Tag: Seven churches of Asia

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The Church at Ephesus, Part 2

Can a church be doctrinally sound, faithful in its works, diligent in defending the truth, and yet be in danger of losing its identity as a New Testament church? According to Jesus’ words to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2, the answer is yes! Despite His remarkable commendation of this congregation, the Lord had one serious charge against them: They had left their first love.

In this edition of Words of Grace, we consider the danger of becoming so consumed with fighting error that we lose sight of Christ Himself. While defending sound doctrine is an important responsibility, our devotion must never shift from worshipping Christ to merely defending the doctrines of Christ. Join us as we consider the Lord’s sobering warning to Ephesus, His call to repentance, and the glorious promise He gives to those who overcome.

Radio broadcast for October 25, 2026. Continue reading “The Church at Ephesus, Part 2”

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The Church at Ephesus, Part 1

What happens when a church becomes so focused on defending the truth that it begins to lose sight of Christ Himself? This was the danger facing the church at Ephesus, the first of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor addressed by Jesus in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Though Christ commended this congregation for its faithfulness, steadfastness, and commitment to sound doctrine, He also had a serious warning for them.

In this edition of Words of Grace, we begin our examination of this remarkable congregation, considering its history, its leadership, and a sobering warning the Apostle Paul gave its elders in Acts chapter 20. As we explore the background of this church, we discover some important lessons about the necessity of defending the faith without losing sight of the One in whom our faith rests.

Radio broadcast for October 18, 2026. Continue reading “The Church at Ephesus, Part 1”

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A Statement on Authority (Part 2)

As we conclude our introductory message to the Seven Churches of Asia, our attention turns to the ultimate authority behind the letters of Revelation 2 and 3: The Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

In this episode, we consider John’s descriptions of Jesus as the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, the prince of the kings of the earth, and the Almighty. We also examine John’s remarkable vision of the glorified Christ, who walks among the candlesticks and holds the seven stars in His hand. These truths remind us that Jesus Christ is the sovereign head of His church, and His words to the seven churches are just as worthy of our attention today. Continue reading “A Statement on Authority (Part 2)”

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A Statement on Authority (Part 1)

Before considering Christ’s messages to the seven churches of Asia Minor in Revelation 2 and 3, we first need to consider the authority behind those messages.

In this first part of A Statement on Authority, we begin in Revelation chapter 1 and consider the divine authority behind this book, from Jesus Christ through John and the angel who delivered the message. We also consider the special blessing pronounced upon those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy. This message serves as an introduction to our upcoming series through the Seven Churches of Asia.

Radio broadcast for October 4, 2026. Continue reading “A Statement on Authority (Part 1)”

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The Church at Laodicea

Concluding our series on Jesus’ “mini-epistles” to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, we look at the church in the worst shape of them all: Laodicea. Wealthy, proud, and apathetic, Jesus basically tells this church they nauseate Him. Even then, there was hope as repentance awaited at the door.

Radio broadcast for February 20, 2022 Continue reading “The Church at Laodicea”

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The Church at Philadelphia

We’ve heard many alarming warnings and rebukes in our series on the Seven Churches of Asia; so much so that it ought to cause a bit of reflection and self examination. But to the church at Philadelphia, Jesus had nothing but encouragement to this afflicted church with great personal weakness. In fact, through His strength, they would receive an opportunity that the strength of this would could not stop!

Radio broadcast for February 13, 2022. Continue reading “The Church at Philadelphia”

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The Church at Sardis

The Lord’s words to the church at Sardis were terrifying: They had the reputation of a living church, but were indeed as good as dead. Ouch! One can only imagine how their pastor’s heart sunk as he learned that news. The good thing, there was even hope for a church in such a poor shape. Through strengthening the remaining life and repenting, they could walk with Christ and continue. That’s helpful for us to know today!

Radio broadcast for February 6, 2022. Continue reading “The Church at Sardis”

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The Church at Pergamos

The Church at Pergamos was a congregation of faithful saints with one major issue: They tolerated certain false teachers who, in some way, encouraged loose living which resulted in sin. Jesus’ message to them was simple. They were to handle it, or He would handle it. Join us for this message from Revelation chapter 2, on Jesus’ words to the Church at Pergamos.

Radio broadcast for January 23, 2022.

Continue reading “The Church at Pergamos”

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The Church at Smyrna

Continuing our series from Revelation on Jesus’ “mini epistles” to the seven churches of Asia Minor, we consider the church that puritan John Trapp referred to as “the poorest but the purest” of them all, the church at Smyrna. Impoverished, persecuted, but faithful, this church was commended by Jesus when others were rebuked. May we learn from her example!

Radio broadcast for January 16, 2022. Continue reading “The Church at Smyrna”