Jesus Addresses The Churches Series

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

“The Message of Jesus to the Church”

INTRODUCTION

From the message to the seven churches of revelation…

We get a clear picture of Jesus Christ the head of the church walking among us.

We get a feel for what Jesus appreciates.

We understand what bothers Jesus about what goes on in the church.

We find out what we should do to get back on track.

We get a glimpse of what will happen if we don’t or a reward for faithfulness.

We gain a wonderful appreciation for life in the hereafter promised to genuine followers.

Every church in every age is called to hear and heed the message of Jesus to the church.

Characteristic of the resurrected glorified Jesus

The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands 2:1

Jesus is the one who continually keeps, protects and holds the pastors and churches with His continual presence among them.

Application

Even though we don’t see Him, Jesus walks among His churches.

He is concerned to hold them close.

He protects the pastors and people.

Jesus walks among us today by His spirit which makes Him aware of everything that goes on.

Every word, every action, every attitude, every thought and intent.

How different would we act if we were absolute convinced of the presence of Jesus among us?

Watch our words? Sing differently? Respond differently? Listen more carefully? Confess more readily?

The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life 2:8

He is the point of the church – first and last.

He is not a dead founder but one who was raised again to life.

Application

We are the only major religion or movement in the world whose founder is still alive. All the others can take you to a grave. I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today. We know that He is living no matter what men may say. Since He is the founder, we should pay more attention and give greater diligence to understanding what He designed us to be and do and what He want for us here and now.

The One who has the sharp two-edged sword 2:12

He bears a sharp two-edged sword.

The sword of authority and power.

The sword of truth that cuts through the lies.

Application

Nothing is hid from Him we have to do. All things will be brought to light. We need to be a people of the truth who let Him expose the very thoughts and intents of our heart. He stands as Lord over the church and must be Lord of our lives.

The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze 2:18

He has eyes that light up the things hidden in darkness.

He has the bronze feet of solid judgment.

Application

Jesus will judge. Jesus will bring us into account for words, deeds, thoughts and intents.

There will be an accounting one day.

He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars 3:1

He operates by the Holy Spirit and works through the pastors.

Application

We must walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit who enables us and gifts every member to function in the local church.

He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens 3:7

He is holy.

He is true and reliable.

He possesses absolute authority as the promised King of King and Lord of lords.

He opens and closes doors.

Application

Pray for open doors. Honor Him as holy and true.

The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God 3:14

He is the confirmation of all that is true.

He speaks truth.

He created everything both seen and unseen.

He opens and shuts doors.

Nothing gets by Him.

He continually and perfectly sees and knows all that transpires in the church.

Application

He is God’s final word, His faithful witness.

1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. Heb 1:1-4