1. Seven Golden Lampstands
Revelation 1:9-20

2. Introduction Lampstands representing churches Important lessons
Seven churches in Asia Minor
Each one (candlestick, KJV) a church
Important lessons
Local churches open to God
Strive to keep our candlestick (2:5)

3. The Churches Were Visible
Meaning of “church”
Not the building
Not representing brick and mortar
Much more than that

4. The Churches Were Visible
Represents people
Make up the church (Acts 5:11; 11:22)
No automatic membership (Acts 9:26)
Voluntary association (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:10)
Can lose recognition (2:5, 16; 3:3)

5. Two Sides To The Church Divine and human
Divine side: Jesus, the sinless Savior, is the head (Ephesians 5:23)
Human side: Members less than perfect, forgiven

6. Two Sides To The Church Seven churches
Number for perfection, or completeness
Room for improvement on human side (Philippians 3:12-16)
Divine side is fine the way it is (Acts 2:42; Galatians 1:12)

7. Preciousness of The Church
Lampstands made of gold
Symbol of great value
Purity as well (1 Corinthians 5:2-8)
Not ours to do with as we please
Jesus walked among them
Made them feel safe (1:17, 18)
Purchased by Him (Acts 20:28)

8. Holds Up The Light Truth taught by the Lord’s church
It alone supports the Truth (1 Timothy 3:15)
Truth sets us free (John 8:32; 17:17)
Let it shine forth
Function of a lampstand (John 3:19-21)
No substitutes (2 John 9-11)

9. Conclusion
What kind of example are we?
Change begins with individuals