Soon!

Featured photo courtesy of Ken Carley

Here is a link to last week’s study of Revelation, “Soon”.

Revelation 2

“…you have left your first Love.” Revelation 2:7

Can you imagine such an accusation coming from God directed at your church?

The church in Ephesus had to read these words that John recorded from Jesus.

As Seed Basket continues to explore the book of Revelation, we will survey each of the seven churches mentioned in our last devotional.

This week we will visit Ephesus.

Many churches today are guilty of this. So many distractions have replaced Jesus.

Let’s dig in and get some clarity.

Remember, last week we talked about how Jesus referred to the seven churches as lampstands and walked among them.

The seven stars he mentioned to John were possibly angels sent to protect them in perilous times or from apostasy.

This week, we’ll begin learning about the historical period of these churches, their mentions in the Bible, and most importantly how Jesus recognized their positive strides and warned them about sin.

It is important to remember that God’s words to these churches were meant for them, but we can also apply these teachings to our own lives as individuals and as the unified body of Christ.

You can learn more about the church at Ephesus by reading Revelation, the book of Ephesians, which is Paul’s letter in the New Testament and the book of Acts, written by Luke.

Christs’ Message to Ephesus – Repent

Revelation 2:1-7

The History of Ephesus:

Ephesus, governed by Rome, was on the west coast of modern-day Turkey. Christianity was established there in the first century, A.D.

Although many people believe the seven churches were contemporaries of each other, they were not. You will see more about this as we study.

What the Ephesian Church got right:

They resisted paganism and dealt with apostasy with truth and courage. They endured for Christ’s honor. Jesus said, “…you have not grown weary.”

These are admirable qualities.

However, when Christians act legalistically, they fail to portray Jesus as the loving Savior. When we leave the fruit of the Spirit behind then we begin to look undesirable to the world and to each other. Most tragically, we put spiritual space between ourselves and God.

What they got wrong:

Jesus warned that they needed to repent because they had become hyper religious. They had lost the fire in their hearts which had been a pure, radiating love for Jesus. They became rigid and cold.

Being resolute to keep God’s moral law is always right. However, when we lose our humility and become judgmental, we are not displaying the love of Christ.

I’m sure their deep love for Jesus, instilled by the Spirit, was what helped them be dynamic in sharing the good news in the first place. Notice, I didn’t say they lost their salvation.

A few questions for you and me:

• Is Jesus still our first love?
• If not, why?
• What can you do to give Him first place as Lord of your life again?

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of my God. Revelation 2:7

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.