Today’s selected reading is found in the second and third epistles which were written by the apostle John, as well as the epistle which was written by Jude. This reading and passage also includes the first three chapters of the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find yourself coming to the final four books of the New Testament. As you approach the final books of the New Testament you will notice that four of the last five books of the Bible were written by the apostle John—three of which were epistles and letters written unto the church. Beginning with the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome you will find a number of epistles which were written unto churches, while there were four distinct and specific epistles written unto actual individuals. If and as you begin with the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome you will find a total of nine epistles written by the apostle Paul unto various churches in Asia—with two churches (Corinth and Thessalonica each receiving two letters apiece). Having concluded with the nine epistles which the apostle Paul wrote unto the churches you will find four epistles written unto different individuals—with Timothy being the recipient of two of those letters. Having concluded with the epistle written unto Philemon you will find an epistle written unto the Hebrews whose author is and has been unknown and unverified. Upon the conclusion and completion of the epistle written unto the Hebrews you will find a single epistle written by James unto the twelve tribes which were scattered abroad through Asia before coming unto two epistles which were written by the apostle Peter—first unto the strangers which were scattered abroad throughout Asia, and secondly unto a group of saints and brethren which aren’t specifically mentioned in the epistle. The epistles written by the apostle Peter are followed by the three epistles written by the apostle John with the first epistle being the longest of the three epistles. The epistles written by the apostle John would be followed by the epistle which was written by Jude the half brother of James who was also considered the brother of Jesus. It is widely believed that the epistles written by James and Jude were written by two of the half brothers of Jesus the Christ, which is quite interesting considering the progression of Jesus’ mother and brethren as portrayed in the midst of the four gospels.

            The more you read and consider the words which are found in the New Testament epistles the more you will be brought face to face with the fact that there were a number of epistles written by different apostles of Christ, while two epistles were written by two of the half brothers of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s actually quite interesting and unique to think about and consider this reality, for much of the New Testament is found in epistle format, as there were a number of letters which were written unto various churches which were scattered abroad within and throughout Asia. What makes this even more intriguing and captivating is when you come to the final book of the New Testament—and of Scripture itself—for when you come to the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ you will find in the second and third chapters specific and distinct epistles which were written unto seven churches found in the midst of Asia. Having already found a number of epistles which were written by the apostles of Christ, as well as the half brothers of the Lord Himself we now come to the New Testament book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ and find seven epistles and letters which were written by the hand of the apostle John, yet which were dictated unto him by the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ. WHEN CHRIST SENDS LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES! WHEN CHRIST SENDS LETTERS UNTO THE CHURCHES! LETTERS ARE COMING! PREPARING FOR LETTERS! EPISTLES ARE COMING! Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this absolutely remarkable and astounding truth, for it is one thing to read the various epistles which were written by the apostles and brothers of Christ unto the churches—however, it is an entirely different thing altogether to read epistles which were written by the hand of an apostle of Christ, and yet which originated within and from the heart and mind of the Lord.

            I recently listened to a sermon and message which was preached by the senior pastor of Times Square Church—Pastor Tim Dilena. The title of the message which was preached by this dear minister of the Lord was entitled “Letters Are Coming,” and when I saw the title of the message appear in the list of YouTube videos on my iPhone I was immediately intrigued. I have to admit that when I read the title—and before even listening to the words which were found and contained within the message—I thought the sermon was a message that would be found in the second and third chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. The title of the message suggested letters were coming unto the churches, and in my natural mind—and based purely and solely on assumption before actually listening to the words found in the message itself—I thought the message was one that was centered upon the letters which the Lord Jesus dictated unto the apostle John and instructed him to have sent unto the seven churches which were in Asia. As I listened to the message, however, the entire premise of the message was centered upon and found in the Old Testament narrative of Hezekiah king of the southern kingdom of Judah when Sennacherib king of Assyria had invaded the land of Judah and had surrounded and laid siege to the city of Jerusalem. Initially Sennacherib sent a great and powerful army with Rabshakeh who would speak a message of intimidation unto Hezekiah, unto all the princes and rulers of the city of Jerusalem, and unto all the people living in the city. Hezekiah would inquire of the Lord from and by the prophet Isaiah, and the prophet would proclaim the word of the Lord unto Hezekiah—namely, that Sennacherib would hear a rumor and a report and would not overtake and overcome the city. It would ultimately be that Rabshakeh would return to find Sennacherib and the Assyria army engaged in conflict against another nation and people based on a report and rumor they would hear. It would be a direct result of returning to find this conflict ensuring that the Rabshakeh would send letters unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all the people which were present in the midst of the city of Jerusalem.

