FearNot.com - The Seven Steps/Battles/Stages of a true Christian’s...

Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7

The seven letters to the seven churches, in Revelation, are actual letters to the seven churches, existent in Asia at that time. Many scholars believe that the letters are also letters addressed to each of the seven church ages. Some go further and say that the letters can be used to determine the seven ages of each individual church as it grows. Additionally, the letters are addressed to the seven steps of Christian growth in the life of each individual believer. This is proved by the call to the individual in the church to repent and the choosing of a few individuals out of a church for rewards on the basis of their performance. We will be discussing these steps in the life of the believer. Jesus is speaking to John the beloved apostle, in the spirit and through him to us.

Just a note, Paul wrote the second letter to Timothy about 66 AD. (2 Tim 1:15 KJV) This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. Thirty years later about 99 AD John wrote Revelation, to the churches in Asia. Notice each church has a problem as a church, quite possibly because they had turned away from Paul. But the Lord speaks to individuals in the church words of warning and encouragement. Thus the letters are addressed to the pastors, but the message is to whoever of whatever time and church that will hear---- He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

(Rev 1:19 KJV) Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be here after:

(Rev 1:20 KJV) The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. The seven stars are the angels, that is, both the angels assigned to, and the pastors/ministers of the seven churches. It has to be both because the letter is addressed to the churches on earth. Notice the candlesticks are the churches. We will mention this again later.

STEP 1

(Rev 2:1 KJV) Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; Jesus Christ, Himself is interested in the churches, His people. He walks in His churches, not just these seven, as God walked with Adam in the garden. And as He promised; (Mat 18:20 KJV) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

(Rev 2:2 KJV) I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: By today’s standards this is a GOOD church. The people work, they have patience, and they have courage enough to stand up against false apostles. I would personally love to see this kind of knowledgeable courage in the church today.

(Rev 2:3 KJV) And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Notice He mentions again their labor.

They have proved their love and patience by bearing (enduring until it is over) some trouble(s) or hardship(s).

(Rev 2:4 KJV) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Wait a minute, this is a good church. Jesus has something against them? Yes! In their business, so involved in their work for Jesus, they have neglected the high and holy love they had at first, for Him. And love is and always will be more important than any work, hardship, or patience. And please KNOW, our Father does not grade on the curve, see Matthew 25:31 and following.

(Rev 2:5 KJV) Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Jesus orders His church to remember (over and over) where they were in Him, in love, before, and to remember how far they have fallen. When they remember and/or see how far they have fallen, they will repent. (So will we!) See, "A definition of Love" free on request via email.

But look what happens if they don't repent and prove they've repented by doing the first works, that is, by loving Him more than anything on earth. He removes or hides their church. He doesn't necessarily move the buildings or the people, it's just that somehow they can't fit in, be a part of (really any church) their church anymore. But, if they can't find a church, doesn’t the following Scripture apply, at least until they repent? (1 John 1:7 KJV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Notice if we're walking in the light, we have fellowship one with another. But if He has hidden our church, how can we have true fellowship with anyone? And does the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ work if we don't/won't/can't fellowship with our brothers? I don't necessarily mean the big building with the nationally known preacher. Church, the true church, sometimes only has two or three people including the preacher. See (Mat 18:20 KJV) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Some of us are isolated by the Lord for a time for special lessons and it will look as if we are not fellowshipping. Sometimes we can’t fit into the churches that are available because we aren't wanted, in which case they are refusing to fellowship with us.

To summarize: leaving our First love for Jesus Christ, no matter how hard we work, how much we give or how much we know or think we know or whatever we do is NEVER a substitute for loving Christ. Many churches substitute activity for love or spirituality. But it cannot ever truly satisfy anyone here and certainly not Christ. To overcome this temptation/ battle we must repent for not loving Jesus Christ with all our heart and mind. And prove that repentance by returning to our first love for Him, no matter what it costs us. Few American Christians have won this battle. As a result, most are what I call yo-yo Christians that is, up one day and down the next. Always trying to please the Lord, with works, words, church attendance, giving or whatever and never really giving up whatever it is that they love more than Jesus.

