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I am seeking God's perspective on some issues so I started a new Bible study last night. Looking at Revelation 2-3 I read through what Jesus had to say to 7 churches and here are my initial impressions:

Ephesus (2:1-7) "First Church of INTENTION". This church seems to want to do the right things, but they have gotten off-track.

Smyrna (2:8-11) "First Church of IGNORANCE". They are about to face persecution and the things they are rich in will not help them.

* Pergamum (2:12-17) "First Church of INTEGRATION". This church has compromised its teaching by mixing things displeasing to God into its ministry. God will war against false teachers!

Thyatira (2:18-19) "First Church of ILL-ADJUSTMENT" (a church plant of the "First Church of Integration") They, too have compromised, doing great deeds, but do them with wrong intention, motivation and for the wrong reasons.

Sardis (3:1-6) "First Church of INACTIVITY". They are "in extremis" (at the point of death).

Philadephia (3:7-13) "First Church of INDECISIVENESS". This church really has nothing negative said about it, save their seeming hesitation to go through the door God has opened to them.

Laodicea (3:14-22) "First Church of INDIGESTION." Lukewarm, rejectable, ignorant, poor values.

I put an astrix by Pergamum because I feel this is where most western churches are today, mixing political correctness and "sensitivity" to the point they are not only rendered ineffective, but are idolatrous as they exalt their style of ministry over God's Word.

"Seeker Sensitity" has reduced the gospel message to "believe in Jesus" without saying why this is necessary. People don't know of sin because it is offensive and brings discomfort. Well, even Jesus said He sent the Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.

If we are going to ignore the words of Jesus and have our backs saddled with the teachings of Balaam and the things God wars against, we might as well change our sign out front . . .

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