            As I continued listening to the words which were preached in the message preached by senior pastor Tim Dilena I began to hear and listen to a message which was preached concerning the same type of letters which were sent unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and the same type of letters which were sent unto the people of the city of Jerusalem were coming unto the Church within these Last Days and within this generation. The more the message progressed and the further along I went into the message the more I began hearing what was a prophetic word of warning and caution being issued by this senior pastor of Times Square Church, and how letters of intimidation, letters of fear, letters of terror, letters of terror and letters of dread were coming unto the churches—and specifically the churches within this nation. Throughout the sermon and message senior pastor Tim Dilena emphasized that the churches of this nation needed to prepare and make themselves ready for a time coming when letters would indeed come to them—letters which would seek to instill fear, anxiety, terror and dread within the hearts and souls of the people. Pastor Tim Dilena sought to warn the churches of this nation and prepare themselves for a time that was coming in the near future when letters would indeed be sent unto churches within and throughout this nation, and how churches needed to make themselves ready for tremendous opposition raised up against them by and from the world. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this awesome and incredible truth, for I wholeheartedly agree with pastor Tim Dilena and strongly feel that there is indeed coming a great and tremendous opposition that is coming against and coming upon the churches found within this nation. I am absolutely and entirely convinced that we must needs be ready and prepared for a time of tremendous opposition—even affliction, intimidation and persecution that could very well and very easily come against the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

            With all of this being said, however—and while I do in fact and do indeed agree with senior pastor Tim Dilena—I cannot help but take this a step further. As I mentioned—when I initially saw the title of the message on YouTube on my cell phone I thought the message that was going to be preached would be about the letters which were written unto the seven churches of Asia. There was a great part of me that listened to the message simply and solely out of curiosity based on thinking and believing that the message would be preached from and out of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus the Christ. I have to admit that while I wasn’t disappointed in listening to a message that was preached concerning letters of intimidation coming unto the church, I was indeed expecting a message which would have been preached concerning the epistles and letters which were written by the hand of the apostle John and sent unto the seven churches which were found in Asia. While it is indeed true that the purpose and premise of this message was not to speak of letters coming unto the churches from and by the mouth, the heart and the mind of the Lord Jesus, I am absolutely and completely convinced that when I read and consider the words which are found in the second and third chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ I get the strong sense that there are—in addition to the letters which senior pastor Tim Dilena preached about and mentioned—letters coming unto the churches which can and will originate within the heart and mind of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am absolutely and completely convinced that there are a number of churches within and throughout this nation that must needs make ready and prepare themselves for a message—or perhaps a series of messages—that can and will come unto them from the heart and mind of the Lord Jesus Christ. WHEN CHRIST SPEAKS UNTO HIS CHURCH! WHEN JESUS ADDRESSES HIS CHURCH! WHEN JESUS SPEAKS TO THE CHURCHES! WHEN JESUS SENDS LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES! Oh if there is one thing I cannot help but think about and consider when reading the words found in the second and third chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ it’s that it is one thing for the apostles and brethren of Christ to write and send letters unto the churches, however, it is something entirely and altogether different for Jesus Himself to speak unto the churches.

            I wrote and mentioned the apostles of Christ—the apostles Peter, John and Paul—writing a number of letters unto the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ which were found in the midst of Asia, and yet even with that being said and spoken of I can’t help but think about and consider the tremendous truth of what we find in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. I cannot help but think about and consider how there is something drastically different when the Lord Jesus Christ Himself speaks to and addresses the churches. What makes the second and third chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ so incredibly unique is that while it was indeed Jesus who was speaking unto the churches, He would ultimately conclude each of these letters with an invitation unto those who had ears to hear what the Spirit was speaking unto the churches. I firmly believe that we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this, for even thought there were seven individual and distinct letters which were sent unto the churches found in Asia—each of the seven epistles and letters would have an emphatic invitation given unto those who had ears to hear to hear what the Spirit was speaking unto the churches. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight this invitation, for it seems to intrinsically link and connect each of the seven epistles together, and provide us with a powerful invitation to listen to the words which were contained within the other epistles. In other words—although there would be individuals letters which were written unto specific churches found within Asia, there would be within those letters and epistles a powerful invitation to hear what the Spirit was speaking unto the churches.

            I sit here this morning thinking about and considering just how absolutely tremendous and remarkable this truly is to read and consider the words which Jesus spoke unto the seven churches of Asia, for although the words and message of the epistles and letters might very well have been different and distinct—there would be within each of the epistles a wonderful and powerful invitation given and spoken unto the churches. You cannot read the words which are found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ and not encounter and come face to face with the absolutely intriguing and astonishing truth that although there would be seven distinct letters and epistles which were written unto these churches there would be two underlying and common themes and invitations that would be found within the epistles—namely, to those who had ears to hear, and to those who would overcome. We must needs pay close and careful attention to these words, for they bring us face to face with two of the greatest needs which are found among us within the church today—namely, that there are countless churches within and among us in this nation which have great need for endurance and patience in overcoming, and discernment and understanding in hearing what the Spirit is speaking unto the churches. It is absolutely necessary that we recognize and pay close attention to what is found within these epistles, for although there were seven distinct epistles which were written unto seven different churches—each of those epistles would be united with and by the invitation to hear what the Spirit was speaking unto the churches, as well as the invitation to overcome. This is something which must needs be strongly and carefully considered, for I am convinced that we cannot truly understand the words which are found in these chapters and within these letters without hearing and listening to these common themes and these common currents which flow through them. It is truly something worth noting and pointing out when reading the words found and contained within these epistles that the Lord Jesus Christ was indeed sending letters and epistles unto the churches, and within each epistle and unto each church He was inviting and instructing them to have ears to hear what the Spirit was speaking unto the churches, and to overcome in this life—to overcome in the midst of that affliction, that opposition, that suffering, that persecution, that tribulation, and that conflict they were facing.

