LESSON 1, INTRODUCTION:

If you write a website lesson daily, and have done so for nearly ten years, one of the challenges is knowing which Scripture Passage to study next.

On our Site Map page you can see that hundreds if not thousands of verses have already been analyzed and admired and explained.

For the next few days I think we're going to study a little bit from Revelation chapters two and three. Maybe look at the seven churches John presents there, particularly from one angle.

That being the progression of sin as it stalks the professing church. Notice I said the professing church, not necessarily the True Church, the Genuine Body of Christ.

I'd like to ask you to memorize those churches, the cities where they were located, if you would.

They are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.

Truthfully I do not know for sure where these lessons will take us, except into the amazing Word of God.

Join us tomorrow, Lord willing, and we shall begin the journey.

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 2:

The introduction John the Apostle gives to his readers in the Book of Revelation, the introduction to the "Seven Churches" about to be addressed, is phrased like this: "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." Revelation 1:4-6

This is the first any New Testament reader has ever heard of any "seven churches." Who are they? Where are they?

This little paragraph of Scripture will prepare us for the Bible's smallest letters, "epistles," over a half dozen of them. They are contained within two chapters of Scripture, the Bible's great Apocalypse, the Book of Revelation.

They are in "Asia," in Greek spelled "asia!" It means the "orient." Today the area involved is loosely comparable to the Nation of Turkey.

We see here a threefold designation of God. He "Which is and was and is to come" is God the Father, particularly so. The "seven Spirits" is God the Holy Ghost, as a Perfect Executor of God's Will. And "the faithful Witness" is None Other than Jesus Himself! The Triune Godhead in our introduction today!

Except Jesus is emphasized more thoroughly than one would have expected. Yet Jesus is the Subject of Revelation. It belongs to Him! See Revelation 1:1, "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him!"

In this study we're going to pay special attention to the names and titles given our Lord. Here He is beautifully designated as "The faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth."

Jesus arose from the grave ... never to die again! He's the First of Whom that could have ever been said!

And here we're also told that Jesus "washed" us from our sins! The verb "louo" means "bathed!"

What a Saviour!

Read our verses again if you have time. They are magnificent. "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." Revelation 1:4-6

Tomorrow, Lord willing, a little bit about the Church at Ephesus, the first noticed in this set of seven.

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 3, MAY 4, 2012:

Before we can study the Church at Ephesus or its six Sister Churches, we must notice the Speaker to these seven congregations. And that Person would be Jesus!

Our Lord is described in detail in Revelation chapter one. John is telling us his Story: "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 twoedged 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." Thus we have Revelation 1:12-20, King James Version.

John calls this Man a "voice!" The Greek noun used here is "phone," pronounced "fo-nay," accenting the last syllable. What a "sound," likely derived from a basic verb meaning "to reveal, to shine." His Voice reveals His Character, as is the case with us all.

Notice too where Jesus appears. "In the midst of the seven candlesticks," meaning Jesus is positioned among His Churches! He loves His people, His children! Yes, as our paragraph today explains "the seven candlesticks are the seven churches." Go to Church, likely you will find Jesus there! I speak of godly Bible-preaching Churches of course.

And then let's pay attention to how Jesus is dressed. While Bible teachers do not always agree on this wardrobe's significance, our Lord is undoubtedly attired in both religious and governmental garb. He is dressed as a Priest ... and as a King!

This should remind us all of that mysterious man in the Old Testament, mentioned again in Hebrews, a person who is both a king and priest ... Melchisedec! This very name means "King of Righteousness!"

Then notice what this Man, our Saviour, says of Himself.  "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." Revelation 1:17-18

Wow!

This is the Son of God!

And He is the One Who will be speaking to the Seven Churches! Listen to the first verse in the Ephesus Church paragraph, the Epistle of Jesus to Ephesus! "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience ...." Revelation 2:1-2

Jesus to His Churches!

Commendations.

Warnings.

Promises.

Every Christian will want to listen closely.

Lord willing, more tomorrow.

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 4, MAY 5, 2012:

Studying yesterday I noticed an interesting set of truths about Jesus, particularly in His relationship to the seven churches of Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Sometimes they are called "the seven Churches of Asia Minor."

We're going to notice a brief fact regarding the Ephesian Church, the first one listed. And then a corresponding note about the Laodicean Church, the last of the group.

Here we go.

Look at our Lord's position, His location, at the Ephesian Assembly. "Unto the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience ...." Revelation 2:1-2, where Jesus is right in the "middle," in the "heart" of His Churches!

The preposition "midst" here is "mesos" in Greek, derived from the root word "meta." Jesus is "with" them, "behind" them, "among" them, close and intimate association being indicated.

