Good point; those churches were bona fide and legitimate churches, unlike the faith communities of some of their critics.
Mat 18:20 For where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them.”
Jesus was very critical of the early church. It was so bad, he threatened to leave unless they repented. And history shows he did leave some.
The Messiah specifically wrote to those "churches." He even threatened to remove the candlestick of Ephesus if they did not repent. Except one discount Revelation, these were genuine, real, churches in the eyes of the Messiah.
Would you argue with God? Tell him he is wrong?
Not I; I read and believe Revelation. He that has ears should heed what the LORD said.
Mat 18:20 For where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them.â€
Is that your definition of a church ?
Jesus was very critical of the early church. It was so bad, he threatened to leave unless they repented. And history shows he did leave some.
Leave ? I think it was more severe than that. So much for Once Saved Always Saved.