As we have covered, the biggest falling away from the faith began after the Roman Empire made Christianity the imperial religion. This brought a flood of unsavory and selfishly ambitious people into the church. They sought leadership positions in the church, viewed as the easiest and quickest path to wealth and power. Quickly, the church was transformed from a vitally alive and powerful force spreading faith throughout the world in the face of relentless persecution to little more than a political pawn of the state.

         Seeing the trap the church fell into during this period caused many to...

     We continue to cover the period represented by the prophetic church at Thyatira (538 to 1798 AD)—the darkest period in church history. It is crucial to understand this period because the roots of the “great falling away” are common to individuals backsliding or churches and movements departing from the way.

     Apostles to the first-century church taught that the Lord would not return until apostasy came and the man of sin took his seat in the temple of God, which is the church. This is how the Apostle Paul put it to the Thessalonians:

     Let no one...

     As we continue our study of the prophetic church at Thyatira (538-1798 AD), understanding Jezebel is a key to understanding what happened to the church in this time. There has been much teaching in the church about the “spirit of Jezebel,” which is derived from the biblical character who was King Ahab’s wife. Ahab was one of the wickedest kings in Israel’s history. It seems that Jezebel influenced many of his evil ways.

     Jezebel was the most prominent wife of any king of Israel. She exerted significant influence and power over the nation by the force of her...

         This week we will begin our study of the church at Thyatira. Please take a moment to read through the Lord’s message to this church as recorded in Revelation 2:18-29:

       And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, “These things, says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 

         "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 

         Nevertheless, I have a few things against you,...

         This week we will complete our study of Pergamos that dwelt “where Satan’s throne is” and seemed to open the church to the biggest gates of hell. We study this to apply the lessons to our own lives and times. How has the church responded recently when they went from being persecuted to being respected? How would we personally respond if marginalized at work for being a Christian but then suddenly the head of the company gets converted and we are instantly promoted? We need to see these lessons on all levels.

         Soon after the conversion of Emperor...