Revelation 3:8-9 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.” "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.”

an open door What could this mean knowing what you know? What could this mean knowing what you know? 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3

Synagogue of Satan Isaiah 60:14 Isaiah 60:14

Revelation 3:10-11 "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”

Hour of testing Either they will not have to deal with it or they will be given the strength to deal with it Either they will not have to deal with it or they will be given the strength to deal with it

Revelation 3:12-13 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Remember in chapter 21 there is no temple in heaven, thus we know this is symbolic Remember in chapter 21 there is no temple in heaven, thus we know this is symbolic Point is we will be an important part of heaven Point is we will be an important part of heaven Three names written on your head Rev. 22:4 says the same thing, has to do with admission to heave Three names written on your head Rev. 22:4 says the same thing, has to do with admission to heave

“My new name” Rev. 19:12, 16 King of Kings and Lord or Lords Rev. 19:12, 16 King of Kings and Lord or Lords

II. The Message to the Seven Churches a. To the Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) b. To the Church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) c. Pergamum (2:12-17) d. Thyatira (2:18-29) e. Sardis (3:1-6) f. Philadelphia (3:7-13) g. Laodicea (3:14-22)

Laodicea What is the nastiest food or drink you have ever tasted? What is the nastiest food or drink you have ever tasted? What are some foods or drinks that taste better cold or hot than at room temperature? What are some foods or drinks that taste better cold or hot than at room temperature?

Laodicea 40 miles South of Philadelphia 40 miles South of Philadelphia Noted for its bankers and wealth Noted for its bankers and wealth Had a small medical school specializing in ears and eyes Had a small medical school specializing in ears and eyes Famous for their black wool cloth Famous for their black wool cloth After the earthquake in A.D. 60 they refused Rome’s help After the earthquake in A.D. 60 they refused Rome’s help

Laodicea Colosse was ten miles to the east Colosse was ten miles to the east Hierapolis (modern Pamukkale) was six miles to the north Hierapolis (modern Pamukkale) was six miles to the north They were in the middle in the Lycus valley They were in the middle in the Lycus valley Hierapolis had hot water springs Hierapolis had hot water springs Colosse had cold water springs Colosse had cold water springs They came together in Laodicea They came together in Laodicea

Col. 4:16 had a letter from Paul Col. 4:16 had a letter from Paul Col. 2:1; 4:12-16 Paul had never been there at that point, but he know a man who was from there Col. 2:1; 4:12-16 Paul had never been there at that point, but he know a man who was from there

Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: He is the “beginning of the creation of God, what does that mean? He is the “beginning of the creation of God, what does that mean? He is the source of creation. He is the source of creation.

Revelation 3:15-16 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Things to remember… Things to remember… The location The location The medical school The medical school

What appears to be their big problem?

What does a lukewarm Christian act like? What does a lukewarm Christian act like? What about a hot Christian or cold Christian? What about a hot Christian or cold Christian?

Revelation 3:17-18 "Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ —and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” "Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ —and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”

Again remember all the cultural background that applied directly to them Again remember all the cultural background that applied directly to them Plays off their wealth, their wool, their medical school Plays off their wealth, their wool, their medical school

Gal. 3:27 Gal. 3:27 John 16:8 John 16:8

How much stock do we put into our own resources? How much stock do we put into our own resources?

Revelation 3:19-20 "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Revelation 3:21-22 "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Key Message of Chapters 2-3 “Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10b). “Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10b). Be faithful. Be a witness. Be ready. Be faithful. Be a witness. Be ready.

Which of the churches are we most like?

Revelation 4

3.The Vision of the Seven Seals (Rev. 4-7) a. The Throne-room of Heaven (Rev. 4:1-11)

Glimpses of Glory Did you ever move from one house to another? Did you ever move from one house to another? Were you interested in seeing the new place before you moved there? Were you interested in seeing the new place before you moved there? Would you like to see now where you hope to be living for eternity? Would you like to see now where you hope to be living for eternity?

We all want to see God Exodus 33:18-23; 34:5-8 Exodus 33:18-23; 34:5-8 Ezekiel 1:25-28 Ezekiel 1:25-28 Daniel 7:9, 10 Daniel 7:9, 10 Isaiah 6:1ff Isaiah 6:1ff 1 Kings 22:19ff 1 Kings 22:19ff Remember God cannot be seen with the physical eyes, for God is spirit Remember God cannot be seen with the physical eyes, for God is spirit

Key Message of this section “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this” (Rev. 4:1b). “Show me your glory” (Exodus 33:18) “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this” (Rev. 4:1b). “Show me your glory” (Exodus 33:18) The pastoral purpose of Revelation 4-5 is to assure suffering Christians that God is sovereign and that the events that the Christians are facing are part of a sovereign plan that will culminate in their redemption and the vindication of their faith through the punishment of their persecutors. The pastoral purpose of Revelation 4-5 is to assure suffering Christians that God is sovereign and that the events that the Christians are facing are part of a sovereign plan that will culminate in their redemption and the vindication of their faith through the punishment of their persecutors.

What do you most look forward to in heaven? What do you most look forward to in heaven? Can you think of a place you have visited that is difficult to explain to others about it and the experience? Can you think of a place you have visited that is difficult to explain to others about it and the experience?

Revelation 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this. After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.

