Do Not Remember The Former Things/ Revelation, King and Priestly Character opposes the Jezebel spirit.

Isaiah 43:18-21; Philippians 4:8; Revelation 1:6; James 2:18-20; Matthew 24:11; Mark 9:42; Revelation 2:22-25; 1 Corinthians 11:30

We are walking in today:  Do Not Remember The Former Things/ Revelation, King and Priestly Character opposes the Jezebel spirit.

Fiveamprayer, we are to walk into this new year with the knowledge that God is doing a new thing.  We give our praises to the Lord, everybody did not get up this morning.  You should be shouting hallelujah!  Thank You God!!  Set your mind and hearts to hear from God.  As God tells us in Revelation 2, "He that hath an ear, let him hear..."   Isaiah 43:18-21 18) Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19) Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. 20) The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. 21) This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.  So that they might declare His praise.  We are to declare His praise!!  Come on fiveamprayer, He has been so good to us!!  We must not allow ourselves to dwell in the past or on the former things.    This happens often in our relationships.  Going over it again and again--in our minds, families and churches.  Isaiah offers us comfort and that we must prepare, in this scripture.  Newness is a part of God's character.  The preparation is for us to no longer remember the former things, the things of old.  We don't see the new, looking at the old.  We can miss the goodness of God, being stuck in the past.  We have instruction on how to refocus our minds and what we should be meditating on--Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  We have been given a revelation so that we are not stuck in the past.  God is putting a seal on this year of 2011 with the the book of Revelation.  The unseen being made seen!!  Fiveamprayer, forget the former thing, it is done, finished, over.  Don't remember it any longer.  We come to lift You up, Lord.  To continue to walk in the book of Revelation.  Thank You God for not giving us a spirit of fear!  Give Him honor, glory and praise!  He is worthy and we exalt Him because we have forgotten the former things, looking to the new thing that God is doing!  Holy Spirit have your way this morning!  We need a mighty move of God!  Are you ready for the word of God?!

A Brief Recap: Characteristics of Jezebel spirit.  The Spirit of Jezebel is basically a controlling spirit working through the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  It has, in general, two aims:  To gain identity, glory, recognition, power, and satisfy the need for the "praises of men".  This is a consequence of the desire for love and self-worth focused on self.  There are two main types of the Jezebel spirit:  The high-profile type is generally gregarious, fond of company of others and sociable. Outspoken and highly visible.  The low-profile type is soft-spoken, giving the illusion of being solicitous, a hovering attentiveness motherly, protective, even appearing very submissive. The low-profile type may be the most dangerous, as she is the most difficult to discern. She relies heavily on manipulation for her power, in extremely subtle performances.  For some, suggesting that believers adopt a kingship mentality ignites negative concepts of unwarranted superiority, abuse of authority, unearned respect, and even an uppity attitude.  All of the signs we recognize as those in the characteristics of the Jezebel Spirit.  None of these images, convey the biblical concept of kingship that we are training for to rule in God’s kingdom.

The King and Priestly Character opposes the spirit of Jezebel

When we walk as Kings/Queens we are careful to align ourselves precisely with the Word of God in all our mannerisms.  So what are the benefits of aligning ourselves to the inheritance we gain through Jesus Christ and how do we do it?  To align oneself means to come alongside of or to work together with.  Why is this significant to discerning the Jezebel spirit?  Alignment is a regular maintenance feature.  (For example the wheel alignment and tire balancing on your car is necessary to assure the car gets the best mileage).  In Revelation 1:6 “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”  We are not talking about a blind submission to some controlling individual that printed “ Pastor, Prophetess, and /or Apostle So and So" on a business card.  It should be clear by now that the proof of any of the 5 fold ministry operations are found in function and not in title.  We are talking about working together with the grace of the Holy Spirit through the function of one or more of the five-fold ministry gifts that Jesus set to build His heritage in the Church.  Faith without works is dead, James 2:18-20
Who calls herself a prophetess: This “Jezebel” at the church of Thyatira wasn’t really a prophetess, she only claimed to be one.  Yet, it seems that the Christians there received her as a prophetess, and that’s why Jesus gives them this warning.  Jesus said this would happen in Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Those words were first spoken with a view to the end times, but there have always been those who call themselves prophets in the church, but are not.  To teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols:  Here, Jesus describes the specific sin of this woman “Jezebel.” Mainly, she was an immoral and ungodly influence on others, and led others into sin.  Jezebel led others into immorality and idolatry.  Because of the strong trade guilds in Thyatira, the sexual immorality and the eating of things sacrificed to idols was likely connected with the mandatory social occasions of the guilds.  A Christian invited to the monthly meeting of the goldsmith’s guild, and the meeting was held at the temple of Apollo.  “Jezebel” would allow or encourage the Christian man to go--perhaps even using a “prophetic” word--and when the man went, he would fall into immorality and idolatry.  Which could be similar to our modern day “conferences, business trips or tied to fraternities/sororities”.  The draw to the guilds and their meetings was powerful.  “No merchant or trader could hope to prosper or make money unless he was a member of his trade guild.” (Barclay) Nonetheless, Christians were expected to stand in the face of this kind of pressure.  And we are to do the same today.  One ancient Christian named Tertullian wrote about Christians who made their living in trades connected to pagan idolatry.  A painter might find work in pagan temples or a sculptor might be hired to make a statue of a pagan god. They would justify this by saying, “This is my living, and I must live.”  Tertullian replied, Vivere ergo habes?  “Must you live?”
My servants: This shows how terrible Jezebel’s sin was.  She corrupted the servants of Jesus, and they belong to Him.  Jesus said, But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. (Mark 9:42)
Because you allow: This shows the sin of the church of Thyatira.  On the outside, they were a model church, showing works, love, service, faith, and patience.  Yet there was significant corruption inside the church.  The sin of the church was that they allowed this corruption.  It is not necessarily a large group following Jezebel.  It only takes a little leaven to affect the lump, and a few in immorality and idolatry will corrupt the whole church--especially if they influence others the way this Jezebel did. 
Revelation 2:22-25 What Jesus wants the church at Thyatira to do. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.  I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts.  And I will give to each one of you according to your works.  Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.  But hold fast what you have till I come.
I will cast her into a sickbed: Before Jesus tells the Christians in Thyatira what they must do, He first tells them what He will do.  Jesus will chastise this Jezebel, and cast her into a sickbed, along with those who commit adultery with her.  The reference to adultery is important.  It speaks of both literal, sexual adultery and spiritual adultery.  When these Christians honored other gods, they were unfaithful to the Lord who saved them.  For this reason, the figure of a sickbed is fitting.  They were guilty of adultery, both sexual and spiritual.  It is as if Jesus says, “You love an unclean bed.  Here, I will give you one, and cast you into a sickbed.”  What was the sickbed?  It could simply be an image of affliction.  Or, it could be literal sickness that Jesus would allow in the lives of Jezebel and her followers as chastisement.  We know from passages such as 1 Corinthians 11:30 that God can use sickness as a way to chastise us when we are in sin.  The ancient Greek word used here for bed “is also the word for a banqueting couch; and if that meaning is taken, the meaning is: ‘I will strike her down as she sits at her forbidden feasts.’” 
Unless they repent of their deeds: Jesus reveals the purpose for this chastening.  First, it is to draw them to repent of their deeds. They wouldn’t listen to Jesus before, so He has to speak “louder” through a sickbed.  Second, it is to give an example of holiness to other churches:  and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts.  Minds and hearts is literally “hearts and kidneys.”  In the mind of the ancient Jews, the heart was the place of intellect, and the kidneys were the place of emotion.  Jesus says, “I know your every thought and your every feeling.” 
I will kill her children with death: “All men die, but all are not killed with death . . . Oh, it is a woeful thing to be killed with death.”

