THE PHELADELPHIAN CHURCH AGE



The Time Period - 1750 AD to about 1906 AD.

The Messenger - John Wesley

The Bible Reference - Revelation 3: 7-13

The City - Philadelphia

The Message To The Sixth Age - Philadelphia

Part:One Two Three Four five

THE TIME PERIOD

We should note that in the first four Ages we traced the "rise" of the first "so-called" Christian "Denomination", from it's roots in the "Deeds" of the Nicolaitanes, to the "Doctrine" of the Nicolaitanes, becoming the "Seat" of Satan to deceive the world; then into it's present form, known as the system and dogma of the Roman Catholic Church.

PLEASE understand that we are not condemning the Roman Catholic "People". We are expressing what we feel the Bible teaches about the "system" of the Roman Catholic Church and it's dogma. During the early church ages, under an anti-Christ anointing it had established itself as the "mouthpiece" for Christianity, destroying anyone and anything that stood in it's way. History bears record of this. It established a form of nicolaitane order of clergy over the laity. Holy Spirit leadership in the early church was usurped by the leadership of a man enthroned as a Pope of the people. It's priesthood was given the authority by the Pope to teach things NOT TAUGHT by Jesus or the disciples, and to "forgive sins" by way of a "verbal absolution" instead of according to Acts 2:37-40, beginning with "repentance toward God". The people were brought in "bondage" to false teachers.

In the Fifth Church Age the Holy Spirit, using a man named Martin Luther, began calling His Elect children out of the bondage of the Roman Catholic Church, and back under His leadership again. There was an explosion of Spiritual Reformation which would, in the LAST AGE climax with a Message of Restoration and Rapturing Faith, ushering in the "Day of vengenance of our God", the Great Tribulation, the Millennium, etc., in the last Age; but in the fifth age other men of God (along with Luther) arose and endeavored to take the people out of organized religion and back to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. What Luther started another man, Anointed of God, would continue in the next Age.

The Philadelphian or Sixth church age lasted from 1750 to 1906 - a total of 156 years. Keep in mind that the dates set for each age is approximate because there is a "lap-over" of the Ages. There is a "fading-in" and "fading out" of each Age.

The Philadelphian Age, true to the meaning of it's name is the Age of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia means "love of the brethren". In the previous Age - Sardis, bitterness had crept in among the many different groups, pushing them further and further apart - to the point that many no longer had fellowship with the other. In the Philadelphian Age of Brotherly Love our Lord Jesus would pull His Elect children out from among the confusion of the numerous religious systems and groups which were already beginning to fall back under the "nicolaitane" spirit they came out of during the time of the Great Reformation. In the Philadelphian Age God would unite them in love under the Message to this Age.


THE MESSENGER - JOHN WESLEY

There's no disputing God's choice as the Messenger to the Philadelphian Age. Most, if not all Bible students agree that John Wesley was God's man for the time. He was born at Epworth, England, June 17, 1703 and was one of nineteen children born to Samuel and Susanna Wesley. His father was a chaplain in the Church of England, but the greatest religious influence in John's life was his mother's highly commendable Christian life. Even with 19 children and a household to run with no modern conveniences she still redeemed time every day to train the children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

John was a brilliant scholar, and with his brother, Charles, attended the University of Oxford. It was while at Oxford that the Lord began to deal with John. While he was at Oxford he and his brother became part of a group of students who felt that the emphasis should be on "living the Christ-like life" rather than on than making doctrine their standard. They drew up spiritual guidelines - a "method" by which they would discipline their daily lives. They focused on such "works" as giving to the poor, visiting the sick and the imprisoned. For this they were called Methodists, and many other derogatory names. In spite of the persecution these "Methodists" persevered.

Such was the influence it had on John that he caught the vision of the "need of the hour" - a fresh move of the Spirit of God. Wanting to do something for the Lord, John ventured forth as a missionary, traveling to America to take the Message of the Gospel to American Indians in Georgia. On his way there he found that many of the ship's passengers were Moravians. He was deeply impressed by their meekness, peace, and courage in all circumstances. His labors in Georgia in spite of self denials and hard work was a failure. He returned to England crying, "I went to America to convert the Indians but oh! who shall convert me?"