            Before we get into the words which are written and found within these seven epistles and seven letters we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the actual revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ that is found in the opening chapter of the epistle. It would be one thing to move directly unto and straight to the second and third chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ and immediately begin reading the words which the Lord Jesus Christ wrote unto the churches, however, I am absolutely and completely convinced that before we can truly come unto the words which the Lord Jesus Christ spoke unto the churches we must needs first come to and encounter the revelation of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. You cannot read the prophetic book of the Revelation and not immediately be gripped, captivated and confronted with the awesome and incredible truth that what is found and contained within the first and opening chapter of the book is a wonderful and powerful description and declaration concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. You cannot and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this first and opening chapter of the epistle, for in order to understand the words which were spoken unto the churches you must first understand the One who spoke those words. We dare not and must not begin with what Jesus spoke unto the churches without first recognizing and understand the person of Jesus Himself. It is a great tragedy and travesty to think that we can read the words which were spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ unto the churches before, without and apart from actually taking the time to focus our attention on the actual revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

            The more I read and the more I consider the words which are found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ the more I am brought face to face with the fact that while it is indeed true the Lord Jesus would indeed dictate letters unto the apostle John which would be written and sent unto the churches found in Asia, there was also a great and powerful revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ that was found in the midst of this prophetic book. I am absolutely and completely convinced that we must not miss and lose sight of the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ that is found in the opening chapter of this epistles, for it is the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ that actually sets the stage and sets the tone for the individual letters and epistles which would be written unto these seven churches. What’s more, is I would dare say that before you can even understand the words which were spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ unto the seven churches which were present in Asia you must needs first come to and encounter the mighty and powerful revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ—one of the few revelations of the Lord Jesus Christ that would actually be experienced by those in the New Testament. If and as you read the words which are found in this particular prophetic book you will indeed encounter first and foremost a revelation concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, for you cannot and must not seek to understand that which is contained within this prophetic book without and apart from understanding the main and underlying theme and character that is at the very heart and center of it. I am absolutely and completely convinced we must needs read and consider the words which are found in the opening chapter of this book before even attempting to move to the words which are found in the second and third chapters, for you cannot understand the words of Christ before you understand the revelation of Jesus Christ. Moreover, I would dare say that it is the actual revelation of Jesus Christ that actually gives weight, meaning and significance to the words which Jesus would actually speak unto the churches. With this in mind I invite you to consider—not only the revelation which the apostle John saw concerning the Lord Jesus, but also the words which the Lord Jesus would speak directly unto John:

            “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto His servants the things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all thing sthat he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made kings and priests unto God and his Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:1-6).

            These words present us with the introduction and the backdrop of the entire prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, for in the opening verses of this book we find the apostle John writing concerning this revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ which God gave unto Him to show unto His servants the things which must shortly come to pass. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this, for when we read the words and the phrase “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” we must needs acknowledge and understand that this revelation took place in two distinct and two different realms. On the one hand there was the revelation of Jesus Christ which came from and originated with the Father who was in heaven, while on the other hand there was the actual revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ which He showed unto His servants. I have to admit that in all the years I have read and studied the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ I have never seen, nor have I ever considered this prophetic book to contain a revelation on two different realms and in two different arenas. There is within the opening verses of this prophetic book of a powerful and wonderful truth concerning the Revelation of Jesus Christ, for we first see “the revelation given unto Jesus Christ,” and secondly we see “the revelation of Jesus Christ given unto the apostle John”—and not only unto the apostle John, but also unto His servants and unto the seven churches which were present within and throughout Asia. This reality and concept of the revelation of Jesus Christ is actually remarkable and astounding when you think about the fact that the actual revelation was not only a revelation of Jesus Christ—that which reveals, makes known and manifests Him unto the churches, unto the saints and unto the brethren—but also a revelation given unto the Lord Jesus Christ.

            At the risk of getting ahead of myself you must needs understand when reading the fifth chapter of this New Testament prophetic book of that there was a scroll in heaven which had seven seals, and there was none found in heaven, nor on the earth, nor under the earth who was worthy to break the seals and open the scroll. When the apostle John saw that there was none who could break the seven seals which were upon the scroll, nor any who were able to open the scroll and read the words which were contained within it he would give himself to weeping. There would be one who would see the apostle John weep and would instruct him to cease weeping, for there was indeed and there was in fact one who was found worthy to break the seals, unroll the scroll and read the words which were found and contained within and upon the scroll. I write and mention this, for when we think about and consider this reality and concept of “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” we must needs understand that while this prophetic book is indeed a revelation of Jesus Christ in terms of who He is, and while this prophetic book is indeed a revelation from Jesus Christ as He would show unto His servants that which must needs come to pass, it was above and beyond that a revelation of and from the heart and mind of the living and eternal God. You cannot read the opening verse of this prophetic book of Revelation and not encounter the tremendous fact that the revelation which the Lord Jesus Christ gave unto the apostle John was first and foremost a revelation that would come from the heart and mind of the Father. It would be the Father in heaven—the eternal One who is seated upon the throne in heaven—who would give this revelation unto His Son Jesus Christ. What’s more, is how absolutely powerful it is to think about and consider the reality that this revelation was given unto Jesus the Christ by the Father—not so Jesus the Christ would and could know that which must needs take place within and of Himself, but so He could actually release that revelation unto His servant John, as well as unto the churches, the saints and the brethren.

