A CIVIL WAR IS BREWING IN THE USA

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America is deeply divided, yet there is no single conflict at the core of the discord. Instead, an ideological divide is widening at an alarming pace. We have seen “cancel culture,” which initially aimed to suppress opposing voices, evolve into an “assassination culture,” where some openly call for the violent elimination of adversaries.

Evidence of this disturbing trend was highlighted by a recent Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) report. Among those surveyed who self-identified as left-of-center, 55% felt that assassinating President Trump could be justified to some extent, while 48% said the same about Elon Musk. Alarmingly, 38% of all respondents believed it would be at least somewhat justifiable to murder Donald Trump. Researchers noted that these findings reflect a growing acceptance of political violence among ideological extremists.

Such a dangerous shift is taking root as assassination ideation becomes more normalized. We’ve seen Tesla dealerships vandalized and the murder of executives like Brian Thompson of United Healthcare met with approval in certain circles. Clearly, extremism begets extremism, and the future of America stands on precarious ground.

History and Scripture are unequivocal: a house — or a nation — divided against itself cannot stand for long. If America wishes to remain under a shared roof, it must find a path toward unity.

This is spiritual warfare, and because we are approaching the time of Jesus’s return, it will only intensify, so civil war between the States is a real possibility. If it does, expect China, possibly in collusion with Russia, to take advantage of it. We are in the end times, and wars and rumours of wars are prophesied.

“And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” Matthew 24:6-8

A DIFFICULT END TIMES SCRIPTURE

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The difficult passage is Matthew 24:34: “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place,” the key question is, what does the term “generation” represent? The Greek word genea can mean a race of people, the total of those born during a certain timeframe, or a specific time (i.e., an age).  

This passage is part of the Olivet Discourse, which is Jesus’ response to the disciple’s questions on the end times that precede His second coming to Earth. While Bible commentators assume different positions on what genea represents, none that I know of believe it refers to those alive at that time because “all these things” described earlier by Jesus in the chapter did not take place back then and still have not taken place today. Further, Jesus could not be referring to the generation listening to Him then because He had previously said the kingdom had already been taken away from that very same generation and they would not see it (Matthew 21:43).

That being the case, some, like theologian Charles Ryrie think genea means the Jewish race, while a slight majority (including myself) believe Jesus was referring to those alive who would see “all these things” that make up the end times, the Great Tribulation period in human history. Either interpretation could be valid, but the main point is that the text, given His previous statements in Matthew, isn’t saying Christ meant those alive in the first century.   

In other words, Jesus wasn’t wrong in what He said. Next, when it comes to, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36), and Jesus’ knowledge on earth, we take a deep breath and realize we are staring into the face of the Incarnation’s mystery. The best we can do is piece together what the Bible tells us.

We’re told that Jesus aged like all of us, “increased in wisdom” (Luke 2:52), and that He voluntarily set aside some of His divine attributes like omniscience, during His kenosis, when He “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).

Scripture also says that Jesus, during His time in this world, knew just what the Father showed Him. The Old Testament predicted this, saying: “I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him” (Deuteronomy 18:18).

On this, Jesus Himself said: “I do nothing on my own authority but speak just as the Father taught me” (John 8:28), “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment — what to say and what to speak” (John 12:49).

That being true, Jesus evidently was shielded from the exact time of His return while alive then but has no doubt resumed His omniscience now that He has returned to His glorified state.

So, even though I’m a C. S. Lewis fan, I think he got this one wrong. The bottom line is there is nothing embarrassing about Jesus’s words regarding His return and the “generation” who would be alive to see it.

We are seeing the end times’ Scripture prophecies playing out in our day. Jesus’ second coming to Earth, first to raise to life the dead Saints and then to rapture those Saints alive before pouring out His wrath upon the unrepentant, is not too far off. One of the major prophecies signifying the end times is an apostate church that has compromised with the world on homosexuality, gay marriage and even transgenderism as demonstrated by Episcopal Bishop Budde in the sermon in Washington Cathedral with Trump present and she prayed on behalf of transgender children. What did she mean? God created male and female and that cannot be changed no matter what drugs and surgery is used.

THE PROPHESIED LAST DAYS APOSTATE CHURCH

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The Cathedral of Hope, one of the largest United Church of Christ (UCC) congregations in the world, has a reported 4,000 members and is known for its progressive LGBT activism.

