Maranatha Global Bible Study - Book of Revelation, Session 10

Introduction

• Speakers: Dalton Thomas and another individual
• Topic: Revelation (Continuing Revelation 2-3)
• Focus on three primary errors in the seven churches' messages and a passage related to the rapture

Key Points from Previous Session

1. Seven Letters: Directed towards actual churches in Asia Minor in the 1st/2nd century
2. Universal Relevance: Each letter concludes with “He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the seven churches,” making the messages timeless
3. Context of Revelation: Primarily about the revealing of Jesus Christ and the end times
4. Contemporary Relevance: Many events feel like precursors to the end times

Today’s Focus

• Three primary errors that were relevant then and now
• A commonly misunderstood verse regarding the rapture

Error 1: Phariseeism

• Revelation 2:2-4 (Church in Ephesus)
• Focus: Zeal for good doctrine/practice without love
• Commendation: The Ephesians' patience, endurance, and testing of false apostles
• Rebuke: Leaving their first love (possibly both love for God & for others)
• Emphasis on Love: Numerous NT scriptures (John 13:34, Romans 13:8, etc.) stress the importance of love
• Present Danger: Maintaining doctrine without genuine love can lead to legalism and relational failures

Error 2: Gnosticism (Balaam and Nicolaitans)

• Revelation 2:6, 2:14-15
• Focus: Excessive spirituality dismissing physical actions; licentiousness; immorality
• Examples: Modern equivalents like hyper-grace, prosperity gospel, etc.
• Historical Background: Greek philosophical thought influencing Christian thinking
• Present Implications: Common themes in modern charismatic and evangelical movements

Error 3: Gentile Arrogance and Ignorance (Anti-Semitism)

• Revelation 2:9, 3:9
• Focus: Dismissing Israel's ongoing significance; spreading anti-Semitic ideas
• Common Issues: Conspiracy theories, misinterpreting scriptural terms (e.g., Synagogue of Satan)
• Biblical Warning: Paul's caution in Romans 11 about arrogance and ignorance towards Israel
• Current Trends: Increasing anti-Semitism in various movements/groups (e.g., Hebrew Roots, Black Israelite Movement)

Additional Topic: The Rapture (Revelation 3:10)

• Verse: Revelation 3:10 interpreted differently by pre-trib, pre-wrath, and post-trib viewpoints
• Jesus' Prayer (John 17:14-15, 20): Emphasis on preservation in the world rather than removal
• Goshen Principle: Preservation through tribulation, drawing from the Exodus narrative
• Conclusion: Multiple valid interpretations, ultimate truth in God’s faithfulness to preserve believers

Closing Remarks

• The session provided insight into enduring issues in the church and their contemporary relevance
• Next session remains open-ended in focus
• End of session blessings: “God bless and Maranatha”