The Book of Revelation, the Testimony of Jesus Christ, states in 1:3, God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.  Who doesn't want to be blessed by God?

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We find His letters to the churches in Chapters 2 and 3 as they were written down by John, everything you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen.  “Write in a book everything you see, and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”  These were actual churches of that time in Asia, but many believe that the messages are as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago. 

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In each letter Jesus praises their good qualities, points out their faults with an earnest request for repentance and change, and a promise to those who overcome and remain faithful. 

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To the church at Ephesus it is written that Jesus, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance.”  “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.”  They no longer had the same passion for Christ as they once did.  But Jesus asks them to “Repent and do the things you did at first.”  Then the promise, “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” Rev. 2:7 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

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The letter to the church in Smyrna was to acknowledge their trials and let them know that even with their afflictions and poverty yet they are rich in spiritual wealth!  Although they were going to suffer persecution for a short time, they were to, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Rev. 2:11 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

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The letter to the church at Pergamum begins, “I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name.”  They were surrounded by pagan influences yet held fast to Christ. However, Jesus mentioned their fault, “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. (idol related sins)  Jesus then issues His plea, “Repent therefore!”  And “To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it” Rev. 2:17“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. 

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To the church at Thyatira, Jesus affirms the good, “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first”  Next, “Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.”  A false prophet was leading believers away from their spiritual beliefs.  Jesus calls the church to repent and for those that overcome and remain faithful He will give them authority over nations. Rev. 2:29 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.  

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To the church at Sardis who has clearly become lifeless Jesus says; “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” Once a vibrant spiritual church they are now filled with unsaved people going through the religious motions.  They are called to repent, “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you received and heard; obey it, and repent” For those that repent and remain faithful they will be dressed in white and walk with me, for they are worthy. Rev. 3:6 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.  

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To the church at Philadelphia, Jesus says; “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” The church of Philadelphia has remained faithful in the face of trial. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Rev. 3:13 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

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To the church in Laodicea Jesus begins with what He finds at fault, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”  Lukewarm is the most dangerous position to be in. The Laodicea’s wealth and desires for worldly pleasures was choking out the word and faith that they once had.  But, Jesus promises that, “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Rev. 3:22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

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With that repeated closing on each letter, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”  Along with that sentence in the 1st chapter, he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near, it is very evident that we are being ask to read, learn, obey.

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