Preaching the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3

Abstract

In the New Testament, the message of Jesus to the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 is the only direct discourse communicated to local congregations. When properly understood and interpreted, the implications for methodology and ministry are profound especially when one considers that Jesus’ message to each congregation ends with the exhortation to “hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” As detailed in chapter one, this thesis will purport that the message of Jesus to each church when properly interpreted and explained can then be contextualized into poignant implications for the life, teachings and ministry in the local church. Chapter two demonstrates the best way to interpret these seven messages is by comparing and contrasting the content in the seven messages through examining them in light of this repeated exegetical and structural content. Chapter three shows that the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 contain implications for today’s church in regard to the life, doctrine and discipline of the church. Chapter four examines the implications for preaching in light of Jesus’ prophetic messages being an echo of the salvation-judgment oracles of the Old Testament. Chapter five contains summary assessments and conclusions in regard to the practical implications of the seven churches. The benefit of this thesis is its emphasis on the practical implications for local congregations today in light of Jesus message to the seven churches.