List Study
"I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea." (Rev. 1:10-11)
We are given a list of seven churches which are then discussed individually by the glorified Christ as part of the revelation (apokalupsis = unveiling) of Jesus Christ and the consumation of all things. These seven churches have been variously understood throughout the age of grace. Our point of view here will be to consider them as fulfilling several views: The first view is that these were local churches and they represented the local situation and thus were typical of all the churches of that time. The second view is that they are historical pictures of the development of the church from its beginning to the present hour. The third view is that these churches represent seven types of churches in any age.
It is important to realize that the Lord disciplines His local churches and removes them from service as He sees fit. The emphasis is on repentance and on returning to Him. A close and personal relationship with the Lord should be the goal of every believer. Even the first church (Ephasus) had left her first love. The remedy is to look to God, always.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Mat. 28:18-20)
Verse Study