The Seven Churches
The Seven Churches
Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. NKJV Revelation 1:19-20
Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Then Jesus answered him, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. For flesh and blood [men] have not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros--a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra--a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it]. AMP Matthew 16:16-18
Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Then Jesus answered him, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. For flesh and blood [men] have not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros--a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra--a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it]. AMP Matthew 16:16-18
How did we (the church) end up the way we have? Many of us wonder this but it never suprised our Lord. He told us ahead of time what our struggles would be. So pay attension, for our struggle is listed with directions on what to do about it.
The seven churches of the book of Revelation can be looked at three different ways. 1. The first is these were churches that had issues that needed to be dealt with. 2. The second is seven is the number of completeness, meaning all seven represent the complete church. That means that if you are a christain you fall into one of these seven churches. 3. The third is that Jesus laid out the future of the church before it happen. These passages list the history of the church in order from the time John pened these letters up to present day and beyond.
The seven churches of the book of Revelation can be looked at three different ways. 1. The first is these were churches that had issues that needed to be dealt with. 2. The second is seven is the number of completeness, meaning all seven represent the complete church. That means that if you are a christain you fall into one of these seven churches. 3. The third is that Jesus laid out the future of the church before it happen. These passages list the history of the church in order from the time John pened these letters up to present day and beyond.
Ephesus - The Loveless Church
To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” NKJV Revelation 2:1-7
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” NKJV Revelation 2:1-7
1. This first church letter always gets my mind wondering what happen in this church. This is the same church that Paul wrote the epistle we call Ephesians in the bible. Ephesians has some of the strongest scriptures about our position in Christ. This seemed to be written to christians that were mature and yet here we find that Jesus reveals their struggles. They lack love, which is the main command that Jesus gave His church. Jesus threatens to remove them if they don't repent. This means this church (those that would not repent) would lose their salvation.
The Nicolaitans were teaching that all of our sins are removed from us, we are sinful in nature and we can sin as much as we want because Jesus paid the price to remove those sins. This teaching removes the freedom of right living that God's grace enables us to live in. They preached the gospel of salvation without the gospel of the kingdom of God. Jesus did not die on a cross so that we could live wicked lives. He died so that the righteousness of God could be displayed in the people of God (the church).
2. The type of person that comes to mind when I think of this church is the scholar. When he first heard the message of Christ he had the passion for the things of God. Over time he could refute false teachings, but neglected his prayer time and ministering to others. He is the expert in the church that others look up to but has replaced relationship with God for strait knowledge of God.
3. The church of the 1st century (the "Apostolic Age".) This church had the apostels leading them. The Apostel John was the last living of the twelve disciples, his main message to the church was love each other. This church knew who was real and who was fake, but they struggled to truely focus on loving God and others. .
The Nicolaitans were teaching that all of our sins are removed from us, we are sinful in nature and we can sin as much as we want because Jesus paid the price to remove those sins. This teaching removes the freedom of right living that God's grace enables us to live in. They preached the gospel of salvation without the gospel of the kingdom of God. Jesus did not die on a cross so that we could live wicked lives. He died so that the righteousness of God could be displayed in the people of God (the church).
2. The type of person that comes to mind when I think of this church is the scholar. When he first heard the message of Christ he had the passion for the things of God. Over time he could refute false teachings, but neglected his prayer time and ministering to others. He is the expert in the church that others look up to but has replaced relationship with God for strait knowledge of God.
3. The church of the 1st century (the "Apostolic Age".) This church had the apostels leading them. The Apostel John was the last living of the twelve disciples, his main message to the church was love each other. This church knew who was real and who was fake, but they struggled to truely focus on loving God and others. .
Smyrna - The Persecuted Church
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” NKJV Revelation 2:8-11
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” NKJV Revelation 2:8-11
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2. These are the suffering, persecuted christians of the world. We don't see them in the church in America to much, but they do exist. Those that have turned from their families traditions to follow Christ.
3. The church of the 2nd & 3rd century (the "Post-Apostolic Church".) This is the period in time that the church was persecuted by the Roman goverment. Mass killings of christians took place in gladiator rings for the entertainment of others.
2. These are the suffering, persecuted christians of the world. We don't see them in the church in America to much, but they do exist. Those that have turned from their families traditions to follow Christ.
