Four Warnings To The Seven Churches
Todd Nibert

In Revelation 2 and 3, we read seven letters written by Christ Himself to the seven churches of Asia. Evidently they did not heed His warnings because none of those churches are with us today! It is only through giving heed to these warnings that you and I will persevere in the faith. There are at least these four warnings to the seven churches.

Losing you first love (Rev. 2:4). When we lose our first love, we no longer hear the Gospel as a sinner. We become like the man in James 1:23-24 who beholds himself in a mirror, and he goes away and forgets what manner of man he was. We then hear the Gospel as a critic, a judge, or in indifference.

The spirit of toleration (Rev. 2:24-25; 2:20). The churches at Pergamos and Thyatira were rebuked, not for what they did, but what they tolerated. When we loose our first love, under the guise of unity and charity, we tolerate that which is contrary to Christ.

Living in the past (Rev. 3:1). “Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” A living faith is always present tense. When I have to go back to past experiences for assurance, it is because of the present deadness of my heart. Who are you looking to right now?

Lukewarmness (Rev. 3:15-17). Being neither cold nor hot - everything is alright. I’m o.k. You're o.k.

These are the attitudes of the beginning of the end. May Christ preserve us from these things and cause us to persevere all the way to the end.