Reading and Keeping the Words of this Prophecy – Rev 1:3
While we may not understand Revelation and all of it symbolism, we will be blessed as we read and keep its words in our hearts and minds.
Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)
Posts falling under this category are studies in Revelation, the revelation of Jesus Christ to John the apostle. Revelation is an apocalyptic writing, written to the first century church of Asia Minor to encourage them in the midst of the suffering for the cause of Christ.
While we may not understand Revelation and all of it symbolism, we will be blessed as we read and keep its words in our hearts and minds.
Ephesus had so much to be commended for. They worked hard and were doctrinally sound. But they had lost their first love. And it was serious.
The church at Ephesus was an example for service and obedience, with one hugh problem; they had abandoned their first love for Christ.
Those who are victorious, who endure faithfully with our Lord until the end, are given the right to eat from the tree of life.
Smyrna was not a church most people would look at twice. But it had one very significant thing going for it. They were a faithful church.
Pergamum had some good qualities. But they were also starting to become a compromising church, looking to fit into the culture around them.
Being a church that tolerates immorality within the body is a recipe for disaster. Do not give the culture a foothold within the body.
Sardis was a church that had a reputation for being alive and active. But Jesus said that they were actually a dead church in need of revival
Are you depending on your reputation as a Christian? If you are, Jesus warns you about your unfinished deeds, telling you to wake up.
Philadelphia was a weak church that seemed to have little going for them. Except that they were an enduring church that was faithful to God.
The church of Philadelphia had been faithful through many trials. And now an open door was placed before them that no one could shut.
Laodicea was a lukewarm church. They thought they were in good shape. But spiritually they were far from it. Jesus warned them to wake up.