These are the words...I know

If you didn't know this, in the book of Revelation, there are seven letters written to the seven churches. Reading through the letters this morning I noticed something that I never have really paid attention to. It's something I want to share with you because I think that it is pretty cool.

Before I get though, I want to encourage you to read passages in your bible over and over. There are things that the Holy Spirit allows you to comprehend differently every time you read it. My buddy and I were just talking about this last night. We both had cool stories about how a similar verse both meant different things to us and was still powerful and amazing.

What I noticed today about the seven letters was that they all began with the same thing. "These are the words of him." The letters that were written to the seven churches came directly from God though John. "These are the words of him," are always followed by a name that was given to Jesus Christ.

After that, there Christ always writes about what he knows about the church. There is power in the fact that Christ is all-knowing. Christ knew everything that was going on within that church and how the people were living and he commended them, rebuked them, and gave them an action to improve on what they were lacking.

Isn't that kinda of what he does in our lives? He is all-knowing. He knows our thoughts, our desires, and our words before we even think or speak. It's wild.

Ephesus

These are the words of him who holds the seven starts in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. (Revelation 2:1-2) 

Smyrna

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty-yet you are right! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews but are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. (Revelation 2:8-9)

Pergamum

These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live-where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city-where Satan lives. (Revelation 3:1)

Thyatira 

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. (Revelation 2:18-19)

Sardis

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven starts. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. (Revelation 3:1)

Philadephia

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know you're deeds. (Revelation 3:7-8)

Laodicea

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. (Revelation 3:14-15)

These are the words...I know.