Friends, I am ready to learn more about the Bible with you this week. Here’s what I know so far, Revelation is deeply rooted in the Old Testament – there are more than 500 allusions to the Old Testament, and 278 of the 404 verses in Revelation (that is almost 70%) make some reference to the Old Testament. I hope you can connect some of the Revelation “dots” this week!
Monday, October 12 – Revelations 1:1-20
Key Points:
- God gives us(his servants) this revelation on purpose(verse 1)! Revelation is not just for fanatics, it’s for anyone who wants to be blessed(vs 3).
- Short is a relative term in God’s time. We know that this book is predictive and what God says will come true, but we don’t know when.
- Jesus left the earth on a cloud and God tell us he will come back on a cloud(Acts 1:9-11).
- John wrote this book on the island of Patmos which is like a modern day Alcatraz. God used him in big ways while he was in exile!
Today’s Takeaways:
- In John’s letter to the seven churches of Asia, he describes God in several different ways. Can you find three? Highlight them or tell them to your grown up!
Tuesday, October 13 – Revelations 2:1-7
Key Points:
- Chapter 2 is a letter to the seven different churches. Each letter follows the same pattern:
- An address to a particular congregation.
- An introduction of Jesus.
- A statement regarding the condition of the church.
- A verdict from Jesus regarding the condition of the church.
- A command from Jesus to the church.
- A general exhortation to all Christians.
- A promise of reward.
- Ephesus was a cultured city with a large and well-known church.
Today’s Takeaways:
- Jesus tells them they are doing a lot of things well, but they have left their first love. That’s a big deal. We can do all the “right” things in our faith but it’s meaningless without love. How can you love your neighbor today?
Wednesday, October 14: Rev 2:8-11
Key Points:
- Smyrna was a rich city and had a history of worshipping idols and the Roman empire.
- The followers of Christ in Smyrna faced persecution, poverty and fear. Yet, God tells them not to be afraid.
Today’s Takeaways:
- We know that it was a rich city; however, the Christians in the city were very poor. Jesus says they are “rich”. How can that be? They faced material poverty but spiritual riches! Are you chasing an earthly idol like money or things? Ask God to uproot it from your heart.
Thursday, October 15: Revelation 2:12-17
Key Points:
- Pergamos was the political capital of the Roman Province of Asia and a city especially known for its worship.
- The Christians in this city remained faithful to God’s word even though the city itself was evil.
Today’s Takeaways:
- Jesus commands the church to repent – as a matter of fact, Jesus commands five of the seven churches to repent of their sins. Repent means to ask God for forgiveness. What do you need to repent of today?
Friday, October 16 – Revelation 2:18-29
Key Points:
- Thyatira was the least influential/important church in this list of seven. BUT, God still knew them and of their works.
- Jesus describes himself with eyes like fire to emphasis his judgement and burnished bronze to symbolize his purity.
- Jezebel was an evil woman in the old testament.
Today’s Takeaways:
- This letter ends by saying, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (vs 29). All of these warnings to the churches also apply to us! Are we leading people into sin in any way? How can you be a witness of Jesus to your friends?
Munger Kids 