The Seven Churches (Part A)

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your fi rst love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

The letters to the seven churches contain the warnings of prevailing dangers within the body of Christ. It is the exhortation for all believers to hold fast and to remain faithful at all times to Christ, even unto death:

1. Church in Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7). This church was exemplary in her toil, steadfast endurance and orthodox teachings. Yet it was rebuked by God for having lost its first love—which is a wholehearted love for Him (Matt. 22:37). In the last days, the love of many toward the Lord will grow cold. People will become lovers of themselves, lovers of money, and lovers of pleasure (2 Tim. 3:2-4). Jesus is exhorting you to overcome self-centeredness and be willing to lay down your life for God again. Such demonstration of selfl ess love will confound many unbelievers and lead them to accept the truth of the gospel.
2. Church in Smyrna (2:8-11). The Smyrna Christians underwent regular suffering with the constant threat of death facing them. But they remained loyal to the Lord. God wants you to accept suffering whenever the occasion arises. Suffering is only a temporal state of pain. You are to cast away the spirit of fear of suffering from your life. God only allows suffering to sift the true Christian from the false. Decide today to remain true to the Lord in spite of the trials the devil may throw in your way.
3. Church in Pergamos (2:12-17). The believers in Pergamos were operating inside the enemy’s camp. In spite of the fearsome odds against them, they stayed on to continue with the ministry of the Lord. The scenario during the Great Tribulation will be somewhat similar to that experienced by the church in Pergamos. You will be completely surrounded by the unbelievers and the rulers of darkness of this world. But God is saying that He will be with you, and you can overcome by the choice you make in the power of the Holy Spirit.
4. Church in Thyatira (2:18-29). In Thyatira, there arose a heretical teaching by a personality called Jezebel. She seduced Christians into compromising the truth of God through a watered-down gospel. In the last days, many will be misled by false teachers promoting an unbalanced grace doctrine. A doctrine that focuses inordinately on God’s blessings and is devoid of repentance, sanctifi cation, and the fear of the Lord. But when the blessings stop and the sufferings begin, will you still love Jesus all the same? May you decide today to remain faithful to the Lord with or without the blessings.