Revelation 3 is a continuation of the second chapter; three more churches are included to reach the number seven.
The message to the Church in Sardis is rather stern: you are dead. Wake up! Yet even here there is a little good news as "a few" in Sardis are living rightly.
To the Church in Philadelphia, Jesus has a message of encouragement. Because they have been faithful in the face of persecution, they will be delivered from further trials.
Finally, we hear about the Church in Laodicea. This is probably the most famous and oft-quoted letter to the various churches in Revelation. We hear that Laodicea is lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, and so is about to be spit out of the Lord's mouth. We discover that the Laodiceans fancy themselves rich and secure, but the truth is they are poor, blind, and naked. Jesus reveals that He has what they truly need.
But the seventh letter is not all bad news. Verse 20 has been immortalized in artworks, bumper stickers, and sermons: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Have you opened the door of your heart to Christ? He promises to come in and fellowship with you if you do!
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