Back in London he again met the Moravians. One of them, Peter Boehler, expounded unto John the way of salvation which was "by Grace through faith...and not of works". The revelation was quickened in John's heart and he was truly born again. His brother, Charles, could not understand how such a spiritual man as John could say he was not previously right with God. But, not long after John's "experience with God" Charles himself came to experience the "new birth" which is found alone "by Grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ".

With the Anointing of God on His life Wesley now began (in London) to preach the Gospel of Salvation in the pulpits in which he had previously preached Salvation "through" works. But he would soon discover that His "Anointed preaching" was not welcome in the pulpits which now preached only a "form of godliness and works" religion. Church doors were closed in his face. he was considered to be out of step with the organized church and on the fanatical fringe.

It was at this time that his old friend, George Whitefield invited John to come and help him preach in "God's Cathedral" - the open fields of England where thousands, under Whitefield's ministry, were listening to the Word of God. At first Wesley was skeptical of preaching in open fields as opposed to being in a church building. But he couldn't deny the results he was seeing - thousands of souls being brought into the Kingdom of God through the Gospel that was preached in the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit. Convinced, Wesley preached where ever and when ever the Holy Spirit led him - in the open fields, in buildings, in homes, etc.

So great was the response to the ministry of the Word that he began sending out numerous laymen to preach the Word. It was like in the days of the early church in the book of Acts - almost overnight the Holy Spirit raised up men with power to preach and teach the Word. The Revival Spirit was in the air. Men and women were born into the Church of the "First-born", written in heaven; not a church or group dominated by men, but the True Church which was under the power and leadership of the Holy Spirit.

In spite of tremendous and sometimes violent opposition to his work it kept growing and spreading. God was with him. So powerful was the Anointing of the Spirit of conviction on the people that it would take away their strength and they would fall to the ground crying in great distress over their sins; but in today's religious world they preach "forgiveness without repentance"; "heaven but no hell"; resulting in a "Christianity with no Christ".

By the Grace of God, Wesley was a remarkably strong man. He says of himself that he could not remember ever having felt lowness of spirits for even a quarter hour since he was born. He slept no more than six hours a day; arose in time to start preaching at five practically every day of his ministry; preached up to four times on a single day so that in a year he would average over 800 sermons. The power of God was present to perform His Word.

John and his circuit riding preachers traveled thousands of miles to carry the Gospel near and far. In fact Wesley traveled 4500 miles per year by horse. He was a believer in the power of God and he prayed for the sick with great faith and wonderful results. Many of his meetings saw the manifestation of Spiritual gifts.

Wesley was not in favor of organization. It was not his intention that "the Methodist revival" be organized into a denominational church, replacing the Word with a creed and replacing spontaneous praise and worship with ritual and forms of godliness. He recognized that after his death the movement could be organized and the Spirit of God leave them to dead form. He once remarked that he did not fear that the name of Methodist would leave the earth but that the Spirit might take His flight from the Methodist movement. Though he was an Armenian in his beliefs, he did not want to separate himself from brethren on the grounds of doctrine. He was a good candidate for James: He based his eternal life on faith and works, or the living of the life, rather than simply accepting a creed or a doctrinal statement.

John Wesley died at the age of 88 having served God as few men would even dare to think they might. And the churches who would claim him as their founder have long lost the life, power, and character which Wesley possessed.


THE BIBLE REFERENCE

REVELATION 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 shutteth; and shutteth and no man openeth;

I know thy works: Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name.

Behold, I will make them of the Synagogue 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.

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Him 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 CITY - Philadelphia

Philadelphia was seventy-five miles southeast of Sardis. It was the second largest city in Lydia. It was built upon several hills in a famous wine-growing district. And its coins bore the head of Bacchus, the pagan deity of the city; and the figure of a Baccante (priestess of Bacchus).

The population of the city included Jews, Christians of Jewish origin, and converts from heathenism. The city also suffered frequent earthquakes, yet its duration was the longest of the seven cities of Revelation. In fact the city still exists under the Turkish name of Alasehir, or City of God.

