Sign of the Times - a Study of RevelationSample

Do the letters to the 7 churches apply to us today?

At this point during John's vision, Jesus specifically addresses 7 churches in Asia Minor. In each letter, he wrote to discuss one or two specific things that each were struggling with or going through.

Ephesus had forsaken their first love for God.

Smyrna was afraid of suffering.

Pergamum needed to repent from sexual immorality.

Thyatira also needed to repent from sexual immorality.

Sardis had become complacent in their faith.

Philadelphia needed encouragement to hold firm even though they were losing strength.

Laodicea had lukewarm faith.

While the issues are specific to each church (or, more specifically, the people who made up each church) at that time, what these letters represent is something we can relate to today. How many of us have become complacent like the church of Sardis, or are afraid of suffering, like those in Smyrna? These topics give us a glimpse into what God is calling his followers to avoid even now.

But these letters aren't just about what the churches can do better.

They all follow a similar format:

1. Address: Who's this letter to?
2. A description of Christ: What attribute of Christ is most relevant to this audience?
3. What's something(s) the church does well?
4. What's something(s) the church doesn't do well?
5. Call to repentance: Here's how to do better.
6. A promise from God, once they overcome their struggle.

But these letters aren't just about what the churches can do better. We ALL have things we're doing well. We ALL have things we could do better. And God is calling us ALL to turn to him. Churches, communities, and individuals alike.

Reflection Questions:

• How can you pray for your church?
• How can you pray for your church pastors and leaders?
• What steps are you going to take to pursue the change God wants to see in you?
• Find some verses in the Bible to help remind you of who Jesus is in your life.