Looking at the end times through the eyes of John. How should we approach this subject? John had a perspective that grew out of who he was and his experiences. We have data that suggest he was a priest. That training and perspective will help us understand his visions of the end times.

The Church at Laodicea is famous for being neither hot nor cold. Because of this lack of heat, they have no energy to do any works. Being spat out of Y'shua's mouth is by way of getting their attention.

Philadelphia is complemented only for her patient endurance. Ephesus and Thyatira also have patient endurance, but those two churches are complemented for other things as well. Hence, by the time we get to Philadelphia, faithful endurance is all that remains - which is enough.

Sardis, the church that believes that it is alive but is dead in the eyes of God. From the world's perspective, this church is doing fine, but lacks the fruits of the Spirit.

Thyatira is a church divided over sexuality and dabbling with idols. Those on the side that have learned the 'deep things of Satan' and will be lost.

Pergamum, the church where Satan dwells, has compromised with the world. It has taken in pagans without doing a thorough job of changing their beliefs. Hence, there are those who espouse sexual immorality.

Smyrna will be subject to persecution and death at the hands of the synagogue of Satan. They are promised resurrection and life if they are faithful under that trial.

Yeshua's letter to the Ephesian church contrasts doctrinal purity with love of the Messiah.

Yeshua's kingdom parables given in the Gospel of Mathew correlate perfectly with the seven letters to the churches in Revelation. They also correlate with Paul's pastoral letters. Studying them together gives a perspective on the state of the kingdom from three time perspectives: pre-crucifixion, post-resurrection and apostolic age.

Y'shua says He has the keys to Death and Hades. What does that mean? How are keys used elsewhere in Scripture? Do those other Scriptural references help explain His words?