Someone may ask why I am writing about the seven churches in the book of Revelation at this particular time when we are celebrating the birth of Jesus. It’s like this, there is so much commercialism that Jesus is on the back burner. Therefore, the church has left her first love.
The church of Thyatira, according to the book of Revelation, allowed false teaching to enter the church and spread. Under the influence of a false prophet and teacher named Jezebel, many in the church accepted this false teaching as truth. The church was also associated with the Roman Catholic Church, and its name is believed to symbolize the continual sacrifice of the Roman Catholic church instead of Jesus' one sacrifice for all sins12345.
My words: this definitely is proof that everybody in the church is not saved.
And to the angel [pastor] of the church in Thyatira write, these things say the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
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. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
Indeed, I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 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.
Jesus commends the Christians in Thyatira for several notable things. They were busy with good deeds. They served others. They were motivated by love. They were faithful. In addition to all the above, they were growing in their work and service.
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. But hold fast what you have till I come (Revelation 2:18-25).
Excerpt from Renew in Knowledge Ministries- The Warning
The Lord solemnly warns the Thyatira believers about a woman named Jezebel who was in their midst. Most certainly Jezebel was not the woman’s actual name but rather a symbolic reference to one of the most infamous individuals in Bible history. There are several similarities between the “prophetess” in Thyatira who was corrupting the church and the wicked woman who corrupted Israel.
The Jezebel of Old Testament times was a Gentile princess who married King Ahab of Israel. Her name means “chaste” but her true character was far from that. Jezebel had a domineering personality and tacitly ruled the kingdom. She introduced Baal worship into the nation and eventually forced the true servants of God into hiding. Baal worship included sexual acts and fornication. As a result of Jezebel’s many iniquities, a repugnant death was prophesied concerning her (dogs licking up her blood).
The woman in Thyatira was leading at least some of the Christians into a similarly sinful lifestyle.
In our own days, there is a Jezebel spirit which has infiltrated many churches. Sinful practices such as abortion and homosexuality are no longer condemned. Promiscuity before marriage is regarded by many as normal. Holiness and righteousness are denounced as puritanical and old-fashioned. Sadly, the 21st-century Christian church is much like Thyatira.
I certainly agree with what the excerpt above is saying. It is time for the church to go back to its first love.
His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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