Seven churches

THE SEVEN CHURCHES
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The name Jezebel as given in Old Testament means "where you reside". The implication
here is to the doctrine of friendship with the world which is the strongest weapon of Satan
to corrupt the church. A little variation of love, of sex of joy, of pleasure; a misplaced
emphasis, that is all what is required to give a totally variant heresy. The historic Jezebel
was doing the same thing. As Baal worship was part of the agricultural form of living in
Canaan, so was the Thyrian Prophetess teaching in a community of feudal guilds. In our
times, the community is different. We are essentially a capitalistic society centered in
selfishness where values are measured in terms of money. To be successful in business
requires other forms of tolerance and compromises. What are they in your church, in your
community? Are there practices that are immoral, which are contradictory to holy living?
Do we condone them on the basis of social necessity? Do we claim the freedom in Christ
to cover them up?
“the deep things of Satan"
In this church Nicolaitanism is not mentioned by name. But evidently the theme is the
same. It has become so ingrained in the church that it is no more referred to by that
heretic name. Instead it is called the "deep things", the great mystery unfathomable by
reasoning, that can only be experienced. - "the deep things of Satan" under the leadership
of a prophetess.
Dispensationaly this church period refers to the Church Age or Papacy Period starting
from around AD 350 and lasted for over 1200 years. Incidentally Jesus writes this longest
letter to this church indicating its length. It was painted by Our Lord in the Parable of the
Leaven in Matthew 13:33.
The woman here refers to Jezebel who hides the leaven in the divine church (three
measures of meal) until all of was leavened. The history of the period is truly a replica of
the rule of Ahab and Jezebel filled with corruption of doctrines, introduction of pagan rites
and rituals, idol worship and particularly Madona worship. There were feuds and wars
within the church over power and authority.
Under these difficult times Jesus demand only a light burden from those who ‘have not the
teaching", viz. "Hold fast to that which you have." Till he comes with power and glory.