A man dressed as a woman appeared to threaten violence against supporters of President Donald Trump. The incident took place following a “drag king” service at the Cathedral of Hope in which a performer suggested the far-left church’s congregants should “sacrifice” Trump voters.

“If any of y’all voted for Trump, please don’t tell us,” the man said, eliciting a smattering of applause from the audience. “No, don’t tell us … or do y’all sacrifice? Could we start?”

When someone in the crowd identified another person, the performer asked, “He voted for Trump?” After the audience member denied it, the drag performer said, “OK, ‘cause I will kill him,” garnering laughter from the audience.

The performer then shared a story about how he was part of a group of “other drag queens” who went to Austin to “fist fight” Gov. Greg Abbott, who is a Christian and a paraplegic following an accident in 1984 in which he lost use of his legs.

“He just wouldn’t stand up and fight me,” the drag performer said, adding, “I think that’s the easiest thing we can do with the money that we raise is take away those wheelchair ramps, not let him have access to the [Texas House] floor.”

In September 2023, Cathedral of Hope held a similar drag-themed event to protest Texas’ ban on drag performances that take place in front of minors, which was later ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge. At that event, Cathedral of Hope invited several drag troupes, including the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a blasphemous group that spurred controversy over allegations of being anti-Catholic.

In May 2023, the group was invited, cancelled and then re-invited to Dodger Stadium for the team’s pride event despite backlash from both conservative and religious groups.

The United Church of Christ is just one of the many denominational churches that have fallen away from Biblical truth and are now an abomination to the Lord. Biblical prophecy reveals that many will fall away and that persecution of Christians will escalate before Jesus returns.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold... For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Revelation 24:9-12, 24

Moreover, what we are seeing is proof that we are in the prophesied last days before Jesus returns first to raise the dead in Christ and to rapture those still alive before pouring out His wrath upon an unrepentant world with the Trumpet and Bowl judgements. Jesus and the Saints then return to Earth to save Israel and destroy the Antichrist’s army at the battle of Armageddon. Jesus will then judge the nations and set up His Millennial Kingdom from a renewed Jerusalem and restructured Israel. 

AMERICAN TEENAGERS OPEN TO JESUS

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Although religious affiliation and church attendance are on the decline, more than half of American teenagers say they’re “very motivated” to know more about Jesus, and just over 75% say they’re at least “somewhat motivated” to learn about the centerpiece of Christianity, according to Barna Research.

Citing data from Barna’s Gen Z Vol. 3 research, which also highlights an openness and curiosity about spiritual matters among teenagers and young adults, researchers noted that the findings represent an opportunity for Christians to engage them.

“This generation tends to believe there’s something out there more powerful than them. Still, many remain hesitant to embrace religion or churchgoing,” researchers said. “Disciples of Christ should recognise that teens’ openness to learning about Jesus represents a significant opportunity for meaningful engagement.”

The data show that 77% of teens are at least motivated to learn about Jesus, with 52% being “very motivated” and 25% saying they are “somewhat motivated.” Less than 20% of teenagers said they were unmotivated to learn about Jesus, while 7% said they were unsure.

“While teens express interest in Jesus, they may approach faith differently than previous generations. Furthermore, authenticity and relevance are key. Be prepared to address difficult questions honestly and demonstrate how Jesus and the Bible relate to the world we live in today,” Barna advised..

It must be remembered that Pew Research data published in 2018, showed that although 80% of Americans say they believe in God, only a slim majority of the nation’s approximately 327 million people were found to believe in God as described in the Bible. Very few Americans have a Biblical worldview. This is a major problem, and as persecution of Christians increases, many will fall away, just as Jesus prophesied in the Olivet Discourse.

“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:9-13

ROBOTS EVERYWHERE IN OUR SOCIETY: INDUSTRY, HOMES, TRANSPORT, EVEN ENTERTAINMENT

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According to Chinese media, The Economic Observer, the CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, arrived in Beijing on January 19th 2025, for Nvidia’s branch annual meeting, where he dined with Xingxing Wang, CEO of humanoid robot maker Unitree Robotics, and He Wang, founder of Galbot (Robotics). Both are representatives of a younger generation of Chinese tech entrepreneurs born in the 1990s, now in their early 30s.

Chinese media China Star Market also reported that Xingxing Wang shared a photo with Huang on social media, captioned: “New year, new beginning, let’s go!” The report highlighted that Huang held meetings with high-level representatives from several leading Chinese robotics companies during his time in Beijing. Aside from Unitree Robotics and Galbot, attendees included executives from LimX Dynamics, Booster Robotics, and Kecheng Huang, co-founder of Emerging AI.

