the holy spirit bakht singh

The message of the book of Revelation is for the last days, and a special blessing is promised to those who hear and keep the words of this book, as we read in Revelation 22, 22:7 ...blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of... this book.” This book is intended for those who want to overcome and inherit all things. It is given to teach us to overcome. It is given to reveal to us the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There are seven divisions of this book each revealing an aspect of the glory of Christ.

Rev. 1. The glory of the Lord Jesus Christ as our everlasting Priest.

Rev. 2 and 3. The glory of the Lord Jesus Christ in His Church.

Rev. 4 and 5. The glory of the Lord Jesus Christ in the perfected heavenly Church.

Rev. 6 to 19. The glory of His judgments and ourselves as His co-workers co-operating with Him in His judgments.

Rev.20: 1-6. The glory of Christ’s millennial reign.

Rev.20: 7-15. The glory of the Great White Throne judgment.

Rev. 21 and 22. The glory of the Lord Jesus Christ in His coming New Creation.

The first chapter of the book of Revelation shows the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ as our everlasting High Priest. The apostle John was exiled in the island of Patmos. He was thinking of his brethren and children in Christ in the churches of Asia Minor, thinking of the period of spiritual decline that had set in; the ‘Antichrists’, as indicated in his epistles (Rev. 1:9-10).

2 Timothy 4: 16 shows that many had left the apostle Paul at that time, as he writes in 2 Timothy 4: 10 --“Demas hath forsaken me.” Many were scattered abroad and were losing their faith and many were deceived.

This book is a message for spiritual recovery. Every loss can be recovered if we obey the divine laws. We read that John heard behind him a great voice, and he turned to see the voice that spoke to him. John was looking in the wrong direction (Rev. 1:10-12). We too get discouraged because we look in the wrong direction. Peter began to sink when he looked at the waves (Matt. 14: 29-31). He was all right when his eyes were on the Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever the circumstances, our eyes must be on the Lord Jesus Christ. We must present Him, preach Him, and keep our eyes on Him.

In Rev. 1:20 we see what kind of Church the Lord Jesus Christ is building. Note the seven golden candlesticks. Gold speaks of the divine life. In Rev. 21: 18 we read the wonderful description of the city of pure gold. The Lord is not building fellowships, or denominations or sects. He is building His Church. Unless life flows fully and freely His Church cannot be built.

Rev. 1: 13 shows Christ as the everlasting High Priest. Hebrews 7: 21-28 describes Him as undefiled, separate from sinners, higher than the heavens: Who ever liveth to make intercession for us. A believer may have fallen, but there is hope for him as long as he does not blaspheme the Word of God or the precious blood. In 1 John 2:1 Christ is called our advocate. With Htm the believer is safe by His promises in Psalm 37: 24- “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down’ to which Micah 7:8 adds, “...when I fall I shall arise.”

2 Cor. 4: 9 tells us, we may be cast down but we shall not be destroyed. We may fall, for we are human beings and make many mistakes, but the Lord Jesus Christ is our High Priest.

To enjoy the work of the High Priest in our hearts, we must come for fellowship in meetings for prayer and ministry of the Word of God. One meeting on Sunday is not enough. There is great loss to those who stay alone and come for fellowship only on Sunday. Lone believers are exposed to many temptations.

Seven Features of the Lord Jesus Christ

1. His head and hair white like wool:

His head and hair are wonderfully described in Rev. 1:14. His hair was white like wool. White hair of the Lord speaks of everlasting wisdom, maturity and experience (Dan. 7:9). Many people do not like grey hair; they pull them out whenever they appear! However, human wisdom can make mistakes, and it is only by divine wisdom that we can understand the mysteries of God. James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom we must ask of God, for the true wisdom is peaceable and easy to be intreated. Prov. 8:1-5; 25-30 describes true, spiritual heavenly wisdom. Prov. 9:1 speaks of the seven pillars of heavenly wisdom.

James 3:17 tells us that the wisdom given by God is first pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy, good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. How much we need that wisdom! Take your Bible, kneel down and pray: “Lord, teach me Thyself the meaning of this chapter”.

2. His eyes like a flame of fire:

“the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth” (2 Chron. 16:9). Psalm 32: 8 gives the promise: “I will guide thee with mine eye”, or as the margin gives it “Mine eye is upon thee”, When we ask, “What.about this? And what about that?” The Lord says: “I know, I can see”. In John 1:46-48, Jesus says, “You are Nathaniel; I know you.” Nathaniel thinks: “How does the Lord Jesus Christ know me?” Zacchaeus in Luke 19: 5 is another example. The Lord knew who he was and where he was. He knows all, He allows circumstances to purify us. We need suffering to keep us gentle and pure, and fire is necessary for purifying.

