Revelation 2:9-29 May 17, 2015

Revelation 2:12-29

Last week we studied the first two letters written to the seven churches. Let’s read the greeting line of each letter and learn more about the description of Christ our Lord.

Revelation 2: To the Church in Ephesus ¹"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

To the Church in Smyrna ⁸"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.

To the Church in Pergamum ¹²"And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 'The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

To the Church in Thyatira ¹⁸"And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 'The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

·        When our CBS group learned to pray we list the names of Jesus in our Adoration of Him. Here are four new names you can use when you pray.

The letters to the seven churches share a similar structure. They each feature:

·        An address to a particular congregation

·        An introduction of Jesus

·        A statement regarding the condition of the church

·        A verdict from Jesus regarding the condition of the church

·        A command from Jesus to the church

·        A general exhortation to all Christians

·        A promise of reward

We can see the state of each of these seven churches - and the state of  churches in our community as well as our own walk with Jesus - by looking at what Jesus has to say to each church in each section.

Jesus is admitting this church is where Satan reigns and has control yet He praises her faithfulness.

Revelation 2: 13-15"'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas (Antipas means "Against All.")my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

¹⁴But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak(the king of Moab,) to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.

¹⁵So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

We need to recognize as Christians that Satan is the prince of the power of the air.

Ephesians 2: ¹And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

²Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:³Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

1 John 5:19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

Number 31: 16 Moses said, ^“Behold, these, on Balaam's advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the LORD in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the LORD."

     The reference is to Balaam who was a wicked prophet or diviner called upon by Balak leader of the Midian to curse the Israelites. Balaam on the way beat his donkey for crushing his leg. Remember the story how God allowed the donkey to talk and then opened Balaam’s eyes to the angel standing in the road with a sword.

(Numbers 24: 5  And he took up his discourse and said, "The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,(Balaam after meeting God!)

¹⁶   the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered:

¹⁷   I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.

¹⁸   Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly.

¹⁹   And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion and destroy the survivors of cities!"

²⁰   Then he looked on Amalek and took up his discourse and said, "Amalek was the first among the nations, but its end is utter destruction.")

Last week we learned about the Nicolaitans last week, deceivers in the Church, claimed "not that they were destroying Christianity, but that they were presenting an improved and modernized version of it." (Barclay) As Christians we have to be aware that when we invite people into the church, we must test their message against the Bible, God’s Holy, inerrant word.

Revelation 2: 16-17 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. ¹⁷ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'

Jesus is warning the members to repent and turn from those who claim a message other than the true gospel.

Manna represents the daily bread given to the Israelites in the desert. However, Jesus calls himself the bread of life and daily we need to feed on His Word. When  you are absent from church, don’t you miss the preaching and teaching of God’s Word?

Hidden manna may represent that which is hidden in the Ark of the Covenant. Offering “priestly dignity of the victorious Christian.” In favor of this, it may be noted that it gives unity to the blessing of all believers. 

Many patriarchs in the OT received a new name from God when they learned to trust God. The white stone represents purity and radiance of light reflecting the Father. Those who overcome will receive and new name. Only God can see the change of heart and character. Notice (highlight if you wish) throughout the book of Revelation the many times God give the people chance after chance to repent.

REPENT: some dictionaries call this a feeling of shame or sorrow for an action. 
However, it is not a feeling but a change of behavior, a change of the heart.

Repentance is a process which leads to a relationship with God.

Repentance (metanoeo in the Greek) leads to metamorphosis. The grub's decision to build a cocoon leads to the new miraculous creation of a butterfly. For people it's just the same: the miraculous end result of repentance is becoming a new creation.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.^[2]

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

To Church in Thyatira the

Revelation 2:18-20"And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 'The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

 ¹⁹"'I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.

²⁰But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

This may not have been her literal name, but a title that clearly represented a self-styled prophetess within the church, after the pattern of Jezebel  the  life of King Ahab of Israel. (1 Kings 16-21 and 2 Kings 9:30-37). Everyone is familiar with the name Jezebel and her threat to God’s people and His prophet Elijah. No mother would want to name a child and to be called a Jezebel is a slur on your behavior.

Guzik  declares “On the outside, they were a model church, showing works, love, service, faith, and patience. Yet there was significant corruption inside the church. The sin of the church was that they allowed this corruption.

1 Kings 19: ¹ And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.² Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.

What things are happening in America that Jesus could hold against us?

