The Assembly (Part 4/9) – The Lampstand

Church/Assembly

20As for 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 are the seven churches.

– Revelation 1:20
(NASB® © 2020)
Mark as Favorite and save for later! (0)
Please login to bookmark Close

Main idea: Testimony (in the place)

In the Old Testament:

  1. Already in the Old Testament, there is a lampstand in the sanctuary of the Tabernacle (Ex 25:31-40).
  2. The lampstand was made of beaten gold, an image of divine glory and righteousness, which finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ Jesus. The lampstand shines on itself – Christ revealed his perfection by looking at himself. But it also illuminates the sanctuary: In the people of God / in the assembly of God dwells this perfectly righteous Lord.
  3. Israel was called at that time to be God’s light bearers (Is 43:10).

In the New Testament:

  1. Shortly before the Assembly of God came into being, the Lord Jesus Himself spoke of us being His witnesses (Acts 1:8) – the Assembly of God replaces Israel as light bearers and witnesses on earth!
  2. The assembly of God is also referred to as the lampstand (Rev 1,20). The assembly is seen in its local character as a lampstand.
  3. Light shines into the darkness of this world. Each individual is a light bearer and shines in the darkness (Mt 5:14; Phil 2:15).
  4. Every local assembly of God has the task of being a witness for God. This is their common responsibility (Rev 1:20).
  5. This “light” should shine in relation to
    1. to the Lord Jesus Himself
    1. to God Himself and to people, whether believers or unbelievers
    1. to the way to God for mankind.
    1. to the teaching about the assembly of God
  6. The Lord Jesus checks whether every local assembly gives light and lives in accordance with light (Rev 1:13; 2:1). If it permanently rejects this, He moves the lampstand away (Rev 2,4.5).
  7. In order to be able to shine, we need the Holy Spirit (Mt 25:1-8; Zech 4), who works in us.

Examples:

  1. We are Christ’s letter (2 Cor 3:1-3): a beautiful example is John the Baptist (Jn 5:31-36).
  2. There is a danger that human busyness (Mk 4:21: bushel) and sluggishness (bed) will obscure the light.
  3. The only faithful witness is the Lord Jesus himself (Rev 3:14).

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

Share this article:

You want to contact us? Ask a question or let us know what you think! 

Write a message here!

Leave a Comment

Church/Assembly

The Assembly (Part 9/9) – Church Discipline

In this article, we examine ten forms of biblical discipline, from personal and fraternal correction to congregational measures, showing how each aims at restoration, realignment, and guiding believers toward righteous living in accordance with Scripture.
Matthew 18:15-17
Church/Assembly

The Assembly (Part 8/9) – Gathered for Edification

In this article, we examine how Christ works through the ministry of the Word in assembly meetings, highlighting the role of spiritual gifts, prayer, and order to build, exhort, and edify the congregation, with Christ Himself as the central focus.
1 Corinthians 14:4
Church/Assembly

The Assembly (Part 7/9) – The Breaking of Bread

In this article, a structured comparison between the Lord’s Table and the Lord’s Supper is presented, outlining biblical foundations, meanings of bread and cup, purposes, responsibilities, participation, and their role in worship and Christian fellowship.
Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:42
Bible Study

The Assembly (Part 6/9) – Gathered as Assembly

In this article, biblical principles for Christian gatherings are outlined, focusing on Matthew 18:20, the meaning of being gathered in Jesus’ name, His presence among believers, practical implications for meetings, and different types of assembly gatherings.
Matthew 18:20
Church/Assembly

The Assembly (Part 5/9) – Gathered to the Name of the Lord

In this article, the biblical concept of the local assembly is discussed, highlighting unity in the “one body,” the significance of small gatherings, principles for forming assemblies, their local testimony, and practical benefits for fellowship and spiritual growth.
Matthew 18:20; 1 Corinthians 1:2
Church/Assembly

The Assembly (Part 3/9) – The Bride

In this article, we explore the love and submission between Christ and His bride, the assembly, highlighting past, present, and future care, the symbolism of purity and unity, and the journey leading to the eternal marriage of the Lamb.
Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 21:9
Church/Assembly

The Assembly (Part 2/9) – House of God

In this article, we explore the spiritual house of God—its holiness, the glory of His presence, and the responsibilities of the redeemed. We look at its growth, order, gatherings, and the role of believers in building and maintaining it according to Scripture.
1. Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:20; 2 Timothy 2:20
Church/Assembly

The Assembly (Part 1/9) – The body

In this article, we explore the biblical understanding of the assembly as the body of Christ, highlighting its unity, diversity, and interdependence, and how each member is placed by God to serve, grow, and reflect the one body under Christ’s headship.
1 Corinthians 10:16; 12:13