Musing – Which of the 7 churches in Revelation is your church like?

 Hebraic Musing – Which of the 7 churches in Revelation is your church like?

Apostle John heard messages from the Lord in Revelation 2&3 to be shared with each of seven churches in Galatia, western Turkey.  What can we learn about “our” church from these messages from the Lord?  

Ephesus was an Apostolic Church that had forsaken its first love.  It was known as a wealthy, influential seaport city 2^nd only to Rome in the Empire.  To Ephesus he wrote “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil…” but “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” NKJV   And He tells them to “repent and do the first works.”   Many churches around the world have lost their passion for the Gospel.  Going to church is just something to do, while practicing the faith means very little.  God warned the Ephesian church; He warns us!  We must go back to our first love; if we hope to eat from the tree of life, we must repent and fall in love with Christ again.  Every day?!?!

Smyrna was a small and persecuted church known for its beauty, wealth and pride, but suffering Roman Catholic persecution.  To the persecuted church in Smyrna he wrote “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.”  In this verse, God tells this small church that their persecution will continue, but only for a little while.  In the meantime, they should lean on their faith, professing Christ even if it leads to death.  Those who persevere will receive the crown of life.  Persevere!   Notice – No condemnation!

Pergamum was a compromising church that needed to repent.  It was a powerful cultural, political and religious center with magnificent temples, libraries and theaters.  Some began to compromise, blending worldly practices with their faith.  The church in Pergamos struggled against false teachers.  Some began to follow the doctrine of Balaam, mixing idolatry and immorality into worship.  He warns the church in Pergamos to repent.

Thyatira was a Corrupt church (Roman Catholic Church, a false prophetess in Middle Ages) which he disciplined.  “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.  Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.”   And Paul warned us “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12   Love of the prophetess was allowing tolerance!!!

Sardis was known as a Dead or a sleeping Church (like the Reformation period).  The church of Sardis did not struggle with false teaching or sexual impropriety; but instead, it was completely and utterly void of any passion for the Gospel.  According to Revelation 3:1, the church was well-known for its godly works, but the people lacked any real relationship with God, which is why God declared them dead.  “…you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”  Sardis was a city complacent in its comfort and self-reliance.  Like the previous churches, God exhorts them to repent.  If they didn’t, He promised to come upon them “as a thief” at an unknown hour and judge them accordingly.  But “You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”  Sardis was steeped in pagan gods. (like many of today’s American government’s historical sites!)

Philadelphia is a small, Faithful Church that endured patiently with no condemnation!  They experienced many visitors and soldiers, many not friendly to Christians, yet, the church thrived, and it did not escape God’s notice.  They “have kept my word, and have not denied My name.” v.8   As a reward, God makes several big promises in v.10  “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth…”   No condemnation!

Laodicea was a Lukewarm Church (like our modern-day era of spiritual complacency?).  The warnings they received?  “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Since they don’t think they need anything … “do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” vs.15- 17

These seven churches are frequently recognized as stages of church history:

-       Ephesus (Apostolic Church) Had forsaken its first love, AD 30-300.

-       Smyrna (Small Persecuted Church) — Martyred church suffering Roman persecution, 100–313.

-       Pergamum (Compromising Church) — The church that needs repent, 314-590.

-       Thyatira (Corrupt Roman Catholic Church) — A false prophetess in Middle Ages, 590–1517.

-       Sardis (Dead or sleeping Church) — The Reformation period, 1517 to 1700.

-       Philadelphia (Small Faithful Church) — They endured faithfully & patiently, 1700-1900

-       Laodicea (Lukewarm Church) — Reflecting the modern era of spiritual complacency.

Key Questions – Might today’s church be Spiritually complacent?  Why did the two smallest churches receive God’s commendations, while the larger churches had serious problems?

Points to Ponder

What does “repent” mean?  Why is that a central theme?

How did they overcome tribulation?     ♫Are you ready for that judgement day?♫

What does my/your church need?    What’s my/your action plan(s)?

Revelation 2:7 says if we hope to eat from the tree of life, we must repent and fall in love with Christ again. 

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           November 25, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Carole Urbas’ teachings at Joppa House – November 2025