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What Kind of Church are We? (Part 1 of 2) Marcus Boone
In Revelation, Jesus speaks to the seven churches in Asia. They all have their good side and their bad. The church in Ephesus was praised for their patience and labor. They tested those who said they were apostles and found them to be liars. They labored and did not become weary. He tells the church at Smyrna to be faithful during tribulation. The church at Pergamos was praised for holding fast to Jesus’ name even when Christians were being killed. The Lord knew that the church in Thyatira was full of love, service, faith, and patience. There are those in Sardis who have not soiled their garments. The church at Philadelphia had not denied God’s name. There are impressive commendations. It would be an honor for any church to hear these things said to them. The problem is that these things alone do not make for a sound church. We can read each part of the letter and see that each church was incomplete. He tell the Christians in Ephesus that they have lost their first love. He warns them to return to their first works before God brings judgment on them. This same warning is given to the People in Galatia. In Galatians the first chapter Paul marvels that they so quickly turn from the grace of Christ. They also need to get back to their first works. Jesus tells the church in Pergamos that they have compromised their integrity. They have allowed people in their midst who hold to a false doctrine. They sacrifice things to idols and commit sexual immorality. For whatever reason, the people of this church tolerated it. They are warned to repent or God will come against them with the sword of His mouth. The church at Sardis is told that even thought they have a good reputation they are dead. Their works were not found to be perfect before God. Finally the most recognized problem is the one in Laodicea. This church was driving down the middle of the road. God tells them that this is unacceptable. What a shame it would be to have these things said about our church. (to be continued) ~ Marcus Boone
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