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and the Spirit directed life.

          This crown is to be awarded to those Christians who faithfully pursue the prize of the "High calling of God in Christ Jesus." Through discipline, they allowed the Holy Spirit to bring their thoughts and imaginations into subjection to God's will -- feeding their inner man daily through prayer and study of the Word of God. By separating themselves from the countless distractions of this world (i.e. unprofitable movies, music, books, conversations, etc.) they fine-tuned their spirit, soul and body, bringing them as much as possible under the subjection of the Holy Spirit -- becoming in effect masters over the lusts of the flesh.

          (1 Cor. 9 vs. 24-25) "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain, and every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things; now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible."

          Christ's letters to the Seven Churches provide additional insight into helping us discern the difference between that which is pleasing to God -- from that which is reprehensible to Him. By understanding this difference, we will hopefully learn how to serve Him more perfectly and thus be more fully prepared, to be Raptured at the first call.

          First, the seven churches represent Christ's analysis, commendation, exhortation and rebuke, sent to the churches scattered throughout Asia in John's day.

          Second, they represent the historical progression and spiritual condition of church history, beginning with the apostolic church (Ephesus) and ending with the Laodiceans (our modern corporate institutions).

          Third, they represent the spiritual conditions that can be found in any place throughout the world -- at any time in history -- in either a positive or negative perspective.

          Receives the revelation of Christ as Lord of the Universe,with the seven stars in His hands walking among the seven golden lampstands -- showing us that Christ is intimately involved in His churches -- commendation -- are praised for hating the "Nicolaitians" which we explained earlier was the separation of believers into a clergy -- laity relationship, creating a ruling priesthood; In addition it also points to the beginning of Christian "cults of personality." Paul condemned this tendency in (1 Cor. 3 v. 4) where we read, "For while one saith I am of Paul; and another I am of Apollos, are ye not carnal." This carnality is most evident today, as we see Christians worldwide lining up behind certain evangelists, teachers, pastors, prophets, etc. This per