Which Church Do You Represent? (Original post 4/19/20)

In Revelation, we learn about the letters that addressed the seven churches in Asia Minor with prophecy and warnings (Revelations 2-3). Although these churches were physical places of worship, they represented so much more such as characteristics of individual believers.

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” Revelation 2:7(NIV). WARNING! (This is a long post)😍

Every church is supposed to be a light in its community. Church for many of us have been a building we visit every week to worship God, hear the Word of God, and fellowship with others. The Pandemic has redirected the way many of us “have” church. Truth is, the church has not ceased because we (the people) are the church. We are the ones who are supposed to be a light in our surrounding communities. We are representatives of Christ- not the buildings.

Revelation is a book full of prophecy, insight, judgment, hope, visuals, and so much more. It is the last book of the Bible. In Revelation, we learn about the letters that addressed the seven churches in Asia Minor with prophecy and warnings (Revelations 2-3). Although these churches were physical places of worship, they represented so much more such as characteristics of individual believers. We who are the body of Christ (the believers) are the living epistles and the light of the world in which Jesus speaks about in Matthew 5. Some people might not ever attend the “church” building, but they will see us (the church). How will they see us when they encounter us? What example will we set when they see us? Will they know Jesus by our love or will they be turned off by our selfish acts? The letters to the churches in Revelation were fore-warnings to Christians today. The Bible states, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” Revelation 2:7(NIV).

My question to you is: Which church do you represent?

1. Ephesus: Always working and full of patience. Some refused to tolerate evil doers and liars. BUT you abandoned your (first) Love for Christ. Caught up in working for God (always busy), but fail to demonstrate love to fellowman. Check your Motives. Use the Word of God (not man’s word) to set the Standards for what is Right. REPENT and RESET Priorities. Put God first and Love your brothers & sisters.

2. Smyrna: Faithful; suffered for righteousness sake; looked on as poor but RICH in God’s sight. Remain Faithful. Don’t grow weary. Do Not Fear! Keep doing Right and receive a Crown of Life.

3. Pergamos (Pergamom): Some have held on to the name of Jesus while others have compromised and allowed false doctrine (teachings) to influence their beliefs. Do not let worldly influences & temptations devalue or dilute Biblical principles. Do Not put politics over a personal relationship with Christ. Do not Conform but be transformed. (Romans 12:1-2).

4. Thyatira: Jesus acknowledge your works, love, faith and perseverance. However, He speaks against your tolerance for the spirit of Jezebel (false prophets) whose teachings have misled you to immorality and sin. He searches the hearts and minds. Don’t hide--Repent, Pray, Turn and Seek God. Overcomers will reign with Christ.

5. Sardis: The dead church. You have a form of godliness but deny the power of the Holy Spirit. You look good outwardly, but you are corrupt on the inside. You are comfortable in your wealth & prosperity and are spiritually dying. WAKE UP! Stop going through the motions. Watch and Pray! He will come as a thief in the night. Walk in holiness-Repent, Study, Fast, Pray and Help others. Overcomers will receive a White Robe and their Names in the Book of Life.

6. Philadelphia: You have patiently endured, kept the Word, and refused to deny Christ. He Loves you and has placed before you an open door that no one can shut. He will keep you. Hold on. Remain faithful and use what you have for Christ and He will bless you.

7. Laodicea: The lukewarm church. You haven’t taken a stand on anything. You might have natural wealth, but you are spiritually bankrupt. You are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked (Revelation 3:17). Your complacency disgust God. Get out of your comfort zone and get on fire for God. Choose this day who you will serve (Joshua 24:15). You cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24). Stop straddling the fence. Overcomers will sit with Jesus Christ on the throne.

Just as Jesus loved the seven churches mentioned in Revelation and gave them an opportunity to repent, He also loves each and every one of us. He wants us to maximize our potential and use the gifts He invested in us. Let us be mindful of our commitments to Him and serve Him out of obedience and Love. Let us extend that Love to others. Let us come together (whether in a building, social media, or in prayer) and represent Him in the best way (drawing others to Christ). Let us REPENT and RESET. Be Overcomers!

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Which church do you represent?

Be Blessed! I Love YOU!