In Pastor Bill Welsh’s midweek study on January 17, 2023, he focused on the topic of “7 Letters to 7 Churches” based on Revelation 2-3. The study, part of the series titled “Revelation – The King Is Coming,” took place at Refuge Calvary Chapel. Pastor Bill discussed the content of the 7 letters written to the churches mentioned in Revelation, and the video of the study is available on the Refuge Calvary Chapel’s channel. During the study, songs like “Battle Belongs to You,” “Faithful,” “Wellspring,” “Caught Up in Your Presence,” and “More Than Anything” were sung, adding to the atmosphere of worship. Additionally, the announcements mentioned a winter session for kids, a marriage class, and a parenting class, while Pastor Bill will continue his teachings on the Book of Revelation for Wednesday nights.
Session Details
Date: January 17, 2023
Presenter: Pastor Bill Welsh
Location: Refuge Calvary Chapel
Series: Revelation – The King Is Coming
Welcome to the comprehensive article recapping the midweek study on “7 Letters to 7 Churches” led by Pastor Bill Welsh. This study, based on Revelation 2-3, took place on January 17, 2023, at Refuge Calvary Chapel as part of the ongoing series “Revelation – The King Is Coming.” In this session, Pastor Bill focused on explaining the content of the seven letters written to the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation.
Opening Prayer and Worship
To begin the gathering and worship, the congregation joined in a prayer, seeking God’s presence and guidance. The songs sung during worship included “Battle Belongs to You,” “Faithful,” “Wellspring,” “Caught Up in Your Presence,” and “More Than Anything.” These songs set the tone for the study and prepared the hearts of the attendees for the message that was to follow.
Announcements
Before diving into the study, Pastor Bill shared a few announcements with the congregation. The first announcement was about the upcoming winter session for kids, which would provide an opportunity for children to gather, learn, and grow in their faith. The second announcement was about a marriage class that would offer guidance and support for couples seeking to strengthen their relationship. Lastly, a parenting class was mentioned, aimed at equipping parents with valuable tools and insights to navigate the challenges of raising children.
Introduction to 7 Letters to 7 Churches
Pastor Bill began the study by introducing the concept of the seven letters written to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. These letters, believed to be written by the apostle John on the island of Patmos, were addressed to specific churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Each letter contains commendations, rebukes, and instructions for the respective church.
The purpose of these letters was to address the spiritual condition and challenges faced by each church at that time. However, they also hold timeless principles and lessons that are applicable to the Church today. Pastor Bill emphasized the importance of understanding the historical context, as well as the relevance of these letters to our modern-day church life.
Ephesus – The Church that Left Its First Love
The first letter discussed was the one written to the church in Ephesus. Pastor Bill provided an overview of the letter, highlighting the commendable works and perseverance of the Ephesian church. However, he also addressed the issue of the church having abandoned its first love, which was a cause for concern.
Pastor Bill further elaborated on the insights he gained from studying this letter. He emphasized the need for believers to continuously cultivate a vibrant and passionate love for God, rather than relying solely on their works and achievements. He encouraged the congregation to reflect on their own love for God and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they remain rooted in their first love.
Smyrna – The Church Facing Persecution
Moving on to the second letter, Pastor Bill discussed the letter to the church in Smyrna. He provided an overview of the letter, highlighting the tribulations and poverty faced by the believers in Smyrna. He explained the reference to the “synagogue of Satan,” emphasizing the religious persecution and opposition that the church endured.
Moreover, Pastor Bill shared his insights on the faithfulness displayed by the Smyrnan church in the face of persecution. He encouraged the congregation to draw inspiration from their example and remain steadfast in their faith, even when facing challenges and opposition.
Pergamum – The Church of Compromise
The third letter discussed was the one addressed to the church in Pergamum. Pastor Bill provided an overview of the letter, focusing on the fact that the church was located in a city where Satan’s throne was believed to be. He explained how this setting had influenced the church’s tolerance of false teachings and idolatry.
Pastor Bill then shared his insights on the compromising nature of the Pergamum church. He highlighted the importance of staying true to biblical truth and not allowing worldly influences to infiltrate and distort the core teachings of the Gospel. He emphasized the need for repentance and a return to a pure and unwavering faith.
Thyatira – The Church with False Prophetess Jezebel
Moving on, Pastor Bill discussed the letter to the church in Thyatira. He provided an overview of the letter, acknowledging the love, faith, service, and patient endurance demonstrated by the Thyatiran church. However, he also addressed the issue of false teachings and the influence of a prophetess named Jezebel.
Pastor Bill explained Jezebel’s teachings and seduction, emphasizing the importance of discernment within the church. He urged the congregation to guard themselves against false teachings and the allure of compromise, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to biblical truth.
Sardis – The Church with a Reputation but Dead
The fifth letter discussed was the one addressed to the church in Sardis. Pastor Bill provided an overview of the letter, highlighting the church’s reputation for being alive but spiritually dead. He explained how the call to wake up and strengthen what remains was a wake-up call for the Sardian church to revive their spiritual vitality.
Pastor Bill shared his insights on the church’s need for revival and emphasized the importance of maintaining true spiritual life rather than relying on mere appearances. He encouraged the congregation to examine their own spiritual condition and seek renewal and revival in their relationship with God.
Conclusion
In the conclusion of the study, Pastor Bill summarized the teachings from the seven letters to the seven churches. He emphasized the themes of love, faithfulness, discernment, and revival as central messages for the Church today. He encouraged the congregation to reflect on their own spiritual condition and make any necessary adjustments to align with the teachings and warnings found in these letters.
Lastly, Pastor Bill led a closing prayer, uniting the congregation in seeking God’s guidance and blessings. The study provided a comprehensive understanding of the seven letters and their applicability to the challenges and context of the present-day Church. The congregation left with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to grow in their love and commitment to God.