Gratitude for the purity and holiness of God's word.
Request for guidance and understanding as the word is studied.
Introduction
Continuation of the study of the Book of Revelation, specifically Chapter 1, verses 10 to the end.
Recap of Part 1 covered in November.
Main Points of Revelation Chapter 1
John’s vision on the Lord’s Day as he was in the Spirit.
Encounter with a voice like a trumpet instructing him to write to the seven churches.
Vision of someone like the Son of Man among seven golden lampstands.
Description of the figure: robe, gold sash, white hair, blazing eyes, bronze feet, voice like rushing waters.
Interpretation of the vision:
Seven stars represent the angels of the seven churches.
Seven lampstands represent the seven churches.
Structure of Revelation
Split into three parts:
What John has seen (past).
What is now (present - the age of the church).
What will take place later (future - after the church age).
Church age is a seven-fold dispensation.
Key Themes and Teachings
Encounter with Christ: John's encounter with Jesus was transformative and foundational.
The priority of Relationship over Knowledge: Emphasis on loving Jesus and encountering Him as the pathway to understanding end times, rather than knowledge alone.
Patterns of Seven in the Bible
Daniel’s Prophecies: Seventy 'sevens' told to Daniel, a prophetic outline of history.
Sixty-nine sevens are completed with the coming of Jesus.
The last 'seven' pertains to the end of times.
Church Age as Sevenfold:
Seven candlesticks, seven churches, seven stars.
Patterns of Seven in History
Genesis: Sevenfold patterns from creation, Cain, Lamech, Enoch (seventh from Adam and the rapture symbol), Noah's time.
Patriachs and Hebrews: Promises to Abraham, Jacob's seven-year service for Rachel, Joseph's seven good and seven bad years.
Kingdom of Israel: David's seven-year reign in Hebron, completion of the temple in seven years.
Prophets and Signs: Use of seven in Elijah and Elisha's stories, prophetic signs like Isaiah's prophecy.
Jesus’ Teachings
Seventy times seven for forgiveness.
Mary Magdalene's purification from seven demons as a picture of church purification.
Sevenfold parables and miracles.
Conclusion
Jesus is present among the seven churches, emphasizing His relationship with the church.
Importance of understanding the cyclical patterns and the sevenfold principle.
Assurance of Jesus' presence and support in the midst of trials and prophecies.
Closing Prayer
Gratitude for revelations from the scriptures and guidance through understanding.
Request for readiness and awareness of God's work in the world.
Trust in Jesus' continual presence and protection.