The consolations of God - Eleventh in a series

Repeating the question from the previous post: Can we find our own church in the ‘seven candlesticks’ of the Revelation? Is there a word or message for you?

Be wholehearted in your faith

The church at Ephesus had many good points: the congregation had labored for Christ, demonstrated patience and tested the spirits to prevent doctrinal errors. But they had left their first love. The Lord seeks wholehearted devotion; he is a jealous God (Ex 34:14). For any who love God best of all, striving continually to put first His kingdom and righteousness, standing against temptations to wander, there will be great reward: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Rev 2:7)

Persevere

Smyrna was a special church among the seven; she had already entered into the season of tribulation. She was simply encouraged to be faithful unto death and would then receive a crown of life. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Rev 2:11)

Be pure

Pergamos suffered by location in an area where Satan had his base of operations, yet her members had not denied their faith even when some in their number were martyred. However, some practiced divination rather than presenting their need for guidance in prayer to God, and some subscribed to the Nicolaitans' teachings that opposed purity and degraded the Christian witness. To the repentant and To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Rev 2:17) In the ancient courts of justice the accused were condemned by black pebbles and the acquitted by white. (ref)

Beware of the occult

Thyatira was commended for her charity, service, faith and zeal. However, they tolerated a prophetess, 'Jezebel,' who seduced God's children to fornicate and to eat what was sacrificed to idols. She had been given opportunity to repent but did not, so she would be punished and those who followed her would "be killed with death." (Rev 2:23) “And all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts; and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” (vs 23) From this verse we understand that the Lord sees our inner selves and whether we resist temptation or entertain sin. Overcomers will receive GREAT rewards: Power over the nations — And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father And I will give him the morning star. (Rev 2:27-28) Jesus is the morning star. (Rev. 22:16)

Revive!

Sardis was famous for works but Jesus saw a dead church; he could see through the reputation. She was exhorted to strengthen what remained and was about to die, and to remember all that she had received, and to repent. Otherwise his return to her would be as a thief in the night. Yet, he saw that some had not "defiled their garments" so they would walk with him in white. (Rev 3:4) He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (vs 5)

Wait, trust and obey

Philadelphia had kept Christ's word; she would be helped to serve, and those of the synagogue of Satan which claimed to be Jews would bow to her and know Christ loved this church. She had shown patience, waiting on the Lord in tribulation, so in turn He would keep her from temptation, that is, a severe time of testing that would come, to try all who dwell on the earth. Yet, she was warned to hold on to her careful obedience to God. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. (Rev 3:12)

Be careful and wise; do not be deceived

Laodicea was a deceived church. She thought she was rich but was poor, wretched, blind, naked and miserable (Rev 3:17) and was advised to invest in purification by costly repentance and to earnestly seek God's righteousness. Christ would dine with any who heard his voice and opened the door to him. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Rev 3:21)