The 7 churches of asia - the good the bad and the ugly

Part 1
Heritage Addition church of Christ
By Jim Bradshaw, Sept. 6, 2015

Rev 1:1-3 ESV The revelation of Jesus
Christ, which God gave him to show to his
servants the things that must soon take
place. He made it known by sending his
angel to his servant John, (2) who bore
witness to the word of God and to the
testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that
he saw. (3) Blessed is the one who reads
aloud the words of this prophecy, and
blessed are those who hear, and who keep
what is written in it, for the time is near.

Introduction
1. Review of Key Word & Numbers used
in Chapter 1
2. Why are we using the ESV?
3. The meaning of the title of the book.
4. The earthly author.
5. We are “blessed” by hearing and doing
the words of this book

Rev 1:4-8 ESV John to the seven
churches that are in Asia: Grace to you
and peace from him who is and who was and
who is to come, and from the seven spirits
who are before his throne, (5) and from
Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the
firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings
on earth. To him who loves us and has
freed us from our sins by his blood (6) and
made us a kingdom, priests to his God and
Father, to him be glory and dominion

Rev 1:4-8 continued forever and ever.
Amen. (7) Behold, he is coming with the
clouds, and every eye will see him, even
those who pierced him, and all tribes of the
earth will wail on account of him. Even so.
Amen. (8) "I am the Alpha and the
Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and
who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

The Salutation
1. Who gives John the Revelation?
2. What does the phrase “firstborn of the
dead” mean?
3. What is the significance of the fact
that Jesus has “made us a kingdom?”
4. When Jesus returns, who will see
him?
5. What does the phrase “I am the Alpha
and Omega” imply?”

Rev 1:9-20 ESV I, John, your brother
and partner in the tribulation and the
kingdom and the patient endurance that
are in Jesus, was on the island called
Patmos on account of the word of God
and the testimony of Jesus. (10) I was in
the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard
behind me a loud voice like a trumpet (11)
saying, "Write what you see in a book and
send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus
and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to

Rev 1:9-20 continued Thyatira and to
Sardis and to Philadelphia and to
Laodicea." (12) Then I turned to see the
voice that was speaking to me, and on
turning I saw seven golden lampstands,
(13) and in the midst of the lampstands one
like a son of man, clothed with a long robe
and with a golden sash around his chest.
(14) The hairs of his head were white, like
white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a
flame of fire, (15) his feet were like a

Rev 1:9-20 continued flame of fire, (15)
his feet were like burnished bronze, refined
in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar
of many waters. (16) In his right hand he
held seven stars, from his mouth came a
sharp two-edged sword, and his face was
like the sun shining in full strength. (17)
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though
dead. But he laid his right hand on me,
saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last,
(18) and the living one. I died, and behold I

Rev 1:9-20 continued am alive
forevermore, and I have the keys of Death
and Hades. (19) Write therefore the
things that you have seen, those that are
and those that are to take place after this.
(20) As for the mystery of the seven stars
that you saw in my right hand, and the
seven golden lampstands, the seven stars
are the angels of the seven churches, and
the seven lampstands are the seven
churches.

What You See Write, Send
1. John in a vision (see PAI), to write
from isle of Patmos.
2. It was the Lord’s Day (Sunday, 1st Day
of the week).
3. John like his audience was in
tribulation, and in the Kingdom.

A Loud Voice Like a Trumpet
Exodus 19:16 NKJV Then it came to pass on
the third day, in the morning, that there were
thunderings and lightnings, and a thick
cloud on the mountain; and the sound of
the trumpet was very loud, so that all the
people who were in the camp trembled.
Exodus 19:19 NKJV And when the blast of
the trumpet sounded long and became
louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God
answered him by voice.

Write in a Book to the 7
Churches of Asia

The Voice That Spoke With Me
1. 7 Golden Lampstands.
2. In the midst of the Lampstands, One
like the Son of Man.
3. He was clothed with a garment down
to feet, and girded about the chest
with a golden band.
4. His head and hair were white like
wool, as white as snow.

