The document outlines the book of Revelation, focusing on John's vision of Jesus and the messages to seven churches in Asia. Each church represents distinct characteristics and periods within church history, from Ephesus's backsliding to Laodicea's lukewarm faith. The document emphasizes the importance of readiness for the rapture as a key event for believers.

1. Revelation Chapter 1 Introduction to the Book and John’s vision of Jesus

2. The Three Blessings Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

3. John on Patmos Rev 1:9 I John, who also am your brothe r… was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ .

4. John on Patmos Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

5. John’s vision of Jesus: Revelation 1:12-16 Rev 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden Lamp stands, Rev 1:13 And in the midst of the sev en lamp stands one like unto the Son of man,

7. Jesus’ Command to John Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia;

8. John’s Vision of Jesus Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. www . davidmiles . net /

9. John’s Vision of Jesus Rev 1:17 … And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

10. John’s Vision of Jesus Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

11. John’s Vision of Jesus Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

12. John’s Vision of Jesus Rev 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

13. Revelation 2 and 3 The Letters to The 7 Churches in Asia

14. Location of the Seven Churches Ephesus * Smyrna * * Pergamos * Thyatira * Sardis * Philadelphia * Laodicea Province of Asia Modern Day Western Turkey

15. Interpretations of The Seven Churches The seven Churches were selected from the many churches that existed in the Province of Asia in that day because they had characteristics that existed in other churches in the time of John.

16. They also had situations that are outstanding characteristics of churches in general in each of the 7 periods of Church History. Those characteristics continued to some extent in each of the ensuing periods. And finally, they have a personal application to our own lives to warn and/or commend us. Interpretations of The Seven Churches

17. The 7 Churches in More Detail Ephesus Smyrna Pergamos Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea

18. Ephesus (Desired) - Backslidden “ thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: ” “ Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. ” AD 34 – AD 170 The Apostles - Second generation of leaders died Ephesus Period Rev. 2:1-7 It had lost its first love but hated the Nicolaitans

19. Ephesus (Desired) – Backslidden “ R emember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee [ suddenly and unexpectedly ] , and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. ” “ But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. ”

20. Smyrna (Myrrh- Death) – The Persecuted Church “ I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. ” AD 170 – AD 312 : The Church underwent 10 periods of severe persecution under the Roman Emperors Smyrna Period Rev. 2:8-11 Persecuted By Judaizing Teachers and Roman Emperors

21. Smyrna (Myrrh- Death) – The Persecuted Church “ Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

22. Pergamos (Mixed Marriage) – The Corrupt Church “ thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. “ “ So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. ” AD 312 – AD 610: Pergamos = “Mixed Marriage” (Church and State – the Catholic Church began) Pergamos period Rev. 2:12-17 The Corruption resulted from a union of the Church and State under Constantine, the Doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans

23. Thyatira (Perpetual Sacrifice) – The Lax Church Rev. 2:16-20 “ A nd I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. The Thyatira Period Permitted a false “prophetess” (“Jezebel”) to seduce the people away from God

24. Thyatira (Perpetual Sacrifice) – The Lax Church Rev. 2:16-20 AD 610 – AD 1520 : The Bible was kept from the people, sins were forgiven by priests for a fee, Salvation was by works through the taking of the “Sacraments” of Communion and Infant Baptism, The Blood of Jesus not preached. The Communion began to be offered every Sunday as “offering Jesus’ body up anew as a sacrifice for our sin”, Mary elevated to object of worship.

25. Thyatira (Perpetual Sacrifice) – The Lax Church Rev. 2:16-20 “ B ehold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. “ A nd I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the [minds] and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ”

26. Sardis (Escaping) – Dead Church of the Reformation Period thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Sardis Period Rev. 3:16 Had a “ form of godliness” without the “ power” , a name that it lived but was dead

27. Sardis (Escaping) – Dead Church of the Reformation Period AD 1520 – AD 1750 : The period of Reformation in which Bible doctrines were restored one by one and none of the reformation movements was a complete restoration back to the Bible

28. Philadelphia (Brother Love) – Restoration Church AD 1750 – Present – Characterized by Evangelism and Missionary work. The age that will be the Raptured Church Philadelphia Period Rev. 3:13 Doing God’s work properly, received only praise from Jesus

29. Philadelphia (Brother Love) – Restoration Church “… behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. ” “ Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of [severe testing or tribulation] , which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. ”

30. Laodicea (Man Rules) – Man-ruled Church AD 1900 – Almost the end of the Tribulation Period: Neither HOT or COLD regarding Christian things. Rich and Active but Christ OUTSIDE, knocking to be allowed in. It is the one characteristic of the church period of today. Laodicea Period Rev. 3:14-22 Lukewarm Church Neither HOT nor COLD, Rich, Active but Christ Outside

31. Laodicea (Man Rules) – Man-ruled Church “ I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. ” “ So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spe w [vomit] thee out of my mouth. ” This church period makes Jesus sick to look at.

32. Laodicea (Man Rules) – Man-ruled Church “ Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing …” “ B ehold, I stand outside the door, and knock [asking for admittance into your church] : if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him , and will sup with him , and he with me. ” Notice it is an invitation to individuals as the church does not preach Jesus at all. Only individuals might be sensitive to Him and His invitation.

33. The next event for the Church is the Rapture, which could come any day, any moment. Be sure YOU are ready