Reading
Revelation 6:1-7:17
Questions
1. The first seal depicts a time of worldwide peace. How will this aid in lulling the people of the earth into a false sense of security?
(Verses to consider: Daniel 9:24-27; 1 Thessalonians 5:3)
2. What kind of judgment did the breaking of the second and third seals unleash upon the earth?
(Verses to consider: Daniel 11:36-45; Mark 13:7, 8; Luke 21:9)
3. What will be the results of the breaking of the third, fourth, and fifth seals?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Opening the Seals - Part 2 - Devo for 01/27/2009
Reading
Revelation 6:1-7:17
Keys to the Text
The Seals: In chapter 5, Christ was the only One found worthy to open the little scroll - the title deed to the universe. As he breaks the seven seals that secure the scroll, each seal unleashes a new demonstration of God's judgment on the earth in the future tribulation period. These seal judgments include all the judgments to the end. The seventh seal contains the seven trumpets; the seventh trumpet contains the seven bowls.
Each of the scroll's seven seals represents a specific divine judgment that will be poured out sequentially on the earth. The seals encompass the entire seven-year period of the Tribulation, culminating with the return of Christ. It seems best to understand the first four seals as taking place during the first half of the Tribulation. The events of the fifth seal will mark the midpoint, and then the events of the sixth and seventh seals wills stretch into the second half of the seven-year period of the Tribulation.
Great Tribulation: A seven-year period of intense judgment on the earth. The exact phrase, "the great tribulation," is found only once in the Bible, here in 7:14. The Great Tribulation is to be distinguished from the general tribulation a believer faces in the world (Matthew 13:21; John 16:33; Acts 14:22). It is also to be distinguished from God's specific wrath upon the unbelieving world at the end of the age (Mark 13:24; Romans 2:5-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:6). The Great Tribulation fulfills Daniel's prophecies (Daniel 7-12). It will be a time of evil from false christs and false prophets, and natural disasters will occur throughout the world (Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:22). The second half of the Tribulation will feature the Day of the Lord, in which God unleashes His judgment and wrath on the earth in intensifying waves. Though it is a time of unparalleled judgment, it is also a time of unparalleled grace in salvation (see Matthew 24:12-14).
1. What are some of the ways God has demonstrated His judgments on the earth in times past? List verses with your answers.
2. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11. What truths do you find in this passage that secure your hope of not being present during the seven-year Tribulation period?
Revelation 6:1-7:17
Keys to the Text
The Seals: In chapter 5, Christ was the only One found worthy to open the little scroll - the title deed to the universe. As he breaks the seven seals that secure the scroll, each seal unleashes a new demonstration of God's judgment on the earth in the future tribulation period. These seal judgments include all the judgments to the end. The seventh seal contains the seven trumpets; the seventh trumpet contains the seven bowls.
Each of the scroll's seven seals represents a specific divine judgment that will be poured out sequentially on the earth. The seals encompass the entire seven-year period of the Tribulation, culminating with the return of Christ. It seems best to understand the first four seals as taking place during the first half of the Tribulation. The events of the fifth seal will mark the midpoint, and then the events of the sixth and seventh seals wills stretch into the second half of the seven-year period of the Tribulation.
Great Tribulation: A seven-year period of intense judgment on the earth. The exact phrase, "the great tribulation," is found only once in the Bible, here in 7:14. The Great Tribulation is to be distinguished from the general tribulation a believer faces in the world (Matthew 13:21; John 16:33; Acts 14:22). It is also to be distinguished from God's specific wrath upon the unbelieving world at the end of the age (Mark 13:24; Romans 2:5-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:6). The Great Tribulation fulfills Daniel's prophecies (Daniel 7-12). It will be a time of evil from false christs and false prophets, and natural disasters will occur throughout the world (Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:22). The second half of the Tribulation will feature the Day of the Lord, in which God unleashes His judgment and wrath on the earth in intensifying waves. Though it is a time of unparalleled judgment, it is also a time of unparalleled grace in salvation (see Matthew 24:12-14).
1. What are some of the ways God has demonstrated His judgments on the earth in times past? List verses with your answers.
2. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11. What truths do you find in this passage that secure your hope of not being present during the seven-year Tribulation period?
Opening the Seals - Part 1 - Devo for 01/26/2009
Reading
Revelation 6:1-7:17
Drawing Near
1. We've all seen cartoons of a wild-eyed, bearded prophet holding up a sign that says: "Repent! The end is near!" Why is that type of thing often laughed at?
2. Do you believe in a final judgment? Why or why not?
The Context
The Bible teaches that the world is headed inexorably (definition - not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped) toward a final, cataclysmic war called the Battle of Armageddon. Until that climatic holocaust, things will continue to deteriorate as the world falls deeper and deeper into chaos, confusion, and sin. As the end approaches, wars will increase, crime will escalate, there will be economic upheavals, and the world will experience unprecedented natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, famines, and diseases. All those calamities will mark the outpouring of God's wrath on the fallen, rebellious world.
In Revelation 5:1-7, the setting is heaven, where Christ received from God the Father a scroll sealed with seaven seals until opened by the One with authority to do so. Beginning in chapter 6, the scene shifts to earth and the effects of the scroll being unrolled and its seals broken. The unrolling of the scroll marks the beginning of God's wrath and judgment on sinful mankind as the Lord takes back creation from the usurper, Satan.
Revelation 6:1-7:17
Drawing Near
1. We've all seen cartoons of a wild-eyed, bearded prophet holding up a sign that says: "Repent! The end is near!" Why is that type of thing often laughed at?
2. Do you believe in a final judgment? Why or why not?
The Context
The Bible teaches that the world is headed inexorably (definition - not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped) toward a final, cataclysmic war called the Battle of Armageddon. Until that climatic holocaust, things will continue to deteriorate as the world falls deeper and deeper into chaos, confusion, and sin. As the end approaches, wars will increase, crime will escalate, there will be economic upheavals, and the world will experience unprecedented natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, famines, and diseases. All those calamities will mark the outpouring of God's wrath on the fallen, rebellious world.
In Revelation 5:1-7, the setting is heaven, where Christ received from God the Father a scroll sealed with seaven seals until opened by the One with authority to do so. Beginning in chapter 6, the scene shifts to earth and the effects of the scroll being unrolled and its seals broken. The unrolling of the scroll marks the beginning of God's wrath and judgment on sinful mankind as the Lord takes back creation from the usurper, Satan.
A Vision of Christ in Heaven - Part 6 - Devo for 01/24/2009
Reading
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Truth for Today
The events described in these two chapters anticipate the holocaust of divine judgment about to be poured out on the sinful, rebellious, cursed earth (Revelation 6-19). Awestruck by the indescribable majesty of God's throne, and the flashes of lightning and peals of thunder that proceed from it, the cherubim and elders begin a series of hymns of praise to God. Those hymns celebrate God as Creator and Redeemer, rejoicing that He is about to take back what is rightfully His. This is the moment that all Christians and the entire creation long for.
Reflecting on the Text
1. How can glimpsing true worship in heaven help us better worship here on earth?
2. Describe your own habits of worship. Is it passionate and exuberant? Or is it restrained and distracted? Why?
3. Knowing that the redeemed in heaven will include people from "every tribe and tongue and people and nation" (5:9), what should our attitude be toward other races, countries, and cultures?
4. What new insights have you gained into heaven from this study? How can this affect your life today so that you have more of an eternal perspective?
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Truth for Today
The events described in these two chapters anticipate the holocaust of divine judgment about to be poured out on the sinful, rebellious, cursed earth (Revelation 6-19). Awestruck by the indescribable majesty of God's throne, and the flashes of lightning and peals of thunder that proceed from it, the cherubim and elders begin a series of hymns of praise to God. Those hymns celebrate God as Creator and Redeemer, rejoicing that He is about to take back what is rightfully His. This is the moment that all Christians and the entire creation long for.
Reflecting on the Text
1. How can glimpsing true worship in heaven help us better worship here on earth?
2. Describe your own habits of worship. Is it passionate and exuberant? Or is it restrained and distracted? Why?
3. Knowing that the redeemed in heaven will include people from "every tribe and tongue and people and nation" (5:9), what should our attitude be toward other races, countries, and cultures?