3. His feet like fine brass:

In John 3:14 we read of the brass serpent. The story is given in Num. 21:9. The dying Israelite, bitten by the fiery serpent, looked on the serpent of brass and lived, but the serpent’ had no power in itself, In 2 Kings 18:4, we read how the people began to worship the serpent, so God caused it to be destroyed. Brass stands for judgment. The altar was of brass. The Lord’s feet were like brass. In Gen. 3:15 the prophecy is given that the serpent’s head would be crushed and in Romans 16: 20 the promise is given that the God of peace would soon bruise Satan under the feet of God’s people.

The Devil was defeated by Christ's death on the Cross, and not by miracles. Mohammedans believe in the miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, that He was crucified and that He will come back again, but not that He died and rose again.

1 Cor. 1: 18 affirms that God’s power lies in the Cross of Christ and not in miracles. We are to make our boast in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, Gal. 6:14; and to defeat the Devil we must appropriate for ourselves our oneness with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (1 Cor. 15: 3-4),

4. His voice like the sound of many waters:

Rev. 1: 15; 19:6. Isaiah 30:21 says:‘thine ears shall hear a word behind thee.” In I Kings 19:12-18 God spoke both in a still small voice, and also in a thundering voice.

5. His hands held seven stars:

The Lord holds the churches in His hands; He does not always send angels to speak to His servants. The Lord may send angels for our protection as we see in Josh. 5:13-15. In Gen. 32:1, the angels of God met Jacob, but they are not always seen. Sometimes the Lord permits us to go through trials, but always and in all circumstances we are held by His hands.

6. Out of His mouth went a sharp twoedged sword:

_ In Hebrews 4:12 the Word of God is compared to a sharp twoedged sword and it is by God’s Word that we defeat the devil (Eph. 6:17), even as in Matt. 4:4,7,10, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself defeated the devil by the Word of God.

7. Lastly, His countenance was as the sun shineth in its strength:

In Mal. 4:2 the Sun of righteousness is used as a description of the Lord. Every germ is killed by sunshine, so keep yourself in the sunshine of the Lord Jesus to be free from spiritual germs of doubt, fear and suspicion. Fhe Lord gave John the apostle a new vision of Himself. Present Christ, not only His teaching, but also His heavenly glory and beauty. Rev, 19:16 reveals Him as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Revelation chapter 2:

The book of Revelation is a special message for the end days and a special blessing is promised to those who hear and Keep “the words of this prophecy” Rev. 22:7. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things’ Rev 21:7, and this book teaches us how to overcome. In this chapter the Lord Jesus is seen in the midst of the churches (Matt. 16:18).

In chapters 2 and 3 we see how the Lord Jesus Christ defeats the Devil. The Devil comes in four ways.

1. 1 Pet. 5:8, as a roaring lion.

2. Acts 20:29, as a grievous wolf, bringing wrong teaching into the churches, and strife among God’s people.

3. 2 Cor. 1:14, as an angel of light.

4. Isa. 59:19, as a flood.

The message of this chapter can be divided into seven parts, and each part represents a period of history. There are in all seven messages and each message again has seven parts. Seven titles are given to the Lord Jesus Christ. By this He makes Himself known to the seven churches, and in each church or age it was the knowledge of Him in the role by which He introduced Himself, which enabled the believers to overcome.

First Period (Rev. 2:1-7)

The first period is described or pictured by the Church at Ephesus. In Rev. 2:1, speaking to the angel of the church at Ephesus, Christ introduces Himself as the One Who holds the seven stars in His right hand. When we are exposed to danger He commands His angels to take care of us. We should never look at circumstances, for with every circumstance will come the necessary help. He has made the angels to be ministering spirits to those who are the heirs of salvation (Heb.1:14).

Acts 12:7, angels do not come all the way with us. The angel took Peter only a short way. God knew Peter would forget and leave behind his sandals and old garment, so the angel reminded him to take them. Then the angel left him. Do not forget that God has His angels watching over His people.,

In Quetta (India) 58,000 people were killed in eighteen seconds by an earthquake. Only one believer was killed, though 92 percent of the population was destroyed.

The Lord also introduced Himself to this church as the One Who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.

Many were imprisoned and scattered through persecution, Acts 12:1!-2, and John must have questioned, “What will be the future of the Church?” The Lord answered, “Do not look at outward conditions, I am in the midst of the churches. I am building my Church and for this I do not depend on buildings and property.”