The important thing to remember about Philadelphia is the "meaning" of the name - "love of the brethren". This attribute is a characteristic of the Philadelphian Age itself. This characteristic overflows into the beginnings of the final Age - Laodicea, but it is short lived. That last Age is "weighed and found wanting".


THE MESSAGE TO Philadelphia - PART ONE

He That Is Holy And True, And Hath The Key Of David

"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 shutteth; and shutteth and no man openeth;                                                      Revelation 3:7

In the salutation to this sixth age we see another revelation of the Character of Him who is in the midst of the Seven Golden Candlesticks. He is here described as being "holy" and "true". It is a "Holiness of Truth" which speaks of Him who is "Holiness" personified and "Truth" magnified. He Himself said "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life..." John 14:6. In Hebrews 12:14 Paul exhorts us to "Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord..." Again in that same chapter Paul reminds us that sometimes the Lord chastens us with His Word "that we might be partakers - or partners - in His holiness". Yielding our lives to Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life will produce "holiness of the Truth - the Word in us".

The next part of the above Scripture reference identifies Him as One "that hath the key"; not just any key but it is called "the key of David". And with the "key" He "openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth and no man openeth." This is a direct reference to a prophecy in Isaiah 22:22 speaking of the Messiah: "And the key of the house of David will I lay upon His shoulder; so He shall open, and none shall shut; and He shall shut, and none shall open." The Spirit uses this Old Testament reference to show the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and His ministry in the church - AFTER His resurrection.

The words in Isaiah were a mere shadow or prophecy fulfilled in Jesus, found standing in the midst of the Seven Golden Lampstands. It was AFTER His Resurrection that Jesus stood on the earth and said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Matthew 28:18. In Revelation 1:18 Jesus announces that He has "the keys of hell and of death." But here in the Philadelphian Age it speaks of "the" key.

Notice the POSITION of the key - it is NOT in His hand where one would expect to find a key. It is ON HIS SHOULDER. He ALONE has "this KEY". Remember, He gave Peter some "keys" (plural), but this "key" (singular) is given alone to Christ. Without "this Key" He would not have been able to give the "keys of the Kingdom" to Peter. The "key of David" upon our Lord's shoulder signifies the "Absolute" authority and power of the Kingdom. Again, we go to Isaiah 9:6-7 to prove this.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

The "key" on the "shoulder" also signifies our Lord's "responsibility for" and His "Headship over" the Church. In a wedding ceremony of the East the phrase, "government upon His shoulder" represents the bridegroom establishing his headship over his bride. When the bride has been committed to the groom she takes off her veil and places it over the groom's shoulders, signifying that not only is she under his dominion - that she has transferred her rights to him - that he is the head, but also that he bears the responsibility and the care for her. HE AND HE ALONE - NO OTHER MAN - NO OTHER POWER HAS ANY RIGHT OR AUTHORITY over her.

God being Sovereign, He foreknew by Divine decree exactly who would be in HIS bride. By His foreknowledge [1st. Peter 1:2] He chose her. He called her. He died for her. He washed her in His own blood [Revelation 1:5]; sanctified and cleansed her by the water of His Word [Ephesians 5:26]. He paid the price for her. She belongs to Him and to Him alone. No denomination can lay claim to her. She is wholly committed to Him and He accepts the obligation. He is her head, for Christ is the head of His church. He speaks and she obeys - His Word is her delight.

The key is referred to as "the key of David". Why? It was to make the "prophetic type" perfect in that David was King over ALL of Israel. And Jesus is spoken of (after the flesh) as the Son of David, promised to sit upon the throne of David in the millennium and reign and rule over His heritage. Having the "key upon His shoulder" our Lord Jesus has the Power and Authority to usher in the "Kingdom Age" and the "Millennial Reign". This Philadelphian Age gives way to the final age of the Church, after which the Millennium and Kingdom Age is ushered in.

Having possession also of the keys to death and hell He will raise up His Elect Gentile Bride to sit with Him in His Throne that she may reign WITH Him in righteousness upon the earth. Thank God for the revelation of Him who hath the "key of David on His shoulder".

The above reference further states that "He That hath the key of David is able to open and shut, according to His own will"; and what He opens no man can shut, and what He shuts, no man can open." Matthew 23:13 will help us to better understand that which Christ "opens and/or shuts" at His will.