(Rev 2:6 KJV) But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. Here Jesus talks about the deeds of the Nicolaitanes that God Himself hates. Which were; they began to exalt the clergy, the ministry above the laity. Laity, was and is their word for the common people. That is, everyone, that, isn't a minister like them. Brother isn't a high enough title for them. They're the Reverend, Right Rev., Bishop and on and on. While the Scripture says (Psa 111:9 KJV) He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. If Holy and Reverend is His name and it is, it scares me to use Reverend as a title or part of my name. I use it only to get people out of jail and such and lately there are so many Reverends in jail it doesn’t work nearly as well as it used to.

(Rev 2:7 KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. As in all these letters, there are no promises or rewards for those who don't fight and win/overcome. All the rewards are available, at least to some degree, here and of course fully in heaven. For instance; this first reward is eternal life. But, didn't we receive eternal life when we were saved? Yes! But, being born isn't the end of life, we must feed the baby every day. Notice,
(Titus 3:5 KJV) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

How did He save us? By making us new (regeneration or born again) and then again and again, RENEWING the Holy Spirit in us. Or at the very least, He makes Himself available to us. All life, natural and spiritual, comes from God. So we have at salvation eternal life. But according to these Scriptures there is more for us. Just as a new baby is not the end, a new baby spiritually, still has some growing to do. Without frequent feedings of, and on life, we will be stunted and/or will starve. This is true naturally and spiritually.

STEP 2

(Rev 2:8-9 KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; (9) I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, (Christians) and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Like America they were rich naturally, and were, in fact servants of satan like America. (John 8:34 KJV) Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

(Rev 2:10 KJV) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. You can almost always tell if the visitor / speaker is from heaven, because, if he is from heaven, his message nearly always begins, "fear not" or "don’t be afraid." Because heaven’s visitors are so powerful and glorious, the only possible response, in this body, is fear. If he is from hell, he will offer something. As he offered Eve, "you will be like God." Or, as he offered Jesus, " all the kingdoms of the earth."

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: (suffering is coming, unless you are already in it or have already passed through it) behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: The suffering that is coming is; the devil will put you in some kind of prison. See,
" America is a nation of prisoners." Free on request via email. The 10 days is usually interpreted 10 years. So some of them (and us) may have to suffer 10 years before they graduate by being allowed to die. Or grow up enough to be free to live abundantly and bear fruit. be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. But, their orders (and ours) are clear. Stay faithful, keep loving, no matter what it costs, even if it's the death of your body. Death that is over quickly like Jesus or the slow dragged out day by day death as Paul in prison longing to minister to churches that really needed him. I can just hear Paul explaining to the Lord how badly the Corinthian church needed him and the Lord’s gentle answer, "Paul why don’t you write them a letter?" And Paul’s, "Oh, all right Lord. " But Paul’s letters minister life 2000 years later and any personal ministry died with the persons who heard him. The Lord always knows best, but it isn’t always comfortable.

In the book of Job, the devil was the one who hurt Job, destroyed his riches, and killed his children. Isn’t it interesting that the devil was apparently invisible to Job, his wife and his friends? So that everyone simply accepted the suffering and hurt as God’s will and that God was doing all the evil. Just a note in all of history (as far as I know and can remember) no church creed or statement of beliefs has ever mentioned the devil, though he receives a prominent place in the Bible that they say they believe. Thus the devil is still invisible to most Christians so that God gets the credit and/or blame for all their hurts and suffering.

While some suffering is required, far too many true Christians, folks who really love God, suffer their whole lives believing it is God’s will, when in fact it is the devil doing the hurting. Many times they can overcome the suffering, sickness, whatever just by realizing that it is NOT God’s will. It’s suffer a while, not forever, thank God!

So what do we get if we win (Rev 2:11 KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Win this battle and you win big!(Rev 20:6 KJV) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. What is this second death? (Rev 20:14 KJV) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Rev 21:8 KJV) But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Now let’s think, the Christians who were not faithful in whatever their prison or trouble was, will be put in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels, which is the second death.

