Revelation Part 1 - God's Letters
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The document provides an overview and timeline of events in the New Testament. It then summarizes the key messages and characteristics of each of the 7 churches that received letters in Revelation. These churches faced issues like abandoning faith, tolerating false teachings, and being lukewarm. As with past ages that saw complete spiritual decline, the document suggests we cannot assume the global church today will not face a similar fate if issues are not addressed, implying the letters' warnings remain relevant.
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Revelation Part 1 - God's Letters
- 1. The Gospels Acts of the Apostles Letters Revelation: The Final Frontier A New Testament Journey Lesson 28: God’s Letters
- 2. Timeline Times of the Gentiles Introduction Messages to churches Recap Discussion
- 3. EVENT TIMELINE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
- 4. 4 Babylonian captivity – 600 BC -> Silent years – 445 BC -> Church age – AD 30 -> Rapture/Tribulation/Second Coming [1] Millennium Church Age 7 yr. Tribulation Millennium Heaven Cross Rapture Second Coming Great White Throne Not to scale
- 5. Millenium and Eternity – Rule of Christ – The Final Frontier Global Church (till Jesus’2nd Coming) Israelites (till Jesus 1st coming)- 30 AD Patriarchs (till Moses) – 1525 BC Individuals (till Noah) – 2500 BC Each cycle reached complete spiritual degeneration. Can we assume the same about the church? Will that signal the end? Past Present Future
- 6. In the second great wave of persecution emperor Domitan demanded public worship to him as god. John was banished to Patmos to do hard labour under lash of military overseer. It is most probably at this time, that while worshipping God on Lord’s day he sees a vision of the risen Christ with messages to Churches.
- 7. As the church takes over the leadership of God’s people, the armies of Satan march on to destroy the church. One by one, they start knocking down the ranks of God’s kingdom.
- 8. In the letters, Christ prepares His armies to face the enemy. Author: God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit (1:4-5). Recipient: Angel of a church (i.e. pastor), with dual referencing to everyone in many churches through ages (2:7) The number 7, the 7 churches, stars, candlesticks, etc. represent perfection, completion.
- 9. Several fake believers bringing in sex, religion, politics, wealth, power, etc. Individual conquerors in every church though the church may be destroyed. Prophetic revelations have and are coming true.
- 10. Christ’s characteristics: Holds seven stars and walks among seven lampstands. Church characteristics: Toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tests false apostles. Complaints: Abandoned first love Conquerors’ reward: tree of life
- 11. Christ’s characteristics: First and last who died and came to life Church characteristics: Poor (yet rich), facing slander, Testing, tribulation, death, crown of life Complaints: None Conquerors’ reward: Not hurt by second death
- 12. Fed and provided for his arrestors. Asked for one hour with the Lord. Was offered to curse Christ and say “Caesar is Lord” to live Responded: “86 years I have served Him and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who loved me and saved me”. Burnt at the stake.
- 13. Christ’s characteristics: Has sharp two edged sword Church characteristics: Dwells where Satan’s throne is, hold fast name in spite of Antipas’ martyrdom. Complaints: hold teachings of Balaam, Nicolaitans, practice sexual immorality. Conquerors’ reward: hidden manna, white stone, new name
- 14. Christ’s characteristics: Son of God, eyes are flame of fire, feet burnished bronze: Church characteristics: Love, faith, service, patient endurance, latter works exceed first, have not learned deep things of Satan Complaints: Tolerate Jezebel – sexual immorality, food offered to idols Conquerors’ reward: Authority over nations, rule with rod of iron, break to pieces, morning star
- 15. Christ’s characteristics: Seven spirits, seven stars Church characteristics: Few have not soiled garments, will walk in white Complaints: Reputation of life but are dead, works not complete Conquerors’ reward: White garments, name never blotted out of book of life, acknowledged before Father
- 16. Christ’s characteristics: Holy, true one, holding key of David, opens door that no one can shut, shuts doors, no one can open Church characteristics: Little power, kept word, not denied name. Jews from synagogue of Satan will bow down before them. Complaints: None Conquerors’ reward: Keep from hour of trial, make pillar in temple, write name of God, city of God, new Jerusalem, new name of Jesus.
- 17. Christ’s characteristics: Faithful true witness, beginning of God’s creation Church characteristics: Nothing good. Complaints: Neither cold not hot, lukewarm. Say: rich, prosperous, need nothing, whereas: wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, naked. Conquerors’ reward: Sit with Jesus on His throne
- 18. “As it was in the days of Noah”, there are few righteous people defending God’s kingdom. As Satan’s control, dominates the church of God, and God’s faithful few await the second coming of Christ which will finally demonstrate the final victory of Christ leading his people to destroy Satan.
