Studies 1 to 2
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APO002
Listening, discerning, returning to the first love
An exegetical study of Revelation 2, analyzing the messages to the Churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum and Thyatira. Each letter follows a common structure: diagnosis, call to faithfulness and eschatological promise. The article invites us to listen to the Spirit, to discern the communal drifts and to rediscover the first love for Christ, from a perspective that is both historical and theological.
Revelation 2.12-17 (King James Version) :And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
APO003
Appearance or Truth
APO003 analyzes chapter 3 of Revelation and its three letters to the Churches of Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. These messages from the risen Christ set out three timeless spiritual diagnoses: lifeless appearance, humble faithfulness and self-satisfied lukewarmness. Each letter follows a precise structure and speaks to every generation of believers, inviting them to discern their true spiritual condition and to persevere in the faith.
Revelation 3.16 (King James Version) :So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org