what are the churches in revelation?

Question

what are they and what is God talking about?

and where do we stand in it? considering the places he says they are, arent here.

Answer 1

I believe they were 7 literal churches that God had 7 literal messages for. That being said, Revelation is certainly a mystical book with much symbolism and communicates in broad principles.
Some have likened the seven churches to seven church ages. Personally I reject this interpretation because God has always had faithful followers in every phase of church history. I am inclined to believe though that the seven churches do represent 7 general classes of churches. I don't think it takes much imagination to see the worldly Church of the Laodiceans depicted today among those who suppose that "godliness is gain", and think the Gospel is primarily God's way of making people rich. I note that there really were only two churches out of seven that Jesus had no reproof for - Firstly, the Church at Smyrna, which clearly represents the suffering church. (There have been far more Christians martyred for their faith in the last century than in all the preceding centuries combined, and today conservative estimates are that at least 1000 die every day for their faith).
The other is the Church of Philadelphia, and I think clearly the name tells us why. This was a church where there was genuine brotherly love (as the Greek name indicates), and this I believe shows more of what God desires than any aspect of the Gospel, including sound doctrine, right liturgy or zeal in evangelism.

Answer 2

The seven churches described in Revelation 2-3 are seven literal churches at the time that John the apostle was writing Revelation. Though they are literal churches in that time, there is also spiritual significance for churches and believers today. The first purpose is to write to the literal churches and meet their needs at that time. The second purpose is to reveal seven different types of individuals/churches throughout history and instruct them in God's truth.

A possible third purpose is using the seven church to represent seven different periods in the history of the church. The problem with this view is that each of the seven churches describes issues that could fit the church in any time in its history. So, although there may be some truth to the seven churches representing seven eras of the church, too many people go into far too much speculation in order to determine which church fits which era. Instead, our focus should be on what message God is giving to us through the seven churches. The seven churches are:

(1) Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) - the church that had forsaken its first love (2:4).

(2) Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) - the church that would suffer persecution (2:10).

(3) Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) - the church that needed to repent (2:16).

(4) Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) - the church who had a false prophetess (2:20).

(5) Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) - the church that had fallen asleep (3:2).

(6) Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) - the church that had endured patiently (3:10).

(7) Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) - the church with the lukewarm faith (3:16).

Answer 3

The messages to the seven churches in Asia Minor tell of the spiritual status and trails of each church and how God felt about them.

These seven churches of Revelation also represent seven church ages covering the past 2,000 years. The names of each church describe the Christian strength. A few versus tell about the age, their doctrine, work and mistakes during these times.

We are in or past the seventh age where Christ has been rejected and stands outside church doors attempting to get in. Rev. 3:20.

An Exposition of the Seven Church Ages by William M. Branham of the U.S. and some writings of Watchman Nee of China address church ages in detail.

A search for -- Seven Church Ages -- on Yahoo will get you started. If you really want to know what is going on get the Branham book. For a couple of bucks, it views the spiritual, historical and mythological events covering these ages. It is an eye opener as they say.

Answer 4

Here's a study about the 7 churches in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. Click on the button that says 7 Churches @ http://www.angelfire.com/rock3/cornerstone0/

Answer 5

The churches in Revelation represent the churches and their faults back then and through time, but we are the church and we are to come through and out of each stage to become perfect in the eyes of the LORD, that we may sit on his right side the same as he over came and sits on the right side of the FATHER.... This is a high position . He will say" well done my good and faithful servant" .. Not many will do this. Only a few elite that he will go to the four corner of the earth to gather............

Answer 6

Simple.

John was well aware of the seven main continents of the earth, and gave the term “churches” as those who gather and belong to a group of people of the same belief and faith. By using the terms of his day relative to Asia and some of its cities, John hid (with divine purpose) the knowledge he had of the other continents outside of the known world in his time. The symbolism of “seven” represents the seven main continents of the entire earth, and throughout Revelation continually symbolizes all the people of the earth.

If you want to know what all the other symbols mean, you can read the book explaining it ALL in plainness. It is free at the site below:

Answer 7

The 7 places listed in Revelation by John were 7 christian fellowships in 7 actual cities where in Asia Minor of the 1st Century (modern Turkey). John was writing to these churches to encourage them to be strong in order to endure the upcoming persecution from the Roman Empire.

Answer 8

Those congregations were real congregations back then, but today when we read the accounts for each congregation it helps us to understand what is pleasing and not pleasing to God.

For instance, Rev. 2:20 helps us to know how God views those who tolerate and commit fornication, and his view of idol worship.

It's wise for us to read this Bible book because Revelation 1:3 says: "HAPPY is he who reads aloud and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and who observe the things written in it; for the appointed time is near."

Jehovah's Witnesses would be happy to answer any of your questions, or you may have a free-home Bible study at your convenience. Answers always come only from the Bible because the Bible interprets itself.

Answer 9

Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Even though I don't believe in religion anymore, the first is pretty certain talking about the united states.

Answer 10

I would say they are all right here, currently in tribulation, and that the lack of a rapture will be a seismic wake up call. There is no guarantee of a rapture anywhere in the scriptures. "One will be taken, the other left", just like the coal mine and the bridge collapse.

Get used to it, there is not Rapture. Many Christians have fallen away, and all must be tried.