Knowing JESUS Daily Devotional | February 16, 2020. Enrich and Sustain your relationship with Jesus reading our daily devotional – Revelation 2:1 – 7 – 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; 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: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 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. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. look
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.
Beloved, we consider the second church out of the seven churches as it applies to you and to help you prepare adequately for the dawning rapture.
Be mindful of the fact that these messages were sent to seven churches in Asia then by Christ to reveal to them, their true spiritual estate.
Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea
But then because seven symbolises totality, completeness, finality and perfection.
The same messages were sent to the entire universal churches of Christ, during the church age, till the time of the rapture.
It is because of this, that you in particular can derive lessons from what was happening to the churches then.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Our Lord sent these messages to the leadership of the churches, referred to as the angels of the church.
Rev 1:19 — Rev 1:20 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 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.
If you recount , we discovered from the scriptures that human beings in leadership position are referred to as angel.
1Sa 29:9 And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle.
2Sa 14:17 Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the Lord thy God will be with thee.
2Sa 14:20 To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.
Stephen was referred to as an angel.
Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Acts 6:10. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake
Acts 6:15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
But then the messages were meant for both the leaders and the entire members of the church.
You are a church purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Jesus our Lord sent these messages to the churches of all ages and you are included.
Revelation 22:16 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.
This message certainly shall benefit you, because you are presently doubling as a member of the church and the appointed leader of all the people in your world of influence, which God will use you to draw into the kingdom in Jesus name.
That is your unsaved spouse children parents siblings close and extended family members neighbors and colleagues at work.
Jud 1:22 — Jud 1:23 And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Jesus our Lord sent these messages to apostle John, because, the events are imminent. They can begin today.
Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Rev 22:10 — Rev 22:13 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Beloved, we have a unique goal for relating these messages to you in particular. It is to ensure that your seat among the twenty four elders apostle John saw in the revelation Jesus showed him, does not elude you. It shall not in Jesus name.
Rev 4:1 — Rev 4:4 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
Don’t forget the Bible reveals to you that these twenty-four elders are the raptured church.
Rev 19:4 — Rev 19:9 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
For this reason this dawning rapture shall not elude you in particular I Jesus name.
Let us see lessons for you in this second church.
To start with this particular church was very important and also close to the Ephesians church.
God used apostle Paul to establish it. It’s name is Symna.
Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Remember, in the same way God used apostle Paul, you are also commissioned to labor for the conversion of souls in your world of influence.
Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Always remember, the people in your world of influence shall not be saved, except you do something about it.
Rom 10:13 — Rom 10:16 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Have it in mind also that if you engage in the pursuit of the temporal ephemeral and these people are damned. Their blood shall be required from your hands at eternity.
Ezk 3:17 — Ezk 3:21 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.
Beloved, let us see lessons for you to learn in this second church, to help you prepare for the dawning rapture.
Rev 2:8 — Rev 2:11 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 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. 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.
I am persuaded you know that all things are possible with God.
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
You also know that if you believe all things are possible for you too.
Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Jesus our Lord is always in His church and He is on top of everything that is being done.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
You must aspire to be like the angel of this church and also the members.
As for this church, all that our Lord had for them is commendation and exhortations.
Nothing to be corrected. They were living lives pleasing the Lord, just as Enoch walked with God and Noah pleased God.
Gen 5:22 — Gen 5:24 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Genesis 7:1 And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Our Lord and savior performed the same feat during His earthly ministry. He lived to please God in all things.
John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
What He did is to leave exemplary lifestyle for you to do same.
1Pe 2:21 — 1Pe 2:23 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Jesus our Lord had nothing to correct from the leadership of this church and thr the members.
Rev 2:8 — Rev 2:9 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Because of the right standing of this church, they were severely persecuted.
I know thy works – As he had spoken to the preceding Church, so he speaks to this: I know all that ye have done, and all that ye have suffered. The tribulation here mentioned must mean persecution, either from the Jews, the heathens, or from the heretics, who, because of their flesh-pampering doctrines might have had many partisans at Smyrna.
Materially poor, spiritually rich.
poor in temporal, but rich in spirituals
But thou art rich – Rich in faith, and heir of the kingdom of Christ.
Spiritual riches are usually the reward of great diligence the diligent hand makes rich. Where there is spiritual plenty, outward poverty may be better borne and when God’s people are impoverished in temporals, for the sake of Christ and a good conscience, he makes all up to them in spiritual riches, which are much more satisfying and enduring.
Surprisingly, the Jews or the Christians in their days that were persecuting them most.
Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
The blasphemy of them which say they are Jews – There were persons there who professed Judaism, and had a synagogue in the place, and professed to worship the true God; but they had no genuine religion, and they served the devil rather than God. They applied a sacred name to an unholy thing: and this is one meaning of the word blasphemy in this book.
And poverty – Stripped probably of all their temporal possessions, because of their attachment to the Gospel
Their properties were destroyed.
Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
So Jesus commended them for standing firm, despite the intensity of the persecutors against them.
Pause here.
Are you facing persecution in your family, place of work or church, because of your right standing?
You need not to be regretting or be ashamed.
See what the Bible says.
Mat 5:10 — Mat 5:12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
2Ti 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
1Pe 4:12 — 1Pe 4:16 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Are you presently persecuted by members of your household?
Your spouse, your children,?
Cheer up. That was exactly what our Lord said shall happen.
Mat 10:34 — Mat 10:39 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
The leadership of this church and members persevered and survived the persecution. You also shall survive in Jesus name.
Don’t do anything contrary to the Bible. God shall vindicate you in particular in Jesus name.
Rev 2:8 — Rev 2:9 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Our Lord said the Jews who called themselves God’s people are synagogue of satan.
Rom 2:28 — Rom 2:29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Rev 3:9 — Rev 3:11 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. 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. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Most times unknown to our persecutors. They are being used by satan.
Endeavor to persevere to the end like this church. The good Lord shall help you in particular in Jesus name.
Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Beloved, after the commendation, our Lord exhorted them. See it.
Revelation 2:10 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.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer – This may be addressed particularly to Polycarp, if he was at that time the bishop of this Church. He had much to suffer; and was at last burnt alive at Smyrna, about the year of our Lord 166.
We have a very ancient account of his martyrdom, which has been translated by Cave, and is worthy of the reader’s perusal. That account states that the Jews were particularly active in this martyrdom, and brought the fagots, etc., by which he was consumed. Such persons must indeed have been of the synagogue of Satan.
In fact the bishop was martyred on the Sabbath day by the Jews.
See what he said, when he was to be martyred.
It is said of Polycarp that when brought before the judge, and commanded to abjure and blaspheme Christ, he firmly answered, “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never did me wrong, how then can I blaspheme my king who hath saved me?” He was then adjudged to the flames, and suffered cheerfully for Christ his Lord and Master.
Don’t be afraid. Persevere to the end, like this church. You are also a church.
The goal of the devil is to use this challenge to hinder you from eternal life and blissful eternity. He shall abysmally fail in Jesus name.
Revelation 2:10 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.
Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Dan 3:16 — Dan 3:18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Luk 12:4 — Luk 12:7 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Be thou faithful unto death – Be firm, hold fast the faith, confess Christ to the last, and at all hazards, and thou shalt have a crown of life – thou shalt be crowned with life, have an eternal happy existence, though thou suffer a temporal death.
See the grace of God is available and sufficient for you.
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
2Co 12:9 — 2Co 12:10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Beloved, Jesus our Lord continue with the exhortation.
Revelation 2:11 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.
He that overcometh – The conqueror who has stood firm in every trial, and vanquished all his adversaries.
Shall not be hurt of the second death – That is, an eternal separation from God and the glory of his power; as what we commonly mean by final perdition. This is another rabbinical mode of speech in very frequent use, and by it they understand the punishment of hell in a future life.
They suffered physical death for Christ sake. They shall escape spiritual death.
Revelation 20:6 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.
Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Revelation 21:8 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.
Beloved, I am sure you have ears to hear. The rapture is dawning. You seat has been allocated among the twenty four elders.
You have laid your hands on the plough. You can not afford to look back. You shall not look back like Lots wife in Jesus name.
Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Genesis 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
Luk 17:32 Remember Lot’s wife.
See you at the top in Jesus name
Seven Months at your Convenience
The following are the details of courses.
1: Kingdom Character for Ministers
2: Ministry Concentration, church Administration, History, homiletics and Identifying your call.
3: Ministerial communication, Sociology and Music etc.
You can either reach us via
e-mail @ info@clcbconline.com
or
clcbc7@gmail.com.
Or either of these lines.
+2348037157762
+2348071054474
Bishop Peter Olusegun Babalola.
Jesus is Lord forever
Follow Us On Twitter: www.twitter.com/clcbconline
Like Our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/clcbconline
Follow Us On Instagram: www.instagram.com/clcbconline
![SERMON | HOLINESS - THE PATH TO GODS HEART - BISHOP PETER BABALOLA [ General Overseer of Calvary Light of Christ Bible Church [ CLCBC ] ]](https://clcbconline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/HOLINESS-THE-PATH-TO-GODS-HEART-BISHOP-PETER-BABALOLA-300x300.jpg)