4. What new insights have you gained into heaven from this study? How can this affect your life today so that you have more of an eternal perspective?
A Vision of Christ in Heaven - Part 5 - Devo for 01/23/2009
Reading
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Going Deeper
The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel experienced amazing visions of living creatures similar to John's vision. Read Ezekiel 1:4-14, 26-28.
Exploring the Meaning
1. Compare the picture of the living creatures and the man on the throne in Ezekiel 1 with John's vision in Revelation 4-5. What similarities do you find?
2. What feeling do you get when you read these descriptions of symbolic heavenly scenes? What is the tone?
3. What do you learn about worship from these passages?
4. Read Matthew 17:6. What is the common posture of those who witness the glory of God? Why?
(Verses to consider: Genesis 17:3; Joshua 5:14; Ezekiel 44:4; Acts 9:4)
5. Read Psalm 96:1-4. Many scenes in Revelation are filled with praise and singing. What part does singing praises play in worshipping God? Why is it such an integral part?
(Verses to consider: Judges 5:3; 2 Chronicles 5:13; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalm 7:17; 9:1-2; 40:3;146:2; Isaiah 42:10; Acts 16:25; Ephesians 5:19; Revelation 14:3)
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Going Deeper
The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel experienced amazing visions of living creatures similar to John's vision. Read Ezekiel 1:4-14, 26-28.
Exploring the Meaning
1. Compare the picture of the living creatures and the man on the throne in Ezekiel 1 with John's vision in Revelation 4-5. What similarities do you find?
2. What feeling do you get when you read these descriptions of symbolic heavenly scenes? What is the tone?
3. What do you learn about worship from these passages?
4. Read Matthew 17:6. What is the common posture of those who witness the glory of God? Why?
(Verses to consider: Genesis 17:3; Joshua 5:14; Ezekiel 44:4; Acts 9:4)
5. Read Psalm 96:1-4. Many scenes in Revelation are filled with praise and singing. What part does singing praises play in worshipping God? Why is it such an integral part?
(Verses to consider: Judges 5:3; 2 Chronicles 5:13; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalm 7:17; 9:1-2; 40:3;146:2; Isaiah 42:10; Acts 16:25; Ephesians 5:19; Revelation 14:3)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Vision of Christ in Heaven - Part 4 - Devo for 01/22/2009
Reading
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Questions
1. What is the identity and significance of the Lamb in Revelation 5 that John saw standing?
(Verses to consider: Exodus 12:1-6; Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19)
2. Why was Christ worthy to take the scroll in Chapter 5?
3. Describe the worship directed toward the Lamb in chapter 5. What is the mood around the throne?
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Questions
1. What is the identity and significance of the Lamb in Revelation 5 that John saw standing?
(Verses to consider: Exodus 12:1-6; Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19)
2. Why was Christ worthy to take the scroll in Chapter 5?
3. Describe the worship directed toward the Lamb in chapter 5. What is the mood around the throne?
A Vision of Christ in Heaven - Part 3 - Devo for 01/21/2009
Reading
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Questions
1. How did John describe the One "sitting on the throne"?
(Verses to consider: Daniel 7:9-10)
2. What creatures did John see around the throne? What were they doing?
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Questions
1. How did John describe the One "sitting on the throne"?
(Verses to consider: Daniel 7:9-10)
2. What creatures did John see around the throne? What were they doing?
A Vision of Christ in Heaven - Part 2 - Devo for 01/20/2009
Reading
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Keys to the Text
Twenty-four elders: The elders' joint rule with Christ, their white garments, and their golden crowns all seem to indicate that these twenty-four people represent the redeemed (see vv. 9-11; 5:5-14; 7:11-17; 11:16-18; 14:3; 19:4). But which redeemed? Here the elders are best understood as being representatives of the church, which sings songs of redemption (5:8-10). They are the overcomers who have their crowns and live in the place prepared for them, where they have gone to be with Jesus.
Four Living Creatures: The term in Revelation is literally "four living ones or beings." These are the cherubim, those angels frequently referred to in the Old Testament in connection with God's presence, power, and holiness. Although John's description is not identical to the prophet Ezekiel's, they are obviously both referring to the same supernatural and indescribable beings (Psalms 80:1; 99:1; see Ezekiel 1:4-25; 10:15).
