And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples. When seven sons of Sceva unsuccessfully tried to follow Paul's example of exorcising evil spirits, they ended up fleeing the house "naked and wounded" (verse 16). To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God" (verse 7). Press alt + / to open this menu. Our eternal hope, as believers, is intimately tied to the end of this world. All of this is laid out in the book of Revelation. We can do what Adam and Eve failed to do. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. Evangelicals Engaging Emergent draws from a broad spectrum of conservative evangelicalism to serve as a clear, informative, fair, and respectful guide for those desiring to know what “emergent” means, why it originated, where the ... On April 24, I wrote a Sparkling Gem called "Remembering Your First Love."Today I'd like to take that Gem a step further to really develop what Jesus had to say in Revelation 2:4 when He spoke to His precious church in the city of Ephesus.. Turkey is 99.8% Muslim, leaving only .2% as Christian. Situated at the mouth of the river Cayster, Ephesus was the most favorable seaport in the province of Asia and the most important trade center west of Tarsus. 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It is recorded that the value of these books amounted to "fifty thousand pieces of silver" and "the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed" (verses 19-20). They don't have to listen to the devil's lies any longer. Perhaps you were on fire for God at first, but now that fire has diminished. The Ephesians didn't accept this insidious way of thinking. The first letter is to the church in Ephesus. 13:2 ). The special word of Christ and the Spirit to the church at Ephesus was to restore their first love. When God's people have successfully rejected heresy or been faithful for many years, it is also easy for us to think of ourselves as self-sufficient and no longer in need of being humble or teachable. This article originally appeared in the summer 2014 issue of Southern Seminary Magazine. Polycrates of Ephesus (Greek: Πολυκράτης) was a bishop at the Church of Ephesus in the 2nd century. This view is suggested by the NAS which translates, “you have left your first love.” Surely, if the emphasis is on that “love” which is of preeminent importance, that “love” which must be pursued above all other loves, it is love for Jesus himself. Upon arrival, Paul preached in the synagogue and then left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus while he returned to Jerusalem to observe one of God's Holy Days. But it's sad when members, who are capable of attending, choose other options that preclude being with their spiritual family. Although the ESV rendering doesn’t require it, the implication would be that the “love” they had abandoned was brotherly love, love for other Christians in the church. they represent all churches, and yet all the churches are unpromising. This article was written by Sam Storms and originally appeared at his blog. So, then, here’s his counsel. The Lord commanded them, "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come . "Remember your first love. The church of Ephesus did everything right But then when you read in verse number four, you see that something is missing that there is a hidden secret that there is a nevertheless the King James and as I said, it said in the fourth and fourth verse, nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love The NIV says . Like our spiritual brethren in Ephesus at the close of the first century, God's people today must reject modern false teachers and their mistaken ideas masquerading as Christianity. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. The definitive guide to global prayer has been updated and revised to cover the entire populated world. Indeed, the early church at Ephesus is a case study in church revitalization with relevance far beyond its own time. And, in God's goodness, the same prescription he gives for that ancient church is the same for today's churches. There's something in this letter that desires to church in Ephesus to ground orthodoxy and orthopraxy with orthopathy, having the right heart (see 1 Corinthians 13). It can be found in Ephesus where local custom says that the Virgin Mary came to live at Ephesus with the Apostle John The Tomb of the Apostle John The Tomb of the Apostle John The Church at Ephesus had a tomb made for the Apostle John. Paul then began an extensive ministry in Ephesus by baptizing these disciples and laying his hands on them for the receiving of the Holy Spirit (verses 5-6). Love the brethren by encouraging one another while it is still today, crying with one another, taking dinner from . This episode is a powerful example to us of what happens when a church has the right kind of focus: a God-centered focus. American King James Version×). Too often we would rather do things our own way than be taught. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . It was a large city, the largest in the area, with a population about 300,000 in John's day. These seven churches were on the west side of Asia Minor which is now known as the nation of Turkey. The Most Reverend Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, has written a foreword that complements the work of contributors such as S. W. Sykes, Richard A. Norris Jr., and George Tavard, among others. The church in Ephesus started off like many churches in the 1st century as one established by the missionary journeys of Paul. The Church who Left Her First Love, Ephesus. The latter words imply, if not require, the devotion and affection and love for Jesus that would inspire them to suffer for the sake of promoting and praising his name. Jesus warned them to return to their "first love" so they wouldn't lose their place as part of the Church of God. Ephesus is first mentioned in the Bible in Acts 18:19. After 14 years of preaching, Paul went to Jerusalem to have his ministry reviewed by his peers to see if he was doing something wrong. Sometimes this verse is used by preachers and songwriters to promote our love for God. the picture we see in Revelation 2 & 3 is amazing. Located opposite the island of Samos, it is the closest of Revelation's seven churches to the island of Patmos where the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation. Ephesus, founded primarily by those from the city of Athens, was the capital of both Ionia and . They had lost their initial excitement and zeal for doing God's work. "You have left your first love.". A main thoroughfare, some 35 meters (105 feet) wide, ran from the theater to the