The Message to the Church Until Jesus Returns 7-30-26

Every Christian fits in one of these churches.

This is imperative to know that when Jesus told John to write to the seven churches in Asia, it was revealing how close to the end of age the church was. It is for the readers’ benefits to pay close attention to and take heed to this message.

Jesus told John to write to the seven churches in Asia. To the angel of the church of Ephesus (Revelation 2:1), Smyrna (Revelation 2:8), Pergamos (Revelation 2:12), Thyatira (Revelation 2:12), Sardis (Revelation 3:1), Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7), Laodicea (Revelation 3:14).

Notice that the salutation was the same to each church “To the angel” which means pastor. The angels (pastors) are also referred to as stars (Revelation 1:20). Let’s get to the angels of the churches and why John addressed them first- They are to lead, nourish and protect the flock.

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;  and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away (1 Peter 5:1-4).

The church is referred to as the candlestick; which contains a vision described by the apostle John in which he sees seven golden lampstands. These seven lampstands are interpreted as representing seven churches (Revelation 1:20).

Short history- 

Ephesus started off doing a great work, but the church had left it’s first love and John gave a warning:  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent (Revelation 2:1-7).

Smyrna was an uncompromising church, therefore there was no rebuke to them. They were considered poor and suffered much, but Christ said they were rich (Revelation 2:8-11).

Pergamos- Good works, but I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality (Revelation 2:12-17).

Thyatira- Good works, nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols (Revelation 2:18-29).

Sardis- ‘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.  Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent (Revelation 3:1-6).

Philadelphia – All commendations; no warning (Revelation 3:7-13).

Laodicea –“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of

My mouth. 

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:14-22).

After Jesus tells John to write commendations and warnings, the church is no longer here until after the tribulation period is over. Which of these seven churches fit yours?

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org