Chapter 3 -- The Book of Revelation

Read Revelation Chapter 3!!

The Message to the Church in Sardis Verses 1-6

1. Verse 1: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Sardis.

2. Verse 2-3: Criticism/what they are doing wrong, also direction/what they need to do.

3. Verses 4-6: Recognizing that there are some people who have not fallen.

This church reminds us that we can still fall away from God.  We need to be careful not to follow the world's version of acceptable...  We need to constantly remember to go back to the basic truth of salvation.  We don't need to add stipulations or rules, we just need to follow God's Word.


The Message to the Church in Philadelphia Verses 7-13

1. Verse 7: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Philadelphia.

2. Verses 8-13: Encouragement and reward!  Reward for being obedient/persevering.  Warning to keep up the good work; and what will happen if they do.

I always wanted to be a part of this church, for it says, "I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world."  I don't believe the Church of Philadelphia is referring to Pennsylvania!  However, I do believe we will be rewarded for being obedient just like this church.  This church also shows that perseverance will be very important!  God will open doors for us that no one can close; we just have to keep an eye out for those doors, and walk through them when the time is right.


The Message to the Church in Laodicea Verses 14-22

1. Verse 14: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Laodicea.

2. Verses 15-22: "I know the things that you do, that you are neither hot nor cold... I will spit you out of my mouth!" "Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."

Through this church we learn to be all in our all out for Christ.  We don't want to just be drifting along.  There is no compromise when we follow Him; either we follow all of God's Word or none of it.  There is no middle ground here.  When we are all in fro God, and we do our absolute best to follow Him, He will recognize that.  We are still human, we ill still mess up, but "I correct and discipline everyone I love." We need to open the door to our hearts and let him in.  We serve a loving and merciful God.  A few mistakes won't separate you from Him if you truly repent and turn away from it.

All in all these church teach us to be obedient, attentive, and that the end is near.  We need to stay alert and focused on God and His Plan for our lives!  Then we will be prepared when the storms come!

What did you learn from these churches?  I'd love to hear you thoughts below!!

Blessings!

~ S*

Chapter 2 -- The Book of Revelation

Okay, before we get started today, please read Revelation chapter 2!

Revelation Chapter 2 (I'm using the NLT)


The Message to the Church in Ephesus Verses 1-7

1. Verse 1: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Ephesus.

2. Verses 2-3, and 6: Praise

3. Verses 4-5: Criticism, "I will remove you as one of the seven churches (lamp-stands) if you don't repent."

4. Verse 7: A command with a blessing.

This church reminds us to stay focused and excited in the Lord!   Don't let the original excitement fade away!   Let your boldness/passion for Christ grow stronger with each passing day.


The Message to the Church in Smyrna Verses 8-11

1. Verse 8: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Smyrna.

2. Verses 9-11: God explains that He sees their suffering, but promises a true reward/blessing in the end.

This church reminds us all to stay faithful to the very end!  We will be blessed because of the persecution we have endured.


The Message to the Church in Pergamum Verses 12-17

1. Verse 12: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Pergamum.

2.  Verse 13: Praise! And it also shows how difricult it is to stay loyal in "Satan's City".

3. Verses 14-16: Complaint, warning, instruction and consequences.

4. Verse 17: Huge blessing.

This church reminds us that even God's chosen people were led astray.  It shows that even-though we live in a difficult time (or "Satan's City"), we are expected to stay strong in tour faith and not give into temptation. (Ephesians 6:13) The reward for this is pretty Awesome!


The Message to the Church in Thyatira Verses 18-29

1. Verse 18: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Thyatira.

2. Verse 19: Praise

3. Verses 20-23: Criticism and punishment... Jezebel (2 Kings 9.22; 1 Kings 16:31)

4. Verses 24-29: For those who didn't stray, and their reward because of it.

This church reminds us to watch out for false prophets.  We need to learn to test everything with God's Word.  A true prophet will not have a problem with you if you challenge what he says with God's Word.  If God's Word backs it up, then you will know the prophet is true.


What does this chapter say to you?  How would you interpret these messages to the churches?  I encourage you to write down in your own words a summary of each church, and what it is teaching you!  I would love to hear your thoughts!!

Blessings!

~ S*