Revelation 2:21-23 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.²²Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works ,²³and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

Jesus tells them what He is going to do. But Jesus is calling out the leaders of the Church to handle this situation in a Godly manner. Jesus calls for her repentance; a change of behavior and confession to God. Just as Jesus demonstrated His power by calling Lazarus from the tomb, He will confirm his omnipotence and omniscience; He is all power and all knowing. You cannot hide your sins from God in heaven. God will reward according to your actions.

Matthew 25:21²¹   His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Revelation 2:24-26 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden.²⁵Only hold fast what you have until I come.²⁶The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

What does it mean to hold fast until Jesus comes again? What should we be doing?

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.³⁸For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,³⁹Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Revelation 2:27-29 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.²⁸And I will give him the morning star.²⁹He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'

This quotation from Psalm 2 speaks of the authority of the Messiah when He rules over the earth. In that day, righteousness will be enforced, and those who rebel against Jesus will be dashed to pieces like a clay pot hit with an iron bar. 

Psalm 2:9-11Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.¹⁰   Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.¹¹   Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

First notice an interesting point from the Greek text. The verb translated “rule” in Revelation 2:27 is poimanei, derived from the word for a shepherd ( poimen ).

The Concordant Literal Translation renders Revelation 2:27 as: “He shall shepherd them with an iron club.” The rod or club carried by a shepherd was, of course, primarily for the protection of his sheep, not to frighten or punish them.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

The Morning Star is Jesus. The pledge of the coming day, both for the waiting witnesses, and for the ungodly, who loved darkness because their deeds were evil: the earnest of the sovereignty of light over darkness, when the children of the day would be manifest, and shine as the stars forever and ever. Amen

Questions shared from Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2013

1.       What tone does Jesus set toward the church at Pergamos? ____________________________________________________________

2.       Where was Satan’s seat? _______________________________________

3.       Who is the martyr Jesus mentions? _______________________________

4.       What did Balaam teach? _________________________________________

5.       What would Jesus do if they refused to repent? _______________________

6.       Those who overcame where promised what two things? _________________
____________________________

a.       What is the new name (Revelation 2:17; 3:12; 22:4; 14:1)? __________________________________________________

7.       What four things are commendable concerning Thyatira?

a.       ______________________________

b.      ______________________________

c.       ________________________________

d.      ________________________________

8.       What were they allowing to happen? _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________

9.       What threat is given? ___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

10.   Where all influenced by immorality? ______________________________

11.   What is the morning star (Revelation 2:28; II Peter 19:9; Revelation 22:16)? _______________________________________________________________

Revelation 2:1-11 May 10, 2015

As we study the seven letters to the seven churches, let us pay special attention to any resemblance to churches in our lifetime. Only two churches of the seven received commendations: Smyrna and Philadelphia. Let’s read verse 20 in Chapter 1 to recap.

Revelation 1:20 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.

“Each church was given a message to the faithful overcomer. Keep in mind that these seven churches represent all of the Church of that day. The word “angel” means messenger, both angelic and human.” The words written in red are words of Christ. The message was written to the ministers of the seven churches and their congregation.

Revelation 2: To the Church in Ephesus This was a famous city in the ancient world, with an equally famous church. Paul ministered in Ephesus for three years (Acts 19:1, Acts 10, Acts 20:31). Aquilla and Priscilla, with Apollos served there (Acts 18:24-28). Paul's close associate Timothy (1 Timothy 1:3) worked in Ephesus. According to strong and consistent historic tradition, the Apostle John also ministered there.

Ephesus was a center of wealth and a stronghold for Satan. It had temple to pagan Gods Artemis and Diana. The temple of Artemis was also a major treasury and bank of the ancient world.

¹"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. ²"'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. ³ I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary.

Though Jesus resides in heaven, He sees all that is happening in His churches. Jesus is holds the stars(ministers) in His right hand and walks among the churches. Even today Jesus should be recognized as the center of the church.

Something can be lost quite by accident, but leaving is a deliberate act, though it may not happen suddenly. The Ephesian church was a working church. Sometimes a focus on working for Jesus will eclipse a love relationship with Him. We can put what we do for Jesus before who we are in Him. We can leave Jesus in the temple, just as the parents of Jesus did (Luke 2:45-46).

Like Joanne mentioned last week sometimes we try to do too much. Satan can keep us to busy that we lose our joy. As Lillian commented last week if we grumble about working for Jesus our reward will be burned up as straw and hay.

