The seven churches were chosen for their particular traits which apply to all of Christendom. Which means that these seven churches were not only literal, but also representative. The things I am teaching you from the book of Revelation will make no sense at all unless you are born again. If you are in church all your life, but have never surrendered your life wholly to the Lord, all you will hear is WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR, but you are not able to HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES, because you have no spiritual ears. No wonder so many people have really no clue what this book is all about and what glorious news it reveals to those who have ears to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.