GOD’S TIMELESS, SOBER MESSAGES TO US (Part 1)

August 29, 2023

God is always speaking. We may not be listening, but if we are, through His Word and Spirit, He will tell us everything we need to know about everything we need to know about.

TO THE CHURCHES

In Chapters 2-3 of Christ’s revelation of the end, He sends clear messages to “the seven churches of Asia.” There is much speculation over whether this was specific to those churches in each town or universal to all churches everywhere. The answer to that question is … YES!

We must realize that each location received this message from Christ as if it were for them … because it was. But we must also recognize that Christ’s evaluation of these seven churches applies to every church in every city in human history. We must see these evaluations and warnings to us personally and specifically.

What has He said, and is He saying right now to us? Which church are we, and what must we do?

1. EPHESUS … The SOUND BUT STERILE Church (Revelation 2:1-7)

• THE ENCOURAGEMENT: You have deeds, toil, perseverance, convictions, and endurance for Christ’s sake and have not grown weary.
• THE EVALUATION: But you have left your first left. You don’t love me anymore. You are a cold, correct church.
• THE EXHORTATION: Remember, repent, and return.
• THE ENDING: If you don’t, I will remove your lampstand from its place.

2. SMYRNA… The SUFFERING Church (Revelation 2:8-11))

• THE ENCOURAGEMENT: I know where you are and am with you. You are in Satan’s domain and are facing tribulation.
• THE EVALUATION: You think you’re poor, but you are rich. You have all you need in Me.
• THE EXHORTATION: Three things you must continue to do:
  • Do not fear what is ahead.
  • Realize that what you are facing is testing.
  • Be faithful until death!
• THE ENDING: If you are faithful, I will give you the crown of life!

3. PERGAMUM … The COMPROMISED Church (Revelation 2:12-17)

• THE ENCOURAGEMENT: You’re in a stronghold of Satan, but you are holding fast to my name and not denying the faith.
• THE EVALUATION: But you are accepting false teachers and doctrines that are pulling people away.
• THE EXHORTATION: You must repent and remove the false teaching.
• THE END: If you don’t, I will come and make war against them Myself. But if you overcome, I will give you a new, hidden manna and a new name!

4. THYATIRA… The TOLERANT Church (Revelation 2:18-29)

• THE ENCOURAGEMENT: You have deeds, love, faith, service, and perseverance, and you’re doing better than you were.
• THE EVALUATION: You are slowly tolerating immoral, godless leaders in your midst.
• THE EXHORTATION: I will send judgment upon those false teachers, but you must hold fast until I come.
• THE END: If you overcome, I will give you authority over the nations, and you will rule and will receive the morning star.

Carefully evaluate your life and your church. Where are you, and what must you do? As John says repeatedly in these direct words to churches: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

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