"Trends That Affected The Future Of The Church"
In Revelation 2 and 3 Jesus Christ sends a message to each of the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia (Asia Minor). The number seven shows completeness, just as seven days make a complete week. The seven messages of Revelation 2 and 3 paint us a picture of trends that had already begun and would continue throughout the history of the Church---trends that would shape it's future...
The seven messages gives us several indications why the division among Christians developed and why this divisiveness continues to plague generations.
The seven congregations represent seven candelsticks in Revelation 1. together they represent the Church and its mission to be a light in the world (Matt 5:14). "Jesus", stands in the midst of the seven congregations as the source of their light... He is always present and accessible. He will make good His promises always to be with His church until the end of the age (Matt 28:20)... But, its obvious from the messages to the seven congregations, not everyone who comes into the Church will "remain" faithful to Him.
The seven messages reflect conditions in the Church and are also prophetic; they reveal some of the reasons for division today. Each of the seven congregations receives a warning! "He who has an ear, let him/her hear what the Spirit saus to the churches"... Each congregation's message is a warning to the other six because the same similar conditions could develop among them. In the messages Christ cites examples of obedience and disobedience among His followers, showing who He will bless and who He will reject. He compliments where approval is due. And, He criticizes the unrepentant for faults that threathen their relationship with Him. The Church, when the messages were written, was suffering trails, persecution and imprisonment. Christ encourages the congregations not to lose heart, not to quit, not to compromise their beliefs, and--if necessary--to be willing to die for His sake. He reminds them to look ahead to the Kingdom of God, for they will help Him rule the world in righteousness...
Jesus compliments His devoted members for their service, labor, patience, perseverance, endurance and faith. But, His other compliments are revealing as well. They show that the threat from within the Church was--and always will be--cause for concern. Many members had--and--do remain faithful in spite of many hardships and trials. but others had or have lost their first love. Some are lukewarm and spiritually blind, needing salve for their eyes so they can see their spiritual deteriorating condition. Christ said to them: "I am He who searches the mind and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works"( Rev 2:23). Besides the growing problem of spiritually weak members, false prophets were infiltrating the congregation. Doctrinal error was--is-- being taught. The doctrine of Balaam, the teachings of the Nicolations and the influence of Jezebel are mentioned. Jesus tells the Christians in Thyatira: "Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you have allowed that woma Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols" (verse 20). This concerns the introduction of licentiousness--license to sin based on wrong views of law and grace. Dissent (failing to conform to Christ standard) was developing from within, which was the real threat to the church! Members of these congregations were two types of people. The faithful: "those who cannot bear those who are evil" and "those who could and did bear, those who are evil"...
Satan had successfully infiltrated the congregation raised up by the apostles, then and now! He lures people away from the faith that was once delivered to the saints, using false teachers and prophets. but, in spite of the devil's efforts, many of the brethren remain strong and faithful, holding fast to the Apostles' teachings...
~ Church of God~
