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The Book of Revelation, Part 1: Introduction
Talk by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)
June 25, 2024

Topics include:
(1) The Church of Sardis: rebuked for a dead faith even though they looked alive outwardly. No spiritual content. Question: How much of our life has totally betrayed the Gospel and fallen into ungodliness. Judgement will come quickly and unexpectedly. Therefore repent! Walk in white, in baptismal sanctity, conquering our passions. To the Bishop: be diligent in the correction and leadership of those you are responsible for; 
(2) The Church of Philadelphia: those who suffer adversity for Christ will afterward bear it no more, but adorn the New Jerusalem. They kept the Word of God and did not deny Christ's name. Discussion of the idea of "rapture" vs. standing firm as a Martyr. Hold fast to what you have or risk losing your crown. Discussion of the use of the name of Christ, YHWH, of which "Lord" is always a placeholder. In our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, we also bear His name; 
(3) The Church of Laodicea: Materialistic, in their delusion thinking they don't need God. Not spiritual. We must always repent! We cannot "rest on our laurels", on our perceived holiness ... no, we always need to repent! Co-enthronement with Christ, united with Him, in Him, sitting on the throne, deified. Overcoming sin and passions, all that holds us down and in bondage to sin.