LETTERS TO SEVEN CHURCHES

The Lord sends letters to the angel (probably pastor or other leader) of seven churches.

There actually were churches in each of the seven cities named. So the question arises: did John actually intend seven actual physical churches, or were they somehow symbolic. Some students have said the seven represent seven types of churches. Others have said that they represent seven ages of the church. I personally prefer seven actual churches, perhaps chosen to represent seven types of churches, that is with seven different types of problems.

The lesson Sunday covers the beginnings of all seven. That's good, because we need to keep in mind the churches as a group. The seven can represent all churches and remind us that we all go through different stages, in different orders, and each letter may refer to our congregation at some time or other.

Here are the seven churches by cities. Note we don't know whether these by now had buildings or were house churches or perhaps meeting in a rented hall. The letters would have been read out loud. All of these were located in what is now Western Turkey.

In 1:12-13 John saw Christ among the seven lampstands, the churches. In the midst of persecution they may well have asked where is God. The answer is He is right here among you. Christ is walking among His churches!

In the same way, repeatedly He says, “I know your works.” He is close. He sees the good and the bad. To five churches he mentions both. To only one does he have nothing good to say, and to one other everything He says is good.

Repeatedly at the end there is a promise of victory.

Ephesus – they are enduring, working, and discerning solid doctrine, BUT they have

lost their first love – preachers love this one for sermons!

Smyrna – is the good church, faithful under intense stress against the Synagogue of Satan! The challenge is to “Be faithful unto death!”

Pergamum – Satan's throne is here – possibly HQ of a Roman department of religion, dedicated to enforcing emperor worship The bad: two heresies some members hold.

Thyatira – a working church on the rise, but a “Jezebel” in their midst, seducing to either sexual sins, idolatry, or both.

Sardis – This church has a good reputation, but is dead. Christ calls them to wake up! Still, a few are faithful, and those who become faithful will join them.

Philadelphis – the church of great opportunity – an open door! A weak church, but the power of God behind them.

Laodicea – The preacher's favorite, the lukewarm church that makes Him want to vomit!

His counsel is to buy from Him refined gold, for He stands and knocks.

At the end of each letter, the Lord challenges those with ears to hear, to listen and follow.

Truths for individuals today:

Christ is among us.

If you feel alone or deserted, still He is with you.

The church is God's people designed to show the world He is with us.

Thus the steeples, and thus the mission to represent Him where we are.

Evaluate yourself by the qualities in the churches. Your strengths and sins.

Do you have an ear to listen?