The gold of the candlesticks speaks of divine life. Where the churches are gathered with divine life, under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ they are built up. In His Message Christ first commends the church, “I know thy works, zeal and labour, how you cannot tolerate wrong teaching, how you are full of activity, visiting and preaching, bearing much and not fainting.”

Then He makes a serious charge against the church: “Thou hast left thy first love. I cannot use you. You have lost your love for the Lord.” Without love for the Lord He cannot use us. We may be full of activity, but with no love in our hearts, we are useless. Let us pray: “Lord, give me love for the people in their blindness,” for unless we have love for the people the Lord cannot work. We may be full of knowledge, but cold and without love. We have no right to condemn the Ephesian church, for what was true of them is true of us also. We must show love.

As far as we understand the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, they made a difference, or rather drew a line between the preacher and the people, and in doing so tended to glorify the preacher.

The reward promised to this church is that to him that overcometh, will Christ give to eat of the tree of life (Revelation 2:7). In Genesis 2:9 the tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and by eating of the tree of life a man could have enjoyed all things and eternal life. Now, by overcoming, we shall be able to enjoy all the things that God has for us. Even now the Bridegroom is preparing the heavenly feast and those who overcome will take part in that feast and eat of the tree of life (Matt. 26:29). Our full enjoyment of the things of eternity is dependent on our eating of the tree of hfe. If our hearts are full of love we will enjoy all of God’s Word as we learn to overcome.

Historically the church of Ephesus was the apostolic period from the beginning of church history to 90 A.D.

As we have seen, Christ spoke of Himself to this church as the One Who walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks, holding the seven stars in His right hand. He is the Centre and supreme authority in His Church.

The church’s danger was that she had left her first love. The warning given to her was to remember and repent. The remedy for coldness and lack of fruit is to return to our first love for Christ.

The reader is exhorted: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches”.

The reward of faithfulness is to eat of the tree of life.

Let us pray: “Lord, keep me loving and tender”. No one can say: I will never fail (Luke 22:31-32). We must learn to pray for those who fall, going to them personally, and praying with them.

In Galatians 2:11-?2 we read how Peter’s heart became cold, and he did not have the same love for all people, We must learn to love our enemies, even those that hate us and those that fall. We must be sure that our hearts are kind and tender, for our teaching is of no value if there is no love in our hearts and if we do not know how to share the burdens of others (Gal.6:2),

Second Period (Rev. 2:8-11)

The second period is that of the church at Smyrna, a church that was active between the years 90 A.D, to 325 A.D. The name indicates suffering and the word myrrh comes from the same root. From John 19:39 we see that myrrh is used to anoint dead bodies, but first it has to be ground to powder. In the same way we are called to suffer that we should give forth a sweet fragrance. Some flowers give forth their sweetest fragrance on the darkest night. It is true that under suffering we have the greatest burden for prayer. Prosperity generally brings barrenness among believers. The trouble in this country and in many parts of the West, is that there is too much prosperity. In the period when this letter was written, the believers had lost their property, and were gathered in caves. “I am the living Christ,” announced the Lord to such a church in Rev, 2:8. Persecution does not kill the Church. The believers may be poor, but they are rich spiritually under persecution. There were those who wanted to deceive the believers and testing was allowed to make them strong. “...ye shall have tribulation ten days,” the Lord told them, “be thou faithful unto death.” The number 10 stands for testing, and those who stood the test were to receive a crown of life (James 1:12).

In 2 Timothy 4:8 it is called the crown of righteousness and is promised to all who love Christ’s appearing. All who love His appearing and overcome every temptation, receive the crown of life.

The apostle Paul himself endured much suffering and testing. but his attitude was that of the overcomer, knowing that he would not be “hurt of the second death’. There are forty afflictions mentioned in 2 Cor. 6:4-10, 11:24-29 yet the apostle was always rejoicing. He never murmured, but rather counted it a privilege to suffer: ‘I have learned’ he said, ‘in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content,’ Phil. 4:11, Would to God we all had that spirit of contentment.

In Heb. 13:5a we are told that our conversation must be without covetousness. We are warned to be free from the love of money and material possessions, and to be content with such things as we have. Some people are never content. They always want new furniture, a new car, or something else new. We must be thankful, for then only can we grow spiritually.

The promise to the second church (Rev, 2:11) is that the overcomer shall not be hurt of the second death. Rev. 20:6 is a further promise concerning the same. “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power.”

Who are these overcomers? From Rev. 20:4 we gather that they are all believers. Many will be deceived by the Antichrist and many will bow to worship the beast or his image or will wear his mark on their hand or forehead. Those who overcome will Jive and reign with Christ for a thousand years. But those who wear the mark of the beast or take the part of Antichrist cannot be overcomers (Rev.13:4). They will be overcome of the second death, and have no part in the millennial reign.

