Christianity, even during the first-century era of the Apostles, is constantly under Satan’s attack. John the Revelator described the spiritual challenges faced by seven, first-century Christian churches  struggling to survive in the center of Pagan Roman Empire.

The dangers, consequences and solution are described in detail in Revelation 2 and 3. Heading the list is Ephesus followed by Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The actual words of John offer sobering reading for 21st-century Christianity. Growing in grace represents more than adopting a name brand— it’s all or nothing, serious reality.

John’s riveting words deserve careful study. Rather than attempting interpretation, Revelation 2 and 3 are must reading for every Christian. The attached message to the Church at Ephesus found in Revelation 2 provides a sample of what to expect,

2 “To the angel^[a] of the church in Ephesus write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. ² I know your deeds, your hard work, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. ³ You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

⁴ Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. ⁵ Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. ⁶ But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

⁷ Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”