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“What the Savior Saw in the Seven Churches”
What the Savior Saw in the Seven Churches
Wade Webster
The Apostle John saw Jesus walking among the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 1:12-20; 2:1). With His piercing eyes of fire, Jesus saw the good and the bad of every congregation. Let’s see what He saw when He visited each of them.
The first church that Jesus visited was emotionless Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7). They were strong against error (Rev. 2:2, 6), but they were lacking in love. They had left the love they had for Christ at the first(Rev. 2:4). Their love needed to be rekindled.
The second church that Jesus visited was suffering Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11). This church was facing tribulation, poverty, blasphemy, prison, trial, and death. Jesus spoke words of comfort and hope to them. He told them not to be afraid and to remain faithful (Rev. 2:10).
The third church that Jesus visited was permissive Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17). This church was lax with members holding certain false doctrines (Rev. 2:14-15) . It was just a matter of time before what they permitted was preached.
The fourth church that Jesus visited was tolerant Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29). They were not just allowing certain false doctrines to be held by members, they were allowing them to be taught (Rev. 2:20; Gal. 2:4-5; Eph. 5:11; 2 John 9-11; Rom. 16:17-18). They had taken the next step toward full blown apostasy.
The fifth church that Jesus visited was spiritless Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6). As you know, death occurs when the spirit leaves the body (Jam. 2:26). The church at Sardis was dead by this definition. There was no spirit or life in them.
The sixth church that Jesus visited was patient Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13). In the midst of great persecution, they had not denied Christ’s name. They had held fast to the word of His patience (Rev. 3:8; 10-11).
The seventh and final church that Jesus visited was lukewarm Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22). This church had lost its zeal, enthusiasm, and fervor. It was poor, wretched, miserable, and blind, but didn’t know it.
I am convinced that Jesus remains concerned about His church. As we get ready to worship this week, let’s give serious consideration to what He would see among us. Would he find us patiently persevering? Would he find us doctrinally pure in the pulpit and in the pew? Would he find us lacking in love or zeal? Would he find us dead? Would he call for us to repent?
