NOTES
ON THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA
Part
16: Revelation 3: 13: Diversity In Christianity (Who Will Listen?)
Greetings Brethren,
Peace be unto you.
Those that will not listen will burn in Hell. Those that seek to lead have a
responsibility to know. At the last and final day there will be no excuses
heard.
Peace and Paradise,
Carl Patton a willing servant of Almighty God writing for the FreedomJournal 9
December 2005 in the year of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.
In the name of Almighty God, Master of the universe, Ruler of the
earth.
The Revelation to
John was addressed to seven Churches in the Roman Province of Asia. For the
record there were other Churches in the Province but seven were chosen to
represent the entire Church.
These letters are revealed
in Revelation 2-3; they present a picture of diversity in Christianity. As we
look through the telescope to the Churches of today we see even greater
diversity. In fact the true Church as revealed by the Prophets, Jesus Christ
and established by the Apostles is absent among the current so-called
denominations and non-denominational churches of today. Nor do any of the Cults
by their very nature represent the Church assigned by Christ Jesus the Savior
of humankind. Meanwhile we note that these established Churches are based more
on custom, tradition and the ill will of man than on God.
However who will
listen? Surely most of the Church leaders who are aware that they came to
corrupt the Church will not listen because they know that they are guilty. Where
is the remnant, will they listen?
Philadelphia was a
city where Christians were isolated in the community; but the Church had
remained faithful.
The opening vision of
Revelation, where John saw the heavenly Son of man surrounded by seven
lampstands, are the seven Churches. The letters show that this was not meant as
a picture of an ideal Church, but as a means of showing the Churches as they
really are.
Therefore we see
their heresies, quarrels, and weak faith. But we also see faith, hope and love.
Revelation 3: 13. “He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.” (Also
see Revelation 2:7).
“He that hath an
ear”, is a solemn call upon all to give a profound attention to what is being
said to the Churches. These instructions
to the Churches by the Lord are intended for the Churches of Christ everywhere.
However few listen
among the so-called established Churches. But it is written that those that
hear will be blessed.
Revelation 1: 3.
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and
keep these things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.”
When you bring the
world into the Church, with materialism, and things like Hip Hop music and a
degenerate lifestyle you do not hear. But you will hear at the final day.
Peace and Love,
Brother Carl,
FreedomJournal
carlpatton@tds.net