These Are the Words of Him Who Holds the Seven Stars

The Church is a body of believers,
not a building with a steeple.

John is writing Jesus' words to the 7 churches.  Chapter 2 contains the first 4 messages to the churches at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum & Thyatira.


Here is a overview of Jesus' rebukes and promises to these churches (and to us...if the shoe fits!!!!)


Ephesus:
Sounds like a hard-working, bible believing right wing church....but Jesus says,  "You have forsaken your first love." interpretation....where's your love? ...you started out as such a loving church...but you've grown cold... harden by orthodox and rules.
Then He says, "Repent, and do the things you did at first"


Smyrna:
This church sounds like it's full of impoverished born-again believers who will be jailed and persecuted because of Jesus.  Jesus promises, "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."

Pergamum:
This sounds like the once faithful church who begins to backslide and let heresies creep into their faith.  Jesus rebukes saying," Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."  

Thyatira:
This is to the secular church that appears to be doing all the right stuff...but has slipped... by blending into the culture around them.  Jesus encourages them to hang on, "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations."

It is easy to read these words as a historical letter of warning and rebuke to those crazy mixed-up 1st century Christians....but it is also relevant to us today. As with all scripture...we need to ask the Holy Spirit to show us our hearts in light of these scriptures.  How is God stirring in your heart...right now?  Do you need to do something different than your current mode of operation?