The letters to the seven churches Teaching the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) Revelation chapters 2 & 3 The letters to the seven churches Please visit our website: www.livingstonesnewforest.org.uk

Satan’s throne – Pergamum today.

Aesculapius

Snakes everywhere

The White Stone Acquittal in a court A diamond – precious reward Admission to an event (did not have to be white, but often was) An Amulet (unlikely due to its connection with sorcery, though Pergamum was a centre of sorcery, so could have been The Lord’s way of claiming superiority White stone awarded to the victor in athletic games which provided him admission to the victors’ banquet

A new name Only known by the one to whom it is bestowed A treasure of relationship Like a private nickname from one lover to another Great intimacy Modelled on Christ Revelation 19 verse 12 – His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself

Thyatira Means perpetual sacrifice Smallest congregation Set up to be attacked while other cities made ready for war Longest letter First letter to a remnant within a system rather than to people First letter where Jesus judges and sentences The only letter where the introduction is not from Chapter 1 The only time He calls Himself ‘The Son of God’ The only one who should be worshipped

Murex

The Madder Plant

What were the consequences of corruption Jezebel introduced worship of gods other than the one true God to the people of God Worship of images Baptismal regeneration Justification by works Sexual corruption – celibacy and fornication Confessionalism – absolution by the priest Indulgences

What were the consequences of corruption Purgatory Transubstantiation Mass – sacrificing Jesus repeatedly Penance – self flagellation or torture of the flesh to reduce time in purgatory Priesthood superior to the laity and separated – communion wine only for the priests, lest the real blood be spilled Priests not servants but served Mariolatry – worship of Mary

Promises True authority – ruling and reigning with Him over the nations The Morning Star Revelation 22 verse 16 Jesus is the Morning Star They will possess the person of The Messiah

Teaching the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) Welcome to our service Please visit our website: www.livingstonesnewforest.org.uk