The Church at Ephesus in Revelation | church of Christ

The Church at Ephesus in Revelation | church of Christ

Lessons From the Book of Revelation
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Bobby Stafford	Ephesus (The loveless church)Revelation 2:1-7   Lesson 4

The Church at Ephesus

Lesson 4

Text:  Revelation 2:1-7 

Verse 1   As Jesus is moving among the congregations and watching over them, He knows what is going on in every Christian’s life as well as in each of the congregations.  (John 2:24-25)  Congregations, Christians, are gold (precious) because they were purchased with Jesus’ own blood.  (Acts 20:28)  We must shine as lights in the world holding fast the Word of Life.  (Philippians 2:14-15) 

Verses 2-3   A great commendation was given to the congregation at Ephesus.  They had practiced discipline, worked hard serving God in many ways, suffered hardships, and had sacrificed, not giving up.     They had put false teachers to the test.  (I John 4:1)  Christ honored them for all these things.  These were both good and necessary. 

Verse 4   But there was a problem!  Notice Revelation 2:23.  They had left their first love.  This might include two or three things.  They were giving Christ their service, but not giving Him themselves.  (II Corinthians 8:5)  The love, passion and devotion which had characterized them as new converts had now grown cold.  This is similar to Matthew 24:12.  Once they had poured out their hearts in fervent love for Christ, but no more.  They were still worshiping, studying, etc. but their heart wasn’t in it.    Also, possibly they had lost their love for soul-winning, their passion for saving sinners.  (John 4:34-35)  We must let the light of the gospel shine.  (II Corinthians 4:3-4) 

Verse 5   Remember your initial love and devotion. Call to mind your evangelistic zeal.  Repent and do the first works.  Or else they would be removed and no longer considered by Jesus as one of His congregations.  Just calling ourselves a “church of Christ” doesn’t make us one!  He would come “in judgment” upon them. 

Verse 6   Anything God hates; we should hate also.  (Proverbs 6:16-19)  “Abhor what is evil.”  (Romans 12:9, Hebrews 1:9) 

Verse 7   There will be a reward for those who overcome.  The Garden of Eden, a paradise, had a tree of life.  Now it has been restored in Heaven, a Paradise.   (Revelation 22:1-2, 14) 

Bobby Stafford

John's Vision of Christ in Revelation | church of Christ

John's Vision of Christ in Revelation | church of Christ

Church of Christ Lessons From the Book of Revelation
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Bobby Stafford	John's Vision of ChristRevelation 1:9-20   Lesson 3

John’s Vision of Christ

Lesson 3

Introduction: 

Review the background of the letter. 

Text:  Revelation 1:9-20 

Body: 

I.   John’s Commission   (Verses 9-11) 

Verse 9   John strongly identifies with his readers as a brother and companion in the tribulation.  (James 1:2)   “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,”   They were in the kingdom by being brothers.  The kingdom will stand forever.  (Daniel 2:44)   John was on the island of Patmos, situated off the southwest coast of Turkey.  It was small, rocky, treeless and about ten miles long and six miles at the widest point.  John was exiled on Patmos in an effort to silence the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.  The Greek word translated testimony literally means “witness.”  (Revelation 6:9) 

Verse 10   John wrote under inspiration.  This was similar to Ezekiel.      (II Samuel 23:2, I Corinthians 2)

• The Lord’s Day, Sunday, belongs to God.  Jesus was raised; the church began; the church worshiped; the gospel was preached.
• The voice was as a trumpet.  This was clear and loud in order to call attention to it.

Verse 11   The seven churches in the province of Asia were roughly in a circle geographically.  They represented the entire body of Christ.  John received the revelation from Jesus, the First and the Last. 

II.   Christ’s Glory and Majesty   (Verses 12-20) 

Verses 12-14   John had also seen other visions of Jesus glorified.  The white appearance is parallel to the description of Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration.  Jesus was received into heaven at the Ascension.

• Christ – He has closeness to the churches in that He knows their struggles, problems, and weak and strong points. (Daniel 7:13)
• Clothing – This is the clothing of a high priest or royalty.
• It denotes purity.  (Isaiah 1:18)

• His eyes are all-seeing.  When the book is opened, all must give an account to the all-knowing God. (Hebrews 4:13)  The fire would indicate His righteousness and His judgment of everything impure. 
• Seven golden lamp stands are the seven Churches.

Verses 15-16 

• His feet were like fine brass and able to trod underfoot all who opposed Him.  (Revelation 19:11-12)
• “Many waters” – Power  (Ezekiel 43:2, Daniel 10:6)
• “Stars” – Angels of the seven churches
• “Sword” – His word, the judging power of the Word of God   (Hebrews 4:12)
• “Face” – Transfiguration  (Matthew 17)

Verse 17   Now imagine standing before Christ!