Thank You God for this new years revelation.  Get ready to no longer remember the former things.  Thank You for Your grace and mercy.  We don't have a Jezebel spirit.  Thank You Lord for using Rev. Duncan to walking us through the book of Revelation.  Thank You God for giving us this revelation as we enter into a new year.  If You don't do another thing for us, You have done so much all ready!  Praise His name!  Truly, truly!  He is worthy of all the praise!  Thank You God for covering us in 2011.  We are going into a new year with new revelations!  We are no longer stuck in the past!  Thank You God, You have taught us so much!  It is all because of You, heavenly Father!  Come up out of this past year, look to God for the new thing!  Make the choice to walk in forgiveness, because of who your Father is.  We lift up prayer requests, those known and unknown.  Have them to no longer remember the former things.  We lift up Priscilla for healing, we are looking to He who is willing and able to heal us!  Thank You God for delivering on Your promise that by Your stripes she was healed.  We come to ask You for forgiveness for the wrongs we have committed.  Thank You God for forgiving us with no condemnation.  We know that when You forgive You cast our sins into the sea where they are remembered no more.  Help us Lord to forgive--truly forgive like You where it is remembered no more.  We must forgive to be forgiven and that our prayers are not hindered.

We seal this prayer in His precious blood: 1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Welcome to the overflow...

Keep walking in this word, getting a revelation for your life and the times that you are living in, fiveamprayer!  Keep seeking after God and His word.  Behold, He is doing a new thing!  Take time out to read the scriptures for yourself.  We lift up Rev. Duncan in prayer, as we walk through the book of Revelation.  Visit us on facebook and have a blessed day! 

Seek Revelation, Not A Resolution/Revelation, the Jezebel Spirit.

Proverbs 4:7, Ephesians 1:17-19; 1 Kings 16-21; 2 Kings 9:30-37; 1 Samuel 15:23; Ephesians 6:12;

We are walking in today:  Seek Revelation, Not A Resolution/Revelation, the Jezebel Spirit.

So many times at this time of the year we begin to make resolutions, but it is time for a new years revelation, not resolution!!   Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.  This verse speaks to us because we are walking in the book of Revelation, by God's direction.  It speaks to what needs to be first--wisdom is the principle thing.  The word principle translated is:  first, beginning, best or choice part.  As we start 2012, we must be seeking after, wisdom first!!  Starting from the beginning, seeking wisdom.  Fiveamprayer, wisdom is the best thing--the principle thing!  Wisdom is what we choose first and foremost!  With all of our getting we must have understanding!!  It requires understanding to apply wisdom.  What good is all the wisdom in the world, without understanding of how to use and apply it?!  That would be useless!  The word wisdom also means discernment, we need to understand what God is trying to teach us at any given time.  Understand about His word and what His word says about us.  Many of us don't do so well with new years resolutions, but this year will be a new years revelation.  More time in His word and at His side.  I do pray for the spirit of wisdom and the eyes of my understanding to be enlightened, so that I can know what God has for us and just how powerful God is.   Ephesians 1:17-19 17) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.  So this morning, think about it--as you were thinking about making a new years resolution, you might want to make a new years revelation!  To see more and more of God and less and less of you, in your life!  So get ready as you prepare your heart to walk in to the new year and into the book of Revelation.  Tell yourself this morning, I think I will make a new years revelation!  So that I can see clearly to know more of what God has planned for me--to walk as He would have me to walk.  We prepare the atmosphere, God, we set it up right now--have Your way Holy Spirit!!   As You use Rev. Duncan to bring a word of revelation--continue to revel some things to us as we continue walking in Your word, into the new year.    Thank You God for what You have already done!  Thank You for sending Your Holy Ghost presence!  Are you ready for the word of God?!

The Book of Revelation: The Characteristics of the Spirit of Jezebel-In the Church of Thyatira

Because you allow that woman Jezebel: The center of the corruption at the church at Thyatira is a woman Jesus calls Jezebel. We will recognize the name as a “title” that clearly represents a self-styled (intermingled) prophetess within the church, after the pattern of Jezebel in the Old Testament (1 Kings 16-21 and 2 Kings 9:30-37). The name Jezebel had a powerful association as it still holds. If we called someone a “Judas” or a “Hitler” it would mean something strong. Likewise It’s also a strong thing to call this woman Jezebel. “She was one of the most evil characters of the Old Testament, who attempted to combine the worship of Israel with the worship of the idol Baal . . . Jezebel herself had a most unenviable record of evil.” In essence no one seeking to serve and worship God in Spirit and in truth would ever desire to be associated with the spirit of Jezebel in anyway. In the last chapters of 1 Kings we read of the encounters between Elijah, the Prophet of God, and Queen Jezebel, wife of King Ahab. Ahab had married the Sidonian princess and priestess, Jezebel who brought the worship of Baal Malquat, the fertility deity of the Sidonians, to her new homeland. A group of several hundred “prophets of Baal” accompanied her. The wickedness and evil associated with the worship of this powerful demonic deity soon swept the land. Under the influence of Jezebel, “Ahab … did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel , to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him.” (1 Kings 16:33 NIV) As always God preserved a remnant who refused to follow the ways of wickedness and idolatry. Elijah, the Prophet of Fire, was sent by God to call the nation to repentance and back to worship of the true and living God; Yahweh, the God of Israel. The stage was set for a series of dramatic battles between Elijah, servant of God and Jezebel, servant of Satan. Ultimately, the battle was for the hearts and minds of the people of Israel. Various skirmishes were played out at such places as Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:16 -40), where Elijah dramatically demonstrated the power of God by calling fire from heaven. But always the motivating principle was God’s passionate love for His people and His desire for them to live in righteousness and enjoy the benefits of His favor.

Destruction: The operation of the Jezebel spirit is incredibly destructive. It is destructive in the life of the agent. It is destructive in the lives of those who come under their deception. People once characterized by godliness begin to behave in ways that are totally out of character. Foul language, anger, rage, bitterness, ungodly actions and more are the impact of this deception in the lives of others. The once supportive elders and co-leaders of the ministry begin to turn on those with whom they have formerly prayed and journeyed. The key here is the spiritual habits begin to be effected, where the there once was a sense of spiritual necessity becomes, unnecessary. This is a red flag!! The once trusted relationships are shattered by this spiritual attack and often never restored. People turn on those who have been their spiritual mentors and pastors to the extent that they become cold and uncommunicative. Vicious, slanderous attacks on pastors and elders are quite common. Whole church families can change from a happy, united fellowship to a divided entity in a matter of weeks. All of this has tragic consequences for everyone caught up in the cycle.

Dealing with the Attack of Jezebel.   It must be acknowledged from the outset that this demonic attack is incredibly difficult to deal with because of the manner in which it undermines leadership and builds networks of personally supportive relationships. For congregationally governed churches, it is almost impossible to confront this form of attack without substantial division or even a church ‘split’. In apostolically or eldership governed churches, the task is a little easier because the leadership have authority to confront and, if necessary expel, without reference to the body at large. However a degree of loss is highly probable because of the personal loyalties developed by the Jezebelic agent. With all of this in mind, what can leaders do to both guard against such attack and to deal with it should it become necessary? Knowing more about the spirit of Jezebel, is basically a controlling spirit working through the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. It has, in general, two aims:

    - To gain identity, glory, recognition, power, and satisfy the need for the "praises of men". This is a consequence of the desire for love and self-worth focused on self.

     - Secondly the Jezebel spirit is a men hater and seeks to emasculate all men, and divest them of their authority and power over others. It fosters a distrust and hatred of men in general. The "Jezebel spirit" is in a constant agitation, terribly aggressive, very determined, callous, controlling, selfish, power-hungry, manipulative, unrepentant, deceitful spirit, an overwhelmingly evil spirit, and those are mostly only it's good points! Indeed this spirit can be definitely named "Satan's #1".

