Philadelphia: Perseverance and Open Doors

The church of Philadelphia (which of course means brotherly love) is one of two churches that Jesus has nothing against. This is the kind of church we want to imitate. Of course, this is the kind of church that is probably attacked the most as well. As with the church of Philadelphia, we are to keep His word, stand strong in our faith, and persevere. We will go through trouble, but God is with us and He will open doors for us. As Paul says, nothing on this earth can compare to the glory that awaits us in heave and nothing can separate us from God’s love if we believe and trust in Him.

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Sardis: Alive but Dead

The church of Sardis thought they were alive, but Jesus says they are dead. It sounds like an arrogant church. It sounds like a church that is wrapped up in works and ministry but neglect faith and love. It sounds like a church full of hypocrisy or one that just doesn’t understand the gospel. We as a church need to practice serving others, but it is not about making a name for ourselves, but giving God the glory and pointing others to Christ. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and to live according to what God’s word says.

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Thyatira: Immorality and False Teaching in the Church

The church of Thyatira is often called The Corrupt church. But as with several of the seven churches, they do a lot of things right. Jesus says they have good works, love, service, faith, and patience. Sounds like a good church, right? But behind closed doors, there is some false teaching and immorality going on. They are allowing a woman to not only teach lies but seduce men and practice idolatry. We as believers and the leaders of the church need to be careful to not allow sin and false teaching to infiltrate the church (especially in the leadership) or our lives. How often does Jesus say to watch and be ready? That should pertain to what is going on within the church as well as out in the world.

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Pergamos: Stay Away From False Teachers

Jesus says that Pergamos was surrounded by evil. It is “where Satan’s throne is.” The church held fast to their faith in Christ, but couldn’t let go of the teachings of the Nicolaitans and those who held to the doctrine of Balaam which included sacrificing to idols and sexual immorality as well as sorcery. You may say we don’t practice sorcery. But it is all around us. Horoscopes, tarot cards, Ouija boards, and we watch movies and shows that actually applaud immorality or sorcery. I think of shows like Practical Magic, Lucifer, and, yes, I said it, Harry Potter. The examples of immorality on TV and movies, politics and society in general are endless. Let’s take a look at what Jesus says about tolerating, condoning, or participating in such beliefs and practices.

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Jesus Commends Smyrna

In the second letter to the 7 churches, Jesus commends the church in Smyrna and has nothing against them. This should be the church we would want to be a part of. But, as believers, there is still a cost. Those who follow Jesus are often looked down upon to say the least. Many are persecuted; believers in John’s day as well as many places today are imprisoned, beaten or killed for their faith. But most of the time the church that is persecuted is the strongest. People who are persecuted have the strongest faith and have the most boldness. It is through our struggles and suffering and that we grow as people and as believers. And whatever we go through in this life will not compare to the glory we will receive in the next.

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