            As I sit here thinking about and considering the words which are found in the first chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ I cannot help but be brought face to face with the fact that it is indeed a revelation concerning Jesus the Christ Himself, but it is also a revelation from the Father concerning those things which must needs take place. If you are going to understand the words which are found in this prophetic book found at the very end of the New Testament you must needs recognize and understand that at the very heart of the revelation of Jesus Christ is a revelation from the Father who is in heaven seated upon the throne. It would be incredibly easy to get caught up in the revelation concerning those things which must needs take place in the coming days, and to entirely and altogether miss and lose sight of the actual revelation concerning the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. In all reality, I can’t help but ask myself and you who are reading these words which is of great value and worth unto and among us—the revelation of events which are to take place and come to pass in the coming days, or the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself? What’s more, is that we must needs recognize and understand that at the very heart of the revelation of events which must needs come to pass and take place is the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. As surely and as certainly as we cannot understand the words which the Lord Jesus Christ spoke unto the churches without and apart from the revelation concerning Jesus Christ Himself, so also can we not understand the events which are to take place hereafter without also understanding the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. At the very heart of the words which were spoken unto the seven churches was the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, and at the very heart of the events which would take place in the coming days was the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only this, but at the very heart of the revelation of Jesus Christ is the revelation of the Father, for it was the Father who had given the revelation and the vision unto the Son—unto the Son in whom He was well pleased, and unto the eternal Son who was faithful unto the end.

            There is not a doubt in my mind when reading the words which are found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ that everything we find and everything we read within it is indeed a revelation of and a revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ, however, that revelation begins and originates with the Father in heaven who is seated upon the throne. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight just how absolutely necessary it is to pay close attention to and to truly understand it, for it helps us to truly understand that which we need to recognize concerning the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. For us to understand the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ we must needs understand that this revelation was one which would present that which the Father had given unto Him, as well as a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only this, but if and as you read the words which are found in this prophetic book and you begin reading the events which would take place in the midst of the earth during the great and terrible day of the Lord, you must needs understand and recognize that at the very heart and center of that which comes upon the earth and that which befalls the citizens and inhabitants of the earth is the revelation of Jesus Christ—and not only the revelation of Jesus Christ, but what men and women did with that revelation. I am absolutely and completely convinced that what is found within this prophetic book is indeed a powerful and wonderful revelation of the Lord concerning the events which must needs take place in the coming days, however, what we must needs understand concerning those events is that at the very heart of them is not necessarily the revelation of the events themselves, but rather the revelation of Jesus Christ and what men and women did with that revelation. If there is one thing we must needs understand when reading the words which are found in this prophetic book it’s that the events which take place in the great and terrible day of the Lord have at the very heart and center of them the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, and how the inhabitants of the earth will face judgment and wrath for how they handled and how they responded to the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

            The more I delve and dive into the words which are found in this prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ the more I can’t help but be brought face to face with the awesome and powerful truth that at the very heart of the revelation of Jesus Christ is not only the revelation itself, but also the response to the revelation. In order to truly understand the words which are found within this prophetic book you must needs understand that there is the revelation itself, but with and directly connected to that revelation is the response men had toward the revelation. We cannot understand the words which are found in this prophetic book without and apart from coming face to face with the wonderful and powerful revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, for this revelation is at the very heart of each and every even that can and will take place in the coming days. If you want to be able to truly discern the events which are still to come in the coming days you must needs first and foremost understand the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, for it is that revelation that forms the basis of that which is found within and throughout this prophetic book. In all reality, I would dare say that we must not and ought not try and understand the words found within this book without and apart from understanding the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ—and not only the revelation of Jesus Christ, but the revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ. The entire prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed a revelation in two parts—the revelation of Jesus Christ which does in fact make Christ known, and the revelation from Jesus Christ which reveals that which must needs take place in the coming days. It is the revelation from Jesus Christ that came from and originated with the Father in heaven which is seated upon the throne, and it is the revelation of Jesus Christ that actually comes from His desire and willingness to make Himself known. Considering this revelation of Jesus Christ I invite you to consider the following words which are found in this first and opening chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus beginning to read with and from the fourth verse:

            “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, FROM HIM WHICH IS, AND WHICH WAS, AND WHICH IS TO COME; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; and from Jesus Christ, WHO IS THE FAITHFUL WITNESS, AND THE FIRST BEGOTTEN OF THE DEAD, AND THE PRINCE OF THE KINGS OF THE EARTH. UNTO HIM THAT LOVED US, AND WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD, AND HATH MADE US KINGS AND PRIESTS UNTO GOD AND HIS FATHER; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. I AM ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE BEGINNING AND THE ENDING, saith the Lord, WHICH IS, AND WHICH WAS, AND WHICH IS TO COME, THE ALMIGHTY. 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. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 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. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 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. HIS HEAD AND HIS HAIRS WERE WHITE LIKE WOOL, AS WHITE AS SNOW; AND HIS EYES WERE AS A FLAME OF FIRE; AND HIS FEET LIKE UNTO FINE BRASS, AS IF THEY BURNED IN A FURNACE; AND HIS VOICE AS THE SOUND OF MANY WATERS. AND HE HAD IN HIS RIGHT HAND SEVEN STARS: AND OUT OF HIS MOUTH WENT A SHARP TWO EDGED SWORD: AND HIS COUNTENANCE WAS AS THE SUN SHINETH IN HIS STRENGTH. 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: 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. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 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” (Revelation 1:4-20).

