Some believe that these letters of Revelation 2 and 3 were written specifically to those seven churches of Asia for their instruction. Others believe that each church listed, in sequence, represents a time period in the history of the Church, ending with Laodicea as the present day organized church system. And yet others believe the …
O’ how I wish things were different in these letters to the seven churches of Asia. Although there is some commendation for faithfulness, there is no indication of any of these churches being vibrant, healthy, strong, or full of life. Rather, in most cases, we see churches struggling for their very survival. Christ reports one …
Of all conditions a church may find itself in, there is probably none worse than that of the church of Sardis. There were no heresies that needed correcting for they were seemingly not engaged enough to press beyond a most simplistic Gospel. Immorality was not mentioned most likely because such behavior would be greatly overshadowed …
“…and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.”. Rev. 2.23 Once, when talking with a young Israeli fellow in graduate school, he pulled out of his pocket a Torah, which is the Christian’s Old …
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said he which has the sharp double-edged sword.” Rev. 2.12 Ruins of the temple of Trajan at Pergamos. Roman citizens had to offer incense to the emperor once each year, for which they were given a certificate showing they had complied with their civic duty. This …
“And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things says the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;” Rev. 2.8 The Agora (public open space) of Smyrna Unlike the Church of Ephesus, Christ does not admonish the Church of Smyrna for having “left thy first love.” (See Chapter 2 of this …
The title of this series of teachings is Lessons From the Seven Churches (of Asia). Prepositions “of” or “on” are not used, but from. Thus, this is not an analysis of the letters dictated by Christ and written by John to these churches, but rather it is to answer the questions, “What may we learn from Christ’s critique of these churches?” …
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Cor. 13.5 For many years I looked for someone to come into my church fellowship and candidly address our spiritual lack, to speak as a …
