“Things are getting worse and worse.”
When we look at the news, the culture, the entertainment, and even the Church today, it’s easy to feel as if everything is slowly getting worse. It’s tempting to believe that the world is gradually unraveling, and that we are moving further away from truth, instead of toward it.
Whenever we feel this cynicism begin to creep in, the temptation is to idealize the generations that have gone before us. We think, Our parents’ generation, our grandparents’ generation, the earliest Christians—they had it all together. Things weren’t as bad back then!
I struggle with this mentality often. There are days when I feel jaded about Christians and about the Church. I log onto social media and see division and in-fighting, or I read about a pastor failing his congregation and his family. I see name-calling and judgment and the drawing of big, deep lines, and my heart wants to harden toward it all.
On those days when we are tempted to dismiss the world with a flick of the wrist, when we find ourselves looking down on other Christians who “aren’t doing it right,” and when we despair that the Church’s reputation is hopelessly smeared, Revelation 2–3 has a word for us.
In these chapters, written just a generation after Jesus’s resurrection, many churches are distracted and lost. Although they are working hard and striving to be faithful, God also levels the following charges against them:
They had forsaken their first love (2:4).
They participated in pagan rituals (2:14).
They were sexually immoral (2:14).
They embraced false teaching (2:15, 20).
They had a reputation of being alive, but they were dead (3:1).
They were lukewarm, neither hot nor cold (3:16).
All this, only sixty years after Jesus walked the earth.
What this tells us is that the world is not simply getting worse, and neither is the Church. Following Jesus has always been hard. Faithfulness to God has always come unnaturally. Ever since sin entered the world, human nature has found it difficult to obey.
And that is exactly why we need a Savior.
The good news of Jesus Christ begins with the bad news that we are broken. We have always been distracted. We have always resisted the truth. It was true two thousand years ago, and it is just as true today. Therefore, these letters to the seven churches in Asia minor are important for us as well. “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:29).
But our brokenness has never stopped God. Our division, our fighting, our apathy, our immorality, even our bad theology—none of it has ever stopped God. So when we read Revelation 2–3, we can do three things. First, we can remember that humanity is not getting worse, and neither is the Church—the temptation to turn away from God and His ways has always been there. Second, we can welcome this list of rebukes as an opportunity to identify our own areas of need.
And finally, we can hope. In Revelation 3:19, God says, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline” (NIV). When we see darkness in the world—no matter how great—we don’t have to despair, and our hearts don’t have to grow hard. Instead, we can consider the possibility that God is allowing us to see these things, so that He can redeem them.
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80 thoughts on "The Seven Churches"
Putting 3:20 in context, it isn’t an evangelical verse but one written to the lukewarm church as a call to repentance. It gives me the picture of Jesus knocking on the doors of His church that are closed making his appeal to reject their sinful ways & open the door to him before he comes to the door as a judge (James 5:9).
I love these letters! We can learn so much about Jesus by how He describes himself in addressing these letters! I love how He sees them in whatever they’re facing and He gives them rebukes and praises! How Great is Our God!!
Love this so much especially the ending. It was definitely meant for me to read today!
Timely read as the attacks in Israel occurred just two days ago. Thankful God placed this study in front of me during such trying times!
Very applicable as a college aged woman! Trying to decipher my way among this.
Thank you so very much for providing this for free. I thoroughly appreciate you and what you’re doing. This is exactly what I was needing && looking for, to add to my daily devotional time. Again, thank you! I am so deeply grateful.✝️
♀️✌
The end is my favorite!! I went through so much in 2022 and I questioned God why. But it’s so that I can see His work through the hardships. ❤️
No longer my life but His
In the year 2005 i was diagnosed with SLE Lupus but prior to this confirmation when I asked the Lord G-D what was wrong with me it was written across my forehead in capital letters the word LUPUS but it was truly a jarring when the EIN-SOF recently revealed the truth in the message of the the word LUPUS it is a Star and it reads as The Brokeness of the body of the Messiah we don’t oftentimes study the 4 Psalms that sounds the truth of God Heavenly Witnesses whom The Father named them all
Thank You for letting know your Truths
In God We Trust
Psalm 22
May I ask the Lord to show me what he wants too teach me when I see the brokenness. Also I want to welcome His discipline and not be afraid of it!
