The Churches

The Churches: Lessons from the Seven Churches of RevelationSermon Notes:Quick Overview:Theories:To 7 Specific Churches To 7 Ages of the ChurchTo Every ChurchLife phase of a congregationSomething for allStructure of the 7 Letters: 1. Address2. Titles of Jesus (from Ch. 1:12-20)3. Commendation4. Rebuke5. Counsel6. PromiseOverview:To 3 both commendation & rebukeTo 2 only commendationTo 2 only rebukeEphesus: (Apostolic Church)Commendation-Patient EnduranceCannot tolerate evil nor falsehoodEnduring patientlyRebuke-Abandoned first loveCounsel-RememberRepentDo the works you did at firstSmyrna: (Persecuted Church: Diocletian to Constantine)Commendation-Affliction & povertySlanderedRebuke-None!Counsel-Do not fearBeware the devilBe faithful until deathPergamum: (Church under Imperial favor: Constantine)Commendation-Holding fast to My nameDid not deny faith in MeRebuke-Some hold to false teaching:Fornication/sexual sinIdolatryCounsel-Repent!Thyatira: (Papal Church: Dark Ages)Commendation-Love, faith, service & patient enduranceLast works greater than firstRebuke-You tolerate Jezebel:FornicationIdolatrySpiritual AdulteryCounsel-RepentHold fast to what you have until I comeSardis: (Reformation Church: 16th & 17th Centuries)Commendation-None!Rebuke-A name of being aliveBut you're Dead!Counsel-Wake Up!Strengthen what remains & is about to dieRemember what you've received & heardObey it!RepentPhiladelphia: (Missionary Church: Puritan Movement)Commendation-Kept My word & not denied My namePatient enduranceRebuke-None!Counsel-Hold fast to what you haveLaodicea: (Rejected Church: The final apostasy)Commendation-None!Rebuke-Neither cold or hot Lukewarm!Spiritual ArroganceMy Own Story Counsel-Let God Prosper, clothe & heal youBe earnestRepentListen & let Christ inLessons from the Seven Churches:1. God Consistently Honors-Endurance / patience / perseveranceAffliction borne for His Names' sakeDemonstration of Love 7 ServiceGrowth2. God Consistently Rebukes-Falling BackSexual sinIdolatryLifeless faithSpiritual arrogance3. God Consistently Offers the Path Back-RepentRememberReturnObeyHold onFear notResources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.