Author: Hank

Welcome to Hank’s Place 

Today we’ll begin looking at the church of Philadelphia, found in Rev 3:3-13.
To Philadelphia Jesus talks about doors and keys. About deeds, keeping His word, the synagogue of Satan, and the word of His perseverance, the hour of testing, holding fast. And there are rewards – being made a pillar in God’s house, and oddly, Jesus expressing His penmanship by writing names of His God, the city of His God and His new name – on US!

A little history: in that region there was a huge earthquake in AD17. Philadelphia experienced hundreds of aftershocks for several years. A shaking city. Keep that in mind.

Jesus begins by calling Himself the holy and the true. Likely because He’s addressing a Jewish church, saying “I am the holy and true revelation of the holy and true God.” A familiar expression. Remember John 6:69 when the disciples said to Jesus “you are the holy one of God.”

Now, the expression, “the key of David.” It’s another familiar Old Testament reference. It referred to a key that unlocked the door of King Hezekiah’s palace, possessed by a faithful servant. The servant decided who got to see the King – and who didn’t. The servant opened or shut doors no one else could.

Religious people have always tried to control access into the kingdom of heaven, but here Jesus declares He is the holder of David’s key and He decides who gets to come in. In Philadelphia the religious Jews hindered the gospel. Jesus reminds the Christians He is the one who opens the door of faith to the Gentiles. That’s Acts 14:27. Encouraging words in a difficult place.

The Philadelphia church was the smallest church in man’s eyes. Like David the shepherd boy. But little Philadelphia is the center of where the action was. They kept His word. They believed Jesus and took Him at His word. They were ‘believing believers.’ They were persuaded that the Lord is good and trustworthy. All the other churches struggled in the areas of unbelief, but not Philadelphia. They had not denied His name.

Friend, today, I invite you to do the same. Be a BELIEVING believer — ask Jesus to open a door of faith to those around you – You and Jesus, Jesus and you – helping others — COME ALIVE!

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We are looking at the church of Sardis, found in Rev 3:1-6, and not forgetting we are saved and kept by GRACE, not works.

This church appeared wonderfully active and alive – but most folks needed to be born-again, needed to receive salvation by grace through faith. No man’s deeds can qualify him for heaven; ours are forever incomplete before God.

Jesus exhorts them to remember what they heard: the Gospel. Then repent and hold fast to the truth. The Sardians were trying to establish their own righteousness, impressing others thru their works. But the righteousness of God comes only from God, by grace. 

“Wake up,” warns Jesus, or He will come like a thief. Sardis was famous among all the cities in the region for being asleep. In 546 BC Cyrus of Persia besieged them; and they did not even bother to post watchmen. They thought they were impregnable. One soldier climbed up the cliffs in the dark, opened the city gate and the city was conquered. 300 years later the SAME THING happened with another army. Both times proud Sardis was caught sleeping.

Those soiled garments? Self righteous garments are soiled. Only Jesus can give us white clean garments, those robes of righteousness. Only Jesus makes us worthy. He died for all of us, but many refuse the truth. They are refusing Jesus’ invitation to put on His garments.

The Book of Life. It’s a record of those who inherit eternal life. The Book of Life appears several times in the Bible. Jews would think of Ex 32:33, “The Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.”” We have ALL sinned against the Lord. We need His mercy and grace! We need God to “…remember our sins no more.” Is 43:25.

Under the Old Covenant no one was good enough for the Book of Life; under the New Covenant no believer can be blotted out of it. Our names have been written in with His blood. Whoa! The pen Jesus used to write our name in the Book of Life does not have eraser. Jesus is not threatening believers. He will never under any circumstance erase our name.

Finally, what does it mean to have Jesus confess your name? The proud Sardians were were concerned about their name and their reputation. Concerned about what other people said about them. Jesus is saying what other people think of you does not matter at all. What does matter is that He will confess your name before Almighty God, and Father. That’s what matters. 

Check out Mat 10:30 – and COME ALIVE! 

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The church of Sardis, found in Rev 3:1-6, sounds like they are in deep trouble with Jesus. He says they have a reputation of being alive, but are in fact dead, their deeds are incomplete, they need to repent or He will come as a thief to them, and there is the hint of names being erased from the Book of Life.

If ever there was reason to fear Christ’s return, these Sardians would appear to have it. But all is not as it appears at first glance my friend!

Sardis was a citadel, sitting atop sheer cliffs, with a river as a moat at the bottom. Nevertheless, King Cyrus conquered the city in 546 BC and transplanted many Jews. They were a ready audience for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sardis had once been a very wealthy city, proud – and they were still proud of themselves – but in fact they were but a shadow of their former glory.

