Messages to 7 CHURCHES

[image] A bouquet of flowers. Messages to 7 CHURCHES.

[image] A bouquet of flowers. In the book of Revelation, Jesus gives messages to seven churches. The very first message is written to the church in Ephesus..

Ephesus was one of the most important cities during that time (Present Turkey). It was a rich and powerful city filled with trade, travelers, and people from many nations..

But Ephesus was also filled with idol worship and false gods. The city was famous for the Temple of Artemis, where many people worshiped a false goddess instead of the true God..

Yet in the middle of this dark city, there was a church standing for God..

[image] A bouquet of flowers. Then Jesus begins speaking to the church..

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the middle of the seven golden lampstands.’.

He says, ‘I know your works.’ The believers in Ephesus worked hard for God. They did not accept evil people. They carefully tested those who claimed to be apostles and discovered that they were false. Even during persecution and trouble, they continued serving faithfully without giving up..

Outwardly, this church looked spiritually strong..

They were still doing religious works… but their hearts had slowly become distant from God..

[image] A bouquet of flowers. So Jesus lovingly warns them..

Then comes the final promise. Jesus says,. ‘Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ This message was not only for Ephesus. It is for every believer even today. Then Jesus gives a beautiful promise to those who overcome and remain faithful. ‘I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.’ The message to the church in Ephesus teaches us something very important. God does not only want our work. He does not only want religion, knowledge, or outward obedience..

More than anything… God wants our hearts.. A person can look spiritually strong on the outside… yet slowly lose their love for Jesus inside..

And today, this same message speaks to us also.. Many of us were once very close to God in the beginning of our relationship with Him. In those days, we were excited to pray. We were disciplined in reading the Bible. We spent more time with God. We boldly spoke about Jesus without fear. But slowly, as time passed, many hearts became distant from God. Prayer became less. Bible reading became less. Our passion for God slowly became cold..

But Jesus is lovingly calling us again today. ‘Come back to your first love.’ Do the things you once did for Him in the beginning. Return to the relationship you once had with Him. Return to the prayer, the faith, the love, and the passion you had in the beginning..

Do not let your heart grow cold. God is not only looking at our outward actions. He desires a heart that truly loves Him. So let us return to Jesus with all our hearts… and love Him again like we did at first.”.