Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 18 May 1995 — Page 27

The Muncie Times, Thursday, 18 May 1995, Page 27

Christ gives seven messages to the churches

When we look at the seven churches, there was a different message given to each one. All min sters must address the individual needs of each church. Ephesus’s needs were different from Smyrna’s; Smyrna’s were different from Pergamus’s and so on. If we don’ i preach to the people that needed message, they will not get the spiritual food to continue their growth. We must learn the art of preaching, not only the style and method of preaching, but what to preach. A lot of preachers are dying today from a good style of method, but no substance. The preacher must know the message for the particular time in which he preaches. The message is always given to the angel of the church. The term angel is taken from the Greek word angelos—meaning messenger. We must know the need of the local church. To send the message of Philadelphia to the church of Ephesus would be out of place. The message to Philadelphia was: “These things saith He that is Holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth, and He that shutteth and no man openeth. I know thy works. Behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it, for thou hath a little strength and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name?” Rev. 3:78. The message to Ephesus was: “These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand. Who walketh in the midst, of the seven candlesticks neverthe-

Bishop

W.J.

Duncan, D.D.

less I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love.” Ephesus had lost her first love. The message would not be, “Keep up the good work, but rather repentance?” The message to Philadelphia, the church of brotherly love, would be: keep up the good work. Ephesus had lost her first love, while Philadelphia was practicing hers. We must be aware of the needs of each church and address them, according to their individual needs. These seven messages were given to do just that. Ephesus was given credit for what she had done, but was rebuked because of laxity. We must not be afraid to give constructive criticism, as well as praise. Constructive criticism perfects the nearly perfect church. It completes the spiritual growth of the church and individual. In fact it will get rid of the flaws, the weight, and the sins that doth so easily beset us. Heb. 12:2. The message then to Ephesus was that they should repent and go back to their first love. “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write: these things saith the first and last, which was dead, and is alive: I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty (But thou art rich)... Fear none of those things

which thou shall suffer. The message here is one of consolation. Yes consolation and reassurance to a suffering church. Don’t fear, don’t be dismayed, God will take care of you. Oh what encouraging and comforting words to those that are suffering, dying, and bereaved. Fear not as the Psalmist saith, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” The message then to Smyrna is one of comfort. “And to the angel of the church in Pergamus write: these things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges: ... But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrines of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols: and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which things I hate.” Rev. 2:12-15. The message is different to this church. They are allowing doctrinal error to prevail in this church, the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of Nicolaitanes. The message is against false doctrine. We must know when the church needs doctrinal correction and in-

struction. False doctrine is Satan’s sophisticated and deceptive method to stop the church’s onward march. Doctrine must be systematic. It must be informative and plain. This church needs doctrine or teaching. “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, His feet are like fine brass;... “Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which called! herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication and to sacrifice to idols.” Rev. 2:18,20. The message to this is about the religious association with false religions and idol worship. The religions of the world are now being brought to the church, the worship of demons being associated with the worship of God. The scripture gives us the injunction: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness; and what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For rye are the temple of the living God. As God hath said, “I will dwell in them and they shall be my people.” II Cor. 6:14-18. So then the message of this church deals with idolatry. “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write: these things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God

and the seven stars. “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die. For I have not found thy works perfect before God.” Rev. 3:1-2. The message against this church is imperfections; she has not completed her spiritual growth. In fact she has stopped growing and beginning to die; until it finally dies. We must not get to a certain development and stop our Christian growth. We must leave the principle of the doctrine of Christ and go on to perfection. We must get off the milk bottle and get on the meat of the word. We must leave off sin and put on righteousness. Heb. 6:1; I Pet. 2:1; Isa. 28:9. “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith He that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth; ... Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation.” Rev. 3:7,10. The message to the church of Philadelphia is one of comfort and information. It is one of the two churches that received a good report. This church kept God’s word. Whenever a person does good, God will give him credit. When Abel brought a good sacrifice unto God, He had respect thereto it; But God did not have respect unto Cain’s sacrifice. Gen. 4. The Philadelphia chirch is one of love. ❖