Beginning Revelation!

[Dan Johnson]

I wanted to get started on this. Hopefully People will join in with me. lol If not? Well, at least I'm studying. lol

Revelations 1
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

3 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. 4 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; 5 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, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 7 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. 8 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.

9 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.
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 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. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 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. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 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.

17 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: 18 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.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 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.


I love this part of Revelations. Though I noticed that many have this symbolism thing going on with this area. I would love to get any input on this area that you may have.

I love the fact that we are blessed to be able to read this Prophecy. Knowing the end helps me out in sooo many ways. A majority of the ones who wrote the Bible didn't have this option.

Then John gets to finally see Jesus, in all His glory. Hair as white as snow, Eyes like fire!, Out of His mouth a two edged sword!
Stars in one hand and the other candlesticks?

Is this where we start picking this apart? I would love to hear some interputation here. Even though I didn't spell it right. lol

Lets get started!
God bless you all
Dan

[Dan Johnson]

Jesus is only holding stars not candlesticks.

Anyway here are the verses!

12-16
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 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. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 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.

The Lampstands or Candlesticks stood in Israel’s temple

Ex 25:31-40 (If you want me to post the Verses I can do that also)

The seven-branched lampstand not only illuminates the interior of the sacred tent but also symbolizes the light of knowledge of God’s purpose for his people. A later version of this lampstand is depicted on the Arch of Titus in Rome, where the treasures taken from the temple of Herod in 70 CE are on display.
(Taken from Cambrigdge Study Bible)

The Bible itself says that the Lampstands are The eyes of the LORD.Zech 4:10
10 For who has despised the day of small things?
For these seven rejoice to see
The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
They are the eyes of the LORD,
Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.”
I prefer you read the whole thing from Zechariah, 4:1-14 It also says much more about it. Including the 2 Olive Branches.

Understanding Revelations actually takes reading the Bible Mainly all the Prophets. Each question we have will be refering to them. The Bible as a whole Tells us what Revelations is. (If that makes sense) lol
If I get to preachy on this let me know. I want this to understandable not to Holy for me. lol

13 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.

In the midst is One Like The Son Of Man! (Jesus) All throughout the Bible describes Him like this.
Dressed as the High Priest
The attire of the high priest (cf. Ex 28:4; 29:5; 39:29).

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Isaiah 1
18 “Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
Eyes Like Fire?
I haven't found much on this part. Other than the purifying Fire of God!
My own personal opinion. Is it may also show His Power. Maybe even an anger from seeing His Children Lost and not wanting to come Home to Him. However we are supposed to have an anger against evil. We are not supposed to sin from it though.

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
(Brass) firmly refined very strong.
Ezek 43:2
1 Afterward he brought me to the gate, the gate that faces toward the east. 2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.
(Imagine that lol)

16 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.

The Sword Is For War! His Word is all Powerful Yes. In Revelation 16 He Quotes
16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
In Rev 19
13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

(But I thought God was a Loving God?) lol
God is Love, But at this time. satan, his demons, his followers, and all who are not saved under the Blood Of Jesus Christ. will no longer be tolerated. This time will be the beginning of Hell on Earth.

Jesus Explains the Stars in verse 20 lol and the lampstands. lol
20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

This is my Favorite Book of the entire Word of God. The reason being?
Not only does it tell of the War about to come. But it also Tells of the Everlasting Piece that comes afterward.
This Book Is why I do what I do.
I Believe it is the last days. As I go through this book, and as we watch the news. You may see what I see.
(Or Not) lol
Either way its gonna be good lol
God bless you all
Dan

[Dan Johnson]

Revelation 2
1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”

18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,
‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

24 “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—
27 ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron;
They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—
as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star.
29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

[Dan Johnson]

This entire chapter deals with the churches, The Lampstands. Where the eyes of God are!
I'm going to take sometime on this one. Not to show how much these places resemble the church or today.
But to show that these are real places.

Many sermons and Pastors have went into so many areas of how the Church is sooo much like these.
Though I do agree with some. Others I do not. (My Opinion)

Keep in mind. These Churches, Places and People, Went down in history, Written in a book, That has changed the world forever.
I'm going to show some pictures and a location of the map where these Churches were and are.


So First off, Here is a Map, with the 7 Churches on it.
Notice there are 8 Stars? I will get into this a little bit later.
If you have a hard time reading the places don't worry. I'm going to add more detail to it later.
Also notice, They are all in Turkey. Hmmm? God's church is in Turkey? Whats Up with this? lol

Try to remember Jesus is dealing with these Churches at this moment in time. With these people, He is talking about.
But first, Take a look at the map.

Starting With Ephesus,
Check out these pictures, and more at this link.
www.apocalipsis.org/ephesus.htm

This is to let you know that these are real Places and not some fairy tale.
These areas are a part of our History of Mankind.
Notice What Jesus said to the Chruch of Ephesus, And Look at it today.

1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

The Pictures Come from another site.

(Photo 1)
Near the Byzantine public baths, the church holds special importance in Christian history. Being built between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD, it was originally a museum and a venue for educational Celcius Library, Ephesus, Turkeycourses and discussions. The church was destroyed by a fire in the 4th century AD and rebuilt as a brand new church, which became the venue of the third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD. It is the first church which is dedicated to Virgin Mary. According to the ancient church historians, Virgin Mary visited Ephesus towards the end of her life at 45 AD with St. Paul and the local Christians of Ephesus built her a small house near Ephesus. (also, in 1967, Pope Paul VI. visited Ephesus)



(Photo2)
Beyond the church is the Arcadiane Way, a huge wide street over 500 meters long and 11 meters wide. Named after the 5th century Byzantine Emperor Arcadius who renovated it, it was the street which ran towards the port, and where kings were greeted and religious ceremonies took place. The 400 meter long Marble Street, also known as the Sacred Way, begins at the base of the amphitheatre and runs along the agora and Serapis Temple. The Marble Street was rebuilt during the 5th century.



(Photo 3)
Antic Theater, Ephesus, TurkeyThe Ancient Theater of Ephesus is one of most beautiful and best preserved of all the Ephesus ruins. The theater, now, is used as the venue for the annual Ephesus Festival. With a capacity of over 25,000 spectators, it was built during the Hellenistic period, with reconstruction continuing during Empire Claudius times, and finalised between in 116 AD.

[Hammerogod]

The last canonical book of the Bible (AKA: The Revelation of John) is probably the most read, and most misunderstood, book in the Bible.
It is much like the OT Prophetic books in that it cannot be fully understood/intrepreted until it comes to pass.

Reading Ezekiel and Daniel are the prerequisites for beginning to grasp T-R-o-J.
Hal Lindsey started a trend in Eschatology way back in the 70's when he wrote "The Late Great Planet Earth"...since then many writers have taken T-R-o-J apart...many have succeeded in making sense of parts of this challenging book, many have failed.

Those of us who have studied the book know that is points to some critical events.
Everyone who has read it knows that it has some scary moments.
Anyone who has read it with wisdom knows that much of it is comming to pass as we sit here.


The book speaks for itself when it says: Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

OK..let's get this Study/Debate moving.

[Dan Johnson]

Very interesting point. Many have tried and failed at Revelations. But as you say. Most that have actually read it and study even the Old Testament, are realizing that a lot of it is happening today. We finally have some motion going on here. Thank you Hammerogod. The Beginning here can be a bit confusing for some. I wanted to elaborate on where these places are.

Many decide they want to make it more than what it is. Yes it can be put into churches today. But so can the rest of the Word of God.

Would you have anything more to add to this area?
Dan