π‘✞ Two Churches: In-Depth Bible Study (π Christ approved only two churches ✅. Find out why)
π‘✞ Two Churches: In-Depth Bible Study ππ₯ π₯⃢YouTube▶️ π
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iODxe-5SDFs&list=PLcK3ZkGY_ffoqa_wNdA3X97eyDh40zb-V
π✝️ The Biblical Foundation and Significance of the Church as the Body of Christ ⛪️
π️ [00:00:00] Understanding the Church and the Body of Christ
⛪️ The term “church” originally means “assemblies,” from the old German Kerch, referring to groups of people who gather as the Body of Christ.
π Christ is the Head of the Church, emphasizing the importance of following His guidance to be successful in faith.
⚠️ Biblical warnings in Matthew 16 highlight the danger of false doctrines, symbolized by the “leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” — meaning sin and corrupt teachings threatening the church’s purity.
⚠️π [00:02:15] Christ’s Warning Against Sin and False Doctrine
π Jesus rebukes His disciples for focusing on physical needs instead of spiritual understanding.
π The “leaven” is explicitly linked not to bread but to doctrine, emphasizing vigilance against false teachings.
πΏ️⚠️ All church assemblies inevitably encounter disruptive elements (“squirrels sent by Satan”), which Christ expects leaders and members to reject firmly.
⭐π―️ [00:06:24] The Symbolism of Churches in the Book of Revelation
π Revelation introduces seven stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (angels/messengers) and seven golden candlesticks π―️π―️π―️π―️π―️π―️π―️, symbolizing seven churches or assemblies.
π‘ This symbolism is straightforward and accessible, underscoring the churches as visible lights in the world.
⚠️ Christ’s message includes a stern warning: if a church falls from its original devotion, He will remove its “candlestick” π―️, effectively extinguishing its spiritual light.
⚖️π―️ [00:08:40] The Judgment and Removal of Churches
π️ The Church of Ephesus serves as an example where Christ warns of removing its candlestick for falling away from its first love ❤️ and embracing human traditions.
⚠️ This teaches the principle that churches that stray doctrinally or spiritually are liable to divine judgment, no matter their name or status.
π️ Only two of the seven churches in Revelation were found without fault — Smyrna and Philadelphia.
π‘️✝️ [00:12:00] Characteristics of the Faithful Churches: Smyrna and Philadelphia
π Smyrna endured tribulation and poverty, but remained spiritually rich and faithful, resisting false claims and persecution.
πͺ Philadelphia maintained truth, openness, and obedience, keeping the Word of Christ without compromise.
π Both churches kept Christ’s patience and doctrine, avoided false traditions, and stood firm against the “synagogue of Satan.”
π Faithfulness results in great promises: crowns of life π, pillars in God’s temple π️, and unshakable spiritual stability πͺ¨.
π¨π [00:17:30] The Danger of Tradition vs. Genuine Doctrine
⚠️ The lecture cautions against sensationalism and man-made doctrines, which may lead to spiritual ruin.
π True faith involves adhering to God’s Word, not adding confusing human traditions.
π The two faithful churches teach the importance of discernment and adherence to the true Word of God.
π₯π [00:22:00] Continuity of the Church in End Times Prophecy
⏳ Contrary to some teachings, the church is mentioned beyond Revelation chapter 4: two churches remain active and significant in Revelation 11.
π₯ These churches are linked to the prophetic “two witnesses” π₯, who will prophesy during the end times.
π The imagery of measurement and protection of the temple symbolizes careful divine oversight of God’s faithful assembly and worshippers.
π₯π₯ [00:27:30] The Role of the Two Witnesses and the Church’s Purpose
π’ The two witnesses symbolize the church’s evangelistic and prophetic mission during tribulation.
π‘️ They emphasize preparedness, active faith, and standing “against the synagogue of Satan.”
✝️ The church must focus on spiritual duty, avoid distractions by false doctrine, and unite under Christ’s Headship π.
π―️⚖️ [00:30:40] The Fate of the Seven Churches and Modern Application
⚠️ Christ removed five of the seven churches for drifting into error, yet some members from those removed churches joined the faithful two.
πΊπ God’s blessings and use of the faithful church are presented through its growth and reach — e.g., over 325 TV stations broadcasting their message.
π This underscores the vital importance of obeying God’s Word and aligning with His true church.
ππ₯ [00:34:00] Zechariah’s Prophecy and the Measuring of Jerusalem
π Zechariah 2 reveals God’s promise to Jerusalem, with a symbolic wall of fire π₯ surrounding it, indicating divine protection and glory.
π The prophecy connects to end-time restoration and judgment, warning against dwelling in “Babylon” π️ — symbolic confusion and false assemblies.
π‘️ Staying within God’s truth is essential for spiritual safety and blessing.
