The King is Coming: Season 6
Jesus Among the Churches
The Book of Revelation begins with a powerful reminder: Jesus Christ is present with His people. He encourages, corrects, strengthens, and guides His Church through every generation.
Christ in the Midst of His Church
John’s vision revealed Jesus standing among the lampstands, a reminder that Christ remains present with His people and continues to guide His Church.
6.1- Lesson 6.1:Jesus Among the Churches
Revelation 1–3
Season 6: The King Is Coming
Introduction
When many people think about Revelation, they think about mysterious symbols, visions, and future events.
But Revelation begins somewhere much closer to home.
It begins with Jesus and His Church.
The Apostle John was living in exile on the island of Patmos because of his faith in Christ. While there, he received a vision from the risen Jesus.
What John saw was both powerful and comforting.
Jesus was not distant.
Jesus was not absent.
Jesus was present among His people.
Revelation 1–3 reminds believers that Christ knows His Church. He sees its strengths and weaknesses. He offers encouragement, correction, and hope.
Before Revelation speaks about the future, it speaks to the Church of the present.
The message remains relevant today.
Jesus continues to walk among His people.
S
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
A Vision of the Risen Christ
(Revelation 1)
John sees Jesus standing among seven lampstands.
The lampstands represent the churches.
This powerful image reminds believers that Christ remains present with His people.
Jesus is described as:
The Alpha and Omega
The First and the Last
The Living One
The Faithful Witness
The King of Kings
The vision emphasizes Christ’s authority, victory, and eternal nature.
Scripture References
Revelation 1–3 (NASB)
Key Verse
“Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore…” — Revelation 1:17–18 (NASB)
Historical Background
The Book of Revelation was written near the end of the first century.
Christians faced increasing pressure and persecution within the Roman Empire.
Many believers struggled with fear, compromise, discouragement, and spiritual complacency.
God gave John a message to encourage and strengthen the churches.
The seven churches addressed in Revelation were real congregations located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).
Although each church faced unique challenges, the messages contain lessons for believers in every generation.
The Church at Ephesus
(Revelation 2:1–7)
The believers at Ephesus worked hard and remained faithful to sound teaching.
Yet Jesus identified a problem.
They had lost their first love.
Their service continued, but their passion for Christ had diminished.
Jesus called them to remember, repent, and renew their devotion.
Faithfulness involves both truth and love.
The Church at Smyrna
(Revelation 2:8–11)
Smyrna faced persecution and suffering.
Jesus encouraged them not to fear.
Though their circumstances were difficult, Christ promised His presence and eternal reward.
Faithfulness often requires courage.
The Church at Pergamum and Thyatira
(Revelation 2:12–29)
These churches struggled with compromise.
Some believers allowed cultural influences to weaken their commitment to Christ.
Jesus called them back to faithfulness and truth.
Followers of Christ are called to live differently from the surrounding culture.
The Church at Sardis
(Revelation 3:1–6)
Sardis appeared healthy on the outside but was spiritually weak.
Jesus challenged them to wake up and strengthen what remained.
Spiritual vitality matters more than appearances
The Churches at Philadelphia and Laodicea
(Revelation 3:7–22)
Philadelphia remained faithful despite limited strength.
Jesus encouraged them to persevere.
Laodicea had become spiritually lukewarm.
They believed they needed nothing, yet Jesus called them to renewed dependence upon Him.
Christ desires wholehearted devotion.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus Knows His Church
Christ sees both strengths and weaknesses.
Nothing is hidden from Him.
Faithfulness Matters
Throughout Revelation 2–3, Jesus repeatedly calls believers to remain faithful.
Christ Encourages and Corrects
Jesus speaks words of both comfort and challenge because He loves His people.
Hope Belongs to the Faithful
Each letter concludes with promises for those who overcome through faith.
God remains faithful to His promises.
Obedience in Action
Jesus Among the Churches challenges believers to ask:
Am I growing closer to Christ?
Have I lost some of my first love for Jesus?
Where do I need spiritual renewal?
Am I remaining faithful despite challenges?
How can I encourage others in their faith?
Christ calls His people to continual growth and faithfulness.
Walk It Out
Consider these questions:
Which of the seven churches do you relate to most?
Why is it important that Jesus walks among the churches?
What strengths and weaknesses do you notice in the churches?
How does Christ’s encouragement bring hope?
What area of your spiritual life needs attention today?
Possible Responses
You may identify areas where God is calling you to renewed commitment.
You may recognize ways Christ has remained faithful during difficult seasons.
You may feel encouraged to continue growing in faith.
Living the Message
The messages to the seven churches remind believers that faithfulness matters.
Churches face different challenges.
Individuals face different struggles.
Yet Christ remains present.
He encourages.
He corrects.
He strengthens.
He guides.
The same Jesus who walked among the churches of Revelation continues walking among His people today.
Christ Among His People
The opening chapters of Revelation are not primarily about predicting future events.
They are about knowing Jesus.
The Church’s greatest need is not more information about the future.
The Church’s greatest need is a deeper relationship with Christ.
When believers remain close to Him, they can face the future with confidence and hope.
Related Pages
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Next Lesson
Lesson 6.2: The Throne of Heaven
Revelation 4–5
John is given a glimpse of heavenly worship where God reigns and the Lamb is worthy of all praise.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
Come and See. Join us for Sunday School at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM. Visit PGUM.org to continue the journey.
