Mon.’s Devo - The First Three Churches

Read: Amos 1:1-3:15; Revelation 2:1-17; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 29:19-20
Amos was a prophet to Israel over 700 years before the birth of Christ. He spoke out against the seven neighbors of Israel who had either done evil to Israel or other nations. God is sovereign over all the earth. He punishes nations according to their dealings with others but he punishes Israel according to their dealings with Him.
These seven nations were Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Moab, Judah, and Israel. The longest indictment came against Israel. They had treated the poor unfairly and denied justice to the oppressed. They had made Nazarites drink wine and refused to allow the prophets to prophecy.
John spoke the words of the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. He saw the angels of the seven churches. The first lamp stand was called Ephesus which represented the first church age. Ephesus was known as the Apostolic church since the apostles led this age which started at the Pentecost of Acts 2 and lasted till 100 A.D. The angel or messenger of the church was Paul. During this time the church grew, but persecution also escalated especially during Nero’s reign. The church was commended for its perseverance and its hatred of the false doctrines of the Nicolaitans, but rebuked for leaving their first love, Jesus.
The next church was Smyrna which was described as the “Persecuted Church”. It represented the age of 100-313 A.D. During this age religion became very liturgic and ritualistic. Bishops and Presbyters were elected to lead the church and rules were made. Polycarp was a bishop that was martyred for Christ starting a flame of persecutions. Many were killed as gladiators and all manner of torturous ways. Gnosticism was started during this time which had to do with knowledge and mystical experience. They believed that Jesus was no the Son of God in human form. Timothy warned the church not to fellowship with them. This church was encouraged of their eternity. They were poor in the world’s standards but rich in God.
Pergamum was the “Indulge Church or State Church. Pergamum was a city totally given over to Greek idols. This age was from 312-606 A.D. Christianity became the state religion according to Constantine and worship became very ritual and ordered. The worship of Mary, making the sign of the cross, the rosary, mass, purgatory, services in Latin, worship of angels and saint and prayers for the dead started during this time. The church became rich and powerful in the natural but poor and week in spirit. The doctrine of Balaam was their sin - receiving money for spiritual gifts. The doctrine of Nicolaitians grew making the leadership stronger and the laity weaker. God promised hidden manna to those who remained true to him.
Lord, thank you for your sovereignty.