(Revelation 3:7-13)Series: Being a Light in Your Neighborhood"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:16"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ~ Jesus"For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." ~ 1 Corinthians 16:91. THE OPEN DOOR FOR THE FAITHFUL CHURCH (v. 7-8)Weak in the world's eyesStrong in Jesus' eyesSteady in Jesus' name"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:102. THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FAITHFUL CHURCH (v. 9-11)PersecutionPerseverancePerformance"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." ~ 1 John 3:13. THE OWNER'S PROMISE TO THE FAITHFUL CHURCH (v. 12-13)StrengthStatusSecuritySpecial Name"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." ~ 1 John 3:2-3

Series: Being a Light in Your Neighborhood(What we can learn from Jesus' letters to the 7 churches)"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ~ Revelation 2:29, 3:6The Church in Thyratira (Rev. 2:18-29)1. Deeds that are mature. (2:18-19)LoveFaithServicePerseverance2. Deeds that are tolerated. (2:20)Jezebel is leading my bond-servants astray.ImmoralityEating things sacrificed to idols3. Deeds that will be judged. (2:21-23)4. Deeds that will be rewarded. (2:24-29)The Church in Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6)1. Deeds that are dead. (3:1)2. Deeds that are unfinished. (3:2-3)Wake upRepent3. Deeds that are pure. (3:4-6)

THE CHURCHES OF SMYRNA & PERGAMUMSeries: Being a Light in Your Neighborhood(What we can learn from Jesus' letters to the 7 churches)"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ~ Revelation 2:11The Church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11)1. Reassured by JesusI know your tribulationI know your poverty but you are richI know the blasphemy2. Commanded by JesusDo not fear3. Promised by JesusYou will receive the crown of lifeYou will not be hurt by the second deathThe Church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17)1. Reassured by JesusI know where you dwellI know you hold fast to my name2. Rebuked by JesusSome of you hold to the teachings of…BalaamNicolaitans3. Commanded by JesusRepent4. Promised by JesusYou will receive mannaYou will receive a white stone

EPHESUS, THE LOVELESS CHURCHRevelation 2:1-7Series: Being a Light in Your Neighborhood"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:16"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ~ Jesus1. THE WORKS OF A LOVELESS CHURCH (v. 2-3, 6)ServingSeparateSufferingStandardsSoundJesus: "I know your works"2. THE WEAKNESS OF A LOVELESS CHURCH (v. 4)Performance trumped relationshipDuty without devotionConforming without commitmentCreed without convictionJesus: "Nevertheless, I have this against you"3. JESUS' WARNING TO A LOVELESS CHURCH (v. 5)RememberRepentReturnOr face removalJesus: "I will…remove your lampstand"4. JESUS' GIFT TO AN "OVERCOMER" (v. 7)PrivilegeParadiseJesus: "I will give"

Being a Light in Your Neighborhood(What our church can learn from the letters to the 7 churches)Revelation 1:1-111. There is a message for our Church.To be readTo be heardTo be heededRevelation 1:12-172. Jesus is like a Lamp.He wants our attentionHe reveals our needRevelation 1:18-203. We are like a LampstandWe carry the light.We can share it, or …We can hide it. (Matthew 5:13-16)It's our mission.How can we (the Church) be a light to our neighborhood?(It starts with each of us individually.)Am I willing to be a missionary in my neighborhood?Am I willing to be a participant instead of a spectator?Let's see what things the Lord will do when we…Start praying for our neighbors.Start serving our neighbors.