Standard Jet DBnb` Ugr@?~1y0̝cßFNbc7ܜ"(.` {6߱lC+73y[v-|*|`ˮ"f_Љ$g'DeFx -bT4.0dv Y S  Y   Y Y  Y Y  Y  Y  Y   Y u Y o Y n Y z Y 2lY  Y  z Y  pY ConnectDatabaseDateCreateDateUpdate FlagsForeignNameIdLvLvExtraLvModule LvPropName OwnerParentIdRmtInfoLongRmtInfoShortTypenitlltlttlYYIdParentIdName        OYS Y Y Y  Y 2ACMFInheritableObjectIdSID YObjectId Y@DXDSY  Y JY Y  Y t Y rY  Y  AttributeExpressionFlagLvExtra Name1 Name2ObjectId OrderX#3D# 1#Y"ObjectIdAttribute -YSY Y Y  Y @ Y t Y l Y l Y tccolumn grbiticolumnszColumnszObject$szReferencedColumn$szReferencedObjectszRelationshipltltl tlltltl tlltltl tlYYYszObject$szReferencedObjectszRelationshipYv1b N  : k & W  C t/ @@X  @@OJmJLJkQkiQ^JmYdbkWYfkmJL^Qk`kvkJMQk`kvkdL[QMmk`kvkhoQiYQk`kvkiQ^JmYdbkWYfkmdfYMbdmQk`kvkOL  @~  @ @           d k f  UkV@UkV@Topic NotesbD@DDD88888886 @UkV@UkV@MSysRelationshipscFDDDDDDDDDDB UkV@UkV@MSysQueriescF88888888886 UkV@UkV@MSysACEscF22222222220 UkV@UkV@MSysObjectscF88888888886 UkV@UkV@MSysDbbD.........., UkV@UkV@RelationshipscF<<<<<<<<<<: UkV@UkV@DatabasescF44444444442 UkV@UkV@TablescF.........., jY!NY Y d YfID TitleComments    YYIDPrimaryKeyHv1b0?0LVAL#S {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\qc\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 IMPORTANCE OF THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM \par \b0\fs24 Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21 \par \pard\sb100\sa100\b I. It Was a Day of "The End of the Age" \b0\par \cf1\ul Mat_24:3\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_9:26\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_10:11\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Pe_4:7\cf0\ulnone \par A. The End of Civil Judiasm \par 1. The Cross ended the Law. \cf1\ul Col_2:14\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Eph_2:15-16\par \cf0\ulnone 2. The Nation of Israel had contined to exist. \par 3. A.D. 70 brought an end to civil Judiasm. \cf1\ul Mat_1:1\cf0\ulnone \par B. The End of the Physical Temple (A.D. 70) \cf1\ul Mat_1:1\cf0\ulnone \par C. The End of the Physical Priesthood of Levites. (\cf1\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_5:10\cf0\ulnone ) \par D. The End of the Jews as the Seed (kingdom) of Abraham \cf1\ul Rom_9:6-7\par \cf0\ulnone E. The End of the Sonship of Jews \par \b II. It Was a Day of Witness __ \cf1\ul\b0 Mat_24:14\cf0\ulnone\b \par \b0 A. It Bore Witness that Christians are God's Israel today. \par \cf1\ul Rom_2:28-29\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_4:12-14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_9:4-8\par \cf0\ulnone B. It Bore Witness to the Church as the Spiritual Temple of God \par \cf1\ul 1Co_3:16-17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_3:15\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Pe_2:5\cf0\ulnone \par C. It Bore Witness to Christians as a Nation of Priests Today. -- \cf1\ul 1Pe_2:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_1:6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_5:10\cf0\ulnone \par D. It Bore Witness As to Who is the Seed of Abraham Today -- \cf1\ul Rom_4:12-14\cf0\ulnone \par E. It Bore Witness as to Who are the Sons of God Today. -- \cf1\ul 1Jo_3:1\cf0\ulnone \cf1\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone \par F. It Bore Witness to Jesus as the Great Prophet of Whom Moses Spoke. \par \cf1\ulLVAL Deu_18:15\cf0\ulnone f. \cf1\ul Act_3:22-24\cf0\ulnone (\cf1\ul Joh_4:20-21\cf0\ulnone ) \par G. It Bore Witness to the N.T. Prophets as His Messengers. \par \cf1\ul Heb_9:26\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Pe_4:7\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jo_2:18\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_4:9\cf0\ulnone \par H. It Bore Witness to the NT Scriptures as the Revealed Word of God \par \cf1\ul Mat_24:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mar_13:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_21:1\cf0\ulnone \par I. It Bore Witness to all the Christian Martyres as His Servants. \par \cf1\ul Act_6:12-14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_7:58-60\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_2:13\cf0\ulnone \par J. It Bore Witness to the Fact that Jesus was Not in a Grave somewhere, \par But that He was Indeed Resurrected and Sitting at the Right of God. \cf1\ul Mat_24:30\cf0\ulnone \par \b III. It Was A Day of Vengenance \par \b0 A. \cf1\ul Mat_23:33-46\cf2\ulnone \cf0 Foretold by the parable of the wicked husbandmen. \par B. \cf1\ul Mat_23:34\cf0\ulnone Jerusalem would be held responsible for the blood of all \par the righteous prophets they had killed. (\cf1\ul Luk_11:49-50)\cf0\ulnone \par 1. \cf1\ul Luk_18:7-8\cf0\ulnone God will avenge his elect which cry out to him day and night. (See \cf1\ul Rev_6:10\cf0\ulnone ). \par 2. \cf1\ul Luk_21:20-22\cf0\ulnone In speaking of Jerusalem's destruction the Lord said, "For these be \par the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled." \par 3. In speaking of God's Judgment against the Harlot Babylon we read \cf1\ul Rev_18:20\cf0\ulnone "Rejoice over her, thou heaven and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her." \cf1\ul Rev_18:24\cf0\ulnone "And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints." \par (See \cf1\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone ) \cf1\ul Luk_11:42-51\par \cf0\ulnone C. His Vengenance on the Persecutors (\cf1\ul Rev_6:9-11\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_18:20\cf0\ulnone\par E. His Assurance of final vengenance on all others. \cf1\ul Luk_21:22\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_1:1\c LVAL f0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_13:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_16:20\cf0\ulnone \par F. His assurance of Deliverance to all the faithful. \par 1. \cf1\ul Mat_24:15-20\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mar_13:14-20\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_21:20-21\cf0\ulnone \par 2. Eusebuius tells how the Christians, heeding the prophecy of Jesus, fled Jerusalem for Pella beyond the Jordan before its fall. \par \b IV. It Was a Day of Assurance of Final Victory to all the Faithful.\b0 \par (The theme of the entire book of Revelation.) \par \b V. It Was A Day That Made Obvious the Cornoration of Jesus. \cf1\ul\b0 Mat_24:30\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\cf2\f1\fs23\par } JI % @  ] f m " ;$99 Practical Themes For Us From Revelation@h\07 7 Churches- 6- Philadelphiav[y#S NB07 7 Churches- 7- Laodiceadr#S F:07 7 Churches- 1- EphesusOl#S D807 7 Churches- 2- SmyrnaLg#S B607 7 Churches- 4- Thyatira]a#S F:07 7 Churches- 5- SardisW#S B607 7 Churches- 3- PergamoswO#S F:60 Notes on Revelation 20lCJ#S D801 An Introduction to Revelation IEV 'TH81 Nero's PersecutiondC#S <085 Jewish Wars Outlined - Josephus{;#S VJ45 Identification of Symbols @:J>25 The Great Tribulation - Shafff+#S RF40 Figuratiave Languagev#(#S @435 Rev & Jerusalem.d 6* 25 Date - A Key Verse @%<0 02 Four Things To Remember@$F: 20 Some "Comings" of Christ"#S H< 30 The End - "Last Days" "Last Day"b #S XL 31 The End Times#S 2&03 Rev Outline#S ."04 Time Element - "Shortly"#S H<Christian Duty to His Country @L@Religious Freedom @4(Gays (Homosexuals, Sodomites) and Lesbians#S fZ20 Comings of Christ#S :.36 Jerusalem - Importance of Its Destruction$#S j^LVAL#S {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb100\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 Some Various Comings of Christ\b0\par \cf1\b *1 Emmanuel\b0 ,\cf0 \cf2\ul Mat_1:23\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_1:14\cf0\ulnone ;\cf2\ul Joh_6:38\cf0\ulnone ;\cf2\ul Gal_4:4\cf0\ulnone \par This was the coming of the Lord in the flesh, his birth at Bethlehem. \par \cf3\b 2 Pentecost,\cf0 \b0 \cf2\ul Mat_16:28\cf0\ulnone (\cf2\ul Mar_9:1\cf0\ulnone ) \cf2\ul Mar_14:62\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_26:64\cf0\ulnone \par In some significant way it could be said that Christ also came on Pentecost representatively when he sent his promise of the Holy Spirit. \par \cf3\b 3 To Paul\b0 \cf0 at His Conversion __ \cf2\ul Act_26:16\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Act_22:7-9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Co_15:8\cf0\ulnone \par The Lord came to Paul so he could see him alive after his crucifixion and thus qualify him to be an apostle.\par \cf3\b 4 In Visions\cf0\b0 -- At Jerusalem, \cf2\ul Act_22:17-18\cf0\ulnone (after conversion); \par At Corinth, \cf2\ul Act_18:9\cf0\ulnone ; again at Jerusalem, \cf2\ul Act_23:11\cf0\ulnone \par \cf3\b 5 AD 70\cf0\b0 , His coming in judgment upon the Jews for their rejection. \par \cf2\ul Mat_24:27\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_24:30\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_24:44\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_24:39\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Mar_13:26-30\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Luk_21:20-27\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Heb_10:37\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Jam_5:8\cf0\ulnone \par This brought an end to their nation, the temple, the physical priesthood coming from Levi, the end of animal sacrifices, etc. \par \cf1\b *6 The Resurrection Day\cf0\b0 (His Second Coming, -- Cf. Last Day) \par \cf2\ul 1Th_4:13 ff\cf0\ulnone - \cf2\ul 1Th_5:11\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Co_15:23-24\cf0\ulnone ff; \cf2\ul Joh_14:1-3\cf0\ulnone ; \par \pard\li360 LVAL \ri360\sb100\sa100\cf2\ul Joh_5:28\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_11:24\cf0\ulnone \cf2\ul Joh_6:39\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_6:40\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_6:44\cf0\ulnone ; \par \cf2\ul Joh_11:24\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_12:48\cf0\ulnone ; \par \pard\sb100\sa100 * We usually speak of these two as his "first" and "second" coming. \par \pard\cf4\f1\fs23\par } LVAL#S {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs23 GAYS (Homosexuals, Sodomites) and Lesbians \b0\par \par Note these verses:\par \par \cf2\ul Gen_6:11 \cf1\ulnone --Before the flood\ul\par \cf2 Gen_13:13\cf1\ulnone -- Sodom exceedingly wicked\par \cf2\ul\par Gen_15:16\cf1\ulnone --Iniquity of the Amorites\cf2\ul\par \par Gen_19:5\cf1\ulnone -- Lot and Sodom\cf2\ul\par \par Lev_18:22\cf1\ulnone -- Mosaic Law\cf2\ul\par \par Lev_20:13\cf1\ulnone -- Mosaic Law\par \cf2\ul Lev_18:27-29\cf1\ulnone -- Defiles the nation\cf2\ul\par \par Deu_8:5 \cf1\ulnone -- God disciplines nations\cf2\ul\par Deu_23:17\cf1\ulnone -- Moses' Teaching\par \cf2\ul\par Jdg_19:22\cf1\ulnone -- In time of Judges\cf2\ul\par \par 1Ki_14:24 \ulnone --\cf1 Abomination of the Nations\cf2\ul\par \par 1Ki_15:12\cf1\ulnone -- Sodomites took away out of the land\cf2\ul\par \par 1Ki_21:26\cf1\ulnone -- Vileness of the Amorites\cf2\ul\par \par 1Ki_22:46\cf1\ulnone -- Sodomites tooken out of the Land\par \cf2\ul\par 2Ki_23:7\cf1\ulnone -- House of the Sodomites broken down\cf2\ul\par \par Isa_3:9\cf1\ulnone --Sins declared as Sodom\par \par \cf2\ul Jer_6:15\cf1\ulnone -- Abominations- not ashamed - didn't blush\cf2\ul\par \par \par Rom_1:23\cf1\ulnone -- New Testament Teaching\cf2\ul\par \par 1Co_6:9\cf1\ulnone -- Will not Inherit the Kingdom of God\cf2\ul\par \par 1Ti_1:10 \cf1\ulnone -- Whoremongers - Contrary to Sound Doctrine\cf2\ul\par \par 2Pe_2:6\cf1\ulnone -- Sodom and Gomorrah an Example\cf2\ul\par \par 2Pe_2:8\cf1\ulnone -- Lot Vexed by Lawless Deeds he Saw\cf2\ul\par \par 2Pe_2:10\cf1\ulnone -- Following a Corrupt Desire\cf2\ul\par \par Jud_1:7\cf1\ulnone -- Sodom and Gomorrah an Example\cf2\ul\par \par Rev_22:15\cf1\ulnone -- Dogs (unclean, filthy, in the OT they were male prostitutes) Outside LVALHeavenly City\cf2\ul\par \par \cf1\ulnone Sodomy can be forgiven, Sinners can change:\par \cf2\ul 1Co_6:9\cf1\ulnone\par \cf2\ul 1Co_6:11\cf1\ulnone "Such were some of you..."\cf2\ul\par 1Jo_1:7\par \par 1Th_5:22-23\cf1\ulnone\par } ZLVALj{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 Religious Liberty in the USA\b0\fs23\par \par \cf2\ul Mat_22:21\cf1\ulnone -- Render to Caesar His Due\par \cf2\ul Mar_12:17\cf1\ulnone\par \cf2\ul Luk_20:25\cf1\ulnone\par \par \cf2\ul Act_5:29\cf1\ulnone Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.\par \cf2\ul Act_4:19\cf1\ulnone -- \par \par \par \cf2\ul Rom_13:1-7\cf1\ulnone -- Government Authority\par \par \cf2\ul Ezr_7:24\cf1\ulnone -- Tradition of exempting Religious Institutions from Public Taxes\par -- \par \cf2\ul Exo_20:1-6\cf1\ulnone -- Have no other gods before me\par \cf2\ul Deu_4:39\cf1\ulnone --\par \cf2\ul Deu_10:17\cf1\ulnone -- God of gods\par \cf2\ul 2Sa_7:22\cf1\ulnone -- None like God\par \cf2\ul Jer_10:10\cf1\ulnone -- True and Living God\par \par \cf2\ul Mat_23:8-10\cf1\ulnone -- Christ our Master\par \cf2\ul Col_2:6-8\cf1\ulnone -- God's laws not abrided by man\par \par \cf2\ul Exo_19:5\cf1\ulnone -- All earth's is God's\par \cf2\ul Deu_14:10\cf1\ulnone -- \par \par \cf2\ul Col_1:16\cf1\ulnone -- All things created by and for Him\par \cf2\ul Jer_27:5\cf1\ulnone -- God gives to those He chooses\par \par \cf2\ul Joh_15:19\cf1\ulnone -- The world will hate us.\par \par } 8LVALH{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 The Christian's Duty to His Nation\par \fs22\par \cf2\ul\b0\f1 1Ti_2:1-2 \ulnone \cf1 Pray for the king, and all in authority.\par \par \cf2\ul Rom_13:1\cf1\ulnone ff. vs. 1-7 Be in subjection to government.\par \par \tab\cf2\ul Act_4:19\cf1\ulnone More important to listen to God\par \par \tab\cf2\ul Act_5:29\cf1\ulnone We ought to obey God rather than men.\par \par \par \cf2\ul Mar_12:17\cf1\ulnone To render to Caesar (pay our taxes)\par \par \cf2\ul Rom_13:1\cf1\ulnone Remember that governments are appointed by God\par \tab\cf2\ul Joh_19:11\cf1\ulnone God grants governments their power\par \cf2\ul Rom_13:2\cf1\ulnone Not to be a rebel to overthrow\par \cf2\ul Rom_13:3\cf1\ulnone Governments must support good\par \cf2\ul Rom_13:4\cf1\ulnone Governments are God's servants\par \tab\tab They are God's ministers of vengance\par \cf2\ul Rom_14:5\cf1\ulnone We are to be in subjection for two reasons.\par \cf2\ul Rom_13:6\cf1\ulnone We are to pay our taxes\par \cf2\ul Rom_13:7\cf1\ulnone Render them their due, respect and honor \par \f0\fs23\par \par \b The Nation's Responsibility\b0\par \cf2\ul Rom_13:3\cf1\ulnone Support good, punish the evil\par \cf2\ul Rom_13:4\cf1\ulnone Execute justice upon the evil\par \par \par \b What God Says About Nations\par \cf2\ul\b0 Pro_14:34\cf1\ulnone Nations obliged to do right.\par \cf2\ul 2Ch_7:14\cf1\ulnone Nations to turn from wicked ways\par \b\par \par \par \par \b0\par } LVAL#S {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset161{\*\fname Times New Roman;}Times New Roman Greek;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Helvenica;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 The Time Element--\b0\par \pard\tx0\tx307\tx614\tx921\tx1228\tx1536\tx1843\tx2150\tx2457\tx2764\tx3072\par "Things which must \ul shortly\ulnone come to pass." \cf1\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_22:6\par \cf0\ulnone The phrase \'a6\f1\'ed\f0 \f1\'f4\'dc\'f7\f0 g\f1\'e9\f0 (en tachei) occurs eight times in the N.T.\par Note the following occurances of the Greek work for "shortly"\par \par \pard\fi-1948\li1948\tx0\tx307\tx614\tx921\tx1228\tx1536\tx1843\tx2150\tx2457\tx2764\tx3072\cf1\ul Act_12:7\cf0\ulnone\tab "And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up \i quickly\i0 . And his chains fell off from [his] hands."\par \par \cf1\ul Act_22:18\cf0\ulnone \tab "And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee \i quickly\i0 out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me."\par \cf1\ul\par Act_25:4\cf0\ulnone\b \b0 \tab "But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart \i shortly\i0 thither."\par \pard\fi-2256\li2256\tx0\tx307\tx614\tx921\tx1228\tx1536\tx1843\tx2150\tx2457\tx2764\tx3072\cf1\ul\par Rom_16:20\cf0\ulnone\tab "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet \i shortly\i0 . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen."\par \pard\fi-2563\li2563\tx0\tx307\tx614\tx921\tx1228\tx1536\tx1843\tx2150\tx2457\tx2764\tx3072\b\par \cf1\ul\b0 1Co_4:19\cf0\ulnone\tab "But I will come to you \i shortly\i0 , if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power."\par \b\par \cf1\ul\b0 Phi_2:19\cf0\ulnone \tab PLVAL`"But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus \i shortly\i0 unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state."\par \b\par \cf1\ul\b0 Phi_2:24\cf0\ulnone \tab "But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come \i shortly\i0 ."\par \pard\fi-2256\li2256\tx0\tx307\tx614\tx921\tx1228\tx1536\tx1843\tx2150\tx2457\tx2764\tx3072\b\par \cf1\ul\b0 2Ti_4:9\cf0\ulnone \tab "Do thy diligence to come \i shortly\i0 unto me:"\par \b\par \cf1\ul\b0 1Ti_3:14\cf0\ulnone \tab "These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee \i shortly\i0 :"\par \b\par \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone \tab "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must \i shortly\i0 come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John:"\par \pard\fi-2563\li2563\tx0\tx307\tx614\tx921\tx1228\tx1536\tx1843\tx2150\tx2457\tx2764\tx3072\b\par \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_22:6\cf0\ulnone \tab "And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must \i shortly\i0 be done."\par \pard\tx0\tx307\tx614\tx921\tx1228\tx1536\tx1843\tx2150\tx2457\tx2764\tx3072\par The noun is translated: \i shortly, speedily, quickly,\i0\par The adverb is translated: \i briefly, speedily, shortly, soon\i0 \par \tab (Nothing about the word permits an interval of thousands of years!!!)\f2\fs20\par \pard\cf2\f3\fs23\par } LVAL#S {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Helvenica;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\lang1033\ul\b\f0\fs24 Revelation Notes\ulnone\b0\fs20\par \pard\par \cf1\b Four Key Facts\tab\tab Seven Churches of Asia\cf0\b0\par \par \pard\tx0\tx356\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191 1.\tab It is a Revelation\tab E-S-P-T-S-P-L\par 2.\tab In Signs\tab 1.\tab Ephesus--Loyal but Lacking (ch. 2)\par 3.\tab To Seven Church of Asia\tab 2.\tab Smyrna--Suffering Saints\par 4.\tab To Shortly Come to Pass\tab 3.\tab Pergamos--Hell's Headquarters\par \tab (1:1, 1:13, 22:6, 22:10)\tab 4.\tab Thyatira--Last More than First\par \tab\tab 5.\tab Sardis--Dead or Alive (ch. 3)\par \tab\cf1\b Chapter Headings\cf0\b0\tab 6.\tab Philadephia--Church with Open Door\par \tab\tab 7.\tab Laodicea--Church with Closed Door\par 1.\tab Introduction -\par \tab Vision of the Son of Man\par 2.\tab Seven Churches E-S-P-T\tab\tab\tab\tab\cf1\b Seven Seals (ch. 6)\b0\par \cf0 3.\tab In Asia S-P-L\par 4.\tab The Eternal Throne\tab\tab\tab 1.\tab White Horse\par 5.\tab The Slain Lamb & Book\tab\tab\tab 2.\tab Red Horse\par 6.\tab Six Seals Opened\tab\tab\tab 3.\tab Black Horse\par 7.\tab Who Shall Be Able To Stand\tab\tab\tab 4.\tab Pales Horse\par 8.\tab 7th Seal & Four Trumpets\tab\tab\tab 5.\tab Souls Under the Altar\par 9.\tab 5th and 6th Trumpets\tab\tab\tab 6.\tab Great Earthquake\par 10.\tab Mighty Angel with Little Book\tab\tab\tab 7.\tab Silence 30 min. (ch. 8)\par 11.\tab Temple Measured; 2 Witnesses\par 12.\tab Woman on the Moon\par 13.\tab Sea & Land Beasts (Beast & False Prophet)\par 14.\tab 144,000\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\cf1\b Seven Trumpets\b0\par \cf0 15.\tab Song of Moses\par 16.\tab Seven Vials of Wrath\tab\tab\tab 1.\tab Judgment - Land (ch. 8)\par 17.\tab The Harlot Babylon\tab\tab\tab 2.\tab Judgment - Sea\par 18.\tab God's Judgment Against Babyl8LVALHon\tab\tab 3.\tab Judgment - Waters\par 19.\tab Hallelujah Chorus; Judgment\tab\tab\tab 4.\tab Judgment - Heavenly Bodies\par \tab Against Two Beasts\tab\tab\tab 5.\tab Bottomless Pit (ch. 9)\par 20.\tab Judgment Against the Dragon\tab\tab\tab 6.\tab River Euphrates\par 21-22. The New Jerusalem\tab\tab\tab 7.\tab Heavenly Activities (ch. 11)\par \tab\tab\par \tab\cf1\b Four Enemies of the Saints\tab\cf0\tab\tab\tab\cf1 Seven Bowls of Wrath (ch. 1\cf0 6)\b0\par \tab\tab\par \ul Intro.\ulnone \ul Name\ulnone \ul Judged\ulnone\tab\tab\tab 1.\tab Poured out on Earth\par \pard\tx0\tx356\tx2367\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191 ch. 12 Dragon \tab ch. 20\tab\tab\tab 2.\tab Poured out on Sea\par ch. 13 Beast \tab ch. 19\tab\tab\tab 3.\tab Poured out on Rivers & Waters\par ch. 1 False Prophet \tab ch. 19\tab\tab\tab 4.\tab Poured out on Sun\par ch. 17 Harlot \tab ch. 18\tab\tab\tab 5.\tab Seat of the Beast\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab 6.\tab River Euphrates\par \pard\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab 7. Into Air -- "It is Done"\par \cf2\f1\fs23\par } LVAL#S {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Helvenica;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\lang1033\ul\b\f0\fs24 The End -- The End Times\ulnone\b0\fs20\par \pard\tx0\tx356\tx978\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\b\par \pard\fi-1698\li1698\tx0\tx356\tx978\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\cf1\ul\b0\f1\fs24 Heb_9:26\cf0\ulnone\tab "...but now once in the end of the world (age) hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."\par \pard\fi-2142\li2142\tx0\tx356\tx978\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\cf1\ul\par 1Co_10:11\cf0\ulnone\tab "...and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."\par \pard\fi-1698\li1698\tx0\tx356\tx978\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\b\par \cf1\ul\b0 1Pe_4:7\cf0\ulnone\tab "But the end of all things is at hand."\par \b\par \cf1\ul\b0 Mat_24:3\cf0\ulnone\tab "...and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and the end of the world (age)."\par \b\par \cf1\ul\b0 Mat_24:6\cf0\ulnone\tab "...Hear of wars and rumors...; but the end is not yet."\par \pard\tx0\tx356\tx978\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\tab\tab (Mark 13:7, Luke 21:9, "but the end is not immediately"\par \b\par (\cf1\ul\b0 Mat_24:13\cf0\ulnone\b )\b0\par \pard\fi-1785\li1785\tx0\tx356\tx978\tx1065\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\b\par \cf1\ul\b0 Mat_24:14\cf0\ulnone\tab "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come." (see Col 1:6; 23)\par \b\par \cf1\ul\b0 Mat_24:33\tab\cf0\ulnone "So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it\par \pard (the end, v. 14) is near, even at the doors." (\cf1\ul Rom_13:11\cf0\ulnone )\cf2\f2\fs23\par } LVAL#S !{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Helvenica;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\lang1033\ul\b\f0\fs28 The Last Days -- The Last Time\ulnone\b0\fs20\par \pard\par \pard\fi-2142\li2142\tx0\tx356\tx889\tx978\tx1066\tx1154\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\cf1\ul\f1\fs24 Act_2:16-17\cf0\ulnone\tab "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of by spirit..."\par \pard\fi-1698\li1698\tx0\tx356\tx889\tx978\tx1066\tx1154\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\b\par \cf1\ul\b0 Heb_1:2\cf0\ulnone\tab\tab "God...Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son..."\par \pard\fi-1874\li1874\tx0\tx356\tx889\tx978\tx1066\tx1154\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\b\par \cf1\ul\b0 1Jo_2:18\cf0\ulnone\tab "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time."