“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write…” (Revelation 3:1 NKJV)

John’s Revelation begins with seven letters from Jesus to seven specific churches. Each letter was addressed to the “angel of the church.” The word “angel” might also be translated “messenger,” so one might assume this meant the letter was to be read by the pastor, who would then read it to the church. All seven churches were located in Asia Minor, which is modern day Turkey. There are many views on how to interpret these seven letters. Some think they describe the progressive ages of the church as the end times approach, with the Laodicean church being descriptive of the condition of the last church before Christ’s return. Others rightly point out that the letters were accurate in their descriptions of the actual churches of John’s day, and therefore had a present tense meaning for them. Perhaps both of these views are correct, so that the letters were both prescriptive and prophetic. I have visited all seven cities in Turkey and I observed that the letters accurately described key features of those cities. Whatever their intent, whether historical, progressive or future, these seven letters tell us that Jesus is the real Head of the Church and He is actively involved in its administration and in its ultimate future.