Gene Eastman (12 July 2012)
"What is this scripture in Rev. 2 telling us today?"

http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/july2012/genee712.htm

Praise to the believer-



Rev. 2: 1 CJB to the angel of the Messianic Community in Ephesus, write: 'Here is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven gold menorahs: 2 "I know what you have been doing, how hard you have worked, how you have persevered, and how you can't stand wicked people; so you tested those who call themselves emissaries but aren't - and you found them to be liars. 3 You are persevering, and you have suffered for my sake without growing weary.



Rebuke



4 But I have this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. 5 Therefore, remember where you were before you fell, turn from this sin, and do what you used to do before.



Consequences or punishment for disobedience



Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your menorah from its place - if you don't turn from your sin!



If he removes your lamp what does that mean?



Does that make you one of the 5 foolish virgins?



Do we believe the Bible, or the doctrines of man?



Are you really ready to meet Him?



6 But you have this in your favor: you hate what the Nicolaitans do - I hate it too. 7 Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities. To him winning the victory I will give the right to eat from the Tree of Life which is in God's Gan-'Eden."'





These are questions I ask myself; my pastor calls me a thinking person.



Shalom, peace be unto you my friend.



Gene Eastman



CJB = Complete Jewish Bible

Church #2

Rev. 2: 8-11

8-9To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. NIV I know about your suffering and your poverty--but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan.NLT ( Some in the church are not of the church.)



Revelation 3:9 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. NIV

10 be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. NLT


Revelation 12:11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.NIV

11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.NIV

Matthew 11:15 He who has ears, let him hear.NIV

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years..NIV


Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death NIV

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