“Everything changes, for better or worse, whether we like it or not. Sometimes it’s beautiful, and sometimes it fills us with terror. Sometimes both.”
Erika L. Sánchez I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
The question is not “Will a church transform?” but “Will a church transform for better or worse?”
- Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) – A church that makes new disciples maintains communion with God. A church that does not is removed.
- Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) – A church that finds life in Jesus receives eternal life. A church that does not sees only their outward circumstances.
- Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) – A church that makes mature disciples is victorious with Jesus. A church that does not loses their growth.
- Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) – A church that worships Jesus alone will rule with Jesus. A church that does not is judged as idolaters.
- Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) – A church that renews their kingdom work will be made whole. A church that does not is unprepared for the return of Jesus.
- Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) – A church that follows Jesus with endurance is foundational in the Kingdom. The church that does not loses their reward.
- Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) – A church that is united to Jesus is part of God’s royal family. A church that does not is shamefully exposed.
- All the Churches (Revelation 2-3) – The Church is called to repent and transform.