just started going through revalations not the first time but ive never took my time to read through it slowly until now. i got to the 2nd chapter and ran into a question. in verse 1 of chapter 2 it says"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,". it is also in verse 8 toSmyrna, verse12 to Pergamos, verse 18 to Thyatira, chapter3 verse 1 to Sardis, verse 7 to Philadelphia. in chapter 3 verse 14 it is slightly different "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,". why are these things written to the angels and not to the churches themselves? and also why is the the last one written a little different.
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Watch therefore, you do not know when the master of the house is coming-in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning
Mark 13:35
Good question, since we know that angels are not used to preach the gospel, and without preaching one cannot hear and have the faith to believe in God.
In Acts the Angel instructed Cornelius as to where to go, and who to ask for, in order to receive that which he was lacking in his faith.
Jesus didn't feed the multitudes with the fishes and loaves. He blessed and brake it. Then he gave unto his disciples and they fed the multitude.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit sayeth unto the churches.
When one doesn't have a home church to worship and fellowship with, and a ministry to feed him. He becomes a fig tree without a husbandman. He brings forth no fruit, and could end up being cut down for being unfruitful.
A study of the 7 feastdays and their rituals and ordinances, will be a very big key to understanding the events of Revelation.
Mudhead1 not all will agree, but the Angel or messenger was given the message from God to give to the different churches. Whats important is not a theological discussion on whether or not these were Angels or even the Pastors of these churches as some hold to be the case. Whats important is the message that God gave them for the Church and how it related to that church. Yes God still uses angles even today and im glad he does.
Mudhead1 not all will agree, but the Angel or messenger was given the message from God to give to the different churches. Whats important is not a theological discussion on whether or not these were Angels or even the Pastors of these churches as some hold to be the case. Whats important is the message that God gave them for the Church and how it related to that church. Yes God still uses angles even today and im glad he does.
cascadedad; You are so correct. Just one Revelation. Just a question for all. Is the Book a revelation of the future only?, or is it also a revelation of the types and shadows contained in the feast days of Israel. Isn't it true that Gods plan for the ages is hidden in the seven yearly feasts?
MH its speaking to ministers at those churches. The churches and their are at different places in thier walk with the Lord. 1:20 tells us that the candlesticks are churches, and 2:5 tells us that he might remove that church from that minister. And he speaks to the ministers because the blood of some of members could laid at thier charge.
These seven churches are actual seven churches that existed in Asia Minor. Today, every church still falls into one of the seven catagories. God is giving a warning to the churches that have fallen away, and encouraging those churches who hold to Truth and follow Him. If you want a good book that explains Revelation, I suggest "Because The End Is Near" by John MacArthur. You can find the Grace To You website at www.gty.org(go to the ShopGTY tab for the books and CD's). Recently, they have made all MP3 downloads ofDr.MacArthur'ssermons (3,000 of them) free (go to the Resources tab). I strongly suggest you listen to "A Nation Abandoned by God" -I believe this was recorded in 2006 - very humbling and concerning. I also stronglysuggest the series"A Tale Of Two Sons", "A Testimony Of One Surprised To Be In Hell" and "The Gospel According To Jesus". All of his sermons are very good.