Brief summary; those who will not stay faithful in and through their suffering do not win/ overcome, and do not avoid the second death. Winners are a part of the first resurrection and the second death has no power over them. (1 Pet 5:10 KJV) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. And Jesus is our example; (Heb 5:8 KJV) Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

STEP 3

(Rev 2:12-13 KJV) And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; (13) I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. These Christians stayed faithful even when their fellow Christians were being killed. This is truly a great church.

But notice, (Rev 2:14 KJV) But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. Jesus has some things against them. Why? Briefly the doctrine of Balaam was; don't fight the Israelites, be friends with them, let your daughters marry their sons and your sons marry their daughters. Invite them to worship with you and be a part of your feasts. Their feasts were usually an orgy in, on, and around their idol temples, with all the men and women engaging in sexual intercourse. So that, Israel was no longer pure and God could not continue to bless them. Look closely and you will see what has happened in America in the last 50 years. "Attend the church of your choice." "Services with you in mind." "Super bowl party with our large screen TV in our air conditioned sanctuary, immediately after service." Not to even mention the TV and internet pornography.

(Rev 2:15 KJV) So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Now it is no longer just the deeds of the Nicolaitanes it has grown into a doctrine. God still hates it and will always hate it. This doctrine allows the church to exalt a man to idol status, so that the people are actually worshipping a man instead of God. Let me just mention, the pope, the contemporary Christian music scene, and some of the, well known, television evangelists. Worship can be translated, "Pay complete attention to."

(Rev 2:16 KJV) Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. This is a very interesting verse. Repent is, as always required, and as usual, it's repent, or else. But notice who He is going to fight against, not against the faithful, but against THEM. "Them" being those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes and/or of Balaam, "be friends with the world." (James 4:4 KJV) Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

(Rev 2:17 KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Christians who win/overcome on this one, get to eat, "the hidden manna." It is hidden from everyone except those Christians who are willing to reject the friendship of the world at any cost, including hardship, rejection, and even, the death of their bodies. I believe it is a special communion/provision with Jesus Christ, Himself. This provision gives a strength and determination that the world and the nominal Christian can never see or experience. A personal note, I am certain that I don’t have it all, but what I have is glorious beyond description, there are simply no words for this.

Secondly, we receive a white stone with a new name written in it, and no one knows our new name, but Jesus Christ and ourselves. (Of course, it is not smart, but we can reveal it to others.) Now I know that you've always wanted a white rock with a new name written in it. Right? Seriously, in the spirit world, only those who know our name, (or sometimes have a piece of our property, as in voodoo) have any authority over us. Here the Lord lifts us above all authority, earthly or spirit, except His own. At this point we can truly say, "it’s Jesus and me."

Remember though these rewards are only for winners/overcomers and they are progressive. Not always in this order, but progressive in the sense that we are given one and then tested to be sure that we can be trusted with that reward, before we receive another. Remember this principle always, "love that hasn't been tested cannot be trusted."

I have two thoughts on this: First someone has said, "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." The knowledgeable Christian yields to others, not because he has to, but for the protection against corruption. Power and authority are not the same. We rarely think about it, but receiving this kind of authority puts us over some angels and many people. We must be VERY careful to use it properly so that we don't hurt, or cause to stumble, those around us. Many Christians have used, like the devil, this authority to rebel. Power used without authority is anarchy or rebellion.

Authority without power cannot stand against power. Again, the knowledgeable Christian follows the example of Christ, submitting himself to his loving heavenly Father, no matter what the circumstances. Usually that means submitting to other Christians. (Eph 5:21 KJV) Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

STEP 4

(Rev 2:18 KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

(Rev 2:19 KJV) I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Wow, what a church. They haven't lost their first love it has actually increased.

