We discussed happiness vs blessed and decided happiness was according to self and blessed was according to God. Rev 1:2-3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. NKJV
We found that all the 7 churches are basically in Turkey and were connected by roads. The spiritual condition in these churches is representative or the kind of errors that we are most likely to fall into and our task this week is to decide which church we "fit" into, honestly. The two churches most commended are the ones experiencing the most tribulation. And the most comfortable churches are the ones in the most serious spiritual condition. (Wow, America's in trouble, eh?) Ephesus: The word Ephesus means "my darling" or "desired one". It can be taken as the "Apostolic" church in prophetic sense. (30-100 AD) They got so busy doing the works that the forgot Whom they worked for. They seemed to do their works for "goodness sake" or a "works righteousness" instead of spending time with the Lord and allowing HIM to work THRU them. Smyrna: Is a Greek word with a Hebrew root, means myrrh which is a symbol of death. They were a suffering church and were encouraged to hang on. It can be taken as the "Persecuted" church which began around . There were 10 emperors that specifically directed persecution of the Christian church over a 250 year period. Depending on sources it is seen historically/prophetically between 100-113 AD or as far as 315 AD. Christianity was legalized but persecuted and was the "pure" church.
Pergamos: This word means "perverted" or "mixed marriage". It was the "compromising" church. Historically/prophetically it was during the Byzantine period and many Christians avoided death and persecution by token reverence for those in rule. Some became Christians at this time simply because it was the "thing to do". (Kind of like the latest fad.) Thyratira: is the Medieval church that was morally corrupt. 606-1517 AD. Scriptures were not allowed to be read by the peasants and lower classes. Only the elite, the educated, the theologians were tho't to be able to interpret them to the masses. Mary's status was raised. Sardis: An interesting find here. On the one hand it is called the "dead" church having the "name" but without *life*. On the other hand, historically, it's in the place of the "Reformation" church. Back to Scripture for the common man. Also known as the "Denominational" church.
Philadelphia: The church everyone wants to be! Manifesting their love for God by showing love to others. Historically/prophetically this is the Revival period 1750-1900 when there were revivals going all over the place. Also known as the "Missionary" church. Laodocian: "The rule of the people". It's generally tho't that "someone" was/is ruling over this church with unsanctioned authority. It can refer to legalism in the church, or allowing false teachers to teach in the church, or even pastors that corral the sheep too stringently. Historically/prophetically can be seen as the "Apostate"' church and would be from 1900-present. This is when "the people" (or possibly the leaders) decided to judge which parts of Scripture are true or applicable for today. "What hubris!" It has made itself God's judge rather than allowing God to judge them. They justify their sinful behaviors away by changing the meaning of God's Word. This is apostasy.
Revival begins with our recognition of our sin before the holiness of God. Ps 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
NLT
We dig in deeper to each church (and anything that comes before that) next week. | 
The Revelation homework was a bit overwhelming!