5. His eyes were like a flame of fire.
6. His feet were like fine brass, as if
refined in a furnace.

His Voice the Sound of
Many Waters

7. In His right hand, Seven Stars.
8. A Sharp two-edged sword.
9. His appearance was like the sun
shining in its strength.

Hebrews 4:12-16 NKJV For the word of
God is living and powerful, and sharper
than any two-edged sword, piercing even
to the division of soul and spirit, and of
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of
the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13)
And there is no creature hidden from His
sight, but all things are naked and open to
the eyes of Him to whom we must give

Hebrews 4:12-16 continued account. (14)
Seeing then that we have a great High
Priest who has passed through the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold
fast our confession.

Hebrews 4:12-16 continued (15) For we do
not have a High Priest who cannot
sympathize with our weaknesses, but was
in all points tempted as we are, yet
without sin. (16) Let us therefore come
boldly to the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy and find grace to help
in time of need.

The Touch of Jesus
Rev 1:17-19 ESV When I saw him, I fell at his
feet as though dead. But he laid his right
hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the
first and the last, (18) and the living one. I
died, and behold I am alive forevermore,
and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
(19) Write therefore the things that you
have seen, those that are and those that are
to take place after this.

1 Corinthians 15:24-27 NKJV (24) Then
comes the end, when He delivers the
kingdom to God the Father, when He puts
an end to all rule and all authority and
power. (25) For He must reign till He has
put all enemies under His feet. (26) The
last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
(27) For "HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS
UNDER HIS FEET." But when He says "all
things are put under Him," it is evident
that He who put all things under Him is
excepted.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NKJV (54) So when
this corruptible has put on incorruption,
and this mortal has put on immortality,
then shall be brought to pass the saying that
is written: "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN
VICTORY." (55) "O DEATH, WHERE IS
YOUR STING? O HADES, WHERE IS
YOUR VICTORY?" (56) The sting of death
is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
(57) But thanks be to God, who gives us the
victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Mystery Revealed
1. Mystery (mustērion) – something, yet to
be revealed.
2. 7 Lampstands are the 7 Churches.
3. The 7 Stars are the messengers to the
Churches.

The Mystery Revealed
1. The Gospel – 1 Cor. 15:1-4.
2. We must obey the Gospel –
2 Thess. 1:7-9.
3. The Gospel obeyed – Romans 6:3-5.

Part 2
Heritage Addition church of Christ
By Jim Bradshaw, Sept. 13, 2015

Smyrna
1.City with a population of 200,000.
2.Another harbor city, modern day, Izmir.
A wealthy academic city.
3.Paved street constructed at right
angles. One street was known at the
“street of gold,” with 2 large temples
at each end.
4.Claimed to be the birthplace of Homer,
it had a theatre that would seat 20,000.
5.Along with Ephesus, one of the “eyes of
Asia.”
6.The Pagos hill was topped (crowned) with

Smyrna -- The Poor but Rich Church
Revelation 2:8-11 NKJV "And to the angel
of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These
things says the First and the Last, who
was dead, and came to life: (9) "I know
your works, tribulation, and poverty (but
you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of
those who say they are Jews and are not,
but are a synagogue of Satan. (10) Do
not fear any of those things which you are
about to suffer.

Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11 continued Indeed, the
devil is about to throw some of you into
prison, that you may be tested, and you
will have tribulation ten days. Be
faithful until death, and I will give you
the crown of life. (11) "He who has an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to
the churches. He who overcomes shall not
be hurt by the second death.”’

Galatians 6:15-16 NKJV For in Christ
Jesus neither circumcision nor
uncircumcision avails anything, but a new
creation. (16) And as many as walk
according to this rule, peace and mercy be
upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
Matthew 10:28 NKJV And do not fear those
who kill the body but cannot kill the
soul. But rather fear Him who is able to
destroy both soul and body in hell.

Philadelphia
1.Fortress city, on imperial road.
2.Education center for Hellenism.
3.Also, had been destroyed by earthquake
in 17 ad, but re-built by Emperor
Tiberius.
4.Modern day Alasehir, in Turkey.