\par \pard\fi-1698\li1698\tx0\tx356\tx889\tx978\tx1066\tx1154\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\b\par \cf1\ul\b0 1Co_4:9\cf0\ulnone\tab (We think of the apostles being first in the Christian age, but as prophets of the end of fleshly Israel's dispensation they were last.)\par \pard\tx0\tx356\tx889\tx978\tx1066\tx1154\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\b\par \cf1\ul\b0 Act_3:24\cf0\ulnone "Yea, and all the prophets...foretold of these days."\par \par - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - \par \par \pard\qc\tx0\tx356\tx889\tx978\tx1066\tx1154\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\ul\b\fs28 The Last Day --\ulnone\b0\fs24\par \pard\tx0\tx356\tx889\tx978\tx1066\tx1154\tx1422\tx2966\tx3337\tx3708\tx4078\tx4449\tx4820\tx5191\par \cf1\ul Joh_6:39\r LVAL cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_6:40\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_6:44\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_6:54\cf0\ulnone ; \par \par \cf1\ul Joh_11:24\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_12:48 \cf0\ulnone (\cf1\ul Joh_5:28-29\cf0\ulnone ) This is the Second Coming, the day of the Resurrection, and final judgment. \par See also \par \pard\cf1\ul 1Th_4:13-18\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_15:23-24\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_14:3\par \cf0\ulnone\par \cf2\f2\fs23\par } LVAL#S #{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Helvenica;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\f0\fs23\par \pard\qc\cf0\ul\b\f1\fs28 Some Various Comings of Christ\ulnone\b0\fs20\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1609\li1609\tx720\tx1440\b\fs24 *1\b0\tab Emmanuel, \cf2\ul Mat_1:23\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_1:14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_6:38\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Gal_4:4\par \cf0\ulnone\tab\tab This was the coming of the Lord in the flesh, his birth at Bethlehem.\par \par \pard\fi-1076\li1076\tx720 2\tab Pentecost, \cf2\ul Mat_26:64\ulnone (\cf1 see context and parallel verses ) \cf0 ; \cf2\ul Mar_14:62\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_16:28\cf0\ulnone (\cf2\ul Mar_9:1\cf0\ulnone )\par \pard\fi-1609\li1609\tx720\tx1440\tab\tab In some significant way it could be said that Christ also came on Pentecost representatively when he sent his promise of the Holy Spirit.\par \pard\fi-1076\li1076\tx720\par \pard\fi-1609\li1609\tx720\tx1440 3\tab To Paul at His Conversion -- \cf2\ul Act_26:16\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Act_22:7-9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Co_15:8\par \cf0\ulnone\tab\tab The Lord came to Paul so he could see him alive after his crucifixion and thus qualify him to be an apostle.\par \pard\fi-1076\li1076\tx720\par 4\tab In Visions -- At Jerusalem, \cf2\ul Act_22:17-18\cf0\ulnone (after conversion); At Corinth, \cf2\ul Act_18:9\cf0\ulnone ; again at Jerusalem, \cf2\ul Act_23:11\par \cf0\ulnone\par 5\tab AD 70, His coming in judgment upon the Jews for their rejection. \cf2\ul Mat_24:27\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_24:30\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_24:44\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_24:39\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Mar_13:26-30\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Luk_21:20-27\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Heb_10:37\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Jam_5:8\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\fi-1609\li1609\tx720\tx1440\tab\tab This brought an end to their nation, the temple, the physical priesthood coming from Levi, the end of animal sa LVAL crifices, etc.\par \pard\fi-1076\li1076\tx720\par \b *6\b0\tab The Resurrection Day (His Second Coming, - Cf. Last Day) \cf2\ul 1Th_4:13-18\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Th_5:1-11\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Co_15:23-24\cf0\ulnone ff; \cf2\ul Joh_14:1-3\cf0\ulnone\par \pard\par *(We speak of \b #1\b0 as His First Coming and \b #6\b0 as His Second Coming.)\par \cf1\f0\fs23\par } LVAL&{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Helvenica;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs23\par \cf0\ul\f1\fs28 Four Things to Remember About Revelation\ulnone\b0\fs20\par \par \f2\fs24 1.\tab It is a \cf2\b Revelation \cf0\b0 -- \cf3\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone\par \par 2.\tab It is a Revelation \cf2\b to the Seven Churches\cf0\b0 of Asia -- \cf3\ul Rev_1:11\par \cf0\ulnone\par 3.\tab It is a Revelation in \cf2\b Signs\cf0\b0 -- \cf3\ul Rev_1:1\par \cf0\ulnone\par 4.\tab It is a Revelation of \cf2\b Things which must shortly happen\cf0\b0 .\par \tab He tells us at the beginning of the book \cf3\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Rev_1:3\cf0\ulnone , \par \tab He reaffirms it at the end of the book \cf3\ul Rev_22:6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Rev_22:10\par \cf0\ulnone\f1\fs20\par } BLVALR{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Helvenica;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\f0\fs23\par \cf0\b\f1\fs28 The Date:\par \b0\fs20\par \fs24 Key Verse: \cf2\ul Rev_17:10\cf0\ulnone , "There are seven kings; five are fallen, and one is and the other is not yet come;...the eighth is of the seventh..."\par \par \tab 1.\tab Julius Caesar\tab 48 BC - 31 BC\par \tab 2.\tab Augustus\tab 31 BC - AD 14\par \tab 3.\tab Tiberius\tab AD 14 - AD 37\tab Five are fallen\par \tab 4.\tab Caliguia\tab AD 37 - AD 41\par \tab 5.\tab Claudius\tab AD 41 - AD 54\par *\tab 6.\tab Nero\tab\tab AD 54 - AD 68 "one is"\par \tab 7.\tab Vespasian\tab AD 69 - AD 79\tab "not yet come"\par \tab 8.\tab Titus\tab\tab AD 79 - AD 81\tab "the eight is of the seventh"\par \par (Vespasian was the general Nero sent to squelch the Jewish Rebellion. After Nero's suicide, he returned to Rome and became Emperor and left his son Titus as commander to continue the conquest of the Jews and Jerusalem.)\fs20\par _________________________________________________________________\cf1\f0\fs23\par } LVAL_'{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 Gettysburg;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\lang1033\b\f0\fs33 REVELATION \fs22 (Introduction)\b0\par \pard\par \cf1\ul Rev_1:1-3\cf0\ulnone Introduction\par \par \ul\b Four Vital Things to Remember ***\ulnone\b0\par \par \pard\fi350\li-350\b 1.\tab It is a Revelation; v. 1\b0\par \pard\li-350 The \b\i Apocalypse\b0\i0 (\i apokalupsis)\i0 "The Revelation" = "an uncovering, or unveiling." The word is used about a dozen times in the NT and related words about another 30 times.\par \pard\fi-21\li21\tab a.\tab The Revelation is an \i uncovering,\i0 or \i unveiling\i0 of impending events; \par \pard\fi-371\li21 b.\tab The book, by the very definition of its title, is something that is being made know. Many people think the book cannot be understood, but if it is a \i revelation, \i0 that means it is something that has been made known.\par \pard\par \pard\fi350\li-350\b 2.\tab It is a revelation to seven churches in Asia, v. 11\b0\par \pard John was to write what is revealed to these seven churches. \cf1\ul Rev_1:11\par \cf0\ulnone\par \pard\fi-21\li21\b 3.\tab A revelation in "signs." \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_1:1\par \cf0\ulnone\tab\tab Verse 1 "signified" thus these things are not "literal" but revealed in symbolic language. (We should not expect the \i devil\i0 to look like a real dragon. Illustration: My wedding ring stands for something else, my marriage.)\par \pard\par \pard\fi350\li-350\b 4.\tab A revelation of things "\i which must shortly happen."\b0\i0\par \pard\li21\cf1\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone "things which must \i shortly\i0 come to pass."\par \pard\fi-21\li21\tab\tab\cf1\ul Rev_1:3\cf0\ulnone "for the time is at hand."\par \pard\tab\tab\cf1\ul Rev_22:6\cf0\ulnone "the things which must shortly be done"\par \tab\tab\cf1\ul Rev_22:10\cf0\ulLVALnone "for the time is at hand."\par \pard\fi-392\li392\tab\tab\tab (The time element is emphasized at the beginning of the book, and lest the reader has forgotten during the course of the book, it is emphasized again at the end of the book, as well as several reminders along the way, i.e. ,\cf1\ul Rev_6:10-11\cf0\ulnone "a little season," or "a little while.")\par \pard\par \b\i *** Any interpretation of Revelation that ignores these vital points is a wrong interpretation.\b0\i0\par \par \f1\page\b\f0\fs20 METHODS OF INTERPRETATION\b0\par \par 1. \ul The Futurist View.\ulnone This method pictures the book as yet unfulfilled. Those holding this view believe all of it is yet future. Some say it deals with the last 7 years before the end. They place a "literal" interpretations upon the language.\par \tab\tab This interpretation would have no significance whatsoever for the people of John's day. This views overlooks that the stated purpose of the book was to reveal "things which must shortly come to pass" (\cf1\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par 2.\tab\ul The Preterist View.\ulnone This views holds that the book deals with things that were relevant to the people of John's day, and thus that most of the events prophesied have already come to pass. The events "shortly to come to pass" are described as happening in the immediate future of the people then living, with little left to be fulfilled.\par \tab\tab According to the extremists who hold to this method, the book has nothing left to be fulfilled and is worthless to us because it is all past, and has no significance to Christians today.\par \par 3.\tab\ul The Continuous Historical View.\ulnone This method views the book as picturing the history of the church from the first century till the return of the Lord in dramatic historical panels. It pictures the book as a history of rise of the papacy, of Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin, Islam, etc.\par \tab\tab Each generation has to redefine the meaning of the symbols so as to stretLVAL#S ){\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Helvenica;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\f0\fs23\par \pard\qc\cf0\b\f1\fs28 Special Study of the Figurative Language \fs20 -- \cf2\ul\b0 Mat_24:29 \cf0\ulnone\b ff\b0\par \pard\par \pard\tx0\tx307\tx614\tx921\tx1228\tx1536\tx1843\tx2150\tx2457\tx2764\tx3072\tx3379\tx3686\tx3993\tx4300\tx4608\tx4915\tx5222\tx5529\tx5836\tx6144\tx6451\tx6758\tx7065\tx7372\tx7680\tab\tab\ul\b The Gospel Accounts\ulnone\b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\ul\b Old Testament Usage\ulnone\b0\par \b The Sun\b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab "The sun shall be darkened..." \par Matt. - "Shall the sun be darkened"\tab\tab\tab\cf2\ul Isa_13:10\cf0\ulnone (See also \cf2\ul Jer_15:9\cf0\ulnone ,\cf2\ul Joe_2:10\cf0\ulnone ,\par Mark - "The sun shall be darkened"\tab\tab\tab\cf2\ul Joe_3:15\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Eze_32:8\cf0\ulnone ; and see \cf2\ul Isa_30:26\cf0\ulnone )\par Luke - "There shall be signs in the sun..."\par \b\par The Moon\b0\par Matt - "The moon shall not give her light"\tab\tab "The moon shall not cause her Light \par Mark - "The moon shall not give her light"\tab\tab to shine" - Isa. 13:10 (See also Isa \par Luke - "...and in the moon..."\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab 24:23, Exe. 32:7, Joel 2:10, 3:15)\par \b\par The Stars\b0\par Matt - "The stars shall fall from heaven\tab\tab "The stars of heaven and the constel-\par Mark - "The stars of heaven shall fall"\tab\tab\tab lations thereof shall not give their light\par Luke - "...and in the stars..."\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\cf2\ul Isa_13:10\cf0\ulnone (see also \cf2\ul Isa_14:12\cf0\ulnone \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab (margin) Exe 32:7; \cf2\ul Joe_2:10\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joe_3:15\cf0\ulnone )\par \b\par Powers of Heaven\b0\par Matt - "The powers of heavens shall be shaken"\tab "I will shake the heavens..."\par Mark - "The powers that are in heaven LVAL*shall be..." \cf2\ul Isa_13:13\cf0\ulnone (See also \cf2\ul Joe_3:15\cf0\ulnone , \par Luke - "The powers of heaven shall be shaken" \tab See \cf2\ul Hag_2:6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Heb_12:26\cf0\ulnone )\par \b\par Coming in the Clouds\b0\par Matt - "They shall see the Son of Man coming in\tab "Behold the Lord rideth upon a\par \tab the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" swift cloud and shall come \par Mark - "shall they see the Son of man coming in\tab into Egypt" -- \cf2\ul Isa_19:1\cf0\ulnone\par \tab the clouds with great power and glory..."\par Luke - "shall they see the Son of man coming in \par \tab a cloud with power and great glory."\par \b\par Angels\b0\par Same word used in \cf2\ul Mat_11:10\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Mar_1:2\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Luk_7:24\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Luk_7:27\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Luk_9:52\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Jam_2:25\par \cf0\ulnone\b\par Trumpet\b0\par See \cf2\ul Isa_18:3\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Isa_27:13\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Hos_8:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Zec_9:14\par \cf0\ulnone\fs18\par \b\fs22 Sign of Jesus in Heaven\b0 - \par \f0 Sign = "token, indication". (Vine) Jesus' word appeared to Jews to have terminated, but the fulfillment of Matt. 24 was a "sign" Jesus was in heaven. (Important see \b KJV or ASV\b0 \cf2\ul Mat_24:30\cf0\ulnone which have the \ul exact\ulnone reading and word-order as in the Greek. The \b NIV\b0 and \b NASV \b0 give an interpretation (from the 3rd century) and completely miss the significance of this verse. \par \par This KEY verse informs us of the prophetic value of the Destruction of Jerusalem. It was a \b SIGN \b0 to the Jews who rejected Jesus that He is indeed the Messiah and was resurrected and has ascended to heaven as the apostles preached.)\f1\par \f0\fs24\par \b This Generation\b0 -- Complete listing of New Testament usage:\par \pard\li1027\tx0\tx307\tx614\tx921\tx1228\tx1536\tx1843\tx2150\tx2457\tx2764\tx3072\tx3379\tx3686\tx3993\tx4300\tx4608\tx4915\tx5222\tx5529\tx5836\tF LVALV x6144\tx6451\tx6758\tx7065\tx7372\tx7680\cf2\ul Mat_11:16\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_12:41\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_12:42\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_12:45\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Mat_23:36\cf0\ulnone ; \tab\cf2\ul Mar_8:12\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mar_8:38\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Luk_11:30\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Luk_11:32\cf0\ulnone , 32, \cf2\ul Luk_11:50\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Luk_11:51\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Luk_17:25\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_2:40\par \cf0\ulnone\par \par } LVAL#S ,{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 Courier New;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f3\fnil\fprq2\fcharset0 TITUS Cyberbit Basic;}{\f4\fnil\fprq2\fcharset161 TITUS Cyberbit Basic;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw45\brdrcf1\brsp240 \sb240\sa360\qc\cf1\lang1033\kerning28\b\caps\f0\fs48 HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH\fs44\par \pard\sa60\qc\kerning0\b0\i\caps0\fs32 by \b\i0 Philip Schaff\cf0\kerning28\b0\fs24\par \pard\brdrb\brdrs\brdrw30\brsp20 \sb80\sa180\qc\b\fs36 Chapter VI. The Great Tribulation (\cf2\ul Mat_24:21\cf0\ulnone .)\par \pard\sb80\sa40\kerning0\fs32 37. The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution\par \pard\fi360\li720\ri720\sb180\sa240\b0\fs22\ldblquote And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered with a great wonder.\rdblquote \emdash \cf2\ul Rev_17:6\cf0\ulnone .\par \pard\sb80\sa40\qc\kerning28\fs32 Literature\par \pard\fi-360\li360\sa60\kerning0\fs22 I. Tacitus: \i Annales\i0 , 1. XV., c. 38-44.\par Suetonius: \i Nero\i0 , chs. 16 and 38 (very brief).\par Sulpicius Severus: \i Hist. Sacra\i0 , 1\i .\i0 II., c. 41. He gives to the Neronian persecution a more general character.\par II. Ernest Renan: \i L\rquote Antechrist.\i0 Paris, deuxi\'e8me ed., 1873. Chs. VI. VIII, pp. 123 sqq. Also his \i Hibbert Lectures\i0 , delivered in London, 1880, on Rome and Christianity.\par L. Friedl\'e4nder: \i Sittengeschichte Roms,\i0 I. 6, 27; III. 529.\par Hermann Schiller: \i Geschichte der r\'f6m. Kaiserzeit unter der Regierung des Nero.\i0 Berlin, 1872 (173-179; 424 sqq.; 583 sqq.).\par Hausrath: \i N. T.liche Zeitgeschichte\i0 , III. 392 sqq. (2d ed., 1875).\par Theod. Keim: \i Aus dem Urchristenthum.\i0 Z\'fcrich, 1878, pp. 171-181. \i Rom u. das ChristenthLVAL-um\i0 , 1881, pp. 132 sqq.\par Karl Wieseler: \i Die Christenverfolgungen der C\'e4saren.\i0 1878.\par G. Uhlhorn: \i The Conflict of Christianity with Heathenism.\i0 Engl. transl. by \i Smyth\i0 and \i Ropes\i0 , N. Y. 1879, pp. 241-250.\par C. F. Arnold: \i Die Neron\i0 . \i Christenverfolgung.\i0 Leipz. 1888.\f1\par \pard\sb80\sa40\qc\kerning28\f0\fs32 The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution\par \pard\fi360\sa60\kerning0\fs22 The preaching of Paul and Peter in Rome was an epoch in the history of the church. It gave an impulse to the growth of Christianity. Their martyrdom was even more effective in the end: it cemented the bond of union between the Jewish and Gentile converts, and consecrated the soil of the heathen metropolis. Jerusalem crucified the Lord, Rome beheaded and crucified his chief apostles and plunged the whole Roman church into a baptism of blood. Rome became, for good and for evil, the Jerusalem of Christendom, and the Vatican hill the Golgotha of the West. Peter and Paul, like a new Romulus and Remus, laid the foundation of a spiritual empire vaster and more enduring than that of the Caesars. The cross was substituted for the sword as the symbol of conquest and power.\cf3\super\'8b1-389\'9b\cf0\nosupersub\par But the change was effected at the sacrifice of precious blood. The Roman empire was at first, by its laws of justice, the protector of Christianity, without knowing its true character, and came to the rescue of Paul on several critical occasions, as in Corinth through the Proconsul Annaeus Gallio, in Jerusalem through the Captain Lysias, and in Caesarea through the Procurator Festus. But now it rushed into deadly conflict with the new religion, and opened, in the name of idolatry and patriotism, a series of intermittent persecutions, which ended at last in the triumph of the banner of the cross at the Milvian bridge. Formerly a restraining power that kept back for a while the outbreak of Antichrist,\cf3\super\'8b1-390\'9b\cf0\nosupersub it now openly aLVAL.ssumed the character of Antichrist with fire and sword.\cf3\super\'8b1-391\'9b\cf0\kerning28\nosupersub\fs24\par \pard\sb80\sa40\qc\fs32 Nero\par \pard\fi360\sa60\kerning0\fs22 The first of these imperial persecutions with which the Martyrdom of Peter and Paul is connected by ecclesiastical tradition, took place in the tenth year of Nero\rquote s reign, a.d. 64, and by the instigation of that very emperor to whom Paul, as a Roman citizen, had appealed from the Jewish tribunal. It was, however, not a strictly religious persecution, like those under the later emperors; it originated in a public calamity which was wantonly charged upon the innocent Christians.\par A greater contrast can hardly be imagined than that between Paul, one of the purest and noblest of men, and Nero, one of the basest and vilest of tyrants. The glorious first five years of Nero\rquote s reign (54-59) under the wise guidance of Seneca and Burrhus, make the other nine (59-68) only more hideous by contrast. We read his life with mingled feelings of contempt for his folly, and horror of his wickedness. The world was to him a comedy and a tragedy, in which he was to be the chief actor. He had an insane passion for popular applause; he played on the lyre; he sung his odes at supper; he drove his chariots in the circus; he appeared as a mimic on the stage, and compelled men of the highest rank to represent in dramas or in tableaux the obscenest of the Greek myths. But the comedian was surpassed by the tragedian. He heaped crime upon crime until he became a proverbial monster of iniquity. The murder of his brother (Britannicus), his mother (Agrippina), his wives (Octavia and Poppaea), his teacher (Seneca), and many eminent Romans, was fitly followed by his suicide in the thirty-second year of his age. With him the family of Julius Caesar ignominiously perished, and the empire became the prize of successful soldiers and adventurers.\cf3\super\'8b1-392\'9b\cf0\kerning28\nosupersub\fs24\par \pard\cf4\kerning0\f2\fs23\par \pard\sb80\saLVAL/40\qc\cf0\kerning28\f0\fs32 The Conflagration in Rome\par \pard\fi360\sa60\kerning0\fs22 For such a demon in human shape, the murder of a crowd of innocent Christians was pleasant sport. The occasion of the hellish spectacle was a fearful conflagration of Rome, the most destructive and disastrous that ever occurred in history. It broke out in the night between the 18th and 19th of July,\cf3\super\'8b1-393\'9b\cf0\nosupersub among the wooden shops in the south-eastern end of the Great Circus, near the Palatine hill.\cf3\super\'8b1-394\'9b\cf0\nosupersub Lashed by the wind, it defied all exertions of the firemen and soldiers, and raged with unabated fury for seven nights and six days.\cf3\super\'8b1-395\'9b\cf0\nosupersub Then it burst out again in another part, near the field of Mars, and in three days more laid waste two other districts of the city.\cf3\super\'8b1-396\'9b\cf0\nosupersub\par The calamity was incalculable. Only four of the fourteen regions into which the city was divided, remained uninjured; three, including the whole interior city from the Circus to the Esquiline hill, were a shapeless mass of ruins; the remaining seven were more or less destroyed; venerable temples, monumental buildings of the royal, republican, and imperial times, the richest creations of Greek art which had been collected for centuries, were turned into dust and ashes; men and beasts perished in the flames, and the metropolis of the world assumed the aspect of a graveyard with a million of mourners over the loss of irreparable treasures.\par This fearful catastrophe must have been before the mind of St. John in the Apocalypse when he wrote his funeral dirge of the downfall of imperial Rome (Rev 18).\par The cause of the conflagration is involved in mystery. Public rumor traced it to Nero, who wished to enjoy the lurid spectacle of burning Troy, and to gratify his ambition to rebuild Rome on a more magnificent scale, and to call it Neropolis.