The Lord comes to this church as “the First and the Last”, the One Who “was dead and is alive.” He Himself had been through death, so why should they fear death when He was with them?

Third Period (Rev. 2:12-17)

The third period is that of the church of Pergamos. Christ presents Himself as “he which hath the sharp sword with two edges”, He says, “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is” (v. 13). King Constantine was the head of the church instead of the Lord Jesus Christ.

King Henry VII wanted to divorce Catharine of Aragon in order to marry Anne Boleyn. So he broke away from the Roman Catholic church and became head of the Church of England. But Christ cannot reign in a church where a man claims headship.

The church is warned not to eat things sacrificed to idols. In Numbers 23:4-11 we read how Balaam blessed the children of Israel instead of cursing them. He had not wished to do this, but God had compelled his mouth to bless them. Later, in Numbers 25:1, Balaam gave wrong advice. He cleverly seduced some of Israel to make mixed marriages with the result that the people began to worship idols and Israel was joined to Baalpeor (Num. 31:16). We might calf the doctrine of Balaam, the doctrine of mixed marriages, that is, of believers marrying unbelievers, In 2 Cor. 6:14-18 we read why relationship with unbelievers is harmful. It is a false argument to say, “I am friends with him so that I can win him.” That is a strong weapon of the devil to bring about spiritual blindness. How can a believer and an unbeliever agree in marriage or in business? Amos 3:3 gives the answer: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

This church also had among its members those who held the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes (Rev. 2:15). The people began to idolize a preacher who could draw crowds, which God hated. It is the doctrine of man-appointed headship in the church of God, Even Anglicans worship the Bishop and bow down to him, Because of this, long robes were brought in, and people worship the priest, and kiss his fect. However, God says in Rev. 2:16 that He would fight with the sword of His mouth against such things. That sword is the Word of God, and God’s Word should be honoured. Only to the Lord Jesus Christ should we bow down and kneel in prayer, In Phil. 2:10 we read that every knee should bow to Him, and in Ephesians 3:14 the apostle says, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In the early church it was the custom to kneel when praying, for kneeling is a sign of worship. We see this in Acts 20:36 when the apostle kneeled down and prayed with the elders of the church of Ephesus and again in Acts 21:5 at Tyre the apostle kneeled down on the shore, with men, women and children and prayed. In Acts 7:60 Stephen kneeled down and prayed, even (though he was being stoned. In Acts 9:40 Peter kneeled down and prayed by the body of Tabitha. Believers now sit down and pray. but this brings darkness. Obey the Word of God in your private life, family lite, and church hfe. There is often so much fun going on in the meetings of believers, especially amongst the young. But we must rebuke them and teach the young how they must honour God. The believers must be taught to keep their cars sensitive to God’s Word.

In every message there is a reward. Here the promised reward is hidden manna, the spiritual food that we require for new life (Rev. 2:17). In 1 Kings 19:5-8 the angel had prepared a cake and brought water, and this food gave strength to the prophet to walk day and night for forty days without stopping, It was not ordinary food. Food which is prepared by angels has extra strength; itis heavenly, not earthly. So God gives His people special strength if they are tempted, persecuted and in tribulation. As we wait upon our knees and read God’s Word we get that extra strength. We will be given hidden manna to go anywhere in God’s universe. Men cannot stay on the moon but we will be able to go anywhere if God sends us.

There is also white stone premised to the overcomer. In Numbers 27:21 we read of the Urim by which the high priest could find God’s will. With the help of the white stone we too will be able to find God’s will. As we read God’s Word and pray, God gives a verse which shows His will. When God gives a white stone, He gives with it ability to answer all questions.

Fourth Period (Rev. 2: 18-29)

The fourth period of church history is that of the church at Thyatira.

That was a period when men tried counterfeits, holy water and other devices, in order to obtain salvation. Christ introduces Himself as the Son of God Who hath “His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass.” He says: “Look at my eyes!” By coming into His presence, I can look into the fire of His eyes. Dare I do so? His feet were like brass. Brass speaks of judgment. In John 3:14 the serpent of brass is referred to. The story is in Numbers 21:4-9, Judgment in the shape of fiery serpents was sent among the people for their rebellion. The serpent or Satan causes trouble in the midst of the Church and unless the sin he causes is judged, we cannot conquer the devil himself.

In Genesis 3:15 the promise is given that Christ would bruise the head of the serpent, and that the serpent would bruise His heel. Before Pilate men cried: “Crucify him, Crucify him!” But the same bruised heel gave victory to man (1 Cor.1:18; 1 Cor. 2:2;Gal. 6:14).

