Revelation Intensive 2015-16 New City Church Week 12 – Philadelphia I.

Tribulation MUST Come to All of the Earth A. Tribulation is the tangible evidence that the leadership of the earth is changing. The return of Jesus will include a new global government run by Jesus:

1 Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings (describing the antichrist and 10 horns/toes) the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. B. This event will end with what Jesus called “Great Tribulation”. Daniel was also told about the Great Tribulation: 2 Daniel 12:1-4 "At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. 4 "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." 3 Matthew 24:21-22 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. C. Tribulation will occur globally because ALL of the existing world governments will fight the establishment of Jesus’ government. 4 Joel 3:9-14 Proclaim this among the nations: "Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up. 10 Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, 'I am strong.' " 11 Assemble and come, all you nations, And gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O LORD. 12 "Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. 13 Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow— For their wickedness is great." 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 5 Matthew 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. D. Jesus PROMISED this would happen, because Jesus wants UNITY BY DIVISION, called WINNOWING. So did John the Baptist: 6 Matthew 10:33-35 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. 34 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to 'SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW';

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Revelation Intensive 2015-16 New City Church Week 12 – Philadelphia E. This isn’t a sidebar to the gospel, THIS IS THE GOSPEL! Jesus is separating out people that want to live under His absolute leadership forever. Separating and purifying by fire is what He came to do: 7 Matthew 3:11-12 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." F. In the final generation, because the intense pressure, a company of people will wrestle through this night WITH GOD, and get a NEW NAME, called “Pure and Spotless Bride” and heaven will open. This is the “Generation of Jacob.” 8 Psalms 24:1-7 A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. 2 For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters. 3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face. Selah 7 Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. G. This process of loving God “wholeheartedly” will overflow into loving our neighbors as ourselves, which is “Good Government.” The source of the final government based in the TRUTH of love and will be endless, flowing from the love of an infinite God. 8 Matthew 22:35-40 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." H. This is how God will “set up the kingdom”…from the EXPRESSED DESIRE of each person who wants Him to come. 10 Luke 17:20-30 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." 22 Then He said to the disciples, "The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 And they will say to you, 'Look here!' or 'Look there!' Do not go after them or follow them. 24 For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. 25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. 2|Page

Revelation Intensive 2015-16 New City Church Week 12 – Philadelphia II. Philadelphia – The Faithful Church A. Philadelphia means “Brotherly Love” B. It was established in 189 BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamon (197-160 BC). Eumenes II named the city for the love of his brother, who would be his successor, Attalus II (159-138 BC), whose loyalty earned him the nickname, "Philadelphos", literally meaning "one who loves his brother" C. Philadelphia housed an imperial cult; its coins bore the word Neokoron (literally, "temple-sweeper"—caretaker of the temple)

D. Philadelphia is about “good government that results from enthroning God in worship” 11 Revelation 3:7-13 "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": 8 "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. 9 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. 10 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. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 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. 13 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' A. Jesus addresses Philadelphia as i. “things says He who is holy, = uncreated ii. He who is true, = fidelity to an original or to a standard iii. "HE WHO HAS THE KEY OF DAVID, HE WHO OPENS AND NO ONE SHUTS, AND SHUTS AND NO ONE OPENS" = David’s Tabernacle B. This last statement refers to an end time prophecy in Isaiah 22:

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Revelation Intensive 2015-16 New City Church Week 12 – Philadelphia 12 Isaiah 22:8-14 He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; 9 You also saw the damage to the city of David, That it was great; And you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. 10 You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, And the houses you broke down To fortify the wall. 11 You also made a reservoir between the two walls For the water of the old pool. But you did not look to its Maker, Nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago. 12 And in that day the Lord GOD of hosts Called for weeping and for mourning, For baldness and for girding with sackcloth. 13 But instead, joy and gladness, Slaying oxen and killing sheep, Eating meat and drinking wine: "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!" 14 Then it was revealed in my hearing by the LORD of hosts, "Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you, Even to your death," says the Lord GOD of hosts. C. All of this activity for which no atonement will be offered is attributed to the leader of the “house,” Shebna. Shebna was supposed to turn the people to repentance (to come near to God for help) and instead looked to the strength of the state. God promises to strip Shebna of His position and give it to Eliakim, a faithful one who made God His strength: 13 Isaiah 22:19-23 So I will drive you out of your office, And from your position he will pull you down. 20 'Then it shall be in that day, That I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah; 21 I will clothe him with your robe And strengthen him with your belt; I will commit your responsibility into his hand. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem And to the house of Judah. 22 The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open. 23 I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place, And he will become a glorious throne to his father's house. D. David made God the center of his government. This was the THRONE David established. He made the tabernacle the powerbase of his government. Unlike Shebna, David did not rely on military strength, but made the military rely on the strength of God IN the Tabernacle: 14 1 Chronicles 25:1-6 Moreover David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. And the number of the skilled men performing their service was: 2 Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah; the sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied according to the order of the king. ….. 6 All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the authority of the king. III. David’s Tabernacle was a night and day worship movement intended to replicate the “Holy of Holies” worship order that is happening even now! A. The book of I Chronicles details how David started a night and day worship movement in Israel B. David employed 4,000 musicians, 288 professional singers, and 4,000 gatekeepers, or those responsible for the logistics of the worship. That is over 8,000 full time employees to maintain night and day worship. C. The worship leaders each had an associate they were raising up, they took turns leading worship in their appointed times 4|Page

