INTRODUCTION 3

As we read Revelation chapter 1 verses 9-20, notice that the churches are compared lampstands. Actually, this image is one of the keys to understanding our purpose as a church. A lampstand is a place to put a lamp so that the lamp can be more visible. Our purpose as a church is to reflect Jesus Christ, the true Light of the World. We can fulfill that purpose if we listen to what the Holy Spirit says to us. You'll see that phrase repeated at the end of the message to each church. Hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Verse 13 shows us that Jesus stands in the midst of the churches. During this series, we want to acknowledge His presence among us and long for him to encourages us, rebukes us, warn us and give us hope just as He did with the seven churches in Revelation.