\cf3\super\'8b1-397\'9b\cf0\nosupersub When the fire broke out he waLVAL0s on the seashore at Antium, his birthplace; he returned when the devouring element reached his own palace, and made extraordinary efforts to stay and then to repair the disaster by a reconstruction which continued till after his death, not forgetting to replace his partially destroyed temporary residence (\i domus transitoria\i0 ) by \ldblquote the golden house\rdblquote (\i domus aurea\i0 ), as a standing wonder of architectural magnificence and extravagance.\kerning28\fs24\par \pard\cf4\kerning0\f2\fs23\par \pard\sb80\sa40\qc\cf0\kerning28\f0\fs32 The Persecution of the Christians\par \pard\fi360\sa60\kerning0\fs22 To divert from himself the general suspicion of incendiarism, and at the same time to furnish new entertainment for his diabolical cruelty, Nero wickedly cast the blame upon the hated Christians, who, meanwhile, especially since the public trial of Paul and his successful labors in Rome, had come to be distinguished from the Jews as a \i genus tertium\i0 , or as the most dangerous offshoot from that race. They were certainly despisers of the Roman gods and loyal subjects of a higher king than Caesar, and they were falsely suspected of secret crimes. The police and people, under the influence of the panic created by the awful calamity, were ready to believe the worst slanders, and demanded victims. What could be expected of the ignorant multitude, when even such cultivated Romans as Tacitus, Suetonius, and Pliny, stigmatized Christianity as a vulgar and pestiferous superstition. It appeared to them even worse than Judaism, which was at least an ancient national religion, while Christianity was novel, detached from any particular nationality, and aiming at universal dominion. Some Christians were arrested, confessed their faith, and were \ldblquote convicted not so much,\rdblquote says Tacitus, \ldblquote of the crime of incendiarism as of hating the human race.\rdblquote Their Jewish origin, their indifference to politics and public affairs, their abhorrence of heathen customs, wereLVAL1 construed into an \ldblquote\i odium generis humani,\i0\rdblquote and this made an attempt on their part to destroy the city sufficiently plausible to justify a verdict of guilty. An infuriated mob does not stop to reason, and is as apt to run mad as an individual.\par Under this wanton charge of incendiarism, backed by the equally groundless charge of misanthropy and unnatural vice, there began a carnival of blood such as even heathen Rome never saw before or since.\cf3\super\'8b1-398\'9b\cf0\nosupersub It was the answer of the powers of hell to the mighty preaching of the two chief apostles, which had shaken heathenism to its center. A \ldblquote vast multitude\rdblquote of Christians was put to death in the most shocking manner. Some were crucified, probably in mockery of the punishment of Christ,\cf3\super\'8b1-399\'9b\cf0\nosupersub some sewed up in the skins of wild beasts and exposed to the voracity of mad dogs in the arena. The satanic tragedy reached its climax at night in the imperial gardens on the slope of the Vatican (which embraced, it is supposed, the present site of the place and church of St. Peter): Christian men and women, covered with pitch or oil or resin, and nailed to posts of pine, were lighted and burned as torches for the amusement of the mob; while Nero, in fantastical dress, figured in a horse race, and displayed his art as charioteer. Burning alive was the ordinary punishment of incendiaries; but only the cruel ingenuity of this imperial monster, under the inspiration of the devil, could invent such a horrible system of illumination.\par This is the account of the greatest heathen historian, the fullest we have \emdash as the best description of the destruction of Jerusalem is from the pen of the learned Jewish historian. Thus enemies bear witness to the truth of Christianity. Tacitus incidentally mentions in this connection the crucifixion of Christ under Pontius Pilate, in the reign of Tiberius. With all his haughty Roman contempt for the Christians whom he knew LVAL2only from rumor and reading, he was convinced of their innocence of incendiarism, and notwithstanding his cold stoicism, he could not suppress a feeling of pity for them because they were sacrificed not to the public good, but to the ferocity of a wicked tyrant.\par Some historians have doubted, not indeed the truth of this terrible persecution, but that the Christians, rather than the Jews, or the Christians alone, were the sufferers. It seems difficult to understand that the harmless and peaceful Christians, whom the contemporary writers, Seneca, Pliny, Lucan, Persius, ignore, while they notice the Jews, should so soon have become the subjects of popular indignation. It is supposed that Tacitus and Suetonius, writing some fifty years after the event, confounded the Christians with the Jews, who were generally obnoxious to the Romans, and justified the suspicion of incendiarism by the escape of their transtiberine quarter from the injury of the fire.\cf3\super\'8b1-400\'9b\cf0\nosupersub\par But the atrocious act was too public to leave room for such a mistake. Both Tacitus and Suetonius distinguish the two sects, although they knew very little of either; and the former expressly derives the name Christians from Christ, as the founder of the new religion. Moreover Nero, as previously remarked, was not averse to the Jews, and his second wife, Poppaea Sabina, a year before the conflagration, had shown special favor to Josephus, and loaded him with presents. Josephus speaks of the crimes of Nero, but says not a word of any persecution of his fellow-religionists.\cf3\super\'8b1-401\'9b\cf0\nosupersub This alone seems to be conclusive. It is not unlikely that in this (as in all previous persecutions, and often afterwards) the fanatical Jews, enraged by the rapid progress of Christianity, and anxious to avert suspicion from themselves, stirred up the people against the hated Galilaeans, and that the heathen Romans fell with double fury on these supposed half Jews, disowned by their own strange brethren.LVAL3\cf3\super\'8b1-402\'9b\cf0\kerning28\nosupersub\fs24\par \pard\sb80\sa40\qc\fs32 The Probable Extent of the Persecution\par \pard\fi360\sa60\kerning0\fs22 The heathen historians, if we are to judge from their silence, seem to confine the persecution to the city of Rome, but later Christian writers extend it to the provinces.\cf3\super\'8b1-403\'9b\cf0\nosupersub The example set by the emperor in the capital could hardly be without influence in the provinces, and would justify the outbreak of popular hatred. If the Apocalypse was written under Nero, or shortly after his death, John\rquote s exile to Patmos must be connected with this persecution. It mentions imprisonments in Smyrna, the martyrdom of Antipas in Pergamus, and speaks of the murder of prophets and saints and all that have been slain on the earth. (\cf2\ul Rev_2:9\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rev_2:10\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rev_2:13\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_16:6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_17:6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_18:24\cf0\ulnone ) The Epistle to the Hebrews \cf2\ul Joh_10:32-34\cf0\ulnone , which was written in Italy, probably in the year 64, likewise alludes to bloody persecutions, and to the release of Timothy from prison, \cf2\ul Heb_13:23\cf0\ulnone . And Peter, in his first Epistle, which may be assigned to the same year, immediately after the outbreak of the persecution, and shortly before his death, warns the Christians in Asia Minor of a fiery trial which is to try them, and of sufferings already endured or to be endured, not for any crime, but for the name of \ldblquote Christians.\rdblquote (\cf2\ul 1Pe_2:12\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Pe_2:19\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Pe_2:20\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Pe_3:14-18\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Pe_4:12-19\cf0\ulnone ) The name \ldblquote Babylon\rdblquote\cf3\super\'8b1-404\'9b\cf0\nosupersub for Rome is most easily explained by the time and circumstances of composition.\par Christianity, which had just reached the age of its founder, seemed annihilated in Rome. With Peter and Paul the first generation LVAL4of Christians was buried. Darkness must have overshadowed the trembling disciples, and a despondency seized them almost as deep as on the evening of the crucifixion, thirty-four years before. But the morning of the resurrection was not far distant, and the very spot of the martyrdom of St. Peter was to become the site of the greatest church in Christendom and the palatial residence of his reputed successors.\cf3\super\'8b1-405\'9b\cf0\kerning28\nosupersub\fs24\par \pard\sb80\sa40\qc\fs32 The Apocalypse on the Neronian Persecution\par \pard\fi360\sa60\kerning0\fs22 None of the leading apostles remained to record the horrible massacre, except John. He may have heard of it in Ephesus, or he may have accompanied Peter to Rome and escaped a fearful death in the Neronian gardens, if we are to credit the ancient tradition of his miraculous preservation from being burnt alive with his fellow-Christians in that hellish illumination on the Vatican hill.\cf3\super\'8b1-406\'9b\cf0\nosupersub At all events he was himself a victim of persecution for the name of Jesus, and depicted its horrors, as an exile on the lonely island of Patmos in the vision of the Apocalypse.\par This mysterious book \emdash whether written between 68 and 69, or under Domitian in 95 \emdash was undoubtedly intended for the church of that age as well as for future ages, and must have been sufficiently adapted to the actual condition and surroundings of its first readers to give them substantial aid and comfort in their fiery trials. Owing to the nearness of events alluded to, they must have understood it even better, for practical purposes, than readers of later generations. John looks, indeed, forward to the final consummation, but he sees the end in the beginning. He takes his standpoint on the historic foundation of the old Roman empire in which he lived, as the visions of the prophets of Israel took their departure from the kingdom of David or the age of the Babylonian captivity. He describes the heathen Rome of his day as \ldblqLVAL5uote the beast that ascended out of the abyss,\rdblquote as \ldblquote a beast coming out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads\rdblquote (or kings, emperors), as \ldblquote the great harlot that sitteth among many waters,\rdblquote as a \ldblquote woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns,\rdblquote as \ldblquote Babylon the great, the mother of the harlots and of the abominations of the earth.\rdblquote\cf3\super\'8b1-407\'9b\cf0\nosupersub The seer must have in view the Neronian persecution, the most cruel that ever occurred, when he calls the woman seated on seven hills, \ldblquote drunken with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus,\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Rev_17:6\cf0\ulnone ) and prophesied her downfall as a matter of rejoicing for the \ldblquote saints and apostles and prophets.\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Rev_18:2\cf0\ulnone . Comp. also \cf2\ul Rev_6:9-11\cf0\ulnone )\par Recent commentators discover even a direct allusion to Nero, as expressing in Hebrew letters (\f3 Neron Kesar\f0 ) the mysterious number 666, and as being the fifth of the seven heads of the beast which was slaughtered, but would return again from the abyss as Antichrist. But this interpretation is uncertain, and in no case can we attribute to John the belief that Nero would literally rise from the dead as Antichrist. He meant only that Nero, the persecutor of the Christian church, was (like Antiochus Epiphanes) the forerunner of Antichrist, who would be inspired by the same bloody spirit from the infernal world. In a similar sense Rome was a second Babylon, and John the Baptist another Elijah.\kerning28\fs24\par \pard\par \pard\sb80\sa40\qc\fs32 Notes\par \pard\fi360\sa60\kerning0\fs22 I. The Accounts of the Neronian Persecution.\par 1. From heathen historians.\par We have chiefly two accounts of the first imperial persecution, from Tacitus, who was born about eight years before the event, and probably survived Trajan (d. 117),LVAL6 and from Suetonius, who wrote his \i XII.\i0 \i Caesares\i0 a little later, about a.d. 120. Dion Cassius (born circa a.d. 155), in his \i History of Rome\i0 (\cf5\f4\'d1\u788?\'f9\'ec\'e1\'e9\'ea\'e7\u768? \'c9\u788?\'f3\'f4\'ef\'f1\'e9\u769?\'e1\cf0\f0 , preserved in fragments, and in the abridgment of the monk Xiphilinus), from the arrival of Aeneas to a.d. 229, mentions the conflagration of Rome, but ignores the persecutions of the Christians.\par The description of Tacitus is in his terse, pregnant, and graphic style, and beyond suspicion of interpolation, but has some obscurities. We give it in full, from \i Annal\i0 ., XV. 44:\par \ldblquote But not all the relief of men, nor the bounties of the emperor, nor the propitiation of the gods, could relieve him [Nero] from the infamy of being believed to have ordered the conflagration. Therefore, in order to suppress the rumor, Nero falsely charged with the guilt, and punished with the most exquisite tortures, those persons who, hated for their crimes, were commonly called \i Christians\i0 \i (subdidit reos, et quaesitissimis poenis affecit, quos per flagitia invisos vulgus \lquote Christianos\rquote appellabat).\i0 The founder of that name, \i Christus\i0 , had been put to death \i (supplicio affectus erat\i0 by the procurator of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, in the reign of Tiberius; but the pernicious superstition (\i exitiabilis superstitio\i0 , repressed for a time,\cf3\super\'8b1-408\'9b\cf0\nosupersub broke out again, not only through Judaea, the source of this evil, but also through the city [of Rome], whither all things vile and shameful flow from all quarters, and are encouraged (\i quo cuncta undique atrocia aut pudenda confluunt celebranturque\i0 ). Accordingly, first, those only were arrested who confessed.\cf3\super\'8b1-409\'9b\cf0\nosupersub Next, on their information, a vast multitude (\i multitudo ingens\i0 ), were convicted, not so much of the crime of incendiarism as of hatred of the human race (\i odio humani generis).\cf3\LVAL7super\i0\'8b1-410\'9b\cf0\nosupersub And in their deaths they were made the subjects of sport; for they were wrapped in the hides of wild beasts and torn to pieces by dogs, or nailed to crosses, or set on fire, and when day declined, were burned to serve for nocturnal lights (\i in usum nocturni luminis urerentur\i0 ). Nero had offered his own gardens [on the Vatican] for this spectacle, and also exhibited a chariot race on the occasion, now mingling in the crowd in the dress of a charioteer, now actually holding the reins. Whence a feeling of compassion arose towards the sufferers, though justly held to be odious, because they seemed not to be cut off for the public good, but as victims to the ferocity of one man.\rdblquote\par The account of Suetonius, \i Nero\i0 , c. 16, is very short and unsatisfactory: \ldblquote\i Afflicti suppliciis Christiani, genus hominum superstitionis novae ac maleficaea\i0 .\rdblquote He does not connect the persecution with the conflagration, but with police regulations.\par Juvenal, the satirical poet, alludes, probably as an eye-witness, to the persecution, like Tacitus, with mingled feelings of contempt and pity for the Christian sufferers (Sat. I. 155):\par \pard\fi-144\li864\sb180\ldblquote Dare\rquote st thou speak of Tigellinus\rquote guilt?\par \pard\fi-144\li864 Thou too shalt shine like those we saw\par Stand at the stake with throat transfixed\par \pard\fi-144\li864\sa240 Smoking and burning.\rdblquote\par \pard\fi360\sa60 2. From Christians.\par Clement of Rome, near the close of the first century, must refer to the Neronian persecution when he writes of the \ldblquote vast multitude of the elect \ldblquote who suffered, many indignities and tortures, being the victims of jealousy;\rdblquote and of Christian women who were made to personate \ldblquote Danaides\rdblquote and \ldblquote Dirces,\rdblquote \i Ad Corinth.\i0 , c. 6. I have made no use of this passage in the text. Renan amplifies and weaves it into his graphic description of the perseLVAL8cution (\i L\rquote Antechrist\i0 , pp. 163 sqq., almost literally repeated in his \i Hibbert Lectures\i0 ). According to the legend, Dirce was bound to a raging bull and dragged to death. The scene is represented in the famous marble group in the museum at Naples. But the Danaides can furnish no suitable parallel to Christian martyrs, unless, as Renan suggests, Nero had the sufferings of the Tartarus represented. Lightfoot, following the bold emendation of Wordsworth (on Theocritus, XXVI. 1), rejects the reading \cf5\f4\'c4\'e1\'ed\'e1\'e9\u836?\u769?\'e4\'e5\'f2 \'ea\'e1\'e9\u768? \'c4\'e9\u769?\'f1\'ea\'e1\'e9\cf0\f0 (which is retained in all editions, including that of Gebhardt and Harnack), and substitutes for it \cf5\f4\'ed\'e5\'e1\'ed\'e9\u769?\'e4\'e5\'f2, \'f0\'e1\'e9\'e4\'e9\u769?\'f3\'ea\'e1\'e9\cf0\f0 , so that Clement would say:, Matrons (\cf5\f4\'e3\'f5\'ed\'e1\'e9\u834?\'ea\'e5\'f2\cf0\f0 ) \i maidens\i0 , \i slave-girls\i0 , being persecuted, after suffering cruel and unholy insults, safely reached the goal in the race of faith, and received a noble reward, feeble though they were in body.\rdblquote\par Tertullian (d. about 220) thus alludes to the Neronian persecution, \i Ad Nationes\i0 , I. ch. 7: \ldblquote This name of ours took its rise in the reign of Augustus; under Tiberius it was taught with all clearness and publicity; \i under Nero it was ruthlessly condemned\i0 (\i sub Nerone damnatio invaluit)\i0 , and you may weigh its worth and character even from the person of its persecutor. If that prince was a pious man, then the Christians are impious; if he was just, if he was pure, then the Christians are unjust and impure; if he was not a public enemy, we are enemies of our country: what sort of men we are, our persecutor himself shows, since he of course punished what produced hostility to himself. Now, although every other institution which existed under Nero has been destroyed, yet this of ours has firmly remained \emdash righteous, it would seem, as being unlike the authoLVAL9r [of its persecution].\rdblquote\par Sulpicius Severus, \i Chron.\i0 II. 28, 29, gives a pretty full account, but mostly from Tacitus. He and Orosius (\i Hist. \i0 VII. 7) first clearly assert that Nero extended the persecution to the provinces.\par II. Nero\rquote s Return as Antichrist.\par Nero, owing to his youth, beauty, dash, and prodigality, and the startling novelty of his wickedness (Tacitus calls him \ldblquote\i incredibilium cupitor,\i0\rdblquote \i Ann\i0 . XV. 42), enjoyed a certain popularity with the vulgar democracy of Rome. Hence, after his suicide, a rumor spread among the heathen that he was not actually dead, but had fled to the Parthians, and would return to Rome with an army and destroy the city. Three impostors under his name used this belief and found support during the reigns of Otho, Titus, and Domitian. Even thirty years later Domitian trembled at the name of Nero. Tacit., \i Hist.\i0 I. 2; II. 8, 9; Sueton., \i Ner\i0 . 57; Dio Cassius, LXIV. 9; Schiller, \i l.c.\i0 , p. 288.\par Among the Christians the rumor assumed a form hostile to Nero. Lactantius (\i De Mort. Persecut.\i0 , c. 2) mentions the Sibylline saying that, as Nero was the first persecutor, he would also be the last, and precede the advent of Antichrist. Augustin (\i De Civil. Dei\i0 , XX. 19) mentions that at his time two opinions were still current in the church about Nero: some supposed that he would rise from the dead as Antichrist, others that he was not dead, but concealed, and would live until he should be revealed and restored to his kingdom. The former is the Christian, the latter the heathen belief. Augustin rejects both. Sulpicius Severus (\i Chron.\i0 , II. 29) also mentions the belief (\i unde creditur\i0 ) that Nero, whose deadly wound was healed, would return at the end of the world to work out \ldblquote the mystery of lawlessness\rdblquote predicted by Paul (\cf2\ul 2Th_2:7\cf0\ulnone ).\par Some commentators make the Apocalypse responsible for this absurd rumor and false belief, wh6LVALFile others hold that the writer shared it with his heathen contemporaries. The passages adduced are \cf2\ul Rev_17:8\cf0\ulnone : \ldblquote The beast was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into perdition\rdblquote ... \ldblquote the beast was, and is not, and shall be present\rdblquote (\cf5\f4\'ea\'e1\'e9\u768? \'f0\'e1\u769?\'f1\'e5\'f3\'f4\'e1\'e9\cf0\f0 , not \cf5\f4\'ea\'e1\'e9\u769?\'f0\'e5\'f1 \'e5\u787?\'f3\'f4\'e9\u769?\'ed\cf0\f0 , \ldblquote and yet is,\rdblquote as the E. V. reads with the text. ec.); \cf2\ul Rev_17:11\cf0\ulnone : \ldblquote And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goeth into perdition;\rdblquote and \cf2\ul Rev_13:3\cf0\ulnone : \ldblquote And I saw one of his heads as though it had been smitten unto death; and his death-stroke was healed: and the whole world wondered after the beast.\rdblquote\par But this is said of the beast, i.e., the Roman empire, which is throughout clearly distinguished from the seven heads, \i i.e.\i0 , the emperors. In Daniel, too, the beast is collective. Moreover, a distinction must be made between the death of one ruler (Nero) and the deadly wound which thereby was inflicted on the beast or the empire, but from which it recovered (under Vespasian).\kerning28\fs24\par \pard\cf4\kerning0\f2\fs23\par } LVAL{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 IDENTIFICATION OF REVELATION SYMBOLS\b0 --\par \par \b The Dragon\b0 -- (\cf1\ul Rev_12:9\cf0\ulnone ) is the Devil.\par \par T\b he Beast\b0 -- Rome --Identified by Daniel's prophecy, \cf1\ul Dan_7:3-7\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Dan_7:7\ulnone\b ; \ul\b0 Rev_13:1-2\par \cf0\ulnone\par T\b he Second Beast \b0 (False Prophet) -- Religious elements supporting the persecution against God's people. (\cf1\ul Rev_13:11\cf0\ulnone )\par \par \b Babylon (the Harlot\b0 )-- Jerusalem and the Jewish system (See \cf1\ul Rev_11:8\cf2\ulnone \cf0 )\par \par \b The Woman on the Moon\b0 -- (\cf1\ul Rev_12:1\cf0\ulnone ) represents the righteous people on earth. (In OT they are called 'the remnant'. In NT it is the church.)\par \par \b The man child\b0 (\cf1\ul Rev_12:4-5\cf0\ulnone ) -- Christ\par \par \b 666\b0 -- \cf1\ul Rev_13:18\cf0\ulnone the number of a man (undoubted the seven churches of Asia knew who it represented, probably Nero Caesar as his names equals 666.\par \cf2\kerning28\caps\f1\fs23\par } LVAL#S <{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 Gettysburg;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Outline of Josephus' \ul WAR OF THE JEWS\ulnone\b0\par \pard\par \fs20\par \pard\fi-720 \tab\ul The Works of Flavius Josephus\ulnone , translated by William Whiston, (In Four Volumes), Vol I \ul The Wars of the Jews, \ulnone Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\ul Josephus: The Jewish War\ulnone , (New translated with extensive commentary and archaeological background illustrations) Gaalya Cornfeld, General Editor, Zondervan, c. 1982.\par \pard\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx1440\tx7879\par \pard\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\fs18 DATE: AD 66\tab\tab\b BK Ch.