But as time passes the Churches have sinned so rebelliously, have accepted so much false doctrine, have tolerated so much blatant sin, have become so uncaring, have departed so far from the Lord Who loved them and saved them ... that the seventh Church, Laodicea, can no longer claim such a close presence to her Lord!

Watch. "And unto the Laodiceans write ... Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20, where Jesus is no longer in the "midst" of the Church, but on the outside, seeking to gain entrance!

"In" the Church!

"No longer" in the Church!

And such is the story of professing Christianity.

The Church on earth consists, Jesus tells us, of both real Christians and false ones! The "tares" and the "wheat," so to speak.

Jesus enjoys the wheat fields of His Kingdom!

The tares some day will face the judgment of eternal fire!

How about you Church, dear friend who reads here today?

Is Jesus there, in your midst?

If so, thank God sincerely!

If not, find a place of worship where Jesus abides!

An appropriate Lesson, especially for a Saturday morning.

                       --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Probably the closer we come to our Lord's return, the darker the days grow ... the more our Churches will be tempted to lean on their own abilities rather than the power of the Holy Spirit ... and the more Jesus will withdraw!

Lord, help us to stay faithful and true to Your Name.

LESSON 5, MAY 6, 2012:

Let me share with you the thought that's on my mind. Our Text, Revelation chapters two and three, fifty-one verses of Scripture, discuss seven local Churches once located in first-century Asia Minor.

One of the most exciting things about this unit of the Bible is that it contains seven little "letters" or "epistles!" They are never really counted in any tally, not like Paul's fourteen or Peter's two or John's three Epistles. But they're there nonetheless!

Then to cap it all, Jesus is the Author of these little letters! Our Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world!

Hence they are, in a unique way, words from Heaven. Bits of advice our Resurrected Lord has for the Church Who loves His Name, even up to the very year in which we live. Right up to the Rapture of the Church, I believe.

The past few days I've noticed that Jesus identifies Himself differently to each of these Assemblies! How special, how personal, yet He remains the very Same Second Person of The Trinity!

One God, many Titles here.

Surely this means something, something quite significant.

For example, to the Ephesian Church Jesus is "He that holdeth the seven stars in His Right Hand, Who walketh in the midst of the of the seven golden candlesticks." Revelation 2:1

To the Smyrnans Jesus is "The First and the Last, Which was dead and is alive." Revelation 2:8

To the saved in Pergamous He is "He Which hath the sharp sword with two edges." Revelation 2:12

Now listen to the Thyatiran Description: "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

Yet to Sardis, that Church, our Lord is "He That hath the Seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars." Revelation 3:1

Yet again He speaks, this time to the Philadelphians: "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

Lastly, His Identity to the Church at Laodicea: "These things saith The Amen, The Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the Creation of God." Revelation 3:14

Look at these, folks!

Different lengths.

Various tones, some seem encouraging while others threatening.

And certainly, different emphases.

Here's my point today. Jesus is "What" we need, at any given time! This too, He is always "Whom" we need, guaranteed!

He's the Solution to each of these Church's problems.

He's the Answer to their questions.

He's the Reason for their being.

Tomorrow and Tuesday at least we will be analyzing these "names" and "titles" our Lord uses to introduce Himself to the respective congregations.

There's much to learn, I'm sure.

By the way, what do you need this Lord's Day morning? Whatever it is, Jesus is the Provider!

What a great Saviour we have!

                         --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 6, MONDAY, MAY 7, 2012:

Here's an example of what I mentioned yesterday. To the Ephesian Church Jesus identified Himself as "He that holdeth the seven stars in His Right Hand, Who walketh in the midst of the of the seven golden candlesticks." Revelation 2:1

And what was the prevalent condition in that Ephesian Church? What was their "weakness" to which Jesus called attention? "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." Revelation 2:4

That verb "have left" translates a Greek word that means "to send away!" It suggests "forsaking" something! Laying it aside or yielding it to something else!

The preposition "against" is "kata" and means to be "down" on someone for a careless deed or habit, as here.

And "love" is the beautiful noun "agape," God's Love!

To the folks who have lost the thrill, the wonder, the excitement of loving Jesus, of knowing Him, of being saved ... Jesus appears as the One in their very midst! Among them! Remember, John has already taught us that the "candlesticks" represent the "Churches" themselves. Jesus is "He Who walketh in the midst of the of the seven golden candlesticks."

Here's what Jesus is to the Ephesians, a constant Presence! Walking with them in every service, sitting with them at every meal, always by their side!

How exciting, wonderful, thrilling!

And if one can lose his or her "love" for the Lord under those circumstances, probably that loss of love is irretrievable.

