Revelation 1-3

Where is the writer of Revelation? What are the 7 stars? 7 lamp stands?

The writer of Revelation (remember it is Revelation NOT RevelationS) is on the island of Patmos off the coast of Ephesus.

The seven stars are the seven angels (messengers) of the seven churches. The lamp stands are the seven churches.

The Seven Churches of Asia Minor

Church #1: From what had the church at Ephesus fallen? What were they to do?

The church at Ephesus had much to be commended for; their hard work, their good deeds, their perseverance, their intolerance of false teaching, they were not weary. However, they were condemned because they had forsaken their first love. This was a serious issue, for if they did not reurn to their first love their church would disappear....

Church #2: What is the situation of the church at Smyrna? What are they encouraged to do?

The church at Smyrna were commended for their faithfulness in the midst of their afflictions, slander, and poverty. Even in suffering they were rich. They are promised the crown of life for their faithfulness in the midst of persecution and the 2nd death will not hurt them.. While the persecution will come it will not last forever.

Church #3: For what is the church at Pergamurn being commended? Scolded?

The church at Pergamum was being commended for remaining true to God in the city where satan has his throne. Yet, they were scolded for allowing false teaching (Balaam, Nicolatians) to remain in the church family.

Church #4: Who was the church at Thyatira tolerating? What was her wrongdoing? What did she refuse to do? With what result?

The church at Thyatira was tolerating the false prophetess Jezebel to operate within the church. Her false teachings were leading the Lord’s servants into sexual immorality and in the worship practices of idols (eating the food). Since she refused to repent she was cast on a bed of suffering that included her and those who commit adultery

Church #5: What was the problem at the church at Sardis? What will be the result of their not waking up? Of their conquering?

The church of Sardis while having a reputation (past history) of being alive they were dead (present reality). If they do not wake up the Lord will come to them and steal (like a thief) the church away from them. If they conquer they will walk with the Lord.

Church #6: For what is the church at Philadelphia commended? From what will they be kept?

The church at Philadelphia is commended that even though they have little strength they have kept God’s word and not denied God’s name. They have endured patiently and thus will be kept from the "hour of trial."

Church #7: What is the problem with the works of the church at Laodicea? What is about to happen as a result? Who is standing at the door? Doing what? For what?

The works at church at Laodicea are lukewarm. They claim to be all self-sufficient, yet they lack heavenly treasure (poor) righteousness (naked) spiritual sight (blind) as a result the Lord will puke them (spew hem) out of his mouth.

They have managed to go through the outward appearances of godliness but have left God out of it all together. As a result the Lord is standing on the outside knocking to come in. Often this verse is used to encourage non-believrs to come to Jesus who is knocking on the heart of their door. Actually it is Jesus knocking on the door of the church.....