\'b6 Page#\b0\par \par How the War Began-- Samaritan slew Jews\tab II 17.7\par Slaying of Roman guards & ambassadors\tab II 17.9\par Rebellion in different cities, High priest slain\par \par Slaughter of 20,000 Jews at Caesarea\tab II 18.1 p.492\par Roman-Greek cities of Decapolis & Syria laid waste\par Syrians get even with the Jews slaying many\par \pard\fi350\li-350\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879 Jews of Scythoplis protected the gentiles against assassin Jews \par \pard\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\tab from outside of city, Scythoplis slay 13,000\par \par Cestius marched from Ptolemais to Caesarea\tab\par \tab Gallus, commander of 12th Legion\par *** \par Cestius besieged Jerusalem. Has opportunity to take the city \par \tab but withdraws *** October AD 66 [p.199]\tab II 19. p.496\par \tab Waits 3 days. Seizes neighboring food supply.\par \tab Attacks for 5 days. (Ex. 34:24) [p. 199]\par Many imminent people left Jerusalem at this time. (Lk 21:20-21)\tab II 19. p. 497\par \tab (Also see Eusebius' statement)\par \par Cestius sends ambassadors to Nero\tab II 20.1\par \tab Date: "12th year of reign of Nero"\par \tab DamascusLVAL= slays Jews among them\tab II 20.2\par \tab Jews select generals and prepare for war\tab II 20.4\par \tab Josephus to be general in Galilee. He fortifies cities.\tab II 20.6 p.209\par John of Gischala slanders Josephus\tab II 21 p.211\par \tab But through strategy Josephus rewins certain cities (Tiberias)\par Jews make ready for war. Simon of Gioras falls to plundering.\tab II 22\par \pard\qc\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - \par \pard\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\par BOOK III From Vespasian's Coming to Subdue the Jews to the Taking of Gamala\par \tab\tab\tab (Covering about one year. AD 67-68 )\par \par Vespasian is sent into Syria by Nero to make subdue the Jews\tab III 1 p.221\par A great slaughter of Jews about Ascalon -- 10,000\tab III 2\par \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\b BK Ch \'b6 Page\b0\par \par \tab Vespasian comes to Ptolemais from Antioch -- 5th & 10th Legions\par \tab Joined by King Agrippa\tab III 2.4\par A Description of Galilee, Samaria & Judea\tab III 3.\par Josephus attempts to take Sepphoris but is repelled\tab III 4 p.503\par Titus comes with a great army to Ptolemais\tab III 4.2\par \tab Roman 5th, 10th, 15th, and 18 cohorts, and auxiliaries from\par \tab several kings.\par \par A Description of the Roman Armies & Roman camps\tab III 5\par \tab The strength of the army's methods.\par \b\i Placidus\b0\i0 , a Roman officer, tried to take Jotapata but is beaten off\tab III 6\par Vespasian marches into Galilee\tab III 6. 2,3\par \par Vespasian takes Gadara & marches to Jotapata\tab III 7. p.236\par \tab (A long chapter--very detailed of this siege. This is where\par \tab Josephus was commanding the defense. 36 \'b6 long)\par Josephus believed this punishment was of God (see his prayer)\tab III 8.3 [p.239]\par \par Joppa is taken & Tiberius delivered up.\tab III 9.3\par \tab Vespasian winters at Caesarea and sends his troops to \par \tab various towns around GalileeLVAL>.\par Jerusalem hears of the fall of Jotapata\tab III 9.5\par \par How Tarichie was taken\tab III 10\par A description of the River Jordan and country of Galilee\par \par ***\par Terrible battle on the sea of Galilee xx (p.520f)\tab III 10.9 p.275\par \tab (A terrible stink - 6,500 slain.)\par \par Vespasian orders Jews to march to road to Tiberius and to the\tab III 10 p.277\par \tab stadium, there the old men are killed (1,200) and the\par \tab strongest young (6,000) are sent to Nero to dig the Isthmus\par \tab and the rest sold for slaves (3,400) to various kings, etc.\par \tab Prisoners take on 5th day of Elul.\par \pard\qc\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - \par \pard\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\par BOOK IV\tab From the Siege of Gamala to the Coming of Titus to Besiege Jerusalem\par \tab\tab\tab (Contains an interval of about one year AD 68-69)\tab\b BK Ch \'b6 Page#\b0\par \par The capture of Gamala\tab IV 1. p. 278\par \tab Josephus had previously fortified the city.\par \tab The people put up a hard battle and used trickery.\tab IV 1. 2\par \par Gischala, a small town, surrenders but the infamous John flees\tab IV 2\par \tab to Jerusalem.\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\b BK Ch \'b6 Page\b0\par John of Gischala gets into the inner circle at Jerusalem\tab IV 2\par \tab Jerusalem is swelling in size as people flee there\par \tab They think God will not allow anything to happen to it.\tab IV 2.2 p.292\par \par John of Gischala is aligned with moderates with secret deals\tab IV 3.2ff p.292\par \tab with the Zealots.\par \tab The High Priest Ananus is a moderate\par \tab The Jews are in sedition against each other.\par \tab A rabble zealot group seizes the sanctuary.\par \tab Ananus encouragers the people against the Zealots and is\par \tab betrayed by John of Gischala.\par \par Zealots send to the Idumeans to come and help. They come\tab IV 4 p.303\par \tab and camp outside the ciLVAL?ty, shut out.\par \tab Jesus makes a speech to the Idumeans to calm them.\tab IV 4.3. p.304\par \par A bad storm allows the Zealots to secretly open the city gates\tab IV 4.6,7 p.311\par \tab for the Idumeans\par \par The Idumeans are extremely cruel. They plunder and kill.\tab IV 5. p.313\par \tab They kill Ananus and Jesus and wont allow their bodies buried.\par \tab (See p. 534 about taking down bodies before sundown)\par \tab (Josephus marks that event as the beginning of the destruction\par \tab\tab of the city. p. 313, \'b62 of Ch. 5 BK IV)\tab IV 5.2 p.313\par \tab The Idumeans kill the people of royal blood.\par \par \tab Zacharias, an eminent citizen is arrested, tried, and slain.\tab IV 5.4\par \tab The Idumeans repent of coming and return home.\par The Zealots continue to slay the nobility of the city and\par \tab confiscate all goods.\tab IV 6\par \par John of Gischala terrorizes the city.\tab IV 7\par \tab (Background on how the Zealots took Masada)\tab IV 7.2 p.323\par Vespasian hears of a revolt from Nero in Gall and wants to \par \tab hurry the Jewish war.\tab IV 8\par A description of Jericho, and of the great plain and a \tab\par \tab description of the Dead Sea\tab IV 8.4\par \par Vespasian hears of Nero's death.\tab IV 9\par \tab He halts his Jewish expedition to see what will \par \tab happen to the empire.\par Nero reigns 13 years and 8 days.\tab IV 9.2\par \tab Hears how Galba was made Emperor out of Spain.\par \tab He is slain in the Roman market place and Otho presumes\par \tab to become Emperor.\par \par Another war was taking place at Jerusalem. Simon of Gischala\tab IV 9.3\par \tab son of Gioras (had been of those who were at Masada)\par \tab was a robber and began to collect his band and over ran\par \tab villages and plundered them and fought with the Zealots.\tab IV 9.5-8\par \tab (He was a tyrant, a one-man leader, and John was now leading \par \tab the Zealots) [ see \cf1\ul Rev_16:19\cf0\ulnone ]\par \par Simon, son ofLVAL@ Gioras, takes possession of main part of the \tab IV 9.11 p.340\par \tab city during the 3rd year of the war, in the month\par \tab of Nisan.\par \par Vespasian is proclaim Emperor by his soldiers\tab IV 10\par \tab and supported by the governors of Egypt & Syria, etc.\tab\par \par About Roman Happenings\par \par Vespasian goes to Rome and Titus returns to lay siege to \tab IV 11 p.346\par \tab Jerusalem.\par \pard\qc\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------\par \pard\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\par \pard\fi-392\li392\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\ul BOOK V\ulnone\tab From the coming of Titus to Besiege Jerusalem\par \pard\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\tab\tab\tab to the Great Extremity to which the Jews were Reduced\par \tab\tab\tab (Containing the interval of nearly 6 months)\tab\b BK Ch \'b6 Page\b0\par \par Titus lays the siege to Jerusalem\tab V 1.1ff\par \par Three factions among the Jews war among themselves \par \tab and turn the area around the temple into a no-mans \par \tab land. Storage corn is burned. [ \cf1\ul Rev_16:19\cf0\ulnone ]\par \par Titus comes to view the city and is attacked by the Jews.\tab V 2.2\par \tab Barely escapes with his life. Pitches camp on Mt. Scopius.\par \par Jews still fighting among themselves. They feign peace \tab V 3\par \tab with Titus as a plot.\par \tab Titus clears all battle area of trees, etc.\par \par A Description of Jerusalem\tab V 4\par \par A description of the \ul Temple\ulnone\tab V 5\par Nicanor is wounded by the Jews while seeking peace.\tab V 6\par Titus, angered by the repeated arrogance of the Jews,\tab V 6.2\par \par The Romans begin hurling stones at the wall. With each stone\tab V 6.3\par \tab the watchman cried, "The Son cometh"\par \par Castor feigns peace, another deceit. One night's fear on \tab V 7.4\par \tab the Roman lines when a siege tower fell down.\par Intercity conditions deteriorLVALAate; murder, fear reign.\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\b BK Ch \'b6 Page\b0\par \par Josephus claims the Jews' minds are blinded by God\tab V 8.2\par \par Titus relaxes the siege for 4 days to give the Jews opportunity\tab V 9\par \tab to reconsider.\par \par Speech of Josephus to the Jews. Long Speech - very eloquent.\tab V 9.3\par \par Many later attempt to flee the city. Their greatest\tab V 10.1\par \tab danger lay in their own countrymen. (walled-in P.564)\par \par The consequences of the horrible famine in the city.\tab V 10.3\par \tab Torture each other to learn where food was hidden.\par \par The terrible nature of the city's plight. Josephus declares\tab V 10.5\par \tab it to be unequaled. [ \cf1\ul Mat_24:21\cf0\ulnone ]\par \par Jews caught outside the wall trying to find food are crucified.\tab V 11.1\par \tab Titus abhors this but feels it might cause the others\par \tab to surrender. Capturing 500 a day out hunting food.\par \tab Those that fought were whipped and crucified before the wall.\par The Romans seal off the city with a wall. The Romans \tab V 12.1\par \tab hated the Jews (P.565)\par In the city, the famine increases and Titus laments it.\tab V 12.3-4\par \par More Jews fleeing the city are dissected when it was \tab V 13.4\par \tab discovered they had swallowed gold. Some on surrender\par \tab over ate and killed themselves. By Syrian and Arabian \par \tab troops 2,000 dissected in one night.\par \par When Titus hears of this action, he threatens death to those\tab V 13.5 P.569\par \tab guilty. Would have but their number too great, called\par \tab all commanders together.\par \tab **Josephus believed God behind the wrath. (XX P.569)\par \par The Jews resort to sacrilege and plunder their own people\tab V 13.6\par \tab and temple. John melts down many temple treasures.\par \par After much hammering, a portion of the wall suddenly falls.\par \pard\qc\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879 --------------------------------------------------LVALB---------------------------\par \pard\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\par BOOK IV\tab From the great Extremity to which the Jews were Reduced to the taking of Jerusalem by Titus (Containing the Interval of about one month.)\par \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\b BK Ch \'b6 Page\b0\par A portion of wall suddenly fell during the night.\tab VI 1.3-4\par Titus attributes this sudden fall \ul to God's help.\ulnone\tab VI 1.5\par \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\b BK Ch \'b6 Page\b0\par Siege to the Town of Antonia.\tab VI 1\par \par Titus order the Tower of Antonia destroyed and sends \tab VI 2.1\par \tab Josephus to plead with the Jews again to surrender.\par \par The daily services sacrifice is taken away. (July 17th)\tab VI 2.1\par \par Josephus's tearful speech declaring God's judgment being \tab VI 2.1-2\par \tab vented against them. Plea to spare the city and temple.\par Titus pleads with Jews not to force him to destroy their temple\tab VI 2.3\par Titus appeals to their \ul middle wall partition\ulnone .\tab VI 2.4 P.575\par About Greek inscription that warned any going beyond the partition.\par [Archeologist found this inscription within the ruins of Jeru.]\par The Jews set fire to areas in danger of being overrun.\tab VI 2.9\par They attempt to amputate their own infected limbs.\par \par The Jews themselves set fire to the temple first by trying\tab VI 3.1\par \tab to burn Romans alive on the cloister roof.\par \par The famine becomes incredulous\tab VI 3.3\par \tab The Jews resort to chewing leather.\par \tab Cannibalism occurs as mother eats child. P.579\tab VI 3.4\par \par Tutus declares this was not his desire or intention and calls \tab VI 3.5\par \tab God to witness that he had tried peace.\par \par Gates of the temple are set ablaze.\tab VI 4.2\par \par Titus orders the fire extinguished to save the temple from\tab VI 4.3\par \tab complete loss.\par \par The temple is burned on the 10th day of August due to the rash\tab VI 4.5\par \tab act of a soldier. (Same day a>LVALNnd month the temple \par \tab was destroyed by Babylon about 656 years before)\par \par Titus tries again to stop the fire and save the temple but the\tab VI 4.6-8\par \tab fury of his soldiers could not be stopped.\par \par A false prophet causes the death of many.\tab VI 5.2-3\par \par The Jews blatantly ignore signs of judgment...\tab VI 5.3\par \tab A strange star and comet are seen over the city\par \tab A strange opening of the eastern inner gate\par \tab A strange scene, chariots and troops in the sky\par \tab A strange man -- Jesus, who warned in the city for four years.\par \tab Also, the springs of water had dried as the siege\par \tab\tab began, V, ch 9, 1)\par \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\b BK Ch \'b6 Page\b0\par Titus's speech to the Jews\tab VI 6.2\par \par Again the Jews reject his bid for peace even though their\tab VI 6.3\par \tab situation is desperate.\par \par The incredible siege finally ends after subjugation.\tab VI 8\par \par The statistics...\tab VI 10.3 P.450\par \tab Dead 1,100,000 (Tacitus says 600,000 in Jerusalem)\par \tab Captive 97,000\par \par The entire city is demolished except for three towers. All trees for 90 furlongs (20 km or about 12 miles) around Jerusalem were cut to aid the Roman war plans.\par The Jews repeatedly rejected the Roman suggestions for peace. The factions within the city did as much to further their demise as did the Roman Army.\par \par - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -\par \f1\par } LVAL#S D{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 Gettysburg;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\lang1033\f0\fs18\page\pard\qc\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\b\f1\fs22 NERO 54 AD - 68 AD\par (\b0 From Philip Shaff's five volume \ul History of the Christian Church\ulnone\b )\b0\fs20\par \pard\qj\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\tab\tab\fs22\par \pard\fi350\li-350\qj\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879 1.\tab Nero came to rule when he was 18 years old and committed suicide at the age of 32. With him the family of Julius Caesar perished and the empire became the prize of successful soldiers.\par \pard\qj\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\par \pard\fi350\li-350\qj\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879 2.\tab First 5 years of Nero's reign were glorious under guidance of Seneca, (54-59) (18 yr - 23 yrs). The last 9 (59-68) yrs were hideous. He murdered his brother (Britannicus), his mother (Agrippina), his wives (Octavia and Popea), his teacher (Seneca) and many eminent Romans.\par \pard\qj\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879\tab a.\tab He had a passion for popular applause. He play his lyre and sung his odes at supper. He drove his chariots in the circus, and appeared as a mimic on the stage and compelled men of the highest rank to participate in the obscene dramas.\par \tab b.\tab Fire in Rome broke out July 18th and raged for one week. It then bursts out again in another part of the city for 3 more days. Only 4 of 18 regions of the city remained undamaged. Nero had been overheard saying he wished that part of the city were destroyed that he could rebuild it on a grand scale, and call it Neropolis.\par \tab c.\tab To divert attention from himself he cast the blame on the Christians who had become distinguished from the Jews only recently. They despised Roman gods and were loyal subjects to apLVAL higher king than Caesar. The historians Tacitus, Suetonius, and Pliny stigmatized Christians as superstitious and worse than Jews.\par \tab d.\tab Christians were aroused and "convicted not so much," says Tacitus, "of the crime of incendiarism as of hating the human race." There followed a carnival of blood shed such as heathen Rome never saw before. A multitude of Christians were put to death in shocking manners. Some were crucified, probably in mockery of Christ's death. Some were sewed up in skins of wild beasts and given to mad dogs in the arena. Some were covered with pitch and nailed to posts of pine and lighted as torches for an even where Nero displayed his skill as a charioteer. (Burning alive was the ordinary punishment for arsonists.)\par \par \pard\fi350\li-350\qj\tx0\tx370\tx720\tx1112\tx5040\tx7879 3.\tab The martyrdom of Peter and Paul took place in the tenth year of Nero's reign.\par \pard\cf1\f2\fs23\par \par } LVALV 'F{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 Gettysburg;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\lang1033\b\f0\fs33 REVELATION \fs22 (Introduction)\b0\par \pard\par \cf1\ul Rev_1:1-3\cf0\ulnone Introduction\par \par \ul\b Four Vital Things to Remember ***\ulnone\b0\par \par \pard\fi350\li-350\b 1.\tab It is a Revelation; v. 1\b0\par \pard\li-350 The \b\i Apocalypse\b0\i0 (\i apokalupsis)\i0 "The Revelation" = "an uncovering, or unveiling." The word is used about a dozen times in the NT and related words about another 30 times.\par \pard\fi-21\li21\tab a.\tab The Revelation is an \i uncovering,\i0 or \i unveiling\i0 of impending events; \par \pard\fi-371\li21 b.\tab The book, by the very definition of its title, is something that is being made know. Many people think the book cannot be understood, but if it is a \i revelation, \i0 that means it is something that has been made known.\par \pard\par \pard\fi350\li-350\b 2.\tab It is a revelation to seven churches in Asia, v. 11\b0\par \pard John was to write what is revealed to these seven churches. \cf1\ul Rev_1:11\par \cf0\ulnone\par \pard\fi-21\li21\b 3.\tab A revelation in "signs." \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_1:1\par \cf0\ulnone\tab\tab Verse 1 "signified" thus these things are not "literal" but revealed in symbolic language. (We should not expect the \i devil\i0 to look like a real dragon. Illustration: My wedding ring stands for something else, my marriage.)\par \pard\par \pard\fi350\li-350\b 4.\tab A revelation of things "\i which must shortly happen."\b0\i0\par \pard\li21\cf1\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone "things which must \i shortly\i0 come to pass."\par \pard\fi-21\li21\tab\tab\cf1\ul Rev_1:3\cf0\ulnone "for the time is at hand."\par \pard\tab\tab\cf1\ul Rev_22:6\cf0\ulnone "the things which must shortly be done"\par \tab\tab\cf1\ul Rev_22:10\cf0\ulLVALGnone "for the time is at hand."\par \pard\fi-392\li392\tab\tab\tab (The time element is emphasized at the beginning of the book, and lest the reader has forgotten during the course of the book, it is emphasized again at the end of the book, as well as several reminders along the way, i.e. ,\cf1\ul Rev_6:10-11\cf0\ulnone "a little season," or "a little while.")\par \pard\par \b\i *** Any interpretation of Revelation that ignores these vital points is a wrong interpretation.\b0\i0\par \par \f1\page\b\f0\fs20 METHODS OF INTERPRETATION\b0\par \par 1. \ul The Futurist View.\ulnone This method pictures the book as yet unfulfilled. Those holding this view believe all of it is yet future. Some say it deals with the last 7 years before the end. They place a "literal" interpretations upon the language.\par \tab\tab This interpretation would have no significance whatsoever for the people of John's day. This views overlooks that the stated purpose of the book was to reveal "things which must shortly come to pass" (\cf1\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par 2.\tab\ul The Preterist View.\ulnone This views holds that the book deals with things that were relevant to the people of John's day, and thus that most of the events prophesied have already come to pass. The events "shortly to come to pass" are described as happening in the immediate future of the people then living, with little left to be fulfilled.\par \tab\tab According to the extremists who hold to this method, the book has nothing left to be fulfilled and is worthless to us because it is all past, and has no significance to Christians today.\par \par 3.\tab\ul The Continuous Historical View.\ulnone This method views the book as picturing the history of the church from the first century till the return of the Lord in dramatic historical panels. It pictures the book as a history of rise of the papacy, of Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin, Islam, etc.\par \tab\tab Each generation has to redefine the meaning of the symbols so as to stretLVALHch the book's contents on down to their day and to their enemies. This was followed by Martin Luther, and many of the older commentaries around today.\par \par 4.\tab\ul Cycle of History View.\ulnone This method is somewhat similar to #3 above but instead of applying the symbols to specific instances it says that they represent the continuous battle of good and evil in every age and generation in cycles.\par \par \b\fs30 *\tab\b0\fs20 The method we will take is sometimes called \ul The Early Historical View.\ulnone It is a \ul Preterist\ulnone view in that we believe the book to have been written in a definite historical time frame to specific people and dealing with events fulfilled for the most part in the first two centuries. But we also believe there are appropriate benefits and messages that are applicable for Christians of all times.\par \tab\tab To those who object that the book of Revelation would not be of any benefit for us today need to look more closely. For instance, the gospels also deal with past events, but they certainly have a relevance for us. The epistles were written in a definite time frame to specific people facing specific problems, but we believe their message has relevancy for us today as well.\b\par \b0\f1\page\f0\par \b\fs22 AUTHOR:\b0\par \par \tab The author's name is John (\cf1\ul Rev_1:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_1:4\cf0\ulnone . \cf1\ul Rev_1:9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_21:2\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_22:8\cf0\ulnone ). He is a servant of Jesus Christ (1;1), "a brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ (\cf1\ul Rev_1:9\cf0\ulnone ). Most of the early church fathers who wrote concerning the book attribute it to the apostle John.