Part 3, Revelation 1

9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

In this verse we find that John had been arrested and found guilty of preaching the Gospel. Research this further and you will find that John survived being boiled in oil first. How much are you willing to suffer for the cause of the Gospel?

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

John had not only walked with and was taught by Jesus for over three years, because he had suffered for the truth, he was privy to be the LORD´s messenger. We must remember why John was given this honor, it was not cheap.

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

I have been the member of two Baptist Church Families when the Golden Lamp-stands were removed. When that happens the LORD is no longer blessing that assembly and Worship is no longer received by God and it is miserable. When we select a church building to meet in we must not choose the building but judge, carefully, the teacher and the family attitude there. If there is a two edged sword coming out of our LORD´s mouth ad best avoid Ear Ticklers.

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Just as we find in Daniel, there are real Angels amongst us. There is an Angle of the LORD in every church that teaches the truth of the Gospel and if they do not teach the Hell Fire and Brimstone truth, there is no golden candlestick and the angel s replaced by Satan´s demons.

God bless and happy LORD´s Day.