Hi All.
This is all so so good! I decided to do this devotional because of the current series my church is on at the moment.
Our church has been doing a series on “Escaping Babylon”. It can be found on the account for JoshGen Life on YouTube.
It has opened my eyes to so much, sho!
I thought the same thing! Especially the part about to coming naturally! Because in my head it should be natural. We are created by God for God. It’s not like breathing. Knowing God takes effort and I’m not passing the test.
Day 2 & I’m really glad I chose this plan!!!
Wow this is powerful.
I’ve been reading SRT for a while but this is my first time posting to the discussion. What a rich eye-opening truth from this reading! It’s comforting to know that the church has been facing challenges from day 1. It helps to reflect on churches that I’ve been part of, but also looking to the lens of hope, that they’re all striving to be faithful to Jesus. Love how it ended with the message of hope, that God NEVER STOP the pursuit. He gives time for us to repent and to endure the suffering. Praise Jesus!!
Thank you for this. Please pray for me
Hi Jordan! How can we be praying for you?
I have found myself so discouraged, at both Christians and non Christians alike, in how we’re treating each other lately. It was so strangely comforting to be reminded that this is not new. This is not a point of change. This is sinful nature at its best. And the promise of redemption has always been there, since the beginning. No one knows the day or the hour, so until then, I will rest in comfort that the battle is already won!
very on time
This was part of our sermon this past week.
What a wonderful outline and reflection!!
I hear my dad say often, “everything is getting worse by the day ” but following Jesus has always been hard.
So good
Right on time, especially with the Coronavirus.
We are the Church! I read somewhere that “revival begins in one person’s heart”…Lord let it be me! I’m praising Him for His love towards me even though I don’t deserve it, and asking Him to empower me to be His hands and feet here.
This vreminded me to stay focused on GOD. In fact all of my devotions this morning has showed me that my focus is on the wrong things. I am not supposed to work on showing the world that I am good but rather continue to build my faith upon the ROCK the ROCK that is GOD and THE HOLY TRINITY . Too often we make the world take over what is important and our focus wavers but we neeed to remember that HE is enough. Amen.!
“Following Jesus has always been hard. Faithfulness to God has never come naturally.” I LOVE this because while it’s a bit difficult to hear, we are in so much more trouble when we expect it to be easy.
We suffer by thinking something is wrong with us, feeling ashamed, and hiding the beautiful gifts God has given us to bless the world. And sometimes we even question our salvation.
When we realize that nothing has gone wrong, and it’s okay if it’s hard, we start to call on our greatest resource…Jesus.
In response to Adrienna P,
I’m currently reading Revelation, Four Views: A parallel commentary by Steve Gregg. He speaks of removal of the lampstand as meaning “extinction of the church in that location” (p. 65). As of the writing of his book he says that there is currently no city or church in the location where Ephesus once existed and that Islam has been established in that region.
I am so glad I have ears to hear!!
It’s been kind of a hard day, but just a normal one, and I’ve been thinking, “why is this so hard?” It is encouraging to hear that things aren’t necessarily worse; just hard as ever. My stuff: kids, sickness, chores, budget, car in shop, etc. Not terrible apocalyptic stuff, but stuff I find hard to find joy and grace within.
I’m glad there is finally a teaching on Revelation. I wish more churches would preach on this book of the Bible.
I struggle with 2:4 that says that the Lord will remove the lamp stand. Is that a metaphor for losing salvation? This is a church that professes Christ, trusts and loves Him, but has human failing. Yes, we should be working this out, but Christ died for our sins- even these.
The Bible is clear that we cannot lose our salvation once we are saved. Removing the lampstand means he will remove their influence as a church.
Revelation 3:5 says, “The one who conquers… I will never blot his name out of the book of Life.” Implying that one’s name MAY be blotted out, given other circumstances?
