The issues Jesus addressed in his messages to the first centurychurches are no different than the issues faced by the Christian church today. We only pray for ears to hear “what the Spirit says to the churches.” The church at Thyatira was inviting and had much to commend; however, Jesus gave very direct warnings about its choice to permit a false teacher and to embrace sin as a cultural accommodation. In doing so, Jesus also provides us a model to follow in how issues within the church family should be approached.

Outline:

· A Significant Church

· The Divine Judge

· Great Works

· The Condemning Issue

· The Glorious Promise

Jesus addresses his bride, calling her to faithful application of Scripture as believers assemble to worship Christ and provide a witness of his power and grace to the unbelieving world. He offers no quarter to false teachers or those who choose to sit under and follow their teaching; rather, he generously offers grace to those who will repent and the promise of a new andeternal life.

Outline:

· A Difficult Place

· The Judge Speaks

· The Real Threat

· Assurance of Victory

The message to the church at Smyrna challenges the concept of faith so often taught and loosely practiced in the West. To these Christians suffering for their faith, Jesus promised eternal glory but commanded them to be faithful, even if it resulted in death.

Outline:

· The Speaking Sovereign Lord

· The Church and the City

· The Persecuted Church

· The Command and the Promise