At church, we’re in the middle of the letters to the seven churches on Sunday mornings. That’s where we find our encouragement today (literally and in general, LOL).

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While reading through these letters (Rev. 2-3:22), you can probably see a pattern just by reading each. Most study Bibles are going to include a table in the notes that outlines these patterns between each one – most have the same concepts, while a couple don’t have any consequences to the church, for instance. If you haven’t checked that out before, just as an aside, I’d encourage you to look at that – either by going to the Bible or Googling. 🙂

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The primary purpose of the church is to be a light. In the first letter, the church of Ephesus is told that they are in danger of having their lampstand taken away. The light will be taken away.

Being a light means bearing witness. Any church in history could be in danger of losing their lampstand if they do not share the Gospel and lose that fire that they once had at first, the church going dark by comparison.

Ephesus was a church we know about (hello, lookin’ at you Ephesians 🙂 ) and they were doing good things. John praises them for their patient endurance and testing those who claim to be apostles, finding false teachers among them. Those are good things! Why then were they rebuked? They got lax. They lost the love they had at first.

My pastor said that if you have bible studies and good doctrine, but fail to be filled by the Spirit and share the Gopsel/bear witness, you will lose the lampstand.

The other churches face different kinds of praise and rebukes. I’ll probably come back and touch on those, too, BUT you should definitely look at those because in each one, we can easily find ourselves in their shoes in some form.

The letters to the church weren’t just these historical churches in the age of their writing. They’re worth reading today because John was told to write this down – to be included in the Word of God, living until Revelation comes to pass (the end of time). By reading these letters, we can take away warnings and encouragements He has for us.

Encouragement:

Rekindle your relationship with Jesus by doing something out of love for Him – like what you did at the beginning of your relationship with Him.

The way the world looks at you is different than how the Lord sees you. Use discernment by examining the Scriptures daily and testing the words of those who speak of the Word.

The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death. Patiently endure til the end, relying on His strength.

Even when we fail, He’s provided us an opportunity to turn back and move forward in His will.

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Reflect:

How can you express your love for God and others this week?

In what ways have you fallen short, or might you fall short, like the Ephesians?

Have you encountered false teaching before? What did you do about it?

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Reference:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:3

I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.

Revelation 2:3

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

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Revelation inspired worship playlist: