It's all about churches--or is it? As we move into Revelation chapter 2 and then chapter 3 tomorrow (Wednesday), we hit seven messages to seven churches. Now I really like these passages and the thing I like best is that although they are aimed at specific churches, the messages are applicable for today's Church (the Body), individual churches (like the ones you and I attend) and also for us an individuals.
Now I'd love to dissect this chapter church by church, but there's not enough time or space to do that here. So instead, I thought we could look at and discuss some of the things that stood out to us.
I'll start. What was said to the church at Ephesus I needed to read today. You see, I'm a "type A doer." So if I'm not careful, I can get so caught up in "doing" that it can sap right motivation and my love for the Lord right out of me. Definitely not what I want. Ok, now I want to hear from you. Was there something that was good for you to read in Revelation 2? Did you find words of encouragement? Confirmation? Maybe some words of caution (like me)? Tami W.
As I read Revelation 2,10. Today. It hit me quit hard, what a good hope for those who will be Faithful. 10, Be faithful, even to the point of Death, and I will give you the Crown of Life.(NIV).
What a great encouragement it is to me. And then I find lots more in it, obviously I was looking for some encouragement today, in which I have to admit I did. Praise the Lord I found' it.
Yours in Christ
When I was of the world, I hated to read, hear, or even think of Revelation. I feared Revelation because I knew I would go to Hell. I was agnostic so when it came to religion I stuck my head in the ground. Now some parts of Revelation scares me but in the same way I fear God.
I attend chuch every sunday, wednesday, and mondays if I can. In that sense I'm a faithful servant but I'm still of the world. I've got to remember 1 John 2:16-7. Like the church of Thyatira, God has given me a chance to truly repent of my worldly desires. I need to before it is too late.
I guess what spoke to me was the "patient endurance". When I want something, I want it NOW. God is doing a work in me right now and a lady at church this past Sunday told me she could tell. God has also given me a gift of healing and I'm not a very outspoken person so I really need to "endure patiently" while God does His work in me to be the bold person He wants me to be with this gift.
I understand what Kathryn says about patient endurance. I'm learning patience right now in a couple of areas of my life. By the way, Tami, thanks for letting us know that Dr. Kroll is teaching on Revelation. I got back to watching the broadcast yesterday on my computer. I loved it. It was very encouraging.
"Forsaken you first love" leapt off the page for me. Having known Jesus, and stepping back into Him after a life of backsliding, I realize that what I left is everything I love: peace, security, patience, solitude, and just an overall knowing of who He is. But thank God the next verse says to repent. I'm gratfeful for second chances and teh grace to overcome.
I'm a bit confused and need some clarity. In reference to "the churches" is this message for actual churches of that time with a congregation, a message to the people of that specific area or is this a message to each of us as an individual? After reading Revelation 2 today I felt the message was directed to all of us as individuals.
Many thanks ... Linda
Linda, I'd like to respond to your question.
The passages concerning the seven churches were written to actual churches that existed at the time. However, churches are made up of people. It's people that give a church its particular character. So the principles that apply to a church can also be applied to individuals. This means that everything Christ said both for or against a particular church can also be said about individuals.
Allen, Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible
The Lord's warning & promise to the church in Smyrna jumped out at me most. Seemed quite relevant in the direction the world is moving today. But His promise is much more comforting, a reminder that He is with me in every trial, even the unthinkable - to the end. And my focus should remain on this, not on my concerns or troubles. Why should I fear? With God, I fear no one!