Author: IGGC

APAC 2016 Day 2 H2 at Aug 18, 2016

Afternoon Prayer by John Short (HK)

 

Being Overcomers in Cross Cultural Mission

Foreigners in Korea are increasing every year
Diverse in Nationality & Status
1st = Chinese (2/3rd Korean Chinese)
2nd = American

Confronting many conflicts especially cross-culture families
Outreach program e.g. Ansan East Assembly (Many Chinese & SEA), Chinese Bible study in Daegu Area (since 2000), Korean language study in Wonju Assembly (monthly Gospel hours + planning 1st Gospel camp in Mongolia by combined assemblies)

Summary
Many things to do in Korea especially for foreigners who suffer language & cultural differences
Please pray for Korean Missionaries (31 missionaries in 16 countries)
Against wrong & false teachings (heretics & cults)

GLO Ministries Australia Report
By Andrew Cowell

I, GLO & you are passionate on Christ
In Australia lost out first love & we need to return back

I, GLO & you love the church
We exist as servant of assemblies to build the church

I, GLO & you long to see people gathering to Christ in discipleship witnessing & discipling in His name

How do we mobilise & motivate the next gen to love Christ & committed to preach Him to the nations? One of greatest challenges!

Aus peaked in 70-80s, plateaued & now in decline. Happening now & in near future for ASEAN countries.

Starting Q: Is there anything we can do to help?
GLO is not large but God provides resources towards helping assemblies. How?
GLO helps the church
1. DESIGN discipleship environments & training
2. DISCOVER people of vision, faith & action
3. Who can be DEVELOPed and then
4. DEPLOYed (send, command) by the church

Helping be a “midwife” for over 50 years

CROSStalk since 1997 eg English as Secondary Language
Fb.com/crosstalk

CROSSconnect discipleship & ministry training in “Practical Christianity” since 1975 trained 500+ people
Fb.com/crossconnect

CROSStrain makes you fit & ready for missions work since 1994 equipping 50 candidates from over 7 countries for missionary service

GLOministries.org.au

Challenge to reach the nations with the gospel (2.7b)

Ending Q: Is there anything we can do to help?

 

GLO Malaysia Update

GLO school setup in Malaysia many years back
It is difficult as missions is not an easy call
Grateful to GLO Australia for helping establish the school
Satisfying to see graduates of GLO Malaysia serve as church leaders & missionaries
Kathmandu Missions Centre in Nepal led by Amar trained through GLO supported by Malaysian assemblies
Every year usually May evangelism & short term mission and Nov for intensive training
Challenges of the need for training

 

Evening Prayer by Wong from Bethesda

 

Session 3: Satanic Tribulation for the Church in Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11

Smyrna = Persecution, bitterness, myrrh
40miles N of Ephesus with a beautiful bay in an almost perfect location
Still survives today known as Izmir (only 1 of 7 churches where there’s a living town today)

Known as “the crown of Ionia”
Destroyed 2-3x in its history (earthquakes, war)
Rebuilt – died & lived again!
An ally of Rome & place temple erected dedicated to Caesar
Centre of emperor worship & intolerable of other religions. Can follow all religions except for Emperor’s Day (the lord’s day) where worry citizen had to burn a pinch of incense on the altar. Very difficult for Christians as only one Lord – Jesus Christ.
Some “Christians” may have burnt but many who refused to bow the knee no matter the (high) cost.

Economy: wealthy & wicked city. Main exports wine & myrrh. Myrhh gum raisin tasted bitter but when crushed fragrant.

3 forms of persecution: pagan, Jewish & satanic

Being a Christian in Smyrna was a serious matter. Slandered by Jews. Tortured & killed by Romans. No word of criticism from the Lord to Christians in Smyrna. The Lord understands, sympathises & empathises.