            THE FAITHFUL WITNESS! THE FIRST BEGOTTEN OF THE DEAD! THE PRINCE OF THE KINGS OF THE EARTH! HIM THAT LOVED US, AND WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD! ALPHA AND OMEGA! THE BEGINNING AND THE ENDING! WHICH IS, WHICH WAS, AND WHICH IS TO COME! ALPHA AND OMEGA! THE FIRST AND THE LAST! THE SON OF MAN! CLOTHED WITH A GARMENT DOWN TO THE FOOT! GIRT ABOUT THE PAPS WITH A GOLDEN GIRDLE! HIS HEAD AND HIS HARIS WERE WHITE LIKE WOOL, AS WHITE AS SNOW! HIS EYES WERE AS A FLAME OF FIRE! HIS FEET LIKE UNTO FINE BRASS, AS IF THEY BURNED IN A FURNACE! HIS VOICE AS THE SOUND OF MANY WATERS! HE HAD IN HIS RIGHT HAND SEVEN STARS! OUT OF HIS MOUTH WENT A SHARP TWO-EDGED SWORD! HIS COUNTENANCE WAS AS THE SUN SHINETH IN HIS STRENGTH! I AM THE FIRST AND THE LAST! I AM HE THAT LIVETH, AND WAS DEAD! I AM ALIVE FOR EVERMORE! HAVE THE KEYS OF HELL AND OF DEATH!

            Oh dear reader—please do not move too quickly beyond the words which are found within the first and opening chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, for in the first and opening chapter of this prophetic book we are brought face to face with the revelation of Jesus Christ, which the apostle John received while on the isle of Patmos. It was there on the isle of Patmos while John was indeed a companion in the tribulation and afflictions of the saints that he received a revelation of and a revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more, is that as you read the words you will be immediately and directly confronted with and by the fact that before we come to the letters which were written unto the churches in Asia you are first brought face to face with the glorified, exalted and magnified Jesus the Christ. That which makes this truly unique and interesting is when you consider the fact that the apostle John had now seen the transfigured Christ atop the mountain with Peter and James his brother, he had seen the resurrected Jesus Christ after He was raised from death to life, he had seen the physical person of the Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh over a three and a half year period of time, and now he is seeing, witnessing and beholding a vision and revelation of the exalted and glorified Jesus the Christ. It is there on the isle of Patmos while suffering tribulation, affliction and persecution for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that the apostle John would now witness and behold the risen and exalted Jesus the Christ—a revelation which would in part be complete. It’s truly something intriguing to think about and consider how the apostle John would see Jesus in the flesh, would see Jesus transfigured atop the holy mount with Peter and James his brother, and would even see the resurrected Jesus the Christ, and now He would see a vision of the glorified and exalted Jesus the Christ. I mention this revelation was completed in part, for there would still be another part to the revelation—namely, actually being with the Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of His Father and in the presence of all the holy angels which surround the throne.

            We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in the first and opening chapter of this prophetic book, for the words we find within this chapter help set the stage—not only for the words which are found written unto the seven churches, but also the remainder of the revelation concerning the world. It’s actually quite astounding to think about and consider the fact that in the first and opening chapter of this prophetic book there would the vision and revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, while in the second and third chapters of this book there would be the letters which would be sent unto the seven churches that were in Asia. It would be in the fourth and fifth chapters where we behold a vision of God the Father Himself as He is not only seated upon the throne in heaven, but is also seated before the four and twenty elders, before the four living creatures, and before the myriads upon myriads of angels, cherubim and seraphim that surround the throne which is in heaven. In the first and opening chapter we find the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ—a revelation that would be seen in part within each of the letters which were written and sent unto the seven churches which were in Asia. Oh it is worth noting and pointing out when reading the words which are found in the second and third chapters of this prophetic book that when speaking the words which would be written and sent unto the seven churches there would be a portion and piece of the revelation concerning Jesus the Christ. The full revelation which was found in the first and opening chapter would indeed have seven distinct parts which would be revealed unto the seven churches:

            “These things saith HE THAT HOLDETH THE SEVEN STARS IN HIS RIGHT HAND, WHO WALKETH IN THE MIDST OF THE SEVEN GOLDEN CANDLESTICKS” (Revelation 2:1).

            “These things saith THE FIRST AND THE LAST, WHICH WAS DEAD, AND IS ALIVE” (Revelation 2:8).

            “These things saith HE WHICH HATH THE SHARP SWORD WITH TWO EDGES” (Revelation 2:12).

            “These things saith THE SON OF GOD, WHO HATH HIS EYES LIKE UNTO A FLAME OF FIRE, AND HIS FEET ARE LIKE FINE BRASS” (Revelation 2:18).

            “These things saith HE THAT HATH THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD, AND THE SEVEN STARS” (Revelation 3:1).

