What Does Jesus Think of Your Church?

I started reading the Book of Revelation the other night and noticed something I’ve never given much thought to before: the book begins with Jesus appearing to John and immediately telling him to write to seven churches to admonish / encourage them to do the right thing. Notice what Jesus believes is important–what he chooses to tell them…

Ephesus

Jesus starts with the church of Ephesus, and in a style that Dale Carnegie recommended centuries later in his classic book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, Jesus starts by listing some things the church is doing right before hitting them with where they’ve gone off: that they have less love than they did before. This is not good. He threatens to take their church away if they don’t straighten up.

Nevertheless, Jesus makes a point of saying how it is in their favor that they loathe, as he does, how the Nicolaitans are behaving. Who are the Nicolaitans? It appears they were a sect that said it was lawful to eat food sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication (sex outside of marriage).

Adultery does tremendous damage to families, as I have seen. It has the potential to destroy them. It is not something to be taken lightly. Does your “minister” excuse this very serious sin as simply a “vice” that will work its way out once your “heart is right”? If so, clearly he’s at odds with Jesus, and God his father. He needs to understand this, before he passes from this earth and it is too late. His congregation needs to understand this too.

Smyrna

Next, Jesus has a message for the church of Smyrna: “Do not be afraid of the sufferings that are coming to you.” He tells them that the devil will send some of them to prison to put them to to the test, and they must face hardship for ten days. Jesus says, “Even if you have to die, keep faithful , and I will give you the crown of life for your prize.”

Martyrdom is nothing new in Christianity, starting of course with Jesus himself. He asked us to follow him, which can include that possibility. Christians have been martyred worldwide, and this still happens every day. We should all expect to suffer to one degree or another for Christ, which is much preferred to suffering for doing wrong. In fact, no one escapes suffering in this life, and I believe suffering in your own conscience for wrongdoing has got to be one of the most painful sufferings of all.

Pergamum

Jesus again commends the church as they “live in the place where Satan is enthroned,” and that you still hold firmly to my name.” Yet he admonishes them “as some of you are followers of Balaam, who taught Balak to set a trap for the Israelites so that they committed adultery by eating food that had been sacrificed to idols (like some in the church of Ephesus). Likewise, Jesus say some of them follow the teachings of the Nicolaitans (ah, the Nicolaitans again!) who eat food sacrificed to idols, and who allow fornication as well. Are you getting a clear picture of some of the things Jesus finds abhorrent?

Thyatira

Again, Jesus commends the church for what it is doing right, but rebukes them for tolerating a woman named Jezebel, who claims to be a prophetess, as she encourages church members to eat food sacrificed to idols. Clearly, this is an important issue to Jesus, and reminds me of God’s first commandment, “I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt have no gods before me!” Think about the “gods” we put before the one true God every day! Does your church tolerate this?

Sardis

Jesus warns this church that they are reputed to be alive but are DEAD! He reminds them how they first heard the message, and urges them to return to that state. Does your church have nice music, and other outward signs of life, yet has no inward life? Perhaps you can inject some life in, but if there is resistance, perhaps you need a new church.

Philadelphia

This church is doing something right! They have kept Jesus’ commandments and not disowned his name. He tells them he has opened a door in front of them that no one will be able to close! He tells them that “because you have kept my commandment to persevere, I will keep you safe in the time of trial which is coming for the whole world, to put the people of the world to the test.” He further tells them, “I am coming soon: hold firmly to what you already have, and let no one take your victor’s crown away from you. Anyone who proves victorious I will make into a pillar in the sanctuary of my God...” Good for you if you worship in a “Philadelphia” church!

Laodicea

This is the one that has always stuck with me. Where Jesus tells this church, “I know your activities, how they are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other, but since you are neither hot nor cold, but only lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

This should shake us up. Are we–is our church–lukewarm? Will Jesus spit us out of his mouth? This is something we should all ask ourselves in sober reflection.

Yet while we are still alive, Jesus always leaves open the door of hope: “I reprove and train those whom I love, so repent in real earnest. Look, I am standing at the door, knocking. If one of you hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in to share a meal at that person’s side…”

At the end of this section, Jesus says, “Let anyone who can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”

Indeed. This was true at the time, and it remains just as true today. I hope that we and our churches have our ears open, and have the humility to be rebuked if necessary for our salvation.

Patrick Rooney is the Founder of OldSchoolUs.com. He promotes natural health, success, and freedom during chaotic times. To reach Patrick, email him at [email protected].