V8 Jesus introduces Himself in 2-fold way

Jesus addresses Himself as first & last. Existed before evil commenced & will still be there when evil has run its course.
A personal relationship with Him will lift is above life’s trails.
To walk with Him & appreciate His love & care.
Previously Christians could worship. Increased interference from governments. Not allowed to wear cross or speak of faith (in the West!)
Registrars of marriage because of personal convictions refuse to marry same sex couples risk being dismissed.
The landscape is changing rapidly.
Our message of a living God is vastly superior to any other message preached on earth.
Our Gospel message is an attractive message in its own power prices people away from what is wrong & come to that which is right. This is our priority.
First and the Last = Deity

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.” – ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

““Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last.” – ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭48:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Next: description of Jesus’ humanity
Dead… and Alive: an encouragement to martyrs
He died voluntarily & gave His life voluntarily

V9
I knew thy works
I know thy tribulations
I know thy poverty
I know the blasphemy directed against you

Remained faithful in spite of suffering
Directed to fellow saints rather than those in Smyrna
If one is in old age, disability, young in faith, etc the Lord understands
But for the rest of us who are well & there is not much persecution… yet… We need to take action before its too late
Tribulation = pressure = man placed on ground with stone heavy unbearable until life goes away
Poverty = employment & business opportunities restricted by being believers
Poverty not known from birth but thrust upon them
Poor yet rich spiritually (eternal treasures in heaven) & joyful in the spoiling of their goods
Those who persecute His people will one day face Him & need to answer to what they have done to His flock
Blasphemy – those who said they were Jews historically & in connection with own religious practices but the Lord said they are NOT Jews but of the devil
These Jews attacked Christians verbally & spread lies accusing of being a secret organisation with abominable practices like cannibalism (eating body & blood of Christ), immorality (love feasts on regular basis), anti-family (driving families & friends apart)
atheists (did not believe emperor was lord of all), disloyal to heritage, country, God & Roman Empire (as spoke of King of another kind – Jesus), & doomsayers (constantly speaking of end of world where Christ reigns)
Synagogue of Jews had become synagogue of Satan

V10 Do not be afraid of even 1 of these things
Faith of those in persecuted is to be admired & applauded as fear not even 1 of these things
Battle has been fought & victory has been won – devil defeated
Easy to say but when the storm breaks & fire comes, would we stand tall with our heads held high? A huge challenge.
Devil working to imprison believers
Devil = one who lays traps & snares catching men alive
Cast = hurl violently facing hunger, chains, darkness, solitude & torture
Cast one by one causing fear & testing to destruction
John is writing to encourage the saints. What hope can he give them? It will last for 10 days
10 days = 10 years? = 10 emperors? = literally 10 days
Limited by divine sovereignty to short period of time in God’s grace & mercy
Faithful into death we are given the reassurance of the crown of life
Crown of life = martyrs crown = symbol of triumph = token of public honour = life in its fullness
Something to be enjoyed not only in heaven but also on earth (Joy!)

# Hebrews 11

V11 Letters brought to us lessons
Overcometh = succeeds in the trial
All genuine believers are overcomers will not be hurt of 2nd death (the lake of fire)

Parallels Israel in bondage

# Matthew 24

Challenges
• Poverty & suffering
• Blasphemy & fear
• Suffering & faithfulness

Practical Lessons
• We are to thank God for His grace & mercy for us, largely without persecution… but it will come
• Jesus Christ was there in glory before it all started, today is still there & when it is all done will be there

 

Sharing by Indonesia
By Pak Suko

Total Population: 255.0m
Unreached: 155.6m
Largest Religion Islam: 80%

Under new government, Christianity not considered as a minority religion

Increasing openness of Indonesians repealed by harsh extremisms & legalism

Vision: New Testament church planting movement established in Indonesia

Today 13 assemblies in Indonesia (Jakarta 1, West Java 1, East Java 8, & Central Java 3) with 14 elders & 12 church planters

Even though some think Indonesia is a barren field, there are many opportunities asking through the Lord of the harvest

Change daily conversation topics to the gospel by building bridges = good relationships

Mercy ministry targeting the poor (pre-evangelism), student sponsorship programs (129 students from elementary to high school), traditional medicine, fresh water aid (especially dry season), and youth & outreach camp

Thank all who support especially Jalan Imbi, Kajang & GLO.

