The book of Revelation is the revelation of Jesus Christ to John in visions: prophecies concerning the church age and the fast approaching Tribulation Period. 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 (Revelation 1:3). We live in an hour of unveiling, of open revelation, open vision, that let us know the time of the fulfillment of the visions of Revelation is at hand.

Revelation closes with these words of Jesus: Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book (Revelation 22:7). Blessed are those who read this great book of prophecy and those who keep its sayings.

The Holy Spirit Gives Understanding

The understanding of Revelation comes through the Holy Spirit as He brings images of prophecies alive in our hearts. Man has longed to know the future, and through the Word of God, he can. The future is in the Word of God, but the devil works hard to convince people that God’s prophecies are beyond understanding.

All God’s prophecies concerning His Son’s first appearance have been fulfilled. The Bible foretold where Jesus would be born, the province, the city, the tribe He would be from. It tells of His life, His miracles, His betrayal, His crucifixion, His death, His resurrection, and His ascension into Heaven. The fact that these prophecies have come to pass should give you confidence that all the prophecies of His second and third comings will be fulfilled also.

Man has looked to anything but the Bible to know the future, to insane illusions, to magicians, soothsayers, charlatans, crystal gazers, fortunetellers, astrologers and whoever else would crawl out from under the rocks with a bony finger pointing to what might come to pass. Half the time they may be right—anyone can guess that much. But the prophecies in the Bible are one hundred percent accurate, for they come from the mind of God.

John the Revelator had God’s mind when he wrote the Book of Revelation. Today the mind of God gives us insight into His prophecies.

In a vision, Jesus told John to write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter (Revelation 1:19). Revelation rightly divides the past, present and the future. The past is spoken of in the first chapter. The present? The day we live, and the day John lived. The church age was his present, and it’s our present. The things “which shall be hereafter” cover the Tribulation Period.

Progressive Pictures of the Church Age

The seven churches of Revelation describe the different periods of the church age, painting a progressive picture of the professing church from the first coming of Christ until the second coming. The Rapture is not referred to until chapter four when John saw a door opened in Heaven. The Tribulation Period first is mentioned when the Lord tells John about the fourth church, Thyatira. Keep in mind that each one of these churches describes in detail a certain period of the church age from the time that the church came to life at Pentecost until the second coming of Christ.

Ephesus represents the church of the first century; Smyrna the persecuted church of the next two hundred years. Pergamos is the church from approximately 312 A.D. until 717 A.D . Thyatira represents the church of the Dark Ages until the sixteenth century. Sardis is the church of the Reformation. Philadelphia is the church of the nineteenth century, and Laodicea is the endtime church of apostasy, the final church, the church of our day.

Ephesus Lost Her First Love

The first hundred years of the church of Ephesus includes thirty-seven years of the church in the Acts of the Apostles. The word “Ephesus” means the desirable one. The church was, oh so desirable at first. It pulsed with the greatness, the zeal of God. God was its first love in the beginning. With that first love come all the vision, excitement needed to be a witness. Jesus said: Ye shall be witnesses unto me…unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). God and His love make mighty witnesses of those who yield to Him. He puts Himself within His obedient children. Paul had that first love when he said: Christ liveth in me (Galatians 2:20).

At the beginning of the Ephesus church period, the first love, the missionary spirit was alive. Paul, the disciples, the apostles went everywhere with the story of Jesus. In those first thirty-seven years, God was free to move and bless. The nine gifts of the Spirit were in operation, the nine fruits of the Spirit in great production, and thousands were swept into the Kingdom. Persecutions, trials, heartaches and despair followed them; but they had great love. In the Acts of the Apostles we find love, love, love…those first thirty-seven years were magnificent.

These things saith he [Jesus] that holdeth the seven stars [angels of the seven churches] in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks [the seven churches]; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted (Revelation 2:1-3). The Lord was proud of this church. She had worked—her works were many—and not fainted. She was patient.

But as time wore on, changes crept in. Jesus said: Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love (Revelation 2:4). Until the devil entered years later, the Holy Spirit had complete control. People held to their first love, the love of Jesus. That first love carries a burden for the lost, believes all that Jesus taught and stands for. When you lose your first love, you lose so much of Jesus that little is left for the Lord to work with. Unless you return to your first love, you will have no zeal for souls, none of the love of God that loves everyone. Confusion will enter. You will find yourself a greater hindrance to the cause of Christ than you could ever be a blessing. It’s essential that all hold fast to their first love.