π‘π―️ [00:38:00] Faith, Vigilance, and the Responsibility of the Candlestick
π―️ A church (candlestick) is to shine light π‘, guide those lost in darkness π, and provide spiritual direction based on God’s Word π.
⚠️ Disruptors and false teachers are portrayed as injuring God’s work, eliciting a strong divine response.
π‘️ Faith is the foundation, enabling believers to stand firm through trials and attacks.
⛪️π [00:43:30] The Church’s Singular Identity and Divine Oversight
π Though there were historically multiple assemblies, spiritually there is one church — the Body unified in Christ.
π―️ The metaphor of the single candlestick with seven lamps symbolizes unity and completeness in the church under Christ.
π God’s measurements and discipline, revealed through prophets like Zechariah, affirm His continuous involvement with the church.
πΏπ« [00:46:00] The Two Olive Trees and the Flow of Divine Anointing
π«π« The “two olive trees” represent the anointed churches/witnesses supplying divine oil — Spirit and power π₯ — to the church.
π️ This flow of anointing is not by human effort but by the Holy Spirit, enabling faithfulness and effective ministry.
π± The assembly that heeds divine correction and remains faithful will be spiritually fruitful and victorious π.
π₯π₯ [00:51:00] The Anointed Two and the Church’s End-Time Mission
π These two anointed witnesses stand with the Lord of the earth, empowered to fulfill prophecy and the church’s mission.
π Their identity matters less than their function and faithfulness — God reveals what is necessary in His time.
⏰ The church’s role during the end times is active and purposeful; believers are encouraged not to wait passively.
π¨π [00:53:30] Refuting Misconceptions About the Church’s Presence
❌ The notion that the church vanishes after Revelation chapter 4 is refuted as inconsistent with this interpretation of Scripture.
✝️ The faithful church remains and continues its mission until Christ’s return π.
π‘️ Members are called to identify with the true assembly that keeps Christ’s Word, doctrine, and withstands spiritual adversaries.
⚠️π―️ [00:56:00] Final Exhortations: Faithfulness and Warning
π¨ Members are urged to avoid false doctrine, remain alert π, and not rely on new traditions but rely solely on God’s Word π.
⚖️ The five churches removed symbolize the consequence of doctrinal compromise.
π‘ Believers are reminded of their role as parts of the assembly to keep the light shining π―️ and stand against deception.
ππ [00:59:00] Summary and Encouragement
⛪️ The church is a divinely established assembly under Christ’s leadership π, meant to be a luminous witness in the world π.
⚖️ Divine discipline for departing churches shows God’s seriousness about purity and truth.
π‘️ Faith, adherence to Scripture, and recognizing spiritual enemies are essential for remaining faithful to God.
π―π·π Believers have a purposeful role during the “Trumpets, Vials, and Seals” of Revelation, actively preparing and witnessing.
❤️π God lovingly disciplines but also blesses those who remain faithful, assuring protection, growth, and ultimate victory π.
✝️π₯ FINAL MESSAGE
The Church is the Body of Christ. ⛪️✝️ Christ alone is its Head. π Believers are called to remain faithful to God’s Word π, reject false doctrine ⚠️, keep their spiritual light shining π―️, and stand firm through trials and deception. π‘️π₯
π Stay faithful. π Search the Scriptures. π―️ Keep the light burning. π Stand under Christ’s Headship until His return! ✝️π₯
------------------------------------------
**π‘✞ Two Churches:**
Two churches, very biblical, very serious, and something we all need be made aware of, because you know first, let's take the word most commonly used, let's say, in the book of Revelation about churches—it'd be better translated *assemblies*. It's where people assemble together, and they make up the body of Christ, alright? Which is the old German word *Kirche*—our church. And I'll tell you, let's just get right into it; we asked a word of wisdom from our Father, and I see Dennis left his notes up here—well, that looks like a good sermon. Oh, alright.
Open your Bibles if you would to the great book of Matthew. We're gonna hit about chapter 16. What did Christ do when He formed the church? You know, you need to pay attention to Him because He is the Head, and what He advises is ever so important—that is, if you want to be successful. And I think, you know, as long as you try, you should be. And I can guarantee you, if you do it God's way, you always will be. It's just a way; that's the way it is. That's His promise, and when you meet His conditions, you can rest assured.
So, with that, opening your Bibles to chapter 16, the great book of Matthew, let's pick it up if we may—verse 6. Alright, where Christ will soon be talking about forming His church. Then Jesus said unto them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." And of course, leaven spiritually means sin—beware of sin that comes in from that quarter or any quarter.
Verse 7: "And they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'It is because we have taken no bread.'" Isn't it strange how people wonder about their stomach so much? I guess it, when you're a wayfaring person in those days back out on the trails, a piece of bread could be pretty important. But can you imagine walking with the Master and not following His thought? And it's easy for us to say that now—that's Monday, back quarter back in, or whatever you call it—you know, Ben makes one wonder.