“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”” – ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9:37-38‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Pray for Indonesia
Keep praying
Keep seeking
Keep praising
Keep hoping
Keep believing
God shows up in unexpected ways

Thanksgiving for the food by Teo Pek Bing, SNGH

Corporate Prayer
Thanksgiving for Korea
• Praise God for many missionaries sent out
• His goodness & faithfulness in protecting Korea

Pray for Korea
• NK open up & Gospel proclaimed
• Content for GNTV reaching lost
Prayer for Ephesus Message
• His right hand holds church leaders
• Encourage & rest in His mighty hand & seek His leading
Remember & nurture our first love for God, His people & His work

 

Session 4: The Church at Pergamos Impure Doctrine
Revelation 2:12-17

Pergamos = Pergamum = Twice married (at same time); Strange name; Tower + Married (Greek)
20 miles from sea & built on a hill
Messenger who carried these messages went in an arc upwards
Pergamos = Ancient capital of Asia Minor
Symbol = sword = granted authority to impose death penalty wo referring to Rome
Unofficial centre for pagan religion; Important for scientific & medical research; Hospital & manufacturer of medicinal ointments; Insignia = serpent of medical profession; Library 2nd only to Alexandria
Academic city rather than commercial but did manufacture ointments + parchments
Spiritually filled with idolatry, altars & temples; Centre for emperor worship & God of medicine
This letter is the only evidence there was an assembly in Pergamos

If the Lord today would write to all churches here today, would be interesting & instructive. Yet as is autonomous nothing we can do about the conditions that prevail there. Most important to us would be own church.

Lord instructed John to write like many times in Revelation

V12
Sharp sword = drawn; not in sheath/scabbard = Word of God = Rapid, swift, painful, impossible to escape (2 edges)
For this city there is no higher court of appeal
Suggestive of fact there is a higher authority than the city, council, Caesar – Jesus Himself
Suggestive God’s authority to examine & expel any wrong doing in the church
The Word of God is our final court of appeal
Everything to be examined on that basis alone
Anything non-scriptural must be removed
Assemblies must not change? No! Change is necessary but within the scope of God’s Word

V13 Starts off in normal way “I know thy works” – fully, completely, comprehensively
Where thou dwellest – Your works considered in connection to where you are
Abraham (Hebrew) = Passer through
Dwelling in the world, not just passing through
Where Satan’s seat is = in the city of the serpent & perhaps in temple of Asclepius (god of medicine) where serpents are worshipped presided by Satan
Satan was there first, & the assembly of God was placed there angering Satan to destroy the assembly
In other cities (eg Babylon) asked to flee but in Pergamos to hold fast showing determination & strength to be faithful
My name speaks of authority & holding fast not only to His Word but to His Name (2 edged & sharp challenge)
Has not denied MY faith = trust in His as the highest, ultimate & heavenly jurisdiction
Everything we have belongs to Him
I want you to remember those days when Antipas was a member of your assembly described by the Lord as my “faithful witness” which Jesus used to describe Himself
Slain = killed outright by Satan
Among you = killed at your side in your sight
Antipas was put inside a hollow brass bull which was heated to impassible temperatures suffocating & burnt to death
Jesus knows you were probably thinking “I’m next”
Jesus encourages, blesses & reminds them He once sat where they once sat being attacked by Satan, Jews & pagans
We must not marvel to find broken bones & blood near the lions’ den, like we find in Pergamos

V14-15
Few things against the church
Few = not indicative of number although there were 3
Assembly here had become divided into 3 sections
1. Still honoured the Lord’s name
2. Followed doctrine of Balaam
3. Followed the doctrine of Nicolaitans
Attacked not only outside but within
Balaam was called to curse Israel & almost killed if not saved by dumb ass
Balaam still continued to try to curse Israel for personal gain yet recognised that could not go against God
Balaam planned for beautiful Moabite women to stumble Israelites
Balaam & Balak succeeded by deceit
Suggested that it was ok for believers to mix in & have an attitude of worldliness
Worldliness = believers indulge in pleasures = accepting its manners = copying its habits = sharing its ambitions = submitting to its wisdom
“Let’s forget about separation & intertwine with the people” casting a stumbling block (trap) entangling the feet of the children of Israel
Today beware still the doctrine of Balaam & the need to disavow the world
Lest will become entangled in the foot & become useless
Fornication = spiritual and/or physical
Nicolaitans tolerated by assembly this evil = guilty!
Sin = feelings of guilt that debilitates the individual

V16 Was there any means of escape?
Repent!
Where there is repentance, there is possibility of recovery
I will come – the divine promise
Sword of the mouth – like angel w drawn sword in story of Balaam