Everything had gone well for the church in the beginning, everything was pleasing to the Lord—until the church left her first love.

Jesus goes on to admonish: Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God (Revelation 2:5-7). Because this church had left its first love of the Lord and His will, Jesus warned them what would happen if they did not repent.

Smyrna, the Persecuted Church

Smyrna, the church of the second period, had these words of Jesus said about them: And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Revelation 2:8-10). Jesus knew what the church was going through, that they were poor in material things but rich in the Lord, the greatest of all riches.

The word Smyrna means myrrh, one of the spices used in Israelite religious rituals. To obtain the fragrance from the plant required beating and pressing. The Christians, too, were beaten and pressed. In a death grip they were ruled by ten tyrants from Nero until Constantine the Great. The Smyrna period endured the worst of persecutions. Books could never describe the suffering of it all. Twice in speaking of the Smyrna church the Lord mentions tribulation. Christians were burned, beaten, crucified, cast to the lions, tortured to death—thousands and thousands over a period of two hundred years.

It looked as though Christianity would pass from existence, that it could never last. But it did last; for people lived close to God, victorious lives in the face of death. Many came to God because of the faith of those persecuted Christians. As Christians were killed, new converts took their place. The Smyrna church period saw ten devilish, demon-possessed emperors persecute Christians for sport…hell is filled with people like them, people who have treated God’s children with inhuman cruelty. Rome did everything possible to destroy the faith of the Christians and failed. Why did she fail? Because neither God nor the faith of God can be destroyed. Great separation from the world, fantastic separation was seen during the persecution of the church; for Christians knew that if they might be killed for the sake of Jesus Christ, they had better have Him in reality.

In following the seven churches with Jesus Christ, we find that always some held onto God’s unchanging hand. A core of the church was alive, but not alive for the whole world. The tyranny during the second and third centuries over Christians was extreme; so many were killed, murdered and cast into prison that the light of God seemed to be flickering out. But it didn’t, thank God, it didn’t!

Pergamos, Married to the World

In 312 A.D., after years of horrible persecution, a drastic turnaround took place. Constantine the Great, Emperor of Rome, on suffering defeat in battle, announced that he had seen a huge cross in the sky and over the cross these words: “In this sign thou shalt conquer.” It was enough for him, and that old pagan decided if he were to be victorious, he must embrace the cross. He professed to become a Christian. His armies turned defeat into victory, and Constantine made Christianity the state religion, compelling all his armies to be baptized.

But people cannot be forced to accept Jesus into their hearts. God doesn’t work like that; He wants people to serve Him because they love Him, not because they have no other choice. Historians called Constantine’s acceptance of Christianity a great blessing, but it grew to be a curse. Soon the emperor instead of Christ was head of the church. The partnership of church and state became complete, a union that began to dictate not only religious policy, but governmental policy as well. Many accepted Christianity—but how many accepted Christ? I dare say, not many.

The date of this union marked the decline of the spiritual power of the church. No longer were Christians put to death, crucified, fed to lions, or burned at the stake; but now their dedication was drying up. With wealth at the disposal of the church, protected by the state, the church soon became worldly—a lover of the world—indifferent to God in trial and powerless.

It seems the human race cannot take too much prosperity before they no longer feel the need of God. Many professed Christianity because it was popular, not in spite of the persecutions they would face because of heartfelt belief. It’s still popular to be a “Christian” as long as people aren’t required to live holy, as long as they can still embrace the world.

People would be living for God today in more holiness and righteousness if they were going to be killed for their testimony of Jesus Christ. When people are really born of the Spirit of God, they become new creations in Christ Jesus, separating themselves from the world and its hypocrisy.

Consider further this church of Pergamos. Beginning with the supposed conversion of Constantine, the third church period lasted until approximately 717 A.D. Pergamos means married, a name that describes the character of the church in this age. It was a bad marriage. Pergamos remained married to the world for the next two hundred years, like the Israelites when they turned to worship the golden calf. Committing all kinds of sins, the clergy became very powerful, dominating the laity, claiming a seat of power and authority so great that they took the place of God as well as the place of emperors. The laity was put into great bondage in obeying the clergy’s rules. God never planned the church to be in bondage. Ministers were to be loving, God-fearing shepherds to direct and feed the flock under Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd.

