Lesson From Revelation

We saw last night that there are acts of worship we can only do in a local church. Why is this? Because they are collective activities. Some of these are: Taking the Lord’s Supper – ESV 1 Cor. 11:20-21; Ultimate degree of discipline – ESV 1 Cor. 5:4-5; Mat 18:15-17 Giving – ESV 1 Cor. 16:1-2

The Seven Churches of Asia These are symbolic of all churches of Christ. There were more than seven churches in Asia, Col. 4:16. Separate lampstands symbolize the autonomy of each local church. Rev 1: Any condition found in a church of Christ today can be found in at least one of these seven churches. Each letter closes with “he that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches”.

Ephesus Street, 2:1-7 Old, Well Established Lots of Good Works, 2:2-3, 6. One Fatal Flaw

Smyrna Street, 2:8-11 The Poor Church But, in Jesus’ eyes, they were RICH! Slandered by an Old Well-established Community Told not to fear what they were about to suffer

Pergamum Drive, 2:12-17 A Persecuted, Faithful, Doctrinally Corrupt Church Located Where Satan’s Throne Is Antipas killed – but they maintained their faith! Doctrinally Corrupt Compromising attitudes Balaamites Nicoliatans

Thyatira Cove, 2:18-29 Working, Growing, Politically Correct Church Works: love, faith, service, patience, growth, last… But They Tolerate Jezebel, 2:20 Members there that do not hold to this doctrine, v. 24. Exhorted to hold fast to what they have, v. 25.

Sardis Boulevard, 3:1-6 The Famous, Seemingly Secure Church Reputation – They Are Alive! Jesus found no completed works! Wake Up! V. 2. Strengthen what is about to die! Remember - how they received, heard and hold fast A Few Who Have Not Stained Their Garments! They shall walk with Jesus in white!

Philadelphia Avenue, 3:7-13 The Persecuted Church With An Open Door They Have a Little Strength, v. 8. Jews – a synagogue of Satan, v. 9. Because they endured faithfully – Jesus will protect them from the hour of trial Hold Fast to What You Have, v. 11.

Laodicea Heights, 3:14-22 The Lukewarm, Conceded Church They think they are rich, need nothing! Are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked, v. 17 Buy refined gold…, white clothes..., eye salve…, v. 18. Jesus rebukes and chastens those He loves! v. 19. He stands at the door and knocks, vv

What Should You Expect ? Will not find a church exactly like any one of these. These have all the characteristics one could find. We’ve seen which characteristics please Christ. We’ve seen what Christ will do if He is not pleased. I’m impressed that: Only one was threatened to lose their candlestick. No group was told to “leave a church” and split it. Only split I know of was at Ephesus, Acts 19:9 Only Smyrna, Philadelphia & Thyatira – not told to repent One could be saved in any one of these churches - If he would repent and overcome.

Things We Learn From These Churches All these were churches that belonged to Christ. He walked in their midst. He praised and commended them. He also reproved and chastened them. He informed them of His reproofs. He chastened them for their sins. He expects faithfulness from any church, no matter the conditions. One who became a member of any one of these churches would be faced with the conditions that existed in that church.

But One Must Be A Member Of A Local Church!

So – The Question! Which Church Would You Choose to Attend?

Some Questions Which of these churches do you think you could have the most fun in? Laodicea – Lukewarm, anything goes! Rich & need nothing! Sardis – Reputation & name! No works competed! Thyatira – Jezebel – idol sacrifices and feasts. In which ones would you be most likely to suffer persecution? Smyrna – tribulations; slander from Jews. Prison for 10 days. Pergamum – Satan’s throne, Antipas killed there. Philadelphia – persecuted church – Jews, a synagogue of Satan. In which one would you be most scrutinized and made to work? Ephesus

Some Questions Which ones do you think Satan had rather you be in? Pergamum – Satan’s throne there; doctrinally corrupt: B. & N. Thyatira – Jezebel Sardis – Reputation and at ease! Complete no works! Laodicea – Lukewarm, rich church! Think they need nothing! Which ones do you think Satan had rather you not be in? Philadelphia – open door; little strength, steadfast endurance. Which ones do you think the Lord had rather you be in? Philadelphia – open door (Mat 28:19-20). Smyrna – poor, but rich! Works w/tribulation, slander, prison. Which one had you rather be in?