harbor, at each end of which stood an impressive gate. It started from the day of Pentecost and ends when church is in heaven. And we can focus upon all of the elements of church life that are financial, physical, material and so forth. There's no agreement among scholars of Revelation as to what "love" the Ephesians had "abandoned" (ESV . He was there for about three years and used the location as the centre of evangelistic missions to the surrounding towns and cities, perhaps to some of . There is a slow but real downward spiral. This is the second one in one week. And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure. Ephesus contained a theater that seated an estimated 25,000 people. There are two contextual clues that may suggest the reference is primarily (but not exclusively) to “brotherly” love. But humans are not always teachable. You have tested those who call themselves emissaries and . When our focus is upon the wrong things we end up getting the wrong results. It was established by Paul during his third missionary journey. To remember is to reflect and meditate on the peak of brotherly affection they once enjoyed. Most of the journalists remain in denial that Mueller's team found no evidence of collus, Singer/songwriter John Mayer recently performed the hymn “How Great Thou Art” during the opening of his world tour in Auckland, New Zealand, reported Relevant. Discover the key to enjoying God in every moment of every day There, as a repentant antidote, so to speak, to their diminishing love, Jesus commands them to “do the works you did at first” (v. 5). The Bible Study Book, a vital component of a group member's discipleship experience, includes optional personal-study activities that can be adapted to the individual's specific needs or schedule. In our modern society, it is quite common for people to devise their own doctrinal ideas and practices instead of finding an instructional source where God's Word is taught. It also offers fascinating insights into the apostle John's vision on the island of Patmos as described in the book of Revelation. Relevant Magazine recently reported that the new episodes who are in the making include some familiar, As attacks on Christians ramp up worldwide, Vice President Mike Pence issued an “urgent call” to break out of our comfort zones and help our persecuted brothers and sisters in the Church.At the Help the Persecuted summit in Washington D.C. las, The devastating EF-4 tornado that recently tore through Lee County, Alabama, destroyed almost everything that stood in its way. In Escape the Coming Night, Dr. Jeremiah walks through the perfect Scripture for these uncertain times: The Book of Revelation and helps answer these key questions: How do we explain so much chaos? How do we live with such turmoil? Paul had poured himself into the life of this church: he spent three years there; he preached the gospel; he discipled believers; he appointed elders. Priscilla and Aquila then took him aside and explained to him "the way of God more accurately" (verse 26). One of the essential things we must do as leaders of the church in order to be agents for revitalization is help believers recapture a focus on the person and work of God. He compliments this body of believers on some wonderful characteristics that we have come to desire in our church. The Ephesian church appears again in the second chapter of the Book of Revelation, where, this time, Jesus speaks to the church. And this message was not just for the church of Ephesus, even in the first century. According to Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, "A number of factors contributed to the prominence which Ephesus enjoyed. Inside this elegantly styled book, you?ll find excerpts of Pastor Chuck's strong points on prayer, as well as journaling pages to write your own prayers following each chapter. Revelation 2:1-7. Everyone is familiar with the indictment Jesus brings against the church in Ephesus concerning their fast fading love. After this "great commotion" (verse 23) died down, Paul left Ephesus for Macedonia (Acts 20:1 Acts 20:1And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called to him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.American King James Version×). (See promise of 1:3) From the risen Jesus Christ to the 7 churches in Asia Minor. David Jeremiah - Losing Your First Love. But which “love” had they now lost: love for one another or love for Jesus or perhaps love for both? Restoring the church's first love: a case study from the church at Ephesus. The city was famous for its temple of Diana (or Artemis, Acts 19:27), and pilgrims came to Ephesus from all over the Mediterranean world to worship the goddess. From the beginning, it seems we loved everyone and gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. As a result of the fall, human feelings of love are often misplaced on the creation rather than the Creator. This classic work of the faith reorients our affections toward him. They, like the Ephesian church, lost their first love. Paul spent more than two years building relationships in that town, so it's not surprising that, as the farewell meeting concluded, "They were all crying as they hugged him and kissed him good-bye" (Acts 20:37 GNT). first of all, also, another, furthermore, finally. Thirty-five years before this was written the Apostle Paul was on his way back to Jerusalem purposing in his heart to keep the . What we see in the church at Ephesus, therefore, was how their desire for orthodoxy and the exclusion of error had created a climate of suspicion and mistrust in which brotherly love could no longer flourish. It's not sus, The five-year legal fight against the Obamacare abortion coverage mandate which was forcing Christian organizations to violate their biblical values is finally over. Perhaps you were on fire for God at first, but now that fire has diminished. How the Church at Ephesus started. It was Christ himself who wrote these letters to the seven churches in Asia. A call to return to your first love. What is the modern application? Rather, we love God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). “I have this against you,” said Jesus, “that you have abandoned the love you had at first” (Eph. If we grew up in a Christian home, our conversion may have reflected a deeper appreciation and joy from our biblical studies. Ephesus was the largest city of the Roman province of Asia. Several weeks ago, I shared a message titled A Call to Perseverance and we looked at Matthew 7:24-29.. Last week we looked at Philippians 1:27-30 where we find that the Apostle Paul challenges the Philippians to live in such a manner that whatever might come their . Greenway has served as pastor of several churches. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Church is a place for people who are striving to continually change and grow into the perfect spiritual family of God. O ur study is the first one in a series about the messages that were sent to the seven churches that are recorded in Revelation 2-3. follow all the rules and share that with others, if we don't have love all that other stuff is worthless ( 1 Cor. Church of Ephesus that lost its first love for Christ by Pastor Kashmir Masih. Christ would not ask us to do something that is impossible. Even though Ephesus was greatly commended, Jesus also said, "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. American King James Version×). And if their endurance wasn’t motivated by this affection, Jesus would hardly have commended them for it. Paul promised to return if God so willed (verses 18-21). Revelation 02. The church may disappear entirely as did all the churches in Turkey, or it may become a church in name only, with no power of the gospel. Along similar lines today, countless churches desperately need revitalizing. The temple at Ephesus housed the multi-breasted image of Artemis which was reputed to have come directly from Zeus (Acts 19:35 Acts 19:35And when the town cleark had appeased the people, he said, You men of Ephesus, what man is there that knows not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?American King James Version×). The baptism of the Holy Spirit, a three month series of debates by Paul in the local synagogue, two years of daily lectures in the lecture hall of Tyrannus, extraordinary handkerchief miracles, casting out of evil spirits and a massive city-wide riot . Reflecting the work of Spurgeon as a young man, these graphic word pictures and closely reasoned applications are warm, expressive, dynamic models for communicating God's Word. Learning Love. A MESSAGE FOR THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS. People who love Christ are the saved and the blessed. Second, “repent” (v. 5b). Finally, Jesus concludes His message to Ephesus saying, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He first said in verse 5, "Remember from where you have fallen." The first thing is to remember. But now, these many years later, their zeal and passion had diminished. The major admonition of this message to Ephesus is to hold on to our first love. Following a time of exile on the Isle of Patmos, John lives in Ephesus until at least 98 AD. When the apostle Paul returned to Ephesus, he found a number of disciples, including about a dozen men (Acts 19:1 Acts 19:1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,American King James Version×, 7). The first message is given to the church at Ephesus, a town about 60 miles away from John. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3-4 Matthew 18:3-4 [3] And said, Truly I say to you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 2:2), but it’s another thing altogether when that intolerance carries over to your relationship with other Christ-loving Christians! On his way home from the Second Missionary Journey, the Apostle Paul left Aquila and Priscilla at Ephesus but did not stay himself. Ephesus was a large and important city on the west coast of Asia Minor. For Christians today, the loss of "first love" for Jesus is a telltale sign indicating the carnal nature is dominant and winning the battle for control. Roughly 80 to 85 percent of established churches in America are either plateaued or declining. | Website Message to Ephesus: Recapture Your First Love. Christ's rebuke in Revelation 2:4 contrasts with what Paul had written to the same Ephesian church 35 years earlier, that he never stopped giving thanks for them because of their faith in Christ and their love for the saints ( Ephesians 1:15-16 ). There the author declares that they have shown “love” for God’s name “in serving the saints.”. This devotional book walks pastors, teachers and parishioners through the hardships and joys of the prophet Jeremiah's ministry. Adam W. Greenway is Dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Ministry at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also serves as the William Walker Brookes Associate Professor of Evangelism and Apologetics. In this third reading, "they lost their first love" = "they lost their passion for spreading the message of the gospel." Does this pure faith remain? Ephesus was one of the seven cities addressed in the Book of Revelation, indicating that the church at Ephesus was strong. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. It is not clear whether this is love for Christ or for one . — Revelation 2:4. Even though Ephesus was greatly commended, Jesus also said, "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. There are many different ways to look at these letters to the seven churches. John wrote, "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" (1 John 3:3 1 John 3:3And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.American King James Version×). Before doing so, however, observe what he does not recommend: he does not suggest that they become theologically lax, tolerant of error, or indifferent toward truth! In a real sense Revelation is such a letter. Ephesus: Return to Your First Love. Jesus instructs the church at Ephesus to do three things in order to do that. Restoring the church’s first love: a case study from the church at Ephesus, summer 2014 issue of Southern Seminary Magazine. Note the three terse commands of v. 5. Later, the Ephesians lost their "first love" for God as Jesus called them to a decision to "repent" and love God first.In this book, Brett explores how the Ephesians came to fall in love with God and what may have stolen their hearts. Just continuing to go through the correct motions of loving and obeying God is insufficient. The point is that although there is no longer a city of Ephesus, the church in Ephesus used to be the strongest church in Asia Minor, and now there are hardly even any Christians to be found in all of Asia Minor, let alone a church of any strength or size. And so it is called to repentance. . From this exciting beginning, Paul spent three months teaching in the synagogue and then two years in "the school of Tyrannus." "A third factor was culture. Its letter is found in Revelation 2:1-7. But they had something that many of our churches, sadly, do not — and what is absolutely indispensable to the ministry of church revitalization — the fullness of the power and the presence of God in the life of that church. 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