander” of the “Lying” “Jews” who are a “synagogue of Satan.” (Rev 2:9 & 3:9)

“to the Angel…”

Each Letter to ALL 7 Churches is Addressed to the Angel of that Church: Rev 2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:1, 7, 14.
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:1
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:8
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:12
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:18
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:7
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:14

(“angle” appears 64 times in Revelation, aggelos Strongs G32.
Use of Angel in the rest of Revelation – Rev 1:1, 2, 20, 3:5, 5:2, 11, 7:1-2, 11, 8:2-13, 9:1, 11, 13-15, 10:1-10, 11:15, 12:7, 9, 14:6-10, 15-19, 15:1, 6-8)
(Angel or Angels appears 294 times in the Bible, Heb 1:6-7, 14, Heb 2:2, Rev 14:6-12, Exo 3:2, 14:19, 23:20-23, 32:34, 33:2, 2 Kin 6:17)

Jesus is the Speaker
& His Description Refers back to Ch 1 & Forward to Future Visions in Revelation

In ALL 7 Letters to the Churches, Jesus is the Speaker & Provides a Brief Reference back to the description of Himself in the 1st Vision of Chapter 1 & forward to other descriptions of Himself in visions in the latter chapters.
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:1 quoting Rev 1:12-13, 16, 20
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:8 quoting Rev 1:17, 22:13
3.➥ Pergamum – Rev 2:12 quoting Rev 1:16, 2:16, 19:15, 21
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:18 quoting Rev 1:14, 15, 19:12
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1 quoting Rev 1:4, 4:5-6, Rev 1:16, 20
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:7 quoting Rev 1:18
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:14 quoting Rev 1:5, 19:11, 21:6

“I know…”

In ALL 7 Letters, Jesus expresses complete Awareness of the 7 Churches’ condition, good and lacking when He says to each, “I Know…”
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:2
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:9
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:13
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:19
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:8
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:22
Revelation 2:23 – Jesus “searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
Jesus “walks in the midst of the 7 golden lampstands” Rev 1:12-13, Rev 2:1.
Jesus Knows!

Positive Qualities

To 5 of the 7 Letters to the Churches Jesus Knows, recognizes & reinforces qualities or conditions He has judged POSITIVE and mandatory for “Overcomers” or “Conquerors!”
2 of the 7 Churches, Sardis & Laodicea, received NO Positive reinforcement.

Summary of POSITIVE Qualities:

1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:2-3, 6 – Works, toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tested false apostles, enduring patiently, bearing up for my name’s sake, not grow weary, hate the works of Nicolaitans.
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:9 – Tribulation, poverty yet rich. (ALL POSITIVE! NO Reproof, Discipline or call to Repentance Revelation 3:19)
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:13 – Hold fast my name, did not deny my faith even in days of Antipas
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:19 – Works, love, faith, service, patient endurance, latter works exceed the first.

5.➥ Sardis – NOTHING Positive (Revelation 3:4, yet some at Sardis worthy)
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:8, 10 – Little power yet kept my word, not denied name, kept my word about patient endurance. (ALL POSITIVE! NO Reproof, Discipline or call to Repentance Revelation 3:19)
7.➥ Laodicea – NOTHING Positive

Reproof, Discipline & Zealous Repentance!

In 5 of the 7 Letters to the Churches, Jesus Provides “REPROVE” & “DISCIPLINE“
with a call to REPENTANCE.
PURPOSE = Rev 3:19 “Those whom I LOVE, I REPROVE & DISCIPLINE, so be ZEALOUS & REPENT.”
Only 2 of the 7 Churches, Smyrna & Philadelphia received no reprove or discipline.
5 of the 7 Churches needed to Repent of Jesus’ reprove & discipline or be destroyed by Jesus personally.

His reprove & discipline to these 5 Churches are:
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:4-5 – abandoned the love you had at first.
➥ Pergamum – 2:14-15 – Teaching of Balaam, eating food sacrificed to idols, practicing sexual immorality & teaching of Nicolatians.
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:20, 24 – Tolerate Jezebel, practice sexual immorality, eat food sacrificed to idols & learned the deep things of Satan.

➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1-3 – Reputation for being alive but dead, Wake up, strengthen what remains and is about to die, have not found your works complete in the sight of my God,
Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:15-18 – I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot, lukewarm, for you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

Consequences for Non-Repentance

To 5 of the 7 Churches Jesus Provides DEADLY CONSEQUENCES for NOT ZEALOUSLY REPENTING of His REPROVE & DISCIPLINE :
Jesus states His PURPOSE of Deadly Consequences in Revelation 2:23 “ALL the CHURCHES WILL KNOW that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:5, “Remove your Lampstand.”
➥ Pergamum – 2:16, “War against them with the sword of my mouth.”

➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:20-23, “throw her onto a sickbed,” “throw into great tribulation,” & I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:3, “If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:16, ” I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Rev 3:19 “Those whom I love, I reprove & discipline, so be zealous & repent.”

WORKS & the Seven Churches

Jesus speaks of “works” 11 times to 5 of the 7 Churches! Rev 2:2, 5-6, 19, 22-23, 26, 3:1, 2, 8, 15
Revelation goes on to mention “works” an additional 8 times. Rev 9:20, 14:3, 15:3, 16:11, 18:6, 20:12-13, 22:12.
According to Strong’s G2041, the Greek word for “works,””Ergon,” appears 176 times and is translated as work (152x), deed (22x), doing (1x), labor (1x).”Ergon” appears 19 times in Revelation!

LOW “WORKS”
➥Ephesus – Rev 2:4-5 “…you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.”
Love for Jesus is Equated with WORKS!
Rev 2:6 “You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

“NOT COMPLETE” “WORKS”
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.”

“LUKEWARM” WORKS
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:15-16 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!” 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

“WORKS EXCEED the 1st”
➥ Thyatira – “Works” mentioned 3 times!
Rev:2:19, “Your latter works exceed the first.”
Rev 2:23, “I will give to each of you according to your works.”
Rev 2:26-29, Reward for Keeping Jesus’ works until the end!

WORKS COMPLETE!
➥ Philadelphia8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, that no one is able to shut.

The Doctrines of “Once Saved always saved” & “Saved by Grace” is NOT compatible with Jesus’ repeated consistent words, Judging the 7 Churches based on the level of their “Works!”
James 2:17, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead”
James 2:26, “So also faith apart from works is dead.”

James 2:2 “that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.”
(consider James 2:14-22 for context)
Acts 26:20 – “They should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
Just a couple more references to “Works” in the Bible: Titus 2:14, 3:8, 14, 1 Peter 2:11-12, 2 Peter 1:3-8, Eph 2:10.

“Overcome” or “Conquer” or “Victorious”
“to the one who Overcomes….”

Jesus says to ALL 7 Churches, “to the one who overcomes….”
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:11
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:17
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:26
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:5
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:12
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:21

“Overcome” occurs 7 times to the 7 Churches in Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12, 21, and 8 times in the visions following at Revelation 5:5, 6:2, 11:7, 12:11, 13:7, 15:2, 17:14, 21:7.
Jesus stated GOAL To ALL 7 Letters to the 7 Churches is to “Overcome,” “Conquer” or gain “Victory!”
The 7 Letters to the 7 Churches serve as Jesus’ complete GUIDE or INSTRUCTION List for Believers to “Overcome,” “Conquer” or be “Victorious” over the Devil’s world & their own sinful nature.

Believers must follow ALL the instructions to all 7 Churches to “Overcome!”
Failure in any 1 area means failure to “Overcome,” “Conquer” or gain “Victory.” (See Ephesus – Rev 2:1-7)
Jesus’ high standard for Overcomers is NOT taught or highlighted in most of today’s Churches.

