The book of Revelation has always been one that caused more than a little confusion and angst in the hearts and minds of many Christians. Over the past six months I have spent much time researching the first three chapters of Revelation. The first chapter offers a look at Jesus, the Ruling and Reigning Messiah, who will return to earth one day to set up His earthly Kingdom. In chapters two and three, Jesus offers a message to the church as a whole as He speaks specifically to seven separate churches that existed in the day in which John wrote The Revelation.
Ephesus. Philadelphia. Smyrna. Thyatira. Sardis. Pergamum. Laodicea—–The seven churches of The Revelation.
You may have read about these churches in your Bible, but do you know the ‘back stories’ behind each of them? They are not obscure congregations chosen at random by Jesus. Each of these churches has a crucial message for the church of 2013—messages each of us would be wise to heed. A key factor in understanding the messages of Christ to the seven churches is knowing the historical setting and societal mores of the day in which the book was written. Once you understand these concepts, grasping Christ’s messages to the churches becomes far easier.
Beginning Monday, July 8th, I will be leading a study group through Revelation chapters 1 through 3. The study will be called Vital Signs: Lessons from the Seven Churches of the Revelation. We will meet on Monday evenings from 6:30pm until 8pm in Building H at First Baptist Church in Blairsville. The study will last 4 weeks and will be a lecture/discussion group format. There will be a small amount of required reading from the Bible. Cost to participate is $5 which covers materials. Women, men and teens are invited to attend. No childcare will be offered.
I would love for you to join us and I encourage you to sign up now. I am convinced that what you learn in this class will impact your heart and faith in huge ways. I hope you will join us.
If you would like to register for this class or if you have questions, please email me at [email protected] or call me at 706-835-7084. Registration deadline is July 3rd.
