TEXT: Revelation 2:18,
Revelation 2:18 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;
2:19 - I Know Thy Works
Ephesus - Apostolic church - Ended 100 AD
Smyrna - Martyr church - 100-300 AD - Rome hurled 10 bloody persecutions against the church
Pergamos - State church - 300 AD to 500 AD. Constantine great legalized Christianity making it state religion of Roman Empire - Invasion of paganism into church
Thyatira - Papal church AD 500 - Present. Rome assumed power over church - Pope
Sardis - AD 1500 - Luther - Justification of faith
Philadelphia - Missionary church - AD 1800 to AD 1900s
Laodicea - Present day apostate to rapture
Catholicism and Christianity are NOT the same
Christianity and Catholicism are not the same
Christianity was founded on the teachings and power of Jesus Christ, upon SUBMITTING subjects by their free will
The church was to be and IS a witness of what Christ did for us at the cross! (John 12:32)
It was an is CHRIST, not EVEN CHRISTIANITY who has the power to change lives!
The early church believed in the priesthood of ALL believers. All followers of Christ have access to him, not a select few!
Today the Protestants have done the same thing through false teachers, apostles, bishops AND PROPHETS
The church IS NOT IDENTIFIED with any specific office, but father with the assembly of believers (Matthew 18:20), Catholicism involves two main things - a change of government and a change of faith!
A Change Of Government
The Catholic church sprung some claim from the "HOLY" Roman Empire. There was nothing HOLY about ANY empire of history!
"The ghost of the Roman Empire come to life in the garb of Christianity."
It brought itself to life through the glory of Rome and did so, by deception and force and bloodshed to maintain its power
Under Catholicism the church was understood to be no longer an assembly of called out ones but a group of persons coming under the AUTHORITY of this so-called apostolic succession of Bishops!
The communion of The Holy Ghost and the Lord Jesus Christ became restricted to outward form, ritual and sadly led to serious abuses and death
The seven churches were chosen by the Holy Spirit! And portray the entirety of the church age.
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamos
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia
Laodicea
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