Philadelphia
Revelation 3:7-13 NKJV "And to the angel of the
church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says
He who is holy, He who is true, "HE WHO HAS THE
KEY OF DAVID, HE WHO OPENS AND NO ONE SHUTS, AND
SHUTS AND NO ONE OPENS": (8) "I know your works.
See, I have set before you an open door, and no
one can shut it; for you have a little strength,
have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
(9) Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of
Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie-
-

Philadelphia
Revelation 3:7-13 continued indeed I will
make them come and worship before your
feet, and to know that I have loved you.
(10) Because you have kept My command to
persevere, I also will keep you from the
hour of trial which shall come upon the
whole world, to test those who dwell on
the earth. (11) Behold, I am coming
quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no
one may take your crown. (12) He who
overcomes, I will make

Philadelphia
Revelation 3:7-13 continued him a pillar
in the temple of My God, and he shall go
out no more. I will write on him the name
of My God and the name of the city of My
God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down
out of heaven from My God. And I will
write on him My new name. (13) "He who
has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
says to the churches.”’

1.A church that labors and works.
2.Patience and perseverance
3.Those who cannot bear those who are
evil.
4.Those who test those who allege to be
men of God.
5.Endures tribulation.
6.Those who do not deny the faith.
7.Love and service.
8.A growing faith.
9.Those who keep themselves pure.

1.Eat of the tree of life (eternal life).
2.The victorious will be given a Crown of
life.
3.Be given a new name.
4.Not hurt by the 2nd death.
5.Eat hidden manna, (never hunger or
thirst).
6.Receive a judgment of “not guilty.”
7.Our name will be in the Book of Life.
8.Jesus will confess our name before the
Father and His angels.
9.Be given the morning star, (a new
beginning with Christ Rev. 22:16).

1.Ephesus
2.Pergamos
3.Thyatira

Ephesus
1.City with a population of between 200,000
– 500,000.
2.Ephesus was a leading port city of Asia
Minor, and along a major trade route.
Considered one of the “eyes of Asia.”
3.Ephesians were Romans citizens.
4.Theatre could hold 25,000.

Ephesus
1.Located in Ephesus was one
of the 7 Ancient Wonders of
the World – The Temple of
Artemis (Diana).
2.The temple was 450’long,
225’wide, and 60’high,
with 127 columns
(>6’dia.).
3.Rampant fornication (temple
prostitutes) and center of
emperor cult-temple built
for Domitian.

Ephesus
Acts 19:24-29 ESV For a man named
Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver
shrines of Artemis, brought no little
business to the craftsmen. (25) These he
gathered together, with the workmen in
similar trades, and said, "Men, you know
that from this business we have our
wealth. (26) And you see and hear that
not only in Ephesus but in almost all of
Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned
away a great many people, saying that gods

Ephesus
Acts 19:24-29 continued (27) And there is danger
not only that this trade of ours may come into
disrepute but also that the temple of the great
goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and
that she may even be deposed from her
magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world
worship.” (28) When they heard this they were
enraged and were crying out, "Great is Artemis of
the Ephesians!“ (29) So the city was filled with
the confusion, and they rushed together into the
theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus,
Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel.

Ephesus – Lost 1st Love
Revelation 2:1-3 NKJV "To the angel of the
church of Ephesus write, 'These things says
He who holds the seven stars in His right
hand, who walks in the midst of the seven
golden lampstands: (2) "I know your works,
your labor, your patience, and that you
cannot bear those who are evil. And you have
tested those who say they are apostles and
are not, and have found them liars; (3) and
you have persevered and have patience, and
have labored for My name's sake and have not
become weary.

Romans 1:32 NKJV who, knowing the
righteous judgment of God, that those who
practice such things are deserving of
death, not only do the same but also
approve of those who practice them.
1 John 4:1 NKJV Beloved, do not believe
every spirit, but test the spirits,
whether they are of God; because many
false prophets have gone out into the
world.

Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV And let us not grow
weary while doing good, for in due season
we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
(10) Therefore, as we have opportunity,
let us do good to all, especially to those
who are of the household of faith.

Ephesus
Revelation 2:6-7 NKJV But this you have,
that you hate the deeds of the
Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (7) “He
who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit says to the churches. To him who
overcomes I will give to eat from the tree
of life, which is in the midst of the
Paradise of God.”

