Publisher's Synopsis
Hermeneutically, I have taken a literal and historical approach to the Letters to the Seven Churches. I believe that the Letters John received from Christ were sent to seven literal churches that actually existed at the time of John's writing, and I believe that these Seven Churches represent the Church of Christ through seven literal periods of Church History (as seen in the sermons). These Seven Letters matter today because the contemporary church is in trouble. We have left our "First Love," and have much to learn (and apply) from these two chapters in Revelation. My purpose for preaching these messages to my current congregation is directly linked to our intentional collective effort to evaluate the traits of a healthy church and to identify the two key areas in which we were weakest. Understanding the Seven Letters goes far beyond learning a history lesson; it means applying that knowledge to our current context. This, my fellow-laborer, is well-worth the effort, and will reap great fruit in accordance as it is sown. It is my prayer that these sermons can help you experience all of this and more. Using my outlines as a catalyst, pray, study, dig deep, and bring forth the truths that await you in the marvelous Word of God. "Let him who has ears hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
