The Seven Churches of Asia/ Revelation 2-3
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The reason God begins Revelation with His exhortation to these seven churches is the impact that the spiritual condition of "God's people", play in the fulfillment of prophecy. It is obvious that God's word to the seven churches, at the beginning of the book of Revelation, is not just a word from God to these seven churches of that era, but to all churches transcending all generations from the first word to the final word of God's revelation to Jesus, given to the Apostle John to write, being fulfilled. The warnings and praise, blessings and judgment to the churches of Asia Minor are a word for all generations.
All of the words of "the Revelation to Jesus Christ given to him by God" for His church is to all churches who profess to be Christian, and are as relevant for us today as they were for John's day, and not just to a congregation, but also to the very heart and spirit of each individual in any congregation. What was the significance of God exhorting these churches and not all of the churches of that era? I would say partly, because these seven churches are our example of what is an approved Christian lifestyle before God and what is not approved; that, along with repentance from sin, will make us worthy of eternal life (God's standard). The Religious, Hypocrite, and Lukewarm, will be cast out. It is those who obey God who will be accepted.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2
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About the Book
In the fall of 2005 the Lord told me to write about the Seven Churches of Asia written in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. With this word I prayed that the Lord would help me to know what to write, and not to leave anything out nor add to it anymore than He intended. The end result continues to astonish me to this day. During the year it took me to write this book, I cried, I laughed, and I got convicted. It is obvious to me that what He said to these seven churches is a controversial subject, but the Bible gives evidence that what is written herein is a fact. God requires far more of us than what most Believers are willing to live out, in their walk with God, and in refusing to comply could mean being rejected at the Judgment seat of Christ, where all Believers will stand to be judged. You will need to read the entire book to understand what is meant by the previous sentence. Having shared the manuscript of this book with a number of other Believers in Christ, it has had a positive and sobering effect on those who have read it. This book contains a message all Believers need to hear; that is why it has been published. It is my sincere prayer for those who will read this book that God will make its content a positive life changing event that will cause them to know Him in the fullness of His character and personality, what it is to fellowship and walk with God, and to do it moment by moment.
About the Author
Samuel Robert Siders was born August 20, 1953 to Samuel Andrew Siders and Clara Ann Spencer-Siders in Columbus Ohio. Through a series of events, by age 15 the Lord made His love for him real in his life; making him aware that some day he would be saved, Samuel would even tell people who would try to win him to Jesus, that it is not time yet. For three and a half years the Holy Spirit did the work of bringing him to a radical life changing born again experience.
On July 8, 1972 while reading Matthew 14:30-31 about Peter walking on the sea to Jesus, then for fear of a storm Peter began to sink into the water. Peter cried out Lord save me. Matthew 14:31 states ... And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? The Holy Spirit touched Samuel’s heart with how much Jesus loved Peter when Jesus “immediately” stretched out His hand to catch him. At that moment of revelation, the Holy Spirit told Samuel, Now it is time. Samuel gave his heart to Christ and has served Him to this day.
Here is Samuel‘s account; "Now it is time" was a special word because of the Calling God has placed on my life. I have yet to fully understand or fathom what “Now it is time” means, but He has assured me that I will have fulfilled my Calling before I die.”
On July 2004 the Lord called him to preach. As a result he enrolled in the Appalachian District School Of Ministry (ADSOM) in Ghent, West Virginia.
samuside@aol.com