V17 I will give him the hidden manna feeding the children in dark days
Manna spoke of the person of Jesus Christ
Only one that can save Pergamos is Jesus
Manna is described as small (humility), round (perfection), white (purity), (freshness), coriander (fragrance), fresh oil (authority), wafers mixed with honey (sweetness), colour of bdellium (preciousness)
White = livery of heaven (eg garments, robes, linen, throne)
Overcomers promised a new name (eg Abram to Abraham; Sarai to Sarah; Jacob to Israel; Saul of Tarsus to Paul), hidden manna, new direction & new relationship with God
Relates to Israel in the wilderness
Parable of the mustard seed

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” – ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Individuals need to be careful who one associates with, & likewise the church
No compromise with the state & Christianity
Road to recovery = Putting Jesus first
New things to be done & great things to be achieved
Thus let us take heed the advice to Pergamos

APAC 2016 Day 2 H1 Aug 18, 2016

Opening Prayer by Nakano Satoru San

Morning Devotional Message
By Ichikawa San

Slept well like a log in beautiful hotel
Great joy able to participate in this conference
Was teacher in Penang-Japan school for 3 years from 1984
Like to learn about prayer with all

1. The power of prayer can overcome impossibilities & brings miracles

“Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.” – ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21:21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

#Acts 12:3-17

#Acts 16:25-26

 

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – ‭‭James‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s pray eagerly

2. Taking time for prayer
How much do brothers & sisters pray every day?
Advice of 3 actions to bring up faith
1. Read the Bible every day
2. Pray every day
3. Participate in church every week

Myself spent time on routine but no enough time on prayer
I can learn from Daniel’s prayer

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. -‭‭Daniel‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As a result he was thrown into he pit of lions but saw God saving him in response to his prayer.

Learn that they took time for prayer every day. How about you? Do you take enough time for prayer?

My every day prayer requests
1. Pray each assembly member & non-believes come to assembly
2. Pray for current programs for our assemblies
3. Pray for 3 assemblies branched off from our assembly (Kamisoto) in these 40 years
4. Pray for the couple who are to be sent as holy missionary next April

We need to take some time to pray. Through my experience, I have learnt that God answers my prayers. If you take time to pray every day, you can receive blessings from God.

3. Praying for One Another
Back when before starting Penang-Japanese school sent airmail, expensive & 3 weeks to receive the answer
Dr Lim, elder of IGGC, picked us up from the hotel. I was very touched. We went to Burma Road Gospel Hall & were very welcomed by brothers & sisters kindness.

Today we can communicate & exchange info faster than before – sms, fb (2004), Twitter (2006), etc

Today, we can exchange prayer requests over the world today using these tools.
Let us pray for other Christian members from other nations.
I hope & pray that our network of prayer advances more.
Let us share with each other our prayer requests for his/her country.
Let us cover the whole Asia & whole world with prayer.
Let us use prayer which is the most powerful weapon as the prayer of a righteous person is powerful.

Welcome Address
By Wong San Tosh, Jalan Imbi Chapel

Great indeed is God’s faithfulness

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” – ‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

3 aspects of God’s faithfulness
1. He does not fails. He is righteous.
2. He does not faint. He continues to provide & renews our strength.
3. He does not forsake.

“… God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”” – ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Show brotherly love for one another following the footsteps of our Lord.
We are all one in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us rise up to face the challenges in assemblies & church around the world.
May He pour out His blessings on us as we meet on His Word.

KL Mixed Assemblies Conference Choir

Prayer of Dedication by Peter Ferry

Session 2: The Challenges of Heartless Formality

Revelation 2:1-7
Ephesus = To decline/let go/relax = Desirable & lovely; situated 40 miles from Patmos where John received this Revelation; 4 miles from coast & previously had harbour; fertile soils & fine climate; stunning architecture; ~400,000 population

Situated 40 miles from Patmos where John received this Revelation; 4 miles from coast & previously had harbour; fertile soils & fine climate; stunning architecture; ~400,000 population; Largest city but not capital, however considered as first & free city trusted by Rome thus self-governing

1st city, 1st love, 1st works
Putting the person of the Lord Jesus Christ 1st in everything

Location of temple of Diana, 1 of the 7 wonders of the ancient world
Great anger after apostles preached led to decline of selling of images
Largest theatre in Greek world & magnificent stadium where beasts & men fought
Great baths, well-known brothels, amazing library which rivalled Alexandrea in fame

Laboured for 3 years from autumn AD 82 to spring AD 85
Purpose to warn the leadership of the church of dangers to come
Enormous responsibility to ensure it did not happen/minimised
Received full epistle from the apostle Paul
Likely John’s gospel & epistles, and possibly Revelation, written in Ephesus

