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The Seven Churches of Asia (1) Introduction

The Seven Churches of Asia (1) Introduction. John’s Vision. Revelation 1:9-20 Revelation is apocalyptic (meaning symbolic or hidden language) A book about God’s judgment against the ungodly. A book about the Christian’s endurance (Is it worth it?)

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The Seven Churches of Asia (1) Introduction

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  1. The Seven Churches of Asia (1)Introduction

  2. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 • Revelation is apocalyptic (meaning symbolic or hidden language) • A book about God’s judgment against the ungodly. A book about the Christian’s endurance (Is it worth it?) • John is writing from the Isle of Patmos, on “the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:9-10)

  3. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 • To the 7 churches of Asia -(Revelation 1:11)

  4. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 • John hears a voice that calls for him to write to these 7 churches • He turns and sees the voice and a vision.

  5. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 7 Golden lampstands (1:12) Identified as the 7 churches (1:20) Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com , used with permission

  6. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 One like the Son of Man (1:13) How Jesus identified Himself Matthew 9:6, 16:13; John 1:51, 5:27 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

  7. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 Clothed with a garment down to His feet (1:13) Possibly a priestly robeHebrews 2:17, 4:14-15 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

  8. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 Chest girded with a golden band (1:13) Again, showing authority cf. Rev. 15:6, Daniel 10:5 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

  9. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 His head and hair were white as wool, snow (1:14) White – the color of purity! Rev. 7:13-14, 19:11, 14 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

  10. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 Eyes like flames of fire (1:14) All seeing and piercing - Hebrews 4:13 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

  11. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 Feet like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace (1:15) Strong and tested. Pure. Moving with power Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

  12. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 His voice as the sound of many waters (1:15) A powerful and universal voice – Hebrews 4:12 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

  13. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 In His right hand seven stars (1:16) These are the “angels of the seven churches” – 1:20 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

  14. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword (1:16) The word of God speaking – Hebrews 4:12 Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

  15. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 His countenance like the sun shining in strength (1:16) Jesus our source of light Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

  16. John’s Vision • Revelation 1:9-20 His message reveals Him (1:17-18) “I am the first and the last, He who lives” etc.” Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

  17. The 7 churches to whom this letter was written go in a circuit. • In examining their environment, we find their surroundings have an impact (for good and/or bad) on their character as congregations. • THUS, we need to be careful in how we allow society to influence us Letters to the churches

  18. Why 7 churches? • More than 7 churches in Asia- Troas (Acts 20:5)- Hierapolis (Colossians 4:3)- Colossae (Colossians 1:2) Courtesy of Biblestudy.org Letters to the churches

  19. Why 7 churches? • 7 in Revelation often is symbolic of completeness or perfection • It could be that these represent “the Lord’s Church as a whole” (Harkrider) • Thus, every congregation could be described in one or more of these situations Letters to the churches

  20. Each congregation was independent • An individual message to each one • Each congregation had strengths/weaknesses and was addressed based upon these • Local congregations have their own character. We must respect autonomy (cf. Acts 20:28) Letters to the churches

  21. Each congregation answered directly to Christ • He was in the midst of them • Each letter begins with a description of Him (e.g. Revelation 2:1) • It is His church – Acts 20:28, Romans 16:16, Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27 Letters to the churches

  22. Each congregation answered directly to Christ • “I know your works”Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19, 3:1, 8, 15 – He examines those who wear His name and makes judgment accordingly. • OUR first concern should be whether or not we are pleasing to Him Letters to the churches

  23. BUT, we will be judged individually • Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Hebrews 9:27, Revelation 20:12-13, etc. Letters to the churches

  24. BUT, we will be judged individually • Even in these letters we find appeal to individuals – 2:24 “now to you I say, and to the rest…”3:4 “you have a few names even in Sardis…”3:19 “as many as I love I rebuke…” • “To him who overcomes” (2:7, 11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12, 21) Letters to the churches

  25. Each congregation represented by a candlestick • Light – Jesus IS the light – Revelation 1:16John 8:12, 9:5 “I am the light of the world” • We SUPPORT that light – 1 Corinthians 2:2, 15:1-41 Timothy 3:15 • Revelation 2:5 - Ephesus Letters to the churches

  26. “He who has an ear, let him hear” • Light – Jesus IS the light – Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” • ONE standard for every congregation – 1 Corinthians 4:17, 2 Peter 3:15-16, Colossians 4:16 Letters to the churches

  27. “Repent • 5 congregations had errors – Revelation 2:5, 16, 21-22, 3:3, 3:18-19 – All were called upon to repent! • IF we, as the Lord’s church, are not what we ought to be, we ought to repent (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:10-11) Letters to the churches

  28. What would the Lord say to us?

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