            “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).

            “These things saith THE AMEN, THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS, THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD” (Revelation 3:14).

            What makes the letters which were written unto the seven churches so incredibly unique is that while the language and message unto each of them was entirely different—there were certain similarities and commonalities they shared. As you read the words which are found within these seven epistles and letters you will find that at the very heart of them is a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the Lord within each of these letters would reveal unto the churches a certain degree and measure of Himself, of His nature, of His character and of His likeness. You cannot read the epistles which were written unto the seven churches and not encounter and come face to face with the tremendous reality that at the very heart and center of each of the epistles is indeed a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. There was a certain part of the Lord Jesus Christ which He would reveal unto the seven churches before making an emphatic statement which would be spoken unto each of the seven churches without fail. Each of the seven epistles and letters would begin and open up with the introduction of the Lord Jesus Christ speaking unto the angel of the church of the specific churches, and this introduction would indeed and would in fact be followed by a remarkable and powerful revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ—a revelation that would be in part that which the apostle John saw while on the isle of Patmos. Each epistle and each letter would begin and open with a declaration of it being written unto the angel of the specific church, as well as a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, but it would also contain a declaration of the works of the church. You cannot read any of the seven epistles and seven letters without encountering and coming face to face with the truly awesome and wonderful truth and reality that while the Lord Jesus Christ would indeed reveal Himself unto each of the churches—that revelation would not come without and apart from a statement and declaration of the works of the church. While it was indeed true the Lord Jesus Christ would indeed reveal and make known a portion of Himself—that revelation would immediately be followed by an emphatic statement and declaration concerning their works which were naked and exposed before the One who is the Alpha and the Omega, and before the One who is the First and the Last and the beginning and the end. Consider if you will that which the living and eternal Christ had to say unto each of these churches concerning their works:

            “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write…I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. NEVERTHELESS I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE, BECAUSE THOU HAST LEFT THY FIRST LOVE” (Revelation 2:1-4).

            “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write…I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich), and I  know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:8-9).

            “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write…I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate” (Revelation 2:12-15).

            “And unto the angel of the church in Thytira write…I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel which calleth herself a rophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not” (Revelation 2:18-21).

            “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write…I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead” (Revelation 3:1).

            “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write…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 3:7-8).

            “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write…I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:14-17).

            THESE THINGS SAITH! I KNOW THY WORKS! HIM THAT OVERCOMETH! HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES! The more you read and consider the words which are found within the seven letters and epistles which were written unto the churches which were in Asia the more you will be brought face to face with certain elements which were found in each of the epistles and letters. Each of the seven epistles would indeed and would in fact begin with a declaration concerning the message being addressed unto the angel (or pastor) of the individual church which was in Asia. Immediately following this declaration unto the church to which it was written there would be a powerful revelation concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Unto each of the churches—regardless of what Jesus would speak concerning their works—there would be a unique and powerful revelation and vision of Jesus which He would give the church concerning Himself. This is quite interesting and unique, for it further strengthens and supports the claim that before we can truly understand the words which the Lord Jesus spoke unto the churches we must first encounter and come face to face with the vision and revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ which He made known and manifest unto the seven churches which were in Asia. These seven epistles and letters would not be without, nor would they be apart from a vision and revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, for Jesus was sure to reveal a certain degree and measure of Himself unto each of the seven churches, for there was a great need for them to understand who it was that was speaking unto them. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHO IT IS THAT SPEAKS TO YOU? DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHO IS ADDRESSING YOU? DO YOU HEAR THE VOICE OF JESUS THE CHRIST SPEAKING UNTO THE CHURCHES? CAN YOU DISCERN THE VOICE OF CHRIST UNTO THE CHURCHES?

            I sit here today thinking about and consider the words which are found within each of the seven epistles and letters which were sent unto the seven churches in Asia, and I can’t help but wonder what it was like when these letters were received by each of these churches. WHEN LETTERS FROM CHRIST ARRIVE AT THE CHURCHES! WHEN LETTERS FROM CHRIST ARRIVE AMONG THE CHURCHES! WHEN LETTERS FROM CHRIST ARRIVE AT CHURCHES AND MUST NEEDS BE READ IN THE HEARING OF THE SAINTS AND BRETHREN WHICH ARE FOUND WITHIN IT! Oh I am absolutely and completely convinced there is something truly astonishing and unique to think about and consider the words which are found within these epistles and letters, for the words we find in the second and third chapters of the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ point to and reveal something which we must needs prepare and make ourselves ready for—namely, that there is something incredibly powerful when letters are received by the churches from the Lord Jesus Christ. It is one thing to receive epistles and letters from one of the apostles of Christ—the apostle Peter, the apostle John, the apostle Paul—and it’s one thing to receive epistles and letters from one of the brethren of the Lord Jesus Christ, however, it is something else entirely and altogether different to think about and consider receiving letters from the Lord Jesus Christ. Of the seven churches which were mentioned in the prophetic book of the Revelation we know that the church of Ephesus not only received an epistle written by the hand of the apostle Paul, and might also have received the first epistle written by the apostle John, but now they would receive an epistle and letter written by the hand of the apostle John which was dictated to him by the Lord Jesus Christ. The church, the saints and the brethren which were present in Ephesus would indeed receive individual epistles sent unto them from two of the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, and even from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Pause for a moment and think about what this would have been like for the saints and brethren which were in Ephesus at this time to perhaps already have copies of the epistles which were written by the apostles Paul and John among them, and now receiving an epistle and letter from the Lord Jesus Christ.