The door He does not say it is a door in the sky. He does not say it is a door in the sky. It is not the door of opportunity (Rev. 3:8) or the door of an individual’s heart (Rev. 3:20), but the door to visions symbolic of Heaven and the future. It is not the door of opportunity (Rev. 3:8) or the door of an individual’s heart (Rev. 3:20), but the door to visions symbolic of Heaven and the future.

Revelation 4:2-3 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.

The Vision John says he saw someone there, but he does not describe a human form. It is by light and sound that he describes God. Why do you think this is the case? John says he saw someone there, but he does not describe a human form. It is by light and sound that he describes God. Why do you think this is the case? 1 Tim. 6:16 1 Tim. 6:16 Deut. 4:12 Deut. 4:12

Jasper Stone The magnificence of His presence is likened to flashing colorful light rays from a precious stone. Some identify this with a diamond, some the opal, or green Chalcedony, but not the jasper today, to it is too opaque, whether red, green, or yellow. The same word is used in Rev. 21:11 The magnificence of His presence is likened to flashing colorful light rays from a precious stone. Some identify this with a diamond, some the opal, or green Chalcedony, but not the jasper today, to it is too opaque, whether red, green, or yellow. The same word is used in Rev. 21:11

Sardius or Carnelian A stone, translucent and fiery red A stone, translucent and fiery red

Rainbow What is the significance of a rainbow in Scripture? What is the significance of a rainbow in Scripture? Gen. 9:13 Gen. 9:13 It seems to surround the throne in a complete circle rather than the arch above it in a half circle It seems to surround the throne in a complete circle rather than the arch above it in a half circle Ezekiel 1:27, 28 Ezekiel 1:27, 28 The point is lots of color and beauty, light is the key The point is lots of color and beauty, light is the key

Emerald Green in color Green in color

A bit more about these stones Should be noted that the stones are the first and last stones in the ephod of the high priest Should be noted that the stones are the first and last stones in the ephod of the high priest We see the rule through the throne and the mercy through the rainbow We see the rule through the throne and the mercy through the rainbow

Ezekiel 1 See a very similar picture, especially verse 28 See a very similar picture, especially verse 28

Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty- four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty- four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.

Date: c AD Location: Church of St. Pierre, Moissac, France

Albrecht Dürer St. John, surrounded by the 24 Elders before the Throne of God Woodcut, 39 x 28 cm Taken from the Connecticut College's Wetmore Print Collection Connecticut College's Wetmore Print Collection

24 elders These are the good guys These are the good guys Possibly represents the church Possibly represents the church Could be the Old Testament and New Testament saints Could be the Old Testament and New Testament saints = tribes + 12 apostles = tribes + 12 apostles Some say it represents high ranking angels, but that is more likely in the next chapter Some say it represents high ranking angels, but that is more likely in the next chapter

24 elders There were 24 priestly families There were 24 priestly families 1 Chronicles 24:5-18; 25: Chronicles 24:5-18; 25:9-21 This could be the priesthood of heaven This could be the priesthood of heaven Rev. 5:9-10 the angels sing of the Lamb and how he has redeemed the saints and made them a kingdom of priests Rev. 5:9-10 the angels sing of the Lamb and how he has redeemed the saints and made them a kingdom of priests

24 elders The apostles were promised a crown Matt. 19:28 The apostles were promised a crown Matt. 19:28 But all Christians are promised a reign if they endure with Jesus (2 Tim. 2:12) But all Christians are promised a reign if they endure with Jesus (2 Tim. 2:12) Paul was not one of the 12, but he expected a crown (2 Tim. 4:8) Paul was not one of the 12, but he expected a crown (2 Tim. 4:8)

24 elders Jesus promised the Christians in Smyrna the crown of life (Rev. 2:10b Jesus promised the Christians in Smyrna the crown of life (Rev. 2:10b He warned the Philadelphian Christians their may be taken away (Rev. 3:11) He warned the Philadelphian Christians their may be taken away (Rev. 3:11) The Christians in Sardis are promised white robes (Rev. 3:4, 5), these here are in white robes The Christians in Sardis are promised white robes (Rev. 3:4, 5), these here are in white robes We read later that all those under the altar are given white robes (Rev. 6:9, 11) and the multitude as well and angels where white robes as well We read later that all those under the altar are given white robes (Rev. 6:9, 11) and the multitude as well and angels where white robes as well

24 elders What do they do? What do they do? Throughout the book they lead in worship and giving homage to God Throughout the book they lead in worship and giving homage to God Rev. 5:8 Rev. 5:8 Rev. 5:5; 7:13-15 they give John encouragement Rev. 5:5; 7:13-15 they give John encouragement So who are they? So who are they?

24 elders I take them to be representative of the 12 tribes and 12 apostles, thus a representation of those from the Old Covenant and from the New I take them to be representative of the 12 tribes and 12 apostles, thus a representation of those from the Old Covenant and from the New Rev. 21:12, 14 Rev. 21:12, 14 Does that mean John saw himself there? Does John want to greet his old pals? Does that mean John saw himself there? Does John want to greet his old pals? Perhaps it is not the literal apostles at all, but representatives of the old and new 12 and 12 with 24 the whole redeemed. Perhaps it is not the literal apostles at all, but representatives of the old and new 12 and 12 with 24 the whole redeemed. Perhaps also these elders rotated on the thrones as the priests did in their twenty-four course of service. Perhaps also these elders rotated on the thrones as the priests did in their twenty-four course of service.