It Starts Small

Category: 7 Churches

  • Laodicea: the Invitation and Promise

    The final letter of the 7 Churches encourages believers to be overcomers and approach the throne of grace with boldness to receive mercy and find grace in time of need. Jesus, granted authority by God, delegates authority to believers, granting them the right to rule with Him in His Millennial…

  • Laodicea: the Rebuke.

    Jesus had no praise for this church. A tepid heart is an indication of spiritual indifference; a boiling heart for God is an indication of spiritual dynamic. – vs 15 The word “cold” metaphorically means without enthusiasm. The church was not completely cold or hard of heart its spirituality. It was not…

  • Jesus: the Amen, Faithful True Witness, Originator of God’s Creation

    Jesus, in the Book of Revelation, identifies himself with three descriptions: the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, and the Beginning of the creation of God. His identity as the Amen signifies the fulfillment of God’s promises. As the Faithful and True Witness, he reveals the truth about God. Finally,…

  • The Church at Laodicea

    Laodicea was located about forty miles southeast of Philadelphia and one hundred miles east of Ephesus. It was founded by Antiochus II between 261 and 246 BC, and was named in honor of his wife, Laodice, who afterward poisoned him. This is the Antiochus who formed the marriage league with…

  • Philadelphia: the Invitation and Promise.

    This scripture from Jesus to the church in Philadelphia promises that the conquerors will be like pillars in God’s temple, marked with a new name reflecting God’s character. The new name signifies a changed character, and believers will have a permanent place in the New Jerusalem. This symbolizes eternal honor…

  • Philadelphia: the Good.

    The church of Philadelphia, the second of the seven churches, receives praise from Jesus for its faithful works and perseverance. Jesus highlights the open doors of service that He provides as gifts of grace, as well as the protection He gives against adversaries. Despite facing opposition from the “synagogue of…

  • Jesus: the Holy One, The True One, Has the Key of David.

    In the letter to the church in Philadelphia, Jesus identifies Himself as Holy and True, asserting His authority over the church. His character gives Him the right to judge and deal with church issues. Described as the “true” one, He guards the church against false doctrine. Jesus also holds the…

  • Sardis: the Invitation and Promise.

    Jesus commended the few faithful believers in Sardis for avoiding corruption and staying pure. He urged all believers to be watchful and promised white garments symbolizing righteousness. He also assured that their names would remain in the book of life and he would acknowledge them before his Father and the…

  • Jesus: Seven Stars, Seven Spirits of God

    The seven Spirits and seven stars are significant symbols in Revelation, representing spiritual authority and the messengers of the seven churches. The seven candlesticks also symbolize the churches. These images may symbolize the complete span of the church age and the Holy Trinity. Jesus, as the one who has the…

  • Sardis: the Rebuke.

    The Church of Sardis had a reputation for being spiritually alive but was actually spiritually dead. Jesus warned them to wake up and repent. Complacency was their enemy. They were challenged to remember, recapture, and repent, or face consequences. Christians who are complacent risk losing their rewards at Jesus’ Judgment…