Welcome to a group of women who's goal is to encourage each other to put down some serious roots in the Word of God. This blog is dedicated to reading through the Bible in a year. Hopefully you will find the encouragement and accountability here that you need to push through the tough parts- or when life just gets in the way. The reading plan is located at the bottom of the blog. It contains links to the passages we are reading through biblegateway.com. You can use those links or read your own Bible, whichever you prefer.
We are all members of Oak Hill Baptist Church in Griffin, Georgia and felt the need in our own life for a little bit of the Lord's splendor. Please join us!!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.


John, the last living of the twelve original disciples of Christ, is the writer of Revelation. He was exiled to the island of Patmos by the Romans because of his witness to Christ. He is all alone waiting and wondering what should happen to him. And finally the Word comes to him. He is called to write what he is told and what he sees. John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day when he heard a loud voice like a trumpet saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.” When John turned to see the one speaking, this is what he saw:

Seven golden lampstands
One like the Son of Man
Clothed in a garment to his feet and golden band around his chest
Head and hair like wool, white as snow
Eyes like flames of fire
Feet like fine brass
Voice like rushing waters
Right hand held seven stars
Out of his mouth was a double-edged sword
Shined like the sun

Verse one of Revelation tells us that the things written were sent and signified, meaning we cannot fully comprehend the vision. The things John saw were described by symbols to the best of his ability. This makes me think about some of the dreams I have had that I wake up and try to tell. The words just cannot describe it because it doesn’t make sense. Jesus knows that we are human and have finite minds. Only through a true intentional search for truth can we receive revelation of Him. The word of God is all about revealing himself to people. From the very beginning to the very end, the point is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. John was very intentional on that Lord’s Day when his creator spoke to him.

Chapters 2 and 3 is the message Jesus wanted John to send to the seven churches in Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. To each one Jesus wanted to point out their strong points and/or weaknesses. The main message to Ephesus was “you have forsaken your first love.” They had lost the passion. Christianity had become routine. The good thing was that they did not tolerate false teaching. To Smyrna, do not fear the suffering to come. Be faithful and the crown of life will be given to you. To Pergamos, “Repent!” This church was compromising by holding to doctrine of Balaam. Thyatira is commended for its works, but they had accepted sinful behavior. Those who keep to the work of Christ will be given power of nations. Sardis was a church who had made a great name of itself but was called “dead.” They were called to repent. Those who overcome with be given garments of white. To Philadelphia he recognized their faith and perseverance. He wanted to encourage them. He states that he opens doors that no one can shut. And finally was the church of Laodicea. A very independent church and repulsive to the Lord. They too are called to repent. This church was rich and felt fulfilled. This is a danger we must be aware of in our own lives. Each letter to each church is not just to the churches during the time John was writing. The message is for the whole church, the body of Christ.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

5 comments:

  1. This book always "scared" me until I actually studied it. For some reason, it seemed that Revelation was all about doomsday and destruction?? I know view it so much differently, and can rejoice in the promised King returning!!!! Today's portion is particularly inspiring to me. Amy, you did a fine job summing up all of those instructions to these churches!

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  2. Those letters to the churches are certainly applicable to churches today as well! We would be wise to heed their instruction and keep our hearts focused on the coming King! Great post Amy...

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  3. I agree with Natalie. We need to follow those instructions as well as to be focused of the coming King. I believe it won't be long before that happens but whenever it is, we need to be ready.
    this is a very hard book to understand, you did it well, Amy.

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  4. Good job Amy. Your comments were so concise and clear. I kept thinking about different churches that I know or have been a part of. Each church has strengths and weaknesses - a "personality" I guess. I think we should all keep praying that we will do what the Lord has for Oak Hill to do, and with our new Pastor, I believe that is where we are headed.

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  5. I have just studied with my high school Bible class these three chapters and had to make up my own test on this information, so I am VERY familiar with these chapters. And I have to say Amy, you did a FANTASTIC job of summing up some detailed and deep chapters! There is a lot of "representing" of churches from the different centuries that theologians have done with these three chapters and from the different denominations of the churches as well. It can really get quite complicated and detailed and it is easy to lose sight of the important big picture...we need to take heed of these words as the Body of Christ in the year 2012 and make sure that we are doing what Jesus commends them for and NOT doing what Jesus condemns them for!

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