Revelation churches - part 1

Reading the book of Revelation can be confusing. Not only is it sometimes hard to understand, but also there appears to be parts that seem to have been intended for others. To make things worse, some churches (and some preachers) seem to think it is all fantasy, that we "should know better" than to believe it.

I am going to take a look at the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, one at a time, and show how they compare to each other, and to Christians today. I am not claiming to know the mind of God in these matters, just showing that we can relate to His word.

"To the messenger of the church in Ephesus, write: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands, says this: 'I know your works, your toil, and your endurance. I also know that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles, but are not, and have found them to be false. You have endured and suffered because of my name, yet you have not grown weary.
However, I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Therefore, remember how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. If you don't, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. But this is to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Let the person who has an ear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give the privilege of eating from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.' "
(Rev 2:1-7)isv

The church in Ephesus worked hard to expose the frauds in the Christian community. In the process they were persecuted for their beliefs. They hated the evil that existed in their society, and they worked tirelessly to promote God's word.

So, what did they do that was wrong? They began to see their own efforts as being the reason that they existed. Today, we might call it a "Holier than thou" attitude.

Jesus is pointing out to them that the goal is bringing others to Him, NOT just being a member of their church! Neither we, nor they, are more important than that! He tells them to repent (to apologize). They are told to listen to His criticism, and get back to their real job. Then they are reminded what success really means.

So, how does this relate to us in our world?

Many churches equate salvation with membership in a particular church. This is incorrect, and extremely misleading. Jesus wants us to keep exposing false theologies and ideologies, but He also wants us to expose others to His word. This is far more important.

Remember, you are always going to make mistakes. Repent! Tell God you're sorry, and with His help you'll do your best to not do it again. Mean it.

If you attend (or are a member of) a church that has lost its focus, try to work to set things right within the church. If you are successful, great! But, don't lose heart if they refuse to see things God's way. There is a lot of satanic influence that is VERY active in churches today. You may not be able to influence anyone there. If this happens, bail out, and find a God-fearing church to attend or join. Staying in a church that is being influenced by Satan will wear you down in no time, and make you completely ineffective in spreading the Word.

Spread the Truth! Do it now, tomorrow might be too late!