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication (Revelation 2:12-14). Idol worship, a sin in Old Testament days among the Israelites, comes into the church among God’s people. Like the Israelites, the church couldn’t stay away from idol gods.

I know thy works but I have a few things against thee, the Lord told the Pergamos church. They had failed to weed out false doctrine.

What accusation could Jesus bring against you? By not casting out false doctrine, you endorse it. Hear what Jesus is saying; tune in to the Holy Ghost, to Heaven and the love of God. You can have all of Him you want; His love will furnish the power needed to live the victorious life in Christ. It’s all in the love of God.

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it (Revelation 2:15-17). For the two hundred years of the Pergamos church, many gave over to the devil, to the pleasures of sin and satisfying the lust of the flesh. The actions of the church sent up a putrid stench before God. As a whole, the men leading God’s people were not holy; and, unfortunately, today unholiness still exists in all too many of the clergy.

Jesus mentions the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The doctrine of Balaam was one of tolerance which caused Israel years ago to mingle with the heathen, to sin against God and thus lose their separation from the world. It refers to preaching and prophesying for money and gain, making a racket out of the Gospel. People are still doing that today, making a racket out of the Gospel. The doctrine of Balaam refers also to laxness in the church, to losing their separation from the world.

The church in this period became very rich and independent. Worldly practices and alliances pressed in and corrupted the church. Only a few trusted in God. God always had some, always. In every period, God has had a people—not many at times; but God has always had a people.

The Nicolaitans didn’t believe Jesus to be the Son of God. They reasoned that their bodies were physical and therefore evil, that only what their spirits did was important. This left them free to do anything that pleased their physical nature. Indiscriminate sexual relationships, eating food offered to idols were but two of their ungodly practices.

Virtually making slaves of its followers, this self-appointed group of religious dictators of Pergamos brought about one of the darkest periods of the church age. With power they ruled, reigned, turning away from the truth of God and setting themselves above God. Instead of obeying the Word of God, people were forced to obey the head of the church. Forbidding people to even study the Word of God, the clergy made their own doctrines and laws. It destroyed many, and it’s still destroying today.

Thyatira, Church of the Dark Ages

In the fourth period of the church age is the church of Thyatira. And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first (Revelation 2:18,19). It’s not by works that we have salvation, the Bible tells us, lest any man should boast. Only through the blood of Jesus do we have forgiveness of sin. The church of Thyatira went away from the blood.

Jesus said, I know thy works…Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds [the first mention in Revelation of the Tribulation Period]. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come (Revelation 2:19-25).

Some in the churches were living right; some still embraced the true Gospel. “Hold it fast until I come,” the Lord said. “Don’t let it go.” But many did let go. The Word of God became further corrupted. The church age turned from pure grace to a religion of works. Twice the Lord mentioned works in this passage describing the church at Thyatira. The word Thyatira means continual sacrifice: it was a church well named. Works took the place of salvation, of redemption. Thyatira was all works and ceremony. Bow down to man, go man’s way.

It’s still that way in many churches today. Lacking a sound Gospel, ministers don’t preach the blood; choirs don’t even sing about it. By not honoring the blood of Jesus, people have no chance at salvation. The completeness of the work of Christ is denied. Denying the blood of Jesus is denying Jesus. Nothing but a form is left.

The blood of Jesus, not works, ensures your salvation. To enter the gates of Heaven, you must be blood-washed, blood-bought, blood-cleansed and blood-redeemed. This basic truth is what the church at Thyatira did away with. No wonder historians call this period of time the Dark Ages!

The Holy Spirit accused this church, in Revelation 2:20, of allowing the woman Jezebel to seduce the church. Jezebel, notorious for her wickedness, caused many, including her husband Ahab, to turn from the true God. A better name than Jezebel couldn’t be found for that spirit in Thyatira. Those were the years of the Vandals, the Huns, the Goths. As they overran Europe they brought with them their own pagan worship and idolatry. The church resorted to a spirit of compromise to win them, adopting various pagan beliefs into the church. The church became partly Christian, partly Judaic, partly pagan.

