JesusOnChurch

Jesus has lots to say about the pros and cons of churches in Revelation 2 - let's talk about what rings a bell, and what we can do about it...

Rev 2-3

General Comments

Pretty unique in the New Testament - a directly dictated bit of the Bible from Jesus.

These churches are all in modern-day Turkey - funny to think that they probably still exist.

Interesting you should say that - I found out recently from an Orthodox friend of mine that Britain is in the Archbishopric of Great Britain and Thyateira. The name comes from when the Greeks had to leave Asia Minor 100 years ago (info). I dare say there's still a church there, but probably mainly Turkish, and pretty small.

Ephesus

Rev 2.1-7

The Ephesian church strikes me as a bit of a workhorse - grinding on with lots of activity, very careful about doctrine, but no real love for God motivating what they're doing.

I was in a church like this for many years; lots going on, staunch defenders of the faith, but where was the passion?

• But is it possible to be over-the-top on this (passion)?

What struck me from this letter is the antithesis of 'love' and 'hate'. Jesus agrees with the Ephesians in hating some dodgy practices, but on the other hand he threatens to reject them because they've abandoned their first love. No cautious lukewarmness - love and hate, like Psalm 45:7. I don't think I hate evil and sin enough, and I certainly don't love God this passionately!

I think this sort of contrast of 'love' and 'hate' is a key to how to live as God wants us to. It's like being 'full of grace and truth'. It's not a matter of getting the balance right between a certain amount of each, cos they're not opposing each other - rather, if we're like Jesus we'll be full of both, and it won't be an over-the-top passion or an over-the-top legalism. (Or am I being too optimistic?)

Smyrna

Rev 2.8-11

Pretty much the opposite of my church I reckon.

Yes, we get off pretty easily in the poverty and persecution stakes, don't we?

Interesting to see that Jesus doesn't have any criticisms of this church; maybe there are little things they could improve on, but he's a loving and sensitive pastor and just encourages them.

It sounds like if you met them you'd see the image of Christ in them - they sound just like Jesus in Philippians 2:6-11.

Pergamum

Rev 2.12-17

This is quite like where we are: "where Satan has his throne" don't you think? We live in a totally non-Christian place (UK). In some ways that may make it easier because at least we have stark choices that differentiate us?

Sometimes the choices aren't clear cut enough for me, though... You're right that there are many things where it's clear how to be a Christian, looking different; on other things, I find it harder... should I watch this TV prog? Should I see this film? Should I spend such-and-such amount of time on such-and-such?

v 13 - Do you think Jesus would say to your church "You are true to me..."?

Partially, but not wholeheartedly?

What strikes me is that they're true to him in the face of persecution, whereas in Britain it's more like we're faced with indifference and incredulity. I suppose we can still demonstrate faithful tenacity and perseverance in following Jesus in the face of these discouragements tho.

I wonder what he means by "You have people there who... so repent or I'll come and fight them with the sword of my mouth". I suppose it's encouraging that Jesus will sort out the false people in the church... or is it?

Thyatira

Rev 2.18-29

In some ways Thyatira is a bit of an opposite to Ephesus - very loving, but not worried about doctrine so much; happy to tolerate extreme immorality. Do we tolerate too much in our churches? Or not enough?

Sardis

Rev 3.1-6

Basically a church that is nearly dead. I sometimes feel like this about my church - plenty of numbers but everyone focussing on themseves instead of God.

QUICK! WAKE UP OR YOU'RE GOING TO DIE!

Philadelphia

Rev 3.7-13

This lot look pretty feeble; they're doing the right things, but perhaps they're dwindling and tempted to lose heart. They're also being attacked from the outside. Reminds me of some parts of the UK church; not doing anything particular we'd want to criticise, but apparently on the way out. Jesus reassures them; he's got things under control, he'll look after them.

v7 - thank God that there's at least one person who's holy and true; not common qualities in life, which sometimes grinds me down.

v8 - in some quarters Christians go on and on with the 'open/closed door' cliche, but it's worth realising that Jesus invents it, and that it has an important meaning. He is in control; the opportunities we have for living for him aren't going to dry up.

v9 - I think this church shows something very beautiful and typically Christian: weakness that nevertheless holds on. We see it in Jesus, we see it in Paul, we see it a lot in our churches. It's not something non-Christians are initially impressed with, but it's a really delicate and precious thing.

v10 - all very well for them, but it's rare that God gives people these sort of guarantees, isn't it?

Strange promise that we'll be pillars - what does that mean to you?

• Strong (rather than the current weakness)
• Significant to God (the temple pillars held it up)
• ...

What about this promise that we'll have new names written on us - what does that mean?

Laodicea

Rev 3.14-22