Things That You Have Seen - Revelation 1:19-20

Revelation 1:19-20 

Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. As for the mystery of the seven stars that 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.

The messages to the seven churches encompass things that "are." These apply to the churches addressed and the Church as a whole until the time of His return. The stars bring the light of heaven into the world through the lamp stands of the Church, which is the body of Christ sown by the seed of Abraham. 

The things that are to take place after this apply to Israel and earth dwellers who have not placed their feet in the kingdom of heaven through faith in Christ. 

The angels of the seven churches may be seen as the presence of the Lord. He is standing in their midst just as He embodies the seven torches burning before the throne of God. The Spirit of the Lord which fills Christ is the mediator on earth between us and God. Christ has the sevenfold Spirit and is the Spirit that abides in us. It is through the angel, or messenger of Christ, that the truth is delivered to all believers. He is known as the Holy Spirit and is the seal of promise and the presence of Christ on the earth. 

He is the light of the world which now shines through the Church. That is why we are the light of the world, for He is within us. 

Isaiah 63:8-9

For he said, “Surely they are my people,

children who will not deal falsely.”

And he became their Savior.

In all their affliction he was afflicted,

and the angel of his presence saved them;

in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;

he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Christ has established the seedbed for the Bride of Christ. That garden will grow until the time is fulfilled and the Bride is taken.