"But woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in."

Through false teaching and mis-representation of the Truth they "shut up the Kingdom", preventing men and women from entering in to the revelation of God's Kingdom made flesh among them in the person of Jesus Christ.

In Luke 11:52 Jesus again said, "Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered." But, here, in the midst of the Seven Golden Candlesticks stands Jesus Christ with "the key" of Power, Authority and Knowledge (Spiritual Revelation) on His shoulder. After His death, burial and resurrection we find Him on the Road to Emmaeus "opening the Revelation of the Kingdom" to the understanding of His disciples [Luke 24:45].

Speaking of the purpose of His First Coming Jesus, in John 9:39 said, "...For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind." He came to "open" the eyes of the spiritually blind and to "shut" the eyes of those who professed to see but had rejected His Message. The eyes of understanding which HE opened would never again be shut by man-made theology. And the eyes which were made blind would never again see the Spiritual Revelation of the Word.

In Colossians 1:12-13 Paul explained it this way: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:..." He which "hath the KEY of Power and Authority" on His shoulders has, through the Power of His Word, "translated us into His Kingdom". Praise the Lord! But others were "shut out".

Notice another Scripture in Matthew 25:10-12: "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not." How True - when He opens, no man shuts; and when He shuts, no man is able to open. God grant that you are "in" before the door of Grace is shut - never to be opened again. STAY, not with the church, but with Him who hath the Key on His shoulder.


THE MESSAGE TO Philadelphia - PART TWO

The Open Door, Keeping The Word And Not Denying His Name

"I know thy works: Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name.

Revelation 3:8

Again, let me repeat: HE knew their works in that Age and ALL Ages; and the works are directly related to that portion of the Word revealed to that particular Age. The works required by God are always based on and judged by the Word given by God for the Age. No one is judged for what they "don't know". His judgment of any of us is based on that which He has revealed to us in our day and hour.

He knows your works and mine, whether they be based on what we know to be the True Word of God or on a Church creed. Are we doing what the Word of God says or just what the Church says. May we allow the Holy Spirit to bring to our remembrance again and again the Truth of Jesus' words in Matthew 4:4: "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Don't just take the word of a church creed. John, the beloved disciple, in 1st. John 4:1 exhorts us with these words: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." Many times man-made church doctrines and dogma have been found to be contrary to the written Word of God. When was the last time you checked your churches teachings with what the Bible says? The Truth alone will guide you to the "Open Door" spoken of by Jesus in the Philadelphian Age - "...and the Truth will set you free...if the Son therefore shall make you, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:32, 36). The "Revelation" of Jesus Christ (The FULL Word) to your hearts is that Open Door.

Let's dig deeper into this revelation and find the truth concerning the "works" of the Philadelphian Age. Their works must reflect a deeper knowledge and understanding of "the open door, little strength, keeping the Word and acknowledging the Name" that is above every name.

The Open Door

"Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it;"

Coming out of the Sardis Age and into the Philadelphian Age we find this "open door". It's not just "open" but the original text indicates that it is "wide open". Our Lord Jesus set an open door for those who were willing to "come out" of man-made religion and enter into the fullness of the Word. What God started in Luther, built on in Wesley, forms into the Pentecostal Revival, He "Crowns" with the Full revelation of the Mystery of God. But one MUST go through the Door to recognize it. Jesus said, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved..." The church is not the door - Christ, the Living Word is that Door.

In the Last Age the "Door" is swung wide open, when, according to Revelation 10:7 the "Mystery of God is finished" and revealed through the Messenger of that Age. Man-made religion and man-made theology would try to shut this door, and stop the unfolding of the Mystery of God. But as we shall see in that last Age they fail and are judged accordingly.

Little Strength, Kept The Word

".....for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word,..."

Strength comes by the Word. In Psalms 107:20 it is written, "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions." After deliverance from the Egyptian Army at the Red Sea Moses sang this song, "The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him." (Exodus 15:2). The prophet Nehemiah encouraged the people with these Words: "...Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength." King David declared: "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Since the the fall of man the Lord has strengthened him with His Word. Our only weapon of defense is His WORD.

I JOHN 2:14 says, "I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."