1. In which Gospel (chapter and verses) do we find Jesus' promise to prepare a place for us in heaven?
2. Name one instance from the Old Testament where a human sees a cherubim.
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Keys to the Text
Twenty-four elders: The elders' joint rule with Christ, their white garments, and their golden crowns all seem to indicate that these twenty-four people represent the redeemed (see vv. 9-11; 5:5-14; 7:11-17; 11:16-18; 14:3; 19:4). But which redeemed? Here the elders are best understood as being representatives of the church, which sings songs of redemption (5:8-10). They are the overcomers who have their crowns and live in the place prepared for them, where they have gone to be with Jesus.
Four Living Creatures: The term in Revelation is literally "four living ones or beings." These are the cherubim, those angels frequently referred to in the Old Testament in connection with God's presence, power, and holiness. Although John's description is not identical to the prophet Ezekiel's, they are obviously both referring to the same supernatural and indescribable beings (Psalms 80:1; 99:1; see Ezekiel 1:4-25; 10:15).
1. In which Gospel (chapter and verses) do we find Jesus' promise to prepare a place for us in heaven?
2. Name one instance from the Old Testament where a human sees a cherubim.
A Vision of Christ in Heaven - Part 1 - Devo for 01/19/2009
Reading
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Drawing Near
1. Name several common misconceptions people have about heaven.
2. Imagine actually seeing Jesus and actually being in His presence for eternity. What thoughts and feelings come to your mind?
3. What does it mean to you to worship God?
The Context
Christians and non-Christians alike seem to be fascinated these days with the afterlife. Television programs explore the mysterious realm of the supernatural, often focusing on angels or demons and their alleged interaction with humans. Many people claim to have had near-death experiences.
In contrast to the fanciful, bizarre, and often silly fabrications of those who falsely claim to have visited heaven, the Bible records the accounts of two people who actually were taken there in visions. In 2 Corinthians 12 the apostle Paul wrote of being transported to the third heaven (the abode of God). But he was forbidden to speak of what he saw there (2 Corinthians 12:4). The apostle John also had the inestimable privilege of visiting heaven. John was permitted to give a detailed description of his vision, which he did in chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation. In these two chapters, John recorded the second vision he saw.
The Bible refers to heaven more than five hundred times. Yet John's description in these chapters is the most complete information in all of Scripture. Through John's vision, believers have the privilege of previewing the place where they will live forever.
Revelation 4:1-5:14
Drawing Near
1. Name several common misconceptions people have about heaven.
2. Imagine actually seeing Jesus and actually being in His presence for eternity. What thoughts and feelings come to your mind?
3. What does it mean to you to worship God?
The Context
Christians and non-Christians alike seem to be fascinated these days with the afterlife. Television programs explore the mysterious realm of the supernatural, often focusing on angels or demons and their alleged interaction with humans. Many people claim to have had near-death experiences.
In contrast to the fanciful, bizarre, and often silly fabrications of those who falsely claim to have visited heaven, the Bible records the accounts of two people who actually were taken there in visions. In 2 Corinthians 12 the apostle Paul wrote of being transported to the third heaven (the abode of God). But he was forbidden to speak of what he saw there (2 Corinthians 12:4). The apostle John also had the inestimable privilege of visiting heaven. John was permitted to give a detailed description of his vision, which he did in chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation. In these two chapters, John recorded the second vision he saw.
The Bible refers to heaven more than five hundred times. Yet John's description in these chapters is the most complete information in all of Scripture. Through John's vision, believers have the privilege of previewing the place where they will live forever.
Message to the Churches, Part 2 - Part 6 - Devo for 01/17/2009
Reading
Revelation 3:1-22
Truth for Today
Occasionally I (the devo author, John MacArthur) am asked by young men seeking to pastor a church if I know of a church without any problems. My response to them is, "If I did, I wouldn't tell you; you'd go there and spoil it." The point is that there are no perfect churches. Churches struggle because all are made up of imperfect sinning people. The church is not a place for people with no weaknesses; it is a fellowship of those who are aware of their weaknesses and long for the strength and grace of God to fill their lives. It is a kind of hospital for those who know they are sick and needy.
