* Jesus is still speaking.

* We don’t often attribute His words to the book of Revelation.

* What would He say?

* He addresses 7 churches (the number in seven is “perfect” or “complete” - so this message would apply to all the church past, present, and future).

* 1) The church of Ephesus - they were the LOVELESS church who had lost their first love.

* 2) The church of Smyrna - they were the PERSECUTED church who were enduring hardship for Christ.

* 3) The church of Pergamos - they were the COMPROMISING church who put up with those in their midst who believed the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans (sexual immorality and idolatry).

* 4) The church of Thyatira - they were the CORRUPT church who tolerated the woman Jezebel (sexual immorality and domineering ambition).

* 5) The church of Sardis - they were the DEAD church who looked alive but in reality they were dead.

* 6) The church of Philadelphia - they were the FAITHFUL church who were doing good things in the midst of trial.

* 7) The church of Laodicea - they were the LUKEWARM church who were riding the fence to avoid persecution.