1. Eschatology, a Broad Perspective
From Genesis to Revelation

2. Basic Outline
Three major divisions; John was commanded to write concerning
Things past, “the things which you have seen,” i.e. the Patmos vision (1:1-20)
Things present, “the things which are,” i.e. the existing churches (2:1-3:22)
Things future, “the things which shall take place after these things,” i.e. events after the Church Age ends (4:1-22:5).
“Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things.” (Rev 1:19) NASB
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3. A Synopsis of the Four Views
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4. Seven Churches
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5. Seven Letters Rev 1:19-20 Format of each letter
“Write therefore the things which you have seen, the things which are, …”
Stars (Angels): Leader/Pastor of the church
Lampstand: Church
Format of each letter
Address
Attributes of the speaker (Jesus Christ)
Assertion of complete knowledge of the people (“I know”)
Description of the state of the church including condemnation or criticism
Promise of the Lord’s coming (“I am coming”)
Universal command to hear (“He who has an ear to hear”)
Promise to the overcomer
Each letter shows distinct attributes of the church that should be considered today
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6. Smyrna
Prosperous sheltered port city on Aegean sea in modern-day Izir, Turkey
Well educated population of 150, ,000 during biblical times (Greeks, Romans, Jews, and Christians)
Loyal to Rome
Known for its public buildings and streets
Name means death
Church likely founded by Paul on 3rd journey (Acts 19:10)
Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, martyred there in A.D. 155/167
Disciple of John
“Eighty and six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King and Savior?
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7. To the Church in Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11)
Attributes of Christ
“The first and the last” (Rev 1:17)
“Who was dead, and has come to life” (Rev 1:18)
Attributes show Christ’s power over death and provide comfort to the body given their situation
What Christ Knows
Their tribulation
Their physical poverty
Their richness in grace
The blasphemy of the Synagogue of Satan
Synagogue associated with Jews and God, but
Persecutors are Jews, in name only, & are persecuting the church of God
Do we sometimes (often) think Christ doesn’t know or care what is going on in our lives?
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8. Christ’s Additional Knowledge
You will be thrown into prison
You will be tested (physical, mental persecution)
You will have tribulation for 10 days
And will likely die
Christ’s Commands
Do not fear what you are about to suffer
Be faithful until death
What do we want to know about the future?
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9. Reward Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
“You threaten me with a fire that burns for a season, and after a little while is quenched; but you are ignorant of the fire of everlasting punishment that is prepared for the wicked.” Polycarp
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10. The Prophetic Nature of the Letters?
Location
Church
Time Frame
Characteristic
Ephesus
The Apostolic Church AD
Lost first love
Smyrna
The Persecuted Church AD
Persecuted Church
Pergamum
The State Church AD
Faithful, but tolerates false teachers
Thyatira
The Papal Church AD
Church dominated by a powerful false teacher
Sardis
The Reformed Church AD
Spiritually dying church
Philadelphia
The Missionary Church AD
Faithful witnessing church
Laodicea
The Apostate Church
1900-
Lukewarm church
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11. Supporting those that are Persecuted
Learn about them
Open Doors USA (
Voice of the Martyrs (
International Justice Mission (
Alliance Defending Freedom (
Pray for them
Provide for them
Get involved
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12. Take-aways God knows what is going on in our lives
Life on earth is temporary, but life with Him is eternal
Persecution will come
Trust Him
Support those being persecuted today
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 2 Cor 4:8-11
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13. The Next Several Weeks
Oct 23 Pergamum Jim Oct 30 Thyatira Jon Nov 6 IBC Band (No Morning Song) Nov 13 Sardis Jim Nov 20 Philadelphia Clint Nov 27 Laodicea Chris Dec 4 IBC Band (No Morning Song) Dec 11 TBD (Concerts) Dec 18
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14. See you NEXT week!
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15. When will the end come?
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