What is Jesus Speaks?
Jesus has something to say to the churches of our day. Some of His words are encouraging, some are sharp rebukes, all of them are relevant and will cause us to pause. Jesus also has something to say to each of us. Join the conversation and listen to Jesus speaking to his church throughout history and now. In Revelation 2-3 Jesus’s words come to us like a two-edged sword, both encouraging and judging. Jesus calls us to hold fast in the face of compromise. Jesus is always inviting us in to something more. The question is are we listening? Jesus Speaks books are available for in-store purchase at the Eastview Bookstore for a REDUCED price.
Study
Week 1: Ephesus
Though the church of Ephesus was known for their faithfulness, influential service, and defense of sound doctrine, they lost their first love for Jesus. If we are not careful, we can push aside our first love for Him and get caught up in the workings of our faith. Jesus invites us to fall in love with him again.
Week 2: Smyrna
The church in Smyrna faced many trials and tribulations yet they did not compromise. They stood strong. Jesus encouraged them to faithfully continue. As we face our own set of difficult situations and hard times, Jesus encourages us to fearlessly follow Him.
Week 3: Pergamum
The church in Pergamum allowed false teachings and cultural norms to infiltrate the church. The church is under attack today. If we are not careful, we can fall prey to similar cultural norms and teachings. Jesus encourages us to live holy in the midst of an unholy culture.
Week 4: Thyatira
The church in Thyatira struggled with holy living like Pergamum and also embraced false doctrine from within their own walls. That same struggle persists today in the church. Jesus challenges us not to compromise and to care deeply about His Word.
Week 5: Sardis
The church of Sardis became complacent, apathetic, relying upon it’s reputation and past works. They had fallen asleep on Jesus. We are tempted to do the same. If we are not careful we will become satisfied with the status quo. Jesus gives us a “wake up” call.
Week 6: Philadelphia
Like Smyrna, the church in Philadelphia did not compromise their faith. They kept the word with endurance and Jesus opened a door of great influence for them in their culture. Jesus encourages us to hold fast and influence the world around us.
Week 7: Laodicea
The church of Laodicea had a reputation for being lukewarm, having a lack of zeal. Even their city water wasn’t appealing. This tasteless faith led Jesus to want to “spit them out of his mouth.” A powerful rebuke. In like fashion, Jesus sternly calls us to be zealous for Him.