What is the problem with the church today? There isn’t just one problem, which is why we need the letters from Jesus in the book of Revelation.
In Revelation, Jesus has a message for his churches. He reveals himself in his glory and also reveals God’s unfolding plan for history. But in chapters 2 and 3, he also brings a series of messages for churches.
There are seven letters. Seven is the number of completeness. As many scholars have noticed, the message of these letters is timeless, speaking to the strengths and weaknesses of churches in all generations. They’re not just letters to the nine original recipients; these churches represent us.
Some messages are positive:
- The church in Smyrna was afflicted and poor but also spiritually rich (2:8-11). They didn’t feel like they were doing well but were doing much better than they expected.
- The church in Philadelphia was persecuted and weak but remained faithful to Christ and was commended (3:7-13).
Some churches received mixed reviews:
- The church in Ephesus had sound doctrine and endurance but had lost its first love (2:1-7).
- The church in Pergamum endured through persecution but also tolerated false teaching (2:12-17).
Disturbingly, some churches only received negative messages from Jesus. He had nothing good to say about them.
- The church in Sardis had a good reputation but was spiritually asleep (3:1-6). Despite their good reputation, their deeds were unfinished.
- The church in Laodicea was lukewarm, spiritually blind, and wretched, despite believing they were strong (3:14-22).
Unless these churches took corrective action, Jesus promised severe consequences. But Jesus also outlined measures that unhealthy churches could take to get back on track. He still extended hope to them, even those in very serious conditions.
When Jesus gave these messages to the churches, there were many societal pressures, but the problem wasn’t external. The problem was within the church. The same applies today. The world’s gone crazy, but the problem in the church is never out there. The problem is inside. Even in times of severe trial, and even when we have few resources, we can stay faithful to our Lord and receive his commendation.
So what is the problem with the church today? It really depends.
Maybe our churches are doing well. If so, we should be encouraged. Stay faithful. Don’t look at external circumstances or outward success as measures of your health. It may be that some seemingly struggling congregations will receive God’s commendation ahead of those who look like they’re doing really well.
Maybe our churches are doing well in some areas but need to be strengthened in others. If so, be encouraged by what’s going well, and take corrective action to address what’s lacking.
Perhaps Jesus has only negative things to say to our church. Even then, Jesus offers hope.
What’s the problem with the church? It depends. Revelation 2 and 3 helps us evaluate our own church’s condition, and it also tells us what we should do about it.
I’m so grateful for the richness of God’s word, which helps us take an honest look at our churches. I’m also grateful that Jesus provides solutions to whatever problems we may be experiencing, and he offers hope even to churches who receive his harshest criticisms.