In Rev, 2:19 Christ commended the church for her work and her love and faith and patience, but defilement was going on. “That woman Jezebel” was causing much trouble by her so-called prophecies, teaching immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols. The Lord promises terrible judgments, But in Rev. 2:24 He speaks comfort to those who have not known the ‘depths of Satan’ and tells them to hold fast to that which God has revealed to them (Rev. 2:25). The things allowed in Thyatira can be compared to the dreadful practices of the Roman Catholic church especially in the Middle ages.

Do not allow bag-snatchers in your divine life, for, by this means the enemy can bring doubt and fear.

To the overcomers is given the promise that they will reign (Rev. 2:26). But all cannot reign. 1 Cor. 6:3 tells us that the saints shall judge angels. The promised reward is the Morning Star in Rev. 2: 28. Again the people of God are told to be sensitive to God’s voice. The still small voice is heard only by living close to Him (i Kings 19:12),

As we see the Lard Jesus Christ in His true greatness, we shall be enabled to overcome the evils of the last days. In chapters 2 and 3 we see unfolding the history of His Church down the ages. God’s work will not stop, even though His servants pass away.

Revelation Chapter 3

Fifth Period (Rev. 3:1-6)

The fifth period is the period of Sardis. Historically it is the Reformation period, when, because of the evils practised in the Roman Catholic church, there was protest and a breaking away. They had a name of life but were dead, for they retained the robes, candles, several rituals, and prayer books of the Roman church. Unless the Holy Spirit has His way in our lives we too will be led away with many customs and traditions. In the eyes of God they were still dead for they retained the rituals, customs and traditions of the Roman system.

The Lord Jesus Christ introduces Himself as the One Who has the Seven Spirits of God (Rev. 3:1). These are also mentioned in Rev. 1:4 and 5:6.

In Zechariah 4:2 the seven lamps speak of the sevenfold work of the Holy Spirit. It is a complete work, and not Just an experience. The lamps must be filled continually. When we are in need we must be filled again and again, Acts 13:9, We need to rightly understand the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

1, There are seven names of the Holy Spirit.

2. There are seven inward works of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

3. There are also seven outward works of the Holy Spirit and

4. There is a sevenfold work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The seven names of the Holy Spirit.

1. Hebrews 9:14. The Eternal Spirit gives us a longing for eternity and eternal things.

2. Romans 1:4. The Spirit of holiness works in us to make us like Christ. Am I like Him? Is the Lord satisfied with my life?

3. John 14:16, The Comforter, makes us enjoy fully God's love; not some emotion, but the pure love of God (Romans 5:5), the love which passeth knowledge (Ephesians 3:19). God’s wilt for us is that we should be filled with His fulness.

4, John 14:17, The Spirit of Truth, teaches us all things. (John 15:5) “Without me,” He says, “ye can do nothing.”

5. Galatians 4:6. The Spirit of Wis Son enables us to say boldly: ‘My Father’, as He Himself said: “my Father, and your Father” (John 20:17). The Spirit gives me a sense of claim that I can call Him my Father.

6. 2 Timothy 1:7. The Spirit of power, love and a sound mind, We must use the whole Bible, and this will save us from unsound teachings.

7. 1 John 2:27. The anointing. Through the Spirit we will go on learning throughout our life. We cannot learn everything in one day, but as we are ready to receive we shall be taught by the anointing, Matt. 13:17.

The sevenfold inward workings of the Holy Spirit. Like the roots of a tree these are not seen.

1. Eph. 1:13. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, showing that we are the Lord’s property.

2. 1 Cor, 12:13. We are baptised by one Spirit and joined to the Lord as His body.

3. Eph. 1:14. The Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, the deposit of the heavenly inheritance, 1 Peter 1:4, reserved in heaven for us, We have a share there. All things belong to me in Christ.

4, Eph. 1:17, He is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. In Matt. 16:22 Peter began to rebuke the Lord Jesus Christ because he did not understand. But the Lord took him up into a high mountain, (Matt. 17:1) to show him those things he could not understand.

5. Eph. 3:16. He is also the strengthening Spirit.

6. 1 Peter 1:2, He is the sanctifying Spirit. For obedience we require the sprinkling of the Blood.

7. 1 John 2:27. He is the teaching Spirit.

We must be sure we are enjoying fully the work of the Holy Spirit of God in our lives.

The sevenfold outward workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Like the trunk of the tree and branches these can be seen.