Another media outlet China Entrepreneur noted that Huang and Unitree’s Wang are not strangers to each other. In March 2024, during the GTC conference, Huang showcased nine humanoid robots, including those from Unitree. At CES 2025, Nvidia also announced its partnerships with Chinese robotics companies such as Unitree Robotics and XPeng Robotics.

We should not be surprised that China has many companies making robots as it is the largest market for robots, followed by Japan, and America third. This seems strange in a country with so much cheap labour compared to the rest of the world.

Peter Diamandis, a serial entrepreneur, futurist, technologist, and New York best-selling author, says that by 2026, we should have humanoid robots in private homes helping with laundry, vacuuming, and dishes, at least in beta testing. By 2040, there could be as many as 10 billion globally in all areas of the economy, and their labour might be as cheap as $10 a day.

In the future, they’ll be everywhere in our economy, Diamandis says: in healthcare, manufacturing, the service industry, public and urban spaces, transport, and even entertainment. This is such a transformational change that analysts don’t yet really understand how to estimate its value: Goldman Sachs says selling humanoid robots will be a $38 billion space by 2035, while Ark Invest says the resulting economic value of their labour could be as high as $24 trillion.

Judging by the debt levels of most governments in the Western world, they are out of control and unable to manage effectively. Imagine the impact of massive job losses due to companies replacing employees with robots. Currently, Amazon’s warehouses are already set to replace human workers with 100,000 robots. This is just one more reason governments will accept giving over governance to the Biblical prophesied one-world government. In September 2024, world leaders adopted the U.N. Pact for the Future, a landmark declaration pledging concrete actions towards a safer, more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive world for tomorrow’s generations. The Pact’s five broad focus areas include: sustainable development, international peace and security, science and technology, youth and future generations, and transforming global governance.

We are fast approaching the last seven years before Jesus returns first to rapture His church and then to pour out His wrath upon an unrepentant world. The speed with which end-times Biblical prophecies are being fulfilled is exciting and proof that the Bible is the inspired word of God.

PROPHESIED END TIMES INVASION OF ISRAEL

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In his new book, “The Dragon’s Prophecy,” Jonathan Cahn explores a Bible prophecy found in Ezekiel 38-39 that may reveal the mysteries of recent events and foretell future occurrences. “What the prophet foretold is actually coming true before our very eyes,” Cahn says. “We are crossing major prophetic lines in this very hour.”

Why does Cahn focus on Ezekiel 38-39?

Because “Ezekiel’s prophecy in chapters 38 and 39 says that in the latter days after Israel returns to the land, an invasion comes,” says Cahn.

“October 7, 2023, was the first mass invasion of Israel in half a century. If the nations cited in Ezekiel’s prophecy are to launch a future mass invasion of Israel, is it possible that they could be, in some way, connected to the invasion of October?” “And thus is it possible that the October invasion was a precursor to the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy?”

Cahn identifies the nations involved in the invasion: Kush (Sudan), Phut (Libya), and Persia (Iran), linking the current names of these countries to their ancient lands, along with several others. “Biblical Kush is the land of Sudan,” he states, highlighting Sudan’s role in arms smuggling to Hamas. He also connects Turkey to ancient nations, noting, “On October 7, Turkey was critical in providing the funds Hamas needed to arm itself and invade Israel.” He went on to emphasize Iran’s involvement in the attack stating: “In modern times, Paras is Iran… and their part in sponsoring and arming Hamas cannot be overstated.”

Commenting on the unprecedented nature of these events, Cahn states: “For ages, the prophecy puzzled Bible commentators… Yet two and a half thousand years later… all of the people or nations spoken of in the prophecy have become enemies of the Jewish state.”

He concludes that the prophecy’s fulfilment is still to come, stating, “The prophecy’s fulfilment is still to come. The road that leads there may be filled with turns, reversals, and departures. And the timing is in God’s hands.” “But on Oct. 7, 2023, for the first time ever, the nations cited in Ezekiel’s prophecy—those nations that were to be involved in a future mass invasion of Israel were indeed all involved in a mass invasion of Israel.”

“The signs of October 7 would thus indicate we are closer to the day of the prophecy’s fulfilment than we might have imagined.” Cahn warns of dark forces behind these conflicts, saying: “How did Hamas manage to obtain weapons despite a blockade?… It happened because of the shadow powers that funded and armed the terrorist organization.”