• Jesus – He is not going anywhere; He is still around at the end of time.
• Fear not – (Romans 8:18)

Verse 18   The “keys” of Hades and of death describe Christ’s authority over those who have died and over their present resting place. Hades is the place where the spirit goes upon death.  Hades will be vacated at the end of time.  (Revelation 20:14)

Verses 19-20  

Angels are messengers.

Invitation:

Jesus is in our midst.

Bobby Stafford

Greeting the Christians in Revelation | church of Christ

Greeting the Christians in Revelation | church of Christ

Revelation –
Part II 
(Revelation 1:1-8) 

Verse 1: 
This letter is a revelation, an unveiling, an apocalypse.  Note there is just
one revelation and it came from God.  It is about Christ and was passed by
Christ through an angel to John. 

The message
was “signified,” conveyed by a series of signs and symbols.  Therefore, the book
is filled with figurative language.  This verse warns the readers of taking a
literal approach in interpreting its message. 

The word
translated “shortly” can be translated several ways depending on the context. 
It can mean “quickly” or “speedily” referring to how fast it happens.  It can
also refer to the events beginning to take place soon. 

Verse 2: 
John wants it to be known that he faithfully recorded what was revealed.  The
report was accurate and reliable.  He makes it clear that this revelation was
indeed the Word of God.  (Revelation 22:18-19) 

Introduction to Revelation | church of Christ

Introduction to Revelation | church of Christ

Introduction to Revelation

Lesson 1

Introduction: 

The Book of Revelation has often been neglected because many
think it is too difficult to understand.  No doubt this book has been abused and
misused to promote several unscriptural beliefs.  Yet there is a blessing
pronounced on all those who read, hear, and keep the words of it.  (Revelation
1:3) 
So it is certainly worth all our efforts in studying its pages. 

Body: 

I.  Background 

A.
 Title:
Revelation – to uncover,
reveal

  The Greek word is “Apocalypse.”

B. 
Author: John (Revelation
1:1) 
Both the internal evidence and

 

external evidence point to the apostle John who also wrote
the

  Gospel of John and I John, II John, and III John.

  C. 
Recipients: Specifically to the churches located in the provinces of

  Asia (modern Turkey).  These seven congregations were
located in

  an area where Roman Emperor worship was very strong.

D. 
Time of Writing: Most of the evidence points to around 96 A.D. 

II.  Purpose of Writing 

· 


Christians were undergoing terrible persecution because of their
faith.  (Revelation
2:10) 
Some were being martyred.  (Revelation
16:5-6)

· 


This book was written to comfort them and give them hope.  (Revelation
17:14) 
They were encouraged to be steadfast.

· 


The purpose and meaning of this book can only be ascertained if
we “look through first-century glasses.”  W. B. West 

III.  How to Study 

· 


Revelation is a book of symbols.  (Revelation
1:1) 
Therefore, it is filled with figurative language.  It is imperative to keep the
context in mind when interpreting figurative language.  The Bible is its own
best interpreter.

· 


There are at least four different views or interpretations of
Revelation:

1. 


The Futurist View
 This
view believes that most of the book is unfulfilled and refers primarily to the
end of time.  Futurists believe Christ will return to earth for a thousand year
reign from Jerusalem.  They also believe in the “rapture,” the “tribulation” and
a literal battle of Armageddon.  This view disregards two very important
points.  First, John wrote in
Revelation 1:1-3
that these “things would shortly begin to take place” and “the time is at
hand.”  Second, this interpretation takes meaning away from the original
recipients.  They would not be encouraged or comforted by this view.

2. 


The Preteritist View 
This interpretation basically says most all of the book was fulfilled by 70
A.D.  Many of the symbols and signs, they believe, are applied to the fall of
Judaism and the destruction of Jerusalem.  For this view to be true, the book
had to by written before 70 A.D.; but the majority of the evidence dates the
book near the end of the first century.

3. 


The Historical View 
This view says the book is like a timeline of history that refers to the rise
and fall of nations and empires as well as different religious movements.  This
view would also not be very comforting to first-century Christians.

4. 


The Contextual (Historical First Century) View  This view asks the
question – “What did this book mean to those in the first century?”  Revelation
deals with the trials and sufferings faced by these seven churches.  It also
encourages them to “be faithful until death” and victory will be theirs. 

Bobby Stafford

The Goodness and Severity of God

The Goodness and Severity of God

Introduction:

Many say “the God of the Old Testament is not the God of the New Testament.”  Did God change His nature or character?

