1. Revelation 7 Letters to the 7 Churches of Jesus Christ, from Jesus Christ.

2. 7 Letters to 7 Churches 1.Ephesus 2.Smyrna 3.Pergamos 4.Thyatira 5.Sardis 6.Philadelphia 7.Laodicea

3. 7 Letters to 7 Churches These letters applied to the churches of that day literally. They also apply to us today as churches and as individuals. Each church body has some of the characteristics of each church within it. These characteristics are also present within our individual lives at times. Individual denominations often take on the character of a particular church. Finally, the churches outline church history as it has unfolded and continues to unfold before us.

4. 7 Letters to 7 Churches 1. To: Angel or messenger of the church of ________ 2. From: Jesus Christ 3. Exhortation: A. “I know thy works...” (1) Commendation (2) Trials of your faith, details of suffering (3) Criticism (Nevertheless, but notwithstanding) B. Admonition (1) Remedy for problems (2) Warning (3) Call to Repentance C. Encouragement 4. Challenge: “He that hath an ear…” 5. Promise to the Overcomers

5. 7 Letters to 7 Churches Problems Ephesus – left first love Smyrna – no criticism Pergamos – false doctrine Thyatira – false prophetess, false doctrine, sins of idolatry, fornication Sardis – you’re spiritually dead Philadelphia – no criticism Laodicea – lukewarm, self-sufficient

6. 7 Letters to 7 Churches To: Angel of the church of Ephesus –Angel = Pastor –Church = body of believers, not a building. –Ephesus – “darling” –Apostolic Church –Paul there 3 years. Acts 19, 20:17 Effective Acts 19:10 All they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks Paul’s ministry damaged the idol industry. The idol maker, Demetrius the silversmith, charged Paul with endangering their livelihood, and making men despise their goddess Diana. A riot ensued and Paul had to leave Ephesus. –Timothy –Later John himself

7. 7 Letters to 7 Churches From: Jesus Christ. “These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks” –Holds the Pastors in His right hand John 10:29 My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. A place of sovereign, divine protection A place of sovereign, divine control. Christ has authority over them.

8. 7 Letters to 7 Churches –Walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands. Walks in the midst of the church: like a shepherd inspecting his sheep. Checking things out. Concern for his flock. –One gone astray –Cripple –Diseased He is walking in the midst of us today! What does He see?

9. 7 Letters to 7 Churches –Exhortation: –I know you. I know all about you. –Commendation: Works Labor Patience (perseverance) Cannot bear them which are evil

10. 7 Letters to 7 Churches –(Continued) –Commendation: You have tried (tested) them which say they are apostles and are not, and have found them (to be) liars You have borne Have patience For My Name’s sake have labored Have not fainted (given up)

11. 7 Letters to 7 Churches –But... Nevertheless I have something against you. You have left your first love.

12. 7 Letters to 7 Churches Remedy: 1.Remember 2.Repent 3.Repeat

13. 7 Letters to 7 Churches Remember: from where you fell. 1.Fell away from your love for Him – first got saved. 2.Fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4) – God is still willing to forgive 3.Jude V 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God

14. 7 Letters to 7 Churches Repent: –Stop what you are doing –Get the sin out of your life –Turn and go in the other direction – toward God.

15. 7 Letters to 7 Churches –Repeat 1.Do the first works 2.Go back 3.Return to your first love

16. 7 Letters to 7 Churches What will keep us from doing all that? Sin! 1.Lust of the Flesh 2.Lust of the Eye 3.Pride of Life

17. 7 Letters to 7 Churches Warning: –Repent! or –I will come unto you quickly –I will remove your candlestick, your lamp stand out of its place. –Unless you repent

18. 7 Letters to 7 Churches Final commendation: This you have – You hate the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.

19. 7 Letters to 7 Churches Call to the individual believer: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches

20. 7 Letters to 7 Churches Promise to the Overcomer: To him that overcometh I will give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

21. 7 Letters to 7 Churches Good Leadership Outline: 1.Observe work(s) of others 2.Commend 3.Constructive criticism 4.Remedy 5.Warning 6.Encouragement 7.Promise for good performance

22. 7 Letters to 7 Churches Challenge: 1.Read all 7 letters to the churches. 2.Use this outline to analyze each of the 7 letters to the 7 churches.

23. 7 Letters to 7 Churches Challenge (continued): 1.Take this outline and write what you think Jesus would say to us as a church body. 2.Write for yourself personally what He would say to you as a believer.