THE CHURCHES OF REVELATION BIBLE STUDY | INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS THE CHURCH?

 


This Bible study provides an introduction and overview of the churches of Revelation.

 

What is the church? The word “church” is translated from the Greek word ekklesia, which means “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. This body is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ—from the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 until Christ’s return. It includes all those who are in full agreement with what Peter taught in Acts chapter 2—those who have believed on Jesus Christ, been baptized in His name, and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

 

Paul wrote to “the church of God which is at Corinth” (1 Corinthians 1:2), to “the churches [plural] of Galatia” (Galatians 1:2), and to “the church of the Thessalonians” (1 Thessalonians 1:1). Likewise, Christ, through the apostle John, addressed “the seven churches which are in Asia” (Revelation 1:11). Though these were individual congregations, they were all part of the one universal church—the Body of Christ.

 

The churches spoken of in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 carry multiple meanings and applications: they were written to actual congregations in the first century, they reflect the condition of the church throughout history, and they speak prophetically to the end-time church.

 

The overall message is that Christ reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of His church—then, throughout the ages, and even in our present time. He also gives what appears to be a sweeping picture of the spiritual condition and future of His church.


At the time John wrote these words, believers were discouraged and facing persecution. They longed for Jesus to return in power and glory to establish His kingdom on earth. That same hope remains for us today. We, too, face trials, struggles, and difficulties, and we also long for the coming of God’s kingdom.

 

The message of Revelation was meant to bring the church back to the right spiritual path—not only in their day, but in ours as well. Through these messages, Jesus corrects, restores, and directs His people. We are reminded of what God expects from His servants—both individually and collectively.

 

Each church has its own characteristics, as we will see, but within them are common strengths and common struggles that apply to all believers, in every generation. These messages show us what we should follow and what we should avoid. They also reveal that some churches—and individuals—were developing serious spiritual deficiencies, even allowing the influence of Satan to lead them away from their calling.

Yet alongside these warnings, Jesus also commends His people for their faithfulness. He gives promises that would have encouraged the early church—and should encourage us today.

 

As you go through this study, consider how the traits of these seven churches apply not only to the church as a whole, but also to your own life. Allow these messages to challenge you, guide you, and draw you closer to Jesus Christ as you walk through the daily struggles of life, striving to become more like Him.

 

DEDICATION:


This Bible study is dedicated to my God—

the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the One who is, and was, and is to come, the Almighty—Jesus Christ.

 

Also, to my church family at Pinegrove Apostolic Church in Kelly, Louisiana—I love each of you dearly.

 

And to two of my dearest friends in the Lord, Sister Glenda Bailes and Sister Sherri Skinner—faithful and true.

 

With all my love and heartfelt gratitude, thank you. ðŸ’›

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