“Overcome,” Strong’s G3528, nikau, occurs 28 Times in the New Covenant writings. The KJV translates Strong’s G3528 in the following manner: overcome (24x), conquer (2x), prevail (1x), and get victory (1x). Strong’s definition is, 1) to conquer, a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious, i) of Christ, victorious over all His foes, ii) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions.
John 16:33 – “But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

“Let Him Hear What the Spirit Says to the Churches”

Jesus Concludes All 7 Letters to each Church with the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22.
Believers are to listen to what the Spirit says to ALL 7 Churches (es) PLURAL.
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:11
3.➥ Pergamum – Rev 2:17
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:29
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:6
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:13
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:22
1 other occurrence at Rev 13:9-10

“He who has an ear,” or “let him hear,” is mentioned in Eze 3:27, Matt 11:15, 13:9, 43, Mark 4:9, 23, Luke 8:8, 14:35, Acts 28:27, & Rom 11:8.

According to Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, SEEING, HEARING, REMEMBERING, PERCEIVING & UNDERSTANDING God’s Words is EQUATED with PRODUCING FRUIT!.
According to Jesus, True Hearing, Seeing, Perceiving & Understanding is “Small” (Matt 13:31-32) “Secret” (Matt 13:33-35) & “Hidden” ( Matt 13:44).

Parable of the Sower

➥ In Parable of the Sower Jesus uses the word “hear” 12 times! Matt 13:9, 13-23, 43. Consider Matt 13:3-23 for context.
The first occurrence in Matthew 13:9 after Jesus lists 4 scenarios :
According to Matt 13:8, 23 True “Hearing” “PRODUCES 100, 60 & 30.”

Matthew 13:9-17, 35 states the Purpose of Parables is for Jesus to impart the “hidden” “secrets of the kingdom” to those He considers worthy verses those who worship in vain, Not Hearing, Not Seeing, Not Understanding & Not Perceiving (Matt 13:14-15, 19, 22). Jesus is quoting from Isaiah 6:8-11.
As for the future fulfillment compare Isaiah 6:11 with the 7th Vial of Wrath at Revelation 16:17, 19.
BLESSINGS & HEALING for Hearing, Seeing, Perceiving & Understanding “secrets of the Kingdom” at Matt 13:15-16.

REWARD

Jesus concludes ALL 7 Letters to the Churches with a Reward for overcoming or Conquerors:
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7, “I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:11, “will not be hurt by the second death.”
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:17, “I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.”

4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:26-29, “I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star.”
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:5, “clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”

6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:12, “I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.”
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:21, “I will grant him to sit with me on my throne.”

Revelation 11:18 at the 7th Trumpets says, “and the TIME for the dead to be judged, and for REWARDING your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great”
Heb 11:6, Luke 6:23-25, 1 Cor 3:14

Hear what the Spirit Says to the 7 Churches!

1) EPHESUS

POSITIVE
Rev 2:2-3, Works, toil, patient endurance, cannot bear with those who are evil, tested false apostles, enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.
Rev 2:6, Hate works of Niclaitians
NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19)
Rev 2:4-5 Abandoned the love you had at first, Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.
CONSEQUENCES for NON REPENTANCE = Rev 2:5, remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

REWARD = Rev 2:7, To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Rev 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

2) SMYRNA

POSITIVE
Rev 2:9, Tribulation & Poverty yet Rich, Slander of fake Jews who are Synagogue of Satan
Rev 2:10, Do not Fear what you are about to suffer, Testing & Prison
Be faithful till death!
NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19) = None!
CONSEQUENCES for NON-REPENTANCE = None!

REWARD = Rev 2:11, The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.

Rev 2:11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

3) Pergamum

POSITIVE
Rev 2:13, Dwell where Satan’s throne is, Hold fast My Name, Not deny faith even in days of Antipas who was killed.
NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19)
Rev 2:14, Teaching of Balaam, eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. Rev 2:15, Some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
CONSEQUENCES for NON-REPENTANCE = Rev 2: 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.

REWARD = Rev 2:17, To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.

Rev 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

4) Thyatira

POSITIVE
Rev 2:19 Works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
Rev 2:24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25 Only hold fast what you have until I come.
NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19)
Rev 2:20 tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

CONSEQUENCES for NON REPENTANCE = Rev 2:22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

REWARD = Rev 2:26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star.

