Message by Larry Thacker Jr. from September 15 – To the Overcomer #1: Ephesus
This begins a short series from Revelation, Chapters 2-3. Here John writes down messages to seven churches, delivered from the mouth of Jesus Himself! Most contain both praise and warnings. Others contain only praise. Each ends with a promise “to him who overcomes.” In order to understand these promises, we must understand the context provided by each message. They will guide us as a church and as individuals.
We begin with the church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7.) Jesus has many good things to say of this church, but one big problem. He says, But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” The people are given a choice, “Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent.” In other words, if they did not repent, they would no longer be allowed to exist as a church. The Lord would personally see to it. These other things are good, but good things are not enough. If they returned to doing the works they did at first, but without love or repentance, it would still not be enough. It is relationship that He seeks, and the works come out of that relationship.
