05 Letter From God, Part 2

A LETTER FROM GOD, PART 2
TEXT: Rev. 1:12-20

SUMMARY: Most of the book of Revelation constitutes a letter from God to man, and should be thought of in those terms in order that it might have its necessary effect on us.

I. THE NATURE OF THE LETTER, VV. 9-11.
II. THE AUTHOR OF THE LETTER, VV. 12-16. Old Testament prophets saw, in pre-incarnate form, the same Christ that John saw, who is the perfect manifestation of all power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing.
III. THE RECIPIENTS OF THE LETTER, VV. 17-21.
A. “The Church” Identified.

1. The Invisible or Universal Church.
2. The Visible or Local Church.
   B. “The Church” Examined, Rev. 1:20.
3. What are the “Mysteries”?
4. Who are the angels?
   C. “The Church” Exhorted. The letters are written:
5. To “the angel,” probably a pastor or group of elders.
6. To the church as a whole.
7. To specific local churches.
8. To individuals within the churches.