\par \tab Evidence from within the book indicate that it was written by the same author as that of the Gospel and Epistles which bear John's name. From the nature of the book no other John can measure up to what is demanded by the essence of the book.\par \par \b DATE:\b0\par \parLVALI \tab The book of Revelation is unique in that the date of its composition affects the interpretation placed upon its message. There are two general views, called "The Late Date" (c. AD 96) and "The Early Date" (c. AD 68).\par \tab Some think the book was written about AD 96 during the reign of Domitian (AD 81-96) and that he had banished John to Patmos. The tradition for this however is unreliable and there no internal support. Those who take the Late Date hold to various views.\par \tab For those who understand the book is dealing with the destruction of the Temple, Jerusalem, and Judaism, a date before AD 70 is essential, and therefore a date from about AD 66 - 68 seems valid.\par \par \tab\b Reasons for Holding to the Early Date:\b0\par \par \pard\sa110\tab 1. The parallel between passages in the Gospel and in Revelation that deal with the destruction of Jerusalem would call for a date before the destruction of the city which occurred in AD 70. \par \tab 2. Allusions to other apostles still alive besides John at the time of the writing. This would not be true if written about AD 96.\par \tab 3. The state of Israel and the temple still existed at the time of the writing. These were destroyed in AD 70 and thus the necessity for a date prior to this event.\par \tab 4. The use of Hebrew phrases and idioms that would be appropriate before the destruction of the nation, but came into disuse after AD 70.\par \tab 5. The fact that a Jewish persecution of Christians in Asian cities existed at the time of the writing give strong evidence that the Revelation was written before AD 70. There was no Jewish persecution of foreign Christians following the destruction of the national order and Jerusalem and the temple.\par \tab 6. In the most ancient version or translation made of the Bible into another language (The Peshitta in the second century into Aramaic) the superinscription says the letter was written by the Apostle John during the reign of Nero.\par \tab 7. John expected to leave PatmLVALos (\cf1\ul Rev_1:9\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_10:11\cf0\ulnone ) and go and preach among the churches to whom he addressed this letter. That could be expected of a man who was 60 years old, but it could hardly be expected of a man who was 96 years old.\par \tab 8. One of the problems that John faced as he wrote these letters to the seven churches of Asia were those Judiazers who were attempting to turn Christians back to the Temple worship at Jerusalem. That would not have been true after the destruction of the Temple which brought an end to institutional Judaism in AD 70.\par \tab 9. The Temple of Herod was still standing, and John makes reference to the temple, when he writes this book, that would not have been true if this were written at a later date.\par \tab 10. The twelve tribes still existed as the twelve tribes when John wrote this letter. That was not true after AD 70.\par \tab 11. John says that the visions occurred in the reign of the sixth Roman Emperor. That within itself nails down the date without any doubt. Julius, Augustus, Tiberius, Caliguia, Claudius, and Nero. Nero reigned from AD 54 to 68.\par \tab 12. The code name in chapter 13, the mystical number of 666 is a clear reference to Nero, the then reigning ruler over the empire.\par \par \pard\cf2\f2\fs23\par } LVAL#S K{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 REVELATION 20 - Notes\b0\fs24\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\b The Four Enemies\b0\tab\par \pard\par \pard\fi-5040\li5040\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tab\i Introduced\i0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\i Judged\i0\par \trowd\trgaph100\trpaddl100\trpaddr100\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clbrdrl\brdrw16\brdrs\brdrcf2\clbrdrt\brdrw16\brdrs\brdrcf2\clbrdrb\brdrw16\brdrs\brdrcf2 \cellx4680\clbrdrl\brdrw16\brdrs\brdrcf2\clbrdrt\brdrw16\brdrs\brdrcf2\clbrdrr\brdrw16\brdrs\brdrcf2\clbrdrb\brdrw16\brdrs\brdrcf2 \cellx9360\pard\intbl\sb100\sl240\slmult1 Ch. 12 Dragon (12:9) = the Devil, Satan\par \pard\intbl\fi-120\li120\sl240\slmult1 Ch. 13:1 Sea Beast = Rome (666=Nero)\par \pard\intbl\sl240\slmult1 Ch. 13:11 False Prophet (Land beast)\par \pard\intbl\fi-2280\li2280\sl240\slmult1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160 Ch. 17 Babylon, Harlot, \tab\par \pard\intbl\li120\sa38\sl240\slmult1 (14:4, 11:8) \cell\pard\intbl\fi-840\li840\sb100\sl240\slmult1\tx720 Ch. 18\tab Harlot judged\tab\par \pard\intbl\fi600\li-600\sl240\slmult1 Ch. 19\tab Victory celebrated\par Ch. 19:17-21 Beast & False Prophet Judged\par \pard\intbl\fi600\li-600\sa38\sl240\slmult1 Ch. 20\tab Satan judged\cell\row\pard\par \cf1\ul Mat_12:29\cf0\ulnone \ldblquote Or how can anyone enter the strong man\rquote s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. NASB\par \par \cf1\ul Luk_11:22\cf0\ulnone But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. KJV\par \b\par \cf1\ul\b0 2Pe_2:4\cf0\ulnone For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved uLVALLnto judgment; KJV\par \par \cf1\ul Heb_2:14\cf0\ulnone Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; KJV\par \par \cf1\ul Luk_10:17-18\cf0\ulnone And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. KJV\par \par \par \b Key\b0 = authority over, etc.\par \b Chains\b0 of the Gospel; \par - - -\par Serpent of old - Gen. 3 No puzzle about his identity\par \par \cf1\ul Jud_1:6\cf0\ulnone And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. KJV\par \cf1\ul 2Pe_2:4\cf0\ulnone For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; KJV\par \par \b 1000\b0 \endash the emphasis is not quantity but quality\par \b\par \cf1\ul\b0 Deu_7:9\cf0\ulnone Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; KJV\par \cf1\ul Psa_50:10\cf0\ulnone For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. KJV\par \par \cf1\ul Mat_12:29\cf0\ulnone SEE above\par \cf1\ul Joh_12:31\cf0\ulnone Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. KJV\par \cf1\ul Rom_16:20\cf0\ulnone And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. KJV\par \par \cf1\ul Col_2:14-15\cf0\ulnone Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principLVALMalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. KJV\par \par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:4 \cf0\ulnone\b : \b0 Souls under altar in Ch. 6 \cf1\ul Rev_6:9-10\cf0\ulnone \endash now victorious!\par [Did John recognize the soul of his brother James? \cf1\ul Act_12:1-2\cf0\ulnone .]\par \par \b\i Reigned:\b0\i0 (Note how this word is used.)\par \cf1\ul 1Co_4:8\cf0\ulnone Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. KJV\par \cf1\ul Rom_5:17\cf0\ulnone For if by one man\rquote s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) KJV\par Notice it is \ldblquote they\rdblquote not \ldblquote us\rdblquote \ldblquote Lived\rdblquote and \ldblquote reigned\rdblquote past tense, not future. Not \ldblquote we will reign with Christ 1000 years on earth.\rdblquote\par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:5\cf0\ulnone\b :\b0 The rest of the dead = the persecutors.\par The word \ldblquote\b\i again\b0\i0\rdblquote is not there in the Greek. They did not live, that is, they were forgotten. \cf1\ul Isa_26:13-19\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Eze_37:1-14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_11:15\cf0\ulnone\par Foy Wallace, in speaking of the resurrection of the righteous, says, \ldblquote Their cause had been resurrected.\rdblquote\par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:6\cf0\ulnone\b : \b0 Those that led the way \endash James, Stephen, Antipas, Paul, Peter, etc. (Acts 8:1-4, etc)\par \par \b First Resurrection\b0 : Figurative of first Christians; those who could be living as well as those martyred.\par \b Resurrection:\b0 to take souls from altar to sit on thrones.\par The body to be resurrected at THE LAST DAY:\par \cf1\ul Joh_5:29\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_15:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Th_4:13\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_11:24\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_6:44\cf0\ulnonLVALNe ; \cf1\ul Joh_12:48\cf0\ulnone\par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:7\cf0\ulnone\b :\b0 This verse separates that BEFORE the 1000 years from that which comes afterwards.\par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:8\cf0\ulnone\b .\b0\par Gog and Magog = heathen nations. Ezek. 32 and Ezek. 38; esp. \cf1\ul Eze_38:2\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:9\cf0\ulnone\b \b0 : Not earthly Jerusalem - but the church. \cf1\ul 2Co_6:14-18\cf0\ulnone tells of their dangers to the church; \cf1\ul Rev_21:10\cf0\ulnone\par \cf1\ul Heb_11:10\cf0\ulnone ; Abraham looked for the city. \par \ldblquote The camp of the saints\rdblquote \endash nothing noted that they were even award of their danger.\par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:10\cf0\ulnone\b : \b0 (cf. vs. \cf1\ul Rev_20:14\cf0\ulnone , and \cf1\ul Rev_19:20\cf0\ulnone ). Second Death\par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:11\cf0\ulnone\b :\b0 The final judgment.\par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:12\cf0\ulnone\b :\b0 (cf. vs. \cf1\ul Rev_20:6\cf0\ulnone )\par \ldblquote books open\rdblquote = \cf1\ul Dan_7:10\par \par \cf0\ulnone The 1000 years. What John did \b NOT\b0 see:\par 1. A bodily resurrection of bodies and spirits\par 2. A reign on earth from literal Jerusalem.\par 3. A literal throne of David\par 4. \ldblquote us\rdblquote\par 5. Christ on earth.\par 6. Not mention of Jerusalem or Palestine\par \par \b Notice:\b0\par 1. \ldblquote They\rdblquote not \ldblquote us\rdblquote\par 2. Past tense not \ldblquote we will\rdblquote reign\par 3. Reign of souls \ul with\ulnone Christ, not a 1000 year reign \ldblquote of\rdblquote Christ.\par 4. No mention of a kingdom on earth, or a literal Jerusalem.\par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:13\cf0\ulnone\b :\b0\par \ldblquote Sea\rdblquote may not be literal sea, notice \cf1\ul Rev_17:15\cf0\ulnone\par It is the \ldblquote body\rdblquote that is in the sea, or the earth. Bodily resurrection. \cf1\ul Joh_5:28-29\cf0\ulnone ; ALL will LVAL0 have new bodies - raised to life or eternal death [separation from God.]\par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:14\cf0\ulnone\b :\b0\par Gehenna - see \par Hades = 10 times in NT. [Tartarus in \cf1\ul 2Pe_2:4\cf0\ulnone ]\par God\rquote s judgment. Second death - destruction of the forces that are against the church. Corresponds to the First Resurrection.\par \par \b Verse \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_20:15\cf0\ulnone\b : \b0 Book of life, cf. \cf1\ul Rev_13:8.\cf0\ulnone\par } LVAL#S P{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fnil\fprq2\fcharset0 WP TypographicSymbols;}{\f2\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 Gettysburg;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\lang1033\f0\fs31 PERGAMOS\fs24\par Revelation 2:12-17\par \pard\par \b Introduction:\b0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab Pergamos (Pergamum ASV), the northern most of the seven churches in Asia Minor that received a letter from Jesus, was noted for its vast library of 200,000 volumes. It rivaled that of Alexander. The art of preparing animal skins for writing manuscripts was perfected at Pergamos, and "parchment" came into use from the name of the city.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 2.\tab The seven letters all follow a similar pattern. \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab In each church Jesus found something to commend with the exception of the church at Laodicea.\par \tab b.\tab In all but Smyrna and Philadelphia Jesus found things to condemn.\par \tab c.\tab All that had anything wrong in them were told to repent.\par \pard\par \b\fs28 1.\tab ADDRESS 2:12\b0\fs24\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab The letter is addressed to the "messenger" of the church at Pergamos. It was then his duty to announce (read) it to the congregation (1:3).\par \pard\par \b\fs28 2.\tab DESCRIPTION OF THE SPEAKER -- V. 12\b0\fs24\par \par \b\i "These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges."\b0\i0 \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab This is a reference so some attribute of Jesus which was seen in the opening vision of John. Rev. 1:6 states "\i out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword."\i0 \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab The image is a reference to the teaching of Christ by which we will be judged (John 12:48).\par \tab 2.\tab "The sharp sword with two edges" is a symbol of the word of the Lord by which His conquests are won.\par \tab a.\tabLVALQ We who are Christians are instructed to equip ourselves with "\i the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." \i0 (Eph. 6:17)\par \tab b.\tab Hebrews 4:12 declares \i "For the word of God is quick\i0 (living, ASV),\i and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword."\i0\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 2.\tab The sword (the word) pricks and cuts to the heart. Lydia heard Paul preach and the Lord opened her heart with that WORD ( Acts 16:14; 2:37, 7:54.)\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 3.\tab How appropriate then is this salutation! Owing to the fact that conditions were to be found in this church which called for refutation by the Word of God it was altogether fitting that the two-edge sword should be the symbol under which Christ presented Himself to the church.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab The significance of this is seen in v.16, where speaking of those whom He had just reproved, the Lord says, "\i repent or else I will come quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."\i0\par \tab b.\tab This implies that he had the authority to punish.\par \pard\b\fs28 3.\tab WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH -- v. 13\b0\fs24\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab\b "\i I know thy works...\b0 "\i0 v.13.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab This statement indicates that Jesus is thoroughly acquainted with the conditions which exist. He observes all our difficulties and knows the good points to commend and all the bad that needs to be reproved.\par \tab b.\tab Hebrews 4:12-13\par \tab c.\tab They remained faithful to his name under the pressures of an environment that was evil.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 2.\tab\b\i "And where thou dwellest, even where Satan's throne is."\b0\i0 \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab Satan's "seat" (throne, ASV) and "where Satan dwelleth" refers to the general environment in Pergamos and the persecution they endured. At Pergamos there was idolatry and pagan worshipLVALR in many forms.\par \tab b.\tab In addition to several heathen temples to worship various man-made gods, there was a temple for emperor worship where the followers offered incense to the image of the emperors and proclaimed "Caesar is Lord."\par \tab c.\tab Satan's influence here produced the persecution resulting in the death of Antipas.\par \tab d.\tab "\i Throne"\i0 signifies power. Christ views Satan as a real personality who is fighting a spiritual warfare against man. Pergamos was one of his positions of strength.\par \pard\par \par \tab\b\fs28 BACKGROUND INFORMATION\b0\fs24\par \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab\f1 !\f0\tab\i "Satan's throne"\i0 -- Pergamos it was internationally famous as a center of \ul Asclepias\ulnone worship. Asclepias was the god of healing. People would come thousands of miles to Pergamos to be healed. Asclepias' symbol was that of a serpent intertwined around a pole. The same symbol the medical profession uses today. Asclepias' chief descriptive title was "Soter" or Savior.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab\f1 !\f0\tab Expensive and splendid temples were erected to Zeus, king of the gods among the Greeks; to Athena, goddess of wisdom; Apollo, the sun god; and to Aseculapius, the god of healing. Particularly the first two had very sensuous and lascivious type of worship and orgies. They promoted sensuality, fornication, and immorality in the city. Overall, Pergamum was a perfect pantheon of the pagan deities.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab\f1 !\f0\tab But further, Pergamos was a center of the Caesar cult, the worship of the Emperor as god. In BC 29 a temple was built to Augustus and emperor worship became a prevalent practice. But the church at Pergamos remained faithful to the name of Christ, they acknowledged only one Savior (not asclepias) and one God (not Caesar) but rather the Lord Jesus Christ.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 3.\tab\i "\b And thou holdest fast my name--\b0 "\i0 In thLVALSe semitic background, a name stands for the person it represents. The name of Christ is important Acts 4:12; His name "is above every name" Phil. 2:5-11.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab In all things Jesus was the "preeminent." Col. 1:17-18.\par \tab b.\tab "By inheritance" Jesus "obtained a more excellent name" Hebrews 1:1-5.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 4.\tab\b\i "And hast not denied my faith"\i0 \b0 The Christians at Pergamos would not compromise under persecution, even under martyrdom. There is one faith (Eph. 4;5) we should contend for it (Jude 3)\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 5.\tab\i "Even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you,"\i0 Rev. 2;13. The persecution and imprisonment, and martyrdom mentioned as being eminent at Smyrna is already being felt at Pergamos. Nothing more is known of this Antipas than is given here. But the example of Antipas, though dead, yet speaks a great lesson for us (Heb. 11:4). Rather than worship idols "where Satan dwelleth" he was "faithful unto death" and therefore, Jesus will give him "a crown of life."\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 6.\tab\i "Where Satan dwelleth"\i0 Again this idea is presented. The word \ul dwell\ulnone shows that Satan was a permanent resident, and not a sojourner or stranger. Satan did not drop in and out of the city, it was his constant home base, so to speak.\par \pard\par \b\fs28\par 4.\tab WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CHURCH -- v. 14\par \b0\fs24\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab\b\i "But I have a few things against thee."\b0\i0\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab It is significant that first the Lord commended them before expressing reproof for their sins. We note that Paul also did this in writing to the Corinthians.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 2.\tab\b\i "Thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam."\b0\i0\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab The Lord \b specified\b0 the sins LVALTthey were guilty of. Apparently the congregation as a whole had not participated in nor encouraged the evil-doing, but had tolerated some members. To tolerate any serious error is kill the influence of the church.\par \tab b.\tab This is ample warning that the Lord is not merely concerned with the church as a whole, but for every individual claiming membership in it. Many congregations today look on the surface to be progressing and successful; but what of the belief and behavior of "every" member? It is not a simple matter of how many are faithful, but a matter of how much evil is tolerated? So the gage for measuring strong congregations is not how many good members you have, but how much sin and evil you let continue.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 3.\tab What was the \i doctrine of Balaam?\i0 Numbers 22-24; 31:16; Jude 11; 2 Peter 2:15\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab Balaam taught Balak, the King of the Moabites, to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel. Balak wanted the children of God cursed, but God would not permit Balaam to curse them as long as Israel was faithful to God's commandments. So Balaam then taught Balak to induce the children of Israel to indulge in heathen worship and orgies, and then, of course, they would fall under the curse of God. This was accomplished through the women of Moab, by whom the Israelites were seduced into taking part in idolatrous practices and to commit fornication (Numbers 25).\par \tab\tab [Commentaries generally agree that "the doctrine of the Nicolaitans" is in essence the same (Rev. 2:6).]\par \tab b.\tab Apparently the church at Pergamos had members who had been enticed and were enticing others to commit spiritual fornication by participating in the ceremonies, and rituals, feasts, and revelry of the pagan deities.\par \tab c.\tab This was a doctrine of indifference toward the Word of God. They were a \i "stumbling block"\i0 to others. A "stumbling block" is something which one would fall over, sLVALUomething which leads into sin. As Balak and Moab led Israel into idol worship and fornication, somehow some of the members at Pergamos were teaching the same thing for Christians, and the worse part is that the church tolerated such. \par \tab d.\tab Idolatrous festivals were characterized by immoralities. (See 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Thess 4:3-7) \par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab (1)\tab It was wrong because of its immorality.\par \tab\tab (2)\tab Honoring pagan gods was also spiritual fornication.\par \tab\tab (3)\tab It was fellowshiping error. (Refusal to join in the heathen feasts often meant that a man would lose his job, and be ostracized from a great part of the social life of that time.)\par \tab\tab (4)\tab Some were weak in opposing erroneous doctrine and thus were supporting false teachers.\par \tab\tab (5)\tab Most false teachers cannot merely hold their doctrine as a personal opinion, but they begin to teach it; if not publicly, privately. Then trouble and division results.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 4.\tab The Ephesus church had hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans but this church tolerated them. By tolerating it, they were bidding it god-speed (2 John 9-11).\par \pard\par \b\fs28 5.\tab THREAT --\fs26 the exhortation to make CORRECTION. V. 16.\b0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab\ul "\b\i Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."\b0\i0 2:16\ulnone The church was given a choice of two courses.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab\i "Repent"\i0 This exhortation for correction was not, strange to say, only against those holding the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, but also against the church for tolerating such to exist.\par \tab b.\tab If the church did not repent and bring about disciplinary action against those with the wrong doctrine, Christ says, "\i I will come unto thee, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."\i0\par \tab c.