How to keep from losing that first love?

Keep in mind, constantly doing so, that Jesus is with you!

By you!

In you!

Such a Saviour, so constantly loving us ... surely could never be loved any less by us. Meaning us old sinners whom He has saved by Grace!

What Jesus is to the Ephesians, "walking in their midst," ... should have solved their most significant problem for all their earthly lives!

Then how could any of us ever lose our first love?

                         --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 7, MAY 8, 2012:

Jesus is ... exactly what we need!

At least He was to each of the seven Churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three.

Today we notice the Church of Smyrna. It is described and addressed in Revelation 2:8-11, just those four verses.

Jesus' Title that He shares with the Smyrna Assembly is "The First and the Last, Which was Dead and is Alive." Revelation 2:8c

He did not use this Nomenclature with any other Church. He specifically and particularly calls Himself, and rightly so, these things to the Fellowship of Believers who were facing trying circumstances.

This is the suffering Church! They will be tried and imprisoned and some of them even killed for their faith. Verse 10 mentions to them "Things which thou shalt suffer. Ye shall be tried and have tribulation. Be thou faithful unto death." Hard times indeed.

To these, I so hope you see this ... Jesus is The One Who was Dead, but now is Alive again!

What encouragement that would be, those very words, to a suffering congregation of saints.

They may kill you ... but "in" Me, as a Believer, you will not remain dead! You will be raised again!

At the Rapture of the Church!

And this too, the Smyrnans were promised their suffering would be limited, be controlled, by Almighty God.

"Ye shall have tribulation ten days," read as only ten days! Bad enough, but tempered by God's Mercy!

So then, Jesus is also "The First and The Last!"

He was with them when the trials started! And will still be with them when the trials were over!

How preciously calculated are these Names of Jesus, perfectly suited to the Churches with whom they are shared.

What a Saviour!

What do you need today, friend?

Jesus is the Answer. He is exactly What, Who, you need to meet all the issues of life.

Amen.

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 8:

The Name Jesus chose for Himself as He spoke to the Church at Pergamos, that's today's theme.

Succinctly our Lord identifies Himself as "He Which hath the sharp sword with two edges." Revelation 2:12

This metaphor, this word picture, can carry more than one implication. It can of course represent the "Word of God," the Bible, the Holy Scripture, which Paul terms "the Sword of the Spirit" in Ephesians 6:16.

It can also carry militaristic tones. Like a battle cry!

The second of these meanings is in focus here I think.

Then why? Why is Jesus wanting to be known to the saints at Pergamos as the One with that Sword?

Because of the conditions in that city, in that Church, at the time Christ penned this short note to them.

Revelation 2:12-17 tell us the whole story, that which we need to know anyway.

These folks dwell "where Satan's seat is," emblematic of blatant wickedness in the city. But hopefully not in the Church yet!

But the Church had begun to tolerate some false doctrine! "Balaam" taught the Jews to fall into sin, enticing them to both sensually and spiritually commit fornication.

In brief, sin had imdeed begun to creep into the Pergamos Fellowship. And Jesus knows it! And does not plan to sit idly by, doing nothing.

So our Saviour brings His Sword! Again, He's the One! "He Which hath the sharp sword with two edges." Revelation 2:12

But why the Sword, more specifically?

Not yet to discipline the Church, though she is becoming way too careless.

To strike the enemy!

Jesus talking again: "I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them (the detractors) with the Sword of my mouth." Revelation 2:16

Jesus has become their Defender! The Guardian of the Church at Pergamos!

That's Beautiful!

And folks reading here today, He is ours too!

Our Overseer.

Our Protector!

Our Lord!

Our Heavenly Lover!

And He still has that Sword nearby.

Praise Him today.

                         --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 9:

Jesus is, to the Church at Thyatira, "The Son of God, Who hath His Eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His Feet are like fine brass." Revelation 2:18

This is an entirely different Title for our Lord than the ones given to the other Churches. At least those we've studied so far.

In the Bible flames of fire can at times refer to anger! Even to a kind of wrath, a corrective sort of thing.

And brass is typical or symbolical of judgment too.

But why is Jesus presenting Himself this way?

Because of the situation there in Thyatira, in that city and sad-to-say in that local Church as well.

They had let people with the spirit of "Jezebel" come into the Church. She indicates here an idol worship lifestyle! Probably mixed too with moral laxity, an anything goes attitude!

Not standing against sin, in any form!

Folks, if we have read this right, Jesus is upset with this Assembly of Believers. And He reminds them that He is not only "The First and The Last," His Name at Pergamos ... but is also "The Son of God, Who hath His Eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His Feet are like fine brass."

