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“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches” (Revelation 2:7; New Living Translation).

It should be obvious from the above statement by Jesus that a study of the messages sent to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation is of paramount importance. While in exile on the Island of Patmos, the Apostle John receives this instruction from Jesus: “Write what you see into a book. Send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea” (Revelation 1:11; The Message Bible). Jesus then continues to dictate to the apostle personal messages to each of the seven churches. The content of these messages do not contain the opinions or instructions of a pastor, elder, deacon or governing church council. They are sent directly from Jesus and reveal his personal assessment of each church. This in itself should be sufficient reason for taking the time and exerting the energy to do an exhaustive study of the seven messages. But here are additional reasons which are dealt with extensively in this book:

- They reveal what is acceptable and unacceptable to Jesus in the life of a church.
- They reflect seven periods of church history.
- They explain a Christian’s relationship to the group of believers with which they are affiliated.
- They stress the responsibility of every Christian to protect the spiritual welfare of the church.
- They provide the proper perspective of what Jesus values most in a church.

The messages to the seven churches of the Apocalypse are as relevant today as when John received them. They are intended for anyone who has ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.