\tab LVALV"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.." 2 Cor. 10:4,5\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 2.\tab The Word of God will prevail. When laxity is tolerated, the end will be far worse. When we face God's word in the judgment we will find no toleration for evil or false doctrine.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 3.\tab In the story of Balaam, Numbers 22:21-34, we see an angel with a drawn sword who stands in the path of the false teacher.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab The one who does not heed the warning at Pergamos (or anywhere) will be slain by the sword (Cf Numbers 31:8; Eph 6:17; Rev. 2:16).\par \pard\par \b\fs31\par 6.\tab PROMISED REWARD -- (An Encouragement) 2: 17\b0\fs26\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab "\b\i He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches\b0 "\i0\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab The lesson for Pergamos is a lesson for all who will hear. This makes an application of these letters to us today.\par \tab b.\tab It is imperative that we hear and obey the teaching of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:14, Gal. 5:25)\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 2.\tab "\i To him that overcometh ..." \i0\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab "\i will I give to eat of the hidden manna"\i0\par \tab\tab b.\tab "\i and will I give him a white stone.\i0 "\par \tab\tab c.\tab "\i and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." \i0\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 3.\tab Jesus is the true \i manna\i0 himself (John 6:32, 33, 48, 49). He is the unseen influence which sustains the overcoming one. He is unseen, but he is walking among the churches. Perhaps this appears in contrast to eating things sacrificed to idols.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 4.\tab "\i White stone" -- \i0 Among the Greeks a white stone was a symbol of acquittal, as a black stone was one of guilt. This white stone speaks of victory, and the admission symbolLVAL into the glorious house of blessing for the victorious.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 3.\tab "\i In the stone a new name.. "\i0 From the O.T. we see that a new name indicates advancement in one's life, in his blessings, and in a new relationship to God (Cf. Abram --> Abraham; Jacob --> Israel; etc.)\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab As God's children we have received one new name already (Christian, Acts 11:26; Isaiah 62:2). \par \tab b.\tab No need to speculate on this new one, no one knows. "It is our business to overcome: the white stone and the new name we can leave to God to make plain in his own time."\par \pard\par \b\par \par \par CONCLUSION:\b0\par \par 1.\tab "Blessed is he...\par \tab a.\tab "that readeth,\par \tab b.\tab "and that hear the words of this prophecy,\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab c.\tab "and keep (obey) those things which are written therein:\par \pard\tab\tab\tab\b\i for the time is at hand.\b0\i0 " Rev. 1:3\par \par \par \par \f2\page\cf1\f3\fs23\par } LVAL#S X{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 SARDIS\tab\fs24\par Rev. 3:1-6\b0\par \pard\tx288\tx648\tx1008\tx1368\tx1728\tx2088\tx2448\tx2808\tx3168\tx3528\tx3888\tx4248\tx4608\tx4968\tx5328\tx5688\tx6048\tx6408\tx6768\tx7128\tx7488\tx7848\tx8208\tx8568\tx8928\tx9648\tx10368\tx11088\tx11808\tx12528\tx13248\tx13968\par Introduction: Review\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \b\fs28 I.\tab ADDRESS: v.1\par \b0\fs24\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 1.\tab To the angel (messenger) of the church at Sardis.\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \b\fs28 II.\tab DESCRIPTION OF SPEAKER - v.1\par \b0\fs24\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 1.\tab "Hath the seven spirits of God" seven is repeated throughout the Revelation.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab Seven represents fullness, 7 churches, 7 seals, 7 thunders, 7 vials, 7 plagues, 7 trumpets (There are seven sevensLVALY)\par \tab\tab b.\tab John 3:34 - Jesus had the spirit without measure. Perhaps here the picture is not of him who received, but him who is able to give the spirit.\par \tab\tab c.\tab With this fullness of spirit, he looks at a spiritless church.\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 2.\tab "Seven Stars" Rev. 1:20 messengers; he supports them.\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \b III.\tab WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CHURCH "I KNOW"\b0\par \par (Here is a departure from the usual order--because so few are faithful)\par \par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 1.\tab "Thou hast a name that thou livest"\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab A reputable church. It had a big reputation. What are some of the things that would probably give it a reputation?\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab\tab 1.\tab Probably a large membership\par \pard\fi-21LVALZ60\li2160\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab\tab 2.\tab Probably had material wealth\par \tab\tab\tab 3.\tab Probably an attractive ritual\par \tab\tab\tab 4.\tab And a sound creed\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab b.\tab Instead of being vigorous and full of life, Jesus says, "you are more like a corpse.\par \tab\tab c.\tab As even in animals you may see involuntary muscular convulsions after life is gone so Sardis was dead and that remained was the ghastly twitching of a corpse.\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 2.\tab "But thou arth dead"\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab Alive but dead. I Tim. 5:6 She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth\par \tab\tab b.\tab As evidence of this lifeless condition, no persecutions were leveled against this church. Why should Satan and his cohorts trouble themselves about a corpse?\par \tab\tab c.\tab Whenever a person or a church, reaches a point in life where the world ceases to fight him, we may safely say that a compromise has been reached. (Cf. 2 Tim. 3:12) LVAL[\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 3.\tab "Imperfect in work before God"\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab Their works were not completed. "You started a lot of things but you never finished them." Probably for a reputation.\par \tab\tab b.\tab What works they were interested in were done "before men" and not before God."\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \b\fs28 IV.\tab EXHORTATION AND ADMONITION\fs24\par \b0\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 1.\tab "Be watchful" The city of Sardis had twice been captured in the past because of sentries who were asleep on duty.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab "Twice" he exhorts them to become watchers.\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400LVAL\\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab b.\tab Mark 13:37, I Cor. 10:33\par \par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 2.\tab Establish the things which remain, which are ready to die--\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab A church with a possibility--dead but not hopeless.\par \tab\tab b.\tab The stronger members have responsibility toward the weak and dying--Gal. 6:1, 2\par \tab\tab c.\tab For I have found no works of thine before God.\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 3.\tab Remember therefore how thou dids't receive and dids't hear--\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab They were those (Mk. 4:16, 17) who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time."\par \tab\tab b.\tab The same admonition given Ephesus. "Remember" your first state and get back to it.\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\LVAL]tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 4.\tab And keep it and repent.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab "Hold fast" --this is necessary in every field.\par \tab\tab b.\tab The tense here is imp. It is present imperative, "Continue to keep".\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab c.\tab Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30\par \par \b\fs28 V.\tab THREAT\b0\fs24\par \par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 1.\tab If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief--...not know hour..\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab Not as a bandit with violence, but secretly and suddenly.\par \tab\tab b.\tab Matt. 24:43; 2 Pet 3:10\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-494\li494\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx1080LVAL^0\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\b\fs28 VI.\tab WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH\b0\fs24\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 1.\tab A few that did not defile their garments\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab A "few" this is true in too many places. It was probably a large congregation in membership and reputation, but only a few kept it from being entirely outside the circle of the chart. (See Chart)\par \tab\tab b.\tab James 1:27, keep self unspotted from the world.\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 2.\tab They shall walk with me in white (robes).\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab Had been made whit in the blood of the lamb. Rev. 7:14\par \tab\tab b.\tab Progress--walk (life)\par \pard\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\LVAL_tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab\tab Partnership--with me - that is with Christ\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx0\tx494\tx988\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab\tab Purity--in white washed in the blood of the lamb.\par \pard\tx0\tx741\tx1112\tx1483\tx1854\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-1112\li1112\tx0\tx741\tx1112\tx1483\tx1854\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 3.\tab For they are worthy\par \pard\fi-1483\li1483\tx0\tx741\tx1112\tx1483\tx1854\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab This could not be said of all of them.\par \pard\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \b\fs28\par VIII.\tab PROMISED REWARD\b0\fs24\par \par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 1.\tab He that overcometh shall be arrayed in white garments\par \pard\fi-1359\li1359\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx136LVAL`80\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab Song "Beautiful Robes of White" -Songs of the Church #29\par \tab\tab b.\tab White is a heavenly color. Mk. 9:3, Matt. 28:3, Rev. 1:14, 2:17, 6:2, 20:11\par \pard\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 2.\tab No wise will blot his name out of the book of life\par \pard\fi-1359\li1359\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab Fig of striking the name of the dead out of the list of citizens.\par \tab\tab b.\tab Further in Jewish thought, the Book of life in figurative language in O.T. was the register of the covenant people. Isa. 4:3, Ezel. 13:9\par \tab\tab c.\tab Therefore to be blotted out was to forfeit the privileges of the covenant.\par \tab\tab d.\tab But it took on the meaning of the log of immortality, Dan. 12:1, Ps. 109:13, 14\par \tab\tab e.\tab Luke 10:20, Phil. 4:3, Rev. 20:12, 22:19\par \pard\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 3.\tab I will confess his name before my Father and the angels.\par \pard\fi-1359\li1359\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tLVALx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab a.\tab Matt. 10:32, 33\par \pard\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 4.\tab Summary of Blessings\par \pard\fi-1359\li1359\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab\tab 1.\tab He shall be in undefiled glory\par \tab\tab 2.\tab He shall never lose his heavenly citizenship\par \tab\tab 3.\tab He shall be publicly acknowledge as a citizen by the Judge.\par \pard\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\par \pard\fi-988\li988\tx0\tx618\tx988\tx1359\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720\tab 5.\tab He that hath an ear let him hear what the spirit says unto the churches.\par \pard\cf1\f1\fs23\par } LVAL#S b{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Century;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl216\slmult1\qj\lang1033\f0\fs22\par \pard\sl216\slmult1\qc\b THYATIRA -- Jezebel Junction -- \fs21\par (Text: Rev. 2:18-29)\b0\fs19\par \fs21\par \pard\sl216\slmult1\b\par Background\b0\par \pard\li720\sl216\slmult1\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 1.\tab Thyatira was famous for its purple dye, and the home of Lydia (\cf1\ul Act_16:14\cf0\ulnone ) who was Paul's first convert in Europe (Philippi).\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab Lydia was in Philippi on business and was one of the first to hear the gospel when preached on European soil.\par \tab b.\tab Nothing is known concerning the church at Thyatira apart from what is recorded in this epistles. Some have supposed that Lydia returned to Thyatira after her conversion and started the church, but there is no evidence to support this.\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 2.\tab Thyatira was located about 35 to 40 miles east, southeast of Pergamos. It was the smallest of the cities noted thus far and of less importance politically. It was most noted for as a commercial town.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab Here were to be found weavers, tanners, dyers, potters, clothiers, cobblers, bakers, bronze-workers and many more.\par \tab b.\tab Thyatira boasted more trade guilds than any other town its size. Each having their own guardian god. These gods were worshipped by the membership of each guild by the offering of sacrifices to their honor. Huge festivals were conducted at which the sacrificial meats were eaten. Immoral practices accompanied these festivities.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab (1)\tab To refuse to belong to a guild in that day would be like a coal miner refusing to belong LVALcto his union today. Commercial existence was dependent upon one's belonging to a guild. \par \tab\tab (2)\tab The problem at Thyatira was members of the church urging their fellow Christians to compromise with the world and the ring leader was a woman dubbed "Jezebel."\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 3.\tab Thyatira, an unimportant little town that may fittingly be dubbed "JEZEBEL JUNCTION"\par \pard\sl216\slmult1\par \b\fs25 I.\tab ADDRESS \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_2:18\par \cf0\ulnone\b\fs21\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720\b0 1.\tab Addressed to the Angel ("messenger") at Thyatira.\par 2.\tab The longest of the seven letters is addressed to the most insignificant town of the seven, however the problems facing the church were far from being insignificant.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab While Smyrna and Pergamos were threatened by sword and fire from without, Thyatira's primary danger was from within.\par \pard\sl216\slmult1\par \par \b\fs25 II. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPEAKER \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_2:18\par \cf0\ulnone\fs21\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 1.\tab The Lord identifies Himself to the church at Thyatira as \i "the Son of God"\i0 . This is the first time in the letters that he makes the claim. This expresses authority.\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 a.\tab Expresses Himself as God's gift, \cf1\ul Joh_3:16.\cf0\ulnone\par b.\tab Expresses Himself as God's spokesman, \cf1\ul Heb_1:1-2\cf0\ulnone .\par c. \tab The way to the Father, \cf1\ul Joh_14:6\cf0\ulnone .\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 2.\tab\i "Eyes like a flame of fire"\i0 . Eyes that can penetrate and see everything. \cf1\ul Heb_4:13\cf0\ulnone .\par 3.\tab\i "Feet like fine brass."\i0 Indicates His strength to trample underfoot. Beautiful to the obedience, but a formidable threat to all opposition.\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 a.\tab The combination of these two symbols is very significant. They strikingly reLVALdpresent the Lord as the One whose eyes search out every evil deed, and those feet trample in judgment upon the wicked deeds of men.\par \pard\sl216\slmult1\par \b\f1\fs25 III. WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH \b0\f0\fs21\par \pard\li720\sl216\slmult1 (Commendation) \cf1\ul Rev_2:19\cf0\ulnone . \par \pard\sl216\slmult1\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 1.\tab\i "I know thy works"\i0 ..whether good or bad He says this of all the churches and then suggests whether the works of that particular church are pleasing to Him. [Matt. 10:29-30, John 2:24-25.]\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 a.\tab For this church it is good and evidence of a spiritual life.\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 2.\tab\i "And thy Love\i0 " They loved the Lord and one another. Loving the Lord we will lend ourselves to obedience, 1John 5;3; Gal. 5:6; 1Cor. 13:13. \par 3.\tab\i "Faith"\i0 The golden chain that connects man with his Maker. Hebrews 11:1-6. Without "faith" our worship is ritualistic and our works are merely a social service. \cf1\ul Jam_2:14-26\cf0\ulnone .\par 4.\tab "\i Ministry\i0 " or Service. This service flowed from their love and faith.\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 a.\tab It included both religious and moral duties.\par b.\tab It probably indicates, with the next commendation, that they were active in evangelism.\par c.\tab\i "Patience-endurance\i0 " steadfastness, (I Cor. 15:58)\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 5.\tab\i "Last to be more than the first.\i0 "\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 a.\tab Very unlike Ephesus (2:4). Between the first and last works were love and faith, which explain their growth.\par b.\tab Thyatira was growing in works, but we will see that we must also grow in spirituality. I Pet. 2:2; II Cor. 4:16\par c.\tab Growth is the object of life. 2 Pet. 3:18. Where growth ends, decay begins. (Poem) \par \pard\sl216\slmult1\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720\b\fs25 IV.\tab WHAT LVALeIS WRONG WITH THE CHURCH \b0\fs21\par \pard\li720\sl216\slmult1 (Condemnation) 2:20\par \pard\sl216\slmult1\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 1.\tab "\i But I have somewhat against thee"\i0 -- a message of reproof. The world was in the church and they tolerated it there--"\i thou sufferest.\i0 " They possessed several graces, but not all--they lacked courage. (see I Cor. 5:1 Rev. 2:14.\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 a.\tab We can't please God merely by leaving evil alone--we must actively oppose it. Note here: (1) The sinner tolerated: (2) The sin she committed: (3) The threatened punishment: and (4) the purpose of the punishment.\par \pard\sl216\slmult1 2. The sinner tolerated: She is symbolically called \b\i Jezebel\b0\i0 .\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 a.\tab She must have been something like the character of Jezebel in the O.T. (I Kings 16-18 & 2 Kings 9)\par b.\tab She was a self-styled prophetess \i "calleth herself\i0 ." Self-styled prophets are usually false ones. She was a teacher in the church.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440\tab c.\tab (If literally she was a woman she may have been violating 1Tim 2:12 and 1Cor. 14:35.) \par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 d.\tab She was some influential person who was to the church what Jezebel of old was to Ahab and Israel. (See \cf1\ul 1Ki_16:31\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ki_21:25\cf0\ulnone )\par e.\tab The church tolerated her when it should have withdrawn from her. \cf1\ul 1Co_5:12-13\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Th_3:6\cf0\ulnone .\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 3.\tab The sin she committed. "\i fornication"\i0 v.20b. Either real or spiritual.\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 a.\tab She refused to separate herself from "fornication" and idolatry and she led others astray--she continued "\i to teach and to seduce my servants." \i0 \cf1\ul Jer_3:6-11\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Eze_16:23-42\cf0\ulnone .\par b.\tab She was obstinate--LVALf \cf1\ul Rev_2:21\cf0\ulnone -- and sinned against God's long suffering (2 Pet.3:9).\par \pard\sl216\slmult1\par \b\fs25 V.\tab ADMONITION AND ENCOURAGEMENT \cf1\ul\b0\fs21 Rev_2:24-25\cf0\ulnone\b .\b0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 1.\tab The threatened punishment- \b v. 22, 23\b0 a.\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 a.\tab The leader and the follower alike were to suffer v.22. They were to be cast into a bed of affliction, if they did not repent.\par b.\tab The symbol of their sin becomes the symbol of their punishment. Even today we have a saying, "He maded his own bed, let him lie in it."\par c.\tab This seems to indicate the fornication was immorality and not spiritual. (\cf1\ul Jer_6:1-11\cf0\ulnone ) But not necessarily.\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 2.\tab Purpose of the punishment; an object lesson to churches, v. 23b.\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 a. \tab A lesson for all the churches, not just the seven.\par b.\tab He searches the reigns and heart, literally the kidneys. The organs of the body have often been referred to as the seat or place of thoughts and feelings. (Illustration: "I love you with all my liver".) The Lord knows our innermost secret thoughts and motives.\par c.\tab Judgement will be individually, according to a man's works. 23b.\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 3.\tab As the trial was great, so was the encouragement. (See \cf1\ul 2Co_1:7 \cf0\ulnone b)\par 4.\tab 2:24 Many had conformed to Jezebel's teaching, but many had not. \i "None other burden"\i0 than the one of getting rid of the Jezebelites was placed upon them. Otherwise, they were a faithful, dedicated church that was growing and whose last works was greater than the first.\par 5.\tab\i "Hold fast till I come"\i0 v. 25, 29. "You are sentries on duty, I will come soon and relieve you."\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\sl216\slmult1\tx720\tx1440 a.\tab Hold fast to your faith, love, service, and opposition to error.LVAL\par b.\tab "Till I come" till they were relieved of their duty by victory and/or by death.\par \pard\sl216\slmult1\par \b\fs25 VI. THREAT-- \fs21 (A warning ) \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_2:21-23\par \cf0\ulnone\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 1.\tab\i "I gave her time to repent\i0 " Christ had been long-suffering. Her need for repentance is emphasized.\par 2.\tab He said He would bring affliction or punishment upon Jezebel and her followers if they did not repent.\par 3.\tab\i "Will kill her children with death."\i0 Her followers or adherents would also suffer her punishment with her.\par 4.