JESUS Message to the Churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, it’s important to see there are four applications to the messages. Each message was given to the seven churches as originally addressed. And these churches were in existence in Asia at the time of the revelation. The churches selected were representative of the spiritual conditions which existed at that time. What's the spiritual condition of our Churches?
These special messages were written to the specific churches in Asia, but the same strengths and weaknesses can be found in today’s Body of Christ (Today’s Church).
Also, the messages can be applied to each of us on an individual basis, because we make up the church. Look at the messages for each church during that time and ask yourself how you measure up personally today.
These messages were written by John in approximately 94 – 96 A.D., when the Church was a little over 60 years old. The church had experienced tremendous growth despite intense persecution. For example, under the rule of Rome, records show over 45,000 Christians were slain by crucifixion, burned to death and thrown to wild animals. In addition, corruption was springing up in the Church. When John wrote the messages to the seven churches, many believers were afraid about the unsure future. They were afraid of being strong enough to stand up to adversities that, they would be facing and if they could endure the persecution.
Let's explore what Jesus is saying to the churches during that time and this, please keep in mine, the same message is being proclaimed to, the church today.
Revelation 2:1-7 “Unto the angel (Angel”: The elder or pastor from the church) the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."
“Left thy first love”: To be a Christian is to love the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21, 23; 1 Cor. 16:22). But the Ephesian’s passion and fervor for Christ had become cold, mechanical orthodoxy. Their doctrinal and moral purity, their undiminished zeal for the truth, and their disciplined service were no substitute for the love for Christ they had forsaken. Remember the scripture, 2 Timothy 3:5: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” This church had probably, gotten too sophisticated for healing and deliverance. Perhaps some of the world’s music had crept in unaware. Perhaps this church has begun to entertain more than teach. This church is more appealing to the world than to God. Our first love, if we are believers, is putting Jesus ahead of everything else. This church’s problems spiritually, can be seen in most of our churches today. God will not allow compromise, but on every hand, we see just that. Get Right Church and Let's Go Home!!
Note: The picture above shows the ruins of the Church of Ephesus.
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