Text:  Romans 11:22  “Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God:  on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness.  Otherwise you also will be cut off.” NKJV

The Goodness and Severity of God

Scarlet Woman | Revelation | church of Christ

Scarlet Woman | Revelation | church of Christ





Chapter 17 opens with one of the angels bearing God's bowls of wrath coming near to John with the intention of showing him the "judgment of the great harlot that sitteth on many waters."  The King James version refers to this woman as a "whore."  There is some dispute in the religious world today as to who is to be the recipient of God's wrath as pictured in the Revelation.  When looking at the characteristics of this woman and comparing her to what we know of the Roman Empire, there can be little doubt as to who this infamous woman represents.  The angel goes to great lengths to identify her throughout the chapter.  In verse 18, the angel removes all doubt as to who this woman is. 

Battle of Armageddon | Revelation | church of Christ

Battle of Armageddon | Revelation | church of Christ



For centuries mankind has been interested in the battle of Armageddon.  Countless books have been written about this topic.  This battle is and has been the subject of so much controversy over the years that entire doctrines have been contrived around it.  It is not the purpose of this study to determine what the battle of Armageddon is not.  Rather, the goal of this study is to shed light on what this battle really is so that informed students of scripture can determine for themselves what it is not.

Jude | church of Christ

Jude | church of Christ



Online KJV of the book of Jude with outline, commentary, and paraphrase by David Hersey.

Show Me Your Glory | church of Christ

Show Me Your Glory | church of Christ



While Moses was  Mount Sinai, the people decided to build a golden calf to worship.  God told Moses that He was not going to be in their midst anymore.  This is further seen by a tent being set up outside the camp where Moses would go to speak to Jehovah.  Moses’ relationship with God was not affected by the people’s rebellion.  But Moses desired a closer relationship with God.

A Sweet Smelling Fragrance | church of Christ

A Sweet Smelling Fragrance | church of Christ

A Sweet-Smelling Fragrance

Introduction:

“The traveler to the tropics is introduced to many fruits  that are new to his taste – pawpaw, mango, mangosteen,  pumelo, passion fruit, and durian. After the first experience,  some are eagerly welcomed again, others received sparingly,  still others positively rejected.  Christians have been born again  that they “should be a kind of first fruits of His creation.”  (James 1:18) “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth,  that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” NKJV  “Some, like the mangosteen, are universally admired.  Here is a sweetness that does not cloy.  Some, like  pawpaw, are taken on trial.  Perhaps one may grow to like  that sort of thing.  For still others, once is enough; yea,  too much.  In every contact, we are leaving the bitter odor  of ourselves or the fragrance of Christ’s presence within.”  Author Unknown

Theme:

Fragrance as it is seen in the lives of the children of God.

Saul Begins to Preach Christ | Book of Acts | church of Christ

Saul Begins to Preach Christ | Book of Acts | church of Christ

Saul sees Christ on the road to Damascus; Ananias tells him what he needs to do to be saved; and he is baptized to wash away his sins.  What does Saul do next?

Text:  Acts 9:20-31

Overcoming Bad Traits | church of Christ Sermon

Overcoming Bad Traits | church of Christ Sermon



Are we developing the mind of Christ?  Are we putting into practice the attributes which He showed on earth?  Our goal is to become more like Him every day of our lives.  Let’s do our best to bring that about!