Galatians 1:10 ESV For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

⁴But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. ⁵  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and your remove lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

We should heed the warning given to the Church at Ephesus. The removing of the church’s lampstand meant Christ’s Spirit would depart and leave them on their own, which in turn would result in them being as Laodicea (“men’s opinions ruling in place of God”). Loyalty to Christ can and often is replaced by loyalty to an organization, a church, and its leaders, substituting new rules and interpretations for Biblical truths. We can see this example in the cults.

We find that all the churches mentioned in Revelation existed at the same time, and we can still find the faithful church existing alongside the unfaithful church today.

ACTS 20:29-31 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. 

⁶Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Who are the Nicolaitians? Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch

Acts 6:1-4  A complaint by the Hellenist disciples (Greeks)because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. The twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, (who we remember is the first martyr and stoned for his faith)and Philip, four names had to pronounce, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.

Could be a perversion of the teaching of Nicolaus advocating that the people of God commit sexual immorality or intermarry with the heathen and compromise in the matter of idolatrous worship.”—Walvoord, The Revelation of Jesus Christ,

John had not lived in a Greek city without becoming aware that the two things were in fact closely bound up together. Throughout the Bible God has commanded His people to be separate from other nations. Gentile converts had been rescued from their former worship of idol. Pagan festivities were too often occasions of immoralities.

⁷He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'

Verse seven is a word of encouragement. Saint Ignatius, student of John the Apostle and was the third bishop of Antioch, writing a generation later, still accorded the church high praise. The minister and his congregation must have repented and done their first works over; therefore, they went back to their first love. Ephesus became a seat of bishops, where a notable council was held as late as A.D. 431. The lamp stand wasn’t removed from the church in Ephesus for at least 375 years after John’s vision. Zondervan  Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible.

As we talked last week about Genesis and Revelation the first and the last books of the Bible, let’s read the description of the tree of life in the paradise of God.

Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 3:24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

Revelation 22:2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

 To the church at Smyra

8"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9"'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

Who is the first and the last? What slander is being spoken? What is he saying against the other Jews?

¹⁰Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

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.”

What is the reward for those who die for their faith? There are seven crowns awarded in heaven, we will learn more about that later.

¹¹He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'

V. 11a will be repeated in every letter.  Ladies we are conquerors and are spared the second death which the Lake of Fire.

Revelation 21:8  …the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Romans 8: 35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?³⁶As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Here is our promise sisters:

³⁸For I am sure that neither death nor life,
 nor angels nor rulers,
nor things present nor things to come,
nor powers,³⁹nor height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

For Further Study Questions shared from Executable Outlines,
Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2013

1.     What congregation does Jesus address first? _____________________________

2.     What does the word angel mean? ______________________________________

3.     What is Jesus holding? _______________________________________________

4.     Where is he walking? ________________________________________________

5.     What two words are identical for each congregation (Revelation 2:2; 9; 13; 19; 3:1; 8; 15)? _____________ __________________

6.     In what ways does Jesus commend the congregation in Ephesus? ___________

7.     What does Jesus rebuke them for? _________________________________

8.     To remove the candlestick would be equivalent to what ____________________

9.     What deeds did the church at Ephesus hate? _____________________________

10.   Who else hated the deeds? _________________________________________

a.     What are we supposed to hate (Psalms 119:104)? __________________

11. What did Jesus hate about the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:15)? ________________

12.  What is the church to hear? _________________________________________

13.  What are we promised if we overcome? ________________________________

14. Where is the tree of life (Revelation 22:2; 14)? _____________

15.Who tells the angel to write unto the church at Smyrna? ______________________________________________________________

16. What three things did Jesus know about this congregation? ______________

17. Who makes up the congregation of Satan? _____________________________

18.  What should they brace themselves for? _______________________________a.     What promise is given? ______________________________________

Revelation 1:8-20 May 3, 2015

Read the following scriptures from the pen of John the writer to better understand how well John knew Jesus. John was the only penman who called Jesus "The Word" and "The Lamb". Rev. 7 seven times John refers to Jesus as a lamb.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

29 The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

35-36 The next day again John (the Baptist) was standing with two of his disciples,³⁶ and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"

Revelation 1:9  I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

*Patmos was a rocky volcanic island prison where political prisoners were kept. John was the last living disciple. He was banished because of his witness for Christ and refusal to bow down to the emperor. In his exile John had plenty of quiet time with God. God helps us in our greatest need.

·        Jacob was sent away from home after Esau, his twin brother, threatened to kill him. In his exile he met God at Bethel. 

