Warning to the Seven Churches in Revelation

church on a hill

12/27/23– The following post was published on May 6, 2023 prior to the recent scandal regarding TD Jakes. This post by no means represents the current accusations of Bishop Jakes. Let us stand in prayer on behalf of TD Jakes, his family and the Potter’s House Ministry. I’m not in any position to comment or voice my opinion on this specific matter. This post is generally stating and shedding light on some of the issues facing the Body of Christ and the state of some churches.

Any charge must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. To those who sinned in the past and to the rest I say beforehand while absent the same thing I said when I was with you the second time: if I come again I will not spare you —

2 Corth 13:1-2

There are so many things happening in our world today; not only in the world, but also in our churches. On social media, we see people posting of church hurt. There are pastors having sex with women in their congregations while others want to introduce cannibus into their church to grow their membership. Several denominations have split due to conflicts with same-sex marriages and the ordination LGBTQ clergy.

Woe, to the gossipers, slanderers and adulterers who divide the Body of Christ with divination, strife and conflict. We have others so jealous and filled with envy that you can cut it with a knife. The lost doesn’t even want to step foot in a church because they’re afraid of being judged and ridiculed.

church steeple

In a nutshell, the sin happening in the church is a reflection of the world. The Body of Christ has to get their house in order. Judgement is knocking on the door and it will start in the church. The Jezebel spirit of manipulation, control, fear and intimidation in ministry leadership as well as in the congregation, will be crushed when the Lord begins to sweep the house of all its impurities and unrighteousness.

In the Book of Revelations, we are introduced to the seven churches of Asia; Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamus, Thyatira, Sardis to Philadelphia and Laodicca which was shown by angels sent by God to his servant John of what is to come. Those who have an ear let them hear what the Lord is saying.

girl praying alone

1. The Loveless Church

The angel of the church of Ephesus writes

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Rev2:2-6

praying hands in church pew

2. The Persecuted Church

And to the angel of the church of Smyrna writes

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Rev 2:8-10

The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. Rev 2:11

choir singing in church

3. The Compromising Church

And to the angel of the church in Pergamus

These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.

14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. Rev 2:12-17

praise and worship in church

4. The Corrupt Church

And the angel of the church of Thyatira

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, 25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.’

church pews

5. The Dead Church

And the angel of the church in Sardis

26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’[b]—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star. Rev 2:18-28

I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Rev 3:1-5

church congregation worshipping God

6. The Faithful Church

And the angel of the church of Philadelphia

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.

Rev 3:7-12

church congregation listening to sermon

7. The Lukewarm Church

And the angel of the church of Laodiceans

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Rev 3:14-21


THE PLUMB LINE – May 10, 2023

The Lord spoke the word “Plumb line” this morning. This was 4 days after I posted about the Seven Churches in Revelations. I didn’t understand what it meant so I looked it up in the dictionary and on Google.

Plum line means “a cord with a lead bob attached to one end, used to determine perpendicularity, the depth of water, etc.” it is used by a carpenter or a plumber.

I decided to Google the word in relation to what a plumb line means in scripture. In summary, it relates to righteousness, justice and the rebuilding of the temple. The meanings and context are also aligned with the Bible passages related to the Seven Churches in Revelations.

God’s laws and commandments are the plum line that defines right from wrong. God’s standards are not based on the opinions of man. The righteous align their lives according to God’s word rather than satisfying their own agendas or living on their own terms.

I received an overflow of scriptures from just two words, “Plumb line.” I’ve included the scriptures below for your reference. Please feel free to comment below or share this post.

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Amos 7:7-8

Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand.

8 And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:

Isaiah 28:17

17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

Zech 1:16

16 Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

Jer 31:38-40

38 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the city shall be built to the Lord from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner.

39 And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath.

40 And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy unto the Lord; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever.

Zech 2:1-2

 I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.

2 Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.

Isaiah 1:21-24

How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.

22 Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:

23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

24 Therefore saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:

Isaiah 59:14

14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

2 Kings 21:13

13 And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.

Isaiah 34:11

11 But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.

Lamentations 2:8

8 The Lord hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion: he hath stretched out a line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying: therefore he made the rampart and the wall to lament; they languished together.

Zech 4:10

10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

Mark 12:10

10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

Rom 9:33

33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

1 Peter 2:6

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Num 23:19

19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

John 17:17

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Bible Scripture

Matt 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

1 Corth 12:12-31Unity and Diversity in One Body

Eight Keys to Spiritual Growth and Development

The Lifestyle of a Believer

Spiritual growth is a journey that many people embark on at some point in their lives. It involves exploring your inner self, understanding your purpose, and connecting with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to lead you to all truth. Here are eight keys to spiritual growth that can help you on this journey.

1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts, feelings,and surroundings. You become highly intuitive and sensitive to the things around you and to others emotions and the needs around you. It involves observing your thoughts without judgement, as well as accepting and releasing them. Mindfulness is essential to connecting your heart and mind with the intentions that the Lord has for your life. It leads you to a sense of inner peace and awareness, which is essential for spiritual growth.

2. Gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of being thankful for the blessings in your life, big or small. It helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life and shifts your perspective to one of abundance rather than lack. Gratitude also helps you cultivate a sense of humility and appreciation for the people and things in your life.

3. Self-Reflection

Self reflection is the practice of looking inward and examining your thoughts, feelings, emotions, actions and behavior. It helps you identify areas of your life that need improvement and to become more self aware. Self-Reflection also helps you cultivate a sense of compassion as well as set boundaries for yourself and others.

4. Connection with Nature

Nature has a way of reminding us of our place in the world and connecting us with all living things. Spending time in nature releases stress and centers your thoughts. It cultivates a sense of peace and eliminates confusion and chaos. Water is extremely calming and is of the Spirit. It is essential for life. The ocean, sea or river is life-giving and provides your being to relax and embrace the moment. Being in nature helps you appreciate the beauty and expression of God’s creation.

5. Service to others

Service to others is the practice of helping those in need and contributing to the wellbeing of others and your community. It helps you cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in your life and to connect with others on a deep level. Service to others also helps develop a sense of compassion and empathy for those who are sick, elderly or less fortunate.

6. Prayer and Meditation

Prayer and meditation are powerful practices for spiritual growth. When you a build relationship with God, daily communication is the lifeline to your spiritual process that strengthens your faith. Connecting with the Creator is a lifestyle not a religion.

7. Reading the Bible

Reading the Bible is the living word that comes to life on the page. Each time you read the scripture, you receive new insight and revelation. It builds your faith and your character in Christ. You develop a strong solid foundation that cannot be shaken by the events happening in the world. It’s life’s instruction manual to divinely guide you through the obstacles, challenges and difficulties of life. It also fills you with the power, wisdom and strength to natigate through the plots, schemes and plans of the enemy.

8. Forgivessness Sets You Free

Forgiveness is the practice of letting go of, resentment and anger which leads to bitterness towards those who wronged you. It helps you cultivate a sense of compassion and understanding for others and releases negative emotions that can hold you back. Forgiveness also helps you develop a sense of inner peace and freedom. You no longer will keep living in the past and recycling old memories but have the ability to move forward in your life. Forgiveness does not mean you have to accept the person that mistreated or abused you and keep them in your circle. Setting healthy boundaries from toxic relationships is mandatory and allows you to heal from every bad situation, experience or toxic environment.

Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that requires patience, dedication, and application. When you walk in the fruits of the spirit which is joy, love, faithfulness, forbearance, patience, gentleness, goodness, kindness, self-control, you reflect the character of Jesus. Gal 5:22-23

It deepens your relationship with God and others. By activating mindfulness, gratitude, self-reflection, connection with nature, service to others, prayer and meditation, Bible study and forgiveness, you can deepen your spiritual walk and find greater meaning and purpose in your life.


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Bible Scriptures

Mindfulness

Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10

Gratitude

Be thankful in all circumstances because this is Gods will for you who belongs to Christ Jesus. 1Thess 5:18

SelfReflection

But be doers of the Word, and not heaters only, deceiving yourselves. For anyone is a bearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. James 1:22-24

Connection with Nature

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Service to others

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward his name, in that you have ministered to the the saints, and do minister. Heb 6:10

Prayer and Meditation

Do not be anxious for anything , but with prayer and thanksgiving making your request known to God, Phil 4:6-7

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Psalm 19:14

Reading the Bible

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Rev 1:3

Forgiveness

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

The Danger of Following False Prophets

Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! Ezk 13: 3

The world has changed drastically. In his new world that we live in, technology has a major influence in our homes and communities as well as our political, social, educational and spiritual perspectives and views.

We are heavily bombarded with news, opinions, statistics, and innovations. We are quick to follow the latest trends, social media influencers, and controversial celebrity gossip.

Dancing with Divination

On the same scale, we quick to follow prophetic messages with hopes of the promises of good news, fortune and blessings. We desire anything that is pleasing to the flesh – eyes, ears, taste, touch even smell. Some people look to horoscopes, astrology, numerology, charms, crystals, fortune tellers, psychics, soothsayers and false prophets for the latest predictions about upcoming events like it would transform their lives like magic.

Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their sleeves and make veils for their heads of people of ever pay height to hunt souls! Ezk 13:18 Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold I’m against your magic charms by which you hunt souls there like birds. I will tear them from your arms, and let the souls go, the souls you hunt like birds. I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people out of your hand, and they shall no longer be as a prey in your hand. Then you shall know that I am Lord.

Ezk 13: 20-21

We don’t want to listen to anything that will disrupt our way of thinking or feeling. We crave comfort and lavish lifestyles and reject correction, instruction, wisdom and truth.

The world is going to continue to grow more chaotic and evil. If you’re not rooted in sound doctrine, you will not be able to stand against the attacks, plots, schemes and plans of the enemy.

We must be spiritually discerning and be careful not to align ourselves with false doctrines or mixed ideologies. You cannot call on Jesus and then give credit to the universe. The Lord created the universe and everything in it.