Throughout the book, Cahn underscores the connection between the October invasion and ancient prophecy: “Without the nations listed above, such as Persia, Phut, Kush, and many others, Hamas could never have launched its invasion… October 7 was made possible by the players specifically cited in Ezekiel 38 and 39.”

Cahn goes on to describe the invasion as a storm: “You will ascend, coming like a storm… So too, the invasion of Israel on Oct. 7 came upon the land suddenly, massively, and ferociously.” And this is exactly how this attack came about, just like a storm!

Highlighting a chilling parallel: the Arabic code name used for the October 7th invasion, “Tufan,” means flood or storm, aligning with the Hebrew word “shoah,” which also means devastation.

Cahn concludes that these connections point to a mysterious entity still at work today, making “The Dragon’s Prophecy” essential reading for Christians in these times.

THE PRINCIPALITIES THAT AMERICA NOW WORSHIP

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The principalities that America now worship are Baal, Molech, and Ashtorah. The Dark Trinity works together to destroy America. This is a continuation of the message that Jonathan delivered in his book The Paradigm.

The Biblical templates of what is playing out in America are incredible, and they demonstrate that God is in control of all events in His Cosmos, including using President Trump for His purposes.

WILL WE SEE END TIMES NEPHILIM?

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Nelson Walters looks at some of the circulating end-times conspiracy theories from a Biblical perspective. Most Denominational/Institutional churches do not talk about the Nephilim, and if they do, it is not as hybrid angels/human beings. Why is that the case when the early church and Jewish scholars of the day all believed that a group of angels did come to Earth, mate with women, and produce giant hybrids that the Bible called Nephilim? Also, is there a connection between the alien abductions we hear about today and demons? Does the Bible talk about end-times hybrids? These questions and more are dealt with in Nelson’s video.

MEANING OF THE LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION PART SIX

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The sixth church in the sixth year of Daniel’s 70th week is the Church of Philadelphia. The city’s name is derived from the Greek PHILADELPOS, meaning “love for a family member” or “love for a brother.” But what does it say about conditions in the Church of the same name during the Sixth Year of the 70th Week? What remains of the faithful Church will be bound in brotherly love by the persecution of earth-shaking proportions.

The Fifth Year of the 70th Week, which I covered in my last post about the Church of Sardis, is the year of the Great Falling Away. Massive numbers of nominal churchgoers will turn away from the faith when faced with persecution. They will bow to the Beast, his name, and take his number (the Mark of the Beast, likened to 666). The hour of testing the saints will be guarded from is the Wrath of God that occurs during the Seventh Year of the 70th Week.

These Christians will be living on the run, or they will go “underground,” totally weaned from the world economic system. Life in the Sixth Year of the 70th Week will be much like the First Century Church described in Acts; they’ll have all-things in common. Most will have lost family members, either to apostasy or martyrdom. They truly will be one family, the Family of God.

ATTRIBUTES OF JESUS IN THE LETTER TO PHILADELPHIA: In this Letter to Philadelphia, Jesus is described by the following attributes: “He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this.” Revelation 3:7.

The first attribute about Jesus noted is that he is Holy. At the end of the Sixth Year of the 70th Week, Jesus is coming to separate the elect from this world by means of the Rapture. Then they will be “like him.”

The second attribute is that Jesus is true. In the Letter to Philadelphia, truth is contrasted with “lying.” Jesus is true, those of the synagogue of Satan are liars (Rev. 3:9, 1 John 2:22). Jesus is the true light (John 1:9), the true vine (John 15:1), the true Bread (John 6:32), and the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). This attribute being “true” is critical. Those in the Sixth Year of the 70th Week can trust Jesus that he will save them at the appointed time. His word is true.

The third attribute is the most intriguing. Jesus has the key of David. In the last section, we saw a reference to doors that would open and not be shut in regard to Cyrus, who we learned is a type of Christ: “Thus says the Lord to Cyrus His anointed, whom I have taken by the right hand, to subdue nations before him and to loose the loins of kings; to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut“. Isaiah 45:1. Not only does Jesus open and shut the door, he is the door. “. I am the door; if anyone enters through me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10: 9-10. This passage clearly contrasts Jesus with the Antichrist (the thief). In the Sixth Year of the 70th Week, Jesus will use the key of David to open the door no one can shut, call to his sheep, and lead them out in the Rapture. The Key of David appears in the sixth letter in the sequence of seven letters. The Sixth Year of the 70th Week is the year of the Rapture. This is the year the Lord opens the door of heaven for the wise virgins.