What kind of spirit is Jezebel? The Jezebel spirit is born of witchcraft and rebellion. Do not be thrown by the term witchcraft here, remember how the scripture addresses this in 1 Samuel 15:23 “For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king. This demon is one of the most common spirits in operation today, both in the church and in the world, and it is a powerful enemy of the body of Christ. It operates freely on sincere believers whose hearts are for God individually, and has also attained positions of power, as powers and principalities within the Church. The wisdom of God states in Ephesians 6:12 “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” This spirit establishes its stronghold primarily in women; however, many men have been victimized by it as well, where it functions as a "controlling" spirit. There are two main types of the Jezebel spirit:

      - The high-profile type is generally gregarious, outspoken and highly visible. She is often seen as the "woman who wears the pants in the family".

      - The low-profile type is soft-spoken, giving the illusion of being solicitous, motherly, protective, even appearing very submissive. The low-profile type may be the most dangerous, as she is the most difficult to discern. She relies heavily on manipulation for her power, in extremely subtle performances. Please be sure to read 1 Kings ch. 16-21 and 2 Kings 9:30-37

Amen!  You know that is gonna take some wisdom.  Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.  God is teaching us from the book of Revelation.  As we prepare ourselves for the next year, 2012, you should be telling God that you want more of Him and less of you!  God give us more of Your word, reveal Your word to us!  God we want more of the anointing to fall on us!  We are to walk by faith and not by sight!!  Not a resolution but a revelation!!  God is doing a new thing!  Hold on to His promises, they have not changed nor will they be forgotten by Him.  You should be excited about what God is doing in our lives!  As we close out this year, knowing that it is better and God gets gooder and gooder.  He is about to show His grace.  This year of 2011, is our year of abundance--is not over yet!  Hallelujah, there is still time!  We lift up prayer requests, those known and unknown--have then to know that You are able and we are to ask You, for forgiveness.  Sometimes we don't recognize the Jezebel spirit.  Thank You Lord for casting our sins into the sea that they be remembered no more.  Teach us how to forgive others, so that we are forgiven and our prayers are not hindered.  We are still closing out our prayer, with the prayer of Jabez, there is a revelation in this prayer, for us!! 

We seal this prayer in His precious blood: 1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Welcome to the overflow...
Make a new years revelation and see that God will grant what you have requested!  More wisdom, knowledge and understanding of who He is.  In all your getting, get a understanding!  More wisdom--it is the first principle.  As we walk through the book of Revelation--hallelujah and glory to His name!  Fiveamprayer, you ought to be excited right now!!!   He is doing a new thing!  He is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.  That is enough to shout, "glory to His name!"  That is the kind of God that we serve.  Hallelujah God!  Take some time to read it for yourself.  Visit us on facebook.  As we continue to walk in the book of Revelation, pray for Rev. Duncan, as she is teaching us.  We come to stand on His word knowing that no weapon that is formed against us shall prosper!  Walk in the word of God today, hold of it like never before!!  Have a blessed day.

Promises Of God, Joy Revealed!

Luke 2:101-14, John 14:14; Revelation 2:18-28; Psalm 43:4; Nehemiah 8:10,12:43; Psalm 98:4, 51:12; Isaiah 35:10; Psalm 16:9; Mark 14:38; Luke 21:36


We are walking in today:  Promises Of God, Joy Revealed!

Luke 2:10-14 10)And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  I am talking about, joy to the world. I bring tidings of great joy!  Our savior is born!  Behold is a prefix to them, to be excited and to bring attention of good news and glad tidings of Christ being born of a virgin.  This displays the love of God to man, by way of the prophecies and promises relating to Him, fulfilled in the work of man's salvation.  By His peace, pardon and righteousness, all about to be accomplished so in a matter of great joy!!  Not carnal but spiritual, not fake but real, not temporary, but everlasting--even such as it can not be taken away, nor to meddle with, not small but great.  His birth brings us even joy unspeakable, full of glory.  Revelation of a new found joy, now you can truly say. "the joy of the Lord is my strength!"  John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.  The promises of God--joy revealed!!  I don't know about you but I woke up this morning to say, joy to the world!!   I know right now, 2011 has just been one of those years, that sometimes you could not even say joy, but knowing that the joy of the Lord is your strength--you kept walking and pushing.  Not giving up, you prayed without ceasing.  You walked in this year, being the year of abundance.  You trust and believe what the word of God says.  From Genesis to Revelation, as He comes in the month of December to reveal the reason why you went through what u went through.  He came to reveal that He will bring you out no matter what.  As He comes to reveal that this is the day that the Lord has made.  We are to rejoice and be glad in it.  Get up this morning saying that this is the day that the Lord has made.  We have so much to be thankful for!  Some body did not get up this morning. He is so worthy!  Get up this morning,  saying joy to the world.  I am gonna go through this weekend with joy to the world on my lips!!  I have found that the joy of the Lord has been my strength--His strength is made perfect in our weakness.  Get ready for the revelation of joy.  Get ready for the revelation of peace.  All because of what our Father, has already done for us.  So heavenly, Father we thank You this morning for being joy, unspeakable joy.  We thank you for all the things that You have already done.  We give You thanks, Lord in advance.  We lift up Rev. Duncan, as she comes with a word from the book of Revelation in a season and time like this.  We thank You, Lord for her.  Have your way Holy Spirit.  Somebody shout joy to the world!  Are you ready for the word of God?