Unlike Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamos, the pattern of Thyatira was to continue to the end of the church age when those living in that mold would be cast into the Tribulation. Revelation 2:22,23 tells of this judgment: Behold I will cast her into…great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. God has laid facts out in such a way that all people can understand one thing: God will not accept sin or disobedience.

Sardis and the Reformation

The Dark Age church of Thyatira was dominant from around 500 A.D. till the sixteenth century when the church of Sardis ushered in the Reformation. A change in the church began in the fifteenth century, but the sixteenth century saw the obvious rebirth. Through much suffering, God’s people—the true ones—moved out to take their place in history. Martin Luther came forth with the thrilling message: The just shall live by faith (Galations 3:11). That great Bible truth, buried for so many years in the Dark Ages, was brought to light once again. Live by faith, not works. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8,9).

The fifth church period, represented by the church at Sardis, is a remnant of the age of persecution. And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead (Revelation 3:1). What about the political/religious leaders? You live, but you’re dead, Jesus said. All you have is a form. The Lord counts you as dead if you don’t have His life in you, dead in trespasses and sin. Life comes by receiving Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God (Revelation 3:2). The wrong kind of works—penances and burdens, works not according to the teachings Jesus brought to planet Earth—have nothing to do with forgiveness of sin.

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee (Revelation 3:3). The Lord told the fourth church He would cast them into Tribulation, and now He is saying to Sardis: you’re going, too. The remaining church periods, from the fourth one—Thyatira—right on through the seven, are headed for Tribulation.

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis…Only a few in Sardis were really serving the Lord, those which have not defiled their garments. What was their reward? And they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy (Revelation 3:4).

A few had kept holiness alive in the church, but there was much gloom and darkness from the preceding years that needed to be lifted. God had enough. If God weren’t so patient, loving and kind, if He didn’t love human beings in such an unbelievable way, He would have come down and destroyed civilization many, many years ago for the way His Son has been treated.

The fourteenth and fifteenth centuries saw spiritual stirring, but now the great awakening is about to come, aided by the printing press invented in 1550. It made all the difference in the world. The previous religious/political leaders had not taught the true Word. Just a few people owned Bibles and had access to the truth; but as that first press went to work, Bibles began to be distributed. People were hungry, excited, eager to read the Word of God for themselves. Martin Luther hit the trails, encouraging everyone to study the Word of God. Know what thus saith the Lord! Read, read, read! Let nothing stop you! Dissenting religious leaders burned Bibles in an effort to keep the Word of God away from people, but nothing would stop the revival now. Putting their lives on the line, true men of God rose up. Their yoke was more than they could bear, but the Lord said to take His yoke, for His yoke is easy and His burden light.

Imagine what it would be like if you never had a Bible. Perhaps you knew a little about Jesus, but you wondered about the practices of the church. Should the political/religious leaders rule you with an iron fist, seemingly lacking completely in love? Should the innocent be imprisoned for certain “crimes” against the church, acts the Bible didn’t condemn? Now people could find out for themselves.

Many are still in bondage today, trying to make their own way to Heaven by man’s rules and not God’s. Only holy living and the blood of Jesus applied to your heart will make you eligible for Heaven. Those in darkness and bondage remain so because they simply love darkness and bondage. They don’t want to come out, but thank God for those who do!

Some in the Sardis church broke free from the religious/political bondage and darkness, but it took the nineteenth century before the great revival fires began to fall in earnest. The lost fruits of the Spirit were rediscovered, unbiblical practices and false doctrines exposed, and honest-hearted people gladly accepted what thus saith the Lord. The stage was set for the church of Sardis, the Reformation church, to sweep over Europe under the leadership of Lefever, Calvin and others. Later, reform landed in Scotland under John Knox. The Gospel had come to life in the minds and hearts of people—a jubilant, wonderful time. Souls by the thousands were swept into the Kingdom.

This church of Sardis was described 1,600 years before it came into being. God is exacting in His prophecies. Looking back in history to the seven church ages that John the Revelator described, we see that his vision covers the periods of time chronologically just the way the Lord gave it.

