The Bible Dictionary says in its "Guidelines to Understanding" Revelation 1-3 that it "...shows clearly that the Church in that day was rapidly going into apostasy."

I respectfully disagree. 

Yes, that is part of it, but I think those chapters "clearly show" something very different. 

I believe they show a similar pattern that Heavenly Father have always utilized throughout history to warn, encourage, and motivate His children. 

Listen to this episode to learn more of what I mean. 

Get all the resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.everydayconversion.com/127