Jesus begins by describing Himself as He did to the Ephesians: having the 7 spirits of God and the 7 stars. Sardis had been the capital of the region; Ephesus would later become the capital. The proud Sardians considered themselves at the center of everything. Jesus’ picture corrects that: He is the center.

The Sardians knew how to act spiritual and sound spiritual but they were not acquainted with the Holy Spirit, those 7 Spirits of God mentioned. So they had a name that they were alive – but they were dead. Playing church – no Holy Spirit. Impressing others with their religious activity – having an appearance of great church life – but   they   were   dead.

Not dying – still dead. Not born again. Most of them. “Strengthen what remains,” says Jesus. Or, “Repent and turn to Him – before it is too late.” Or they will die in their sins – eternally dead – Oh my!

What about those incomplete deeds – in God’s sight? Is Jesus saying they had better perform for Him, study more, pray more, serve more, give more? No! That’s earning your salvation – that’s works, not grace and you have been saved and kept by grace, lest anyone should boast. Eph 2:8-9.

In this case Jesus is talking to the dead sinners in the church, those self righteously trying to make a name for themselves. So their deeds were incomplete. You cannot EARN God’s favor, but you can RECEIVE it.

Friend, receive His favor today – and COME ALIVE!

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Today we are finishing up the letter to Pergamum, found in Rev 2:12-17.

We have a picture of Jesus with the sword of the Word of God coming from His mouth – the sword – a symbol of absolute power these Pergamumians would have understood!

The church was under deceptive attack by the Nicolatians. They would tell Christians that God’s wonderful grace is truly a license to sin. Usually in the form of sexual immorality. Jesus had a word for the Nicolatians and those being mislead: repent! If they did not repent, Jesus said I’m coming to you – the church, to make war against them – the Nicolatians. What Good News for believers! Not judgment upon the church, but against those who are deceiving His people.

The Nicolatians could repent or they could leave, but things had to change, for Jesus had spoken. Will Jesus kill them? The sword is the Word of God – which speaks of truth demolishing lying strongholds.

What is the hidden hidden manna? In the wilderness of Moses’ day, it was called the bread of heaven – which pointed to Jesus. I believe it is the same here. And the white stone? Many possibilities, but likely in line with the ancient Roman custom of awarding white stones to the victors of athletic games, engraved with their names – that granted them admission to the celebrations to follow. 

Our new name? Our new identity in Christ. In the new covenant all things become new. The moment we were put in Christ, His life and His name became ours. The name which no one knows but he who receives it speaks of intimacy rather than secrecy. The adventure of our lives is figuring out all we are in Christ – of discovering the person God has made us to be! 

These blessings come to every believer through grace alone. Not only to overcomers – because all who believe in Jesus have been made overcomers.

Sometime we have to make difficult choices. Do we become all things to all men or do we take a stand? When sin is involved and people are getting hurt and lives destroyed, I think you know the answer. Shine my friend, and have nothing to do with the deeds of darkness. Shine – and COME ALIVE! 

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We are looking at the love letters of Jesus to the 7 churches in Revelation.

Today we look at Pergamum, Rev 2:12-17. Lots of excitement here: a sharp two-edged sword, satan’s throne, the evil teachings of the Nicolatians, clear instructions to repent – and the promises of hidden manna, a white stone, and a secret new name!

Pergamum was a royal and ancient city, the capital and head of the Roman province of Asia. It was full of temples to idols. 

Some Roman governors had swords. Those with swords held the power of life and death – it was the symbol of absolute authority. No surprise then that the letter to Pergamum, head of Roman authority, pictures Jesus with the sword.

A group called the Nicolatians had introduced an evil teaching, believers were being led astray, so Jesus comes with the sword of truth to set things right.

Why Satan’s throne? It was a reference to Rome, for in persecuting Christians Rome was the tool of Satan, enforced in Pergamum more than any other city. Violent murders were entertained. Jesus compliments the believers there for not denying His faith. No wonder!

Jesus warns the Nicolatians. They were holding to the teaching of Balaam, who said it was OK to participate in idol worship and commit acts of immorality. Many in Pergamum participated in the pagan sacrifices or sacrifices to Caesar because it was good for business; greed controlled them, just like Balaam.

They taught grace as a license to sin. They were not confused Christians. They were evil-doers introducing heresies into the church. They promised freedom but were themselves slaves of wickedness. 2 Pe 2:19. 

