7 Letters (Part 1)

Written By Betty Predmore

REVELATION 2:1-17

(December 10)

I spent quite a few years working for a doctor. Part of my job was to transcribe his dictation for the patients' records. I would put in my headphones and listen to what he had records, then put those words down as the factual history of the patient. That record was to be permanent and absolute.

I see John as the “transcriber” of Jesus’ dictation as he writes these letters to the seven churches. Jesus is dictating. John is transposing those words into letters that will be delivered to each of these churches.

Letter #1

The first letter is written to the angel of the church of Ephesus. Jesus wants them to know that their hard work and patient endurance have not gone unnoticed. They have been very careful and diligent about weeding out the false teachers and not buying into their lies.

Despite this praise, Jesus has an issue with the fact that they are not expressing as much love to him or each other as they previously did. He wants them to return their hearts to the time when they did the greatest works for him fueled by love.

He offers this consequence if they don't heed his warning… “If you don't repent, I will remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.”

He mentions that they hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans. These were believers who compromised their faith in order to participate in some of the society's sins. Christ has a strong word for those who seek to purposely sin.

Letter #2

The angel of the church in Smyrna is the recipient of the second letter. Jesus wants to assure them that despite the poverty they have faced, they are rich. They have faced a lot of blasphemy from the unbelievers,who claim to be Jewsbut seem to serve Satan.

He warns them that suffering is coming against them, but to not be afraid. If they can remain faithful through the ten days of suffering, they will receive the crown of life.

Jesus advises that they must listen to the Spirit and understand what is being said to them. This will bring them victory, and they will not be harmed.

Letter #3

This letter was transcribed for the angel of the church in Pergamum, where Satan ruled, yet believers managed to stay faithful to Christ refusing to deny him despite any circumstance.

Despite this, Jesus mentions an issue genus displeased with. They have been tolerating some of the false teachers, and some even followed them. He commands that they turn away from this. All who do will receive the “hidden mama”, the spiritual nourishment they need. Just like God provides it for t hee physical nourishment of the Israelites as they traveled to the Promised Land, Jesus supplies it for the spiritual nourishment of those who believe. This spiritual manna satisfies our deepest hunger.

John is a busy guy… transcribing for Jesus all that he wanted the churches to know.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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