John wrote to us concerning the seven lampstands – seven angels – seven spirits – seven churches in chapters 1-3 of Revelation. “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches” (Revelation 1:20). When we read what the Lord had to say about the seven churches (Revelation 2 & 3), we see that the churches are not without issues (except for Smyrna and Philadelphia). This morning, the Spirit has been ministering about the churches. Someone asked once, “Where is the Philadelphia church?” The answer, at the time, was, “Let me know if you find it.” Thanks to the Holy Spirit that answer has changed. There are organizations that doctrinally resemble the descriptions of the churches, but in attendance they are mingled. It is not the intent of this writing to worry with doctrines of the different churches.

The attitudes described to the churches in Revelation can be seen in the members of churches teaching the kingdom of God. The church of Ephesus is faithful in many ways, but lost their first love. The church of Smyrna is poor and persecuted by some professing to be Jews. The church in Pergamos holds on to the name of the Lord, but they hold the doctrine of Balaam (a false idol). The church in Thyatira is faithful in many ways, but has a spirit of Jezebel ((calling herself a prophetess) sexual immorality and idolatry). The church in Sardis has a few with God that have life, but for the most part they are dead. The church in Philadelphia is a practicing church of brotherly love (holding to the commands of our Lord Jesus). The church of the Laodiceans are complacent, being neither hot or cold.

The church of God today is made up of people scattered among church organizations of differing names and doctrines. In the midst of a church body, professing the name and power of our Lord, there are some that hold to the doctrines of Balaam or allow Jezebels to corrupt them or practice traditions that come from the pagans (giving them Christian sounding names). There is one common thread in the messages to the churches, “I will.” Jesus knows their works and their hearts and gives them all an, “I will.” In this document, we will not try to fix the issues. The purpose of writing this is to tell those that leave a body because it is not perfect, God is saying, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10). God will!

God will what? See your heart! “I am He who searches the minds and hearts” (Revelation 2:23). “Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:27-28). All things work together for good, do we believe God? Then why do we flee the body that is not perfect? God will see our love, faith, services, and works and know our heart. To the church of Ephesus, Jesus warned that He may remove their lampstand, if they do not return to their first love. Even to those in that church Jesus promised, “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life.” Church is a place we go to serve – God knows where He has put us; He knows the hearts and deeds of the churches. Trust Jesus the Christ!

© 2005 Tim D. Coulter Sr.