A church differs from theme-based clubs in many ways, but the key factor is God’s presence with people. In Revelation 2 and 3, we have 7 letters to churches in Asia, and each letter starts with some aspect of Christ’s presence which was of great relevance to them. Each letter contains His examination of them and warnings and encouragement, concluding with a promise to those who are victorious. Each letter ends with the phrase, “Whoever has ears, let them listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22) Timely advice, indeed!
Though these words were written to specific churches long ago, they are also relevant to us today. They deal with issues of hard work without love, compromise, persecution, indifference and lukewarm attitudes and remind us that we need to do more than merely hear; we need to listen and pay attention to God – and do what He says! His presence with us is what makes the difference and we need to understand that Christ is more than enough to meet every need and every situation at every age in history. A church which fails to heed these challenging words will not last, but we have the promise of help and power from the First and Last and are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Rom 8:37)