The big idea: Stay close as you can to God, even in the bad times.
Ok, today is the first two letters to two of the churches. The first one is to the church in Ephesus...
Background info to Ephesus:
-Was the capital city of Asia Minor
-Was one of the 3 most powerful cities in Eastern part of the Roman Empire
-Paul ministered in Ephesus for 3 years and warned the Ephesians of false teachings.
v1- Like my last post, the "one who walks among the seven lamp stands" is Jesus. He holds the seven stars (messengers of the churches), in his right hand.
v2-3- Through John's letter, Christ is commending the church in Ephesus for working hard, patiently enduring, not tolerating evil people, looking into the claims of false apostles and suffering without quitting. Pretty impressive huh! Wouldn't it be great if every church was like this! But sadly it's not. :( These efforts should come from our love of God....
v4- Since Paul had commended the church in the same way in Ephesians 1 v15, most of the 'older generation' had died and many of the younger lot had lost, or were lacking in their love for God. They were a busy church, doing a lot to benefit themselves and their community. One problem. They are acting out of the wrong motives.
Application: Work for God must be motivated by love for God, or it won't last.
v5- When we all became a christian, you might not have known a lot, but I bet you had a bunch of enthusiasm. Now you've started to read your bible more often, you might have more knowledge, but has your enthusiasm stayed the same?.
Application: You need both for steady a relationship with God.
Summary: These guys worked hard for God and hung in there during the tough times. They had got rid of all the false teachers who were holding them back, but they'd lost their first love- their initial love and enthusiasm for Christ had died off. they needed to sort it out. And what a great reward and motivation for them when they did- eternal life! YAY! (v7)
Letter 2- The letter to Smyrna
Background info to Smyrna:
- 25 miles north of Ephesus
- Its church struggled against two things- a Jewish population opposing Christianity, and a non-Jewish population who supported Emperor worship.
v9-10- Persecution comes from Satan, not God. It even caused believers to be thrown into prison or even killed. But, (v10) believers shouldn't fear death because they will end up receiving "the crown of life". Although their persecution would be rough and intense, it would only last "10 days"- with a definite beginning and end, and with God in complete control.
Application: If you are experiencing a tough time, don't let it turn you away from God, but instead, let it bring you closer to him.
Summary: The church in Smyrna was to remain faithful during suffering because God is in complete control. Jesus isn't saying that by being faithful to him we will avoid all our difficulties and sufferings, but that we must be faithful to him in these sufferings. Only then will we prove our genuine faith.
:)
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