Here is a short summary of the critique offered by Jesus to each of the seven churches. there is a lot in Jesus’ message to these churches that would be good for us.

• Ephesus – lost their original passion for following Jesus
• Smyrna – entering a season of suffering brought by the devil
• Pergamum – false teachings, causing idolatry and suffering
• Thyatira – sexually immoral and unwilling to repent
• Sardis – spiritual apathy and laziness in doing good works
• Philadelphia – weak and needing to hold on to their confession
• Laodicea – lukewarm, deceived and spiritually impoverished 

There’s a lot there the American Church can consider. Isn’t there? And make no mistake! Jesus’ addresses the church because he expects us to carry one another’s burdens, to sharpen one another and spur one another on to love and good deeds. In fact, the charge to be “victorious,” to overcome these obstacles, is repeated 7 times, along with a blessing promised to each church that does so. Here’ the list of promised blessings.

• Ephesus – To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life. (2:7)
• Smyrna – The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. (2:11)
• Pergamum - To the one who is victorious, I will give hidden manna. (2:17)
• Thyatira - To the one who is victorious…I will give authority over the nations. (2:26)
• Sardis – The one who is victorious…will be dressed in white (3:5)
• Philadelphia – The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. (3:12)
• Laodicea – To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne. (3:21)