- 19. Name Church Characteristics Complaints Ephesus: The Desired One Toil, patient endurance, cannot bear evil, tested false apostles, Abandoned first love Smyrna: Myrrh - Death Poor (yet rich), facing slander, testing, tribulation, death, crown of life None Pergamos: Mixed Marriage Dwells where Satan’s throne is, hold fast name in spite of Antipas’ martyrdom. Hold teachings of Balaam, Nicolaitans, practice sexual immorality Thyatira: Continual Sacrifice love, faith, service, patient endurance, latter works exceed first, not learned deep things of Satan Tolerate Jezebel – sexual immorality, food offered to idols
- 20. Name Church Characteristics Complaints Sardis: Remnant Few have not soiled garments Reputation of life but are dead, works not complete Philadelphia: Brotherly Love Little power, kept word, patient endurance, not denied name. Jews from synagogue of Satan will bow before them. None Laodicea: Power of the Laity Nothing good Neither cold nor hot, lukewarm, Say: rich, prosperous, need nothing, whereas: wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, naked.
- 21. All churches were eventually destroyed implying they did not heed God’s warning. Given the dual relevance, what does this imply to the global church? Rev 3:20 shows Jesus outside a door, knocking, in a letter to a church. Reflect and discuss this picture. While this refers to individuals could this refer to the church? In what ways do we see similarities with our churches today to Laodicea? How can we be a “conqueror”?
- 22. @ Dr. Heinz Lycklama
Editor's Notes
- @ Dr. Heinz Lycklama
- Some believe that this was written at the time of Nero, about 68 A.D. Others believe a later date of about 95 A.D. probably during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian, about A.D. 95. He had demanded that public worship be rendered to himself as lord and god. Christians refused to obey this order, and the second great wave of persecution against the church was thus launched. The first wave of persecution was through Saul following the death of Stephen. Thus, for his preaching the Word, John was banished to Patmos – an island 40 miles off that shore of Asia Minor. He had to do hard labour, under the lash of the military overseer. Under such circumstances, he was worshipping God on the Lord’s Day, when he sees the vision of the splendor and glory of the risen Christ who gives him His messages to the 7 Churches.
- The numeral “seven” (hepta) corresponds to the Hebrew term sheba’, related to saba, meaning to be “full,” “abundant.” Hepta (found 56 times in the Apocalypse — of the 88 in the New Testament) is the number that represents perfection or completeness (cf. Gunner, p. 898). https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1040-who-are-the-seven-spirits 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Ch 1 A chronological reference may be inferred as in a predominance of a specific type of church characteristics applicable to a specific age…ie. Ephesis – early church, Smyrna, persecuted church, Laodicea – last/ current age, etc. However it is also clear that all characteristics are applicable to all ages.
- the global church itself could be removed completely one day.. The Meaning of Names Ephesus: The Desired One Smyrna: Myrrh; Death Pergamos: Mixed Marriage Thyatira: Continual Sacrifice Sardis: Remnant Philadelphia: Brotherly Love Laodicea: People Rule http://www.ldolphin.org/studynotes/7church.htm
- 1. Ephesus This is representative of the great Evangelistic Church of the first century. It was full of spiritual vitality and strength. The word Ephesus means "The Desired One", which aptly describes the Church as Jesus sees it. However by the end of the 1st century the people had left their first love (for Christ and each other). Jesus warns them to repent or He would remove their "candle stick" (the witness) from its place. To those who overcome Jesus offers the fruit from the Tree of Life. This is the glory which the Church has been called to. That we may have true "immortality". To be "partakers of the Divine Nature". But it is only given to those who "overcome".
- 2. Smyrna This represents the persecuted church of the second and third centuries. Satan tried everything to wipe the Church out by sheer force. During this period of history the church was persecuted under 10 different Emperors with the final 10 years being the worst (note verse 10). Jesus says that this church, although poor in worldly terms was rich in faith. The word Smyrna comes from the word "Myrrh; Death" which was used as a fragrant perfume of "offering" in Old Testament times. This seems to aptly describe the Church during this time in history, as its members were being "offered" as living sacrifices. However, during this time the Gospel spread faster than at any other time in history. To those who overcome Jesus offers "immortality". They will not be affected by the second death.
- Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna. A little slave under torture, revealed the place Polycarp stayed. His persecutors came to arrest him. He provided these men with all they wished, and fed them. For himself, he asked for one last hour alone with the Lord in prayer. He was given the choice to curse Christ and say: “Caesar is Lord!” –and live. Polycarp replied: “ Eighty six years I have served Him, and hHe has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who loved me and saved me” He was burnt at the stake. He died a martyr with a prayer on his lips
- 3. Pergamos After this time of persecution, Satan changed his tactics. Instead of trying to wipe out the Church he made "Christianity" acceptable through the conversion of the Emperor Constantine around 312 AD. In gratitude for the reprieve from persecution the Church adopted many pagan rituals and feast days as its own. The Church also became centralized in Rome acting as an extension of Imperial authority. The word Pergamos means "Mixed Marriage", which is exactly what happened to the Church during this time, being elevated out of persecution and becoming married to the political power of the State. In light of this we must remember Jesus' words that "His kingdom was not of this world" (John 18:36). The Church, which is His Body was not meant to have political power while this world remained. So the original vision of the Church was polluted from this time forward by the work and actions of men. To those who overcome Jesus will give the true bread of heaven and a new name, but He sternly warns the Church to repent or He would come against it with His sword. The white stone is typical to the area with plenty of limestone. Tourists today can get white stones with their names inscribed on it.
