We are not ignorant of Jesus’ undying love for His bride- the church. After Peter made the surprising revelation of who Jesus was, the Lord announced the establishment of His church: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” – Matt.16:18. Jesus is preparing the church for the marriage supper.
In John’s vision, Jesus instructed him to write to the seven churches in Asia Minor; “the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter” (Rev. 1:19). In analyzing the status and operations of the seven churches, Jesus made specific recommendations for their improvements. We can use these instructions to help us maintain the spiritual standards Jesus expects to find in his church, regardless of label or location.
Last month, we focused on the letters to the churches at Ephesus as well as Smyrna and Pergamus. This month, we will turn our attention to the remaining four churches at Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea and compare their appraisal with the spiritual condition and operation of our church.
In our study, we will notice that Paul’s stern warning in his farewell speech to the Ephesians Elders was evidently ignored – Acts 20:28-30. At the time of John’s vision, the church had already lost its first love for the Lord. Further deterioration took place as evident in the Laodicea church, which became mediocre, lukewarm and insipid resulting from gross unfaithfulness, much like what obtains in many churches today. As we continue to grow in the Lord, may we take the Lord seriously and seek His help to meet the level of spiritual perfection while “Maintaining Faithfulness in the End Time”
Pastor Valvern Wittock