Jesus' Letters to 7 Groups (Pt. 1)

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 2:1-11

In John's vision, Jesus begins to address seven churches in Asia. The first address (or letter) is to Ephesus, and it encourages them on their work, toil, endurance, lack of tolerance for evil, and the examination of claims they hear. Christ then admonishes them for leaving their first love, which would be the love the Ephesians had for each other. Christ then prescribes solutions for this problem, reminding believers that love is the most important act.\r\n\r\nChrist's second address is to Smyrna, and he encourages them in the suffering they are enduring by promising them the crown of life for their faithfulness.

The Beast

Jeff Gordon

Revelation 13:1-18

John describes The Beast, who appears in the next part of his vision. The Beast is given power from the Dragon (who was described in a previous passage to represent Satan). John describes how The Beast will blaspheme God, have a miraculous recovery from an injury, emerge from a Geo-political empire, and gain worldwide dominion during the Great Tribulation. The Beast will persecute God's people and commit The Abomination of Desolation, an act where he will claim to be God. He will deceive many into worshiping him. A second Beast will rise up and support him, initiating the mark of the Beast (which restricts anyone from buying or selling without it). Ultimately, their reign is of complete dominance and control, but as Revelation 11:3-13 shows, God will continue to pursue people and snatch victory from apparent defeat.

The Beast

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 13:1-18

Though Christ is the future rightful ruler over the world, in the end times there will be a Satanic counterfeit of Jesus' global reign. This world-ruler, named the beast, will be called forth and energized by Satan as he blasphemes the God of the Bible and persecutes those who refuse to worship him. The false prophet will validate the beast through counterfeit miracles and compel people to worship him before their utter destruction when Jesus returns. Christians are not to respond with unfounded skepticism, foolish speculation, or unhealthy fear to these future events.

The Dragon

Jeff Gordon

Revelation 12

John describes a vision of a great, red dragon that God protects a woman from. The woman is pregnant and gives birth to a child. The dragon pursues her and attacks the rest of her children. The dragon represents Satan; the woman represents Israel; and the child represents Jesus. The vision illustrates how there is a hidden war going on around us, and Satan uses humans to fight.

The Beginning of the End

Scott Risley

Revelation 1:1-20

We are introduced to Revelation; a book giving us a glimpse into Jesus' future return as king on earth. John describes symbolic visions he received from God about the end times. During this time, many scary things will happen, including a final judgement. But in the end, God wins and if you belong to God through Christ, you have no need to be afraid.

Jesus Speaks

Dennis McCallum

Revelation 1:1-19

A revelation from Christ appears to John, which he records in this letter. John emphasizes the importance of listening to the message God presents here because the time of Christ's return will be sudden. He directs the letter to the seven churches in Asia. The significance of the number seven, the mourning of all people in light of Christ's sacrifice, and John's conviction to write this letter are explored. Several ways to interpret Revelation (preterist, historical, futurist, idealist, and blended) are critiqued, followed by John's description of an intense vision of Christ.

The Great Tribulation

Jeff Gordon

Matthew 24:7-27

John describes the next part of his vision: The Great Tribulation. The Lamb of God breaks the first four seals on the scroll, releasing four horses and their riders (one of conquest, one or war, one of famine, and one of death). The fifth seal released those who were martyred, and the sixth released natural disasters. The seventh seal released plagues, evil spirits, and God's judgment. The length of time between the beginning of the tribulation and God's final judgment proves His desire to reach out to lost people and His goal of redemption.

The War Behind the War

Mike Sullivan

Revelation 12:1-17

In the book of Revelation, there is a massive war described. Really, this was is a culmination of the spiritual war that exists right now between Satan's lies and God's truth. Our role in this is to embrace the fact that there is a spiritual war and to learn how to respond to Satan's schemes as he seeks to accuse, deceive, and devour.

The Great Tribulation

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 15:5-16:21

During the period of The Great Tribulation, God is involved in an extraordinary way to both judge and redeem. God judges directly to rescue his creation by destroying hardened enemies, yet often also judges indirectly to demonstrate the folly of rebellion in hopes that some will turn back. During the time of The Great Tribulation, God judges directly while taking a multitude of actions to plead with people to turn back to Him.