Verse 8: "Which when Jesus perceived"—He read your mind—He said unto them, "O ye of little faith." Now, the little girl from Tyre in the prior chapter had said, even you know concerning bread in verse twenty-seven of the prior chapter—she said, "Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." And Jesus answered and said unto her, "O woman, great is thy faith." She was listening to Him. They're not—these disciples are not listening, not thinking. Do you know what the real truth is? They weren't focused. And that's what I was talking about this morning: you got to be focused on God's Word. Think what it is. He has a message to you. It doesn't matter what man thinks—this man or any other man. Stay focused on the Head of the church, which is to say Christ.
Then Jesus told them right to their face, "O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves and the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?" There were twelve baskets of crumbs left over in the miracle of that feeding. But stop and think for a moment: what do you get when you pick up a bunch of crumbs? You know, do you listen to crumbs, or do you listen to the Lord? Naturally, it meant when you're dealing with Christ, you don't have to worry about bread—there's more than enough to go around. But there's something else He wants you to be aware of. He just warned, "Beware of the doctrine." And any time you gather a group like that together, you're gonna have some oddballs—they're squirrels sent directly by Satan to disrupt. That's what He's talking about. When He forms His church, He does not expect church leaders to tolerate that, and you shouldn't.
Verse 10: "Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?" Well, how many was there? There was seven—meaning again, you could even call this God's elect if you want to—there would be plenty to go around.
Verse 11: "How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?" That's what I was talking about—the sin and false teachings that they would bring in.
Then understood they how that He bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. It was doctrine that He was concerned with.
Let's follow the thought along. Let's go to Revelation 1:20. As you know, many people today—not you, but many people today—teach that the book of Revelation is just not meant to be understood. You'd be surprised how many people write me letters saying, "I asked my pastor, and he said, 'Please don't read that book, don't ask me to explain it because I don't understand it.'" Full of symbolism—a lot of symbology. Hello, that's the easiest way in the world to teach—is to use symbolism or a form of an analogy. That's the way we teach children in object lessons. But let's follow through on the church's first great story in Revelation. And Revelation, of course, a word—whatever language you would have take it—and it means *the uncovering*. And Christ appeared, and He heads the in His hand seven stars and seven candlesticks. Well, that's that symbology. Wonder why He would throw us a curve like that? What does that mean? That's just my left tonsil again—don't worry, it was okay.
Verse 20: "The mystery"—He's going to explain it. "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. This is the mystery: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches"—they represent those assemblies, they're the messenger to those assemblies—"and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." Isn't that difficult? It's amazing, isn't it? Those candlesticks are churches. Wow, what a revelation! Yeah, I mean, kindergarten children can pick up on that; there's nothing difficult about it. A child can understand.
Now do me a favor and skip on down into chapter 2—the Church of Ephesus, verse 5. I want to tell you what can happen to the candlestick, though. Verse 5, chapter 2, Revelation: "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen." Notice this candlestick—it already hit the dirt—fallen. "And repent, and do the first works; or else"—when Christ gives you an "or else," you'd better listen—"or else I will come unto thee quickly"—not moping along, quickly—"and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."
Now let me ask you a question: Will Christ remove a church? You better believe it. I mean, that's what it said; there's no way around it. He said, "You get your act together. You've drifted off over into a bunch of traditions of men, to this Church of Ephesus, and if you don't get it together and repent and go back to the Scripture, your first love"—that's what establishes a Christian church—"I'm not gonna mess around, I'm coming quickly, and it's gone, friend. You're not blessed." So let it be settled in your mind: God—there may be seven churches at the time of that writing—but Christ will absolutely snuff one of them out so quick they won't even know what happened to them. They won't even realize they've been snuffed.
Why didn't He kind of tell us back in the beginning, in the sixteenth chapter, Matthew, or—Richard, you mess around with that old leaven, you go along with those old traditions, don't expect Me to come visit you, honey—I'm not gonna be there. You can assemble all you want to, I'm gonna rip off your lampshade and your candle, and you're out of business. They won't know it because they wonder, "Why doesn't God answer our prayers? Why doesn't God bless us?" Hey, anytime you are that wise to know something's wrong, then you're wise enough to do something about it. "Well, how do I do that?" With God's Word. It's simple—ask a little child, ask them to explain it to you; they can figure it out. Alright, of how a church should react.
Now let's—there, as you all well know, and this is old history to you—there were only two churches out of the seven that Christ found no fault with. And we're going to go back over it because I want it fresh in your minds. I want it real fresh in your mind. I want it fresh enough in your mind that we're going to use it right now. Okay, skip to verse 8. And what did these two that He found no fault with have in common? I mean, man, that's the church you want to be in. Okay, you want to know what it is they—those two have in common, because He found not one iota against them. Let's see what they were teaching.
Verse 8: "And unto the angel of the church of Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive"—He resurrected from that.