Revelation 3:5 says, “The one who conquers… I will not blot his name out of the book of Life.” Implying that, given certain circumstances, one’s name MAY be blotted out?
This is exactly what I needed to read. Thank you.
@ Debra Henn
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I love the author’s last sentence… it’s an inversion of that old country phrase. Can you realize/appreciate/ or even allow God’s healing, restoration, salvation, and redemption of something if you never knew it was broken or sinful?
Relevant study. Thank you ladies!
Starting it late but nonetheless. Love – “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, am and the Living One and I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever” – Praise God!!
On “Things are not getting worse” – May I disagree, according to:
Genesis 6: 5-7, 2 Timothy 3:1-17 and Matthew 24:6-13?
Remember that since Adam and Eve’s disobedience the world has never been the same. Things went from bad to worst – Cain killed Abel. And progressed in a worst condition that God sent the flood, cleansed the earth, but man’s heart continued to be against God up to now.
But thanks be to the our great and awesome God for His grace and mercy in Jesus our Savior!
Therefore, through Jesus – alone – we who are trusting in Him have the blessed hope.
Grace and peace to you all..
Exactly what i needed! I always thought that the world is getting worse but sin has always entered the world sense adam and eve. There is hope and his name is God. Thank you for this message!!
All of this occurred just 60 years after Jesus walked the earth! This line is truly mind-blowing to me. All this time, I have always assumed generations before us somehow had it better or easier. But following Jesus has always been hard! What a welcome relief that we have always been living in a broken world and have always been trying desperately to be free. Our brokenness has never stopped God! Our division, fighting, apathy, immorality— even our bad theology— has never stopped God. Which gives me great hope!
Can you please explain what you mean by “God is allowing us to see these things so He can redeem them”
Thank you
Churchmouse… I love you closing words… it’s all because of Jesus…
Yes… yes… yes.. everything points to Jesus.. Amen…
Xx
So good!
This post has brought new wisdom into my heart. I am guilty of looking at the news and wanting to shit the world out. Now that it has been brought to my attention, that this is nothing new it almost comes as a relief. This is just the world. No matter what time or place we have always always needed Jesus just as much as we do in today’s world.
This is so articulately said, and so timely. My heart hurts and my brain is angered so often when I read the news. I am so very discouraged by PEOPLE, be they leaders or the populace, and the levels of corruption, lies, and evil they allow to prevail. But I taught history and what you say is true: ℯ ℯ ℯℯ ℴℯ. As Christians, we have a duty to uphold truth, beauty, and goodness. God will help us when we do, and He will correct us when we don’t. Correction and rebuke are here and coming…now to have faith & hope for the good to come.
This is my first study and I’m doing it alone so was a little confused at first, but I have it figured out now. The chart was super helpful!! I really enjoy being able to discuss this information with you all so am very thankful for that!
Just wondering where did you see a chart?? Sounds super cool
I love to read Revelation and yet, this morning when I read the scriptures for today, I was overwhelmed. There was so much to take in…and…I have read it before. If I felt overwhelmed, I wondered if there were other ladies out there who felt the same way?
I know that SRT may be done only online, or the study book may be purchased to go along with it.
For those ladies who do not have the study book, there was a chart that helped me tremendously.
I’m going to try to describe it to you so that you could create one of your own, should you want to study that way:
There are 7 columns – each with the name of one of the churches as the heading. (Ephesus Rv2:1-7, Smyrna Rv2:8-11, Pergamum Rv2:12-17, Thyatira Rv2:18-29, Sardis Rv3:1-6, Philadelphia Rv3:7-13, Laodicea Rv 3:14-22)
There are 4 rows under the church column names.
The row titles are as follows:
Description of Christ
Affirmation (Sardis and Laodicea have NO affirmation)
Rebuke (Smyrna and Philadelphia have NO rebuke)
Promise
Going through the scriptures and writing down the various attributes on the chart was very helpful for me. If you are struggling, I would encourage you to give it a try.
