Good morning,
Where do we fit?
With all the conflict and confusion going on around us, where do those of us who consider ourselves a part of God’s eternal family actually fit from the Lord’s perspective? Our Savior and Lord has given us his personal perspective when he came to the Apostle John to show him and the Church family still in place as we begin another year. Jesus gave us his picture of us in chapters 1 and 2 in Revelation. What follows is a very short summary of seven churches actively in place at that time. Please go to the full details in these chapters for a better picture of where we are still today.
THE TRUTH TELLERS - Ephesus - These people loved the truth fiercely but had less and less love for Jesus and one another. They were right but wrong at the same time. There were many genuine believers there, as well, who kept growing and kept following the Holy Spirit’s directions. The Lord promised the genuine believers the reward of being able to eat from the tree of life in Heaven. Rev.2:1-7
THE WILLING SUFFERERS - Smyrna - These people love Jesus and others no matter what the cost. The pain and problems they faced kept them holding on to Jesus. These genuine believers were faithful even when facing death. These faithful persons promised reward - they will not be hurt by the second death. Rev. 2:8-11
THE LOYAL TOLERATORS - Pergamum - These church goers were loyal to Jesus but tolerated people in the church who taught others about some freedoms not allowed by God. The Lord was not pleased with their rebellion. Those in the church who were genuine believers still listened to the Holy Spirit and understood what He was telling them to believe and do. Jesus promised these faithful believers the rewards of heavenly manna and a new private name that would be theirs for eternity. Rev. 2:12-17
THE FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS - Thyatira - These church goers were loyal to charismatic leaders who encourage living based on personal wisdom, self centered thinking and sexual freedom. God was very angry with those who followed leaders like that. There were still genuine believers there who refused to follow these false teachings and held tightly to the truth. Jesus promised these faithful followers of His the rewards of authority over all the nations and the morning star in eternity. Rev. 2: 18-29
THE CULTURALLY ADJUSTED - Sardis - These church goers loved the freedoms that they were given that allow them to do what the world approves of and that costs them very little time and gives them a good reputation. God was very angry that they had abandoned the truth. Even there Jesus could see that there were still genuine believers there who insisted on living life God’s way and who insisted on following the Holy Spirit’s directions. These faithful people were promised the rewards of being clothed in white and announced as God’s children. Rev. 3: 1-6
THE PERSEVERING WEAKLINGS - Philadelphia - These church goers loved the Lord and recognized their weakness and had learned to rely on the Holy Spirit instead of their own personal planning. These genuine believers obeyed God’s commands no matter how difficult life became for them. They knew they were weak and depended on the Holy Spirit for his strength and direction. These faithful followers were promised rewards as citizens of the new Jerusalem and God’s new name written on them. Rev. 3:7-13
THE RICH AND INDIFFERENT - Laodicea - These people are rich, successful, have what they want and don’t feel like they need anything. When God knocks on their heart’s door, they don’t pay attention. There can still be genuine believers there who are willing to be corrected and disciplined and diligently serve their Savior. These faithful people are promised the reward of being a friend of Jesus who sit with him on His throne. Rev.3: 14-22
Dear Lord, thank you that you have promised that you will build your church. Please help us to be a useful part of your body, The Church, as faithful genuine believers no matter where we are or what challenges we face
Revelation 3:22 Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”
Roy Wisner
