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If we stand back and look at the overall history of the Mosaic Covenant, we find that this history spans seven
distinct eras. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that the earthly history of the Espoused Bride of the New Covenant
Assembly, as revealed by the messages to the seven churches in Rev 2-3 also incorporates seven distinct eras. To repeat a
statement made in THE SEVEN CHURCHES article; Each of these churches has distinct attitudes, strengths and problems.
While all exist at the same time, one would be dominate at any given time. I conclude that the messages to the
seven churches were about their future conduct, after at least 70 ad, because those messages are addressed personally and
directly to those churches. One does not address a message to people who are already dead! Therefore the messages were directed toward the future as seen from that time. Further the book of Revelation is
not an historical book about the past, the time before it was written, but is a prophetic book about the future from the time
that it was written. In conclusion; The message to the seven churches was for the future from at least 70 ad up to the
present and the messages reflect a mirror image of the Mosaic Covenant history.
We are told that all things
happened to them for OUR ensample (examples) and our admonition (instruction) 1 Cor 10:11. Therefore let us
examine that history.
In the beginning, we find all Israel in Egypt, completely controlled by the Egyptians.
This pictures how all men, like slaves are dominated and controlled by their sins. Israel then finds freedom, through
many miracles from God, going out in great joy, only to see their enthusiasm and excitement quickly disappear in the face
of trials. This first stage is the coming out of Egypt under Moses and Aaron.
The next stage for Israel,
is the entry into the land under Joshua. Through much trial and tribulation they possess the land.
Third, is the
period of the Judges of Israel. This is a time of repeated falling away from God and repeated renewals of repentance.
Fourth, is the period of the Kings. With many bad kings and a few good ones.
Fifth, Is the
great Captivity. When first Israel and later Judah are removed from the land because of their habitual sins.
Sixth, is the Return to the land of those persons who had learned from the correction and repented.
Seventh, is the period of the Mosaic Pharisees. These people have become confident of their own righteousness.
They believe that all truth is invested in them. No one can teach them anything. They rely on their own traditions
instead of the Word of God. Messiah comes to them, but they can't recognize Him, for He tells them the Truth about
themselves, which they cannot accept. Mat 23
This last period. The period of the Mosaic Pharisees corresponds
to the message to the Church of Laodicea in Rev 3:14-22. Notice that they have exactly the same problems. They
think that they are spiritually rich and need nothing. They do not know that they are miserable, poor and wretched
in God's sight, lacking any real understanding of the Word of God and substituting their own traditions and the words
of men. They are naked, not being clothed with righteousness Rev 19:8 and shall be ashamed before their God if they
fail to repent. They may have much zeal for their church group, leader or minister but they lack zeal toward God.
Standing on the words of those men instead of standing upon the Word of Almighty God. They are absolutely BLIND to their
condition, for they REFUSE TO SEE. They WILL NOT LOOK into God's Word to examine themselves. They
think that every good thing is about themselves and that every criticism is about someone else. Brethren, JESUS
CHRIST CAME TO SUCH PEOPLE THE FIRST TIME. He is coming the second time to FIND SUCH PEOPLE AGAIN!
Almost
every Church of God group claims that they are of Philadelphia, because they say, there is no criticism of that church.
My friends, it's time that we understood WHY there is no criticism of Philadelphia. It's time we understood
the REAL DIFFERENCE between Philadelphia and Laodicea. The truth is that ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF
THE GLORY OF GOD Romans 3:23. IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NOT SINNED, WE MAKE HIM A LIAR, AND HIS WORD IS NOT IN US
1 Joh 10. Philadelphians have sinned, some have sinned greatly. Why is there no criticism? It is because
they KNOW that they are sinners! They KNOW that they are WEAK. They ACKNOWLEDGE their sin, they REPENT, they TURN
to GOD. They LOOK to God, they STAND on the INFALLABLE WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD!
The Laodicean thinks that
he is clean and righteous, because he leans to HIS OWN UNDERSTANDING, he relies on the WORDS OF HIS LEADERS AND
THEIR TRADITION, INSTEAD OF ON THE WORD OF GOD. His leaders and his church have BECOME HIS GOD!
The
most defining thing about a person's spiritual life may be found in how they pray, for this shows their relationship with
and attitude toward God. Our MASTER JESUS CHRIST revealed the difference between the Philadelphian and the Laodicean
in Luk 18:11-14. The Pharisee was exactly like the Church of God organizations today. The Publican, the sinner
was exactly like those scattered, precious jewels of God, spread throughout the Church of God and the world today. I
ask you; Who rose up justified?
The Philadelphian is a SINNER who KNOWS that he is a sinner and turns to his God,
relying on Him. The Laodicean is a SINNER who DOES NOT KNOW OR BELIEVE that he is in any way falling short. He
relies on his TRADITION, his TEACHERS and NOT ON HIS GOD!
Dear CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH GOD.
We live
at the very end of an age. We live right at the time of the coming of our Lord. We live in a Laodicean age of
self righteousness. As it is written Mal 4:6 we shall all surely be DAMNED if we do not REPENT and turn to our God.
The Great Tribulation is not about satan persecuting a righteous people. It is about a RIGHTEOUS GOD allowing satan
to persecute a wicked, rebellious Church of God! Allowing him to destroy the flesh in order to save the spirit 1 Cor 5:5,
Rev 3:19. If we do not turn to God NOW, we face His LOVING AND MERCIFUL BUT SEVERE CORRECTION! If we do not repent
under that correction, we face IMMINENT UTTER DESTRUCTION.
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