3. This book is a revelation from Jesus Christ about Himself. This is extremely important, for (1) it reveals Jesus’ evaluation of His churches 60-65 years after His resurrection and ascension to heaven, and (2) it discloses future events concerning the tribulation, God’s triumph over evil, the return of Christ to reign on earth, and the blessedness of God’s eternal Kingdom.

4. Above all, it should draw us nearer to Jesus Christ in faith, hope, and love. We should read the book not only to understand God’s future program for the world and His people, but also to learn and apply the great spiritual principles emphasized in it.  This is the first of seven blessings found in Revelation, given to those who read, hear, and obey the things written in the book.  That believers must keep the commands of Revelation indicates that this a practical book with moral instructions and not a mere prophecy of the future.

5. Revelation is addressed to seven churches in Asia (located in what is now part of Western Turkey). Each particular church was comprised of various congregations. These churches were probably selected because they represented the totality of churches of that day, for the word “seven” stands for completion. What was said to them is meant for the church today. In other words, the “seven churches” represent all the churches of all ages.

6. 1) Jesus Christ is pictured in the midst of the seven churches. 2) Christ has seven stars in His right hand – the messengers to the churches derive their strength and authority from Christ. 3) Christ has on a special robe – He is our prophet, priest, and king. 4) Christ has on a golden girdle – He is our righteous servant. 5) Christ has white hair – He is the eternal one.

7. 6) Christ has eyes like a flame – He has the ability to see what is within our hearts. 7) Christ has feet like brass – All that He is and does is righteous. 8) Christ has a voice like many waters – This symbolizes the power of His Word. 9) Christ’s countenance is like the sun – His glory is as bright as the sun.

8. Seven Candlesticks – These are actually stands that hold oil lamps, not candles; they represent the seven churches mentioned. Seven Stars – These represent either angels who are assigned, each to a church, to assist it in its spiritual warfare, or the pastors of these churches. The “twoedged sword” represents the Word of God, which either cuts away sin from the churches and brings God’s grace, or cuts a church away from the kingdom of God in judgment.

11. 1)They begin with a brief salutation describing to whom the letter is written. 2)Each letter contains a description of the risen Lord, taken from John’s vision in chapter one. 3)Each letter contains a statement from the risen Lord assuring them that He knows their works.

12. 4)Each letter is a brief characterization of the work of the church. There is a commendation of that which is good, and a condemnation of that which is evil. 5)Each letter has a reminder to the church that He is coming again. 6)Each letter has an admonition from Jesus to “hear”, or heed the warnings found within the letter. 7) Each letter has a promise to the ones who do heed the Words of Christ and overcome.

13. REMEMBER REPENT RETURN  A.D. 30-100  Much as Christ desired it, evangelistic, etc.  Actively working for Jesus.  It was costing this church to serve Jesus.  They stayed in the battle and remained faithful.  They left their first love.  Doing right things but for wrong reasons.

14. FEAR NOT ENDURE TRIBULATION BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH  A.D. 100-300  Church went through much tribulation.  The age of the martyrs.  Actively working for Jesus.  Poor as beggars materially but rich as kings spiritually.

15. REPENT DO NOT TOLERATE SIN BE OVERCOMERS  A.D. 300-800  Constantine legalized Christianity.  He had whole cities baptized.  The church became very worldly and corrupt.  There began to be a distinction between the laity and the clergy.

16. HOLD FAST BE EMPOWERED BE OVERCOMERS  A.D. 800-1500  Known as the “Dark Ages”.  Period when the Roman Catholic Church ruled the world.  Historians call this period “The Reign of Filth”.  The church was the official voice of God.  Anyone who challenged the church was killed.

17. BE WATCHFUL STRENGTHEN REMEMBER HOLD FAST REPENT OVERCOME  A.D. 1500-1800  A remnant came out of the Catholic Church that had become so wicked.  This was the period of the “Reformation”.  Martin Luther, John Bunyan, Wycliffe, Savanarola, John Huss, etc.

18. HOLD FAST BE RAPTURE READY OVERCOME  A.D. 1800-1900  God opened the door for the church during this period once again to spread the Gospel all over the world  William Carey, Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, Charles Finney, John Wesley, Adoniram Judson, Luther Rice, etc.

19. BE ZEALOUS REPENT OPEN THE DOOR  A.D. 1900-the Rapture  The church during this period is characterized by unconcern for spiritual things, and is obsessed with self rule.  The church is wealthy, etc., but Jesus has been pushed outside.