1 Eschatology, a Broad PerspectiveFrom Genesis to Revelation 11/27/2016

2 Basic Outline Three major divisions; John was commanded to write concerning Things past, “the things which you have seen,” i.e., the Patmos vision (1:1-20) Things present, “the things which are,” i.e., the existing churches (2:1-3:22) Things future, “the things which shall take place after these things,” i.e., events after the Church Age ends (4:1-22:5) “Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things.” (Rev 1:19) NASB 11/27/2016

3 The Seven Churches 11/27/2016

4 30 miles

5 Sardis – Philly -Laodecia~ 70km Akishar Sart Alasehir Laodikeia ~49km 11/27/2016

6 Laodicea (Laodikeia) Laodicea was founded as a site in the first half of the III. century B.C. (`260 B.C.) King Antiochos II. has founded the city because of its potential political importance in an area which lay just on the border to Caria, and has named it after his queen, Laodicea. Laodicea fell to the Kingdom of Pergamum in the II. century B.C., and then to the Roman Empire after a short while like the rest of the Anatolian antique cities. It was alternately ruled by the Romans and the King of Pontus, Mithridates, during the wars they fought, and was destroyed by a mighty earthquake in 60 B.C. 11/27/2016

7 Ephesian Gate This triple-arched gateway was dedicated to Domitian (81-96). Apparently Laodicea received the gospel not from Paul but from his helper Epaphras during the time Paul was in Ephesus. Paul wrote the church here a letter during his first Roman imprisonment. This letter is not known historically and some have suggested that it is the letter now known as Ephesians. 11/27/2016

8 Laodicea Laodicea was founded as a site in the first half of the third century B.C. (~260 B.C.) King Antiochus II has founded the city because of its potential political importance in an area which lay just on the border to Caria Named it after his queen, Laodicea Fell to the Kingdom of Pergamum in the second century B.C., then to the Roman Empire Destroyed by a mighty earthquake in 60 B.C. Became an early seat of Christianity and bishopric Some attribute the church’s founding to Epaphras from Colossae Known to Paul and Timothy (cf. Col 4:16) 11/27/2016

9 To the Church in Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22)The Amen, the witness who is faithful and true, the originator of God’s creation The Amen: from the Greek: 1) assertion, 2) consent, 3) petitionary The faithful and true witness Cf. Rev. 1:5; “Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, …” Being God, Jesus can only witness to the truth (cf. Jn 8:14-18; Jn 18:37-38) Originator of God’s creation Eternal -- present at creation; author or ‘effector’, not a product of Oft-cited, but erroneous, Arian proof text He asserts the will of God—He asserts God Himself. God the Son is constantly called the Logos, the Word; He who asserts, declares and testifies God. In the second place, we know that Jesus Christ consents to the will, design, and purpose of Jehovah. He gives an Amen to the will of God—is, in fact, the echo, in His life and in His death, of the eternal purposes of the Most High. And, thirdly, he is “the Amen” in the petitionary sense; for to all our prayers He gives whatever force and power they have. It is His Amen to our supplication which makes it prevalent at the throne of the Most High. In these three senses Christ may well be called “THE AMEN.” This is a favorite Arian prooftext, cited to prove that Jesus is not eternal, but had a beginning, Jesus being understood by them to be the first-created creature of God, through whom God created all else in the universe. The underlying Greek word, arche, may be understood in a passive sense, and rendered “the beginning,” as the A.V., or more correctly understood in the active sense, and rendered “the beginner,” source, origin, or principle of creation. Since God is eternal, and Jesus is God, the passive sense is not suited to the context, as being out of harmony with the many representations of Christ John has already given, whereby he in citing or alluding to Old Testament passages has applied to Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation what is in the Old Testament spoken of Jehovah.16 Not he whom God created first, but as in Col. Col. 1:15-18, the Beginner of all creation, its originating instrument. All creation would not be represented adoring Him, if He were but one of themselves.17 Having analyzed the use of ἀρχή [archē] (beginning) in the Septuagint and throughout the NT, Svigel concludes the meaning here is primarily that of governmental rule and the phrase here should be rendered, “the supreme Authority over the creation of God.”18 Jesus is the Beginning and End (Rev. Rev. 21:6+; Rev. 22:13+), both the author of and ruler over creation (Gen. Gen. 1:1; John John 1:1-3; 1Cor. 1Cor. 8:6; Eph. Eph. 3:9; Col. Col. 1:15-17; Heb. Heb. 1:2).19 11/27/2016

10 To the Church in Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22)Contrasts Hot v. Cold Complacency replacing both fervor and rejection of Christ Rich v. Poor Reliance on earthly wealth for personal validation Needless v. pitiful Content in their material sufficiency Visionary v. blind Unable to discern Kingdom truth Well-heeled v. naked Without cover and shameful before Christ 11/27/2016

11 To the Church in Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22)Rebuke and discipline Seek refined gold and white garments! Curry zealousness and repent! Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. (NASB, Rev. 3:20) Much controversy surrounds this verse! A gospel invitation, or an invitation to fellowship with Christ? The statement’s target: non-believers or believers? Christ’s action, words, and fellowship 11/27/2016

12 The Promises Given Overcomers, victorsNot as the Laodiceans currently are, but -- Refined by fire (testing, persecution) Repentant and re-clothed Welcoming of Christ’s communion Then to share in Christ’s promise To sit with Christ on His throne To share in the rule of the new creation 11/27/2016

13 The Challenge Needed (vs. 22)“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” The challenge is repeated over and over – seven times to be exact in chaps 2&3! We who have spiritual ears are to listen to the Word of the Lord spoken through the Spirit Not enough to have good intentions – you & I must follow through! 11/27/2016

14 Take-aways Harshest words for the church at LaodeciaBe rich, be repentant, be responsive The truths of Rev 3:20: the invitation of the gospel is made to all the movement toward reconciliation and friendship is originated by the Savior there is a recognition of our own free agency in religion the ease of the terms of salvation the blessedness of thus admitting him, arising from his friendship 11/27/2016

15 The Next Several Weeks Dec 4 A Vision of God’s Throne (Ch. 4) Chris Dec 11 Christmas Concerts (No Morning Song) Dec 18 The Seven-sealed Scroll (Ch. 5) Clint Dec 25 Merry Christmas! (No ABFs) Jan 1 Happy New Year (No ABFs) Jan 8 The First Six Seals (6:1-6:17) Jim Jan 15 The First Interlude (7:1-7:8) Chris Jan 22 The Second Interlude (7:9-7:17) Jon 11/27/2016

16 See you NEXT week! 11/27/2016

17 11/27/2016