Church of Ephesus

Many believe the seven Churches written about in Revelations 2 and 3 represent a time in history, to the first-century Apostolic Church. But I would wonder if Christians today might see themselves in these Scriptures. Remember God's Ekklesia is more than just churches and their denominations, It IS you and me. What part do we play as living temples for the Kingdom of Heaven?

Paul talks about this in his letter to the Corinthians.

Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in you. You are not your own because God bought you. Honor God with your body." I Corinthians 6:19-20

Again in I Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul refers to the Believer in Jesus as a temple of the Holy Spirit. "You are God's temple and God's Spirit lives in you. God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."

In I Peter 2:6 Peter calls Jesus the cornerstone. Just prior to that Scripture, he states that we (you and I) are to be like "living stones". As such we are to be a "holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Recently I wondered about the letters to the churches and decided to focus on the Church of Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7.

"These words are from the One (Jesus) who holds the seven stars (Messengers of the churches) in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands (the Seven Churches)."

This letter was written to the Ephesians, one of Paul's first church plants. Ephesus was the capital of Asia Minor and was known as a mega-center for trade. It was world famous as a religious, cultural, and economic center of that region; known as one of the most influential cities in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.

However, Ephesus was also known for the Temple of Artemis. A temple built for the worship of the fertility goddess, Diana. This temple was known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It would draw millions of pilgrims, making it a financial and religious hub of its day.

Ancient writings reveal that Ephesus was also a home to mystical arts and superstition. Many ancient writings from that time described magic spells and protective charms.

It is said that the early Church in Ephesus was a multicultural melting pot; filled with Jews, Greek Gentiles, wealthy merchants and lowly slaves. Paul had preached to the Ephesians for three years, warning them of false prophets. He said these false prophets would try to draw people away from their faith.

Although Ephesus was a pillar for the early Church, much like today, evil ran rampant within the city. Can we relate???

What did Jesus (through John's Revelation) have to say to the Church of Ephesus?

He commended them, making these statements. Jesus recognized these things about this church in Ephesus:

• They are a hard-working, persevering people

• They do not tolerate evil deeds

• They test the prophets, calling out the false ones

• They endure hardships

BUT I have this against you:

• You have forsaken your first love-

The Greek word for love in this verse means, Agape. Agape love is a love of choice. When we have Agape love, we choose to love in a way that holds the best interest for another person.

Hmmm. It makes me wonder, have we forgotten how to love this way? Is allowing abortion to rob a mother of her baby, through death in the womb, reflective of agape love? Or would Agape be loving this mother through her pregnancy, so that this sin doesn't lay hold on her soul? Would it be showing up in the day in and out of an unexpected pregnancy, helping her make God honoring decisions?

This begs the question, is it love to "tolerate" and condone abortion, which quite literally rips babies from their mothers' wombs?

Does Agape love mean that we speak truth on godly principles when our loved ones may struggle with sin? Does Agape love tolerate and condone the mutilation of a human body through transgender procedures? Or would Agape love recognize the pain behind the one who is confused. Would Agape love instead, offer support, through prayer, counseling, and seeking the wisdom of God? Instead of condoning the sin, would Agape love bring these wounded ones to the feet of Jesus in prayer?

Does Agape love enable some to settle into a place of reliance on governmental programs or would it teach and encourage those ones to be self-sufficient and to rely on God?

Church, is it love to encourage those among us, who are in pain, to continue to walk in ways that contradict the Word of God?

We can do this without passing judgment or speak condemning words. We can silently pray for them. We can stand on the principles of God without being hateful. We can still love others as we live our faith. They say actions speak louder than words. We can act out a deeper love.

And then if and when these children that God loves so dearly, come to us in their confusion, we can speak wisdom from God's Word to them. For the Lord promises in Isaiah 55:11 that his Word will not return void but WILL accomplish the purposes for which He has sent it.

When we do this, we remember our first love.

Somewhere along the way, has the church confused Agape love with ignorance and tolerance? Have we made it about acceptance no matter the cost. But my friend, acceptance in sin could cost eternity with Jesus.

So I would ask, Church, have we lost our first love?

God gives a promise to His Church in verse seven.

Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Everyone who is victorious will eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God." Revelation 2:7

Dear Jesus, we need wisdom more today than ever. Please guide your Church in the ways that You have set for us. Show us how to love others as You have loved us. Thank you that You haven't left us in our sin but that You were crucified, died and rose again, so that we could walk in freedom! Bless you, dear Jesus. It is in your name, that we pray. Amen.

*I found it quite interesting to read Ephesians as I was writing this. It gave me a view of what this Church was like as Paul addressed them in these letters. May I suggest that you read it also?