We are asking you to spend some time writing a letter that you think Jesus might send to our church if we were included in the letters to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3. How would the letter introduce Jesus? What are the things Jesus would encourage us in because we are doing well? What virtues would He point out in us? What are the things He would admonish or rebuke us for because we are failing? Where would He call us to repent? And how would He wrap it all up?
To help you get started, we thought it would be helpful to review a few verses about what the church is and who God expects us to be. Please read through these verses before you write your letter.
To help you get started, we thought it would be helpful to review a few verses about what the church is and who God expects us to be. Please read through these verses before you write your letter.
Matthew 16:16, 18-19
“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”… Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock (Peter’s confession) I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”” Matthew 16:16, 18-19
Matthew 28:18-20
“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:18-20
John 13:34-35
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”” John 13:34-35
Ephesians 4:11-13
“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-13
Ephesians 4:11-13
1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27
“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part… All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27
2 Timothy 4:2-4
“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4
Acts of the Apostles 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” Acts of the Apostles 1:8
These prompts are just for guidance! Do not feel pressure to write something in every single text box. Let the Holy Spirit lead you.