Bible Encounter LIVE!

Bishop Steve Yates continued the study of Revelation, moving from verse 18 to Revelation 1:19. The central teaching was that Scripture must be interpreted through its cultural context, because "context determines meaning." Revelation 1:19 was presented as having three time perspectives: "things which thou hast seen"—past tense; "things which are"—present tense; and "things which shall be hereafter"—future tense. Bishop also explained that Revelation should not be feared, because those who read and hear its words are blessed. 

The Scriptures referenced included Revelation 1:19, Matthew 16:19, and Galatians 4:2, 4–5. Bishop explained that the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven represent authority; bind refers to locking or restricting, while loose refers to unlocking or releasing. Bishop also defined epistles as letters, described commerce as business and trade, and identified evangelism as sharing the Gospel to reach people. The discussion connected Ephesus with the other churches through the Roman road, including Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.