We find in the early chapters that John’s Apocalypse is a letter that is written to seven churches in Asia Minor, but also a letter to be read aloud for all (and all are blessed in reading 1:3). Indeed, these are words of encouragement and challenge from Jesus himself. The call is for the Church, the Bride (19:7-8), to remain pure in the context of temptation and persecution, and to ultimately be victorious (5:5-6). The church in the Roman empire was under intense pressure. The emperors (e.g. Domitian, Nero) demanded absolute and singular worship. To not declare ‘Caesar as Lord’ carried with it terrible physical, social and economic consequences. This was a question of ultimate allegiance: worship the Christian God or worship the Roman cult.

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Gateway Baptist Church meets across six locations in South-East Queensland and online.For over 90 years, we've been committed to guiding people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.Learn more about us at ⁠https://gatewaybaptist.com.au⁠ or join us on Sundays at ⁠gtwy.au/live