Introduction to the Seven Churches of Asia

Introduction to the Seven Churches of Asia
June 6, 2018
Speaker:
Passage: Revelation 1:2-10
Service Type:

Summer Series: The Seven Churches of Asia

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, given to the Apostle John, can be a difficult study. But David Blades, guest speaker, shows the simpleness of how to understand this difficult text as he introduces the Seven Churches of Asia.

Revelation 1:1
The Revelation was given to John, "the things which must shortly come to pass."

  • If we study the book of Revelation with the understanding that it was writted to a specific group of people, the seven churches of Asia.
  • It was written in apocryphal language.
  • It was written during a specific time, a time of persecution, Revelation 2:10.
  • The letter was written as a sense of hope.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ began with a clear statement with an origin of purpose. It was designed for those who read and heard it to be blessed because of the hope of eternal life.

The Writer of the Revelation Letter

Revelation 1:2-10

John the Apostle, while on the Isle of Patmos most likely exiled there because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The Speaker of the Revelation

John heard a loud voice behind him, He said He was the "The First and the Last." He was there from the beginning of the creation, and He was going to be there until the end of time of time, He's everlasting.

He was charged to write what he was to see in a book to the seven churches of Asia.

What did John See?

Revelation 1:10-19

Seven Golden Lampstands and in the Midst was the Son of Man.

  • Seven stars in Jesus' right hand were representations of angels, or messengers.
  • The seven lampstands were a representation of th eseven churches of Asia.

Points to ponder as we look at this book. It was written to specific churches, and also specific things that would soon take place. The implications of what Jesus was about to say in the greetings from John and from Jesus Himself.

Introducing the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Seven Churches

Revelation 1:1-3

  • It was given by God
  • To His servants
  • Regarding things which must shortly come to pass
  • Sent by His Angel
  • To John who bore witness
  • Testimony of Jesus Christ
  • Followed by the benediction of blessing, and that the time is near

John's Greeting to the Seven Churches

Revelation 1:4-6

  • From John to the seven churches which are in Asia

Romans 1:7

  • Paul writing to the church at Rome.
  • A greeting to the saints
  • A blessing of Peace and Grace from Jesus Christ and God
  • Grace is unmerited favor, mercy and grace go hand in hand. Mercy is not receiving something we deserve. Grace is receiving what we do not deserve.
  • Peace can be translated as tranquil.

Jesus Christ

  • Shows love, sacrifice
  • We are made priests and kings
  • We are given glory and dominion, forever.
  • He's coming with he clouds

1 Thessalonians 4:17

  • Will meet the Lord in the air.
  • The second coming.
  • The time is now to get things right, there will not be any time after His return.
  • The earth will melt with fervent heat, 1 Peter 3:12

Revelation 1:8

  • The beginning and the end, is referring to Jesus being at the beginning speaking things into existence.
  • He will be here at the end of the earth as well.
  • Everlasting, He IS, and WAS, and IS TO COME

Revelation 1:9-10

  • John was in tribulation, and was brothers with those to whom he was writing.
  • He was exiled because of the word of God.
  • He was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day.
  • This is significant because the Lord's Day signifies the day of remembrance. Mark 16:1-9, the day after the Sabbath, the day that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead.
  • In remembrance of who He IS, and WAS, and who HE WILL BE.
  • He will come back and raise the dead, and take the faithful who are remaining.

Revelation 1:10-11

  • Jesus' voice is as a loud trumpet.
  • He declares that He is the First and the Last
  • John's point, was to send these letters to the seven churches.

Revelation 1:12-16

  • John saw in the midst of the golden lampstands, The Son of Man.
  • Seven stars in His right hand.
  • Out of His mouth was a sharp two-edged sword, Hebrews 4:12.
  • Acts 2:26-37
  • It is the power of the word of God, that affects the heart which can bring to repentance.
  • Anyone who sins put Jesus on the Christ, and when we choose how we will respond to this.
  • He's describing those who are not following the will of God.

Revelation 1:17-20

  • John fell at His feet as if he were dead.
  • Jesus told him to not be afraid, for He is everlasting.
  • Jesus declares, the gospel message, He was alive, dead, and alive again. That's the death, the burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  • He has the keys to Hades and Death, Isaiah 22:22
  • Jesus has the power, and once it's shut, no one has the power to open it.

John writing in apocryphal language.

  • Write the things which are.
  • Write the things which come after.
  • Write the mystery of the stars and the seven golden lampstands. Which are the angels, and the seven churches.

John was to write this letter to give hope to those who were being persecuted. Who at the time, had no hope. But that through Christ, they could know that there is hope and there are better things to come after.

What should the proper motivation of the church be?
1 Corinthians 13:1-3

The greatest gift of all is love. Let us be earnest for love to have the proper motive, to be that hope for someone who doesn't have any hope. And the greatest hope in the world is, eternal life.

Guest Speaker David Blades, Minister, Church of Christ, Jamesport, MO