·        Moses fled to the desert after he killed an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating an Israelite slave. In his forty year exile he saw the burning bush.

·        Elijah heard the still quiet voice of God while he was running from Queen Jezebel after God defeated all the prophets of Baal and 950 priests were slaughtered.

·        Daniel lived in Babylon as a captive in his youth. The interpreter of dreams saw the Ancient of Days when he was in exile.

Sometimes God must get us alone before He can reveal Himself to us.

Revelation 1:10-11 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet¹¹ saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea."

The word Spirit with a capital “S” refer to the Holy Spirit. In Revelation all three parts of the Trinity will be present. Sometimes they blend together. Pay close attention to the descriptions John writes and we can discuss why we believe it is an angel or God or Jesus.

On the Lord’s day refers not to the Sabbath commanded by Jews to rest after a week of work. From sundown Friday until three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night is Shabbat for the Jews. The word "Shabbat" comes from the root Shin-Bet-Tav, meaning to cease, to end, or to rest. The Lord's Day in Christianity is generally Sunday, the day of communal worship. It is observed by most Christians as the weekly memorial of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is said in the canonical Gospels to have been witnessed alive from the dead early on the first day of the week.

^{Revelation 1:12-16}

12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,

¹³ and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.

¹⁴ The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,

¹⁵ his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.

¹⁶ In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

Show Pictures Look at the picture representation from in Daniel and this one

Do you see any similarity?

·        Seven golden lampstands (sevens in Rev.) 12 times in Chapter 1; 36 times in Rev.

·        Clothed in long robe and a golden sash

Christ had on the robe of a high priest, but the girdle He wore around His chest was made of gold, which denotes the dignity of an important office and signifies His office as our Great High Priest 

Hebrews 7:26-27 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.²⁷ He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself

·        Hair white as snow, eyes like a flame of fire White as snow symbolizes purity.  Christ is pictured as a judge and Conqueror over the Antichrist and mankind. His eyes of fire symbolize perfect discernment.

·        Feet like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace (reference Daniel) Christ's feet were "like unto fine brass". Brass, a strong, purified metal which results from intense heat, denotes the purity and power with which Christ will bring judgment upon the ungodly of the earth.This brass indicates the great strength and steadfastness of Jesus. Brass also means judgment and Jesus is the Judge.

·        Voice-roar of many waters

Ezekiel 43:2 ² And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.

Seven stars in right hand, Right hand is the preferential blessing. It was a double blessing. These seven stars are the ministers of the churches. He calls them stars, because they must shine in the world. They reflect His Light to the world. The darker the area, the more important it is to shine His Light, so that those in darkness can come to the Light.

Mouth  a sharp two-edged sword This Bible is the two-edged sword, (law and grace) is the only weapon that God's people need. The Bible itself says, "piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit"

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

 The Word separates good and evil. The cutting edge of the Word sometimes even separates families. One who believes the Word cannot go back to their old sinful lives, and this divides families and friends sometimes.

Face was like the sun shining in full strength. Have you ever tried to look at the sky when the sun is so bright? Imagine the strength the brightness of a God who created the SUN. Christ is standing in the midst of the lampstands .Jesus here is standing in the midst of the churches. Judgment begins at the house of God. Jesus has overcome Satan and the demons. We know the Word says that Satan, his demons, and all who reject Jesus have been judged; and they truly will spend an eternity in hell (furnace).

Revelation 1:17-18

¹⁷When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last,¹⁸ and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Isaiah 41:10  Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous.

179 times  in the bible. Jesus repeatedly taught his disciples not to fear. (31 in NT)  Not in the raging storm, not those that kill the body, not fulfilling His work.

First and the last, Revelation 1: 8 Alpha and Omega is the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Christ was describing Himself as being the eternal, complete, revelation of God and He was commanding John to write what he would see in a book to be preserved for the Church.

The living one: Jesus is our risen savior. He is alive forevermore and we shall live with Him forevermore.

I have the keys of Death and Hades.  Christ defeated death. Hades is the place of souls who are not believers. Jesus told the thief on the cross; “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Believers immediately are in the presence of the LORD.

Revelation 1:19-20

¹⁹ Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.

John is commanded to write down everything that is sees. Things that are taking place now and in the future.

²⁰ 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.

