GOD IS NOT MOCKED: HE KNOWS!

Some theologians believe the seven churches of Asia, found listed in Revelation 2 - 3, represent literal churches of John's day.  Others believe they are symbolic of seven distinct periods of Church History, from Pentecost through the time of the Tribulation (the church in Philadelphia will be saved from the Tribulation, but the church of Laodicea will not (Rev. 3:10, 15-17).  Still others believe the seven describe the state of various churches at any point of time since Pentecost.  To be honest, I suspect that all three views are correct, although I cannot prove it.  Nevertheless, there is one thing I do know for sure:  God knows what we are doing!  John's address to each of the seven churches:   

"Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works..." (Rev. 2:1-2).

"And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the First and the Last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works..." (Rev. 2:8-9).

"And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works..." (Rev. 2:12-13).

"And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass; I know thy works..."
(Rev. 2:18-19).

"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works..." (Rev. 3:1).

"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works..." (Rev. 3:7-8).

"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works..." (Rev. 3:14-15).

Born again believers, those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are guided in doing the Lord's will (Jn. 16:13; Heb. 12:5-11).  Those who claim to be Christians, but live according to their own will, they may be religious, but their churches operate with "Jesus on the outside lookin' in."

BEWARE:  God knows our thoughts, our words, and our deeds!