 The Church of Thyatira-A Corrupt Church: The Jezebel Spirit Rules

In Revelation 2:18-28 we read Jesus’ letter to the church in Thyatira.  This church was clearly a ‘life-giving church’.  The Lord Jesus commends them with these words; “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.” (Rev 2:19 ).  But there was a problem.  The enemy had planted in this church a subversive agent who was causing significant disruption to the life of the body.
(19) What Jesus knows about the Christians in Thyatira.  I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.  I know your works: Thyatira was the least significant city among the seven cities Jesus addressed.  Yet they were not hidden to Jesus.  Like each one of the churches, Jesus says to the church at Thyatira I know your works.  Love, service, faith, and your patience: In many ways, the church at Thyatira was a model church. They had four great essential qualities. They had love, both for the Lord and for one another. They knew service, and had faith and patience worth mentioning.  As for your works, the last are more than the first: This is another compliment to the church at Thyatira.  Not only do they have these works, but they have them in increasing measure--they are growing in love, service, faith, and patience.
(20-21) What Jesus has against the church at Thyatira.  Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.  Nevertheless: Despite all the good Jesus sees in the church at Thyatira, there are significant problems.  The problems are big enough for Jesus to say nevertheless, which means “despite all the good, I have a few things against you.”  Because you allow that woman Jezebel: The center of the corruption at the church at Thyatira is a woman Jesus calls Jezebel. This may not have been her literal name, but a “title” that clearly represents a self-styled prophetess within the church, after the pattern of Jezebel in the Old Testament (1 Kings 16:31-34 and 2 Kings 9:30-37)
In verse 20 the Master speaks of “…that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess.”  This verse as it relates to us today speaks of an unnamed person who is manifesting the spiritual characteristics of the Jezebel spirit the following verses give some very clear pointers to the character and operation of one manifesting this very destructive spirit.
     -“…calls herself a prophetess.” Note the personal claim to a position of status, influence and authority.  There is an arrogance and pride which demands recognition not the quiet humble spirit which waits for godliness and gifting to be recognized and affirmed by the body.
     -“By her teaching she misleads my servants…”  Note the impact of ‘Jezebel’s’ teaching.  Does it glorify Christ by promoting righteousness, holiness and unity?  No!  Rather it lays the foundations for immorality, idolatry, relationship break down and party spirit.  This person’s operation was clearly very subtle for many of the Lord’s people were deceived.
     -“…into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.” There was a patently fleshly element to this influence in the life of the church.  These words speak of spiritual and moral compromise.  Jesus requires the highest standards of spiritual and moral integrity among His people.  The enemy seeks to undermine these in any way possible.
     -“I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.” Do you see the pride and arrogance demonstrated here?  Those deceived by this spiritual entity are blind to their own error and deception.  Therefore they see no need to express repentance or apology?
The Spirit of Jezebel Today.  Some who study the life of the Church today have become aware that the same destructive spirit which challenged the spirit of prophecy in the time of Elijah and in the church at Thyatira is very much at work today.  The human personalities have changed, but the demonic entities that inspired Jezebel of old, are still the same.  There are a series of very discernible characteristics which define an attack of the spirit of Jezebel upon a community of God’s people.  While the attack will generally be personified in one or two people, they may be the unwitting (naïve) agents in a far more wide ranging strategy to neutralize a ‘life giving’ church.  Here are some of the characteristics of Jezebel agents one might expect to observe and identify through such an attack.
     Disguise- The enemy often chooses people who have a thorough knowledge of spiritual issues but wrong motivations to become his instruments in destruction.  To many they appear to be very genuine, spiritual people.  They use the ‘right’ words and attend the right meetings.  However the outward displays of sincerity and commitment may be a cover for wrong motivations or some other sin issue that has allowed the enemy access. The disguise is so good that even the most discerning leaders can miss it completely.
     Deception- Relationships are the key to the operation of this spiritual subterfuge.  The agent seeks to develop webs of relationships which position them in a place to influence others and ultimately to exercise considerable power over the life of the church.  There is often an element of deception and manipulation in these relationships.
The pastor is often the point of initial approach.  To many overstretched pastors, the arrival of a seemingly spiritual and willing worker or couple seems to be an answer to prayer.   The tell tale signal is the way in which these individuals seek to position themselves close to the pastor and spouse.  A variety of strategies are applied.  Personal friendship, financial assistance, support and encouragement, access to confidential information--are just some of the baits in the enemy’s tackle bag.  In order to secure the confidence of the pastor in his agent, the enemy may even use this plant to reveal seemingly important aspects of his strategy.
And should the pastor’s discernment warn him of the danger to the extent that he places barriers in the way, the deception simply changes focus to other people of influence. An elder, deacon, steward or spouse, leader of a significant ministry, a home group or indeed any network of relationships that delivers the much sought after influence and ultimately power. The pastor who seeks to warn his leadership team of the danger is often chided for having an overactive imagination.
Let’s recognize the suggested tell tale signs:
     -The pastor is overstretched in earnestly working in God’s Kingdom doing ministry.
     -The goal of the individual befriending the pastor/spouse for the position and recognition for increased influence and power.
     -The pastor’s discernment recognizes and warns other leaders but is not, believed as one who is responsible for our very souls?  Instead leaders see his/her warnings as an overactive imagination, or him/her viewing situations too spiritually or any other excuse we use to see things from a worldly prospective and overlook God as an all knowing God.  Also when this position is taken by leadership they are overlooking the pastor as our assigned leader and guide according to God.  See the examples given in Rev. 1-2 in how He recognizes the 7 stars (pastors) separately from the lamp stands (churches).
The name Jezebel had a powerful association.  If we called someone a “Judas” or a “Hitler” it would mean something strong.  It’s also a strong thing to call this woman Jezebel.  “She was one of the most evil characters of the Old Testament, who attempted to combine the worship of Israel with the worship of the idol Baal . . . Jezebel herself had a most unenviable record of evil.” (Walvoord)

This is not the end of the spiritual characteristics of the attack of the Jezebel spirit, but it is a great start.  We encourage you to pray for your discernment, the spiritual health of the body of Christ and the Holy Spirit to lead us to all truth.  We are not done in our revelation of what Jesus is saying to the churches.  Please read (1 Kings 16:21-34, chapters 17-21 and 2 Kings 9:30-37)


Search your hearts, fiveamprayer!  This is a great time for a self-check.  We are the church.  There are so many things that God has revealed unto us with this walk through the book of Revelation.  We should be so excited about this weekend!  God just keeps pouring into my spirit, joy to the world!  Psalm 43:4Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.  Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.  Nehemiah 12:43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.  Look at that the people has so much joy, their praises could be heard from a far.  God has been so good to us, fiveamprayer!  Psalm 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.  Joy to the world, the Lord has come!  Keep on giving God praises!  Psalm 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  Isaiah 35:10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.  Get up this morning saying, "joy to the world, the Lord has come!"  God is telling us how to walk, we got joy unspeakable.  Sorrow and sighing shall (there is that mandate again--the thing must be!) flee away.  There is no room for those sad and depressed thoughts when we are standing on the joy of the Lord we are strengthened and our hearts lifted!  For He has made us glad!!  Psalm 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.  We are saved!  Hallelujah!  This is only something that God could do!  Thank You Lord for doing so!  Fiveamprayer, seek out the everlasting joy, not happiness, which is fleeting.  Praise Him!  Thank You God!  This season is all about celebrating His birth!  The Christ, born here on Earth, of His mother Mary and laid in a manger.  God always had a plan for us!  Plans that were set in motion so long ago!  God has perfect vision, to begin a plan generations ago to be fulfilled years and years later!  Thank You Lord, for Your perfect timing and perfect plan.  A plan that is sure. that we can trust in and stand on!  Joy to the Lord!  Thank You Lord for teaching is today why we must walk with discernment in the churches.  We are asking that You restore our joy!  We lift up prayer requests, those known and unknown, have them to know that unto us a Savior is born!  Celebrate Him with songs and everlasting joy!  We come to ask for forgiveness, for our wrongs.  Thank You for forgiving us with no condemnation, that our sins are remembered no more.  Thank You for freeing us from the guilt and other attacks of the enemy!  Thank You Lord for having us to walk through the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ, this last month of the year.  You said 2011, is a year of abundance!  You have certainly delivered, more and more of You and less and less of us!  Amen!  Hallelujah!  Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

We seal this prayer in His precious blood: 1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Welcome to the overflow...
Hallelujah and glory to His name!  I get joy when I think about, what He's done for me!  Keep on teaching us Lord, You are our King of kings, our Lord of lords, the great I AM, Emmanuel.  Come let us adore Him!  Anybody have joy?!  As we enter in to remembering Your birth, look at how the word goes in before us!  Leading us, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life!  Joy to the world!  Fiveamprayer we have received the best gift, the Revelation of Jesus Christ!  We are the church!  We have learned, and know--then we must do better!!  That is why we are directed to watch and pray--Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.  Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.  God is teaching us how to recognize a Jezebel spirit.  We come, lifting up all of the churches to walk according to Your word.  To follow as You lead and direct us.  We got the best gift--the gift that keep on giving!  Joy to the world, the Lord has come!  Hold on to this word!  Watch and pray!  Pray and watch!  Have a supernatural weekend!  Visit us on facebook and take some time to read the scriptures for yourself!  Joy to the world, the Lord has come!  Let Earth receive her King!  Let every heart prepare Him room...

Revelation, Thyatira The Corrupt Church.

John 8:12; Matthew 5:14; John 1:4; Revelation 2:18-28;  John9:5; Matthew 7:7-8


We are walking in today: Revelation, Thyatira The Corrupt Church.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.  Jesus is the light of the world!  We are in the book of Revelation, to receive the light of life. Jesus is the light of the world!   We are no longer in darkness because of the book of Revelation.  Thank You Lord!  Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.  We are beginning to see things in a new light, the birth of Christ--truth from the book of Revelation.  He is the light of the world!  John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  Thank You for who You are, and what You did--what a precious sacrifice!!  We thank You, that we have an Intercessor!  Thank You for what You have done for us.  Teach us Your ways, order our steps in Your word!  Use Rev. Duncan, like never before.  Thank You God!  We already feel the anointing moving through the phone.  Now, are you ready for the word of God?

