The Revelation - session 1
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Most scholars believe that this book was written by John, the beloved disciple, in the year 95 A.D. It is the written expression of a vision given to John by an angel, under the authority of God Himself. This was during the reign of Domitian, the Emperor of Rome for the years 81 to 96 A.D.
These were perilous times for Christians, throughout all of the Roman Empire. Domitian ruthlessly required worship of himself as LORD, even God! When anyone refused to do this, not being willing to bow down to the many statues of the Emperor, they were persecuted or martyred.
The revelation that John received warned all Christians, plus non-Christians that the end was near--that there were drastic results ahead. He warned that it would be tragic, actually far worse, for those who did not believe in, trust in and adhere to the one true God. Martyrdom was nothing compared to the disaster awaiting those who denied Christ and persecuted Christians. Their spiritual fate was described vividly. John was giving them full warning!
Much of John's vision is written in symbolic language. It takes dedicated scholars of religion and history to make "in roads" into the message that God wanted revealed. A good book on the subject, or rather a good discussion group, would help one glean much more in the way of understanding and inspiration.
John stressed the LORDSHIP of Christ as well as the "over ruling authority of God and His eventual and final victory over the forces of sin and evil" (Harper Study Bible, RSV).
It has been fascinating for me to be involved in church activities and realize the pertinence and revelation found in the seven letters to the churches (chapters 2-6). Please take time to read the letter to the church in Ephesus.
These were perilous times for Christians, throughout all of the Roman Empire. Domitian ruthlessly required worship of himself as LORD, even God! When anyone refused to do this, not being willing to bow down to the many statues of the Emperor, they were persecuted or martyred.
The revelation that John received warned all Christians, plus non-Christians that the end was near--that there were drastic results ahead. He warned that it would be tragic, actually far worse, for those who did not believe in, trust in and adhere to the one true God. Martyrdom was nothing compared to the disaster awaiting those who denied Christ and persecuted Christians. Their spiritual fate was described vividly. John was giving them full warning!
Much of John's vision is written in symbolic language. It takes dedicated scholars of religion and history to make "in roads" into the message that God wanted revealed. A good book on the subject, or rather a good discussion group, would help one glean much more in the way of understanding and inspiration.
John stressed the LORDSHIP of Christ as well as the "over ruling authority of God and His eventual and final victory over the forces of sin and evil" (Harper Study Bible, RSV).
It has been fascinating for me to be involved in church activities and realize the pertinence and revelation found in the seven letters to the churches (chapters 2-6). Please take time to read the letter to the church in Ephesus.
To the church in Ephesus, I know your works . . . and patient endurance . . .
you have not grown weary, but you have lost your first lov
Imagine God speaking directly to churches today. At this season of Christmas, there is much busy-ness and stress, even within the church. Where is the emphasis? Where is God in our plans? Where is the love?