Revelation 1 - A letter to the Churches

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An introduction to Revelation — exploring who this remarkable letter is from, who it is for, and what Jesus is saying to his church to help us keep going.

The church in Ephesus had the doctrine, the dedication, and the hard work — but Jesus says something vital was missing. What does it look like to lose your first love, and how do you get it back?

Unfortunately no video from Sunday this week — but don't let that stop you. Read the passage, work through the questions, and let the discussion do its work.

The church in Smyrna was faithful, uncompromising — and suffering for it. Jesus speaks directly into that: do not be afraid, and don't lose sight of what is truly valuable.

The church in Pergamum had the courage and the faithfulness — but Jesus says something dangerous had taken root. What does it look like when compromise creeps in, and what will it take to cut it out?

The church in Thyatira was busy, loving, and growing. But they'd made room for something Jesus couldn't ignore. Tolerance can be a virtue — until it isn't. Jesus calls them to let go of what is false, and hold fast to what is true.

Sardis had a strong reputation — but Jesus saw something different. Beneath the surface, the church was dying: its faith hollow, its deeds unfinished, its people compromised by the world around them. This week we hear his urgent call to wake up, remember the gospel, and repent — and his wonderful promise to all who do.

The church in Philadelphia felt small, excluded, and weak — and yet Jesus has not a single word of criticism for them. Instead he speaks of an open door, a secure future, and an identity rooted in his love. This week we hear his encouragement to a church that is doing better than it thinks.

The church in Laodicea was prosperous and self-sufficient — they had everything they needed. Jesus tells them plainly: their self-reliance has made them lukewarm. But the letter doesn't end in condemnation. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, offering them the one thing money can't buy: a relationship with him.

Now John is shown heaven itself — a throne room of ceaseless worship, and a sealed scroll no one is worthy to open. Then a Lamb, looking as though slain, steps forward and takes it. This is the truest reality in the universe: God ruling, the Lamb worshipped. Jesus calls you to fix your eyes here and keep going.