Introduction: What would Jesus say to New Rocky Creek Baptist Church? Consider with me today what Jesus said to the seven Churches after His resurrection from the dead.

1. Go Back! (Rev 2:4-8)

“4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent……..To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

Ephesus was busy but backslidden. She had left her first love. Where do we stand?

2. Be Faithful! (Rev 2:10)

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

Persecution and suffering was the experience of the Church of Smyrna. Are we being persecuted?

3. Guard Sound Doctrine! (Rev 2:14,15)

“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”

Evidently, teaching the Bible the correct way is important to Jesus. Do you guard against false teaching? Do you excuse it? Compromise because of convenience sake?

4. Hold fast! (Rev 2:25,26)

“25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:”

The Kingdom will come. Jesus – the King will rule. We will have a part in that Kingdom period. Can’t wait!

5. Wake up! (Rev 3:1,2)

“These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.”

The devil is rocking Churches to sleep. Are you asleep? Do you need to be spiritually awakened?

6. Open Up! (Rev 3:8-11)

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

Walking through open doors is God’s will. Philadelphia was the mission-minded Church. No wonder the Lord opened doors for them. Are you watching for open doors of ministry opportunities? Or are you barely surviving?

7. Hot – Cold – or Lukewarm! (Rev 3:15)

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

When we live as if we don’t need Jesus, it makes Him sick. Are you on fire? Ice cold? Or Lukewarm?