QUESTIONS FOR VERSES 9-20 from Executible Outlines

10) How does John identify himself to His readers? (9a)

11) Where and when did John receive the Revelation? (9b-10)

12) What did he hear a loud voice say? (11)

13) When he turned to see the voice, what did he see? (12-13)

14) How does John describe the Son of Man? (13-16)

15) What was John's reaction when he saw Him? What was he first told? (17)

16) How does the Son of Man identify Himself? (17-18)

17) What was John told to write? (19)

18) What is the explanation of the seven stars and seven golden lampstands? (20)

Revelation Introduction April 26

Hopefully you are excited to study the book of Revelation. Ann Graham Lotz says “Some have missed a blessing because they are intimidated by the books numerical symbolism or overwhelmed by its awesome imagery.” If you have a dread or hesitancy about this study, please don’t miss the Blessing.

The beginning of the Bible (Genesis 1-11) is a prologue describing the downfall of mankind and our separation from God. Revelation is an epilogue in which God and man are reconciled through Christ Jesus our LORD.  In Genesis God created a perfect world for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. As we come full circle to the book of Revelation John reveals another Paradise: Heaven on earth. 

Revelation from Greek word Apocalypses meaning "uncover", "reveal.”

The Book of Revelation bears comparison with the Old Testament Books of Daniel and parts of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Zechariah. The revealing of great or violent events and especially the end of the world, are often described in Jewish apocalyptic literature.

But Ann Graham Lotz says “The revealing is of the LORD Jesus Christ. The predominate theme is not the prophecy or future events, but the unveiling of Jesus Christ.”

      Revelation 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. Revelation reveals Jesus, from eternity past to eternity future. 

It’s all about Him.

As Jesus walked the earth we see over and over that He was so “veiled” that his own Mother, his half brothers, and even his own disciples did not fully understand who He was or the power He held over all creation. Mark 3:21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”

Now we will see Him high and lifted up.        Isaiah 6:1 “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.”

PRAYER~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And Ladies we will be blessed for reading this amazing spirit-filled book of Revelation.

Revelation 1:3-Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Then John finishes the section with this: “for the time is near.” Near doesn’t necessarily mean about to happen. Lotz explains: “The idea is not that the event may occur soon, but that when it does, it will be sudden.”

  “R. Murray McCheyne, the godly Scottish minister, on one occasion asked some friends in his home, ‘Do you think that Christ will come tonight?’ Pausing before each guest, he waited for their reply. One and all answered, ‘No, I think not.’ Then Murray solemnly quoted the words of our Lord, ‘In an hour when ye think not the Son of Man cometh.’”

Writers have spent years researching and have produced tons of material on the subject. Revelation has been misunderstood and conflict of opinion has divided churches and denominations. However, God is not the author of confusion. We will seek to learn from our CBS commentary which is interdenominational and focus on Points of Unity. In life now and in eternity it is all about Jesus

Points of Unity

Although Revelation allows for many interpretations, all Christians seem to agree that: The message of the book is relevant for Christians today, as it was for Christians at the time of its writing: a book is to provide hope and encouragement for believers of through the ages, especially in times of persecution or suffering.

1.        Christ is coming back and will judge humanity.

2.        The powers of evil are doomed before Christ.

3.        God promises an everlasting life and heavenly dwelling for all who believe in Jesus Christ His Son.

It’s all about Him.

For our introduction to the book let’s seek out the 5 W’s.

•         Who-Author

•         What-Letter

•         Why-Purpose

•         When -Date

•         Where- Written and delivered

 He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”—Revelation 1:2

WHO   An early tradition identified the author as John with the beloved disciple, the author of the Gospel of John and the three letters of John.

         However, identifying John is not a simple task because: The author did not write any details about himself in the book of Revelation. The name John—Yohanan in Hebrew—was the fifth most common name in first-century Jerusalem.

The vocabulary and writing style of Revelation is different from any other New Testament book.

         John was the only Apostle to die a natural death. He was exiled on the Isle of Patmos while writing the Revelation, and was later released at which time he wrote three epistles bearing his name. Historical documents indicate that John lived well into his 90's - thus living through the death of all the apostles, including Paul.

Although these are important observations, well-documented tradition among several church fathers and historians, still makes John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, the most likely author of the book.

•         Irenaeus (c. 130-202) Bishop of Lyons

•         Church historian Eusebius Pamphili c.260-341. 

•         Writing around AD 236, Hippolytis

•         About AD 270, Victorinus’ commentary of John

•         Jerome c. 340-420 Illustrious Men,

No matter the speculations, It is all about Jesus.