Verse 9: "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, but thou art rich"—boy, I guess—"and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan." In other words, they claim to be of our brother Judah, but they're Kenites—of Satan's synagogue. You're going to let one of them do your translating for you, friend? How far do you think you would get with your little lampshade? I think you better order wicks right away. Do candles have wicks? Yeah, they do, don't they, come to think about it—kind of built in.
Verse 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"—that's on an individual basis—"only be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." In other words, who is death? It's the devil—that's one of his names, Hebrews chapter 2, verse 14. You be faithful, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through you—the *Petra*, the real Rock, the Comforter, a Rock that you can stand on and never be shaken. You're solid, and you will always be blessed, and He'll take care of you. That's His promise: "I'll give you a crown." I wonder if He knows my size. Hmm. Well, I don't even know myself; it's just kind of large, though. And that doesn't mean I've got the big head either—it's just I'm kind of big all over, I guess.
Anyway, that church Jesus loved. It's obvious they were doing something about the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. I mean, that's—that's a child can understand that. So you had better be in a church that teaches who the Kenites are—Cainites—Hebrew word meaning sons of Cain. You better know who they are; they're still around today.
Now step on over, if you would, to chapter 3—you know where I'm going—to the Brotherhood of Brotherly Love, that is Philadelphia—the Church of Philadelphia. Verse 7 of chapter 3—the only other church. Now let's see if we can figure out—this is heavy now—let's see if we can figure out what these two have in common. And if we can't, we'll call one of those children from the choir back and let them explain it to us, alright? Because I guarantee you, a child can figure it out, so surely we can.
Verse 7: "And to the angel"—this is one of those seven angels, would you believe that—"and to the angel of the church of 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." It's wonderful—they have a truth that you can build on. It's wonderful to have a truth that opens the doors to the unknown at the moment you need it in your life—that many people wonder about. You can stand on a solid rock with stability, knowledge, and wisdom. They are stability if they are the wisdom and knowledge from God's Word.
Verse 8: "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"—a little strength, with being given by the help of God as a bunch, friend. You know what it usually means? He'll furnish the brick, and you do the building. Alright? He's not gonna do it all for you. But how much faith do you have? He'll go all the way. He's not—"and hast kept my word"—that's what's important. We love this church—kept His word. That's important; that's why He would find nothing wrong with it. "And hast not denied my name"—they weren't sidetracked by some silly-willy that would bring their own traditions that can actually cause you to worship the evil one if you're not careful.
Hey, He's—He's good friends when He's going to be kicked from heaven. "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews"—our brother Judah—"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." You all know that that happens on the first day of the Millennium, the seventh trump? There's not going to be any other power on earth except the King of kings at that time.
Verse 10: "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience"—there it is again—they kept what? They kept the word—they kept the Living Word. They didn't play around. "Yeah, but let's see if we can't find something that's got a lot of sensationalism in it and go to hell." Do you like sensationalism that much? Isn't God's Word sensational enough for you with the excitement that goes on in this world today, that you want to get you a quick trip to hell by playing with traditions of men—old crumpled-up, mixed-up dough found out here in the gutter? Yes, gather up some baskets. I heard that one saying, this other one said, "Would you believe—well, that kind of makes sense, doesn't it?" Yeah, if you'd like to go to hell. If it isn't of God, and I'm talking about—sighs—there's nothing wrong with friends visiting about the corn crop; God makes the corn. But I'm talking about passing it off as spiritual content for edification. That's a big sin—to pass nonsense off for edification in the Word of God.
"I will also 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." They've earned a crown also—both churches. So you know something: if you're involved in a church that doesn't teach what these two taught, you're in a heap of hurt. And by the time we finish this lecture tonight, you're going to find out how much of a heap of hurt they're in, because He makes it very plain, and we're gonna go into it.
So that's not difficult. You got Christ—can expect you to reckon that, can He not? Christ can expect you to have the knowledge to cipher—that means to understand. Do it My way. I think inasmuch as He died on the cross for His children, He has the right to say, "Do it My way. I want to establish an assembly, but I want it to be done My way." I don't blame you.
One more verse: verse 12. "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God"—Britain? That's travelin' in pretty tall cotton. Okay, and for those of you that don't understand that colloquialism, that means you got it made. That's interesting—you know what a pillar is? That holds up the temple. Alright, that's nice. "And he shall go out no more: 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." I wonder if we'll be there. Well, if you follow His way, you will be.
Now I want us to think then: what did we determine here? Well, a candlestick—He said it's simply an assembly; it's a church. And those stars were symbolic of angels—messengers. And then we learned in the fifth verse of the second chapter, He's not opposed to snuffing out lights when it comes to candlesticks. He's pretty ticky about that sort of thing; He really is. That's why He says judgment starts—yes, we're at a pulpit right here—that means the people that speak. So if you speak, I kind of do my homework, alright? But you're the listener—it kind of finally works itself around. But God has a way of removing churches, and I don't care what name you have over the door, if Christ is tired of you, quite frankly, you're in a heap of hurt because His blessings will be shut off and a lot of bad things are going to happen.