church of Christ Study of Revelation

church of Christ Study of Revelation

Church of Christ Lessons on the Revelation of Jesus Christ
Author	Lesson Title
David Hersey	1.  Understanding Revelation
David Hersey	2.  Symbolic Objects in Revelation
David Hersey	3.  Understanding the Numerical Symbolism in Revelation
David Hersey	4.  Identifying the Opposition Characters in Revelation
David Hersey	5.  John's Introduction to the Churches of Asia
David Hersey	6.  John's Vision of Jesus Christ
David Hersey	7. The Church who Left Her First Love, Ephesus
David Hersey	8.  Smyrna, the Suffering Church
David Hersey	9.  Pergamum, the church in Hell's Headquarter
David Hersey	10.  Thyatira, the church that Condoned Sin
David Hersey	11. Sardis (The Dead Church)
David Hersey	12. Philadelphia (The Church With Opportunity)
David Hersey	13.  Laodicea (The Lukewarm Church)
David Hersey	14.  Letter to Your Church
David Hersey	15.  John's Throne Vision (chapter 4)
David Hersey	16.  God the Redeemer Revealed  (chapter 5)
David Hersey	17.  God the Avenger of His Children (Chapter 6)
David Hersey	18.  Who Will Be Able To Stand  (Chapter 7)
David Hersey	19.  The First Four Trumpets (Chapter 8)
David Hersey	20.  The Fifth Trumpet (Chapter 9:1-12)
David Hersey	21.  The Sixth Trumpet Announcement (Chapter 9:13-21)
David Hersey	22. The Little Book and the Unutterable Thunders (Revelation 10)
David Hersey	23.  The Seventh Trumpet Announcement (Revelation 11)
David Hersey	24. The Conflict (Revelation 12)
David Hersey	25.  Revelation 13 (Identification of the First Beast)
David Hersey	26.  Revelation 13 (Identification of the Second Beast)
David Hersey	27.  Chapter 14 (The Victorious Lamb and the Redeemed ) Rev 14:1-6
David Hersey	28.  Revelation 14 (The Turning Point) Rev 14:6-13
David Hersey	29.  Revelation 14 (The Sickle and the Winepress) Rev 14:14-20
David Hersey	30.  Chapter 15 (Comfort for the Saints)
David Hersey	31.  Chapter 16 (Bowls of Wrath)
David Hersey	32.  Chapter 16 (The Battle of Armageddon)
David Hersey	33.  Chapter 17 (The Scarlet Woman)
David Hersey	34.  Chapter 18 (Fallen  is Babylon)
David Hersey	35.  King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Chapter 19)
David Hersey	36.  The Fall of Satan  (Chapter 20)
David Hersey	37.  Heaven, the Home of the Soul  (Chapter 21)
David Hersey	38.  The Spirit and the Bride Say Come  (Chapter 22)
David Hersey	39. Dating the Revelation

Acts of the Apostles Online KJV Bible the church of Christ

Acts of the Apostles Online KJV Bible the church of Christ

Church of Christ Commentary and Study Guide for the book of Acts

Speaker Sermon/Lesson Title  (Right Click to Download) Media Bobby Stafford The Book of Acts 1:1-5   (Lesson 1)           Bobby Stafford The Book of Acts 1:6-8   (Lesson 2)          Bobby Stafford The Book of Acts 1:9-11   (Lesson 3)        Bobby Stafford The Book of Acts 1:12-26   (Lesson 4)     Bobby Stafford Acts 2:1-4  (Lesson 5)        Bobby Stafford Acts 2:5-21 (Lesson 6)      Bobby Stafford Acts 2:22-28  (Lesson 7)      Bobby Stafford The Book of Acts 2:29-36  (Lesson 8)          Bobby Stafford Acts 2:37-38   (Lesson 9)            Bobby Stafford Acts 2:39-42  (Lesson 10)         Bobby Stafford The Book of Acts 2:43-47  Lesson 11)           Bobby Stafford Acts 3:1-11 (Lesson 12)        Bobby Stafford Acts 3:12-26 (Lesson 13)        Bobby Stafford Acts 4:1-12 Salvation in Jesus Alone (Lesson 14)           Bobby Stafford The Need to Pray For Boldness (Acts 4:13-31, Lesson 15)         Bobby Stafford Two Examples Of Sharing Acts 4:32 - 5:11 (Lesson 16)        Bobby Stafford Worthy To Suffer  (Acts Chapter 5 Verses 12-42) (Lesson 17)        Bobby Stafford Servants Are Chosen (Acts 6:1-15) (Lesson 18)         Bobby Stafford Stephen's Defense (Acts 7:1-60) Lesson 19         Bobby Stafford Saul, Persecutor of the Church (Acts 8 1-3) (Lesson 20)         Bobby Stafford The Gospel Comes To Samaria Acts 8:5-25 Lesson 21         Bobby Stafford The Ethiopian Eunuch Acts 8:26-40 Lesson 22        Bobby Stafford The Conversion of Saul  Acts 9-1-19 Lesson 23        Bobby Stafford Saul Begins To Preach Christ Acts 9:20-31, Lesson 24    Bobby Stafford Peter Performs Two Miracles Lesson 25    Acts 9:32-43        Bobby Stafford Gentiles Enter The Church Lesson 26  Acts 10:1 – 11:18        Bobby Stafford A Church is Established  Acts:  Lesson 27   Acts 11:19-30        Bobby Stafford Persecution Arises Again Acts:  Lesson 28    Acts 12:1-25        Bobby Stafford Sent Out By the Holy Spirit Acts: Lesson 29   Acts 13:1-12        Bobby Stafford Paul Gives A Word Of Encouragement Acts:  Lesson 30 Acts 13:13-52         Bobby Stafford Paul and Barnabus Head Home Lesson 31 Acts 14:1-28