Looking ahead, by considering a message to past churches an important lesson can be learned. The letter that John sent to seven real churches in his day holds a timeless message, since it still applies to the body of churches that will exist in the end times.

Our focus begins in the second chapter, and our focus today is only on the word to the first of the churches. First, Keith takes a step back to highlight a few important points from chapter 1 in the revelation.

* This is a revelation , it doesn't hide, or make secret, or obscure. A revelation uncovers secrets to make them plain. The message is from Jesus, to John, and reveals what the end times look like from heaven's perspective.

* Given the nature of supernatural visions, it's important to know the one sharing the vision, and being able to hold that person as trustworthy. John is clear about who he is.

* Blessed is he who reads these words of the revelation aloud, and who hears and keeps what's in this prophecy. reading out loud is a lost practice in today's culture, and these are words that are meant to be shared out loud.

John claims to be a brother and partner in tribulation, the kingdom, and in patient endurance. All these qualities mean he can relate in particular to the Ephesus church, our focus for today. He also describes many characteristics of Jesus that will continue to appear through this writing. and some in particular apply directly to each of the seven churches. For those in the Ephesus church, he shows himself as one in the middle of the lampstands, and holding the seven stars in his hand. Verse 20 explains exactly what these stars and lampstands are. Angels sent to the churches, and the lampstands are each church.

Getting to the message, Jesus is described as the one with the stars and lampstands. Those at Ephesus had a good record. They had faced hardship, endured, and continued to call out false teachers, and false practices. The only complaint was they had left their first love. the word translated "left" is a general word for leaving. sometimes translated as "abandoned," it represents a drift from their original mission.

In the daily practice of their faith, they let it grow mundane. The thing is, Jesus really wants that freshness, that excitement they had when their faith was new. He is so serious about this, that if the members didn't repent, and return to that place in their heart. their lamp would be removed.

With the fast moving days of the tribulation period at hand., there won't be time to waste. Leaving a love interest might only be a distraction, but abandoning represents a long term intent to go, and not come back. either way, the problem holds some heavy consequences.

There is hope. For those who overcome, and return to that initial spark, they will eat from the tree of life, and be with Jesus forever. the alternative for those who won't return, the lamp-stand, the body of gathered believers will be removed. when tribulation hits, this kind of church stands a high chance of folding and ceasing to exist on earth.

In addition, we consider these questions.

What does the message for the churches mean for the coming tribulation? (And condition of the churches on earth in that time)

Should the word to the churches be considered a message to individual followers who have these traits?

Or to a body of believers that is behaving this way? (both, since a body is made up of individuals, and as a group. Give the body its character).

Does it represent congregations in modern life? An entire denomination maybe? (Best not to point fingers, since these seven profiles of church culture can be found in all denominations)

in future weeks watch for more discussion on these lette...