January 5, 2025
Series Overview: What better way to begin a new year talking about the end of time! :) In this series, we dive back into the book of Revelation (which in summary) is a letter from Christ to seven specific churches in Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea. A primary purpose of Revelation is to call for the spiritual health and wellness of the church in the last days in preparation for His second coming. Join us as we deep dive into each of the messages Christ makes to each of these churches and examine how each of them apply to your life ensuring you are truly ready for His amazing and awaited Second Coming.
As mentioned in today’s message: Click here for last year’s series walking us through the Book of Revelation.
REVELATION 2:7 NIV
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
In each message to seven churches, Christ provides words that…
COMMEND. This is what you’re doing well.
CORRECT. This is what you need to change.
COUNSEL. This is how you need to change it.
CROWN. This is My reward for you.
REVELATION 2:2-3 NIV – [Commend]
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
REVELATION 2:4-5 NIV – [Correct]
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.
REVELATION 2:5 NIV – [Counsel]
Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.
Areas of commitment where spiritual passions can easily lessen over time…
WORSHIP. Our pursuit of His presence.
WORD. Our embrace of scripture.
WITNESS. Our desire to share Christ with others.
JOHN 7:38 NIV
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.
REVELATION 2:6-7 NIV – [CROWN]
But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Closing thought…
Be encouraged to use today’s message as an invitation to pursue a life that lives out the message you just received. We also invite you to (if you already haven’t) invite Christ and His forgiveness over your life, giving you eternity with Him. We sincerely pray today’s talk has blessed you and becomes your experienced reality!
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