However the Lord Jesus says; (Rev 2:20 KJV) Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Some years ago this doctrine was called "free love." Today this false prophetess or prophet is called "women’s liberation," or sometimes the equality of the sexes. She teaches, that a woman’s body, is her own, and that sex is natural, not to be restricted to marriage, and that a woman has the right to murder or pay some one to murder, her own unborn child. I am not mad at women or a woman hater---Men are always more guilty than women, because men are supposed to be in charge. I use this only for illustration, there are many other names "she" uses as "nobody’s perfect," and "alternative life style." Which stunts or aborts spiritual children and is actually rebelling against Jesus Christ Himself, see Mat 5:48. (1 Cor 6:19 KJV) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Cor 6:20 KJV) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's These Scriptures show our Father’s position on this subject.

(Rev 2:21-22 KJV) And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.(22) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. The Lord is so good, as wicked as this woman/person is, it’s not always a female person, He still gives her time to repent. Our choices as Christians are here, commit adultery, spiritual or natural, and go into great tribulation, ending in death natural and spiritual, or repent. (Rev 2:23 KJV) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. And while the words, "or else" are not here, we can see that everyone will get from God according to their works, not their intentions, words, or beliefs.

(Rev 2:24-26 KJV) But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. (25) But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. (26) And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: (We got authority before, now we are being entrusted with power.) (Rev 2:27 KJV) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; (He will rule this way probably because he has seen the devastation caused by not ruling with a rod of iron. Give people an inch, and they will take a mile.) as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. (Rev 2:28 KJV) And I will give him the morning star.

Briefly, to win this battle all we have to do is, in the face of the whole world and the church in the world, continue to live and preach holiness, perfection, repentance, forgiveness and LOVE. True love, not the garbage kind Hollywood preaches. If we stay faithful we receive power over the nations. And the morning star, Jesus is the morning star. But I don’t know what the special relationship that having Jesus as your own morning star would mean. If you know I would be interested in hearing, thank you. (Rev 22:16 KJV) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

(Rev 2:29 KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

STEP 5

(Rev 3:1 KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. (This is a letter to a church (and/or individual Christians) that looks really good, really alive, but when the Lord looks at them He sees them dead and dying.) (Rev 3:2 KJV) Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Just another reminder that God, the perfect God does not grade on the curve. (Rev 3:3 KJV) Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Remember! Remember, and repent, or else!

(Rev 3:4 KJV) Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

We could almost write a book on this verse. Even in this dead and dying church, there were a few who had stayed clean. Jesus says, "they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy!" These few are part of the perfect church that Jesus is coming for:(Eph 5:27 KJV) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. And if Jesus pronounces at least some of us worthy, how can the organized, established church say, "no one is worthy?"

(Rev 3:5 KJV) He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Overcoming/winning in this dead and/or dying church means remembering and repenting enough to stay clean. For those few, who stayed clean, it means holding on to what they had. Please pay special attention to the phrase, "I will not blot his name out of the book of life." Let me call your attention to, "if you overcome, I will not blot your name out of the book of life. Those who DO NOT win / overcome, their names will be blotted out of the book of life by Jesus Christ Himself. It is possible to win the previous battles and receive that part of the rewards that we can receive in this life, and still lose everything. I would like to call special attention to the fact that some of these Christians were going to have their names blotted out of the Lamb’s book of life, so it is possible.

(Rev 3:6 KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

STEP 6

(Rev 3:7 KJV) And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

(Rev 3:8 KJV) I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Wow, What a tremendous complement from the Savior! And notice He removes all the limits on this people. He says, "I have opened a door for you." We can be a part of this great church. Notice they are not lily-livered sissies, they are not babes in Christ, and they are not helpless. They have strength, they have kept His Word and have not denied His name. (Rev 3:9-10 KJV) Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. (10) Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

This Scripture is often used to preach the rapture of the church. But, it isn't a promise to the whole church. It’s a promise to those few in this church that have kept their love for Christ and obeyed, no matter what. He will keep them from the hour of temptation, but no one stops to think that death is or can be a personal rapture for those in Christ.

(Rev 3:11 KJV) Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Here Jesus says, "don't let go of what you've got or gained. Because, if you do give it up, some man will take your crown." You can come all this way and still lose your crown. I believe very strongly that many Russians, Africans, Chinese and other third world peoples will be wearing American crowns too. They're willing to give their life. We're willing to give our castoffs and leftovers.