WHAT   Revelation describes the vision that the apostle John had while on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. Its message was to give hope to Christians who were going through trials and testing, especially the seven churches mentioned specifically. These Christians faced severe persecution, dealt with dangerous false teachers, and faced the temptations of immorality, idolatry, and spiritual complacency. Does this sound like our troubles today? John wrote Revelation to instruct, guide, comfort, and reassure believers in their Christian journey.

Revelation speaks to the deep longing of all believers: the return of the Lord as King and Savior. God will renew creation and his people will live with him forever.  Until that day, all Christians join in with the final plea of the book: Come, Lord Jesus!

 WHY      Recently I lost two dear friends from my church. Yesterday I visited with my Wednesday lunch buddy to hear the diagnosis for Melanoma throughout her body. As we tried look for the positives in her situation, I reminded her of our heavenly home where her twin sister as well as other family members are waiting. Yes we plead “Come, Lord Jesus.” Are you ready for His coming?

Audience Revelation 1: 10-11

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea." SHOWN ON THE MAP

         John wrote primarily for the seven churches addressed in chapters two and three.

Since these churches were located along the widely traveled roads that connected them, Revelation was meant to be a circular letter. A messenger would read the letter to Christians in one home church, and then take it to another congregation to read it to the believers there.

              

No matter when it was written It is still all about Jesus

Where: Revelation 1:9  I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

 Patmos was a rocky volcanic island prison where political prisoners were kept.

Three themes in the Book of Revelation

•      The TRINITY

•      EVIL

•      WORSHIP

The Trinity Ultimately it is all about Him.

•      God, the Father: As a child I thought of God as a policeman, a rule enforcer who plays “gotcha” when we sinned. Now I see Him as my Abba Father loving and compassionate. He is the creator of the universe, all powerful, all knowing, and ever present in our time of need. He knew me before I was formed and He knows the hairs on my head. He is LORD of All.

•      JESUS: THE SON: He is the worthy lamb, who left His home in glory to become a Son of Man. Fully human yet fully God. His death made a way for me to be reconciled with God the Father. Now Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.

Philippians 2:9-11  Therefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

•      The Holy Spirit: this member of the Trinity confounded me until I searched the scriptures(literally) and discovered He was there at the beginning hovering over the waters. During the OT the Spirit entered men like Samson and Saul but God was able to remove His spirit at will. When Jesus returned home to His Father the Holy Spirit became available to enter the hearts of men and abide forever, reminding us of Jesus teaching and comforting us when we have no words. As we accept the free gift of salvation purchased by the blood of Jesus the Spirit indwells us and gives us a peace that passes all understanding.

Revelation makes it clear that EVIL—and the agents of evil—are totally under God’s control. Revelation 20 tells us will be ultimately defeated and cast into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer.             Ladies I want you know that as a child of God, Satan has no power over you.  He can whisper in your ear but we must stand firm fully dressed for the battle. You have the choice to give in to his taunts or reject his lies.

         The dragon, the beast from the land and the sea, the harlot, and the Antichrist are agents of the devil. But there appointed place has been prepared and the LORD holds the keys of Death and Hades.

      "Fear not, I am the first and the last,and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

WORSHIP

·  In heaven, God sit on a magnificent throne and is worshiped as the true God and the Ruler of all: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Rev. 4:11).

·  John saw a vision of heaven. What happens in heaven is the model of what should happen on earth.

·  God inhabits the praises of His people.

·  Our pleasure is to sing and utter words of praise.

Worship Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King “let us stand”

Life now, and in eternity is all about Jesus and each person’s response to Him. He divides the sheep from the goats. Matthew 25:31-46 Those who are humble enough to agree that we are sinners and to accept the redemption He paid in full on Calvary from those unbelievers who are too proud to do so.

Will you choose to humble yourself, admit you are a sinner, and accept the salvation He offers?

READ Revelation 1:1-8 answers questions for further study

1) What are the main points of this chapter 1?

2) What was Jesus intending to show His servants? (1)

3) How is John described in verse 2?

4) Who is this book designed to bless?  Why? (3)

5) To whom was the book addressed? (4,11)

6) How is God described in the greeting from John? The Holy Spirit? (4)

7) How is Jesus Christ described by John in this greeting? (5-6)

8) What is said about the coming of Christ? (7)

9) How does the Lord designate Himself? (8)

RESOURCES

The Vision of HIS GLORY  Anne Graham Lotz

Understanding The Book of Revelation Rose Publishing Company