Rather than encourage people to put their faith in God, the Nicolatians actually encouraged Christians to participate in idol orgies. ‘Secure your future by worshiping demons,’ they proclaimed. So instead of idol worshipers coming to church to find grace and freedom, the Christians were going to the temples and bowing down to demons.

More next time my friend. In the meantime, reject the words of those who promote behavior in direct conflict with the word of God. Hold fast to your total faith in Jesus – and Come Alive! 

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We are looking at the love letters of Jesus to the 7 churches in Revelation. Love letters – although on the surface it seems like Jesus has changed the terms of the covenant in His blood to one of “Produce or be punished.”

Dear friend, remember Ro 5:8-10, if “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” We were reconciled to God while we were His enemies — now we shall be saved by His life. There is nothing to fear in these letters!

We are looking at the letter to Smyrna, Rev 2:8-11. Smyrna was a prosperous city but the Christians there were poor and suffering because the very religious Jews caused them much distress. Some were about to die for their faith. The good news is that Jesus has been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale.

Jesus refers to those Jews as being of the synagogue of Satan.  Why? These ultra-religious Jews were murdering people: they were of their father the devil – hence the synagogue of Satan. The emperor Domitian had ascended to the throne. He referred to himself as lord and god. Acknowledge him as such – or face death. Jews could pay money and escape death, but not the Christians and numbers were killed. And the Jews would accuse the Christians to the Romans.

Thus Jesus saying, “do not fear,” gave them needed encouragement. 

10 days? It means the time of testing will be short. How about the promise, “be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life?” Smyrna was faithful to Rome before Rome was a world power. The Roman statesman Cicero described it as “our most faithful and most ancient ally.” Being faithful was their motto.

And the crown of life? The crown referred to Mt Pagos outside the city and the buildings surrounding it. Again, Jesus is using pictures and promises which the citizens of the time would have understood readily. He will give His followers the True Crown – of life!

The crown of life is given to those who love the Lord regardless of what trials we face and how well we face them. Why? Because eternal life is a gift by grace. Ro 6:23.

My friend, He who has conquered death – is the Lord – and He has approved you – you have nothing left to prove. Rest in this reality – you’ll COME ALIVE! 

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We’re concluding Jesus’ letter to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2. Our takeaway thus far: stop trying to get it right for Jesus, stop our toils FOR Him, but let us remember that place of grace we lived in when we began our walk with Him, receiving the love of God freely.

How about the promise at the end of the letter? “To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.” In today’s world it sounds mysterious, puzzling to be sure. We have learned that Jesus is THE Overcomer, in us, and us in Him, making us Overcomer — believe it!

How about that “tree of life?” No puzzle for the Ephesians. The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus was built on the site of an ancient tree shrine. A date palm tree. It was known as a refuge – as a place of salvation. There were even coins in Ephesus that had a date palm tree, their tree of life and salvation, stamped on them.

So Jesus gives them a promise – using what was very familiar. Beside the sacred tree they all knew, there now grew a new, true, tree of life for the believer. Jesus is giving them a wonderful affirmation of their position in Christ. He is saying that they – as Overcomers – have the right to eat from the REAL tree of life. What an awesome promise!

Let’s move on to the next letter, written to the church at Smyrna, Rev 2:8-11. The picture Jesus gives them of Himself is, “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life.” Smyrna worshiped Dionysus, the Greek god of wine – who supposedly was killed and was brought back to life by his father Zeus. So when Jesus presents Himself as the Resurrected One, He is saying, ‘I am the reality to your myth.’

The city itself had been sacked by the Lydians, but 300 years later was rebuilt better than ever. She was a city that was dead and had come back to life. Thus Jesus’ picture is letting them know – HE knows them, very well indeed!

More next time – till then: be encouraged – for Jesus knows YOU very well indeed. Be encouraged – and COME ALIVE! 

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We have been looking at Jesus’ letter to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2. The Ephesians were working really hard to do all the right things, to get it right for Jesus. And they were doing this because they had left their first love. They had forgotten how they were saved, who did the saving, who does the keeping!

Jesus gave them the remedy: Remember – Repent – Do. Remember the love of God for them. Repent, turn from toiling to exhaustion for Him and do their first deeds. Those first deeds? Sitting at the feet of Jesus, like Mary – and receiving His unconditional love.

If they did not heed His instructions, Jesus said He would come and move them to a new place. Move their candlestick. Well, if you are in a place of loveless exhaustion, Jesus moving you to another place would be a much better thing than it sounds on the surface.