Reflecting on the Text
1. Regarding the letter to the church at Laodicea, John R. W. Stott has written: "Perhaps none of the seven letters is more appropriate to the twentieth-century church than this. It describes vividly the respectable, sentimental, nominal, skin-deep religiosity which is so widespread among us today. Our Christianity is flabby and anemic. We appear to have taken a lukewarm bath of religion." How would you describe your spiritual temperature - hot, cold, or lukewarm? Why?
2. The church at Sardis had a reputation for being spiritually alive and vibrant, but in reality it was dead. Can you think of any ways in which your spiritual reputation exceeds your true spiritual situation? How is God calling you to change?
3. The church at Philadelphia was commended for keeping Christ's word and for persevering in the face of trouble and hardship. What qualities do you think Christ might affirm in your life?
Revelation 3:1-22
Truth for Today
Occasionally I (the devo author, John MacArthur) am asked by young men seeking to pastor a church if I know of a church without any problems. My response to them is, "If I did, I wouldn't tell you; you'd go there and spoil it." The point is that there are no perfect churches. Churches struggle because all are made up of imperfect sinning people. The church is not a place for people with no weaknesses; it is a fellowship of those who are aware of their weaknesses and long for the strength and grace of God to fill their lives. It is a kind of hospital for those who know they are sick and needy.
Reflecting on the Text
1. Regarding the letter to the church at Laodicea, John R. W. Stott has written: "Perhaps none of the seven letters is more appropriate to the twentieth-century church than this. It describes vividly the respectable, sentimental, nominal, skin-deep religiosity which is so widespread among us today. Our Christianity is flabby and anemic. We appear to have taken a lukewarm bath of religion." How would you describe your spiritual temperature - hot, cold, or lukewarm? Why?
2. The church at Sardis had a reputation for being spiritually alive and vibrant, but in reality it was dead. Can you think of any ways in which your spiritual reputation exceeds your true spiritual situation? How is God calling you to change?
3. The church at Philadelphia was commended for keeping Christ's word and for persevering in the face of trouble and hardship. What qualities do you think Christ might affirm in your life?
Message to the Churches, Part 2 - Part 5 - Devo for 01/16/2009
Reading
Revelation 3:1-22
Going Deeper
Heresy about Christ had invaded the church at Laodicea. For more insight into who Christ is, read Colossians 1:15-20.
Exploring the Meaning
1. List all the ways this passage affirms that Jesus is more than a created being.
2. Why is Jesus worthy to be the head of the church?
3. Read Daniel 12:1. What is the meaning of the phrase the "Book of Life" (see Revelation 3:5)?
(Verses to consider: Exodus 32:31-33; Psalms 69:28; 139:16; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3)
4. Read John 14:1-3. What promises did Christ give His followers concerning the time of tribulation and wrath to come?
Revelation 3:1-22
Going Deeper
Heresy about Christ had invaded the church at Laodicea. For more insight into who Christ is, read Colossians 1:15-20.
Exploring the Meaning
1. List all the ways this passage affirms that Jesus is more than a created being.
2. Why is Jesus worthy to be the head of the church?
3. Read Daniel 12:1. What is the meaning of the phrase the "Book of Life" (see Revelation 3:5)?
(Verses to consider: Exodus 32:31-33; Psalms 69:28; 139:16; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3)
4. Read John 14:1-3. What promises did Christ give His followers concerning the time of tribulation and wrath to come?
Message to the Churches, Part 2 - Part 4 - Devo for 01/15/2009
Reading
Revelation 3:1-22
Questions
1. What is revealed here about the church at Laodicea? What was its heresy?
(Verses to consider: John 1:3)
2. How does Jesus describe Himself in these messages? What do these things teach you about Him?
3. What rewards were promised to those who "overcome"?
Revelation 3:1-22
Questions
1. What is revealed here about the church at Laodicea? What was its heresy?
(Verses to consider: John 1:3)