            While the church of the Laodiceans would not receive a letter and epistle that would be sent unto them by the hand of the apostle Paul, they were nonetheless mentioned in the epistle which the apostle Paul wrote unto the saints which were at Colossae. It is as you read the words which are found in the epistle written by the hand of the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Colossae that you find the apostle Paul instructing them to read the words of the letter unto and among the churches, unto the saints and unto the brethren which were at Laodicea. It is actually quite astonishing and intriguing to think about and consider this, for it brings us face to face with the tremendous reality that there were at least two of these churches who would have had some type of exposure to the writings of the apostle Paul. Now here we are a couple decades removed from the death of the apostle Paul, and we find letters and epistles coming unto the churches in Asia. History records and reveals how at this time the only original and remaining apostle upon the earth was the apostle John, and this is quite telling when you think about what these churches would have thought about when they received an epistle and letter. None of these epistles and letters were signed by the Lord Jesus Christ, however, there was absolutely no mistaking the tremendous truth that the epistles and letters came from the Lord Jesus Christ, for there would be contained within the letters a powerful revelation concerning the Lord Jesus Christ which would easily identify Him as the architect and author of the epistle.

            Stop for a moment and think about what it would be like if you as a minister or leader over a congregation and group of believers and saints of God received an e-mail in your inbox, and when you opened the e-mail you found that it contained a letter which was sent by and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Imagine sitting there in front of your computer screen, or perhaps even looking at the screen of your smart phone as you read an epistle and letter which came and originated from the very heart and mind of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more, is imagine what you would think if you arrived at whatever church building you gather together with fellow believers and saints of the living God, and there on the door, or perhaps even there under the door when you opened it was an envelop that had no return address nor anything that identified who the letter was from. Imagine opening the envelope and beginning to read the letter and realizing that it was from the Lord Jesus Christ. We know that Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg in Germany, and I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if epistles and letters which originated from the heart and mind of the Lord Jesus Christ were nailed and attached to the doors of all of our church buildings which are found in the midst of this nation and country. Earlier on during this year we experienced church buildings within and throughout this nation being closed and shut down due to the pandemic, and we found countless outraged and enraged ministers, leaders and congregants alike demanding of state, local and federal governments to open the doors of the churches. There was a period earlier on during this year when the doors of churches within, throughout and across this nation were closed, as the saints and brethren were forced to retreat and remain in their homes. During this time both the true brethren and false brethren alike were forced to remain in their homes, as they gave themselves over to watching church services online, and as they resorted to holding small groups and fellowships in the virtual and online arena. For several months the only way for the saints and brethren to have fellowship with each other was in a virtual and online environment as churches were forced to use Zoom, or WebEx, or even Teams.

            Now you might be wondering why I would choose to bring something like this up, and the truth of the matter is that I can’t help but wonder what many pastors, leaders and ministers would have thought if when they returned unto the church buildings where they had gathered together with fellow saints and brethren they returned to a letter from the Lord Jesus Christ. Having had the doors of the building shut for several months, and having the pews and seats being emptied for a number of weeks these ministers and congregants would return unto the church building, yet that which they found was something they did not and would not expect—a letter from Jesus Christ. Oh what would you as a saint and servant of the most High God think if when and as you returned to the church building you returned to a letter from the Lord Jesus Christ? What would you as a minister, leader, pastor, elder, deacon, and the like do if you returned to the church building to find an epistle and letter which came not from man, but from the Lord Jesus Christ. I wholeheartedly agree with senior pastor Tim Dilena that there are indeed letters coming unto the churches—letters of intimidation, letters of fear, letters of threats, letters of anxiety, letters of manipulation, letters of opposition, and letters of persecution—and yet I can’t help but also get the strong sense that there are other letters which are coming unto churches within and throughout this nation and country. Oh I am absolutely and completely convinced there are letters which are indeed and are in fact coming unto countless churches and church buildings within and throughout this nation, and those ministers and leaders, as well as those congregants and members must needs prepare and make themselves ready for them to arrive.

            There is not a doubt in my mind that the seven churches which were found in Asia did not expect to receive letters and epistles—much less letters and epistles from the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh how much I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like for each of these seven churches to receive an epistle and letter—yet not an epistle or letter from one of the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, but from Christ Himself. What did these churches think when they received a scroll that was sent and delivered unto them, and when they opened the scroll they found words which came not from an apostle of Christ, nor from any man, but from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself? I cannot help but think about and wonder what it would have been like for these seven churches to receive an epistle and letter—not from any man, but from the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more, is that contained within these epistles and letters were statements concerning their works, an invitation to those who had ears to hear to hear what the Spirit was speaking unto the churches, and an invitation to those who would overcome in this life in the sight and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of God the Father who is seated upon the throne. Not only this, but within these epistles and letters you will find that unto most of these churches Jesus the Christ also gave a powerful word of warning and caution unto them if they did not turn from their works and ways which were evil in the sight and presence of the living God. There were churches which were instructed to repent, and if they did not repent and given themselves to a deliberate and intentional turning from their ways the Lord would come unto them with swift and decisive action. EPISTLES FROM THE LORD JESUS CHRIST SPEAKING OF WORKS, WARNING OF ACTION, AND SPEAKING OF JUDGMENT! We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of just how absolutely incredible and intriguing these letters and epistles truly were, for when you think about the words which are found and contained within them you will find the Lord Jesus Christ speaking unto certain of the churches and inviting them to repent of their works and their actions, or else He would come unto them with swift and decisive action.