Revelation Intensive 2015-16 New City Church Week 12 – Philadelphia

15 1 Chronicles 9:33 These are the singers, heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites, who lodged in the chambers, and were free from other duties; for they were employed in that work day and night. 16 1 Chronicles 25:7-8 So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the LORD, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight. (8) And they cast lots for their duty, the small as well as the great, the teacher with the student. D. Well over half of the Psalms were written in this one generation by Asaph, Heman, The Son’s of Korah, Ethan the Ezrahite, and David E. David’s tabernacle was about “prophetic signing” being released day and night, revealing truth, beauty, revelation from God’s throne through the working of the Holy Spirit in the singers in musicians. F. David testified that God gave him the details for how to organize the tabernacle worship and connect it to his government 17 1 Chronicles 28:19 "All this," said David, "the LORD made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans." G. David brought agreement to earth with what is happening always in heaven. Whenever earth agrees with heaven, a “corridor of glory” extends from heaven to earth. This is what Jesus said we should care most about! Matthew 6: 9-10 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. (10) Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. H. David’s agreement with God in the Tabernacle worship order changed every aspect of life in Israel: i. The land was changed ii. The economy was changed iii. The amount of prophetic revelation was dramatically increased iv. Peace covered the land in a unique way (no foreign invaders) I. By the time Solomon took over the throne from David, the land was blessed in a profound way: 18 2 Chronicles 9:27 The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedar trees as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland. IV. Jesus’ End Time Plan for the Church is Night and Day Prayer A. Jesus is going to “Sit on David’s Throne.” That means He will govern the world with the same governmental plan David did: 19 Luke 1:31-33 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

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Revelation Intensive 2015-16 New City Church Week 12 – Philadelphia

B. The only plan for the end time Church is night and day prayer. The seven divided churches of Revelation 2 and 3 become one pure and spotless bride THROUGH the tribulation. Only a night and day praying church will be left standing to meet Jesus: 20 Luke 18:7-8 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" C. The way Jesus will thresh and winnow the divided and spotty churches into night and day prayer is THROUGH tribulation. Jesus PROMISED tribulation to the Church: 21 John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." D. The tribulation will TEST those who really want to be the Bride. Philadelphia is a forerunner to Jesus’ government that is coming. For this reason, she doesn’t need to be tested. She is already agreeing with the family governmental model: 8 "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. E. Philadelphia’s “weak strength” is considered an attribute worthy of praise, just like her works. She has chosen what looks like the weak strength of prayer, but it has made her FAITHFUL. F. This choosing to make PRAYER and WORSHIP her end time plan has brought Philadelphia what she is spending herself asking for, the power of the Holy Spirit!! But, this extravagant devotion and the powerful moving of the Holy Spirit (remember Sardis) has also brought her reproach from the “synagogue of satan”…other believers who try to water down her strong response. 9 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. G. Jesus’ plan for the end time Church will be seen as “unusual.” The Bible warns of this aspect: 22 Isaiah 28:21-24 For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim, He will be angry as in the Valley of Gibeon— That He may do His work, His awesome work, And bring to pass His act, His unusual act. 22 Now therefore, do not be mockers, Lest your bonds be made strong; For I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts, A destruction determined even upon the whole earth. 23 Give ear and hear my voice, Listen and hear my speech. 24 Does the plowman keep plowing all day to sow? Does he keep turning his soil and breaking the clods? H. The “Synagogue of Satan” is referring to believers who are acting to hinder voluntary love sacrifice RIGHT WHEN THE CHURCH NEEDS TO GET READY TO SACRIFICE…just like 6|Page

Revelation Intensive 2015-16 New City Church Week 12 – Philadelphia Peter tried to do to Jesus, when Jesus rebuked him as satan: 23 Matthew 16:22-25 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. I.

In the case of Philadelphia, she has given up life the way those around her live it to agree with Jesus. The “synagogue of satan” doesn’t value her lifestyle of worship. They will eventually have to agree with Philadelphia about the value of worship, and they will worship at her feet, meaning a lower position in the kingdom for those who arrogantly thought they were just fine in their rebellion.

24 Luke 14:8-9 "When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you and him come and say to you, 'Give place to this man,' and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. V. The Rewards of Using David’s Key – End Time Protection is CONDITIONAL A. The wisdom of Philadelphia choosing what the world would consider “weak” will be seen to be strong at the exact same time the world’s weakness is being exposed. The primary promise that will first be openly on display will be Philadelphia’s protection in the midst of tribulation. She will be the only protected church: 10 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. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. B. The reason God spares Philadelphia is because it is not His desire that ANYONE would go through the Great Tribulation, but repentance and agreement with His government is essential to live under it forever. Philadelphia has chosen repentance is shown off as AN INVITATION for others to repent: 25 Exodus 8:21-22 Or else, if you will not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they stand. 22 And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am the LORD in the midst of the land. C. Philadelphia has chosen to participate in Jesus’ government before He returns. She already has been given a governmental position (crown). This means she is JUDGING WITH JESUS. This means she is not IMMATURELY trying to “stop” the judgments from coming, but rather seeing the love in them and contending for repentance, like Moses 7|Page

Revelation Intensive 2015-16 New City Church Week 12 – Philadelphia did in Egypt: 26 Psalms 149:5-9 Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand, 7 To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishments on the peoples; 8 To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute on them the written judgment— This honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD! D. Choosing to take the place of governmental authority in worship will gain all those who agree with Jesus’ government what they want, nearness to Him forever: 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. E. The temple is the throne room, or governmental offices. Philadelphia will have permanent offices in the temple F. Those who respond will also know God in an enhanced way, because they set their priorities to ask Him for it: I will write on him the name of My God G. Those who respond will also have unique authority in the New Jerusalem. They will have access to the city in a unique way. They will KNOW the city really well: and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. H. Because they chose to stand for Jesus’ name, using it, defending it, loving it, bowing to it…they will get insight into His new name…King Jesus…in a unique way: And I will write on him My new name. Psalms 91:1-16 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." 3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. 4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. 8 Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. 12 In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. 14 "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation." 8|Page