Fast. Pray. Read. Share. gather

1. Fast. Pray. Read. Share. gather

2. Jesus’ love letters to the church Revelation chapters 2 & 3

3. 2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.

4. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

5. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

6. The love letters (mini-epistles)to the CHURCH The “church” = PEOPLE 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

7. The love letters (mini-epistles)to the CHURCH The “church” = the City Not identified by separate gatherings, but by common allegiance to Jesus

8. The love letters (mini-epistles)to the CHURCH The “angel/messenger” = the senior leaders of the church

9. The love letters (mini-epistles)to the CHURCH “He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit is saying TO THE CHURCHES” -individual/personal responsibility -Holy Spirit help is required -all letters – for all the churches

10. The love letters (mini-epistles)to the CHURCH These letters contain the keys to standing as a worthy Bride in the end of the Age

11. The love letters (mini-epistles)to the CHURCH These letters contain the keys to standing as a worthy Bride in the end of the Age

12. The love letters (mini-epistles)to the CHURCH Jesus promises 22 rewards to motivate us to persevere

13. The love letters (mini-epistles)to the CHURCH To “overcome/conquer”= spiritual maturity – seeking to walk in complete obedience

14. The love letters (mini-epistles)to the CHURCH Letter Form: • Jesus’ Glory facet: • Jesus praises their strengths: • Jesus confronts sin (falling short of his glory): • Offers the solution: • Possible consequence: • Promised Reward to the obedient overcomers:

15. The love letters (mini-epistles)to the CHURCH In Groups: • 1. Read the passage out loud • 2. Pray for Holy Spirit insight and revelation • 3. Identify the different parts • 4. Unpack the aspect of Jesus’ Majesty-  what is He communicating  through  this particular description of Himself? • 5. How could the correction and/or rebuke be relevant to us today? How should we respond?

16. What is the Spirit saying to YOU? Ask Him: • 1. What are You pleased with? What do you want to commend in my life? • 2. In what areas is there compromise? Where has my obedience wavered?   • 3. What aspect of You would You like me to SEEK OUT? • 4.  How can I help strengthen Your church (people) in this hour?

17. 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

18. REVELATION 3: 20Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”