\tab Will give unto every one of you according to your works." 2 Cor. 5:10.\par \pard\sl216\slmult1\par \b\fs25 VII. PROMISED REWARD\b0\fs21 \b (An Encouragement) \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_2:26-29\cf0\ulnone\b .\par \b0\par \pard\fi-720\li720\sl216\slmult1\tx720 1.\tab Those who kept His word until the end will be triumphant.\par 2.\tab Authority over the nations (forces of evil) The overcomer shall triumph over all evil.\par 3.\tab Rev. 2:27 He shall shepherd them with a staff of iron. His rule and triumph will be strong. As the vessels of the potter are broken into pieces. (Dan. 2:44). As I also received from my Father (the authority over nations) Luke 22:29 Ps. 2:6.\par 4. \tab I will give Him the morning star. Rev. 22:16 refers to Christ. Therefore He promises to give himself to the one that overcomes. The morning star is proverbial for brightness and beauty. It is the harbinger of the day, is the bringer of light, life, and joy.\par \pard\sl216\slmult1\par \b Conclusion:\b0\par \pard 1.\tab This lessons is for us today: It is not enough for a Christian to refrain from false teaching and immorality, he must aggressively oppose both.\cf2\f2\fs23\par } LVAL#S h{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 Gettysburg;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\f0\fs22\tab\b\f1\fs24\tab\f2\fs28 SMYRNA (Suffering Saints: \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_2:8-11\cf0\ulnone\b )\b0\fs22\par \pard\qc Seven Churches of Asia\par \pard\par \b\fs24 Introduction:\b0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab Review Chart of the Seven Churches of Asia\par 2.\tab We do not know when and by whom the church was planted in Smyrna. \par 3.\tab Smyrna's loyalty to Rome led her to be the first city to erect a temple to the goddess Roma in 195 BC. The Caesar-cult was strong here.\par 4.\tab It lay 42 miles north of Ephesus and was built at the end of a large arm of the sea possessing a most unique double harbor. It is estimated to have been a city of 200,000 in John's day.\par 5.\tab Polycarp, one of the early church fathers, was an elder in the church at Smyrna and had studied at the feet of the Apostle John. He was burned at the stake when he was 86 years old.\par \pard\par \b\fs28 1.\tab ADDRESS 2:8\b0\fs24\par \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab The letter was addressed \i "to the angel"\i0 (messenger) of the church and was to be read by him to the congregation.\par \tab 2.\tab The writer was John, but the words he wrote were the words of Christ.\par \pard\par \b\fs28 2.\tab DESCRIPTION OF THE SPEAKER \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_2:8-9\par \cf0\ulnone\fs24\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab "\i The first and the last"\i0 The description of the speaker is always emphasizing some attribute which has a direct association to the church he is addressing and his spiritual relationship to them.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab 1:11 "\i Alpha and Omega, first...last"\i0 The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This eLVALixpresses the omnipotence of Christ, that he is ever-existing, and is eternal.\par \tab\tab b.\tab "\i first"\i0 ... John 1:1; 8:58; Col 1:15-17.\par \pard\tab\tab\tab He should be \i first\i0 with man (Matthew 6:33).\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab c.\tab\i "last"\i0 ... Rev. 22:13. When others are gone he will still be there. The author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2).\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 2.\tab "\i Who was dead and liveth again."\i0\par \tab\tab We are reminded of His power over the grave. Wicked men also killed Him, but the grave could not contain Him. His death burial, and resurrection are the fundamental facts of the gospel (I Cor. 15:1-4).\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab Died for our sins (Rom. 5:8) and arose for our justification (Rom. 4:25).\par \tab\tab b.\tab With His credential of the fact of the resurrection He addresses this persecuted church.\par \tab\tab c.\tab This is especially relevant because the Smyrna church is the suffering and persecuted church. He comforts with assurances of his victory over death.\par \tab\tab d.\tab This fact would be of special encouragement to Smyrna inasmuch as they were in danger of death at the hands of the wicked. But they were serving a Master who had conquered death (1 Cor. 15:23-26, 55-58).\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 3.\tab\i "I know"...\i0 Prov. 15:3 "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."\par \pard\b\fs28 3.\tab WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH -- \b0\fs24 (Commendation)\par \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab\i "Thy works"\i0 v.9. Will be judged according to works (Rev. 20:12).\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab The Lord also "knows" what we are doing!\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 2.\tab\i "Thy tribulation"\i0 v. 9. ( 2 Tim. 3:12; Matt. 5:11,12. )\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab The word "tribulation" originally meLVALjant to be "pressed under a bolder."\par \tab\tab b.\tab Persecution from Jewish elements is named. This indicates also that the time frame is before AD 70 because after that date the Jews lost status, and political and economic power throughout the empire. The persecutors claimed to be Jews, (but they are not, says the Lord) for the real Jews today are Christians (see Romans 2:28,29; 4:12-14; 9:4-8) \par \pard\li2160 Lesson: Sometimes people are not always what they say.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab c.\tab The persecuting Jews were said to be really of the synagogue of Satan.\par \tab\tab d.\tab The church is exhorted to "\i fear none of those things"\i0 that was to come upon them. Often, great men in the Bible were told not to be afraid. Christians have no reason to fear what men can inflict.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 3.\tab "\i Thy poverty"\i0 v.9. Here begins the big difference from all other churches addresses.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab Evidently this church was extremely poor in this world's material goods. Ephesus was rich and apparently the congregation there was well to do. The Ladiocian members were extremely wealthy in this world's goods. Not so for Smyrna.\par \tab\tab b.\tab The city of Smyrna was rich. It was a very prosperous city, but not so for the church of Christ there.\par \tab\tab c.\tab The poverty may have resulted from oppression and robbery on the part of her enemies, from the last part of v. 9. (See also Hebrews 10:34.)\par \tab\tab d.\tab Christians (and churches) can be poor but rich! Earthly poverty is no hindrance to spiritual riches.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 4.\tab "\i Some in prison" \i0 v.10. \par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab Satan, through people in the world, may persecute us to death but it is not over yet.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 5.\tab\i "Ten days"\i0 The number "ten" in BiblicLVALkal symbolism indicates a complete testing, or trial to the limit of human endurance.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab Thus Jacob complained that Laban had changed his wages "ten times" (Gen. 31:7, 41).\par \tab\tab b.\tab The plagues of Egypt were "ten" in number (Exodus 7-12).\par \tab\tab c.\tab Israel was tested with "ten" commandments (Exodus 20)\par \tab\tab d.\tab God's patience had been tried to the limit. He said, they had tempted him now these "ten" times (Numbers 14:22).\par \tab\tab e.\tab Daniel requested that he and his companions be tested "ten" days (Daniel 1:12-15).\par \pard\fi-720\li2160 So the church at Smyrna was to be fully tested, as the persecuted church.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 5.\tab "\i Be thou faithful unto death..."\i0\par \tab\tab If necessary, be faithful even if it means your martyrdom.\par \pard\b\fs28 6.\tab THREATS--\b0\fs24 (None)\par \par \b\fs28 7.\tab PROMISED REWARDS 2:10b - 11\b0\fs24\par \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab\i "Crown of life"\i0 v. 10. Smyrna wore the title \b "The Crown of Asia"\b0 and to the faithful Christians there, the Lord said "\i I will give thee a crown of life." \i0\par \pard\li1440 To Ephesus the promise was the "tree of life;" to Sardis, it was having their "\i name in the book of life,"\i0 but to Smyrna it is a \i "crown of life."\i0\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab There were in essence two kinds of crowns. 1) The victory crown, as given in athletic games, etc., and 2) the crown of royalty.\par \tab\tab b.\tab The crown here promised is the garland crown of victory-- victory over death (1 Cor. 9:24,25; 2 Tim. 4:8.)\par \tab\tab c.\tab While these promises were intended for individuals who \i "overcame"\i0 in another sense, Smyrna, as a city, has been given a Crown of Life, it has survived through all the centuries and is now a large city with a population of 2 million, its modern name is Iz-mir. It has the largest "ChLVALristian" population of this strong Islamic area.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 2.\tab "\i He that hath an ear..."\i0 An exhortation for them to listen to the words of the spirit. This indicates this letter and this particular admonition is for others as well as for Smyrna.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 3.\tab "\i He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."\i0\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab The second death is explained in Revelation 20:14,15.\par \tab\tab b.\tab Physical death is the separation of the body from the spirit. The second death is the separation of the spirit from God and from all that it has been created for.\par \pard\fi-2880\li2880\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tab\tab\tab (1)\tab A separation that results in its everlasting abode in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10, 14, 15).\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab c.\tab Christ is saying, "They may take your goods, imprison you, burn you, feed you to the lions, but they can't inflict the second death."\par \pard\fi-4320\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab\tab The condition: "\i he that overcometh"\i0 "Keep yourselves true \b until\b0 death, an d I will keep you \b after\b0 death."\par \pard\par \b CONCLUSION:\b0\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab Thus the Bible reveals two deaths. And there are \i two births\i0 as well as two deaths. Have you been \b born the second time\b0 that the \b second death\b0 will not have power over you?\par \pard\cf2\f3\fs23\par } LVAL#S m{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 Gettysburg;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\f0\fs26\par \pard\qc\b EPHESUS\b0 (Text: \cf1\ul Rev_2:1-7\cf0\ulnone )\par \fs22 The Seven Churches of Asia\par \pard\par \f1\fs24 Introduction:\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab The composition of the letters to the 7 churches have the same literary arrangements. There are seven points: \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440 1)\tab A salutation to the church addressed; \par 2)\tab A description of the speaker [Christ] with emphasis on an attribute described in Rev. ch. 1 which had direct relation to the spiritual condition of that church; \par \pard\fi-2880\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab\tab 3)\tab What is right with the church, a message of praise; \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 4)\tab What is wrong with the church, a message of reproof; \par \tab 5)\tab Exhortation to make correction; \par \tab 6)\tab Admonition and a threat; \par \tab 7)\tab A promise of reward to him that overcomes.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 2.\tab Note the chart with all seven churches depicted. The large circle represents the fellowship of the churches in Christ. One church \i Laodicea\i0 has nothing to commend, and two, \i Smyrna \i0 and \i Philadelphia\i0 have nothing to condemn.\par \pard\par \pard\li720 The seven churches of Asia also describe the conditions that congregations may be found in at any period of time. Some are strong, some are weak, some are dead. Every church can see itself somewhere in these letters and they serve as an opportunity for a church to make a self-evaluation.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720\b 3.\tab EPHESUS - BACKGROUND\b0\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1)\tab A great seaport and commercial center, located on the trade routes to the westLVALn, north and south. The most important city of Asia.\par \tab 2)\tab A religious center where the Temple of Diana was located.\par \tab 3)\tab Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos at Ephesus and a brief visit by Paul at the end of the second journey (\cf1\ul Act_18:18-28\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab 4)\tab Paul returns on third journey, stays three years (Acts 19 - 20)\par \tab 5)\tab Paul met elders at Miletus (\cf1\ul Act_20:17-20\cf0\ulnone ff ) on way to Jerusalem.\par \tab 6)\tab Timothy at Ephesus (\cf1\ul 1Ti_1:3\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab 7)\tab The Ephesian epistle (one of the prison epistles).\par \tab 8)\tab Later tradition: John's preaching in Ephesus and Asia\par \pard\tab 9)\tab Letter of \cf1\ul Rev_2:1-7\par \cf0\ulnone\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720\b 1. \tab ADDRESS 2:1\b0\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab It is addressed to the "angel" or messenger of the church.\par \tab 2.\tab It is to be communicated by him to the congregation.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab This is probably the "reader" of 1:3, the "messenger" or minister of the church.\par \pard\b 2.\tab DESCRIPTION OF THE SPEAKER \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_2:1-2\par \cf0\ulnone\par \pard\li720 Though written by the hand of John, the letter was dictated by the Lord Jesus. A two-fold description is given of him here.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab\i "Holdeth the seven stars in his right hand."\i0\par \tab\tab He is the possessor and upholder of his ministers.\par \tab 2.\tab "\i Walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks"\i0\par \tab\tab The candlesticks (lampstands) are the churches (1:20). God is present with them. Where two are three are gathered in his name, Jesus is there (Matt 18:20).\par \tab 3.\tab "\i I know"\i0 Another attribute of the Lord, he "knows" their condition (See John 2:24,25; Heb. 4:13)\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720\b 3. \tab WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH\b0 2:2-3\par \pard\par \pard\li720 First he always pointsLVALo out the good. He seems more intent on finding good than evil.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab\i "I know thy works and thy labor"\i0 Nothing good or bad escapes his notice.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab Their life and work was commendable. We all must work. Phil. 2:12 and James 2:14, 26. "Keeping house" is not enough.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 2.\tab "\i Thy patience"\i0 or steadfastness. They did not grow weary in well-doing. Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 15:58; 16:13.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 3.\tab\i "Thou canst not bear them which are evil"\i0 They were right in their practice of church discipline.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab It is right to bear with a \i weak\i0 brother (Rom. 15:1) but not with a false one (2 John 10f; 2 Thess. 3:6).\par \tab\tab b.\tab Note play on word \i "bear."\i0 They couldn't \b bear\b0 evil men (v.2), but they had \b borne\b0 a heavy load for the sake of Christ (v.3).\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 4.\tab\i "Tried them which say they are apostles"\i0\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab Another indication of the early date for Revelation. An indication that "apostles" (plural) may still be alive would be an argument for the early date for Revelation.\par \tab\tab b.\tab It is interesting to note that Paul's prophecy of Acts 20:28-30 when he met with the Ephesian elders was fulfilled.\par \tab\tab\tab These false apostles were rejected.\par \tab\tab c.\tab Thus, "doctrine" is important. 1 Tim. 4:16; Matt. 15:9.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 5.\tab "\i Thou hattest the deeds of the Nicolaitans."\i0\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab These deeds of the N. involved a compromise with paganism, participaton in idolatrous feasts and fornication. The teaching of Nicolaitans was like the teaching of Balaam. [In fact, some scholLVALpars point out the possibility that the name \i Nicolaitans\i0 ("conqueror of the people) may be a Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name Balaam (possibly derived from a word meaning destroyer of the people.) Thus, \i Nicolaitans\i0 would be symbolics name given to them rathern than an actualy name borne by them, cf "Jezebel" in v.20. ] They taught that these things were indifferent, that God's grace licensed them to sin (Jude 4b; Rom. 6:1 and also 2:14-15, v.20?).\par \tab\tab b.\tab Notice he said they hated the deeds, and not the people.\par \pard\par \pard\li1440 The church at Ephesus was active, they had persevered, and were doctrinally correct and morally pure. What possible could be wrong with a congregation that worked so diligently to protect the purity of the Lord's name?\par \pard\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720\b 4.\tab WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CHURCH 2:4\b0\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab There was just one ailment, but that was a serious one. They had \i left their first love.\i0 They had failed to retain that ardent and strong affection for God and spiritual things, which they had when they first received the truth. (Eph. 1;15)\par \tab 2.\tab Their love had waned. They were still obeying God, but mechanically. The motive and spirit of love and reverence toward God had disappeared. ("The honeymoon was over.")\par \tab 3.\tab Perhaps like Ephesus many churches in their zeal to be right, lose sight of the reason for being right, to be pleasing to God and acceptable in his sight. The purpose for being doctrinally correct is to win souls for Christ, not to grow self-righteous and bitter.\par \tab 4.\tab To hate error and evil is not the same to love Christ. See Acts 19:18-20 for the first love at Ephesus.\par \pard\par \par \b 5.\tab EXHORTATION AND ADMONITION 2:5a\b0\par \par \tab In order to revive fading love, he summoned three things into play:\par \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab\ul Memory\ulnone \i "Remember"LVALq\i0 the way it was in the beginning.\par \pard\tab\tab (See Ps. 137; Luke 15:17f)\par \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 2.\tab\ul Will \ulnone \i "Repent"\i0 Change your way of thinking that led to this present state (Acts 8:22). This is in the tense and voice indicating that each member was to repent of his absence of love toward God and Christ.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 3.\tab\ul Activity\ulnone \i "do the first works"\i0 must have love and fervency.\par \tab\tab They had once had love (Eph 1:15) and had showed that love for the saints in some manner. \par \pard\par \b 6.\tab THREAT (Or a Warning) 2:5b\b0\par \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab "\i Will remove thy candlestick"\i0 Their extinction in God's sight was threatened. No church can be a light for Christ without love.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 2.\tab There is no church in Ephesus today, perhaps a testimony to the fact they didn't repent, or if they did, some later sin caused their disappearance.\par \pard\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720\b 7.\tab PROMISED REWARD -- (An Encouragement) 2:7\b0\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab Their encouragement was to hear the words of the spirit. The heart that opens to God's words shall be filled with blessings.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 2.\tab The reward is promised to the overcomer.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 3.\tab The reward will be opportunity to \i "eat of the tree of life."\i0\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab This is the first mention of the tree since Genesis 3:24.\par \tab\tab b.\tab It was forfeited in Eden when man became disobedient.\par \tab\tab c.\tab Man was separated from it lest he should eat and live forever in sin.\par \tab\tab d.\tab But now the one victorious over sin with Christ's help can partake of the true of life in the new paradise and live forever with Christ and tLVALhe Father.\par \pard\par \cf2\f2\fs23\par } LVAL#S s{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 Gettysburg;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\lang1033\b\f0\fs36 Laodicea (\cf1\ul\b0 Rev_3:14-22\cf0\ulnone\b )\b0\fs24\par Seven Churches of Asia\par \pard\par BACKGROUND:\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab References to the church at Laodicea: \cf1\ul Col_2:1\cf0\ulnone\i ; \cf1\ul\i0 Col_4:13-16\cf0\ulnone\i ; \cf1\ul\i0 Rev_1:11\cf0\ulnone\i ; \cf1\ul\i0 Rev_3:14.\par \cf0\ulnone 2.\tab Located on the great Asian trade routes on the banks of the rive Lycus Laodicea was a very prosperous city. It was one of the banking center in Asia, and a clothing and fashion center. Its three main business are said to have been a) banking, b) a black wool market, c) manufacturing an ointment used as a balm for sore eyes.\par 3.\tab It was sixty miles east of Ephesus and located eleven miles from Colossae and six miles from Hierapolis. \par 4.\tab Because it was situated in the neighborhood of hot springs that emitted lukewarm water it became a health resort. It was the home of a medical school that specialized in treatment of maladies of the eye and a famous eye salve was manufactured here. \par 4.\tab The church there was probably composed mostly of rich members as suggested in \i Rev. 3:17. \i0 An abundance of goods, lukewarm water, raiment, and eyesalve were all literal realities in the city. However, Christ used these figuratively to teach what spiritual riches are.\par \pard\par \par \b I.\tab ADDRESS\b0 \cf1\ul Rev_3:14\par \cf0\ulnone\par \pard\li720 Addressed to the messenger who would convey the information to the congregation at Laodicea.\par \pard\par \par \b II.\tab DESCRIPTION OF THE SPEAKER\b0 \cf1\ul Rev_3:14\cf0\ulnone\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab\i "Amen" \i0 -- as a proper name for the Lord, see \cf1\ul Isa_65:16\cf0\ulnone ,LVALt "God of Amen", or God "of truth."\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\tx720\tx1440 a.\tab Jesus often prefaced his remarks by "Verily, Verily, I say unto you." In the Greek, these words translated "verily" are "Amen, Amen." This Greek term means to guarantee the truth of the statement made. So to affirm that Jesus is the "Amen" is to proclaim that he is the true representation of the Father.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab b.