The Church of Ephesus

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.  Revelations 2:4

This message is coming from “One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.”

The Ephesus church was a great church. It was a church that was full of energy, enthusiasm and purpose. Jesus tells them that he knows their works. He saw their labor and their endurance.  He saw how they did not tolerate evil and examined the claims of those who say they are apostles, and how they lied.  He saw how they had suffered for Him and did not give up.

BUT He has a complaint against the Ephesus Church.  They have lost their first love which was  Him. When they first accepted Christ, they are excited and had a great love for Him. They are excited about being a new believer.

Do you remember when you  first accepted the Lord in your life and how excited you were about Him. You would  take the time out to learn everything you could about Him. The world looked so differently. The world became brighter and colorful when before it was dark and full of gloom. Because you been washed in the Blood of Jesus Christ and your sins were forgiven, the weight that was on your shoulders is no longer there.

You looked forward each day and night to this new communion with God and He was in your thought every minute of the day.  When you thought of Him, it brought a smile to your face and a lift in your walk.  You could not wait to assemble yourself with other believers and fellowship with them in praying, singing songs glorifying Him and hearing the Word of God coming alive in your mind and heart as it’s preached to you.

Just like the church of Ephesus, your love for Christ has become cold, and it’s no longer joyful. The relationship you have with God has become stale and now you are just going through the motions.  You honored him with your mouth, but your heart is far from him. (Matthew 15:8) Just as your love has cooled for Christ, it has cooled to your brothers and sisters.

Jesus message to the Ephesus Church was for them to look and see how far they have fallen and to repent and do their first work all over again. If they do not repent quickly, He will remove their candlestick.  God will remove His presence from them. If they are obedient and do as He says their reward is eternal life.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.