Philadelphia Brings Glorious Truths to Life Once Again

The Sardis church leads to the church of Philadelphia. Philadelphia means brotherly love; it was well named. The carnality, the division, the worldliness of the church of Sardis was rebuked by God. God hated its orthodoxy. But the remnant of the Reformation church became a great missionary thrust in the Philadelphia period. Jesus speaks to that remnant: I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name (Revelation 3:8). The spiritual rebirth at Philadelphia marked the first missionary insight and vision that the church had experienced in hundreds and hundreds of years. It was a great time, an open door. What did this mean? The Lord set before the church an open door to the nations. Go forth, carry this Gospel, take it to the world, He urged. I’ve opened the doors for you, and all you have to do is walk through.

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 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). The Philadelphia church went forth with great, great victory. It was wonderful for God as well as man. The missionary fires blazed strongly as people received the Gospel. At last the hope of the Rapture was preached again, the return of Jesus. For so many hundreds of years, the knowledge of the return of our Lord had been lost to the people.

An angel of God had told the disciples of Jesus’ return to Earth: Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner (Acts 1:11). What an exciting time that was for the disciples! Now in the Philadelphia church age the impact of the second coming burst to life in believing hearts. Glorious truths were coming alive! Now at last the whole Gospel was being taught again, the true Christians were fired up, inspired, excited and eager to spread the Gospel. One must know that Jesus saves, that He is coming again before the responsibility is felt to tell the Good News.

Whitefield, Wesley, Edwards, and later Moody and Spurgeon came on the scene, preaching, preaching, preaching. Revival swept across the land. Souls were saved; people came to God. It was the greatest missionary love since the Early Church.

Jesus said to this little minority in the Philadelphia church: Thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown (Revelation 3:8,10,11). The promise? To keep the faithful from the hour of temptation—the Tribulation Period. Earlier, Jesus told how He would cast the disobedient into the great Tribulation and bring judgments. But now the promise of a way of escape came from the lips of Jesus. Hold fast—let no one rob you of that wonderful privilege of making the Rapture.

The promise to the church of Philadelphia—and to you—means you must be alive in the Lord, full of missionary vision for the nations if you expect to be ready to meet your Lord in the air. Lacking that vision today, many are not on fire for God. Dead, dead church members harvest dead works. If you make it through to Heaven, you will be rewarded for your good works; but good works are not your passport into Heaven. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).

Four Churches Continue Together until the End of the Age

The spirit of Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea all will continue to exist together until the end of the age. Keep this in mind or you will become confused about the role of these churches in our present church period. Mark down that only the Philadelphia church was promised to be taken out, kept from the hour of temptation—the Tribulation Period—that was to come upon all the earth. Philadelphia would escape the Tribulation Period because of its love, its zeal for souls.

The one great fault of the Reformation was in failing to return to the Early Church’s love of the truth. Lack of this fundamental requirement caused the movement to split in all directions, resulting in the many, many denominations today. The Reformation started out to change the church the way Jesus wanted, I’m sure; but religious leaders couldn’t agree among themselves. Arguments on sanctification arose, disagreement on the Holy Scriptures, on what God had ordained.

The seventh church of Laodicea along with the three that went before, will close out this church age. And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth (Revelation 3:14-16). Sinners are not in the mouth of God, only Christians. Why would the Lord spew out Christians? Because they’re tainted with the spirit of indifference, of lukewarmness that He hates. They have soured God’s stomach, and He will cast them into the Tribulation Period.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away (II Timothy 3:1-5). This prophecy brings us down to the perilous times of our day. The church age that started with an almost perfect church, ends tragically as many turn away from God and the power of God. Some congregations today are on fire for God while others won’t accept His truth. Many ministers present a social gospel; the blood is no longer preached.

Study what God told these seven churches. Learn what the Lord held against the churches, and you will know what you must be rid of to make the Rapture.

The unfailing accuracy of Bible prophecies should let you know that we’re in the last church age, that seventh period, along with the three church ages immediately prior to ours. The church periods are all running together now; it’s almost midnight.

God Performs Miracles Today

Signs, wonders, miracles and healings have taken place for over thirty-six years since the founding of Grace Cathedral because it was organized in the Spirit of the Early Church. I let the Holy Ghost set the plan in order. When the life, the teachings, and the doctrines of Jesus Christ are preached, signs, wonders, miracles and healings take place. The Early Church spread the Word, and the Lord confirmed it with signs and wonders.

