www.fultondalechurchofchrist.net

Revelation 2-3

He Who Has an Ear…• The church at Ephesus

• The loveless church (Revelation 2:1-7)• Commended for keeping the church pure• Forgot to love people , forgot to love God

• Remember ,repent ,repent ! (2 vs.5)• “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent,

and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

He Who Has an Ear…• The church at Smyrna • The Suffering church (Revelation 2:8-11)• They suffered because of pressure, poverty, and

persecution (Revelation 2:9). Christ’s words to that church can prepare all believers for what might come.

• Be Fearless… Be Faithful !(2 vs.10 -11)• “ Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Be

faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.”

He Who Has an Ear…• The church at Pergamum • The Compromising church (Revelation 2:12-17)• In spite of their faithfulness in some areas, the Christians in

Pergamum had compromised their faith in others. They had allowed idolatry to creep into their congregation

• Speak the truth , Teach the truth ( vs 14-16 )• ”But I have a few things against you: you have some there

who hold the teaching of Balaam,, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. He who has an ear , let him hear…”

He Who Has an Ear…• The church at Thyatira

• The Adulterous church (Revelation 2:18-29)• There are Christians and churches today who feel a need to be

relevant and all-inclusive when it comes to spiritual and moral boundaries. The ancient church in Thyatira must have felt that way as well. This church allowed an immoral individual to lead many others away from Christ (Revelation 2:20).

• Hold fast to what is Right – not “Relevant” ( vs 24-25 )• ” But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this

teaching, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25 Only hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

He Who Has an Ear…• The church at Sardis • The Dead church (Revelation 3:1-6)• With this church there are no commendations; Christ

begins immediately with a denunciation: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”

• Remember what you received and heard (vs 3)• A lot of churches appear to do all the right things , for all

the wrong reason. Remember the gospel and let our motives be pure. He who has an ear , let him hear..

He Who Has an Ear…• The church at Philadelphia • The Faithful church (Revelation 3:7-13)• Christ commended the church in Philadelphia for four

things: they have an open door, they have a little strength, the have kept the Word of God, and they have not denied the Lord

• Potential ,People ,Principles and Priorities • In verse 8, Christ summarizes three principles that apply to

every Church: open doors for ministry, depending on Christ’s strength, and keeping the Word of God. Being faithful to God’s Word will lead to open doors . When the Word of God is the priority, everything else will fall into place. He who has an ear…

He Who Has an Ear…• The church at Laodicea • The Lukewarm church (Revelation 3:14-22)• The church in Laodicea was lacking in every way. It was a

compromising, conceited, and Christ less church and Christ said that it made Him sick (Revelation 3:16).

• Only one word of counsel – Repent (vs19) • There is only one word of counsel for the spiritually

compromised: “Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19). God doesn’t love us only when we are doing the right things. He loves us all the time and He wants us to repent when we need to. He who has an ear..

He Who Has an Ear…• The church at Fultondale• The ____________Church (Not yet written)

• Remember our first love and then Love…• Remember in Times of struggle, be faithful …• Remember to Be vigilant against false teaching …• Remember God is much more interested in why …• Remember that it is not our size, but our focus…• Remember that with God you are with him or not… • Remember that We are not judged on how well we do, but

how hard try...

Revelation 2-3