where there is a threat that a lampstand might be removed,

there's also an encouragement that faithful members should not lose heart.

So while the focus is on the church as an institution and as a community,

this is not to be set over against the fact that if a church loses its way,

individuals ought to pursue the truth and remain faithful to the Lord.

The seven letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation

were real letters written to real congregations.

Yet that doesn't mean that they don't have warnings and encouragement for you and I today.

Hi, I'm Nathan W. Bingham and thank you for joining us today for renewing your mind.

If Jesus wrote a letter to your local church,

I'm sure everyone would rush to read it,

to study it and to apply the truths to their lives.

Well, Jesus did write letters to seven churches and they're found in the book of Revelation.

Well, as W. Robert Godfrey continues his Blessed Hope series,

his overview of the book of Revelation,

he'll demonstrate why these letters are worthy of our study

and are filled with practical insights to help you and I faithfully follow Christ today.

He is Dr. Godfrey.

Well, we're returning now to our study of the introduction to cycle one of these seven cycles.

We're going to see in the book of the Revelation

and we came to that moment where John looked over his shoulder

in the midst of his earthly ministry and his earthly worship

...