V1 Letter addressed to the angel of Ephesus
Angel = Referring to real angels (or not; avoid being dogmatic) OR a messenger sent to bring back letter to own church
Speaking of individual characteristics of the individual churches
To the leadership of the church in Ephesus
To write the letter & put in front of their eyes ensuring they read it
Church = People (more than a building)
Called out & called to (like Abram)
Called to a life of dependence & faith in God
That He should occupy the 1st place in any assembly
Jesus Christ is everything
Lord refers to Himself as He who holds the 7 stars in His hands
7 stars = leadership held in His right (stronger) hand (place of blessing & security)
Many fall prey to scheming of outsiders (ie Jews), faced wrongdoings & wrong messages from within
All of us need to pray every day for our church leaders, elders & teaches as they need even more protection & are exposed to attack
Walking = ceaseless activity
From time to time would exercise discipline
Sometimes in a gentle way, sometimes more severely (1 Cor)
Jesus is as both high priest & also assessor/judge of the assembly

V2 Commendation given by our Lord at every slightest opportunity
Commendation before condemnation
Labour was occurring & patience was evident
Likely that your knowledge of your own assembly is not complete
However Jesus knows completely & absolutely
When writes to the church in Thessalonica, Paul writes of works of faith & labours of love but to Ephesus only of labour & patience without mention of love
When love is missing, hope fails
Not only knows that but is absolutely aware they cannot put up with evil by testing
Also commended that doctrine if wrong, tested & rejected

V3 Born sustained all adversity
Laboured to the point of exhaustion

V4 Condemnation of the church
“Somewhat” omitted as not just something but a grave matter
Luke 15: Parable of Lost Sheep but the son left; Forsaken & abandoned by deliberate choice
Happened suddenly at a point of time in the hearts of the people of God hat they would leave their first love
Love = devotion to Christ
Not obvious to believers but totally clear to the Lord
First love in primacy & quality
Changes in our love deeply affect Him
Eyes were stills seeing; feet was still walking; but the heart of Ephesus was no longer beating

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” -‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

V5 Jesus corrects them & tells them that in many situations there is a way back
1. Remember what the Lord did for me
2. Repent which is necessary & do the first works that emanates from the first love (2 Chronicles 25)
3. Return to God

Behold coming quickly in judgment
Church displaced or members are dispersed until nothing left
Removal of a lamp stand – not a forced destruction

V6 Hold on firmly to with an aversion
Nicolaitans followers of Nicholas of Antioch? Greek from victory over the people? Beginning of separation of clergy from laity?

V7 Revival often begins in the heart & mind of one person
We need to be willing to hear
To the overcomer is promised the tree of life
A privilege for overcomer
Access to tree of life lost in the garden of Eden; regained in paradise – the enclosed garden of God

1. Works without love accomplish little but is not acceptable & profitable to God
2. Important that assemblies resist wrong doctrine
3. Let us as Assemblies of God return to Him & His first works

Apocalypse in Matthew 24:5 (false prophets)

“For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. – ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:5‬ ‭NIV

Challenges
First love: for the Lord, His Word & His people
First works: repentance & responsibility

 

Report by South Korea

• History of Korean Brethren Assemblies
• North Korea situation, persecution & outreach; Pray continue to seek the Lord & rely on Him in faith for the security of Souh Korea; Pray for Gospel proclaimed & reach through neighbouring countries
• Foreign mission work from South Korea

Korea outreach helped by K-pop & movie wave, brands, etc help with outreach

Prayers for Korea

1. Pray for more missionaries
2. Pray for an open door to NK
3. Pray for mission/training/publishing institutions
4. Pray for the furtherance of the Gospel & sound teaching of His word
5. Pray for maintaining good relationships with assemblies worldwide
6. Pray for wisdom of government leaders
7. Pray for reaching expats & foreign workers in Korea

GNTV.or.kr

Myung Soo Yoon, CEO of GNTV

Broadcast of Grace and Truth
Spreads the gospel globally as Lord commanded in Great Commandment

10th Asia Pacific Assembly Conference
Rising Up!
Overcoming 21st century challenges
Revelation 2-3
17-20 Aug, 2016 @ KL, Malaysia

