Quote:
Originally Posted by Ohio
VIW, do you accept Nee's interpretations of the seven churches, or do you have some alternative?
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Ohio,
I pretty much agree with Nee's interpretations. The 7 churches characterize future church ages. The characteristic of the last 4 ages continue through some denominations.
Ephesus - 2nd century after the apostles passed
Smyrna - under Roman persecution
Pergamos - under Constantine. It even mentions Balaam and Balak. Balaam was a servant of God seeking money and worldly position. Balak was a pagan king outside of God's people, symbolizing Constantine.
Thyatira - the apostate church of the dark ages continuing as the RC church and her daughters
Sardis - the reformation, continuing as mainline Protestant denominations
Philadelpha - the age of Darby, Mueller, Spurgeon, Hudson Taylor, Moody, Fanny Crosby, etc. continuing in some faithful Christian groups
Laodicea - 20th century+ Christians
Nigel's main argument, is that the above interpretation does not well account for the 20th and 21st centuries. Where are the Pentecostals? I am not very familiar with Pentecostals, but to me, today they mostly fit Laodicea, and some Philadelphia and some Thyatira with the false prophets.
If the prophecy fits well from 100 AD to 1900 AD, then I wouldn't throw it out because it doesn't seem to fit post 1900.
Nigel does have valid points.
I don't agree with Nee that Thyatira can only come out of Philadelphia. Pride can come without ever having actually been truly rich.