Thyatira--The Corrupt Church

Revelation  2:18-28  18) 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; 19) 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. 20) 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. 21) 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. 23) 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. 24) 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:27) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28) And I will give him the morning star.  Thyatira from 590-1517 A.D. was a dark period, this city which was inland moving away from Pergamos.  Yet they were in another beautiful area.  It was a city built for defense, but not with walls as you may think.  It was a military city, strong due to the guard that was there, but eventually fell by the enemy.
Jesus’ letter to the church at Thyatira.
     1. (18a) The character of the city of Thyatira.  And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, Thyatira was the smallest and least important of the seven cities Jesus addresses in Revelation 2 and 3.  In history, we have no record that the Christians of Thyatira suffered any significant political or religious persecution. “The elder Pliny dismisses Thyatira in the almost contemptuous phrase ‘Thyatira and other unimportant cities.’”  But Thyatira was an important center of business and trade.  It had many active trade guilds, each having their own patron deity from the Greek and Roman pantheon of gods.  Acts 16:14-15 mentions Lydia of Thyatira, who was a seller of purple cloth from the city of Thyatira.  “Thyatira was famous for the manufacture of a purple dye, and numerous references are found in secular literature of the period to the trade guilds which manufactured cloth.”(Walvoord)  “From the inscriptions which have been found in the neighborhood it is clear that Thyatira possessed more trade guilds than any other town of its size in Asia.”
     2. (18b) Jesus describes Himself to the church at Thyatira.  These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass.  These things says the Son of God: Jesus first describes Himself with a title that emphasizes His deity.  In Jewish thought, to be the son of a thing meant you had the nature of that thing.  The sons of the sorceress (Isaiah 57:3) had the nature of the sorceress.  The sons of thunder (Mark 3:17) had a nature like thunder.  So the Son of God has the divine nature, the nature of God.  Who has eyes like a flame of fire: Jesus chooses this description of Himself from the presentation in Revelation 1:14 to emphasize the idea that His eyes look with a penetrating judgment.  His feet like fine brass: Jesus chose this description of Himself from Revelation 1:15 to emphasize His purity, because brass is pure, and highly refined in the fire.  It also emphasizes His steadfastness, because brass was the strongest known metal in the ancient world, and feet like fine brass would be strong and unmovable. 
     3. (19) What Jesus knows about the Christians in Thyatira.  I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.  I know your works: Thyatira was the least significant city among the seven cities Jesus addressed.  Yet they were not hidden to Jesus.  Like each one of the churches, Jesus says to the church at Thyatira I know your works.  Love, service, faith, and your patience.  In many ways, the church at Thyatira was a model church.  They had four great essential qualities.  They had love, both for the Lord and for one another.  They knew service, and had faith and patience worth mentioning.  As for your works, the last are more than the first, this is another compliment to the church at Thyatira.  Not only do they have these works, but they have them in increasing measure--they are growing in love, service, faith, and patience.
     4.(20-21) What Jesus has against the church at Thyatira?  Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.  Nevertheless: Despite all the good Jesus sees in the church at Thyatira, there are significant problems.  The problems are big enough for Jesus to say nevertheless, which means “despite all the good, I have a few things against you.”  Because you allow that woman Jezebel: The center of the corruption at the church at Thyatira is a woman Jesus calls Jezebel.  This may not have been her literal name, but a “title” that clearly represents a self-styled prophetess within the church, after the pattern of Jezebel in the Old Testament (1 Kings 16-21 and 2 Kings 9:30-37).  The study of Jezebel will encompass our next several lessons.  The spirit of Jezebel is not able to operate without a spirit of Ahab.   The male and female role for the success of the evil and wickedness spawn by the dominating, controlling, and manipulative spirit of Jezebel will be revealed along with the enabling spirit of Ahab.   Join us at fiveamprayer and please be ready for the word of God.

Praise God!  We don't want to be a corrupt church!!  Just following in the ways of the world.  We wanna walk the way that Jesus would have us to walk.  Follow where He leads!  God wants us to recognize what is going on, that the unseen shall be seen.  He has given us a new revelation.  We wake up to His new mercies, every day!!  Thank You for Your mercies and grace, favor and revelations!  Walking through this book has us receiving more knowledge, wisdom and understanding.  Hold on to His unchanging hand, fiveamprayer!  This is a season of revelation, He is walking us through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation!  We want to receive the hidden manna, send us the latter rain.  Get ready to walk differently!  He is making us ready, preparing us, after reading Revelation it all looks new and different.  Keep holding on to see what the Lord has for us!  Unto us a King is born!  He is the Way, in a manger!  It is He that makes a way of escape for us.  He is Emmanuel, El Shaddai, He is everything that we need!  The Messiah--call on His name and the enemy has to flee.  He is the Lilly of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star!  He has promised to never leave nor forsake us!  We are never without wisdom and understanding of His word.  You better get yourself a revelation, fiveamprayer!  Time is winding up, we have to get ourselves aligned with His word and His ways!!  Jesus is still giving us a chance to repent.  Thank You Lord, You are so worthy.  Thank You for being the light of the world.  You came that we would have life more abundantly.  Thank You for shining Your light on the book of revelation.  You came and every light is turned on in our lives!!  You show up and let fiveamprayer know that, Jesus is the reason for the season!  He is speaking to the church and we are the church.  God is giving us a chance to get it right.  Thank You Lord for letting us know the good and the right way!  We lift up prayer requests, those known and unknown.  We lift up Pastor Taffe's brother, Steve for healing in his body, by Your stripes, he is healed!  We lift up the family of RJ Demps' family, the 20 year old young man, that was traveling home, and his life was cut off.  We know that absence from the body, is presence with the Lord.  We lift up the family in this time of bereavement.  Lord we come to You to ask for forgiveness, for when You forgive, You cast it into the sea.  Fiveamprayer, unto us a Savior is born!  We can rejoice because of what the Father did a long, long time a go!  Hallelujah!

We seal this prayer in His precious blood: 1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Welcome to the overflow...Keep making another request, fiveamprayer.  We know that without faith, it is impossible to please God.  Hold on like never before!!  He is the Light of the World, revealing to us the book of Revelation.  Fiveamprayer has a new way to walking and talking and staying anchored in His word!  Thank You God for coming along to correct us!  Thank You for this daily bread!  Matthew 7:7-8  7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  Visit us on facebook and have a blessed day!

Revelation, The Church of Pergamos--Compromising with the Nicolaitans and Balaam.

Revelation 2; Romans 8:35; John 8:32

We are walking in today: Revelation, The Church of Pergamos--Compromising with the Nicolaitans and Balaam.

