7.7.14

Revelation 2&3 — To the Churches

Seven churches are addressed, the churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Christ, the one standing among the lampstands, is addressing the churches directly. He obviously knows each one individually, by deed and by name. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says…” this phrase is repeated at the conclusion of each set of instructions. I think there will be those who DON’T have an ear, those who don’t heed his teaching. Those who will be lost. Among the corrections made to the churches, the theme is renewal, a re-emphasis on holy things, prioritizing God’s truth and power. Some churches (Pergamum and Thyatira) have those among them who have diluted God’s truth with false teaching, lies, and sin. Some (Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea) need to be awakened from inaction and neutrality, and moved towards their holy calling. All of these groups of people need to be reminded of the ultimate truth, shown their need for Christ, and renewed in their commitment to the gospel. Contained here is instruction we as a church TODAY need to receive. We need to be shown how we’ve done well when we trusted God. Then, we need to be shown how when we wander from Him, evil is let in. Finally, we need to be warned that more trouble is coming, yes it is already here, and that a re-commitment to His truth is absolutely necessary for our SURVIVAL. There is POWER in the word of God. As a church, and as individuals, if we don’t seek to install that power in our lives everyday, we will be watered down and made useless by the evil in the world, evil that will choke us out and mute all the bold color that Christ intends for us to display.