What Kind of Church Are We?

Sermon: Are We a Loving Church?

Revelation 2:1-7

September 4, 2011

Seven Letters to…1) seven real churches…with real issues…not the only churches…not necessarily the

most prominent

Why Seven?1) Seven is the number for completion

2)Message relevant to all churches

Similar FormatEach letter is similar in many respects

Ephesus, the City A major center of

commerce The Temple of Diana A center of mystical

cult worship

Ephesus, the Church Founded by Paul on

the third missionary journey

1st ObservationThere is a key elder in

each of these local churches. The letters are addressed to this elder as the representative of the church.

The VisionChrist is pictured as

the One who holds the seven stars (pastors) in His right hand and walks among the seven golden candlesticks (churches)

First QuestionAre we sensitive to the presence and power of Christ in the Church?

The IssueWe take God for granted

We become way too familiar

Second QuestionAre we doing the right things for the right reasons?

His Counsel

RememberRepentRepeat

Third QuestionAre we truly committed to keeping the main things the main things.

LessonLoving Christ is more important than serving Christ

 

LessonYour service to Christ must flow out of your love for Christ.

LessonAs long as you are breathing, it is never too late to get your priorities straight.