2. How does Jesus describe Himself in these messages? What do these things teach you about Him?
3. What rewards were promised to those who "overcome"?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Message to the Churches, Part 2 - Part 3 - Devo for 01/14/2009
Reading
Revelation 3:1-22
Questions
1. What was the gist of Christ's message to the church at Sardis?
2. According to this passage, what was true about the church at Philadelphia?
3. What is the significance of the crown mentioned in 3:11?
(Verses to consider: 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10)
Revelation 3:1-22
Questions
1. What was the gist of Christ's message to the church at Sardis?
2. According to this passage, what was true about the church at Philadelphia?
3. What is the significance of the crown mentioned in 3:11?
(Verses to consider: 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10)
Message to the Churches, Part 2 - Part 2 - Devo for 01/13/2009
Reading
Revelation 3:1-22
Keys to the Text
Book of Life: This is the first mention of this divine journal. This book records the names of all those whom God has chosen to save and who, therefore, are to possess eternal life (13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19). Under no circumstances will God erase those names, as city officials often did of undesirable people on their rolls.
Jesus Christ: Revelation makes it clear that Jesus is the "Alpha and Omega," the "Beginning and the End." He is the "Beginning" (literally "beginner, originator, initiator") of creation and the "firstborn of creation;" that is, the most preeminent, supreme person ever born (Colossians 1:15). As a man, he had a beginning, but as God, He was the beginning. Sadly, in Laodicea the heresy that Christ was just a created being had produced an unregenerate church.
1. How does a person get their name in the Book of Life?
2. Why is it important to understand that Jesus Christ was 100% God, 100% man?
Revelation 3:1-22
Keys to the Text
Book of Life: This is the first mention of this divine journal. This book records the names of all those whom God has chosen to save and who, therefore, are to possess eternal life (13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19). Under no circumstances will God erase those names, as city officials often did of undesirable people on their rolls.
Jesus Christ: Revelation makes it clear that Jesus is the "Alpha and Omega," the "Beginning and the End." He is the "Beginning" (literally "beginner, originator, initiator") of creation and the "firstborn of creation;" that is, the most preeminent, supreme person ever born (Colossians 1:15). As a man, he had a beginning, but as God, He was the beginning. Sadly, in Laodicea the heresy that Christ was just a created being had produced an unregenerate church.
1. How does a person get their name in the Book of Life?
2. Why is it important to understand that Jesus Christ was 100% God, 100% man?
Message to the Churches, Part 2 - Part 1 - Devo for 01/12/2009
Reading
Revelation 3:1-22
Drawing Near
Jesus challenged these seven churches to stay faithful. What have you learned thus far about what is essential for a vibrant, healthy church?
The Context
This passage continues the series of Jesus' messages to the churches of Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The church at Sardis was an existing church in John's day but spiritually it had no life. It stands as a symbol of all dead churches.
The church in Philadelphia had its imperfections, yet the Lord commended its members for their faithfulness and loyalty. In spite of their fleshly struggles, the Christians at Philadelphia were faithful and obedient, serving and worshipping the Lord. They provide a good model of a loyal church.
The last church addressed by Jesus was at Laodicea, and it represents all the apostate churches that have existed throughout history. Laodicea has the grim distinction of being the only one of the seven for whom Christ has no positive word of commendation. Due to the drastic nature of the situation at Laodicea, this is also the most threatening of the seven letters.
Revelation 3:1-22
Drawing Near
Jesus challenged these seven churches to stay faithful. What have you learned thus far about what is essential for a vibrant, healthy church?
The Context
This passage continues the series of Jesus' messages to the churches of Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The church at Sardis was an existing church in John's day but spiritually it had no life. It stands as a symbol of all dead churches.
The church in Philadelphia had its imperfections, yet the Lord commended its members for their faithfulness and loyalty. In spite of their fleshly struggles, the Christians at Philadelphia were faithful and obedient, serving and worshipping the Lord. They provide a good model of a loyal church.
The last church addressed by Jesus was at Laodicea, and it represents all the apostate churches that have existed throughout history. Laodicea has the grim distinction of being the only one of the seven for whom Christ has no positive word of commendation. Due to the drastic nature of the situation at Laodicea, this is also the most threatening of the seven letters.
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