Letters to the Churches Week 1 - Introduction | Sermon 4/12/26

**Through the Resurrection all who trust in Jesus can live Victoriously.** 

Seven churches in Asia minor were each given a letter with encouragements, corrections and promises to those who overcome. How do we overcome and live victoriously? It is by faith alone, through grace alone. Jesus' victory is ours through faith in His work on our behalf. All Praise, Honor, and Glory to Jesus, the Living One who was dead and is alive for ever and ever!!

**A Note on the book of Revelation:**

Revelation is a letter of prophecy written to seven churches in Asia minor. There are differing perspectives among Biblical scholars as to how Revelation is to be read and understood. This is true of not yet fulfilled prophecy in all of scripture, both Old and New Testament alike. We need not be afraid of reading this portion of scripture because of all the controversy. As with every text of God’s word – Jesus is both the One revealed and the One who is doing the revealing. Jesus makes Himself known to us and as long as we keep our eyes focused on magnifying Jesus and resting in His consistent character we can allow room for mystery and our own limitations without losing heart or getting off track.

Our sermon series will focus on each individual church's letter found in chapters 1-3. These first-century churches in the Roman province of Asia (currently western Turkey) are mentioned; Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. We'll begin with the Apostle John exiled on the island of Patmos where he sees Jesus in all His glory. John does his best to record what he has seen and heard within the limitations of human language. (Chapter 1)

To help us maintain our focus over the next eight weeks, we invite you to memorize Revelation 12:11: 

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

To help you begin, take time to write the memory verse on notecards and place in an ideal location for your daily review.

Additionally, as you prepare for this week’s teaching, read Revelation 1:1-20 and your study Bible’s introduction (if applicable, or Click here for the ESV Global Study Bible’s Introduction to Revelation)