3. The church of the 2nd & 3rd century (the "Post-Apostolic Church".) This is the period in time that the church was persecuted by the Roman goverment. Mass killings of christians took place in gladiator rings for the entertainment of others.
Pergamos - The Compromising Church
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” NKJV Revelation 2:12-17
These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” NKJV Revelation 2:12-17
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2. This is the christian that mixes other religions into their faith. They seek a religious leader to guide their every step.
3. The church of the 4th & 5th century (Establishment of Roman orthodoxy.) This age started with "Constantine the Great" showing favor towards christians. Constantine established a precedent for the emperor as responsible to God for the spiritual health of their subjects, and thus with a duty to maintain orthodoxy. The emperor was to enforce doctrine, root out heresy, and uphold ecclesiastical unity. Constantine's son's successor, known as Julian the Apostate, was a philosopher who upon becoming emperor renounced Christianity and embraced a Neo-platonic and mystical form of paganism shocking the Christian establishment. He began reopening pagan temples, and intent on re-establishing the prestige of the old pagan beliefs, he modified them to resemble Christian traditions such as the episcopal structure and public charity (previously unknown in Roman paganism). This was an interesting switch, because many Christian beliefs had been modified to make them resemble pagan traditions. This is how we got the traditions of Easter and Christmas as we celebrate them today.
On February 27, 380, with the Edict of Thessalonica put forth under Theodosius I, the Roman Empire officially adopted Trinitarian Christianity as its state religion. After its establishment, the Church adopted the same organisational boundaries as the Empire: geographical provinces, called dioceses, corresponding to imperial governmental territorial division. All of this ties back to the issues that Jesus points out. This era of church history saw the adoption of worldly traditions and man's leading the church instead of the Spirit. This started hidding from the people the direct relationship between man and God that Jesus died for. This returned the church back to the structure of a priest having the relationship with God and leading a group of people instead of God leading everyone together. It is interesting to me that the root meaning of the word "Nicolaitans" means conquerors of the people.
2. This is the christian that mixes other religions into their faith. They seek a religious leader to guide their every step.
3. The church of the 4th & 5th century (Establishment of Roman orthodoxy.) This age started with "Constantine the Great" showing favor towards christians. Constantine established a precedent for the emperor as responsible to God for the spiritual health of their subjects, and thus with a duty to maintain orthodoxy. The emperor was to enforce doctrine, root out heresy, and uphold ecclesiastical unity. Constantine's son's successor, known as Julian the Apostate, was a philosopher who upon becoming emperor renounced Christianity and embraced a Neo-platonic and mystical form of paganism shocking the Christian establishment. He began reopening pagan temples, and intent on re-establishing the prestige of the old pagan beliefs, he modified them to resemble Christian traditions such as the episcopal structure and public charity (previously unknown in Roman paganism). This was an interesting switch, because many Christian beliefs had been modified to make them resemble pagan traditions. This is how we got the traditions of Easter and Christmas as we celebrate them today.
On February 27, 380, with the Edict of Thessalonica put forth under Theodosius I, the Roman Empire officially adopted Trinitarian Christianity as its state religion. After its establishment, the Church adopted the same organisational boundaries as the Empire: geographical provinces, called dioceses, corresponding to imperial governmental territorial division. All of this ties back to the issues that Jesus points out. This era of church history saw the adoption of worldly traditions and man's leading the church instead of the Spirit. This started hidding from the people the direct relationship between man and God that Jesus died for. This returned the church back to the structure of a priest having the relationship with God and leading a group of people instead of God leading everyone together. It is interesting to me that the root meaning of the word "Nicolaitans" means conquerors of the people.
Thyatira - The Corrupt Church
“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, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual imorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— ‘ He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” NKJV Revelation 2:18-29
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, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual imorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— ‘ He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” NKJV Revelation 2:18-29
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2. This person is one of the most active people in ministry. But they focus on a teacher/s rather than the word of God to lead them. Their prayers go up to others than God. They have a difficult time with their deeds not being good enough.
3. The church of 6th through the 15th century. The Roman Catholic Church shares so many of the characteristics of this church. Jezebel was a controlling queen from the old testament. This controlling spirit is in many churches today, the Catholic Church being one of them. The teachings of sexual immorality can span several areas from forbidding a man to marry in order to serve the Lord to openly committing audltry. The eating the food of idols goes back to the Jewish belief held at the time John wrote Revelation. Whenever you ate with someone else, you became one with them. That is why Jews would not eat with sinners and gentiles. Here sharing your food with idols leads to people being worshipped as gods. This can be seen in the worship of Mary the mother of Jesus (Mary is blessed amoung all women, but she is not worthy of our worship, only God is.) and praying to dead saints instead of to God.
