Adult Class (NHCC)

Steps to Revitalization (Week 2)

Review: Reasons why church revitalization is necessary / Seven Letters to the Seven Churches

Review Definition of Revitalization: What are we looking for?

Two churches that stand out:

(No any correction / rebuke)

Rev. 2:8-11 Church in Smyrna

Setting: Modern day Turkey, temple for the Mother Goddess,imperial cult temple, beautiful city, strong Jewish presence and opposition to the Christianity (2-3 C.)

Praised: Spiritual riches, faithfulness to Christ

Rev. 2:7-12 Church in Philadelphia

Setting: Located near a fertile valley, growing of wine grapes, worship of Zeus, Hestia, and imperial cult

Praised: Works, Open door, faithfulness (kept my word, not denied, patience endurance), reward promised (crown, temple, city, name)

Are any of the Seven Churches beyond hope or revitalization?

A solution is offered to each:

Specific Instructions

Ephesus 2:5

Smyrna 2:10

Pergamum 2:16

Thyatira 2:24-25

Sardis 3:2-3

Philadelphia 3:10-11

Laodicea 3:18-20

Broad Application / Refrain

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

What should be the driving motivation for pursuing revitalization?

John 14:15

John 15:5-8

Ephesians 5:25-27

Romans 11:33-36

Next Study: What is the Church?