Let's turn a little further over into the mystery of the great book—the eleventh chapter. The eleventh chapter—what does this mean to you today? We know we're in the end times. You're hanging on by your teeth for truth and searching for it. It's real simple; you don't have to hang on by your teeth. You know, some of us older folks would sure be in a heap of hurt if that was the case. Okay, let your mind do the walking.
Well, verse 11 of chapter 11—verse 1—and it reads: "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod." Now pay attention, because there's a reason I brought you here, else I would not have come to this chapter. Okay, so be sharp for me. I've laid groundwork; it's important. This rod—do you know this isn't exactly a kissing stick? A rod is for correction. You got that, don't you? Measure out with the rod—a scepter that kind of is good for a little discipline. "And the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." Oh, I probably forgot to tell you what a lot of people in traditions teach: after the fourth chapter, the churches aren't mentioned in Revelation, so you can just forget it—you know, they're gone somewhere. And you know something, five of them are—I cared to you—by the time we get here, five are no more. But what about—do you think God is going to cast away those two? I don't think so. Measure out real good.
Verse 2: "But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles"—or the nations—"and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months." Now, that's why we went through this this morning about Jerusalem and the day of vengeance, so that you can handle that. You know what it means, and you know of course that 42 months—what is the moon? It's lunar. What is every prophecy that's given of the night? It's about Satan. Okay, quite simply—about Satan. It's about a three-and-a-half-year period; we all know that has been shortened for our sake. Praise God!
Verse 3: "And I will give power unto my two witnesses"—whoa, that's good—"and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth." How much is that? What is "days"? That's daylight—that's solar. That's why we celebrate Passover by the solar calendar rather than what some people do—the lunar. The moon's barking and baying at the moon. God is a God of light, and He blesses those that keep His days as best they can to His way of reckoning. So those two witnesses are fantastic, and they're going to come—they're going to appear. You know how I know? How Jesus said it—that seals it right there. That seals it. They're gonna do some very wonderful things. We'll be talking more about that tomorrow afternoon—don't miss it. Three and a half years—whoa!
"For these are the two olive trees"—and this is a real genuine, in the Greek *chaya*—I mean besides those two—"and the two candlesticks"—what is that standing before the God of the earth—not heaven, earth—some were on earth. Looks to me like this is bad news for five candlesticks because there's only two left. You want to guess which two? I'll be willing to bet that every one of you would get it right.
Okay, well why would Pastor Murray bring this up? Because if the churches are there, you better know what you're supposed to do. If you're going to be participating at the time of the two witnesses, it's best to know at least what the signs are and what it is that's going to be going down about that time. "But Pastor Murray, I don't understand—my preacher at home said the church isn't mentioned after chapter 4." Well, how—if you've got a little child, six years old or four, one that can at least understand reading—go back and read chapter 1, verse 20. Jesus said, "Now listen to me, children: a candlestick is a church." You got that? Candlestick equals Church—candlestick equals assembly. And then don't let some idiot tell you that the church isn't mentioned after four, because it's very clear—it's right there in the hotbed of chapter 11. We've still got two churches operating here, and God is using them in conjunction with the two witnesses.
What are they doing? Well, it's written over and over and over. The main point I want to make on you is that if you're a part of that assembly, I would think we'd be very concerned about this. I would think you would be wanting to say, "Well hey, this—you talk about something—since say no to be able to just really document that God expects us to be active, then maybe we would know why He blesses us so much." Would you believe He's gonna use us? That's why He's got a purpose, and you know what it is—a child—if you don't know, have your child explain Mark chapter thirteen to you someday when it's raining or something. What the prime purpose is of a good Christian that belongs to one of those two assemblies that's going to stand against the synagogue of Satan—that these two particular churches stood against. These are the two churches, the two candlesticks that made it. It isn't even up for grabs which two churches that is.
And the main reason I wanted you to know that Christ snuffs out candlesticks—He snuffed out those five; they don't exist. But I'm going to tell you something: part of the people in them do, and guess what? They joined the two, and they're still around. Christ gave them that privilege. If you go back and read the letter over when you find what was wrong with each one of them, He warned—He gave each one of them an equal chance: "Get your act together, go back to My Word and understand it." And many will join those, and even to this day, scads of people—and I mean just stop and think—God has blessed us right now. We don't even know for sure—it's somewhere over 325 television stations in this hemisphere. Can you believe that? A little church that started out with 120 members in Arkansas—what is Arkansas? God—that somebody else doesn't—nothing—we got God. And you do too. The difference is, do we obey Him? And as He use—so you know, there are many things happening, my friends. And don't ever let some man tell you that the churches aren't mentioned after chapter 4, because they just—not what—they just would be unlearned in God's Word. You can see that, can't you? I want to see some heads—not all of you—can see that there are two candlesticks. Well, is that a church? Yes, He said it—the candlestick is a church. Little bitty person? Okay, so you know, don't—people want—don't argue with God's Word. It says it; that settles it. Alright?