Nicolaitans
1.Linked to doctrine of Balaam, “in like
manner” (Rev. 2:15),teaching saw no
wrong with eating meat sacrificed to
idols and committing fornication.
2.Ignatius (c. AD 110) says that they were
“lovers of pleasure,” and “given to
calumnious speeches.”
3.Irenaeus (c. AD 180) says, “They live
lives of unrestrained indulgences.”
4.Tertullian (c. AD 200) speaks of their
eating things sacrificed to idols and of
their committing fornication.

Ephesus
Revelation 2:4-5 NKJV Nevertheless I have
this against you, that you have left your
first love. (5) Remember therefore from
where you have fallen; repent and do the
first works, or else I will come to you
quickly and remove your lampstand from its
place--unless you repent.

1.Labored
2.Had patience
3.Could not bear
those who were
evil.
4.Tested the false
apostles.
5.Had persevered,
and not become
weary.
6.Hate the deeds
of the
1.Lost their first
love.

Lost their First Love
Ephesians 1:15 NKJV Therefore I also, after I
heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your
love for all the saints,
Acts 19:18-20 NKJV And many who had believed came
confessing and telling their deeds. (19) Also,
many of those who had practiced magic brought
their books together and burned them in the sight
of all. And they counted up the value of them, and
it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. (20)
So the word of the Lord grew mightily and
prevailed.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NKJV (1) Though I
speak with the tongues of men and of
angels, but have not love, I have become
sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. (2)
And though I have the gift of prophecy,
and understand all mysteries and all
knowledge, and though I have all faith, so
that I could remove mountains, but have
not love, I am nothing. (3) And though I
bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and
though I give my body to be burned, but
have not love, it profits me nothing.

1 John 4:8 NKJV He who does not love does not
know God, for God is love. (vs. 11 we ought to
love one another)
Luke 10:33 NKJV But a certain Samaritan, as he
journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him,
he had compassion.
2 Cor. 5:10-11

Galatians 5:4 NKJV You have become
estranged from Christ, you who attempt to
be justified by law; you have fallen from
grace.
1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV (12) Therefore
let him who thinks he stands take heed
lest he fall.

Pergamos
1.Capital of Attalid kingdom 3rd – 2nd
Century BC.
2.Possessed the 2nd largest library in
Roman empire.
3.Famous for parchment.
4.Home of Asclepion (health resort).
5.Theatre could seat 15,000.
6.Home of the Great Altar of Zeus, and
three temples to emperor.

Pergamos
Revelation 2:12-13 NKJV (12) "And to the
angel of the church in Pergamos write,
'These things says He who has the sharp
two-edged sword: (13) "I know your
works, and where you dwell, where Satan's
throne is. And you hold fast to My name,
and did not deny My faith even in the days
in which Antipas was My faithful martyr,
who was killed among you, where Satan
dwells.

Pergamos
Revelation 2:17 NKJV "He who has an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches. To him who overcomes I will give
some of the hidden manna to eat. And I
will give him a white stone, and on the
stone a new name written which no one
knows except him who receives it."

Pergamos
Revelation 2:14-15 NKJV (14) But I have
a few things against you, because you have
there those who hold the doctrine of
*Balaam, who taught Balak to put a
stumbling block before the children of
Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols,
and to commit sexual immorality. (15)
Thus you also have those who hold the
doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I
hate.
*Can read about Balaam in Numbers 22-

Lottery & Gambling
Alcohol
Homosexuality

Thyatira
1.City of many trade guilds.
2.Located along a major roadway.
3.A city of approximately 25,000.
4.Home of Lydia, seller of purple (Acts
16:11-15).

Thyatira
angel of the church in Thyatira write,
'These things says the Son of God, who has
eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet
like fine brass: (19) "I know your
works, love, service, faith, and your
patience; and as for your works, the last
are more than the first.

