Between 2000 & 2019 I have probably heard of six dates where Christ was expected to come. I remember vividly how loud it was after 12 midnight on the first of January 2013. Celebration and relief were in the air and people were screaming, “We made it!” The idea that the world would end in … Continue reading –>
Sardis had a glorious history. But by the Roman period, the city had lost its prestige. While the city was still enjoying wealth, its glory was rooted in its past history rather than in present reality. The ancient city had been built on top of a steep hill and was nearly impregnable. Because the citizens … Continue reading –>
The Seven Churches Ephesus was covered in last week’s lesson. Did Ephesus make a good choice for the first church in this discussion? If “yes,” why? Smyrna. How was the church in Smyrna affected by the Diocletian persecution? What, if any, were the consequences? Pergamos. Describe the advice of the “Nicolaitans” and what it … Continue reading –>
In comparison with other cities, Thyatira had no political or cultural significance that we know of. Furthermore, the church was obscure. In order to run a business or have a job, people in the Roman Empire had to belong to trade guilds. Thyatira was especially noted for enforcing this requirement. Guild members had to attend … Continue reading –>
The message to the church in Smyrna was: “O Worship The Lord” – Hymn 6, and Hymn 83, “O Worship the King” rather than the emperor. The only solution Jesus can offer to Pergamos is “Repent” in Revelation 2:16 – Hymn 280, “Come, Ye Sinners”. Thyatira is encouraged to “Hold Fast Til I Come” – Hymn … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: The messages to the churches in Asia in John’s day also symbolize the condition of the church in seven eras of church history. Jesus offers hope and explains the needs of each church. January 19, 2019 1. Have a volunteer read Revelation 2:8-11. Ask class members to share a thought on what the … Continue reading –>
Smyrna was a beautiful and wealthy city but also was a center of mandated emperor worship. Refusing to comply with this mandate could lead to the loss of legal status, to persecution, and even to martyrdom. Read Revelation 2:8-11. How does the way Jesus presents Himself to this church relate to the church’s situation? What was … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Rev. 2:8-11, Rev. 2:12-17, Rev. 2:18-29, Rev. 3:1-6, Rev. 3:7-13, Rev. 3:14-22, Isa. 61:10. Memory Text: “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” (Revelation 3:21, NKJV). From Patmos, Jesus sent a letter via John with seven messages to His … Continue reading –>
By Andrew McChesney Janice Clark never planned to adopt a former student’s baby, but then the telephone rang on a cold March day. “I’m having a baby that I can’t keep, and I’m wondering if you will have him”, Annette said. “What do you mean by ‘have him’?” asked Janice, a 47-year-old physical education teacher … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Patmos”, pages 568-577, in The Acts of the Apostles. “The persecution of John became a means of grace. Patmos was made resplendent with the glory of a risen Saviour. John had seen Christ in human form, with the marks of the nails, which will ever be his glory, in his hands and … Continue reading –>
Ephesus was the capital and the largest city in the Roman province of Asia, located on the major trade routes. As the chief seaport of Asia, it was a very important commercial and religious center. The city was filled with such public buildings as temples, theaters, gymnasiums, bathhouses, and brothels. It also was known for … Continue reading –>
Read Revelation 1:11, Revelation 1:19-20. Jesus also spoke seven distinctive messages for the churches in Asia. What does the fact that there were more than seven churches in the province suggest, in general, about the symbolic significance of these messages for Christians? The messages that Jesus directed John to send to the seven churches are recorded in … Continue reading –>