Rev 2:29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

5) Sardis

POSITIVE
Rev 3:4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.
NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19)
Rev 3:1-3, “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.

CONSEQUENCES for NON-REPENTANCE = Rev 3:3, If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

REWARD = Rev 3:5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

Rev 3:6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

6) Philadelphia

POSITIVE
Rev 3:8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, that no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who says that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold,

I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.

NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19) = None!
CONSEQUENCES for NON-REPENTANCE = None!

REWARD = Rev 3:12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.

Rev 3:13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

7) Laodicea

POSITIVE= NOTHING positive! Wow!
NEGATIVE – Reproof & Discipline (Rev 3:19)
Rev 3:15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
CONSEQUENCES for NON-REPENTANCE = Rev 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

REWARD = Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Rev 3:22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

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Pergamum

Jesus’ incredibly high standard of requirements for Overcomers can be clearly seen in His letter to the Church of Ephesus.
Look at the Amazing Qualities of Ephesus which were NOT ENOUGH to meet Jesus’ high standard of requirements for Overcomers:

Fantastic Qualities of Ephesus:

Revelation 2:2-5
➥ 2 “I know your works, your labor & your patient endurance”
➥ 2 “You cannot bear with those who are evil”
➥ 2 “tested those who call themselves apostles…& found them to be false”
➥ 3 “I know you are enduring patiently”
➥ 3 “Bearing up for my name’s sake”
➥ 3 “You have not grown weary”
➥ 6 “You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

Christs Reproof and Consequences for Non-Repentance:

Revelation 2:4-5
4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
6 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Although Ephesus had all these amazing qualities it was NOT ENOUGH to meet Jesus’ high standard of requirements for Overcomers or Conquerors!

JESUS’ HIGH STANDARD EPHESUS LESSONS:

➥ 1) Jesus requires the complete or full package in order to meet His high standard to overcome! Failure in any 1 area outlined in Jesus’ 7 letters means failure to “overcome!” Jesus is not going to allow any overcomer to be weak or insufficient in any area He lists.
➥ 2) All of Ephesus’ good qualities would not cover, excuse, outweigh, or make up for their abandonment of 1st Love works in Rev 2:4-5.

➥ 3) We learn from Ephesus that God not only requires your best, but he will also reject anyone’s second best. Jesus’ words to Ephesus repeat and emphasizes the requirements of the 1st and Greatest Commandment in Matthew 22:37-38 & Deut 6:5!
➥ 4) There was no grace, salvation, or reward for Ephesus unless they repented. There is no “once saved always saved” for Ephesus or any of the 7 Churches. Refusal to repent in any area of Jesus’ standards means disqualification!

Not only are most Believers completely unaware of Jesus’ REQUIREMENTS to “Overcome” or “Conquer” but are also oblivious to His Incredible HIGH STANDARD to meet the goal of Overcoming or Conquering as outlined in His letters to the 7 Churches of Revelation!

SOLUTION – WHAT WE NEED TO DO

1) ”Hear what the Spirit says to the Churches”
Reading, Studying & Rereading!
A person must first understand what Jesus requires of them outlined in the 7 Churches. Reading & Studying Jesus’ 7 Churches is an absolute must! We must understand what He requires of us and His standard for approving or disapproving us as overcomers or conquerors. 7 Times Jesus concludes each letter to the Churches with, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” We must listen to what He repeats 7 times!

2) Strive to meet ALL of Jesus’ Requirements
No fear or self-denial about our lacking qualities
Once a believer understands Jesus’ requirements, the next most important challenge is to meet ALL His standards. Ephesus has so many good qualities but there was an issue that was going to prevent them from overcoming if they did not repent, despite all their good qualities. You and I must not be afraid to identify our weaknesses and work aggressively to change, strengthen and correct our shortcomings. It will literally mean life or death.

3) We must Promote, Advertise, Market, or Preach Jesus’ high standard for Overcomers so that other Christians are not in the dark as to what Jesus expects and requires of them! Jesus High Standard for overcomers is not taught in today’s modern Churches we call Lamestream Twistianity!

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