CONDITION OF THE CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA Jesus has nothing but compliments for these survivors of the Great Tribulation, his faithful remnant represented in the Letter to Philadelphia: “I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name… Because you have kept (Gk: TEREO, meaning to guard) the word of my perseverance (Gk: HYPOMONES, meaning endurance) also will I keep (Gk: TEREO, meaning to guard) you from the hour of testing (Gk: PEIRASMOU, meaning temptation, trial, or testing), that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:10

The context of this passage in the Letter to Philadelphia means that it is related to the Sixth Year of the 70th Week. Those who overcome are guarded against the “hour of testing” or trial, not the entire 70th Week of Daniel as the pre-tribulation rapture teaches. This is an important distinction. The brief hour of testing the saints will be protected from is the Wrath of God, the Trumpet and Bowl judgements, which occur during the Seventh Year of the 70th Week.

So, for six years of the 70th week of Daniel, the Saints will be on Earth doing the work God has called them to do, and the seventh year will be a sabbatical rest for the Saints in heaven. The Trumpet and Bowl judgements will last for one year and ten days, the same time as when God poured out His wrath the first time with Noah’s Flood. The year before a Jubilee year is always one year and ten days which indicates the year following God’s judgement will be a Jubilee Year.

The final post on the Meaning of the Letters to the Seven Churches of Revelation will be about the church of Laodicea, the church left behind to endure the wrath of God.

MEANING OF THE LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION PART FIVE

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The fifth church letter is the Letter to Sardis, representing “martyrdom” in the Pattern of Seven Events (Olivet Discourse) and Year Five of Daniel’s 70th Week prophecy.

The name of the town of Sardis comes from the Greek word SARDIUS which is an orange-red gemstone. Similar related gemstones are SARDONYX and SARDION, which is also called a carnelian. The Sardonyx is especially interesting because it is white streaked with red. What a perfect picture of the faithful Church; the pure (white) will be streaked with red (martyrdom.)

Because the Church has missed the end-time prophetic meaning of the Letters to the Seven Churches, the meaning of this symbol has evaded them as well. But when you understand the true nature of the Letters to the Seven Churches, the symbols come into focus.

These gemstones appear throughout the Bible. The Sardonyx and the Sardius appear as foundations for the walls of the New Jerusalem. Sardonyx is the fifth foundation (Fifth Year of the 70th Week?), and the Sardius is the sixth foundation (Rev. 21:19-20). Does this imply that the martyrdom of the saints that occurs in the Fifth and Sixth Years of the 70th Week are foundations the New Jerusalem is built upon? It is an intriguing theory. The Throne of the Most High himself is pictured as being like Jasper and Sardius in appearance as well. In Revelation 21:11, we are told that the Glory of God is like a stone most precious, like Jasper, that is as clear as crystal. God is so pure. His Throne isn’t a white stone streaked with red like the saints of the Fifth Year; his throne is clear as crystal with the red stone of sacrifice (Sardius), obviously referring to Jesus’s sacrifice. The first mention of Sardius (Law of Primacy) appears in Exodus where God requests a first fruits offering of Sardius stones as part of making the sanctuary. This meaning is incredibly similar to the idea that the foundations of New Jerusalem will include Sardonyx and Sardius stones. The dwelling place of our Lord rests on the sacrifices and martyrdom of his people. Then the passage concludes with this promise: “And I will appear among you.” Jesus doesn’t return until the first fruit of martyrdom of his people.

THE HISTORIC SARDIS: In the sixth century BC, Sardis was the capital of the Kingdom of Lydia. The Lydians discovered the secret of separating gold and silver and producing metals of incredibly high purity. Isn’t this also a perfect picture of what will occur during the Fifth Year of 70th Week? Jesus will use the “furnace” of great tribulation to refine his Bride like fine gold and silver. Jesus chose the symbol of this town with divine precision. Also, before this advancement by the Lydians, merchants were never sure of the value of a coin. The purity of the gold and silver made coins minted in Sardis the standard currency worldwide. Sardis is known as the birthplace of modern currency. Will the fifth year see the birth of digital currency in the lead-up to the Mark of the Beast?

In the fifth letter, the Letter to Sardis, Jesus says, “Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. (Rev. 3:3) A “thief in the night.” Jesus is saying that if churchgoers do not wake up, He will come as a thief to them as well. Indeed, we need to wake up! He is going to overthrow the world systems of wealth (Sardis) and false religion (Babylon/Baal/Islam), and only the faithful will be awake to anticipate it.