\tab Being then the affirmation of the absolute truth of God one would neglect his message at the risk of losing his soul.\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 2.\tab "\i Faithful and true witness."\i0 His testimony was a true account.\par \pard\li720 He is knowledgeable and what he says is honest. He would not misrepresent them in their condition. \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab In our courts it is the testimony of witnesses upon which juries and judges make their decisions. It is upon the true testimony of this unimpeachable witness that our hopes for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life depend.\par \tab b.\tab He is a witness of what God in his love has provided for man and what man under God can become. He is a witness of how God can remain holy, just and true and still pardon sinful man. \par \tab b.\tab He who believes something.\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 3.\tab "\i The beginning of the creation"\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\tx720\tx1440\i0 a.\tab The Greek construction does not mean that Christ is the beginning, or the first thing created, but the construction indicates that Christ is the Beginner, or source and origin of creation. \cf1\ul Joh_1:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_1:10\cf0\ulnone . \par \pard\tab b.\tab Christ is the author and the source of creation. \cf1\ul Heb_5:8-9\par \cf0\ulnone\par \par \b III.\tab WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH\b0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab Nothing is stated. There was no persecution, no spiritual warfare, no one contending for the faith.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440 LVALu2.\tab We are at war against sin in this world-- put on your armor, \cf1\ul Eph_6:11\par \cf0\ulnone\tab a.\tab Thyatira tollerated the world, yet she had a remnant faithful.\par \pard\fi-720\li1440\tx720\tx1440 b.\tab Sardis was dead, yet contained "a few names" with undefiled garments.\par c.\tab But Laodicea was without a remnant.\par \pard\par \b IV.\tab WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CHURCH.\b0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab Laodicea was neither cold nor hot, but the Lord wishes they were. The church at Laodicea was lukewarm and self-satisfied. They were practicing the maximum of the minimum! Their works were just a conscience-easing little. They were so without influence that they drew no persecution (\cf1\ul 2Ti_3:12\cf0\ulnone ). \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab "I would that thou wert cold or hot" Open coldness is more honest and less deceptive. (\cf1\ul Act_8:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_23:1\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 2.\tab\i "Lukewarm."\i0 The Lord said he would \i "spew"\i0 them out of his mouth. They were middle of the roaders, they were compromisers.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab Here is another indication that a Christian can be lost. \cf1\ul Heb_3:12\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gal_5:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_15:6\cf0\ulnone .\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 3.\tab\i "Rich"\i0 -- material, not spiritually. Riches often make people self-satisfied and self-confident. To be either is to be self-deceived.\par \pard\tab Likely they regarded material prosperity as a token of God's favor.\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 4.\tab Their view of self, \i "Rich, needed nothing."\i0 Sardis was exalted by others, Laodicea by herself. But in the eyes of God they both were little.\par 5.\tab God's View, \cf1\ul Rev_3:17\cf0\ulnone .\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab\i "Wretched" \i0 -- Because of their complacency. (What the Pharisee though of the publican sinner, Luke 18). \par \tab b.\tab\i "Miserable"\i0 -LVALv- deserving of pity, an object of pity.\par \tab c.\tab\i "Poor" \i0 -- true paupers, no treasures in heaven.\par \tab d.\tab\i "Blind\i0 " -- to their obligations to Christ and to their responsibility to themselves and others. Without the Christian Graces, Peter wrote we are blind, "But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins" (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:9\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab e.\tab\i "Naked"\i0 -- with no good works to cloth them. Failed to put on the spiritual garments (\cf1\ul Col_3:12-14\cf0\ulnone ). \par \pard\par \b V.\tab ADMONITION AND WARNING \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_3:18\par \cf0\ulnone\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab He admonishes them to receive his blessings that they may be enriched, clothed, and that their vision may be restored. \par 2.\tab "Buy of me \i gold."\i0 -- refined by fire. Emphasis "from me" instead of trusting in self. They were \i "poor"\i0 so they needed \i "gold"\i0 to be rich. A true church who has met the tests and come out victorious.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\ri1440\tx720\tx1440\tab\tab [Being a great banking center many Jews lived in Laodicea. One writer says "There were so many Jews here that the government became concerned at the amount of gold that was flowing from the city in the form of temple tax. It was so much money that in 62 B.C. Flaccus the governor put an embargo on the exporting of the tax to the temple in Jerusalem." But apparently by the middle of the first century A.D. a large quanity of gold was again being sent from this area to Jerusalem according to historians.]\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 3.\tab Buy of me... \i "White garments."\i0 Cloth thyself, unlike their garments of black wool for which Laodicea was famous. They needed purity and holiness. \par 4.\tab Buy of me... \i "eyesalve"\i0 -- for eyes to see. (Remember the miracle of Jesus healing the blind man was told by John in John 9.)\par \pard\par \b VI.\tab CALL TO REPENT \cfLVALw1\ul\b0 Rev_3:19\cf0\ulnone\b .\b0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab\i "As many as I love, I reprove and chasten" \i0 -- Rebuke given because Christ loved them. \cf1\ul Heb_12:8\par \cf0\ulnone 2.\tab\i "Be zealous" \i0 -- raise the temperature (water boiling, gas molecules acting up) heat kills bacteria, zeal will kill the germs of sin. Put your heart into it. \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab Enthusiastic and bubbling over.\par \tab b.\tab\ul En-Theos\ulnone , enthusiasm, God in us!\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 4.\tab\i "Repent" \i0 -- start life over, turn from lukewarmness. This stands between the erring Christian and forgiveness (\cf1\ul Act_8:22\cf0\ulnone ).\par 5.\tab An Invitation. \i "I stand at the door and knock..." \i0 Christ on the outside, driven out by the Laodiceans. Instead of us standing at his door, the picture is of the Lord standing at ours. Jesus seeks entrance into all our hearts but he forces himself upon none. He knocks but we must open the door and invite him in.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab "His \i voice" \i0 he knocks and speaks.\par \tab b.\tab To take food with one is an outward sign of brotherly love and reconciliation. Picture of sinners reconciled with God. Some see an illusion here to the Lord's Supper.\par \pard\par \b VII.\tab PROMISED REWARD \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_3:21\cf0\ulnone\b .\b0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab To the Overcomer. May we be preserved from that self-satisfying conceit that ruined the Laodiceans.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab They are the classic demonstration of the little play on words: "You are not what you think you are-- but what you think-- you are!"\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 2.\tab Sit down with me \i "in" \i0 my throne; \i "in" \i0 in this relationship used no where else.\par 3.\tab As I sit down with my Father in his throne. \cf1\ul Col_1:13\cf0\ulnone ; [\cf1\ul Psa_110:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_15:26\cf0\ulnone . \cf1\ul Heb_8:1LVALx\cf0\ulnone ]\par \pard\par \b Conclusion\b0\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab He that ears... let him hear.\par \pard\li720 The application to everyone, not a message for Laodicia only, but for us in the 20th and 21st centuries.\par \pard\f1\page\f0 A comparative description of Zealous and Lukewarm Christians.\par \par \pard\qc ZEALOUS CHRISTIANS\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab Never misses the church's teaching or preaching services. \cf1\ul Gal_6:10\cf0\ulnone .\par 2.\tab Participates in any was possible.\par 3.\tab Is receptive of the truth preached or taught no matter what the subject is.\par 4.\tab Welcomes those visiting and invites them back.\par 5.\tab Encourages those restored or baptized.\par 6.\tab Commends the teachers, preachers, deacons and elders.\par 7.\tab Joins heartily in the singing with the spirit and the understanding.\par 8.\tab Prays with the prayer leader and Amens the prayer.\par 9.\tab Brings his company at home with him to church.\par 10.\tab Never wants a chance to work overtime if it interferes with God.\par 11.\tab Gives as he has been blessed to give.\par 12.\tab He had rather read the Bible than anything else including the newspaper.\par 13.\tab Never compromises the truth on the issues but teaches.\par 14.\tab Loves all the members weak and strong and never shows partiality.\par 15.\tab Finds the truths of God inspiring, uplifting and edifying.\par 16.\tab Had rather visit the sick and the needy than watch TV.\par \pard\par \pard\qc LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS\par \pard\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab Frequently misses the church's teaching and preaching services.\par 2.\tab Seldom, if ever, participates.\par 3.\tab Rejects almost anything contrary to what he already believes or wants to believe.\par 4.\tab Hardly ever goes out of his way to speak to visitors.\par 5.\tab Rarely ever says an encouraging word to them.\par 6.\tab Some of the time he criticize them and rarely commends them.\par 7.\tab The members next to him LVAL in worship seldom hear him singing.\par 8.\tab Lets the company keep him from services.\par 9.\tab Lets the company keep him from services.\par 10.\tab Takes frequent opportunities to work overtime.\par 11.\tab Gives less than he can and sometimes not at all.\par 12.\tab Always reads the newspaper thoroughly but very rarely does he read the Bible.\par 13.\tab He had rather compromise than seriously stand.\par 14.\tab He is partial to some and does not overlook the weaknesses of others.\par 15.\tab Finds a secular book, a ball game, or a political speech more inspiring.\par 16.\tab Had rather watch TV and usually does.\par \pard\cf2\f2\fs23\par } LVAL#S z{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 Gettysburg;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\qc\lang1033\b\f0\fs36 PHILADELPHIA \par \fs28 (Text: \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_3:7-13\cf0\ulnone\b )\fs24\par The Seven Churches of Asia\par \pard\par Philadelphia Background\b0 :\par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 1.\tab Philadelphia means the city of "brotherly love." The church in this town was only one of two who found no condemnation in the Lord's letter to them.\par 2.\tab Philadelphia was located 28 miles southeast of Sardis. It was a border town where the borders of Mysia, Lydia and Phyrgia met. It was recognized as the gateway to the east; thus, the gateway from one continent to another.\par 3.\tab Philadelphia was built to spread the Greek language, way of life, and Greek civilization throughout the wilds of Phrygia and barbarous tribes beyond.\par 4.\tab The city was located on the edge of a very fertile plain that was famous for its grape growing. It was rich in hot springs, to which the infirm came to bathe in the medicinal waters. \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab However its location was also on the edge of a volcanic area subject to frequent earthquakes. The people of Philadelphia lived a fearful unsettled life, frequently fleeing from the city and returning back. The city was devastated by an earthquake in AD 17. \par \tab b.\tab An important city from a commercial standpoint, but not equal to such cities as Ephesus or Laodicea which were near by.\par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720 5.\tab Philadelphia was a center in its area for heathen worship. The principle god was Dionysus, the god of wine, but the multiplicity of gods and temples resulted in the title of "Little Athens" for Philadelphia.\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab a.\tab Philadelphia honored its outstanding citizens by erecting pillLVAL{ars in the temples and inscribing their names on them.\par \pard\par \par \b I.\tab ADDRESS \b0\par \par \par \pard\fi-720\li720\tx720\b II.\tab DESCRIPTION OF THE SPEAKER 3:\b0\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab\b\i "He that is holy."\b0\i0\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab In whom holiness essentially dwells and from whom all holiness is derived.\par \pard\fi-2880\li2880\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tab\tab\tab 1)\tab Holiness means to be separate from sin; set apart to do the will of the Father. ( \cf1\ul 2Co_6:17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Pe_2:5\cf0\ulnone )\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab b.\tab This message is not from a sinner, but from him who is "holy..." \cf1\ul Heb_7:26\cf0\ulnone ; See \cf1\ul Rev_4:8.\par \cf0\ulnone\tab\tab c.\tab He speaks with authority by reason of his inherent holiness.\par \tab\tab d.\tab His bitter enemies could find no flaw in his character. \cf1\ul Joh_8:46\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_18:38\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_19:4-6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_27:4\cf0\ulnone .\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 2.\tab\b\i "He that is true."\b0\i0 There are two words in the Greek that is translated "true." \ul Alethes\ulnone , which describes a statement that is true and not false, (opposed to lying); and \ul Alethinos\ulnone , meaning true in the sense of real or genuine as opposed to that which is spurious. The second word is used here meaning that Jesus is the one person who is real and genuine. He is the "genuine" or "true" Messiah and GOD as opposed to all those false pagan gods at Philadelphia.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab He is the truth. \cf1\ul Joh_14:6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_8:32\cf0\ulnone . Truth is the essence of his character. He is the one from whom all truth proceeds. He is trustworthy and cannot deceive himself or lead us astray.\par \tab\tab b.\tab He is the true Saviour; the true Messiah (\cf1\ul Act_2:36\cf0\ulnoneLVAL| ); the true Light (\cf1\ul Joh_1:9\cf0\ulnone ); the true Bread (\cf1\ul Joh_6:32\cf0\ulnone ); and the true Vine (\cf1\ul Joh_15:1\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 3.\tab\b\i "Hath the key of David."\b0\i0 This is quoted from \cf1\ul Isa_22:22\cf0\ulnone "And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open."\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab A "Key" is the symbol of authority and regal right. All authority belongs to Christ (Matthew 28:18). \par \tab\tab b.\tab Christ now reigns (Eph. 1:19-20; Luke 1:32-33). The power to "open and shut" shows his absolute dominion over the kingdom of the Lord (Cf. Eph. 1:22-23; Acts 3:22-23).\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 4.\tab The Lord set before Philadelphia an open door.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab To preach the gospel -- I Cor. 16:8-9; 2 Cor. 2:12.\par \tab\tab b.\tab Not limited to preaching but includes opportunity for spiritual usefulness -- Matthew 25:14-30.\par \tab\tab c.\tab To heaven -- 2 Peter 1:10-11.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 5.\tab We should pray for open doors (Col 4:3).\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 6.\tab\b\i "None can shut."\b0\i0 Adversaries shall not be able to prevent it.\par \pard\par \par \b III. WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_3:8\cf0\ulnone \par \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab\b\i "Thou hast kept my word.'\b0\i0 Faithfulness and fidelity to the truth.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab Paul's admonition-- \cf1\ul 2Ti_1:13\par \cf0\ulnone\tab\tab\tab The great need in the church is for loyalty to the word of God. The great weakness in the church is neglect and ignorance of the word of God. \par \tab\tab b.\tab Ignorance will destroy -- \cf1\ul Isa_5:13\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Hos_4:6\par \cf0\ulnone\tab\LVAL}tab c.\tab There must be no compromise with error-- \cf1\ul Gal_1:6-9\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\cf0\ulnone\tab\tab d.\tab\i "Keep"\i0 also means "do". Cf. \cf1\ul Mat_7:21\cf0\ulnone ,\cf1\ul Mat_7:24.\par \par \cf0\ulnone\tab 2.\tab\b\i "A little strength."\b0\i0 \par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab This is probably not referring to spiritual strength but to such things as wealth, number, and social prestige. \par \tab\tab b.\tab Her strength did not consist in social prominence, material wealth, numerical strength, nor intellectual wisdom; but in moral and spiritual strength.\par \tab\tab c.\tab A small country church that refused to hide her light under a bushel. A congregation might be small but at the same time it might be strong.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 3.\tab\b\i "Hast not denied my name."\b0\i0\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab They did not refuse to wear it-- 1 Peter 4:16. We should not refuse to wear his name, because:\par \pard\fi-2880\li2880\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tab\tab\tab 1)\tab It is a divine name -- Acts 11:26\par \tab\tab\tab 2)\tab It is a pre-eminent name -- Phil. 2:9-11\par \tab\tab\tab 3)\tab In it we were baptized -- Acts 2:38\par \tab\tab\tab 4)\tab In it there is salvation -- Acts 4:12\par \tab\tab\tab 5)\tab All things must be done in it -- Col. 3;17\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab b.\tab Never let us bring reproach upon the Lord's holy name!\par \pard\par \par \par \b IV.\tab WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CHURCH -- \b0\par \tab Nothing is stated. They are vindicated instead.\par \par \par \par \b V. THE CHURCH HAD ENEMIES \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_3:9\par \cf0\ulnone\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab\b\i "The synagogue of Satan."\b0\i0 This is another strong indication that this letter was written before the destruction of the Temple, Jerusalem and the political power base of the Jews.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx216LVAL~0\tab\tab a.\tab These were Jews who refused to accept Christ as the Messiah and obey the gospel and were persecuting the Christians.\par \tab\tab b.\tab They held error and opposed the truth.\par \tab\tab c.\tab "Synagogue" -- Satan has religious people as well as other kinds in his service.\par \tab\tab c.\tab "\i Worship"\i0 -- Cause to respect, maybe led to obedience. They would fall at their feet and know that Christians were loved by God ** The destruction of Jerusalem was a sign to all Jews that they had rejected the Messiah God had sent to them. "He came to his own and his own received him not". Now with the destruction of the Temple they would know that the Christians were the "real" "genuine" children of God.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 2.\tab The church has her enemies now, both within and without.\par \pard\par \par \f1\page\f0\par \b VI.\tab\tab PROMISED BLESSINGS \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_3:10-11\par \cf0\ulnone\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab There was a present promise.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab Because they have kept the word of the Lord He will keep them from the hour of temptation. (\cf1\ul 1Co_10:13\cf0\ulnone ). Because of their faithfulness the worse of the "great tribulation" of \cf1\ul Mat_24:21\cf0\ulnone would not come upon them at Philadelphia.\par \tab\tab b.\tab "Keep word" = obey the Lord's commands.\par \tab\tab c.\tab They patiently endured in upholding the gospel in spite of opposition and persecution.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 2.\tab There was a future promise.\par \pard\fi-2160\li2160\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tab\tab a.\tab "\i Will make a pillar in the temple of God."\i0\par \tab\tab b.\tab Like the pillars of Jachin & Boaz in Solomon's temple -- \cf1\ul 1Ki_7:21.\par \cf0\ulnone\tab\tab c.\tab This was an indication of permanent honor. Something that would remain and last as long as heaven. So, don't become disturbed and distrust God.\par \tab\tab d.\tabLVAL "\i Go no more out."\i0 He would be a permanent resident of the temple of God, like a priest. \cf1\ul Mat_25:34\cf0\ulnone\par \tab\tab e.\tab He would have the name of God written on them. To write one's name upon anything was a common hebrew expression to denote taking absolute possession of it and making it completely one's own. (\cf1\ul Eph_1:7\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_1:5\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_7:14\cf0\ulnone )\par \pard\par \par \b VII.\tab EXHORTATION FOR ALL TO HEED THIS LESSON -- \cf1\ul\b0 Rev_3:11\cf0\ulnone\par \par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 1.\tab\b\i "Behold I come quickly."\b0\i0 Cf. \cf1\ul Rev_22:7\cf0\ulnone , 12, \cf1\ul Rev_22:20\cf0\ulnone . His coming to bring retribution on the wicked men who had rejected him and persecuted the apostles and prophets would be soon now. (\cf1\ul Luk_18:7\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_21:22\cf0\ulnone ) \par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 2.\tab Will bring sudden calamity on churches in Asia if they do not hold fast.\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 3.\tab Don't lose the crown, hold fast. Cf. Paul in \cf1\ul 2Ti_4:6-8\cf0\ulnone . The crown was a token of victory or reward for those who win. There is danger of a Christian not holding fast and thus loosing his crown. (\cf1\ul Rev_2:10\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_10:12\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gal_5:4\cf0\ulnone )\par \pard\par \pard\fi-1440\li1440\tx720\tx1440\tab 4.\tab Let no man take thy crown. Hear! \par \pard\cf2\f2\fs23\par } L LVAL\ {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 Practical Themes For Us From Revelation\b0\fs23\par \par 1. Heaven knows and cares about our struggles\par 2. Faithfulness in overcoming provides us power that enables us to come over to be with God.\par 3. Satan is powerful, but Christ is more powerful.\par 4. Living for Christ is the only way.\par 5. Trials will come, but use them as stepping-stones to glory.\par 6. The thngs that dazzles are not enduring and profitable.\par 7. Judgment awaits us all - we cannot escape it.\par 8. Christ was the grand