Wow!

Sounds like some chastening may be on the way!

If repentance does not some soon.

Look at this. If I need love, Jesus is God's Perfect "Love."

If I am lonely, Jesus is the great "Companion."

But if I need a whipping, Jesus' Eyes can light up like "Fire," and His sweet, beautiful, nail-pierced Feet can glow like white-hot "Brass."

What a Saviour!

He is Whatever we need!

                       --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 10, MAY 12, 2012:

Today we're going to notice the words of Jesus, specifically the Title He uses of Himself, as He talks to the ancient Church of Sardis.

They are recorded in Revelation 3:1. "And unto ... the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars."

There is both wonder and mystery in this statement.

Sardis was the Church that will, for all history, be known as a "dead" Church! Yet even she had a few things that could be excerpted and utilized.

Dead, but not completely dead!

Jesus again: "I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die." Revelation 1-2

Here at Sardis no doubt the Holy Spirit has been grieved, hindered, gravely quenched. The Pastor there, the "angel" or messenger God sent the Church, has apparently failed them.

So, here comes ... He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars." Our Lord Jesus Christ!

Yes, Jesus necessarily commends Himself to them as the One Who "has the Seven Spirits of God," an Old Testament way of saying "The Absolute Fullness" of God the Holy Spirit!

And Jesus has seven "stars," too. More "preachers," I think, this time who are able to stand for the Truth, bringing vitality and revival, not death and drudgery!

What we're being taught today is this. In any Church where liberalism and faithlessness have become predominant, where few things of strength remain ... Jesus is willing to provide what is lacking!

Jesus will be the Fullness of the Spirit!

Jesus will be or will provide a faithful witness!

Jesus will make up whatever is lacking!

We may prove unfaithful. But Jesus will never be that!

He's the Supplier of any deficiency the Church may have.

Tomorrow, if you do not really hear the Word of God at your Church ... find one where you do hear the Bible preached!

And if that some day becomes impossible, look to Jesus!

He will feed you.

He will give you the Holy Spirit.

He will be your Pastor!

Amen.

                       --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 11, MOTHER'S DAY, MAY 13, 2012:

This Lord's Day morning we're going to notice Jesus' words to the Church at Philadelphia. In this relatively short sentence our Lord identifies Himself in several different ways. I think it's the longest of His "Title Speeches" in all this seven church span.

Here's our Saviour: "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

He is Holy, that being His Very Name!

He is True, too, a Greek word meaning "unforgettable!"

And He has the "keys!" The keys to what? Everything!

Here the key of David likely represents access to the David Kingdom, sitting on the Throne of Israel, some day ruling there for a thousand glorious years!

Then Jesus can "open" or "shut" as he pleases. And His decision is irrevocable!

But why these names specifically to the Philadelphian Church?

Because it's the Assembly that has the least condemnation, when compared to her sister Churches anyway.

Notice no threat in Jesus' words. No "hint" of any chastisement or discipline either.

Just blessings and open doors of opportunity. Or maybe even shut doors to the enemy!

What a blessing!

If today you are living for Jesus, not tolerating any known sin in your life, you may claim this set of Names for Jesus!

You will long to be more like him as the Holy One and the True One. You will want to enter every open door He sends you ... and avoid every shut door!

Enjoy these words today.

Claim them for yourself and your family and your Church and your Preacher!

 "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."

Amen!

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 12, CONCLUSION:

The last Church Jesus addressed in Revelation chapters two and three was located in the ancient City of Laodicea. It was the "lukewarm" Church. It had become so  proud that Jesus was ready to "spue" it out of His Mouth, to "vomit" it, in other words.

This Church has truly ignored Christ to the point that He seems not to even have free access there anymore.

She has failed her Lord!

She no longer acknowledges Him!

Therefore to her, Jesus must be known as: "The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God." Revelation 3:14

Look at the applicability, the pertinence, the very wisdom in these Titles of Jesus!

Laodicea is no longer faithful.

But Jesus is!

Laodicea has lost her sense of the truth.

Yet Jesus remains just that, The Truth!

I'm sure no "amens" are any longer heard there either.

So Jesus becomes the Amen!

Laodicea represents the end of the Church age.

But no worry, nothing is going to die permanently.

Jesus is the Beginning!

When Pastors fail and Churches apostasize and Christianity wanes ... our dear Lord never wavers!

He is indeed ... "The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God."

Exactly what was needed in that darkest of hours!

And He remains so yet today.

Precisely What we need.

Precisely Whom we need.

Jesus is All!

                        --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Seven weak Churches ... seven views of an eternally Strong Jesus! Always he is just what we need! Praise His Name today.