Speaking of the Words of Jesus Luke in Chapter 4 verse 32 said, "And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power."

In this Age what was the source of their strength? It is written, "thou...hast kept My Word,...". The Lord promised that "His word would not return unto Him void, but would accomplish that which He pleased." (Isaiah 55).

Out of this Age came some of the greatest preachers and teachers of the Word to give "strength" unto the Elect of God. Servants of God such as Spurgeon, Parker, Edwards, Bunyan, Brainard, Barnes, etc. preached and taught the Word with clarity and boldness.

Not Denied My Name

.....and hast kept My Word and not denied my name."

The emphasis of all the teaching and preaching of this Age was on none other than the one who bore the Name by which we are saved - the Lord Jesus Christ. He was glorified among the people; He was magnified before their eyes, and established in their hearts. Satan's false teachers of the Word were exposed - Truth was coming forth to ultimately bring victory over death, hell and the grave, at the end of the final and last Church - Laodicea.

As promised God would send a restoration revival, crowned with a prophetic ministry, and God's Master Plan of Redemption would be finished in Resurrection and Rapturing glory. Praise the Lord!


Under Construction

THE MESSAGE TO Philadelphia - PART THREE

Synagogue of Satan, Pretenders, A Beloved Bride

"Behold, I will make them of the Synagogue 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.                                                                                Revelation 3:9

"...the synagogue of Satan..."

In the Second Age the hypocrites and those of the "synagogue of Satan" are exposed. Here in the Sixth Age God determines to Humble those of the synagogue of Satan - false church and show them the Truth as Revealed in His Elect Bride.

Remember the "synagogue of Satan", the false church, began as "the deeds of the Nicolaitans" in the first age. They were exposed a hypocrites, impersonating the True Church in the Second Age. In the Third Age it is revealed as "Satan's Seat (Throne)", preaching the doctrine of Balaam and establishing a Nicolaitan "priest over the people" order of clergy - dominating the people.

In the Fourth Age, this false Anointing now boldly comes forth, professing to be the True church; and as the Old Testament Jezebel seduced King Ahab and Israel to worship idols, that same spirit in the Church seduces God's servants, causing them to commit spiritual fornication, bowing before idols of Apostles, Saints and Martyrs, etc. In the Fifth Age, God pulled a believing remnant out of the ecclesiastical mess.

Now, here in this Sixth Age the Word of the Lord rises to protect God's believing remnant and make way for the last Age to "finish the mystery of God" (Revelation 10:7). But as much as those of the synagogue of Satan profess to be the True Church, the Bible says they're lying. Again, all these things goes right back to Eden. There was Abel and Cain; Jacob and Esau, Isaac and Ishmael, Jesus and Judas; and through the Ages we are seeing the True Church versus the pretenders.

But here in the  Philadelphian age God makes a promise to His Bride, saying, "behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." Our Lord drove Cain out of His Presence; Esau was deprived of the birthright - Jacob was loved, Esau was hated; Ishmael was cut off from Abraham's camp and Judas was brought down to hell. Here is this Age God promised that He would cause the Pretended, false synagogue of Satan Bride to come and bow before His True, Elected Word Bride and they would know that He loved Her.

Oh, the joy, the glory that awaits those who "stay always with the revealed Word of the Lord". The final Age would bring all things to it's climax. Let's make our calling and election sure - not by the church, but by the WORD.


Under Construction

THE MESSAGE TO Philadelphia - PART FOUR

Kept The Word And Kept From The Hour Of Temptation

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.              Revelation 3:10

"...thou hast kept the Word of My patience..."

Here we have a compliment and a promise..."BECAUSE thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation".  The Amplified Bible states, "Because you have guarded and kept my Word of patient endurance.....". Speaking of Abraham in Hebrews 6, it is written, "...after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." Hebrews 10:36 further states, "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." In Luke 21 Jesus said, "In your patience possess ye your souls." One more reference to "patience": Revelation 14 states, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

We live in a very impatient world. It demands everything NOW! Most lack the patience to obtain the things for which they strive in life. But as Christians, we wait on the Lord - for His timing and His way in our lives. The Apostle Peter exhorted us to "add patience to our faith". With patience, in God's we possess healing, the promise of the Resurrection and the "catching away" of the living Saints.

