The Church in Laodicea- Lukewarm and Deluded
The Church in Laodicea have failed to be a true and faithful witness for Christ. Their testimony was not impacting the city they live in and they received harsh words from Jesus. However, they are not without hope. Despite their weaknesses, Jesus is standing at the door knocking, waiting to restore the fellowship with them.
The Church in Philadelphia: Faithfully Keeping The Word
The church in Philadelphia was commended for faithfully keeping the Word even when they have little power. It is through their keeping of the Word that they testify the love of God and be sustained and preserved by God in their trials.
The Church of Sardis: Reviving the “Dead” Church
What does it mean to be truly alive? To the church in Sardis, Jesus said that they have the reputation of being alive but they are dead.
It is likely that the church was not living up to its reputation. It has not centred itself on Christ, who rightfully should be the head, bridegroom and cornerstone of the church.
Despite the harsh words, this letter also shows us the church was not doomed. Jesus still remembered them and gave them the way to return to Him.
The Church in Thyatira: Toxic Tolerance
The church in Thyatira may be the least prominent among the 7 churches but it received the longest letter from Jesus. Though their works motivated by love and faith were growing, they have become tolerant of a false teacher who is seducing other believers to sin. Our God who sees all things and searches mind and heart will throw the false teacher and her followers into tribulation unless they repent. In face of increasing calls for tolerance in our culture, the church needs to be guided by the Scriptures to take a firm stand about what should be tolerated and what shouldn’t be tolerated. However, ultimately, the Christian community should not be defined by what it tolerates but by the sacrificial love of Jesus and our commitment to follow and imitate Him.
The Church In Pergamum: Dangers Of Compromise
The letter to the church in Pergamum is a reminder on the dangers of compromise.
Though the church was commended for keeping the faith against external pressures, they have allowed a subtle form of compromise to slowly develop. Some of them have forgotten their identities, wanting to be their own gods and succumbed to worldly beliefs. As the Lord comes as a judge with his Word to his churches, his desire is for them to repent and receive the fullness of his blessings.
Church in Smyrna: Faithful in Tribulation
The letter to the church in Smyrna is the shortest letter among the letters to the 7 churches and contains no rebuke. To a suffering Church like Smyrna, Jesus reminded them that He is eternal, sovereign over life and history and He is acquainted with their grief. God identifies with those the persecuted for his sake and he points them to an eternal reward if they remain faithful. Ultimately, it is the Word of God that can truly sustain our faith.
Church in Ephesus: Love Abandoned
In the letters to 7 churches in the Book of Revelation, the Church in Ephesus was commended for their works, endurance and commitment sound doctrine. However, God has something against them. They have abandoned the love they had at first. It seems that without love, all the good they have done will mean nothing. Why is love so important and how is love often lost? As we look deeper, we see that the letter to Church in Ephesus is not a complaint letter from God, but a message of love that points them to an enduring hope.