I. Ron. 8:9 The Indwelling Spirit, The Holy Ghost makes us a fit dwelling place for Himself. He fills us with love, joy, peace and gentleness. We cannot become humble by ourselves. Our longing should be to be prepared by Him to be God's dwelling place.

2. Rom. 8:11 The Quickening Spirit quickens our mortal body; He gives us extra strength for the need of the day; helps us to do our jobs faithfully; and gives us strength to do gospel work.

3. Rom. 8:14 The Guiding Spirit teaches us to be led by Him and helps us to find God’s will.

4. Rom. 8:15 The Spirit of Adoption brings us to maturity. It was a custom, that when a son came of age he was given authority to sign his father’s documents, and given a key of the house. Many believers remain babes spiritually. They go to meetings only and come home. They sit in the same seat week after week, but cannot take any responsibility. Look around to see what you can do for God yourself, for you do not need anybody to teach you.

3. Rom. 8:16 The Witnessing Spirit teaches us that we have a share in the heavenly inheritance which must be claimed. He that overcometh shall inherit all things. The Holy Spirit is there to teach us and help us to claim our share of the heavenly inheritance.

6. Rom. 8:26 The ‘Teaching Spirit will teach us how to pray. He will help us to pray according to God’s will (1 John 5:14) and to know the mind of God.

7, Rom. 8:27 The Interceding Spirit intercedes for us. Some are going through trials and temptations, and as we pray, the Holy Spirit gives us a burden to pray for such even though we do not know why. Sometimes God has caused me to wake up in the night with burden to pray.

The sevenfold work of the Holy Spirit with reference to the Lord Jesus Christ

I. Luke 1:34, 35 The Lord Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

2. Matt. 3:16 The Spirit of God came upon Him after His baptism.

3. The Lord Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Matt. 4:1). The Spirit prepared Him before the temptation. He will also prepare us for what lies ahead of us.

4, Isaiah 9:6 The Lord Jesus was anointed of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah 11:2. The Spirit of wisdom was given to Him to equip Him for the task for which He had come, Isa. 61:2-5. Thus He was able to speak with authority; Matt. 7:29; John 7:46; Luke 4:22, 32.

5. Isa. 42: 1-3 He bore everything very patiently and was not discouraged because God's Spirit was upon Him.

6. Isa. 61:1-3 By the Holy Spirit He gave the Gospel patiently, and with love (Acts 10:38). What He spoke was under authority.

7. Rom. 1:4 By the Spirit of holiness, and by the resurrection from the dead, He was declared to be the Son of God.

As we put all these things together, we can understand what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit and we shall know whether we ourselves are filled with the Spirit. We cannot depend on some past experience.

The Seven Spirits (Rev. 3:1)

Many go by outward things, such as simple clothes, not eating meat, living in monastery, holy ashes and holy oil. But these things do not prove that we are filled with the Spirit. It is true that we can be filled, but we can only be filled us we understand the meaning of the Seven Spirits of God.

The Lord is not satisfied unless we come into His perfect will (v.2). We must do all things heartily as unto the Lord and not unto men, Col. 3:23.

We must prove what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God. And we must be sure that we are living in the perfect will of God, and not in the permissive will of God, Rom. 12 :2.

We must be free from all worldly associations, Rev. 3:4. The biggest danger to a believer is from worldly associations. Those who associate with the world, imitate the dress, haircuts, and conversation, We must be careful not to imitate the world. We are to hate even the garment spotted by the flesh (Jude 23). Fashions are designed to stir passions and to make men Slaves to sex, till they dress for sex and not only for fashion. If believers imitate the world, their hearts are full of defilement. Our beauty is holiness (v.45); 1 Chron. 16:29; Psalm 110:3. 1 Peter 3:2-5 tell us the secret of real beauty. The white raiment promised to the overcomer in v.5 speaks of heavenly beauty.

Iie has promised also that He will not blot the overcomer’s name out of the book of life. This is a special promise for those who confess His Name boldly. If we confess Him boldly we receive a reward (Luke 12:4-9). Many believers are ashamed to speak about the Lord Jesus Christ, but by our bold testimony we are confessed as overcomers and are worthy to receive a reward.

Sixth Period (Rev. 3:7-13)

The sixth period, the period of Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7) is the missionary period, when the Gospel began to be taken to the world. For 1000 years there had been no burden for others. There was no concern for the fost, and because of this Wesley was persecuted because he took the Gospel into the open-air. Here the Lord introduces Himself as the One Who shuts and no man can open, and what He opens no man can shut.