Jesus is still alive today, still opening the eyes of the blind, unstopping deaf ears and making the crippled to walk. God will do what He said He would do, and He promised to give miracles and healings in this outpouring of the Spirit in our day.

Recently in a service, I met a woman afflicted with a disease that caused her body to swell until it was mammoth. I prayed for her in that terrible condition, and God moved immediately. As I went on ministering to others, I heard people rejoicing around her. I looked back and saw that her body was going down, down, down. She was pulling her dress away from her body to show the great difference. The more room she had in her dress, the more thrilled she became, and the happier it made the people around her. I had never before witnessed a miracle quite like it. Watching the hand of the Lord move upon her was an incredible sight! The miracle was God’s; I had nothing to do with it. I only carry the truth to people; and if they accept it, the gifts of God go into operation. The power of God flows into them as I touch them, and wonderful things happen. It’s just that simple. This is the kind of miracle that took place in the Early Church, miracles that have been lost to God’s people for centuries.

The Reformation brought a resurgence of the power of God; but today once again churches as a whole have lost their excitement, their power, their joy in the Lord. Why? The truths of God have been ignored, the old-time power of God. False doctrine that Martin Luther and others paid such a great price to destroy is popular once again. When the Word of the Living God is cast aside, bondage and spiritual deadness result. Walking their own ways, people began to teach lies, that water washes away sins, that miracles aren’t for today, nor is the power of God. The formalism and dead theology, characteristic of the Sardis church, continue. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, Jesus tells us.

The Holy Ghost Prepares God’s Obedient for the Rapture

Jesus said this Gospel must be preached to all nations, and then the end would come. This Gospel—the one He brought, the one He preached and acted out, the Gospel He used to set the captives free—includes the baptism in the Holy Ghost, a requirement to prepare you for the Rapture. Jesus commanded His followers to receive the Holy Ghost: And [Jesus], being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (Acts 1:4,5). Those wide awake in the Lord have a desire, an appetite for the baptism in the Holy Ghost. The Bible said the Lord would give the Holy Ghost to them who obey Him: the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him (Acts 5:32).

Your change will come according to the power of God that worketh within you. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Ephesians 3:20). Miracle power works within you when you have been baptized in the Holy Ghost. Miracle power took brother Elijah up to Heaven in a chariot; miracle power raptured Enoch.

You believe all Christians will go in the Rapture? That isn’t what the Bible says. Matthew 22:14 tells us that many are called, but few are chosen. The disobedient will not be taken. Remember, Acts 5:32 states that the Holy Ghost is given to them that obey him. The obedient will have the Holy Ghost. The obedient are the ones Jesus is coming after, the glorious church. Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25,27).

Let God’s sanctifying power move up and down the avenue of your soul, shedding abroad the love of God in your heart. Ask God to give you vision of what it will mean to be left behind when Jesus comes again. Realize the importance of receiving the baptism in the Holy Ghost.

You think the baptism in the Holy Ghost is not for you? I read in the Bible that the Holy Ghost is for everyone. Acts 2:38,39: Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. All that have answered God’s call to salvation are eligible to receive the Holy Ghost.

I knew the Lord had called me to salvation when I was in my teens. After I received Jesus into my heart, I sought the baptism in the Holy Ghost. I’d turn to the second chapter of Acts, put my finger on the passage describing how the Holy Ghost fell on the day of Pentecost, and say, “God, this is what I want.” I needed that keeping power. I had left the world to never go back, knowing it would take a lot of power, the power of the Holy Ghost. Burning all bridges behind me, I contended for the Holy Ghost until I received Him.

No one taught me how to receive the Holy Ghost, no one stood by me and said, “Listen to me and try to talk like I talk.” That would have been ridiculous, but many today think they can teach people to speak in tongues. Only the Holy Ghost is the Teacher; only the Holy Ghost is to be in control. If anyone tries to give you the Holy Ghost by having you repeat nonsense words, get away fast. The Holy Ghost is the One to give the utterance, not man. Listen only to Him. No human taught those in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost to speak in tongues. The Holy Ghost descended, filled the waiting temples of clay, and they all began to speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit gave the utterance; and He baptizes people in the same way today.

