When in the small town with churches on every corner, some may ask: Why so many churches? What is the difference between them? Why don’t they get along? Why would someone consider starting another church, especially in the “Bible Belt?” What kind of churches are in this town? So many questions are asked repeatedly. To add to the previous list of churches, let us look at a few more examples of churches in this town.
In church number 6, we see a group of people that work hard in the ministry. The membership is known for their labor in the hard things. They are also known for their patience with those who need help and encouragement. This group stands against evil and goes to the necessary means to find those who would try to deceive them from the truth. This church hates what God hates. When faced with ongoing difficulties they press on and never quit. This sounds like a church that everyone would want to join. The pastor of this church would be the one at conferences teaching on how to accomplish great things in the church. This church has jobs for everyone, and everyone knows exactly their responsibilities. Some may think that this church must be impacting its community. However, there was a hidden problem with this church that revealed that it was not impacting the community the Bible way.
In church number 7, we see a group that, like the other churches, their desire to work is very visible. This church is not ashamed of the name of Christ. Without compromise, this church holds strong to the true Biblical faith. This church is located in a very rough neighborhood where even law enforcement is cautious. This church may not be every ones church, but those who are in it see it as a way to impact the wrong side of the tracks. However, this church as well is not affecting the neighborhood as they thought. The confused members cannot understand that in spite of their long hard work they are seeing no results. They have made in roads to those in the communities making connections with the people. But, to no avail. Nothing seems to change the neighborhood.
In church number 8, we see a church that is known everywhere for their acts of charity and service to the community. This church walks by faith and deals with others with great patience. The daily work schedule is greatly noted by all to the point when you think they have done all they can they show they can work harder. The people of this church are also facing such opposition that the burden is almost unbearable. With all the charity shown, walks of faith, and unending work, one would think this church must truly be effective in the community. However, because of things that are found inside the walls of this church, it is not making any difference. It is almost hard to believe.
Church number 9 is well known for its name that is alive and visible. This church is conscious of its surroundings. Though they feel they are a small remnant, they work hard at staying strong. The work they do may not be complete; they simply continue. This group of people does what they can to remain pure, to not be defiled by the world or those other groups that call themselves religious but are not true. Though fighting against all odds, one would think they would be affecting someone. But they are not seeing lives impacted. They are strong in their beliefs, but there is no change in the large groups in the town.
Church number 10 is a group of people who stand with all confidence, nothing wavering. They stand sure of all the blessings of large facilities with all the amenities. The offering plates are full. All the works are being done without any hesitation because there is nothing they are lacking to have every program available to the community. This church sees crowds of people; their pews are full. This church is a mega church. The people are happy to be members and strive to add to the membership to do even more than they are doing now. This must be the top church; it has everything. But, the truth is, this church has not impacted anything for Christ. The community is the same as it always was; there is no difference. The community feels comfortable with the church being a part of it.
Why do these churches appear not to be impacting their communities? In churches 1 through 5, we saw churches that failed to have the Lord as the center. They failed to bring a visible view of who God is. They had many good-looking religious acts that fell short of the truth of God’s Word.
In church number 6, the problem was that while they were working hard at working for Christ they forgot to tell others about Him. Their love for Christ because of the salvation Christ brought to them was not being shared with others. They lost their first love. This church was and is Ephesus. This church may be in your community and you may never know it because they are not out sharing God’s love for you. They forgot to go into all the world and preach the gospel.
In church number 7, the problem was that as they tried to reach the world they let too much of it in. They allowed for each person’s diversity to fill out the church. They did not realize they have brought God down to the level of the people to appeal to more people. They organized to allow the people, the laity, to make the rules. The majority governs which makes more people happy because they have a say in what is going on. The problem becomes evident with the fact the way this church is conducting business. God says He hates this. This church was and is Pergomas.
In church number 8, the problem was that when you looked past the good things on the outside, you find the leadership is actually God haters. They are rebellious against anything Biblical. They teach that you can do all good things in life without actually serving the God of the Bible. This is hard to believe, but it is in your neighborhood. This church was and is Thyatira. This church is popular in the community because of what they give back to the community, but there is no impact for Christ because they are Christ deniers by deceiving ways. They let people think they are serving Christ while leading them away.
In church number 9, although this church is working as hard as it can with the few that they have, they are missing the true focus. They get wrapped up in what they are doing and forget to be watchful for Christ making His presence known. While working for Christ they forget to look for Him. This church tends to forget the truths they have been taught and who taught them. They see it hard to turn back when they are shown where they are falling short of doing right. This church was and is Sardis. They are not impacting their community because they see themselves as too small a group to make a difference. They just want to hold on until the end.
Then, there is church 10, the crowd is there, the programs are there, the money is there. The problem with this church is that they have nothing of any spiritual truth. All of the actions are surface only with no depth. This church brings the most difficulties in spotting the trouble. From all outward appearances and the words that are spoken, all is well. The difficulties stem from the small amounts of lies that have melded with the truth that is being taught from the pulpit. The things being taught seem to be right, they make common sense. The other problem with this church is that they are completely blind to the reality that they are not making any true impact on their world. When confronted with the truth they attack and condemn because they refuse to see that they have been deceived. This church was and is Laodicea. They will never impact their communities in spite of the large crowds in their building because everyone can read into what is being said as their own truth. No judging allowed, just love and embracing each other for the cause of Christ.
In a church that makes an impact, we see a group that in the midst of facing tribulation, they continue forward in their work with no hesitation. This church, in the midst of having very little worldly means to accomplish the work they set out to do, ceased not from moving forward. They will clearly see those who claim to be followers of God are truly followers of Satan and his deception. Facing suffering for the cause of Christ, they do not show fear. This church is willing to face death just to stand. When this happens, the community is greatly affected. In all of history, when God’s people are persecuted and martyred, the world gets turned upside down. One sure way to impact your community is to face death and persecution. Are you as a church prepared? This church was and is Smyrna, those willing to sacrifice their life for Christ
Another way to impact your community as a church is to see the open door God has given to the great commission. The church with the single focus of taking the salvation message to the world with all love and compassion makes a difference. People are dying every day and going into eternity in hell away from God forever. We can do all the normal religious things. We can have theological discussions with numerous groups with no clear answers. We can build buildings, feed, clothe, and house people, but if we fail to give them the answer to all life we have failed. If we only look at our neighborhood as the focus of our impact we will never truly make an impact. We are commissioned to take the gospel into all the world. Then, and only then, do we make an impact. This church was and is the Philadelphia church; true brotherly love.
Revelation 2:1-3:22 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. 8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. 12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. 18 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, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 3:1 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. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 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 shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