A young gypsy girl was once called to an artist’s studio. In the studio there was a painting of the Crucifixion. The poor girl had never seen such a picture before, and enquired of the artist its meaning. As she listened to the story of Christ’s love and sacrifice, she accepted His salvation and was born again. When dying she sent for the artist, to thank him for telling her of the death of Christ and for the joy and peace it had brought to her. The artist knew that he himself had not accepted salvation of which he had told her. For days the thought was with him, till at last he also turned to Christ, and accepted His salvation. Then he painted another picture of the Crucifixion, and beneath it he wrote the words; “AH this I did for thee, what hast thou done for Me?” Some years later a gay young Count visited the gallery where the picture was hung. He stood for hours before it watching the agony in the face of the Saviour, and reading the words. He went out a changed man, laid all his wealth at the feet of Christ and founded the Moravian Mission to tell the good news of this salvation to others.;

Rev. 3:7 tells us how the Gospel was taken to other countries by bold witnessing. As we preach with authority, an open door is set before us which no man can shut. But to find this open door, we need to find out the will of God.

When i first began to work for the Lord I gave out tracts everywhere but nothing happened. Then I learned to find the will of God. Where doors are shut, do not try to open them. Find out where God wants you to go. Do not go by the weather! One day as I preached in the rain, souls were born again. Nominal Christians will ridicule, but later they will acknowledge that God is with you (v.9).

Rev. 3:10 tells us that the enemy will be very active in the ime that is coming, but by perseverance and endurance we will overcome him (Matt. 24:13).

In v.11, the Lord announces that He has given us the breaking of bread week by week to prepare our hearts for His Second Coming. We see in 1 Cor. 11:26 that it is not a ceremony or custom, but to help us to be watchful and prayerful til! He comes.

His promise to the overcomers in v.12 is fourfold. The overcomer is to be “a pillar in the temple of my God”. A source of strength to other believers. He will bear the “name of the city of my God. and my new name and above all the name of my God”. New name means that we have won God's approval. Abraham’s name was changed after twenty-five years. Saul was called Paul, (Acts 13:2). It means that we can be trusted, that we are approved of God, and under full subjection, fully tried, tested and set apart in a more intimate relationship. We are given the name of the New Jerusalem, because, when we overcome, we understand our share in the New Jerusalem and can also understand hidden mysteries, (Gen.18:17; Deut. 29:29). Secret things are revealed and we are told what is going to happen in the future,

Seventh Period (Rev. 3:14-22)

This is the Laodicean period. The Lord introduces Himself as the beginning and the ending. He is the beginning at creation. He spoke and it was done immediately, and not over centuries. In v.15 He tells the church how they are in His sight lukewarm, indifferent, no hunger for the work of God, but only formality, the desire to be decent and respectable, to have many books, buildings and money. He tells them in v.18 to buy gold, i.e.. to have a living faith, (1 Pet.1:7) to learn how to claim the Lord as our righteousness.

We have this thought in Col. 3:4, Christ is our fife, otherwise we are naked before God. Others can see our nakedness, and it is only by claiming His life and righteousness that we are covered. He counsels them to use eye-salve. When there were no glasses people used eye - salve and spiritually when we cannot see clearly we need spiritual eye-salve. Our prayer should be, “Lord, touch my eyes". We cannot understand these things by big books, and Hebrew and Greek, but only as the Lord opens our eyes (1 John 2:27),

The Lord chastens the one he loves (v.19), and we must be chastened if we are to be partakers of His holiness (Heb. 12:10).

When the Lord knocks, open the door immediately (Rev. 3: 20). Once after preaching five times in one day I went to bed very tired. Then I heard a knock, but when I went to the door no one was there. Again the knock came and the Lord said: “Get up, and pray”. This happened to me for five nights. After the Sunday message I called the people to stay back, and said that any one with a testimony should speak out. A child of ten gave a testimony. Then another child of the same age gave a clear testimony. Then the teacher asked for prayer, and presently a great cry went up. People cried for mercy. I asked, “How many of you are not born again? We will not go home till all are born again”. So we continued in prayer for seven hours till all were barn again. The knock is for the believer, not for the unbeliever. When the Lord knocks, be sure to open it immediately.

The message of the Book of Revelation is centred in Rev.21:7, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God. and he shall be my son.” The God of love is longing to give us all the things of the New Creation, but unless we overcome we will not be able to enjoy them. In this book we are taught how to overcome. In chapters 4 and 5 we see the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the Heavenly Church. We are given a glimpse of our oneness with the Lord Jesus Christ. for. when we see Him, we shall be like Him. Engineers can show by drawing and by a model what a building will be like when it is complete. In the same way these chapters show 2h the completed Church in heaven. Rev. 4:2 reveals the glory of His throne. “...he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone” (v.3). These stones are clear with a transparency that burns. They speak of the purity and holiness of God.

