Doctrinal Application, Part 3In our study of Revelation 2:8–11 we are seeing how our Lord Jesus Christ is revealing to us how Satan masterminded the development of his own counterfeit church that boasts of one billion(!!!) followers in the 21st century!Audio (MP3) Notes (PDF)Recap in 10 TweetsOne of the key heresies being propagated in the Smyrna Period (200–325A.D.) was Gnosticism. #WordStrongThe word “Gnostic” comes from the word “gnosis,” which means “to KNOW” or “KNOWLEDGE.” #WordStrongA Gnostic was one who claimed to have a higher plane of LEARNING, or the ability “to KNOW” more than the common man could know. #WordStrongBeware of a 21st c. “Neo-Gnosticism” that thru education and scholarship takes biblical interpretation from the common man. #WordStrongSome of the Ante-Nicene Church Fathers (Irenaeus, Cyprian, Hippolytus) began to write against the heresies of Gnosticism. #WordStrongSome of the things these men wrote against Gnosticism became the very things Satan used to more fully develop his false church! #WordStrongIt is a classic case of violating the old adage: Don’t knock over the mop bucket trying to clean up the mess! #WordStrongSatan uses these “good, godly men” to create what his counterfeit Church will refer to as “Tradition” thru the centuries. #WordStrongEssentially, these men are responsible for heresies like the Pope, apostolic succession, salvation thru the church/communion. #WordStrongThe Ante-Nicene Fathers are also responsible for the exaltation of Mary, the Roman Church and the office of the “Priest.” #WordStrongThe post Revelation 2:8–11 [Session 19] appeared first on #WordStrong.