Revelation

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Revelation Part 1 From Persecution to the Throne

HOPE The absolute assurance of future good

Why do I need to study Revelation? Questions •Isn’t it about the end times? Am I going to be around? •Isn’t is just about what is going to happen during the tribulation that won’t affect me? •Isn’t it just going to confuse me?

Reasons to study Revelation Hope Heaven Attributes of God Attributes of Satan Daily living as a church Proof of reliability of scripture

Prophecy Hold your interpretation loosely

“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Rev 1:1-3

Source God the Father Jesus Christ Angel/Messenger John Servants

Seven literal churches in Asia Minor They had… •Unique geography •Unique history •Unique persecution experiences •Unique apostasy experiences •Unique economic situations

Written to institutions not individuals •To churches •Churches (organizations are treated differently than individuals) •They do not have salvation • They serve a purpose • If they don’t fulfill their purpose, God can end their existence • ie: Creekside Alamo, not Doug McBride

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

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To the one who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:14-22

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15

Two Water Supplies Source One •Cold •Refreshing •Drinkable Source Two •Hot Springs •Healing Properties

“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:4-5

“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21