We will go through many difficult situations and circumstances but if we know the character and the Word of God, He will protect and guide us through every storm, valley, evil attack and corruptive agenda that’s placed before us.

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Romans 16:17-18

We must test the spirit with the Word of God at all times. You cannot test the spirit if you do not know or understand the Word of God, His character and His ways. The Spirit of God leads you in all truth and teaches you all things in the Spirit.

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But, he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that He may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. I Corth 2:14-16

We cannot be spiritually idle or lazy and rely on pastors, ministry leaders and prophetic voices to give us direction. We must know God for ourselves and allow Christian leaders to be the reinforcement and encouragement as well as the teachers to nurture our spiritual growth as a Body of Believers.

The world mixes good for evil and evil for good. There are so many blurred lines that the church is looking and acting just like the world. Recently, Pastor Jamal Bryant stated he wanted to bring cannibus into the church to grow His ministry. There is a serious problem when a spiritual leader is leading his sheep to the slaughter and he doesn’t see anything wrong with it. You need to know Jesus for yourselves. There’s many wolves in sheep’s clothing. Acts 20:28-30

Be sober and vigilant, because your adversary the devil is a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8

The late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was criticized for not doing more to address sexual abuse in the church. He was accused of poor handling of accusations against some priests as the head of Vatican’s doctrinal office.

When you are in the public eye or serving in ministry you have to be extremely careful of falling prey to temptations of this world and appeasing men.

Idolatry is Priority

Fame and fortune is also a snare and can lead you into idolatry. We can look at many examples in Hollywood whose life has been completely destroyed because they did not have the wisdom to handle the responsibilities that come with abundance and prosperity. They simply have money to burn on fleshy pleasures.

For the love of money is the root of all evil; while some has coveted after they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves with many sorrows. I Tim 6:10

Do not conform to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is good and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Rom 12:2

Stand in the Test of Time

We are leaning into transformative times that will test our faith. In the Bible, Daniel refused to eat from the King’s plate because the meat was sacrificed to idols. Dan 1:8-16

Joseph refused to sleep with Potiphar’s wife. Gen 39:10

Shaderack, Meshack and Andego refused to bow down to the King of Babylon and the golden statue.

I’m sure you’re familiar with these stories of the Bible. They were thrown in a fire and it was heated seven times hotter than normal. They believed in God and had faith that God would save them. King Nebuchadnezzar saw four men walking in the fire unharmed. The king promoted them to a higher office and decreed that the God of Israel was to be worshipped in the land.

What are you willing to endure? Are you willing to stand alone against mockery and persecution?

The Holy Spirit provides all truth and knowledge to understand the Bible and guides us in all wisdom we need in the instruction for life.

Anything that we deem as priority or worship is a form of idolatry. Here are just a few things off the top of my head that can easily become a snare of idolatry.

Materialism:

  • Technology
  • Work/Jobs
  • Children
  • Education
  • Money
  • Celebrities
  • Sports
  • Social Media
  • Food
  • Fashion/Clothing

Idolatry means

1. the religious worship of idols.

2. excessive or blind adoration, reverence or devotion

We have carried the same idolatry into the 21st Century which has been in the foreshadows and forefront for decades.

There are many forms of idolatry embedded in our architecture and culture which stems from Egyptian and Assyrian traditions of worshipping the kings and gods during their time.

On Wall Street, there is a golden bull outside of the building of the stock exchange. It reminds me of the golden calf which was created and worshipped when the people lost faith on the way to the promised land.

The Black Egyptian Obelisk, known as the Cleopatra’s Needle, is part of the architecture design which consists of two monuments which are located in Themes embankment in London and Central Park in New York. It stands 69 feet high.

The most modern version of an obelisk is centered directly in front of the White House in Washington DC and stands 555 feet tall. There is also an obelisk located at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

I just realized this while writing this text that even the World Trade Center resembles an obelisk in its architecture design. These monuments are symbolic of the obelisks found in Egyptian architecture.

We must be aware of the different types of idolatry so we don’t succumb to worldly pursuits. We should regularly do a self-check or evaluation to ensure we are walking in alignment with the Lord.


The scriptures listed below relate to false prophets and false doctrines. Please take time to read and meditate on these scriptures. God is not the author of confusion. If you are a new believer and feeling lost and confused with all the noise on the internet. I highly recommend you dig into these scriptures for the truth in God’s word.

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Bible Study

Ezk 13-14

Matt 6:24 and 34

Micah 2:6-11

Hosea 3-5

Mark 7:15-20

I John 4:1-6

Mark 13:22

Jer 23:16

Rev 2:20

Matt 24:11-12

Rev 16:13

Rev 19:20

Rev 20:10

Jer 23:13

Math 24:24

Jer 27:9-10

Jude 16-19

2 Corth 11:13-15

2 Tim 4:3

Matt 7:15

2 Peter 2:1

Mark 7:6-9

Deut 18:20

Gal 5:19-21

Jer 44: 1-29