What Church Are You? Thyatira?

REVELATION 2:18-29

Revelation 2:19-20

I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel...


Jezebel was a self-proclaimed prophetess who taught that sexual immorality was acceptable and it was ok to eat food sacrificed to animals. Not only did she teach this, it was going on inside the church. Why didn't anyone stop her?

Jezebel's intent was to infiltrate, break down, and take over. If you study Jezebel in the Old Testament you will find that she shed many Prophets' blood.

THERE IS A PARASITE IN THE CHURCH!

Add a little yeast to the dough and it spreads throughout the whole dough. (1 Corinthians 5:6) Meaning, it takes one person to step in and work through the whole church and cause dissension. Jesus warned the disciples of the yeast of the Pharisees and Saducees (Matthew 16). Their teachings were infiltrating and confusing the people.

If Satan can't get to us individually he will do more damage by distorting the teachings of those in authority. We must be on guard, not just in the church but in our personal lives outside the church.

Wordnet describes a parasite as a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage. Jezebel was a parasite. There is one in about every church. And if we get out enough and socialize we will find one at our door every so often.

The American Heritage Science Dictionary describes a parasite as generally harmful to their hosts, although the damage they do ranges widely from minor inconvenience to debilitating or fatal disease.

God said He gave Jezebel time to repent but she was unwilling. Therefore He was ready to pour out His wrath...on her and anyone who associated themselves with her. But to those who remained faithful and did not hold to her teachings he said this: to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you). (2:24)

God will destroy the Jezebels that Satan has placed in our churches and our lives. Are we going to allow these Jezebels to infiltrate us like yeast and get caught in the cross-fire? Or are we going to stop her from infiltrating, breaking down and taking over? Our lives and those in our church are at stake here.

We need to take an active role in making sure that what we are taught and what is taught in our churches is truly the Word of God and none else. God searches each of our hearts and minds (2:23) to ensure we are pure and upholding His Word. If we are found guilty He will repay us according to our deeds (2:23). God Bless~