Part 12 of 12 of the theme 'Lessons from Revelation ' by Gijs van den Brink
In the book of Revelation, the church is a minority in a non-Christian environment. There the church in the 21e century to emulate. The time of Christianity and Christian governments is over. The time of government as father and example to citizens is over. The church in Revelation is a community of Christians suffering in the world, but living from the hope of the Second Coming.
The church is a community that is a first fruit and test bed of the new creation. The community of Christians should show what God's intention for the world is.
What does the spiritual life of such a community look like? The letters to the seven churches aim to achieve a congregational life that is balanced.
The goal is:
A church that not only remains pure in doctrine but also preserves first love (Ephesus).
A church that is not afraid of suffering (Smyrna).
A church where members love their fellow believers but do not accept their sinful deeds (Pergamum).
The church that continues to do good works, but also discusses and eliminates the bad works (Tyatira).
A church where believers are Christians not only in name, but in practice (Sardes).
A church that is faithful in the small will begin to see great things (Philadelphia).
A church converted from lukewarmness and materialism (Laodicea).
The well-known American theologian and ethicist Hauerwas has said: the church does not have a program or strategy, but is a program, is a social strategy. The church should primarily focus on being church, being there for God, for each other and for neighbor.
Also see: Part 11 of 12 of the theme 'Lessons from Revelation ': Revelation: A network of small churches
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 12 of 12 concise blog on the topic of "Lessons from Revelation" from Study Bible Magazine, Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
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