So verse 4—did I get that? Yep, that's where we got to. That's where I want to quit in Revelation, but that's not where we're going to quit tomorrow—we're going to come back for some more food. But we're going to quit there now, because there's another time that He told somebody to do some major, and it's on the same subject, and I think it to complete what we have started here—that maybe we should go check on it. Y'all want to—want to tonight? Okay, well let's do it. I'll bet I could say how many of you know where I'm going, and I bet hands would go up all over the place. You got it right—Zechariah. Let's go there—chapter 3—my food—you didn't write book—different chapters—I see—not for y'all—I see now—y'all helped—means—Zechariah—in the Minor Prophets, isn't it? Right near the end—it's next to the last book in the Old Testament, isn't it? Thank you. As a matter of fact, I don't want chapter 3—I want chapter 2. Okay, and everybody's got a right to make a mistake occasionally, right? Otherwise you would get the big head, right? Alright, okay.
Chapter 2, verse 1: "I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand"—here we go again—doing this measuring thing. "Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem." You see, beloved, when we had that lecture this morning, don't listen to some crackpot that wants to tell you prophesy concerning the end time—you need to look at the beast somewhere in Belgium or somewhere—it's not biblical. You're gonna go to sleep at the switch and on watch if you don't watch the place you're supposed to—Jerusalem—"to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof. And behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him"—just having a regular old time—"and said unto him, Speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein." Don't try to measure some little wall—run those lines on out there—nobody knows just how big it's gonna be. Looking forward to what we do in the Millennium? You think we can cut it in the Millennium? Hey, we're gonna make it hard on them, but we're gonna say we're gonna break them back from the fire and show them what discipline can really look like. If God wants us to, we'll let Him decide. Alright, and we'll get a lot more done.
Verse 5: "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." You know, I want you to make a mental note—I've done this two or three times to you already in this session—make a mental note of fire. Okay? That wasn't used in the plagues of Egypt. This earth has never been destroyed by fire, so we're talking about something new. When we see this, I want you to make a note of that and be aware of it, alright? You'll move right along if you do. "And will be the glory in the midst of her"—all the glory of our Father in the midst—what does that mean? He's there. So that gives you a time sequence—ho-ho!
"Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD. Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon." Do you know what Babylon is? It's confusion. Don't dwell in a lampstick—a candelabra—that is confusion, or you're wasting your time. Unless God has—you know, I've known of cases where God specifically sends someone—there's a purpose—someone there that needs a witness—not a troublemaker—but beware. Check out the light—see if it be true or not—and don't hang with false doctrine. I mean, if somebody gives you some list of stuff, say "document it—good documented words in God and from God's Word." Alright, I mean, you keep it straight in there, or your old boat's getting pretty close to the push here, and you don't want it listening too much to one side of the other—it could sink. Come out of confusion. Well, how do I come out of confusion? With truth. It's that simple.
"For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled the Jew: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye." Do you know what the apple of your eye is? It's the pupil. God says anybody that hankies with one of My kids, it's like they stuck their finger in My eye. Now let me ask you a question: He uses a pretty good analogy there. If somebody sticks their finger in the pupil of your eye, does it get your attention? I think so. Well, if someone picks on you, it gets Almighty God's attention. So don't be one of these "poor me" babies that say, "God just let them pick on me." He knows what's going on. He just figures you can cut it. He figures you know what to do with the bad boys—that you may be a little dog, but you hunt with the big dogs, too. Okay, He knows you can cut it.
And so it goes, friends. I'm gonna tell you what God expects His own to have—one thing—it's called faith—to believe and to know that He—doesn't He know about you? But there are so many people in the world, He should know—He created them, every soul. And you know what? He loved every one of them. We wouldn't have made it—there might have been one or two back in the middle that He had the old wheel spinning said, "Holy moly, I want to start over." I don't know about that—I really don't know about that. We may be getting into traditions a little bit there. We leave that up to the Father. Anyway, you're here and He made you—that's good enough for me if it's good enough for Him. So see that you stay with Him and follow the candlestick. Learn what it is the candlestick is supposed to do. What, brother—what is that? A candlestick is supposed to do—you're teasing me—you don't know what a candlestick is supposed to do? What do you keep it for? Well, we keep them in our house in case the electricity goes off—to give light. Or you're getting right—that's just about right. You know, a candlestick assembly should put out a light where it kind of shows people that are lost in the darkness so they don't follow and find their way—with truth. That makes sense. God's Word always makes sense. Alright.
