The Seven Churches

Revelation 2:1 - “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil.

Revelation 3:1 - “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says, He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.

Ø  The Holy Spirit revealed the true condition of the Seven Churches in Asia to John. He never revealed Jesus the same way twice. Jesus was revealed by different names to each of the different churches.  However, to the church of Ephesus He revealed Himself as “He that holds the seven stars in His right hand” – Rev. 2:1  and to  the church in Sardis as “He that has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars” – Rev. 3:1

Ø  The stars represent the seven angels (messengers; agents) “messenger to tell or deliver a message, to announce, teach – of the seven churches.

 It seems each of those churches had an angel of heavenly messenger who was held directly accountable to Jesus Himself for “the happenings” of and within their respective churches.  Jesus held them in His right hand. That’s close!

 Hear what the Spirit Says!

7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Every Church was commanded to “hear what the Spirit says to the churches” rather than what the angel says. (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17,29; Rev. 3:6, 13, 22). That includes each of us individually.  We are accountable to the Holy Spirit the “angel” of the church is accountable to Jesus Himself.

We have to tune in our spiritual ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to our modern churches today!  What is God saying to you today?

Prov. 20:12 - The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.

I (Jesus) Know Your Works!

“works” means “ergon” meaning “deeds, doing, labour, work and trade.”

Nothing is hidden! The Lord Jesus knows every thing that has been done.  If we don’t tune our spiritual ears into hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying today we will not be acceptable to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is to help us to know Jesus “in the Spirit”

There Is No Substitute

Galatians 5:25 - “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit”

Walking is action! Move in the Spirit!

Knowing Jesus is all about being “in the Spirit” and hearing and seeing from the Living Jesus for ourselves.

·         There is no substitute to being “in the Spirit.”  Everything else produces religiosity, legalism, formalism, coldness and spiritual death.

Unless we Christian re-discover the truth and power of living “in the Spirit” we will continue to see our churches losing their impact in society. It is the Spirit that gives life! It is the Spirit that liberates! It is in the Spirit where God’s answers are found. It is in the Spirit battle victories are won.

Rev. 3:20 Jesus is saying today “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  Jesus is telling the Church about Relationships here. He wants you and me to hear His voice and sup with Him. Eat some spiritual food.  Knowing Him and His Character life in us.  Jesus is able to reveal Himself to us in the Spirit however He chooses.

Jesus is the Lamb of God

John 1:29 – “The Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.”

Many people know Jesus in their head. Modern Christianity does not want to accept Jesus and his work at the cross. It’s their head knowledge. But unless we come to Jesus the Bible way, we will never ever know the real Jesus Who is only heard and seen “in the Spirit” by John and others.

Conclusion

 Where is it for you right now?

 Who is the Jesus you are serving?

 Is He the Jesus of the Bible?

 Are you filled with the Holy Spirit of God?

 The choice is yours.

 Live and Walk “in the Spirit” - (hear the knock at your spiritual door)

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we desire to know you more in the Spirit. We ask you to help us to know your voice as you speak to us as a church. Help us to know and recognise this Jesus in the bible as John knew.  We want to learn to live and walk in the Spirit correctly as the Holy Spirit lead us and guide us daily.  God open our spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear your voice. Father show us the revelation of Jesus in His glory and power as never before.

In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

BENEDICTION

May the peace of God our heavenly Father

And the grace of Christ the risen Son and the fellowship of God the Spirit

Keep your hearts and minds within His love.