Patmos Speaks TodayJohn Weston has spent many years leading tours of Biblical sites in the Middle East. Now he has brought together a series of meditations, first on the Isle of Patmos, and then on each of the seven churches in present-day Turkey which are mentioned in the early chapters of the book of Revelation in the Bible. With his attractive, alliterative style, the author transports the reader to the place where the Apostle John saw his apocalyptic vision of Jesus Christ. What was it like? What were the themes which were unfolded to him? Reading the first chapter, one could almost be sitting in the Apostle's cave on the Isle of Patmos as the tour guide sets the scene! At appropriate points the explanation is reinforced with a familiar (or unfamiliar) hymn. John, in his vision, received dictated letters for seven first-century churches in cities of the country which is now Turkey. The author leads the reader to each church in turn and the significance of the correspondence it received is reviewed from historical, prophetic and topical points of view. Strong arguments are advanced for the continuing relevance of these letters to churches and individual Christians today. The tour ends with a grand review of each place visited and the comparative lessons to be learned. So is the book simply a tour guide? As preparation for, a souvenir of, or a virtual replacement for a tour of Patmos and the Seven Churches, this book is ideal. But it is much more than that. As an easy-to-read meditation on the early chapters of the book of Revelation, considered within the framework of the prophetic and practical teachings of the rest of the Old and New Testaments, it is a valuable aid to those who really want to know the relevance of Revelation for the twenty-first century Christian. |
Contents
| 5 | |
| 7 | |
The Letters to the Seven Churches | 20 |
Ephesus | 23 |
Smyrna | 27 |
Pergamum | 33 |
Thyatira | 39 |
Sardis | 45 |
Philadelphia | 51 |
Laodicea | 57 |
A Collective View of the Seven Churches | 66 |
Common terms and phrases
21st century Akhisar Amen armour of God assembly believers Bethsaida blessing blood book of Revelation Calvary challenge Chorazin Christian church at Pergamum church at Philadelphia church at Smyrna church at Thyatira church today coming communion Corinthians crown dark day of grace dead death divine door E’en earth Ephesians Ephesus evil eyes face faith Father fellowship Frankincense give given glory God’s hath heart heaven Hebrews honour inner power Israel Izmir Jesus Christ John John’s Keep me true keynote King Lamb lampstand Laodicea letter live Lord Jesus Lord’s love for Jesus lukewarm Matthew 13 mezuzah ministry myrrh night overcomers overcometh pagan parable Patmos Paul Polycarp praise precious present Psalm recognise redeemed reminder repent Revelation righteousness Samuel Rutherford Sardis Satan Saviour Scripture seven churches situation song Song of Solomon spiritual stand suffering sword Thee things saith throne tree unto verse victory warning white stone word worship