The Message to the Church of Pergamos

Paganism/religious--a religious spirit runs rapid. The Throne of satan is in Pergamos--they allowed pagan rituals, Resurrection Day--Easter bunny, Halloween, Christmas--santa and polity and government ruling presence in the church. Balaam & Nicolaitans--When Balaam counseled Balak, he taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel. The stumbling block was connected with idolatry (to eat things sacrificed to idols) and sexual immorality. If the church in Pergamos has those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, it shows they have tendencies towards both idolatry and immorality. Sexual immorality marked the whole culture of the ancient Roman Empire. It was simply taken for granted, and the person who lived by Biblical standards of purity was considered strange. To paraphrase the Roman statesman Cicero, cited in Barclay: “If there is anyone who thinks that young men should not be allowed the love of many women, he is extremely severe. I am not able to deny the principle he stands on. But he contradicts, not only with the freedom our age that allows such a thing, but also with the customs and allowances of our ancestors. When indeed was this not done? When did anyone find fault with it? When was such permission denied? When was it that what is now allowed was not allowed?” To keep from sexual immorality in that culture, you really had to swim against the current.
You also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans: In Revelation 2:6, Jesus praised the Ephesian Christians because they hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans. But the Nicolaitans also have their doctrine, and some among the Christians held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.
What is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans? The title Nico-laitans has the idea of a proud authority, and a hierarchical separatism. The name Nikao-laos literally means “to conquer the people.” God would not have us to be bound or controlled by men. He would not have us to be ignorant of satan's devices. According to ancient commentators, the Nicolaitans also approved of immorality. We must be aware of the leaven of the Pharasees--as Jesus warns in the book of Matthew 16 chapter. These non spiritual men made a public show with a form or humility with the purpose of only being seen of men. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 6 what these men did was for the people to take notice and view them as higher or more than they ought. That those who give and pray for show, receive their reward from men--they have nothing to receive from our Father in heaven. We are to be truly humble and sincere, really working and laboring before God's Almighty throne.
You have those there . . . you also have those: The rebuke is not only against those who hold the doctrines of Balaam and those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The rebuke is also against those in the church who allow them to continue, (you have there those . . . you have those).
The Christians of Pergamos were like the Christians of Corinth as Paul wrote to them in 1 Corinthians 5:1-9. They were too “tolerant” and “accepting” of false doctrines and immoral living, and Jesus had to rebuke them. Satan couldn’t accomplish much by persecution, because many did hold fast, like Antipas. So satan tried to accomplish his goals by using deception; first he used violence, then he used alliance.
Who were the NICOLAITANS? They wanted to conquer a people who were already free. Why did God HATE what they did and taught? "But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, WHICH I ALSO HATE." (Revelation 2:6, NKJV) It is their deeds and doctrines, they develop your character. When our Lord Jesus Christ walked among men, He taught His disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, whom He denounced as hypocrites. With them He classed the chief priests and officials of the temple, together with the recognized teachers, (scribes, or "professors", Ferrar Fenton Translation) in the synagogues. He declared they had so corrupted the truth of God, which they were supposed to preach, with the doctrines and ordinances of men, that the truth, as originally given, was no longer with them. That which these blind leaders of the blind were giving forth as truth of God was making their converts twofold more the children of hell than they were before accepting the schism by these corrupt teachers.
What is The Vanity of Church Leadership? (The Nicolaitans) Therefore, as a warning to those who were joining themselves to Him, the Lord said that these non-spiritual men made long prayers for a pretense, a public show which, while having a form of humility, was for the purpose only of being seen of men. What these men really loved were the highest seats in the synagogues; the uppermost rooms at the public feasts; the greetings they received in the market places from truly humble and sincere men, whom they hoped would esteem them as superiors, and who addressed them as "Rabbi, Rabbi," meaning "My master, My master": "Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.'
"'For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by  but our Lord commanded: "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren . . . And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. " (Matthew 23:8, 10-11)This was a double command for a double purpose: Do not allow men who are your brethren in Christ, and who compose the assembly of God, to call you Master, for One alone is your Master. Do not allow yourself to become possessed with such a carnal spirit that you want men who belong to the body of Christ to call you "Master."
What did Jesus teach about HYPOCRITICAL, self-centered leaders? (The Nicolaitans) Also, added to the carnal desire to be "uppermost" in the eyes of the Lord's people, these leaders were charged with extortion and accused of devouring the homes of widows, and of excess. Jesus accused them of being hypocrites who aspired to be regarded as dignitaries of the congregations of the Most High God. Such conditions as described exist only in the assemblies across whose ethical portals, before the God of Holiness, has been written the name, ICHABOD -- the glory of the Lord has departed. The word excess, as used above, means the carnal abuse of lawful things; things lawful and right carried to extremes. For it is true that there is a legal and God approved honor given to certain selected ones: "And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves." (1Thessalonians 5:12-13). "Let the elders who rule (guide, lead, preside) well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine." (1 Timothy 5:17).
What are the Deeds and Teachings of the Nicolaitans? In the book of Revelation it is both "the deeds" and "the doctrine" of the Nicolaitans, who affected two separate churches, that the Lord addresses: Ephesus/Pergamos. The Lord demands repentance on the part of those who hold and practice these things and He threatens drastic punishment if they do not obey Him: "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent." (Revelation 2:5)
"Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth." (Revelation 2:16).
What does the word Nicolaitan mean? The Greek word Nicolaitan is a compound word which is composed of THREE Greek words. The three Greek words used in the construction of the word Nicolaitan are:
1) NIKOS, defined as "a conquest; victory; triumph; the conquered; and by implication, dominancy over the defeated
2) LAOS, which means people. Another use of this word is found in NICOLAS, which is transferred and is composed of Nikos-laos and means one who is "victorious over the (minds of) people,”

*During this season of Christmas, God gives us the Revelation of this stumbling block we place at the foot of Jesus’ manger. The Lord “Hates” anything blocking His people from recognizing the deity of Him as Lord over His heritage. The Christmas holiday is inundated with distractions in the eyes of adults and children as it is associated to good Ol’ St. Nicolas. Adults break the bank to support the bondage of the stumbling block imposed by the illusion of Santa Claus (St. Nicolas). We teach these practices to our children and in turn place them in the same bondage and block their path to the true reason for this season.

3) TON is the third and last word entering into the construction of the proper name Nicolaitans.
We therefore have the English hyphenated word NIKOS-LAOS-TON, which, becomes the English name: Nicolaitans. In the book of Revelation God states clearly twice, in His address to the churches that He hates the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. This is just one angle of the dominion and power we submit to ideology and the stronghold of financial burden invoked in the doctrine. The ability for anyone to dictate what and when you should do anything as your worship or tradition of men is for them to have dominion over you. To juxtapose another reason for the season of Christmas is to place a stumbling block in the paths of children for generations to come. In our study of the book of Revelation, the gift God is giving us, as we examine what Jesus is saying to the churches is freedom to stand in the truth of the gift of Jesus Christ and only Jesus Christ!! We as the church now strive to see where we error and God is just and faithful to forgive us as we repent and turn from our pagan and religious ways which block us from experiencing the true, living and giving God. By no means are we encouraging you not to give gifts during the holiday season, but your reason for giving the gift should have nothing to do with St. Nicolas (the stumbling block of seeing Jesus Christ). We give gifts because the wise men gave gifts to place at the feet of the Savior who had come to save the world. When we present a gift to our children, grandchildren or anyone it should reflect why gifts are given, and that is to reflect and remember the glorious night God gave us our Savior because He so loves us (John 3:16)!! Now walk in your faith of the season and continue to use this season to witness like never before because, “Unto us a Child is born, and unto us a Savior is given.”
Is there a FULLER meaning to the word NICOLAITAN? The full meaning of Nicolaitans, in its ecclesiastical or church setting, is that the bishops and prelates of the Church have gained a triumphal victory or conquest over the LAITON, the laity, until they have been compelled to submit to the arbitrary dominion of men who have become that thing which God hates - 'Lords over God's heritage'--St. Nicolas in (1 Peter 5:1-3). "The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; NOR AS BEING LORDS OVER THOSE ENTRUSTED TO YOU-but being examples to the flock;" The evidence of this full meaning is found in all our common school dictionaries, among which we find the following definition of the term "hierarchy: the power of dominion, government by ecclesiastical rulers," to which the following is introduced in evidence: "If anyone shall say that there is not in the Catholic Church a hierarchy established by the divine ordination, consisting of bishops, presbyters and ministers, let him be anathema, (A formal curse by a pope or a council of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine). Found in the Council of Trent (translation) XXIII 6." (Century Dictionary). In other words, let anyone who has the audacity to say there is not a hierarchy, not a collection of human beings who have been given the power by other men of dominion, as ecclesiastical rulers over churchmen who are declared God's heritage, let that man be ACCURSED --- let death and hell and the devil get him. Surely, the thing in which that ecclesiastical company is glorying is their shame! Should A Church be Ruled or Guided? Why guide and lead, instead of rule? Because those who are over us in the Lord are shepherds who must lead and guide, but not dominate. Rule is arbitrary government, and the Church may be subject to Christ only: "for One is your Teacher, the Christ" (Matthew 23:8). The following Divine instruction is from one of the inspired Spirit-filled elders: We read the role of the genuine elder (1 Peter 5:1-3). The "blind guides" would say, but not do. The Divinely anointed elder will both say and do, and thus be an example to the flock, whom the people will love and esteem very highly for his work's sake, and who in his heart will never desire to be lord over the heritage of his Master. It is this aspiration on the part of men to become lords over God's heritage that God HATES.
How Can Rank And Hierarchy Destroy a Church? The approbation of "ordinary elders" demands a set of elders who are extra special, thus creating "rank" (caste) in the otherwise Divine brotherhood, all of which DESTROYS holy fellowship, creates division and strife, and fosters envy. No marvel that our Lord should hate a thing like that, He likewise condemns it, and demand that those who are guilty repent. But will they repent? Yes, some will when the tribulation is on. Others, however, will stick to their ecclesiastical (church) crowd, vainly imagining that their boasted "superiority" will carry them through that time of the greatest trouble the world has ever known, or will know. They must go down with the rest of the hosts of Antichrist. And yet, one of the most unfortunate features of all this is that there are those in the Christian Church who do not hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, but who practice "their deeds" of dominating the laity by lording it over the Church of Jesus Christ, which should be subject only to one Divine Master. It is often true that these have assumed this lordship because they are esteemed very highly in love for their work's sake, but have become vainly puffed up in their fleshly mind. Beloved, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." (Matthew 16:6).
Pergamos: Difficulty never justifies compromise. A difficult environment never justifies compromise. It is easy for a church in such difficulty to justify this compromise in the name of “we need all the help we can get.” But no church needs that kind of help. What Jesus wants the church at Pergamos to do: ‘Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. Repent: The simple word repent stands out. Five of the seven churches are commanded to repent. Repent is a command that applies to Christians, not only to those who first come to Jesus. A general exhortation to all whom will hear. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who has an ear: The danger of false teaching and immoral conduct still faces the church today. But so does the danger of allowing false teaching and immorality, as was the problem with the Christians in Pergamos.