Welcome Address
Khor Keat San, elder Jalan Imbi Chapel
Praise God for what He can do moving in the hearts of His people
400+ delegates
See where God is leading where we as God’s people build up & spur one another

Opening Prayer by Mr Ung

Introduction to speaker Roy Hill
Previous Editor of Precious Seed
Earlier in Singapore before heading to Penang & then KL and Klang
Godly humble servant of God

Session 1 – Introduction
Thank you for inviting & for introduction

#Revelation 1

Writer is clearly John the apostle
Last remaining apostle from the 12 original apostles
As old man, opportunity to share God’s Word to His people
Written in mid 80s-90s AD in Patmos or Ephesus
WHERE not important. WHY is important.
4 purposes

1. Prophetical: describing events in the future
2. Pastoral: contains messages of challenges & comfort for churches & individuals
3. Theological: completes & clarifies many OT prophecies
4. Practical: describes existing conditions for churches; Personal for individuals

Main theme: one must be born again (from above)

How do you know & are sure you are born again?

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

How should I come & overcome?

Revelation divided into 3 sections

1. Things seen (Ch 1)
2. Things that are (Ch 2-3)
3. Things that will be (Ch 4-22)

Revelation = Unveiling of the person of Jesus Christ; Taking away the veil that men may see Him in all His glory

V1 “which God gave unto Him”
God gave to Son, gave to angels & then gave to John
Not John’s words but God’s!

V4 John officially greets the 7 churches
Why these 7 churches?
Under divine inspiration, these 7 churches bring a particular message to us representative of all 14 churches
Brings a history of the church through the past centuries from the end of the apostolic age until today
7 stars, 7 lamp stands = mystery previously unexplained now explained representing something bigger
Greetings not only from himself but from God the father & Jesus
John’s feet on earth but heart, soul & mind in heaven

V10 Lord’s Day, Not day of the Lord; Not 1st day of the week; Emperor’s day, the darkest day of the year for believers, Revelation given through John giving hope

V12 7 golden lamp sticks = lamp stands
Beaten out of a single piece of gold; unity
Not one single lamp stand but 7 distinct lamp stands (autonomous)
To God, you are His golden creation to throw light & shine the light of Jesus Christ for the world to see

V16 7 stars = 7 angels of the 7 churches
Who are the angels?
Actually 7 angels? 7 messengers? Leadership of each of the 7 churches?

V1 Not John’s words but God’s!
If God were to write a letter to your assembly, what would it say?
God has given us His 66 books especially 22 in NT

V2 “who bear record of the Word of God”
Everything that John saw
Often instructed to do so
Complete & whole – we need to take heed of all the words

V3 “blessed is he who readeth”
Beatitude
Challenge to KEEP the word

V4 John introduces himself simply as John
Sending grace & peace to believers in this most difficult time under Roman rule in the midst of a tumultuous world
Only with that blessing can solve one’s problems

Which was, is & is to come
During changing times spoken as person who IS (ever living, ever present & I AM)
He is alive today!

Only one Holy Spirit with 7-fold ministry; perfect & complete like the other members of the Godhead

V5 Jesus Christ, perfect Messiah, perfect faithful witness – none like Him
Faithful in past, present & future
Faithful unto death
Ruler of kingdoms of the earth
In a fearful period of powerful of Roman emperor who claimed to be God

Doxology song of praise
His work loses us from sins

V6 Made us = creative act
“For ever & ever” occurs 12x in Revelation
“Amen” = let it be occurs 10x in Revelation

V7 people who needed Him to come quickly
“Clouds” = literal occurs 7x in Revelation

Coming down & every eye will see Him
How? Technology
“Pierced Him” in reference to the nation of Israel (not Romans)

V8 Alpha & Omega; beginning, end & everything in between
The almighty

V9 Island called Patmos not because of unfaithfulness but the Word of God & testimony of Jesus Christ
“Being in the spirit” 4x in Revelation
A great throne, a great mystery, a great city
I heard, I turned, I saw, I fell
Shows that John was in all his faculties
Including hearing what God is saying

V11 not just to write but to thrust it to the eyes of the 7 churches
7 things pointed out on Jesus

“And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.” -‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:13-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The 7 churches can be linked up with other parts of the Bible, church history & even the shipwreck in Acts
Analysis & comparisons good BUT not to miss the message
Not only for John’s day & generation but our day & generation