The rainbow is a symbol of God’s covenant-pure light divided into its seven colours Gen.9 :11-17. The first rainbow here was a token of God’s Covenant with men, When we have longing to share the throne of God, as He promised in Rev. 3:21, we wonder how we can do so with so many human limitations. We shall share the throne not because of what we are but because of God’s covenant (Psalm 89:34). He promises: “My covenant will I not break”. Because God is God He must keep His promises. God cannot and will not lie. He is the covenant-keeping God (Num. 23:19). He makes a decree which shall not pass (Psalm 148:6). When He calls, He is faithful (1 Thess 5:24). The rainbow is the token of God’s faithfulness. We must believe and claim His promises.

We had this experience in the beginning of the work when God showed us a large compound and gave us His promise in 1 Chron. 29:1 - “... the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God”, The back portion of the house was in ruins, and not safe for habitation. We enquired if there was any possibility of the house becoming vacant, and were told: “Yes, but the landlord will not make any repairs!” The house was to be vacated on July 12th. We then saw the landlord and told him that the work was for God, he said at once, “I will repair the building. You can move in and no rent need be paid until the repairs are finished”. After that time the money came - in for the rent.

We must believe what God has said and hold to it. Once the Lord told me to get ready to go abroad and gave me Zech. 9:10. There were heavy bookings, and a long waiting list. Humanly speaking there was no chance. In my quiet time the Lord gave me Isa. 43:16, “I will make a way in the sea”. When I walked into the booking office, the official said: “There is only one place for an Indian government servant. Are you a government servant?” I told him I was God's servant: “That will do” he said, and gave me passage. We must learn how to hold on to God’s promises.

There are seven colours in the rainbow which stand for seven covenants:

As we believe in the seven covenants we can rise higher and higher spiritually, It is all of grace that God condescends to make « covenant with such as we are. We are not worthy of such favour (1 Cor. 15: 10). What He gives, He gives out of His unqualified grace. The men of God in the old Testament times reminded God of His promises. We also by claiming the promises of God can get strength to press on, 1. God made a covenant with Adam in Gen. 3:15, Satan thought he had the victory, but God promised that even though Eve was deceived, the woman’s seed would crush Satan’s head. In Christ I will conquer, for the Lord Jesus Christ is not, and cannot be defeated. I may fall, but the Lord Jesus Christ is victorious. I too can be victorious if I appropriate His victory. Micah 7:8, “when I fall, I shall arise”. Psalm 37:24 “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast dawn”, We can never conquer Satan by Bible knowledge, will-power, signs or miracles. We must claim the precious Blood and the victory of the Crass.

In Ephesians 1:16 to 22 we read of Christ's victory, and in chapter 2:1 it extends to us. Christ’s victory is for us, as we appropriate the power of His resurrection, and claim that same victory.

Rom. 8:37 assures us that we are more than conquerors through Christ. Some long for knowledge and signs and miracles, but power comes only in and through the Cross, for the Cross is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18).

2. God’s second covenant was made with Noah. (Gen. 9:9-11) God’s mercies are so great (Isaiah 44:22) that we can safely tell men that though their sin is so great, they can come back to God and be forgiven. Even men of the worst type can be forgiven. Many feel that they have failed, so how can they be overcomers? We have only to claim His mercies (Psalm 89:1). As long as we do not blaspheme the precious Blood of Christ our sins can be forgiven,

3. God's third covenant was with Abraham-an everlasting covenant (Gen. 17:19). Abraham believed God would give him a son in his old age. At first he found difficulty in believing such an obvious impossibility, but afterwards believed. God said, “Walk uprightly. Throw away your stick”. He believed and later had six more children (Gen. 25:1,2; Rom 4:17-24).

It is by faith that we overcome. God uses many means 10 give us strong faith. God appeared to Abraham in Genesis 12, and Abraham believed. But God was not satisfied; he wanted a stronger faith. Abraham had to believe that God had some new kind of power to show him, even the power of resurrection. Strong faith is not a human qualification, but the gift of God. How often with anxiety we keep on shedding tears, because of fear and unbelief,

Sometimes the fear is the fear of man. Let people say what they want about you. When we began this work of God, many wrote and slandered us, but we made no attempt to defend ourselves, and true to His Word, God never allowed any weapon formed against us to prosper (Isa. 54:17). So do not give way to fear and unbelief. In Phil, 4:6 we are told to be anxious for nothing. How many children of God worry about the house-rent, furniture, or the future. Even if I lack today, one day He will enable me to enjoy all things.