The Seven Churches

"Unto the angel (messenger) of the church of Ephesus write: These things says He that holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candle sticks; I know (appreciate) your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you cannot bear (tolerate) those who are evil: and you have tried (tested) them which say they are apostles and are not, and has found them liars.  And has borne, and has patience (persistence), and for My sake has labored, and has not fainted (become weak). -- Revelation 2: 1-3

Ephesus in the Greek means 'desirable', the Greek applies this to 'the maiden of his choice'.  So, this leads some to believe, it was one of his beloved ones.  It seems probable that perhaps Ephesus gives us a picture of the Church at its inception,  when the Lord held the stars (His servants) in His hands and controlled their ministry through the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The early church walked in separation from the world.  The Greek word 'ecclesia', translated 'church' in our Bibles, simply means 'called out company'. This was and is His idea of what the Church should be.   The word Church does not mean a select denomination or group; it means the Body of Christ, the Bride in all of her adornment.  

The church at Ephesus could not tolerate those who were evil. They had zero tolerance for those who talked the talk, but did not in reality walk the walk.  It they were not what they professed to be, then the true Christians severed any bonds they had with them. Unfortunately, today, far too many ministers of the Gospel are denying the truth found in the scriptures.  This includes the virgin birth, His deity, His resurrection from the dead, His ascension and the Second Coming of Christ. These same pastors also do not preach the blood. These 'so called' ministers of the Gospel are corrupting the minds of those Christians who are not rooted in the Word of God, and these people never realize that they are in deception.

If we never pick up the Book and read it ourselves, it is very easy to believe a lie from Satan. These early Christians were persistent and did not allow depression, discouragement or defeat to become factors of their life in Christ. We can learn much from their example.

"Nevertheless I have somewhat against you,  because you have left your first love.  Remember therefore from whence you are fallen, and repent and do (practice) the first works, or else I will come to you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place, except you repent.  But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches; to him the overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." --- Revelation 2: 4-7  

Notice in vs. 1-3, that first Jesus praised their faithfulness and their good works and now He sheds light on the things that they need to change. He urges them to repent and go back to their first works. We all remember how it was when we were newly saved and on fire for Jesus. We lived in His presence and breathed His breath of Life. We were in deeply in love with Him, and did everything possible to delight and please Him. This experience can be compared to the first few months of married life, before the fires dimmed and the honeymoon was over.  And just like our walk with Jesus, it is so easy to step back from where we were and allow our relationship to become routine.  Yes, we still love Him, worship and praise Him, and go to church and even serve Him.  But too often, this in itself becomes 'duty' and not delight. This church was one that had enjoyed the ministry of the Apostle Paul, Timothy, and even John prior to his exile. These saints were rooted and grounded in faith and doctrine, and their stand for Christ was not questioned. This was the first generation Christians.

As the second and third generations that had followed in their parents' footsteps came on the scene, their zeal was not that of those who had gone before them.  

Genuine love is a test for both partners in marriage, just as it is with Christian fellowship in relation to God.  That kind of love is characterized by not loving the world or any acceptance of worldly things.  When we allow worldliness into our lives we have stepped back, and essentially we have put the love He deserves, on the back burner of our lives.  Jesus was simply telling this church (and each individual Christian in this church), that they must readjust their attitudes, actions and love to what it was in the beginning.  In other words, He was asking them to be sold-out for the cause of Christ, and to die to self.  He never rejects or takes anything from us, unless there is first a warning.  Here, He clearly makes known that unless they return to their first love, their candlestick (or church) would be removed.  As concerning the Christians, this warning could be indicative of losing their anointing,  loss of rewards, and ultimately becoming a calloused backslidden Christians (author's opinion).  

The Christians in Ephesus were also commended for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans (vs. 6). It is believed by scholars that the Nicolaitans were Christians who professed faith, but lived licentious (absence of moral or legal restraints) lives.

Now in the last verse,  He admonishes them and us, to listen and digest what the Holy Spirit says.  Then He promises the over comers  privileges in Heaven.  Notice that throughout these verses, He did not threaten to remove their names from the Lamb's book of Life, only to remove the individual, or the church from its prominent position.  Don't ever become so caught up in things of this world that we forget to listen as the Spirit speaks to us.  Without His instruction, we fall by the wayside in defeat.    Tara Hart © 2004