(Rev 3:12 KJV) Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. We become His forever. We as His bride never have to be apart from our Perfect Savior. As a bride takes her husband’s name, here we finally receive for ourselves, forever, His name. Praise the Lord!

(Rev 3:13 KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

STEP 7

(Rev 3:14 KJV) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

(Rev 3:15-16 KJV) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Or you make me sick at my stomach. I will vomit you out and away! Why? (Rev 3:17 KJV) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: American Christians are rich and have things. Actually they have what I call thingitus, renting and building more and ever bigger storage units to keep their things. They think they have it made spiritually, but the Lord has an entirely different opinion, see above.

But, even though all the above is true, there's still hope for those who will repent see and obey the following. (Rev 3:18 KJV) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in THE fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see, These three, orders or maybe just suggestions are an opportunity to grow up out of the lukewarm church into Him. We are the gold, tried in the fire, if we come through the fire obediently and faithfully. White clothing is the personal or earned righteousness of the saints, not imparted or imputed righteousness. The only way to see spiritually is to repent enough to at least begin to obey His Word. So if we will, we can do what He orders or suggests. See imparted, imputed and personal or earned righteousness free via email on request.

(Rev 3:19 KJV) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. This is true, no matter what the preacher says or how difficult it is to believe when you're being rebuked or punished as a part of your schooling. As usual the answer is get with the program with all your heart and repent/change.

(Rev 3:20 KJV) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Oh, how often we've heard this preached as a salvation message.

I would like for us to see it as the seventh step, the seventh battle in the walk of an individual believer. I see it as very similar to the first step. That is, come back to your first love, let Him in, into your very self. Open yourself to Him. Don't be like the established religious church, so into His gifts and callings that you really have no room for Him inside. So many American Christians are so full of themselves, their knowledge, their ministry, things, and successes, that they really have no interest in more of Him. They feel that they have arrived and are religious enough. And as many times as we have heard this verse preached, it's strange that we almost never hear the following verse preached.

(Rev 3:21 KJV) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Jesus says, "if you win, I'll share My throne, which is My Father’s, the Almighty God’s throne." This is a true Christian’s future and destiny. I believe this is an invitation to share the ruler-ship of the universe with the Godhead. So many settle for so much less. So many are cheated out of everything. The church sings about a "cabin in glory land," but not about sharing the ruler-ship of the universe with our Father God.

Don't let: (Hosea 4:6 KJV)My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. happen to you and your children.

There are no promises for those who won’t fight. There are no promises for the lazy. There are no promises for those who don’t/won’t conquer themselves and the devil. I find no promises for Christians who continue in known sin.

I know that this verse is true for those who love the Lord. (1 Cor 2:9 KJV) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But I also know; (John 14:21 KJV) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

(Rev 3:22 KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Amen, Amen, and Amen!

After word----Few consider that the stakes, promises, and prizes explained and offered in "The Seven Steps/Battles/Stages" are worth any and all suffering, including the death of the body and are cheap at whatever cost to us personally. Fewer realize that the growing, learning, loving, and winning are required, not suggested.

Here are some of the reasons.

1. Love that hasn’t been tested can not be trusted.

2. Authority given without safeguards, destroys the receiver, and frequently, destroys his victims, whether he intended to victimize them or not.

3. Power corrupts absolute power corrupts absolutely.

4. Conquer, win, dependable, faithful, love and true brotherhood ALL take time. There are no known shortcuts.

5. (John 17:3 KJV) And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Eternal life is not words we say, or memorize, or believe, eternal life is knowing, our Father and Jesus Christ whom HE sent. Knowing someone always takes time and effort and always costs something, including a considerable amount of time. This knowing, loving, learning to know and love is what the seven steps are all about.

"The Seven Steps," including "The time and Growth Factor" is now available as a booklet. Please write for information, Thank You. It will be posted soon at www.formatpublishing.com as a complete article.

By Ben Lucas

For how to information, please write.

The International College of Practical Christianity
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