The Seven Churches of Revelation, also known as the Seven Churches of Asia,  are seven major churches of Early Christianity.

In the book of Revelation, Jesus Christ instructed John to “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” Revelation 1:11

Each of these churches existed in Roman province of Asia at the time that John wrote the letters. However, these letters were not only written for each individual church, but they were written as letter to God’s people across the span of time. The messages found in these seven letters apply to Christians today as do all the other letters or books of the Bible. Furthermore, these seven letters have additional application to God’s church in seven different eras, beginning with apostolic days and ending with the return of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3:16, 17 tells us: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

I have a handy chart that you can print detailing the different aspects of The Seven Churches of Revelation.

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The Church of Sardis

The Church of Sardis covers the time period just as the Reformation began at the end of the Dark Ages through the 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th centuries. This is the time when men like Martin Luther, John Huss and others took a stand against the false teachings of the church and cried out that the Bible was the only infallible source of inspiration from God. Several of these reformers founded great church denominations that still exist today.

It’s interesting to note, if you follow the progression of church beliefs and denominations, that as new light was given to these great men who founded each denomination, people followed. But, unfortunately, after these reformers passed away, their followers {church members} did not seek out new truths and many denominations doctrinal beliefs have remained the same to this day.

{For fun, you may enjoy looking at this Christian Denomination Family Tree.}

Jesus said, “…I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.” Revelation 3:1

Having a religion in name only, or in other words, having a “form of religiousness” that doesn’t reach deep down into your soul is worthless. How many people go to church each week only to come home and fail to live out their faith during the week? How many “good church people” pretend to be faithful in public, but in private their faith is weak to the point of death? (2 Timothy 3:5-7)

It’s important that we continue to seek out truth and prayerfully search for God’s leading, following Him where he takes us.

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Jesus gives us new light as we are able to bear it {when the time is right}.

John 16:12, 13 says, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of Truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.”

When we accept the new light {new truths} as he shows them to us, he will continue to give us new light until we have full understanding.

“The path of righteousness is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18

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We want to follow the light, so that we don’t stumble and fall!

“You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” John 12:35, 36

“Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.” Revelation 3:2, 3

We need to be vigilant in searching the Scriptures and listening to God’s voice. We don’t need to simply follow our church leaders blindly. It’s time for a revival in our hearts and home so that we can be ready. For the time is near!

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Are you ready to hear God’s voice?

You can find the rest of this series here.