only for people with ears...
Topic: actually 2001
- so, i've been reading the letters to the churches in revelation and the next several (7?) days, we'll look at them - why? well, each one finishes by stating that "he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" - as far as i know, you all have ears - the question becomes - how well are you listening?????????????

revelation 2:1-7

to the angel of the church in ephesus write:

these are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:

i know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. i know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. you have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

yet i hold this against you: you have forsaken your first love. remember the height from which you have fallen! repent and do the things you did at first. if you do not repent, i will come and remove your lampstand from its place. but you have this in your favor: you hate the practice of the Nicolaitans, which i also hate.

he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

to him who overcomes, i will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.


***points to notice - each letter will begin with a description of Jesus - the 7 lampstands are described as the churches in chapter 1 - so Jesus is describing his presence in the churches - HE DOESN'T LEAVE US ALONE!

secondly - 5 of the 7 letters specifically state "i know your deeds" - good or bad God knows!! check out 1 timothy 5:24-25 and ecclesiastes12:13-14

third - the church at ephesus has lots of plusses - (i count 8) - but the losing of their first love outweighs it all - check your motivation - do you have a fresh love for Jesus? is your relationship with him healthy or comatose?

finally - each letter concludes with a blessing for overcoming - KEEP ON!!