Know Your Church (Revelation 1-3)

<h2>READ Revelation 1:1-20 (the whole chapter)</h2> What stands out to you from Revelation 1? Any images you find weird or interesting? What's at the center of John's vision? What's this book all about? (Look at 1:2) What kinds of names does John use for Jesus? (Look at 1:4-8) What do you think of Jesus' appearance? (Look at 1:13-16) How does Jesus introduce himself to John? (Look at 1:17-18) Find your church: <ol> <li>Ephesus (Rev 2:1-7)</li> <li>Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11)</li> <li>Pergamum (Rev 2:12-17)</li> <li>Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29)</li> <li>Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13)</li> <li>Sardis (Rev 2:1-6)</li> <li>Laodicea (Rev 3:14-21)</li> </ol> Read your church's letter a few times together. Read it in some different translations if you have them. What stands out to you? What seems to be going on in the life of this particular church? What kind of challenges are they facing? (Do they have any enemies?) What is going well for them? Where are they going wrong? Do you notice any references to any Bible stories you know? Or any other texts from the Old Testament? <h2>Know your church</h2> As a group, make a list of everything worth noting from your church's letter. Think about: <ul> <li>How does Jesus describe himself?</li> <li>Is anything mentioned about where they live?</li> <li>Are any Old Testament characters or stories mentioned?</li> <li>Any present-day people or groups named?</li> <li>Does Jesus make demands or offer comfort?</li> <li>What kind of reward does he offer?</li> <li>What kinds of descriptive words are used? (colours, numbers of things, objects, etc.)</li> <li>What makes this church unique?</li> </ul> <h2>Picture your church</h2> Revelation speaks to us in pictures. To help us remember who our church is as we read Revelation, we're going to create a ‘picture' of our church. On your poster board, turn your list of ‘things' into a collage about your church.