The seven letters to the churches in the second and third chapters of the book of Revelation warn of the need to have an ear to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The letters were designed as an example to us of areas of strength and weakness from God’s perspective. We need to truly evaluate ourselves and the stance of our individual churches to ensure that each aligns to God’s heart. There needs to be leadership in the churches that actively obeys God’s voice to be certain of correct doctrine and submissiveness to the will of God. God threatens to remove the lampstand from the churches who are outside of His will. (Reference Revelation 2:5.) Do you want to be absent of the protection and presence of the Lord as we enter increasingly tumultuous times because you refused to listen to God?

Paul’s letters to the churches are the majority text of the New Testament Scriptures. Jesus’ letters to the churches are poised at the beginning of the book of Revelation signifying utmost priority. The churches need to get this right! While the position of the church is important, it is your individual relationship to God that determines if you fare well in the increasing spiritual war.

As you study each of these letters, I urge you to evaluate the following questions and consider specifically what is Jesus prompting you to do as you walk in the Kingdom agenda. 1) What were the strengths of each church, and what were the weaknesses? 2) What was the warning to the church and is there a warning for you too? 3) What direction was given? 4) What was the promise? 5) Did you notice anything that stood out as a personal action? 6) What were your final takeaways? 7) Does this have an end-times prophecy application?

To the Church in Ephesus

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:1-7 NIV)

To the Church in Smyrna

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.” (Revelation 2:8-11 NIV)