Thank you Lord Jesus for your Word through the Holy Spirit that instructs, guides, and leads us.
Give us ears to hear what the Spirit says, and hearts that obey.
Amen.
Thank you for taking the time to write this description. Very helpful!
I should have read the story from Sharon before writing my prior comment. I just needed some clarification with the study book. I was a little lost. Thanks!!!
Brittney, are you going through this study with a group or by yourself? I wish there were videos to follow along with because I’m a little confused on this. I feel like I’m not getting anything out of it unfortunately.
An encouragement to me is how Jesus points out where these churches fall short, yet He continues to give them an opportunity to repent. When I find myself with similar characteristics, growing lukewarm or bending to idols, I too can repent and be redeemed. I am forever thankful for His mercy and grace.
This was so good and refreshing to start my day with! I’m usually not one to leave comments, but this was just too good not to. So much of this lesson stood out to me, but the letter to the Church in Philadelphia was right on time. I’ve been praying fervently and fasting for breakthrough and for a specific door to open for me. In Rev 3:8 it says, “See, I have opened a door in front of you that no one can shut.” So grateful for this confirmation and encouragement.
I love the last comment about how God gives us eyes to see things in order to redeem them. The past couple months of my life have been wedding planning (woot!) and having lots of time to seek out where God has called me and my new spouse. I love this idea because it reminds me that what we normally see as a need is so different from what others normally see! Praise!
Wow. I needed to hear this today. Over the last several months I have had a very apathetic attitude towards other Christians and the church. It’s difficult to love and to obey God when there’s hardness in my heart towards others. I am thankful that he redeems all things and that he is patient with his people! It take hard work to follow God, and to love his people. But it’s worth it.
Agree. I have been trouble finding a church to go to due to the same things. I needed this post as well to remind me it have never been easy. We all need a savior.
Yes! It’s so easy to view the early Church as passionate and on mission for Jesus, and get frustrated when our Churches today don’t seem nearly as motivated or on mission. Such a good reminder that the Church isn’t getting worse, and God wants us to watch redemption in action.
Glad to know someone shares the same thoughts!
This has always been such a convicting part of Revelation to me…which “church” am I most like? And more importantly, what am I doing about it?! Lord Jesus, You know all things. Please open my ears to hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying to me.
Beautifully refreshing word this morning. Thank you ❤️
I have always been taught that any time something is repeated in the Bible, it is super important to pay attention to it. Hearing the Spirit isn’t always easy for me.
I have been meditating on whether or not I am like the churches in the letters.
I also want to dive deeper into the repeats of “to the one who conquers” and what it means to be a conqueror to Jesus.
This really stuck out to me too. What are we conquering? That’s not a metaphor that really resonates with me. But seems really important. Did you end up anywhere with that?
When I saw, “the one who conquers,” it made me wonder if that was talking about Christians, or if it was referring to Jesus as the conqueror.
I think that it is saying to the one who never loses faith in Jesus. To the one who turns from satan, sin, temptation, and holds fast to their savior…
Not 100% sure but that’s how I read it
Thanks for pointing out this repeated phrase. I believe we are the conquerers because it is Jesus speaking to the churches. But we are conquerors because of HIS victory on the cross. He defeated sin and death and so do we when we place our faith in him. I looked it up in my study bible and it sounds like 2:7 refers to conquerers as those who keep their testimony because they defeat the dragon (rev 12:11) and beast (rev 15:2). 2:17 refers to people who endure persecution and stay pure from defilement. I also think of Romans 8 where Paul says we are “more than conquerers” against things that try to separate us from the love of Christ: tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword.
“See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
How many times have I heard this verse and glossed over the & eat with me part. He’s not just coming in, He sits at the table with me and has a meal. When we dine with someone in our home there is an intimacy about that, walls come down we are more transparent and real relationships develop.
Thank you for emphasising on the eating part and it’s significance . God is always pursuing a relationship with us.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches … I highlighted this several times as I was reading the scripture and meditating on what it means to “hear what the Spirit says.”