- 4. Thyatira In 538 AD the Bishop of Rome was declared the Pope (father) of the whole Church. (It is very interesting to note that Jesus warned His people to call no man their father, because they were the Children of God.) This seems to mark the beginning of the Thyatiran age. This Church was commended by Jesus for its works of faith, love and patience, but the Church had allowed itself to be corrupted by false teachings and immoral acts. Jesus refers to this as the woman "Jezebel" (See 1 Kings 16:29-33) and He is ready to act against these falsehoods. The woman is to be cast into affliction, those who are allied with her are to suffer great tribulation and her children are to be put to death. The word Thyatira means "Semiramis" or "Continual Sacrifice". This describes the state of the Roman Church which places a great emphases on "personal sacrifice" in order to "please God". This whole concept is quite foreign to the truth that Jesus has done all that is required for us to be free from sin. In this church are those who have not accepted these false teachings. Of them Jesus requires nothing, except they cling to the truth until He comes. If we look through the history of Christianity we see many faithful Saints who clung fearlessly to the truth of Jesus. Many of these lost their lives at the hands of the "Church". To those who overcome Jesus promises that they shall rule the nations. He will also give Himself to them I.e.. the "Morning Star".
- 5. Sardis This is the Church which was resting on its original works to gain favour with the Lord, but had fallen asleep. Jesus warns them to wake up and strengthen what remains (before it also dies). The word Sardis means "Remnant" or "Escaping Ones" and seems to refer to the Church of the reformation. But rather than continuing in the faith the Church had stopped and fallen asleep. The reformed Churches broke away from the Church of Rome, yet in many ways they modeled themselves on the Roman example, particularly in their structure and their association with the governments of this world. They had made a start, but had not finished the work. To those who overcome Jesus offers righteousness (White robe) and that their name shall not be blotted out of the book of Life. Jesus Himself will defend them before God. Christ’s exhortation is same as in Jude Keep the teachings…even though lost one can always choose to keep them. Another great insight is I will never blot your name…what does this imply…God doesn’t write names in the book of life, they are already there. Everyone’s name. He only blots them out if they fail. Everyone is predestined to be in the book of life.
- 6. Philadelphia This is the Church that Jesus loves. It was obedient to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), and Jesus had set an open door before them. Their motivation was their love for the Lord and their fellow man. This was the great missionary Church of 1750 to 1870. Philadelphia means "Brotherly Love", which describes well the Church which so loved its Lord and its fellow man as to send missionaries to nearly every nation on earth within the space of 100 years. Jesus promised to keep them from the time of trial that was to come on all the earth. He also said He was coming quickly. The teaching that Jesus was coming back was revived during this time. Those who overcome would be pillars of God's new Temple, never to leave it again. Opening doors (while applied in numerous ways) refers to evangelism in this context.
- This had a background and a local meaning for the people in that day. Being down in the valley, they had difficulty getting water in Laodicea. The Laodiceans built an aqueduct to bring cold water down from the mountains. When it left the mountains, it was ice cold, but by the time it made that trip all the way down the mountains to Laodicea, it was lukewarm. And lukewarm water is not very good. Down in the valley where the Lycus River joins the Maeander River, there are hot springs. However, when they would take this hot water up to Laodicea, by the time it got there, it was no longer hot — it had become lukewarm water Thru the Biblewith Dr. J. Vernon McGee However, some scholars[who?] [3] have suggested that this metaphor has been drawn from the water supply of the city, which was lukewarm, in contrast to the hot springs at nearby Hierapolis and the pure water of Colossae (Barclay). 7. Laodicea This is the last Church age. It is the half hearted Church, not recognizing how poor it really is. Jesus has nothing good to say about it. In fact He is very displeased with it. This is a very worldly, proud Church, increased in wealth and influence, but spiritually bankrupt. Again it has not separated itself from the World system. Because Jesus loves them so much He rebukes them so they will wake up to themselves. But those who are waiting for Jesus receive a spiritual feast (Matthew 24:42-51; Revelation 3:20). Toward the end of last century there was a great outpouring of understanding of scriptural prophecy. Earlier this century there was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit in many parts of the world. There is also a great "expectation" about the return of Christ. One further event which has occurred during this time is the restoration of the nation of Israel. We shall look at this later. The word Laodicea means "People Rule" and is a time of trial for the Church. The Church has been tried by the forces at work in the world and found wanting. To those who overcome Jesus will grant the right to sit on His throne and rule the nations. We are living in the Laodicean age right now. Jesus is calling us to repent of our worldly ways and return to Him. http://www.ldolphin.org/studynotes/7church.htm