The Seven Churches of Asia: Thyatira

As we continue looking at the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation, let us look to their example and see what we might learn from it! Let us avoid their shortcomings and emulate their successes in working together, as a congregation, for the cause of Christ.

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 2:18-29

The Positive:
The church in Thyatira was an active church full of works, love, service, faith, and patience. Moreover, their works had become more plentiful than they had been at first. In this way, they were growing stronger. The longer they served Christ, the more effort they put into it. Can the same be said for us? Both as individuals and as a congregation? We see in these verses a picture of a church that is working diligently in the service to God.

The Negative:
They had been allowing a woman, designated here as Jezebel, to teach falsehood and lead others into sinful practices. For this, they are condemned and warned. We too must be careful not to accept such a person. What good does it do anyone (you, me, others, or Christ) if we accept someone who will lead the faithful away from the Lord?

We also see that the Lord has given this Jezebel opportunity and time to repent, and she has not done so. The consequence of her refusal to turn back to God? Divine punishment, both for her and her followers. We are warned again that we must follow only the Lord, or punishment awaits us. We will be judged by our actions.
Let us each strive to have actions that are good and godly! Let us each strive to not be the Jezebel that leads others astray! Let us strive to not follow such a one! In this way, we can help keep the local church strong.

We see also a promise from the Lord at the end of this passage. The promise is for those who have not submitted to error. The Lord promises to put no other burden on them. Instead, they are simply to hold fast to what they have known, believed, and obeyed to that point. Let us also hold fast to the Word of God, until the Lord comes!

Next week, Lord willing, we will look at the first six verses of chapter three, and the church in Sardis.

The Seven Churches of Asia: Pergamos

Last week we looked at the church at Smyrna in the eighth to eleventh verses of the second chapter of Revelation. The next church written to is the church in Pergamos.
Revelation 2:12-17
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

The Positive:
The church in Pergamos held firmly to the name of Christ. Even though they had been persecuted, they refused to deny Christ. Even to the point of martyrdom, they would not give up Christ. Truly, this is something we should emulate! Here in this country, we do not know life-threatening persecution for our faith. Would we remain firm in the same circumstances? It would be hopeful that we would remain true to Christ, regardless of our circumstances!

The Negative:
The church in Pergamos had one particular difficulty though: they tolerated false doctrine. The scriptures state that they tolerated those who held the to the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. And for this acceptance, they are condemned.

In this time and society, acceptance of any teaching is encouraged by many. Yet we see in scripture that we must be careful to not accept false teaching, false doctrine, or wrong actions. We must remain faithful to the word of God.

Let us always strive to emulate the church in Pergamos in that we always confess Christ! Let us always stand firm regardless of what we encounter in this life! And let us always strive to avoid accepting error, and not fall into the same error that they did.

Next week, Lord willing, we will briefly look at the church in Thyatira.

The Seven Churches of Asia: Smyrna

Last week we looked at the church at Ephesus in the first seven verses of the second chapter of Revelation. The next church written to is the church in Smyrna.

Revelation 2:8-11
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

The Positive:
The Holy Spirit, through John, has some excellent things to say about the church in Smyrna. The church had been experiencing persecution and poverty, yet had remained faithful to the Lord. They are also warned that the tribulations they are enduring will continue and increase for a short time longer. Nonetheless, they are encouraged to remain strong in the faith, that they may be given a crown of life.

We learn, then, that the physical things that must be endured are not as important as holding to the Truth. Abiding in Christ is well worth the temporary pain and troubles that can be presented to us on earth. We also learn that the Lord is aware of whatever our present situation is. We do not have a God that is aloof and uncaring, but rather one that knows what we endure, and encourages us through His word along the way.

Twice in this section the Christians at Smyrna are encouraged to “endure to the end.” Once they are told that if they do so, they will receive a crown of life. The second time, they are told that if they do so they will not be hurt by the second death.

Let us follow the example of the church at Smyrna! Let us gladly endure what we must, as Christians, that we may grasp the crown of life! Let us always remain faithful to the Lord, regardless of what things may come to pass in this life. If they, in their imprisonments, poverty, and trials can overcome, then should we not be able to do the same in our life of freedom, wealth, and mild ridicule?

The Seven Churches of Asia: Ephesus

In this and, Lord willing, the following bulletins, we will be taking a look at the seven churches mentioned in the first three chapters of the book of Revelation. Each of these churches has something said about it, and it behooves us to look at the examples and provided and make comparisons. Does the congregation here exhibit any of the things that are condemned? Do we exhibit any of the things that are commended? Let us bear these thoughts in mind as we look at these congregations.

Revelation 2:1-7
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

The Positive:
We see that the church in Ephesus is commended for several things. In verse 2, the Lord makes the statement that they have not been accepting of evil-doers and of those claiming to be apostles, yet are not. In verse 3, they are told they are doing well in continuing to serve the Lord and are unflagging in their efforts. These are surely good things to be said about a congregation! We surely fall short of the goal if, in the name of being nonjudgmental, we accept sin and evil. And we surely fail if we do not test those who claim to be bearing the words of God.

We also see in verse 6 that they have opposed a group called “the Nicolaitans.” What this group was, we do not know the specifics of. But we do know that the Lord hated their deeds, and so did the Ephesian church. It is a great thing to be said about a congregation: that it opposes that which God opposes and accepts that which God accepts. Let us also hate evil deeds!

The Negative:
We see, however, that it is not all good and well with the church in Ephesus. Verses 4-5 state that they have left their first love. In other words, they put forth the effort, but are not as sincere and wholehearted in their effort as they should be. Although the labor carefully, it has become rote and habit more than anything else. From this, they are told to repent. Let us be sure that in our efforts to serve the Lord, both as individuals and as a congregation of the Lord's church, that we do not fail to serve wholeheartedly.

We see the consequences if they do not repent. The Lord states that He will remove their lampstand. In other words, that if they persist in serving by rote and habit, that they will no longer be considered faithful to the Lord and will be cut off. Consider Isaiah 1:1-20 and Matthew 25:31-46 for other such statements. Our actions, without faith and wholeheartedness, are not enough.

Let us strive to be a church which emulates those good examples found in scripture, and which avoids following those examples of wrong and sin!