*A note of encouragement in the knowledge of the book of Revelation from Rev. Christene Duncan. God bless you!

We will discuss the reward promised by Jesus on tomorrow if we repent and turn from our association of the doctrines and deeds of the Nicolaitans.

Hallelujah! Thank You God for the Revelation of the Church! You are gonna have to go back over this one!! There was so much for our hearing and learning!! We don't want any form, shape or the like of a stumbling block before us and our Lord! We are seeking after Him, for Him to be pleased with us. We must remove and shun anything that God tells us in His word that He hates!! On a thing such as this there is no compromise!  In Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Thank You for the revelation of who we are in Christ! It is the Lord that makes us more than able--there is still time to turn it around. Help us to walk through it, Lord. We must hold on to His unchanging hand. Time to walk through this book of Revelation. We want to be found without spot or blemish when He comes back for the church. Who is the reason for the season?! It is NOT santa!! This is all about the love that God has for us to send His only Begotten Son unto us. To celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ! The one who has redeemed us and set us free! God is God all by Himself. He does not need nor want help!! Thank You Lord for revealing the truth to us, that we may stumble no more over devices of the devil!! Time is winding up--let those who have ears to hear, let them hear and walk in the word that God is revealing unto us!

He is doing a new thing--bless the Lord! We come to repent for our wicked ways. Whether we knew or not, it is not in line with Your word or what Your Son taught while walking this Earth. We repent and ask for forgiveness that we walk no more with those things and ideas of stumbling blocks or the ways of Nicolaitans. We lift up fiveamprayer, this morning for this revelation You have given us, let them know we must not let anything separate us from the love of God. Forgive us from bringing worldly things into the church. We must walk as You lead, line upon line, precept upon precept. Thank You for forgiving us with no condemnation. Continue to teach is the good and right way, as we learn how to forgive others like You have forgiven us, that we are not hindered. We are to repent for our wrongs everyday. We are walking toward Christ who is our perfection!! Repenting is not only for when you first believed.


We seal this prayer in His precious blood: 1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Welcome to the overflow...

Get a revelation, fiveamprayer! Prayer changes things! We must pray without ceasing. We are the church that Christ came for, He was born, died and rose, that we would be saved and serve the True God, only. Praise the Lord, for unto us a Savior is born! Hallelujah! Christmas looks different this year! What a gift of revelation the Lord has brought us! The scales have fallen off of our eyes!! For God so loved the world that He gave, His only begotten Son! Get a revelation of the birth of Christ! We are unwrapping the revelation and God is reveling more and more truth to us. John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Amen!

Revelation, Nothing Is Impossible For God!!

Luke 1:34-37; Revelation 2; Hebrews 4:12; Numbers 22-24, 31; Isaiah 55:11; Hosea 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Isaiah 43:19; 2 Kings 3:17; Isaiah 59:19; Psalm 23:4-6

We are walking in today:  Revelation, Nothing Is Impossible For God!!

Luke 1:34-37 34) Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?  35) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36) And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37) For with God nothing shall be impossible.  We see here that nothing is impossible for God!  Holy Spirit have Your way on this line!  We are looking for a supernatural move this morning!  We lift up Rev. Duncan to You, Lord, speak through her.  We know that it is already done and finished.  You have given us the best gift, Revelation of Jesus Christ!  Are you ready for the word of God!

