What kind of “Church” are You?

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Jesus prophetically describes 7 kinds of Christians in the 7 churches in Revelation. Only one is promised relief from the trials that will overtake the world. Which type would really describe you and me?

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For those who dreamily await the rapture, with sin in their lives, it might be good to review what Jesus said about them. Maybe many of us are too overconfident, and should re-evaluate our relationship with God.

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The types of Christians:

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Ephesians: (+) cannot bear evil, patient, work hard

(-) left their first love

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Smyrnans: (+) works, tribulation of “10 days”,              poverty of spirit, faithful

(-) none, they will be martyred

*** This type either gets killed immediately, escaping most of the 3 ½ years, or they are already dead before the time of trouble actually starts, having been through their own tribulation.

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Pergamosans : (+) works, do not deny Jesus name

(-) idols, sexual immorality,                                    Nicolaitans (elders rule the laity)

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Thyatirans: (+) love, service, faith, patience, works

(-) Jezebel spirit, false prophecy, sexual

immorality, idols

****This type is promised “great tribulation.”

Are you a Jezebel?

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Sardisians: (+) has name of Christian

(-) spiritually dead.

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Laodiceans: (+) nothing

(-) neither hot nor cold, lukewarm,      makes God vomit, rich, so do not need God, prosperity seekers.

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Philadelphians: (+) open door, little strength, but persevere, obedient

have not denied my name

(-) little strength

*** “I will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Rev 3:10)

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This is the real “Bride of Christ.”  She is pure, and without spot or blemish.

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The Church joins Israel in the wilderness:

For those who do not believe any part of the Church will go through the tribulation, look at Revelation 12.

I often wondered that the “woman” is mention twice, each time for 3 ½ years persecuted and escaping into the wilderness.

But there are actually 2 women, one coming forth from the other, and they are both experiencing the time of Jacobs’ trouble together.

Woman #1 – Israel is the woman with 12 stars, who gave birth to the Christ child, Jesus, Yeshua. The Church came after the child goes to heaven, so it did not give birth to Him. Israel is persecuted by Satan, and flees to the wilderness for 1260 days (3 ½ years – the time for Jacob’s trouble).

Woman #2 – Israel, but now has grown to include the church, who has the testimony of Jesus Christ (v. 17). The woman escapes to the wilderness for a time, times, and half a time. (the same 3 ½ years)

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Both the fallen Christians and the Jews are in the wilderness together, to escape the wrath of the dragon, Satan. God is showing mercy to both groups, as they both carry His name, and call upon Him for help.

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So which type are you – what does your conscience tell you?

In writing this, I was quick to identify with the Philadelphians, as being weak but faithful.

But then my conscience touched me.

Have there been times when I denied His name?

Were there times I did not admit I was a Christian?

Have there been times when I was NOT faithful?

Have I always been obedient?

Have there been times when I put money or the cares of the world first, before God?

Are there idols in my life that I do not admit to? Even my opinions can be idols.

Am I as “alive” in devotion as I should be, or am I really spiritually dead at times?

Oh, God in heaven, please forgive me. I am not what you want yet. Please help me in my desire to please you. Make me acceptable unto you, before it is too late. I cannot do it on my own. Give me a humble and contrite spirit, oh God, my King.