Now yeah, when somebody bothers your operation—that means your seed planting, or whatever—if they jab you, they just jab God in the eye. If you ever get a gnat in your eye or a mosquito, what do you do with it? Oh, you swat it, right? What do you think God's gonna do with them? Come on, we're made in His image—He's got the same reflexes. Naturally, if you stick your finger in His eye, it's gonna be quick, friend—quick response. Okay.
Verse 9: "For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them." I would never want that—if God angry at you and shaking His hand on them—"and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me." You will know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me. "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD." He's going to—it's gonna be precious. Boy, have we—we'll be full of questions, won't we? But when you're in that spiritual body, you don't have that many questions. I'll just say that and pass on.
Verse 11: "And many nations shall be joined to the LORD"—because you'll already know—okay, He only calls things to our memory. It's in the memory. You think that's biblical? It is—St. John chapter 14. Jesus says, "I call these things to your memory." Okay, it's there. And I don't—I don't want to go into where, how did it get there? Well, you know from before—"and many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee. And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again." That's what it's—sinners own friend—again. Don't be so foolish as to let someone pull you off by geographical locations; it is settled. Okay.
"Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation." That means He's ready for the day of vengeance. And I think if we knew how close it was, I don't think you really want to know. Well, I like to guess—that's alright, you go ahead. I'm not going to with you—let's just get me ready when it happens. Alright, you got plenty to do—you're one of the candlesticks—you got plenty to do without worrying about Moose over somewhere else or something. Alright, it's alright to pray for your friends and so forth. I have to be careful saying things like that because so many people hear things different than maybe some Irishmen trying to be humorous. Alright, stick focused to God's Word—stay with it—and you'll never be embarrassed.
He continues on in that third chapter and He promises us the Branch, which is Messiah, in verse 8. And in verse 9 of chapter 3, He tells us about this stone that has seven sets of eyes. And of course, that seven is the spiritual completeness—that's God's elect in this stone. What is that stone? Well, it's symbolic of a church. Is that a candlestick? Yep, that's what it is. Do you think those eyes close? No, they always watch—okay, spiritually alert.
Chapter four, verse one: "And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof." Now, in Revelation we were told to measure and we got two candlesticks, but in Zechariah you're looking a little further. And I have to ask you—and I don't want it to sound like I'm talking down, but to a real Christian now—be honest with me—to a real Christian, how many churches are there? Only one—only one candlestick. But some of the lights moved into that one. Well, who is that one? Come on—it's Christ—of course. Because you're either in Him, or you're out—you're snuffed out. The old candle-snuffer has already hit your wick, and you're out of business. So don't be—what I'm saying—don't be concerned that here are only listed with seven lamps, because it's one lampstand in Christ. That's the way it always will be. Okay, even if there were seven churches, where should they all have been? In Christ. That was this complaint: "You get your act together, or I won't—I'll come quickly and snuff your lampstand out—you're out of business." He is capable of doing that, and we know from the great book of Revelation He did it to five of them. I mean, He didn't mess with them. Do you know something? He's not the type that does mess around. When He gives you enough warnings, He expects you to take heed.
Okay, let's continue on here: got seven pipes to the seven lamps which are upon the top thereof. Verse 3: "And two olive trees"—well, here's those two witnesses again, alright—"to all of our people by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof." So I answered and I speak to the angel that talked with me, saying, "What are these, my lord?" What in the world is that?
Verse 5: "Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be?" You should be saying—"and I said, No, my lord."
Verse 6: "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel." Do you know what Zerubbabel means in the Hebrew tongue? You need to—beloved—it means "born at Babel." But he didn't stay that way, neither should you. You might have been born in confusion, but don't stay that way. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." Alright, and that's just the power of my left tonsil again—no problem to be concerned—we're gonna make it fine. Okay, maybe I should have it checked tomorrow.
Verse 7: "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain." I mean, there's opposition—what did Jesus tell you if you had the faith of a mustard seed you could do to a mountain? You can move it—before the rubble that shall become a plain. Why? Somebody's gonna have some faith and it's gone. "And he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." Do you know what the headstone is? It's the Head of the Church—I mean, the Chief Light, Chief Candle-stand.
Verse 8: "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you." In other words, what He started, He's going to finish. How's He going to do that?
Verse 10: "For who hath despised the day of small things?" Don't think small—your Father owns everything; your Father controls everything. What does He trust you with? Well, I don't know. "For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel"—what's this? He's got a plummet—it's a plumb bob—alright, the rubble with those—those seven—"they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth." They're working down there—God's seven thousand elect, the two churches from Revelation—they're working at it. They're doing what they're supposed to do in that final generation when the seals and the trumpets and the vials begin to sound, and they are—they keep busy focusing, disciplining themselves upon the Word of God.
"Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?" And of course, as you know that as He said earlier, the oil—don't be like the ten virgins. Alright, so all in this case, not by man, not by gravity, not by some pump, but by the Holy Spirit—God's in control. Don't ever forget that. And I answered again, and said unto him, "What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?" They're feeding those really the two churches, if you want to know the truth about it—those that have assembled themselves. It's pretty nice—I want to say this, and some television people might think I'm bragging and saying it, but it is so nice to have God control the oil instead of having to beg. You know, it really is a blessing—it's really a blessing. I don't say that as a brag; I say it to document to you that you can trust your Father. He's in charge; He knows what He's doing, and He's guiding you gently truly on course whereby we can accomplish those things that are written—that is to say, not necessarily we accomplished, but let's don't fight against Him; let's help Him. Listen—let's don't—you know what happened on the night Christ was crucified? They ran. You're not going to—you've got work to do. Do you know how I can double declare that? It declared it back in the book of Revelation—He said they're cutting it—those two are getting it done. I count on the two witnesses—He said in those two churches, they're going to get it done. You don't have to worry about it. If you have faith, you know He's in control.
Verse 13: "And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones"—the Hebrews—"sons of oil"—not necessarily any gender—"that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." And of course, the two witnesses mentioned in the book of Revelation—we could probably spend the rest of the night talking about who those two witnesses would be, and we would—no less—probably after we talked all night, we do now because when things are in God's hands, sometimes it's best to leave them there. You know, if He wants us to know something, He'll tell us if you'll dig it out of His Word—it's there.
It's like you're gonna have people that are going to tell you, as we learned earlier—and I'm just recapping now—don't think I'm repeating; I'm recapping for a purpose. Some of this we're picking up tomorrow, and I don't want you to sleep on it and forget it—you won't, will ya? Oh, good, good. But some people would tell you the churches aren't mentioned after the fourth chapter. Now you all know that's a common practice—that's a lot of churches will tell you that. Well, you know, that's ignorant, and I'm not—I'm not calling them names or anything—I'm a realist. Alright, I state—I like to stick to facts. Anybody that says that is just ignorant of God's Word, because God makes it very clear to us that we are there. And I say "we" because I know we're the group—one of the groups that teaches who the children are, the synagogue of Satan. If a church doesn't teach that—hey, and I know anyway you want to slice it, anywhere around the world, all the world is only one church. Well, what's His name? Well, it's an assembly of those that love the truth and that have faith in Christ to trust and believe Him, and it doesn't have a name over the door. We could call it Faith—we could call it those that have faith in Christ—yeah, because He is the Church. And that's why many people say, "I'm Pastor, I'm ready to join the Shepherd's Chapel—what do I do?" I said, "Hey, you got to take that up with the Lord—He's the head dog here—I'm—He's the head man." I'm sorry, getting late, been a long day, baptized a lot of people and getting her done here. Alright, I'm gonna quit pretty quick.
But anyway, our Father loves those that love Him—that He can count on. You know, I'm sure it's very easy to disappoint Him when He sends a letter that is so simple a child can understand it, and you have—I mean big candlesticks—I'm not talking little groups here and there—I'm talking big names, so-called assemblies—they were just not teaching right. And I don't judge them—I'm not a judge—but I am well enough advised by Him and His Word to know I don't want any part of anything that isn't pleasing to God—that's just not right. Why? You're not gonna get His blessings. And beloved, if we do it His way, don't think little—we're in big times. We're in the trumpets and the vials and the seals that are moving on toward the end. Are you ready for it? Well, how do you get yourself ready? Well, you educate yourself in the Father's Word. He tells you all about it, and He tells it where a child can understand. You know, you'd be surprised how many letters I get from people that say, "I wish you'd quit saying that—I've read that a dozen times and I don't understand it, and then you come along and say a kid can—" oh, you know—I don't know—it's one of those things I guess that if you have eyes to see, you have eyes to see, and if you don't, you don't.
So yes, the two churches are mentioned; five are snuffed out. I think that should go as a warning, dear one, that Christ meant when He said, "Beware of the leaven of the Sadducees and the Pharisees"—traditions of men. When you meet in large groups, you'd better be careful who you're keeping company with—the fragments of doctrine. Alright? Why do you need another doctrine when you've got the Word of God? You know, isn't that good enough? I hope it is, because I know where you're going if it isn't—it's real pretty well set and feel it's snuff-out time.
Alright, so I hope you've enjoyed this—because thank you—my whole point is to show you you have a part, because you're a part of that assembly that teaches who the Kenites are. This and that is so obvious, so blatantly true, that you could miss it. And this lecture and the one that's coming tomorrow is basically to teach you more about your part in it—what it is He would have you do—and I hope that you gain much assurance from that and comfort that hey, if they mess with me, it's just like they stuck their finger in God's eye, and boy, is His hand going to—effray—fray. Um, thank you for watching today's program and God bless you.
Dr. Pastor Arnold B. Murray
Comments
Post a Comment