Recognizing this patience in the Philadelphian Church Age, our Lord Jesus Christ gave this promise: "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." What a promise! As the world moves into that time of the "end of all things", Jesus promises His Elect children that He would keep them from "the hour of temptation which is prophesied to come upon ALL the earth to try them that dwell on the earth."

This is evidence that the Elect Bride of the Lord Jesus Christ will not go through the time of The Great Tribulation, or the "hour of temptation" spoken of in the above Scriptures. If this "hour of temptation" would be a "temptation" to the Bride (if she were here), then it would have to be in the "Spiritual" realm - some great deceiving spiritual move, so much like the real thing that "it would deceive the very Elect if possible" (Matthew 24). But our Lord Jesus promised that He would not suffer His Bride to be tempted with it. He promised: I WILL keep thee from the hour of temptation.

Eve was tempted in the Garden of Eden and failed; the church was tempted at Nicea, Rome in 325 A.D. and it failed, going off into organized religion, with no Holy Spirit leadership.  Thank God for the Promise that false vine church takes control, the Bride won't be here.

Under Construction

THE MESSAGE TO Philadelphia - PART FIVE

Warning And Promise To The Overcomer

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Him 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."                                                                Revelation 3:11-13

"Behold, I come quickly:"

His Second Coming will indeed be "quickly" and as a thief in the night, because in this Coming He seeks only His Bride.

In Romans 9:28 Paul reminds us of the swiftness of end-time events: "For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." The closer the world gets to the "hub" of the wheel of prophecy the faster things move; and things are moving swiftly towards the end of human government.

Let's be reminded again that there are "three Comings" of Christ - 1. to redeem His Bride; 2. to claim His Bride; and 3. with His Bride to execute judgment.

In this Second Coming for His Bride it's as a thief in the night and will be revealed only to those who are walking in the Spiritual Light Revelation of His Word for this Age. As the Apostle stated in Thessalonians..."but ye brethren are NOT in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of Light". NOT every eye will behold THIS Coming, but when He comes WITH His Bride to execute judgment, then every eye shall behold him. Be watchful, watching the fulfillment of Scripture for your day and walk in THAT Light of Rapturing Grace and faith.

At the time of the "Coming of Jesus FOR His Bride", the dead IN Christ shall rise first and appear to the living who are waiting for the Rapture. No doubt it will be like as it was in the days of the Resurrection of Jesus, "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." Matthew 27:53. These resurrected Saints didn't appear to everyone, but perhaps it was as in the Resurrection of Jesus Himself: "Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead." Are you ready should some of those who come forth in the Resurrection appear to you, signifying the Rapture is at hand?

"hold that fast which thou hast,"

Wise exhortation indeed from the lips of our Redeemer. We must needs hold fast the Promises of God, with a firmly established faith that nothing past, present or future can shake. It's important that we be led by the Holy Spirit, walk daily in the Spirit and walk by faith, according to the Word for the Age in which you are living.

Remember again the Words of Jesus: " Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation:"  Matthew 26. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21."Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." Mark 13.

 "...that no man take thy crown."

Saint Paul made reference to this crown in 2nd. Tim 4: "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." In 1st. Corinthians 9:25 he referred to it as an "incorruptible crown". James referred to it as "the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." It is a most precious possession. No wonder our Lord exhorts us to "hold fast", not lightly, but TIGHTLY to the Word.

This wondrous Crown also signifies a relationship with Him who is Crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. It signifies position, authority and power as promised to the overcomer in the message to the last Church Age - Laodicea. His Bride will sit with Him IN His Throne, ruling with the Great King Himself. Let no man, no creed, no man made church or denomination deprive you of your Crown.

Hold fast, persevere, don't give up. Put on the whole armor of God; hold your shield of faith (revelation of the Promise) before you always; use the only weapon God has given us - the Sword of the Spirit which is His Word.

"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out:"

No shortage of His Promises - from a Crown to a Throne, and now to be made "Pillars in the Temple of God". Jesus was the Temple of God; now Jesus in His Bride makes the Bride "The Temple".

 

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Nov. 11, 2006

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