THE ATTRIBUTES OF JESUS IN THE LETTER TO SARDIS: Jesus describes the attribute of himself this way to the Church living through the Fifth Year of the 70th Week: “He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this.” (Rev. 3:1). The seven spirits of God are most likely the seven angels who stand before the Throne of God and are Jesus’s servants going to and fro throughout the earth. We saw in that discussion that these seven angels blow the seven trumpets and pour out the seven bowls that constitute the Wrath of God. The “eyes” of Jesus that burn like torches. By using this symbol, Jesus is encouraging us to know that despite the great tribulation of the Church, Jesus sees and knows what is occurring and has his angels ready to avenge the persecution of his saints.

The opening of the Fifth Seal is a parallel passage that describes the Fifth Year of the 70th Week. At the fifth seal, we see the saints beneath the Altar of God crying out: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will you refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.” (Revelation 6:10-11) Notice that the saints are asking when God will avenge their martyrdom, just as the reference to the seven spirits of God is a reference to God’s coming wrath. I also notice with particular interest the mention of “white robes.” After the Letter to Sardis, those who “overcome will thus be clothed in white garments” (Rev. 3:5). This is yet another perfect fingerprint identification that the Letters to the Seven Churches and the Seven Seals are two different prophetic views of the same events.

The second attribute of Christ found in this letter is that he holds the seven stars. The “stars” refer to human messengers given to the churches to help convey Jesus’s message in Revelation to them. If the seven Spirits of God give us encouragement of the coming end of the Beast system during the Wrath of God, the seven messengers (stars) help the churches interpret Jesus’s revelations so they can be overcomers. This understanding of Jesus’s revelations will never be more needed than during the Great Tribulation, before the resurrection/Rapture, followed by God’s Wrath on earth.

THE CONDITION OF THE CHURCH OF SARDIS: Viewed through the lens of an intended prophetic view of the Fifth Year of the 70th Week, it is a mostly dying church: “I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. So remember what you have received and heard, and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. Revelation 3:1-4

The Fifth Year is the year of decision. Churchgoers will stand up for Jesus and face persecution and martyrdom or will commit apostasy. In Matthew 24, Jesus says the love of “most” will grow cold. To me, that means most will commit apostasy. That is why, at the end of this passage, Jesus says the Church has only a few people whose garments aren’t soiled. As the Fifth Year progresses, more and more of the true believers will lay their lives down for Jesus and His Word. By the end, the majority of those claiming to be “Christian” but who have committed apostasy will vastly outnumber the dwindling number of true believers. This is why Jesus says to this Church that they have a reputation for being alive, but they’re really dead. The Sardis Church is a mostly dead and dying Church. The true believers are mostly martyred. They are physically dead. The apostates still physically alive are, however, spiritually dead and dying. Jesus instructs them to wake up because he is coming soon. What does the command to “wake up” mean? Jesus’s main teaching on the sleeping Church is the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Jesus taught that “Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all (all ten!) got drowsy and began to sleep” Matthew 25:5. Strikingly, Jesus taught that the entire church would be sleeping at some point before his return.

The fact that Jesus inserts the instruction to “wake up” into the Letter to Sardis tells me that the Great Tribulation is the “midnight cry.” However, it appears that for some, even the Great Tribulation won’t wake them up.

Paul taught on this same subject in the section of scripture about the Rapture: “Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they (non-Christians) are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labour pains upon a woman with a child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness, so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 1 Thessalonians 5: 2-6

Paul is teaching us that we will know the approximate timing of Jesus’s return. Jesus also provided the chronology in the Olivet Discourse. He taught that the Church would go through tribulation before his coming and see other signs.

The closing statement of Jesus in this fifth letter, the Letter to Sardis:

“He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments, and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels“. Revelation 3:6

Jesus says he will not erase their names from the Book of Life. This implies that at some point, some people were written into the Book and then later erased. Were these never born-again believers? Is this the Great Falling Away, the Great Apostasy? I believe it is. I think the greatest majority of the Great Falling Away occurs during the Fifth Year of the 70th Week. When faced with the choice of physical death in this life or apostasy, unfortunately, most churchgoers will choose apostasy.

In the next post, we will look at the sixth church, the Church of Philadelphia, which God rescues before He pours out His wrath upon the Earth.