You Make the Church Rev 1-3

You Make the Church

Revelation 1-3

The book of Revelation promises a blessing to those who read, hear and heed what it says. (Revelation 1:3; 22:7). The book reveals Christ in his glory and role to the church and to the future.  He is glorious and exalted. Chapter 1 presents an image of Christ also described by Daniel (Daniel 7:9, 10:6). He is full of wisdom, knowledge, righteousness and justice. He holds the believers in his hands as well as being present among them. 

What kind of a believer are you as you cross over to 2013? The seven churches in Revelation 2-3 represent the whole church throughout time. They present seven kinds of believers. Interestingly, God evaluated the churches as groups but rewarded individuals. Our goal as a church is to produce over comers who will receive crowns and rewards on that day. Each church regardless of its shortcomings had a promise for over comers. Jesus will always have over comers.

What you desire for your church you are responsible to make it happen. A church is as the believers in it and is becoming what the believers are becoming. If your church is imperfect, it is mirroring your imperfections. May God help you to look at where you may be wrong instead of where others are wrong?

Each church had a unique revelation of God relevant to the message He brought to it. Deeds not mere wishes and declarations evaluated the churches. God repeatedly said ‘I know your deeds’ and highlighted strengths and weaknesses.  God was saying there is a way you see yourself, a way other people see you and a way He sees you. In every church, God found something that needed to be overcome. Just as 2012 undoubtedly had its share of stuff to overcome, 2013 will have its share also. Seven kinds of believers:

1) The ‘busy for the Lord’ believer (Ephesus). God revealed himself as one in charge and present. The churches are pictured as golden lamp stands (Mathew 5:16). The Ephesians received positive comments for their hard work for Christ’s name, their perseverance, and discernment and intolerance of falsehood (2:2, 3, 6).  If you do not hate something or avoid something, you do not yet stand for anything. Despite their lots of church work, God noted that they had forsaken their first love (2:4). Their motivation had changed (Corinthians 13; Revelation 2:5). It is easy to go through the motions long after losing the emotions.  Commit to Christ afresh for 2013 (2:5). Return to the place you first became conscious of his love. You can only love him to the extend you know his love for you.

2) The afflicted and poor believer (Smyrna). God revealed himself as the first and last, and one who died and came back to life. He addressed believers whose faith was facing hostilities and were poor. He encouraged them that they were not poor but rich (2:9). They were rich in faith and favor with God (Mathew 6:33). As you go into 2013, the afflictions and shortages of the past do not have to define you. Do not be afraid of tomorrow (2:10-11). Commit afresh to remaining faithful regardless of persecution and hardships in 2013.

3) The believer in a very evil society (Pergamum). God revealed himself as the one who has the sharp double edged sword signifying judgment and power to overcome evil (Hebrew 4:12).

God reminded, ‘I know where you live’. He knows the evil in your neighborhood, your work place, and your times. Pergamum was the center of evil or the throne of satan. Satan’s throne is not in hell but on earth (2:13). In hell, he will be a victim not a ruler. They remained true but sadly tolerated some false teachings. Often Christians enter into compromised associations to be accepted (Romans 12:2). Despite the evil pressures around you, will you remain true to your faith in 2013? Commit afresh to remaining true to Christ in the face of temptations.

4) The believer who is improving (Thyatira). God revealed himself as the one with eyes as a blazing fire and feet of brass, that will judge the earth, his footstool.  You may not be where you should be but you are no longer where you used to be, and are moving in the right direction. God commended their progress of deeds, love, faith, service and perseverance. They however had wrong things they still tolerated. Like them, to sustain your progress in 2013 there is stuff you now have to deal with more decisively than in 2012. Commit afresh to holding to His truth until He comes.

5) The believer with a reputation of being alive but is dead (Sardis). There were publicly believers but private failures. God revealed himself as one who holds the Holy Spirit in fullness (Isaiah 11:2) and the bearers of good news (the believers). Is your life true to your reputation in God’s eyes? God says you have a form of religion but lack its power. He has the Holy Spirit for you to enjoy life and power. Wake up and strengthen what remains. Commit afresh to the whole gospel and the fullness of freedom in Christ in 2013. 

6) The faithful believer with little strength (Philadelphia). God revealed himself as the holy and true who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut. God said I know your deeds that you are faithful and have endured patiently even though your strength was little. Now be faithful with what you have and get ready for more. I have placed an open door before you. As you enter into 2013 remain faithful many opportunities are coming your way. You will be head hunted in 2013. Non-believers will watch you and acknowledge that God has loved you (3:9). Commit afresh to holding on to what you have

7) A compromised or falling away believer (Laodicea). God reveals himself as the amen, the faithful and true witness and the ruler of creation. He comes to people who are undecided and are not true witnesses. He says to them that they were believers in their minds only. If you are like them, contrary to what you think, you are wretched, poor, pitiful, naked and blind. You are neither cold nor hot, a condition God cannot stand. He has no positive remarks for such people save to invite them to allow Him into their lives completely (3:18-20). When you withhold a part, you keep him out knocking.  Humbly commit afresh to Christ as savior and lord in 2013.  He is either lord of all or not lord at all.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa