Just like many Christians, I struggle with Bible Prophecy. It can be difficult to understand, partly due to the translations of the languages and the ancient cultures found in the Bible. Since I’m naturally drawn to the different Prophecy sections in the Bible, I realized, the only way for me to comprehend these writings was to pray and ask God for wisdom and understanding. Today I found myself being led back to the Book of Revelations and the seven churches. Obviously, the Holy Spirit is letting me know there’s a message here that myself and Christians need to hear and obey. So let’s talk about the seven churches and the message Christ has for His people.
In the first chapter of the Book of Revelation, John was instructed to write on a scroll and to send it to each of the seven churches in Asia Minor. But today, I’m interested in what the actual message was that Jesus had for each of these churches.
Ephesus Church – After reading everything christ has to say about this church, He tells them they have left their first love, but, look what else He says;
Lost the Love for God, Loveless Church
But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore, remember where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place-unless you repent.
Revelation 2:4,5
Smyrna Church – Christ tells this church that some of them will be thrown into prison, will be tested and endure tribulations. But look at His message to them;
The Persecuted Church
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulations for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelations 2:10
Pergamum Church – Christ tells this church they held firmly to His name and did not deny His faith, even in the days of Antipas, His witness, His faithful one, who was killed among them, where Satan dwells. Christ says;
False Teachings, False Doctrines, Idol Worship, Compromising, Sexual Immorality Church
But I have a few thing against you, because you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. So you too, have some who in the same way hold to the teachings of the Nicolaitans. Therefore, repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will wage war against them with the sword of my mouth.
Revelation 2:14-16
Thyatira Church – Christ tells this church He knows their deeds, their love, faith, service and perserverance and their deeds now or greater than the first. But look what Christ says;
False Prophet, False Teachings, Sexual Immorality, Idol Worship, Compromising Church
But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit sexual immorality and things sacrificed to idols. But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them-I place no other burden on you. Nevertheless what you have, hold firmly till I come.
Revelations 2:20,24,25
Sardis Church – Christ tells the Sardis Church that He knows their deeds, you have a name( or reputation) that you’re alive, but, you’re dead. But Christ also says;
The Dead Church
Be constantly alert, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Then if you are not alert, I will come like a thief in the night, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. But you have a few people in Sardis who has not soiled their garments; and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.
Revelation 3:2-4
Philadelphia Church – Christ says to this church that He has put before them an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name. But Christ says something different here, look what He says;
Faithful, Perservering Church
Behold, I will make those of the Synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie–I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word of perserverance, I also will keep you from the hour of the testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth. I am coming quickly; hold firmly to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Revelation 3:9-11
Laodicea Church – Christ tells this church that they are neither cold nor hot; and I wish they were cold or hot. But, because they’re lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, He is going to vomit them out of His mouth. But look what else Christ says;
The Lukewarm Church
Because you say, I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need for anything, and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.
Revelation 3:17-19
As I was reading and typing each of these messages, I noticed a repetitive sentence. While it’s only a few short words, I believe it packs a punch! It says;
The one who has an ear, let Him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The messages Christ sent to the churches of Asia Minor is also for us. As Christians we must be diligent, alert and love the Lord God with all our heart, all our soul and all our mind. Because when we do we’ll be faithful, able to persevere and do good works. It’ll be harder for us to be deceived by the false prophets, false teachings, false doctrines, Idolatry, sexual immorality, and compromises many churches today are making.
But something else to think about, Christ only told ONE CHURCH they would be spared from the hour of testing, the hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth.
Knowing what Christ said and seeing everything going on in our world today, the signs are everywhere. I’m even hearing about Christian persecution in America, and knowing this, guess my question is, are you ready?
Jesus the Righteous Path 