July 29, 2021 Devotion for Baptist Tabernacle Church
By: Olivia Cooke, Deacon assisting Pastor Glen
Greetings from BTC, Wendell, NC.
Over the last few weeks in Sunday School, we have been studying the seven churches in Revelation 2-3. Each week asking ourselves, “Is this the church we want to be?”
The first church was Ephesus, The Loveless Church. “But I have this against you: you have abandoned the love you had at first.” Rev 2:4 Serving the Lord must be out of obedience and love for others and God – not a ritual or tradition.
The second church was Smyrna, The Persecuted Church. “I know your affliction and poverty.” Rev 2:9 Today’s churches face persecution in different ways, but we still see Christians willing to die smuggling bibles into remote areas and being killed.
The third church was Pergamos, The Compromising Church. “Repent or else I will come to you quickly.” Rev 2:16 The church compromised by becoming like those around them, letting false Gods enter in and not letting go of the worldly things.
The fourth church was Thyatira, The Corrupt Church. “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance. Nevertheless, you tolerate Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants.” Rev 2:19-20 They showed love and faithfulness but let in false teachings.
The fifth church was Sardis, The Dead Church. “I know your deeds, you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” Rev 3:1 They were alive but spiritually dead, relying on the past, complacent.
The sixth church was Philadelphia, The Faithful Church. “Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” Rev 3:11 They remained true to His word and did not deny Jesus.
The seventh church was Laodicea, The Lukewarm Church. “Because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Rev 3:16 They were a church of wealth that relied on self rather than God.
We the people ARE the church, so which one is YOUR church? Loveless, persecuted, compromised, corrupt, dead, faithful, lukewarm? Let us all be much in prayer for our churches of today as we all face such challenging times.