The Holy Ghost Is Falling Today

Thousands have received the Holy Ghost in my services—as many as 29,477 in one Nigerian service—and no one taught any of them to speak in tongues. The Holy Ghost spoke through them. I cannot emphasize too strongly that speaking in tongues is to be under control of the Holy Ghost, not man. The Lord wants people to have holy tongues that He can take over and speak with. It isn’t any trouble for the Holy Ghost to speak; He can speak through man in any language or dialect—when tongues are cleaned up, hearts obedient and yielded to Him.

Although the Holy Spirit is being poured out in this last hour, America isn’t receiving much of it. There are too many Laodiceans. In other nations, however, multitudes have come to God. I’ve seen over 100,000 saved in just one service. In one night on foreign soil, 176,000 miracles and healings took place. Forty-one thousand were healed and set free in that service in a matter of about eight minutes. God did it. The heavens opened, the fire of God fell, and people were delivered. Many of them had been devil worshipers, rearing their children in Satanism; but when they heard the truth, the light of God penetrated into their hearts, and the truth set them free. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh (Acts 2:16,17). The Spirit today is being poured out on all flesh. How sad that many reject Him!

Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (Revelation 3:17). You may be rich in material possessions, but poverty-stricken in spirit. You think you’re happy drinking, rubbing elbows with the world? You’re wretched, miserable and don’t have sense enough to know it.

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed. If you really want to be rich, the Lord is saying, be clothed in His holiness and righteousness. Without His robe of righteousness, you are naked, lacking enough spiritual clothing to cover you. Righteousness comes from the blood of Jesus. And that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see (Revelation 3:18). The truth will set you free, give you sight, hearing. Jesus accused people when He was here on Earth of having eyes to see but not seeing; ears to hear, but not hearing. The very Son of God had come down from Heaven, and there were people who didn’t want to see or hear Him. That same spirit that plagued the ministry of Jesus while He was here on Earth has been carried down through the years by rebellious hearts.

Let Jesus In

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock (Revelation 3:20). In the first chapter of Revelation, we found Jesus standing among the seven golden candlesticks—inside the church, in her midst. Miracles and healings abounded, great wonderful events recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Now in this last period, the seventh period of the church age, He is shut outside, knocking at the door. That’s the reason so few miracles and healings take place throughout the land even in this hour of the outpouring of the Spirit. Some churches never have seen a miracle or healing. I’ve heard evangelists say they’ve witnessed only two or three miracles in all of their ministry. I expect miracles, healings in my services because they are promises God has made to the obedient.

Although Jesus is here to serve, He is standing outside many doors saying, 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). “I would come in and dine with you if you would accept me, but you have rejected me, and I cannot enter. You shut the door on me. All I can do with my love is knock. I won’t push the door down. I gave you ears to hear, and if you want to hear, you can. I gave you eyes to see and ou can see if you want to see.”

Think how deeply John must have grieved, heartsick over the prophesied rejection of Christ. But I’m sure he also rejoiced, praising God that he was living in the first church period. He had watched the Master walking in the midst of the church in all of His glory and miraculous power; not until then had He really seen beauty.

The storms of Tribulation are gathering, but Jesus is in the midst of His true church, walking with the Bride of Christ, preparing her for that great catching-away hour. He is here with all His glory, all His anointing.

The Lord has come to walk in the midst of His people, just as John saw Him walking. Feel Him, know Him. He does not want to be a stranger to you any longer. Jesus is the dearest friend you have, the most understanding, the most loving. He is closer to you than a brother, mother, father, husband or wife. You who are born again are bone of His bone, flesh of His flesh, love of His love and grace of His grace.

If you are unsure of your salvation, make sure now. Pray this prayer with me, and mean it from your heart: Oh, God, save my soul! Forgive me of my sins. Deliver me from the spirit of indifference, from the spirit of lukewarmness. Take away every spot, every wrinkle, every blemish, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Give me all of you, Lord. Let the blood of Jesus flow over me now, washing away all of my sins. Come into my heart, precious Jesus.

If you meant that prayer, Jesus has come into your heart; He is no longer outside, knocking at the door. Start reading your Bible daily, pray, fast and walk close to Him. Be baptized in the Holy Spirit, for you know not the hour of His coming. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!