Everyday Life in Revelation: Part 2 the ChurchSample

We saw in the previous series that Jesus appeared to John on the island of Patmos. Jesus' purpose was to reveal to the church things that were to soon take place. Before doing this, He sent specific messages to seven churches.

These messages were particular to regional churches that existed during John’s time. Although they pertain to specific churches they also hold meaning and truth for every church throughout time. What Jesus says to one church He is saying to all churches. We can all be held accountable for the sins mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3, and we can be encouraged as most of the churches were also commended. 

Jesus addressed the church in Ephesus first. Ephesus was a large and highly important city at this time. It was a commercial and religious hub in the Roman empire. In it was the temple of Artemis, one of the Wonders of the Ancient World. Artemis, also called Diana, was the patron deity of witchcraft. Ephesus was a hub for the occult, rife with pagan influence. Chapter 2:2-3 shows that the church was blessed with great spiritual discernment related to the culture in Ephesus. 

But we see in verses 4 and 5 that Jesus gives a sober warning. It seems Ephesus was no longer operating with a vibrant love for Him. No doubt this affected their love for people and the city they were in. As the church was passionate for true theology and belief, they allowed their love for others and love for Jesus to diminish. In short, they were becoming New Testament Pharisee’s.

The same can happen to us, if we let it. We can embrace a desire to learn and grow in our knowledge of the Bible, but never let the message of the Bible penetrate our heart, nor change how we walk. Scripture challenges us to allow pure doctrine and pure teaching into our heart and mind, informing and shaping us, but we must guard against allowing our faith to turn into a religion that is void of love and compassion toward both God and man.

Spend some time praying for God to give you a white-hot passion to love Him and to love others.