Thyatira
Revelation 2:24-29 NKJV (24) "Now to you
I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many
as do not have this doctrine, who have not
known the depths of Satan, as they say, I
will put on you no other burden. (25) But
hold fast what you have till I come. (26)
And he who overcomes, and keeps My works
until the end, to him I will give power
over the nations--

Thyatira
Revelation 2:24-29 continued (27) 'HE
SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON; THEY
SHALL BE DASHED TO PIECES LIKE THE
POTTER'S VESSELS'-- as I also have
received from My Father; (28) and I will
give him the morning star. (29) “He who
has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
says to the churches.”’

Thyatira
Revelation 2:20-21 NKJV (20)
Nevertheless I have a few things against
you, because you allow that woman
*Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess,
to teach and seduce My servants to commit
sexual immorality and eat things
sacrificed to idols. (21) And I gave her
time to repent of her sexual immorality,
and she did not repent.
Read more about Jezebel in 1 Kings 16 – 2

Thyatira
Matthew 19:9 NKJV And I say to you,
whoever divorces his wife, except for
sexual immorality, and marries another,
commits adultery; and whoever marries her
who is divorced commits adultery.”

Sardis
1.Wealthy fortress city set on a hill.
2.Population near 100,000.
3.Had been destroyed by earthquake in 17
ad, but re-built by Emperor Tiberius.
4.Large Jewish synagogue, and in general a
large and prosperous Jewish community.

Sardis – The Dead Church
Revelation 3:1 NKJV "And to the angel of
the church in Sardis write, 'These things
says He who has the seven Spirits of God
and the seven stars: "I know your works,
that you have a name that you are alive,
but you are dead.

Sardis
Revelation 3:4-6 NKJV You have a few
names even in Sardis who have not defiled
their garments; and they shall walk with
Me in white, for they are worthy. (5)
He who overcomes shall be clothed in white
garments, and I will not blot out his name
from the Book of Life; but I will confess
his name before My Father and before His
angels. (6) “He who has an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit says to the

Matthew 10:32-33 NKJV "Therefore whoever
confesses Me before men, him I will also
confess before My Father who is in heaven.
(33) But whoever denies Me before men,
him I will also deny before My Father who
is in heaven.

Sardis
Revelation 3:1-2 NKJV "And to the angel
of the church in Sardis write, 'These
things says He who has the seven Spirits
of God and the seven stars: "I know your
works, that you have a name that you are
alive, but you are dead. (2) Be
watchful, and strengthen the things which
remain, that are ready to die, for I have
not found your works perfect before God.

A church that
does not work is
a DEAD CHURCH!!!

Laodicea
1.Producer of world-famous black wool
2.Center for banking
3.Location of a school of medicine
4.Phrygian power which could be made into
eye salve was manufactured here.
5.Wealthy city have rebuilt city without
government aid in 60 ad.

Water supply came
from Hierapolis hot
mineral springs
along an aqueduct.

Laodicea
angel of the church of the Laodiceans
write, 'These things says the Amen, the
Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning
of the creation of God: (15) "I know
your works, that you are neither cold nor
hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
(16) So then, because you are lukewarm,
and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you

Laodicea
Revelation 3:14-18 continued (17) Because
you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy,
and have need of nothing'--and do not know
that you are wretched, miserable, poor,
blind, and naked-- (18) I counsel you to
buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that
you may be rich; and white garments, that
you may be clothed, that the shame of your
nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint
your eyes with eye salve, that you may
see.

Colossians 4:16 NKJV Now when this
epistle is read among you, see that it is
read also in the church of the Laodiceans,
and that you likewise read the epistle
from Laodicea.

Rev. 3:19-22 NKJV (19) As many as I love,
I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous
and repent. (20) Behold, I stand at the
door and knock. If anyone hears My voice
and opens the door, I will come in to him
and dine with him, and he with Me. (21)
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit
with Me on My throne, as I also overcame
and sat down with My Father on His throne.
(22) “He who has an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit says to the churches.”

The 7 churches of asia - the good the bad and the ugly

Recomendados

Recomendados

Más contenido relacionado

La actualidad más candente

La actualidad más candente (20)

Similar a The 7 churches of asia - the good the bad and the ugly

Similar a The 7 churches of asia - the good the bad and the ugly (20)

Más de James Bradshaw

Más de James Bradshaw (20)

Último

Último (20)

The 7 churches of asia - the good the bad and the ugly