            As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I can’t help but get the strong sense within my heart and spirit that letters and epistles are indeed coming unto the churches within, throughout and across this nation, and that countless ministers and congregants alike need to prepare and make themselves ready for the arrival of these letters. While I do indeed believe there are letters coming unto the churches which come and originate from man—letters which can and will threaten, intimidate, coerce, manipulate, afflict and oppose the churches—there are also coming unto the churches letters and epistles which are coming from the heart, the mind and the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are indeed letters and epistles which are coming unto the churches, and there are ministers, leaders, elders, deacons, congregants and brethren alike who must needs prepare and make themselves ready for the arrival of these letters. There is not a doubt in my mind that the Lord Jesus Christ has much to say to the churches in this generation and in these Last Days—and specifically unto the churches which are found within the Western part of the world. I am absolutely and completely convinced that there are epistles and letters which are coming unto churches within, throughout and across this nation of ours—epistles and letters that will not only speak to their works, but will also reveal how their words were naked and exposed before and in the sight of the living and eternal Christ. I am firmly convinced that there are indeed epistles and letters which are coming unto the churches within and throughout this nation, and quite honestly there are countless pastors, ministers, leaders, elders, deacons, congregants and brethren alike who are not even ready for their arrival.

            PREPARE FOR THE LETTERS! PREPARE FOR THE EPISTLES! PREPARE FOR THE ARRIVAL OF LETTERS FROM CHRIST! Oh dear brother, oh dear sister—please mark my words and mark them well, for there is not a doubt in my mind that letters and epistles from the heart, the mind and the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ are indeed coming unto the churches. These letters can and will reveal and expose their works and their words—and not only their words and their works, but will also expose that which is found wanting among them. These letters can and will expose those who are lukewarm, those who profess themselves to be alive and yet are dead, and those who have indeed and have in fact left their first love. These letters can and will directly confront the false doctrine and false teaching that has been propagated and proclaimed unto and among the saints and the brethren. There are going to be countless ministers, leaders, pastors and the like who are going to have to give an account for the words they have spoken unto and among the saints of God, and there is going to be a divine reckoning that can and will take place. Oh we must needs realize and recognize that the words which the apostle Peter wrote still hold true today in this generation—namely, that judgment must needs begin in the house of God. What’s more, is that when writing unto the church and saints which were in Corinth the apostle Paul wrote in his letter how they were his epistles known, written unto and read among men. It is with this being said I can’t help but get the strong sense that part of the manifestation of these epistles and letters is indeed going to be men and women who are going to be epistles and letters sent straight from the heart, the mind and the mouth of the Lord. There are going to be those living epistles which are going to be sent unto the churches revealing their works in the sight and presence of the living God as faithful saints and brethren before and in the sight and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ can and will be manifested unto, among and in the midst of the churches within this country. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this, for there is not a doubt in my mind that letters and epistles are indeed coming unto the churches in this generation and in these Last Days, and we must needs make ourselves ready and prepare ourselves.

Upon bringing this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the fact that the Lord has not been, nor is He ignorant of what has happened and what has taken place in the midst of His churches—particularly and especially during recent months. I am absolutely and completely convinced that the Lord has carefully watched and observed how countless churches within and throughout this nation have handled and responded to the global crisis which has rocked this world for almost ten months now, and has somewhat and something to say. Much like the Lord Jesus had somewhat to say unto Simon in his own house when he judged, accused and condemned the woman who anointed the feet of Jesus with her tears and the perfume, so also does the Lord Jesus have somewhat to say unto countless churches within their own buildings. Oh minister, preacher, pastor, deacon, elder, leader, apostle, bishop, etc.—know of a certain that the Lord Jesus Christ has somewhat to say unto you in this hour for your words and your actions in recent months. Oh dear brother, oh dear sister—know of a certain the Lord Jesus Christ has somewhat to say unto you concerning your words and your actions in the midst of this hour, and how you have conducted yourself in the midst of this generation. There is not a doubt in my mind that there are countless men and women among us who must needs prepare and make themselves ready to receive letters from those who are in the world, but they must also make themselves ready to receive letters and epistles written and sent unto them from the heart, the mind and the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this, for I am absolutely and completely convinced that the Lord has somewhat to say to many of the churches within this nation, unto many of the ministers and leaders in this nation, and unto many of the saints and brethren among us within these churches—words of instruction, words of correction, words of rebuke, words of chastisement, words of judgment, words of warning, words of caution, and the like. At the very heart of it all we must needs recognize two distinct and important truths—namely, that we must recognize and understand He from whom the letters and epistles sent, as well as hearing that which the Spirit is speaking unto the churches.