Beginning this Sunday at Celebration Community Church in Hays, the teaching pastors will begin a study on the seven churches described in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3. There were seven literal churches at the time John the apostle was writing Revelation. Even though they were literal churches in that time, there is also spiritual significance for churches and believers today. The first purpose of the letters John was to write at the command of the glorified Jesus, was to communicate with the literal churches and address their needs at that time. The second purpose is to reveal seven different types of individuals/churches throughout history and instruct them in God's truth.
A possible third purpose is to use the seven churches to foreshadow seven different periods in the history of the Church. The problem with this view is that each of the seven churches describes issues that could fit the Church in any time in its history. So, although there may be some truth to the seven churches representing seven eras, our focus should be on what message God is giving us today through these seven churches. The seven churches are:
(1) Ephesus (Rev.2:1-7) - the church that had forsaken its first love (2:4).
(2) Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11) - the church that would suffer persecution (2:10).
(3) Pergamum (Rev. 2:12-17) - the church that needed to repent (2:16).
(4) Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29) - the church that had a false prophetess (2:20).
(5) Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6) - the church that had fallen asleep (3:2).
(6) Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13) - the church that endured patiently (3:10).
(7) Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22) - the church with the lukewarm faith (3:16).
(1) Ephesus (Rev.2:1-7) - the church that had forsaken its first love (2:4).
(2) Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11) - the church that would suffer persecution (2:10).
(3) Pergamum (Rev. 2:12-17) - the church that needed to repent (2:16).
(4) Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29) - the church that had a false prophetess (2:20).
(5) Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6) - the church that had fallen asleep (3:2).
(6) Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13) - the church that endured patiently (3:10).
(7) Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22) - the church with the lukewarm faith (3:16).
This Sunday at Celebration Community Church in Hays while I am giving an introductory message on Revelation at our Colby campus, Pastor Derek Mayfield will be teaching us about putting “First Things First”. Pastor Brant Rice will also be back to lead the services at 8:30, 10, 11:30 and 6pm.
Don’t miss this exciting beginning of how we should live in preparation of Christ’s return.
And for an even deeper look at the Book of Revelation, join me on Thursday nights for “Unlocking the Secrets to the End Times”
Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle
Want to play golf TONIGHT and raise money for First Call For Help? Come to the ELLIS GOLF CLUB at 5pm to sign up or email kyle@celebratejesus.org
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