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¹ This is what's to come. It comes straight from Jesus Christ so all those who ride for him will know what will happen. He sent an angel to deliver it to John, a cowboy for Christ. ² John has written down everything he saw—which is Jesus Christ, the full revelation of God. ³ Blessings await those cowboys who read these words aloud around a campfire. These same blessings are for those who take these words to heart. The time is drawing near!

John Greets the Seven Churches

⁴ This letter is written to the seven churches in the Asia province. Sit tall in grace and ride in courage with the one who was, is, and always will be. Ride with the seven spirits who stand at the throne, ⁵ and with Jesus Christ, the one who's seen it all, who rose from the grave, and rules over all kings.

All the honor goes to Christ who has set us free from our sins with his own blood. ⁶ We are now a priestly outfit in the kingdom of God. Power and glory to him for all time! Amen.

⁷ "Look over there! He rides the clouds of heaven and everyone is a witness to his glory—even those who killed him. The nations will wail and moan for him." This will happen, amen!

⁸ "I am the Alpha and the Omega—I ride point and drag," says the Lord. "I am the one who was, is, and will always be. I am the Almighty."

John's Vision

⁹ I, John, am your pard and brother in the suffering of the trail. I have been patient and endured for Jesus on the island of Patmos. I was banished for preaching the truth of Christ. ¹⁰ It was a Sunday and I was worshiping God when I heard a voice behind me that sounded like a trumpet. ¹¹ The voice said, "Write down all you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

¹² I turned to see where the sound was coming from and saw seven torches sitting in golden stands. ¹³ There among them was a man who looked like Jesus, dressed in a poncho that reached his feet. Around him was a golden belt. ¹⁴ His hair was exquisitely white and his eyes blazed brighter than the sun. ¹⁵ His feet glowed like metal out of the blacksmith's furnace. His voice was like the sound of a rushing river. ¹⁶ He held seven stars in his right hand and out of his mouth came a deadly-sharp sword. His face shone with the brilliance of a thousand suns.

¹⁷ When my eyes fell on him, I dropped to the ground at his feet like a dead man. He reached down with his right hand and said, "Do not fear. I am the first and the last. ¹⁸ I am the living one even though I died. Look at me. I am alive and will always be. I hold the keys of the dead and Hell itself.

¹⁹ "Write down what you see. It will be things that have happened as well as things that are to come. ²⁰ Let me tell you what you've seen so far. The seven stars are the angels who guard the seven churches. The seven torches are these seven churches.