Jesus tells this church that it will be cast into the great tribulation if it does not repent. I take this to mean that the Catholic Church will be around in the end times. But out of it there will be those that have remained true to God and they will be saved.
2. This person is one of the most active people in ministry. But they focus on a teacher/s rather than the word of God to lead them. Their prayers go up to others than God. They have a difficult time with their deeds not being good enough.
3. The church of 6th through the 15th century. The Roman Catholic Church shares so many of the characteristics of this church. Jezebel was a controlling queen from the old testament. This controlling spirit is in many churches today, the Catholic Church being one of them. The teachings of sexual immorality can span several areas from forbidding a man to marry in order to serve the Lord to openly committing audltry. The eating the food of idols goes back to the Jewish belief held at the time John wrote Revelation. Whenever you ate with someone else, you became one with them. That is why Jews would not eat with sinners and gentiles. Here sharing your food with idols leads to people being worshipped as gods. This can be seen in the worship of Mary the mother of Jesus (Mary is blessed amoung all women, but she is not worthy of our worship, only God is.) and praying to dead saints instead of to God.
Jesus tells this church that it will be cast into the great tribulation if it does not repent. I take this to mean that the Catholic Church will be around in the end times. But out of it there will be those that have remained true to God and they will be saved.
Sardis - The Dead Church
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,
These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” NKJV Revelation 3:1-6
These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” NKJV Revelation 3:1-6
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2. These are self righteous believers, for they know that things are not right in the body of Christ and they have changed some things but they are not willing to change the things they find comfort in, traditions.
3. The church of the 16th century up through ? The Reformation and Counter-Reformation. Martin Luther is the best known founding member of this era in church history. The church started to remove false teaching that had been in it for a long time, but so much of the traditions of man are still taught as doctrine in the church. The work was never completed.
2. These are self righteous believers, for they know that things are not right in the body of Christ and they have changed some things but they are not willing to change the things they find comfort in, traditions.
3. The church of the 16th century up through ? The Reformation and Counter-Reformation. Martin Luther is the best known founding member of this era in church history. The church started to remove false teaching that had been in it for a long time, but so much of the traditions of man are still taught as doctrine in the church. The work was never completed.
Philadelphia - The Faithful Church
"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,
These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” NKJV Revelation 3:7-13
These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” NKJV Revelation 3:7-13
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2. This person is faithful to Christ in all they do, they tend not to be valued in other denominations or even their own congragation .
3. Some believe this church to have started with the Pentecostal Church. I am not sure I agree, but the Pentecostals did move in a lot of the power of God. So maybe they are correct, maybe not. Jesus said that we would not know the day or the hour of His return, just be ready and be aware of the signs.
2. This person is faithful to Christ in all they do, they tend not to be valued in other denominations or even their own congragation .
3. Some believe this church to have started with the Pentecostal Church. I am not sure I agree, but the Pentecostals did move in a lot of the power of God. So maybe they are correct, maybe not. Jesus said that we would not know the day or the hour of His return, just be ready and be aware of the signs.
Laodicea - The Lukewarm Church
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” NKJV Revelation 3:14-22
These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” NKJV Revelation 3:14-22
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2. These people are more about positive renforcement than the leading of God. They don't take correction well and they are well off by the world's standards.
3. The most striking thing to me about this church is that Jesus is standing outside of this church. They may talk about Him but none of them know Him. Some believe this is the church we live in today in the U.S.A. So many people claim to be christians but they have know understanding of what it means to be a christian. So few have a passion for right living and the things of God. It sure sounds like the church of Laodicea. Maybe they are correct, Maybe they are wrong. I just echo Jesus' words, be ready.
2. These people are more about positive renforcement than the leading of God. They don't take correction well and they are well off by the world's standards.
3. The most striking thing to me about this church is that Jesus is standing outside of this church. They may talk about Him but none of them know Him. Some believe this is the church we live in today in the U.S.A. So many people claim to be christians but they have know understanding of what it means to be a christian. So few have a passion for right living and the things of God. It sure sounds like the church of Laodicea. Maybe they are correct, Maybe they are wrong. I just echo Jesus' words, be ready.