A message is given to the church and pastor in the city of Ephesus. God Himself is aware of their service, their tireless fight for the truth against error and their unswerving allegiance to His name. They were also guilty of leaving their first love; they had allowed all they were doing to develop into cold ritual instead of warm loving service. This church is encouraged to rekindle their love for the Lord and let that love be the motivation for their service.
The church and pastor in Smyrna was sent a message. This church was not held in high regard by many in the community; but God says that His evaluation of them is much different. Although they were facing suffering and testing of various degrees, God promises to reward their life-long faithfulness with life.
The church and pastor in Pergamos received a message. They were located in a city known as a center for evil, yet they held true to the teachings of the Gospel. Some of their midst had even died for their faith. The problem in Pergamos was their tolerance of false doctrine - namely mixing elements from society in with Christianity (we call it syncretism today). This church is called to repentance in order to avoid the business end of God's battle sword.
The church and pastor of Thyatira was also sent a message. This was a seemingly growing church, but they were allowing the wrong people to teach. The made the teacher the wrong person was the subject of their teaching - namely that immorality and violation of conscience was approved by God. God promised to remove this leader with illness and death to prove that He alone determines what is acceptable. Those who are remaining faithfully loyal to God in this troubled church are encouraged to continue faithfully so that God may reward them.
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