What does it mean “to him who overcomes?” Jesus says this in all 7 letters. Many people define overcoming as a list of things you must do – prevailing in life’s trials – victory over spiritual enemies – conquering every sin –  resisting temptation – walking in daily victory. Try to keep a list like that and you’ll get stressed out. And you will fail – it’s the law in disguise. The truth: Jesus has overcome. Past tense. The Overcomer now lives in us. 1 Jn 4:4. As He is so are we in this world. 1 Jn 4:17. We are overcomers because of Jesus. Unless we forget who we are. And think we have to earn the title and position.

We are in Jesus – Jesus is in us – we stand in His victory. We are more than conquerors. Read again Romans 8, those last few verses. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. 

These Ephesians had forgotten His unconditional, gracious love and were working to earn what they had been freely given. My dear friend, please don’t forget how much God loves you. At the end of this video, I urge you to take a moment, and remember when Jesus was your everything. Enter again – His rest. Stay there, you will COME ALIVE! 

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We are looking at Jesus’ letter to the Ephesians,  Rev 2:1-7. They were working really hard to do all the right things, to get it right for Jesus. But their toils has worn them out. And Jesus told them why: they had left their first love.

Their first love? That’s God’s love for us, not our love for God. The Ephesians had somehow lost sight of His gracious love for them.“This is agape love, not that we loved God but that He loved us.” 1 Jn 4:10. Abiding in this agape love is how we are meant to live. But in a world that has always stressed performance and achievement, our personal best every time; it is not easy. 

If you were to ask the Ephesians if they loved Jesus, they would say, “Of course. Look at all we are doing for Him. Look at our labors – our toil – our perservance – our zero tolerance policy for bad doctrine.” Do you see, my friend? They were trying to PROVE their love for God, when all the while God simply wanted them to receive HIS LOVE. They had forgotten.… If it happened to them it can happen to any of us. So Jesus helps them with direct words.

“Remember!” He says. Remember the love of God that we experienced when we first met Jesus. Remember the Lord and His love for us, His grace, His mercies. Then repent. CHANGE direction: do what we did at first. And what was that? Sit at the feet of Jesus and receive His love.

That is not to say we should not work. There are two kinds of work. One is like the apostle Paul’s work.  Paul’s labor was a response to the love of God. 2 Cor 5:14. The other is the Ephesians’ work that wears a person out. The church might tell us through hard work we prove our love to God, prove our obedience, our willingness to sacrifice and in doing so we maintain our good standing with God, but that is not true; that is a Grace-less message!

Jesus is not pushing us to perform more, He wants us to rest – in him. Can you see that? Today, how about we trade in our performance for Jesus – to rest in Jesus. Make the trade – and COME ALIVE!

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To most people the letters to the 7 churches in the book of Revelation seem… threatening. Peter writes in 1 Pe 1:13, “…fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Where’s the GRACE Peter’s referring to?

Jesus gives John these letters. To be read in each church. Each letter opens with a picture of Jesus and closes with a promise. Pictures and promises – to build their faith – and ours, for the letters are written to all who have an ear to hear. And they are Good News!

The first letter, found in Rev 2:1-7, is to the church at Ephesus. The picture? Jesus holding seven stars in his right hand, walking among seven Golden lampstands. He holds us firmly in His grip no matter how dysfunctional we might be, and walks among us – that’s comforting!

He knows their toil and perseverance. They do not tolerate evil men, false apostles and Nicolatians. They have their perseverance and their endurance. BUT, there is a problem.

Remember He says, from where they have fallen. Repent – Turn; make a change of direction. Do the deeds they did at first. Remember – repent – do. Or He will remove their lamp stand. Hmmm.

We are in His Kingdom by His blood, by His grace, not our works or our performance! Same with those Ephesians. So why is Jesus referring to their labors and toiling several times? I suggest it is because they were working too hard. To prove themselves worthy? 

well their efforts were wearing them out. 

Jesus saw THEIR perseverance – there’s nothing wrong with perseverance if we are talking about the kind that comes from Jesus that bears good fruit. But the toilsome perseverance of the Ephesians was THEIRS, not His. So Jesus just says, “I see you.” He doesn’t complement their perseverance.

Those burnt out Ephesians – exhausted. Wondering what’s wrong. Aren’t they doing all the right things, touching all the bases, ticking off all the boxes – and it’s just not working. Sound familiar perhaps? 

“What is wrong?” they cry – and Jesus tells them: they have left their first love. 

What’s that about? We’ll find out – next time. Until then, remember, we are kept by grace, not performance. Dwell on that – and COME ALIVE! 

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