Lukewarm Faith

As you can see, Jesus had nothing good to say about the church of the Laodiceans. Even the way he addressed the letter showed his disapproval. With every other church, their letters were addressed to the "church of [insert city]" or "the church in [insert city]." This time, the letter was addressed to the church of the Laodiceans. In other words, the church of the people. The Lord recognized how the people there viewed the church as "theirs" rather than "God's". No wonder this church made Him sick!

That being said, can you imagine Jesus saying He wants to spit you out of His mouth? That's some tough love right there! But the Laodicean church was just going through the motions. They showed up on Sundays but had no passion or zeal for God. Their faith was like a cup of tea that's been sitting out too long—not hot enough to be soothing and not cold enough to be refreshing. In a word, yuck!

Dana Rongione 25/01/2024 Dana Rongione 25/01/2024

Trusting God to Open Doors

In His letter to Philadelphia, Jesus introduces Himself as the One with the key of David, who opens and shuts doors. He alone determines our ministry opportunities. The believers in Philadelphia grasped this concept, utilising the opportunities presented by Him rather than relying on their own abilities.

Despite having little power, Philadelphia faithfully kept Jesus' Word and did not deny His name, even when pressured. With commendation, Jesus assures them He has placed an open door before them that no one can shut. They recognised that fruitfulness flows from abiding in Christ, not from self-effort, and with that knowledge, they were fulfilling their purpose as a church.

Dana Rongione 22/01/2024 Dana Rongione 22/01/2024

Complacency Kills

The letter to the church in Sardis starts with Jesus introducing Himself as the one with the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. This shows He's got it all—complete fullness of the Spirit and authority over the church. But unfortunately, the believers in Sardis didn't reflect those same characteristics. Despite having an excellent reputation among other churches, they were just faking it on the outside. In reality, Jesus called them out for being spiritually dead, much like he did with the religious leaders of Israel when he commented, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27)

Dana Rongione 18/01/2024 Dana Rongione 18/01/2024

Holding Fast

Jesus introduces His message to Thyatira with imagery of blazing eyes and burnished bronze feet, representing divine judgment. Despite this sobering opening, He commends them for their outstanding spiritual growth and abundant works of love, faith, and perseverance.

However, a severe problem threatened their progress. Jesus rebukes Thyatira for tolerating false teachings from a woman, “Jezebel”, who encouraged immorality and idolatry. Though she called herself a prophetess, her doctrines came straight from Satan. Tragically, her deception had corrupted some believers.

This grave spiritual and moral compromise stirred Jesus to warn of impending judgment striking Thyatira unless they repented. Those misled by this false prophetess had been given time to turn from her wickedness, confirming God's patience toward sinners. But they refused, and judgment inevitably follows unrepentant sin.

Dana Rongione 15/01/2024 Dana Rongione 15/01/2024

Taking Sin Seriously

Jesus introduces His message to Pergamos by reminding them of the sharp two-edged sword proceeding from His mouth. This symbolises the Word of God that will soon cut to their hearts concerning compromise in their midst.

The city of Pergamos was an epicentre of pagan idolatry and immorality. Yet Jesus commends the believers there for clinging to His name despite persecution. For the most part, they had resisted the rampant evil around them.

However, Jesus takes issue with Pergamos' tolerance of sin within its walls. Some members dabbled in idolatry and sexual immorality. These wayward sheep should have been confronted and corrected for their own good. But instead, they remained unchallenged as part of the flock, to its detriment.

Dana Rongione 11/01/2024 Dana Rongione 11/01/2024

True Riches in Christ

The letter to the church at Smyrna comes from Jesus, who declares Himself as "the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive." This description highlights Christ's eternal nature and affirms His sovereignty over life and death. Jesus holds the keys to Death and Hell, a comforting truth for the persecuted church at Smyrna.

The name Smyrna means "myrrh," an embalming spice, which seems prophetic as this church underwent immense suffering. Faith in Christ cost these believers their livelihoods and social standing. Poverty and imprisonment plagued them. Even so, Jesus calls them rich, for while poor in earthly goods, they overflowed in spiritual wealth and heavenly hope.

Dana Rongione 08/01/2024 Dana Rongione 08/01/2024

Leaving Our First Love

The letter to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2 opens with a beautiful description of Jesus, who holds the seven stars and walks among the lampstands. This imagery reminds us that Christ is the centre of the church. He is the One we orbit around as we shine His light in the darkness.

Jesus commends the Ephesian church for their devotion to righteousness. They worked hard, persevered through trials, and maintained doctrinal purity by exposing false teachers. The Ephesians had a lot going for them. They seemed to be a model church.

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