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STUFF ABOUT GOD AND CHRISTIANITY
This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Dr. Ron Braley. This is NOT the opinion of the Courier.
I’m an “end-times” dude. Not an imperious date-setting soul, but someone interested in teaching people easy-to-understand truths about the end of this age and all it comprises.
I published “Finding the End of the World” to do just that in 2011. Here, I’d like to clear up confusion about Revelation’s letters to seven churches to address real people with real problems.
Some teach that biblical history is divided into eras representing God’s interaction with people. Furthermore, historical dispensationalists insist that the seven churches of Revelation represent church ages from the apostles to Christ’s return. Don’t buy into it. The letters contain admonishments and praises to existing churches — nothing more, nothing less, although we can learn from them.
In about 95 CE, Roman Emperor Domitian exiled John (and his scribe Prochorus) to Patmos. They penned the Revelation within two years until Emperor Nerva freed them. What was unveiled? Lastday events from increasing false Christs, war, famine and earthquakes to great judgment and the new age.
The letters:
• Ephesus. This “great” city had an assembly that refused to follow heretics but whose love for God, Christ and each other had grown cold.
• Smyrna. This “loveliest” city was home to prideful Christian-persecuting Jews (“Synagogue of Satan”). Saints would have to persevere through a short tribulation to inherit God’s Kingdom.
• Pergamum. Called “Satan’s throne,” it was the pagan worship center of Asia. Heresies and immorality abounded, as did self-indulgence. Jesus said, “Change.”
• Thyatira. True Christians refusing paganism and immoralities couldn’t buy and sell in the marketplace, although prophetess Jezebel misled some to compromise. Others standing fast would avoid God’s future wrath.
• Sardis. A legendarily wealthy and degenerate city with a dead church (except for a few). Overcome or be erased from the Book of Life.
• Philadelphia. City of brotherly love, city of earthquakes … and another Synagogue of Satan against the church. Believers would face tribulation but be empowered by Jesus to persevere.
• Laodicea. “Lukewarm Laodicea” existed between hot and cold springs, producing undesirable lukewarm water. It was wealthy, self-centered, indifferent and lukewarm in faith. Jesus to Laodicean Christians: “Overcome and rule with me.”
God gave Jesus warnings and commendations to send to overseers of seven Asia Minor churches. They were contained in seven letters. The immoral would suffer God’s wrath, while those who overcame would inherit God’s Kingdom.
God’s blessings and peace.
Braley, a Taylor minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.
