UPDATE - REVELATION CONDENSED - CHAPTERS 2-3

Revelation 2-3 – The Letters to the Seven Churches 

In chapter 2 the Lord begins to dictate letters to each of the seven churches; however, He intends for all seven churches to read each letter.  Though the contents of each letter are to the church as a whole, the appeal is for a response from each individual.  Each church is representative of the different kinds of churches that have existed since the beginnings of the church.  Scholars much more studied than I explain how they represent the stages of church history, and I have no reason to reject that application.  I think the primary application, however, is to all churches throughout the church age.  Churches tend to resemble one of these seven types of churches.

1. Ephesus – This church is doing the works of God—but from duty and ritual, not from a heart of love.
2. Smyrna – This church is aptly called the persecuted church.  Though it appears to be poor and sickly from a human perspective, God considers them to be rich and vibrant in their faith. 
3. Pergamos – This church is tolerant and inclusive.  They don’t want to offend anyone.  (Sound familiar?) 
4. Thyatira – This appears to be a church that is very liberal, having little to no spiritual discernment.  They embrace false teachers and false teaching.  The amazing truth—this church still has a few true believers among its members.
5. Sardis – This appears to be a church in name only.  They were doing very little that could be called serving the LORD.  Still, this church has a few true believers in it.  I would assume they fall into the category of saved, “yet so as by fire.”  (1Corinthians 3:15)
6. Philadelphia – This church is spiritually healthy and discerning.  They have persevered in spite of the world’s mockery.  Sad to say, they are noted as having “little strength.”  It just hit me that this is probably a statement as to their influence among the churches.  Though they should be the most respected and emulated, their influence is diminished by the more popular wealthier, tolerant and liberal congregations.  
7. Laodicea – This church is making absolutely no spiritual impact on the world around it.  They are spiritually blind though materially rich.  

I think it is important to note that God loves His church.  He wants the body of believers to recognize their spiritual needs and respond with repentance.  He encourages them with promises of special blessings for their faith and repentance.  I just noticed that only the Ephesians were threatened with having their candlestick removed.  In my mind this is because they most resembled the Pharisees of Jesus’ day—obeying and going through the motions with a heart that has lost a true love for God.  It also stood out to me that the churches that tolerated or embraced false teachers and false teaching drew harsh words of God’s violent intervention.  I think this is because these churches were positioned as major battlegrounds between the spiritual forces of good and evil.  Though the letters are addressed to the church as a body, the LORD’s focus is clearly on the individual.  He is aware of and always has words of encouragement to true believers in the church.