I am praying that as I take time to slow down and be still before the Lord, the Spirit will guide me in all truth and that my relationship with God will deepen … inch by inch, day by day.
Yes!!! It’s like you were hearing my thoughts on this too.❤️
How comforting to know that despite the uncertainty of this world, we are loved and known by our Savior. Thank you Jesus for being faithful and true to your promises. Lord, help me remember the hope of eternal life with you when life presses down on me and those around me. You are Good. Always. Thank you, Jesus.
I love the thought at the end that we are able to see the pain in the world so we can see it redeemed. There’s hope in that idea, there’s reminder that our pain has purpose for ourselves and for others. I am thankful for any redemption that I get to witness.
THis line is resonating with me hard: “the possibility that God is allowing us to see these things, so that He can redeem them.” TO watch God redeem something in front of me . . . is an amazing thing. I’ve seen Him do it over and over in my life. THis is beyond powerful. THis is why we love the movies about redemption. Our DNA longs for redemption. Our souls within us cry out for redemption. It’s why we look at the world and it seems like we’re the worst generation. Because we feel very acutely, our wretched need for redemption. THank you, Jesus, for your redemptive work in my life, and in the lives of those around me, in the lives of those who are about to know you for the first time, and ultimately, thank you for how you are redeeming (present tense) the world as we know it, and will one day show us the new Heaven and the New EArth, everything made new – in YOU. This is God’s work, and I’m thrilled every time He gives me a peek into what He’s doing.
Amen!!
“But our brokenness has never stopped God.”
“…we can hope. When we see darkness in the world—no matter how great—we don’t have to despair, and our hearts don’t have to grow hard. Instead, we can consider the possibility that God is allowing us to see these things, so that He can redeem them.”
Such powerful words for me this morning. God’s ability to redeem broken things has not changed or wavered.
May I have hope in that redemption today.
When I discipline and rebuke my students, I know it is out of love. I want them to learn to live within boundaries that keep them and others physically, emotionally safe. From from adult perspective I can see the dangers that lie ahead if they continue to exercise lawless, undisciplined choices and thoughtless actions. I care too much for them to see them suffer the consequences of their wrongs so I instruct them about what is right in hopes that they will stop and recognize their mistakes and missteps and change their ways. Why then, do I recoil in fear, when the Lord, out of his perfect and complete love, brings my own wrongs (direction, apathy, motivation) to my attention when I read His Revelation to the churches? Isn’t His mercy and grace activated at all times for those who love Him? From His perspective he knows the trials and consequences I will endure when I walk my own way instead of keeping within His boundaries. He knows the harm my spirit will experience when I live my life without full conviction to His truth. He can’t allow my tainted witness to harm the walk of other brothers and sisters in Christ. He loves me and wants what is best for me. So instead of pulling away from his instruction, I will have ears to hear His Word to me so that I can stay in line with His truth by His grace and mercy and the help of the Holy Spirit.
❤️
Jesus I thank you that you that as Churchmouse says you give us joy, peace and hope in this life. I pray for so many that do not have the hope you give and ask your forgiveness when I have not taken on the opportunity to share your hope. Help me to focus on your promise and not the World’s darkness-and to share your light every opportunity you give me.
Amen!!!
This is such an important viewpoint to remember. I think every generation has their “its all falling apart” moments. But God remains consistent through it all.
I absolutely agree! This passage really helped me put things in perspective as the news and world around us disheartens me daily. I liked that there were two strong reminders in here: love God with your soul, heart and mind. And love your neighbor as you love yourself. I’m going to continue to strive to specifically pay attention to the second in all of my daily actions.
You’ve probably heard the saying “The more things change, the more things stay the same.” Each generation tries to be better, do better than the previous one. Successes are obtained but failures occur as well. It would all seem so futile, so despairing were it not for Jesus. He is the game changer. He provides new life now and new life for all eternity. We can have joy and peace and hope in this life. We have immortality with God in the next. It’s all good. It’s all because of Jesus.