Paganism Run a Muck

Pergamos  Revelation 2:12-17.  The composite: each letter to the churches is a composite picture of the church. That means that there is something that is applicable to all churches in all ages in each message, to each individual church.  You can get a message for yourself and your church personally.  Pergamos--Excessive Religion/Paganism.  Jesus’ letter to the church at Pergamos, Revelation 2:12 a) The character of the city of Pergamos. And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write.  Pergamos was the political capital of the Roman Province of Asia Minor.  When John wrote, Pergamos had been the capital city of the region for more than three hundred years. The city was a noted center for culture and education, having one of the great libraries of the ancient world, with more than 200,000 volumes.  Pergamos was also an extremely religious city.  It had temples to the Greek and Roman gods Dionysus, Athena, Demeter, and Zeus.  It also had three temples dedicated to the worship of the Roman Emperor (Caesar had three temples built to worship him replicating the symbolism of the trinity).  Approximately 50 years before Smyrna won the honor of building the first temple to Tiberius, the city of Pergamos won the right to build the first temple to worship Caesar Augustus, (see Luke 2:1-7) in the Roman province of Asia. Pergamos was especially known as a center for the worship of the deity known as Asclepios.  Represented by a serpent, Asclepios was the god of healing and knowledge.  There was a medical school at his temple in Pergamos.  Because of the famous temple to the Roman god of healing, sick and diseased people from all over the Roman Empire flocked to Pergamos for relief.  “Sufferers were allowed to spend the night in the darkness of the temple.  In the temple there were tame snakes.  In the night the sufferer might be touched by one of these tame and harmless snakes as it glided over the ground on which he lay.  The touch of the snake was held to be the touch of the god himself, and the touch was held to bring health and healing.” (Barclay)  Revelation 2:12 b) Jesus describes Himself to the church at Pergamos.  These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword.  He who has the sharp two-edged sword, in Revelation 1:16, John observed of Jesus out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.  Now, Jesus “shows” this two-edged sword to the Christians in Pergamos.  The description of the sword in Revelation 1:18 helps us to associate it with the mouth of Jesus.  Jesus will confront this church with His word, and they will feel the sharp edges.  The sharp two-edged sword, reminds us of the passage in Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Jesus will use this sharp two-edged sword to make some separation among the Christians in Pergamos.  Revelation 2:13, What Jesus knows about the church at Pergamos:  And you hold fast to My name: Despite the fact they live in such a difficult city, the Christians of Pergamos hold fast to their faith in Jesus (hold fast to My name . . . did not deny My faith).  Did not deny My faith: Jesus praises the Christians of Pergamos because they did not deny His faith. It is always important to make sure that the faith we hold on to is the faith that belongs to Jesus.  Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you.  One specific man among the Christians of Pergamos received a precious title (faithful martyr).  This same title is held by Jesus also (Revelation 1:5).  Antipas was a man who followed Jesus, who was like Jesus.  Antipas is one of the great anonymous heroes of the Bible.  History tells us nothing about him except for here. “It is much no ecclesiastical history makes mention of this martyr Antipas, which argues him to have been a person but of obscure note in the world (the replica of being in the world yet not of the world); but Christ seeth and taketh notice of those little ones who belong to Him, though the world overlooks them.” (Poole)  Antipas lived where Satan’s throne was.  Yet he stood against the attacks and the evil around him.  He fulfilled the meaning of his name, because Antipas means “Against All.”  Martyr is the ancient Greek word, martus. “Martus" is a most interesting and suggestive word.  In classical Greek martus never means a martyr in our sense of the term.  It always means a witness.  A martus was one who said: ‘This is true, and I know it.’  It is not until New Testament times that martus ever means martyr.” (Barclay)  Revelation 2:14-15 What Jesus has against the Christians in Pergamos.  But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.  I have a few things against you: the Christians in Pergamos were rightly praised for holding fast to the name of Jesus, and keeping His faith.  At the same time, their difficult environment did not excuse the few things Jesus had against them.  You have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam.  What is the doctrine of Balaam?  Balaam was a prototype of all corrupt teachers.  According to Numbers 22-24, 31, Balaam combined the sins of immorality and idolatry to please Balak, the king of Moab, because he could not curse Israel directly.  When Balaam counseled Balak, he taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel.  The stumbling block was connected with idolatry (to eat things sacrificed to idols) and sexual immorality.  If the church in Pergamos has those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, it shows they have tendencies towards both idolatry and immorality.  Remember the promise from Jesus, "To him who overcomes: The one who overcomes this spirit of accommodation to false teaching and living will receive hidden manna."(Revelation 2:17)  This is God’s perfect provision, the true bread from heaven (John 6:41).  The teaching on the character of Pergamos will end here for today.  I love you, God Bless.  Rev. Christene Duncan.  References:Guzik, David. "Study Guide for Revelation 2." Enduring Word. Blue Letter Bible. 7 Jul 2006. 2011. 20 Dec 2011.
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Hallelujah God!  We serve a God that is always with us!  We are the church, fiveamprayer!  He is coming back for a church without spot or blemish, coming back for His people.  We can put all of our trust in Him in spite of how it appears to our natural eyes.  No matter what we are facing, in spite of what is going on in our finances and marriages, we continue to stand on His unchanging word and power.  It is Jesus who does the dividing, with His word--the two edged sword.  Hold on to the word of God!  This is the reason for the season--Jesus the Christ!  Look at the scripture, when Mary accepted what the angel said--with God, nothing shall be impossible!  Hold on to this one!!  In this time of revelation of Jesus--hold on to your faith!  There is nothing impossible for God!  We are to walk by faith and not by sight!  With a job or without a job.  It is He that supplies all of our needs according to His riches in glory!  It is the Lord, that goes before us.  Nothing shall be impossible!  The Lord is our Shepherd, we shall not want!  Walk through this study of Revelation, knowing that nothing is impossible for our God!  Hold on to His word.  He will not fail to perform every promise!!  Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  Fiveamprayer, be transformed by the renewing of your mind!!  Be in His word daily!!  Daily the world and the devil's devices try to get you off track, get back on track and stay on track by reading and meditating on His holy word!  Move as God would have you to move.  Hold on to this revelation, in this time and season.  Hosea 4:6 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.  Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.  Fiveamprayer, keep trusting in God--He will deliver on all of His promises!  God is gonna bless you so, that it just won't make sense!!  Don't waiver nor give up or turn around!!  It is the the Lord who makes a way out of no way!  Even when you are down to your last, God shows up, with His amazing grace!  This world would have us to think that there isn't a way.  The devil is a liar!!  Our God makes a way, all the time, every time!  Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  Who can make rivers in the desert?!  So in those dry, wastelands, in the wilderness--God can give us rivers of water!?  2 Kings 3:17 For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.  It looks like, our faith and trust is never misplaced when we place it in Almighty God!  There is nothing impossible for Him!!  Hallelujah!  Praise Him!  Glory!  So the question becomes, fiveamprayer, what are you trusting in?  The seemingly impossible?  Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.  Are you standing on the lifted up standard?  We don't have to fear when we are on the Lord's side!!  2 Kings 6:16-17 16) And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17) And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.  No fear, doubt or wavering--nothing is too hard for God!  Nothing is impossible for God!  No matter what you are facing!  Hallelujah!  Thank You God for giving us this scripture this morning--Luke 1:37.  2011 has been a year of hell, for so many of us--pressed on every side.  We are still standing on Your word.  We know that nothing is impossible for our God!  We will continue on until the end!  We are going all of the way!  There is nothing too hard for God or impossible!  Jesus has already overcome the word and we are covered in His blood, that power to overcome is from Him.  That is where we pull from to overcome these tricks of the world!  Take this one and walk it out in your spirit!!  Psalm 23:4-6 4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.  Nothing is impossible for God!  We lift up prayer requests, those known and unknown.  For those looking for healing in their body or reconciliation in marriage--there is nothing impossible for God!  Trust and believe in the Most High God!  Forgive us Lord, for looking elsewhere for answers, answers that were and always are insufficient and inferior to resolve the issue.  We are no longer walking as the world does, seeking things outside of Your presence and knowledge.  Thank You Lord for forgiving us and teaching us the good and right way!  There is nothing too hard for You!  Teaching and restoring such a wayward people!  Thank You for Your brand new mercies, daily and grace!  Thank You for casting our sins into the sea where it is remembered no more!  Teach us to forgive like You that we are forgiven and our prayers not hindered.

We seal this prayer in His precious blood: 1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Welcome to the overflow...
Because with God nothing is impossible!!  Hold on fiveamprayer, we got a Revelation of Jesus Christ, hold on to your faith and the word of our God!!  He is the same yesterday, today and forever more!  He is God and will not lie.  Thank You, Holy Spirit.  We bless Your name!!  As we walk through this day, who ever needs healing--nothing is impossible!!  In your finances, there is no lack, that is the devil's lie, our God supplies all of our needs!!  Fiveamprayer, walk through the word.  You can look at the enemy, in the eye and say, "with God nothing impossible!!  I win, because God has already won!!"  Christmas is looking different this year!  We thank God for this revelation of it!!  We thank God for fiveamprayer.  Thank You for sending us people to speak a word, to help us and keep us on track--with His word!!  We just wanna thank You for all that You have done for us.  How You continue to bless us and keep us.  Thank You for Your Son, the reason for this season--nothing is impossible.  Hallelujah!  Thank You God!!  Nothing shall be impossible!!  We walk in the word of God, and start out the day praising God!  Hallelujah God!   With God nothing shall be impossible.  Hold on to it, don't let go.  The enemy wants you to give up and say is it 12/20 and we are going down--no matter what you are faced with, God is a way maker!!!  He will reveal somethings to us in that situation.  Continue to lift up Rev. Duncan as she goes through teaching from the book of Revelation. We are in the end days and times.  This book revels who He is.  Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, there is nothing impossible--He started it all.  He is the Author and Finisher of our faith!  Visit us on facebook and take some time out to read the scriptures for yourself.  Have a blessed day!  Bye, now.