Dear church…

Tucked in the first part of the book of Revelation, we get to hear what Jesus specifically says to the churches in the various known cities at the time.

Just like if Jesus wrote a letter to certain cities we know around us today. And for a lot of these, the timeline may be different, but what Jesus says still applies!

In each section Jesus says,
🤍You are doing this well.
⚠️But watch out for this!
💌So do this instead…

The below are taken from Scripture, specifically Revelation 2 and 3. This, in paraphrase, is what Jesus says…

To enduring Ephesus,
💙 You are enduring patiently, testing those who are false and not putting up with evil. For my name’s sake, you are dealing with all of this and not growing weary!
⚠️ But you abandoned me, your first love!
💌 Remember what I saved you from and repent. Do the works you were doing at first!

To suffering Smyrna,
💛 You are dealing with trouble and poverty and slander of those who are a synagogue of Satan.
⚠️ -
💌 Do not fear. Be faithful.

To pluralistic Pergamum,
💚 You are holding fast and not denying me, even to death.
⚠️ But you are accepting idol worship and sexual immorality.
💌 Repent! Don’t accept what the world tells you! Otherwise, I will have to war against you.

To tolerating Thyatira,
💜 Your works are great as you serve in faith and love. You are enduring patiently! Some of you are staying away from the deep things of Satan.
⚠️ But some of you tolerate idol worship and sexual immorality, even committing adultery!
💌 Don’t tolerate other teachings! Repent and hold fast to me!

To sleepy Sardis,
🧡 You have works and are known for being alive in me. Some of haven’t accepted sin and walk in my holiness.
⚠️ But for most of you, although it looks like you’re alive in me, you are dead!
💌 Wake up! Strengthen what you have left — it’s about to die. Remember the truth, keep to it, and repent!

To faithful Philadelphia,
🩷 I know you don’t have much power, but you’ve kept my word and not denied me, enduring patiently.
⚠️ -
💌 I am coming soon. Hold fast.

To lukewarm Laodicea,
🩵 I know your works.
⚠️ You are lukewarm. You lack because you do not take what I offer you!
💌 Be zealous and repent!

And as Jesus finishes up each address to each of the churches he says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Jesus is still speaking to us today, guiding us in a very real way so we can live for him and shine his light.

So let’s hear what Jesus is saying to us, the church and Bride of Christ!