Letters to the 7 Churches

This past weekend we presented the third installment of our Revelation series at Kapahulu Bible Church. We began to look at the letters given to the seven churches. We looked at the first letter to Ephesus in chapter 2, verses 1 through seven. If you have some time, it would be good to read chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation. In these two chapters, you’ll find the seven letters.

As you read, I want to encourage you to look for a structure/pattern that John utilizes in each letter. John writes to: 

 1. A Church, 

 2. Giving credit to Christ, who gives… 

 3. …A Commendation 

 4. …A Correction 

 5. …An Invite to Change 

 6. …Caution the Church 

 7. And ends with a Concluding Promise 

This pattern is generally followed in each letter. There are a few instances where a church leaves out one point of the pattern. But for the most part, the outline is there to find. 

It's interesting to note that the credit given to Christ in each letter is taken from the description we were given in chapter 1, verses 3 through eighteen. 

Don't forget what we learned last week about the number “7,” the first entry in our legend. Seven communicates fullness, wholeness, and completeness. So, whereas these letters were written to specific churches at a specific time (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Saris, Philadelphia, and Laodicea), they were meant to be shared with the full, whole, and complete Church throughout time and location. 

These letters were meant for us to read/hear and then respond. My prayer as you read in preparation for our study together is that the Lord will open your eyes to His intent desire for you. And I ask that you pray for everyone who is preparing for our Sunday gatherings. Remember, our worship is only as good as we allow Him to make it. Hope to see you soon!