DEFINING EFFECTIVE AFFECTION

 

DEFINING EFFECTIVE AFFECTION

Psalm 119

Romans chapter 12; 1Corinthians chapters 12 & 13

Revelation [ESV] 1:1a; 2:1-7 The revelation of Jesus Christ, … "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands."'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'

  Revelation 2:4-5 in its immediate tense is a message from Jesus Christ to get the attention of the church at Ephesus circa A.D. 96. The Word of God being timeless, it is applicable for serious thoughtful examination always.

  We know with certainty that the church at Ephesus did not repent and consequently the once dynamically influential congregation is no more. Those commended good works could not salvage the church. Clearly the reason being is they “abandoned the love they had at first”.

  I am reminded that though the local church responsible as a body it is not as apart from individual responsibility for maintenance of affections. We cannot simply blame the body. As a member of the body we must consider and speak of Ephesus abandonment.

  Would that “first love” be Jesus Christ? Indeed so!

  And how did He say our love for Him is manifested?

  There are many commandments His, but my thoughts initially turn to several problematic contributors to lampstand removal.

·         Misguided affairs: Lack of individual and congregational seeking, finding, implementing God’s direction from His Word. (Study for His approval in rightly understanding and applying.)

·         Internal affairs: Infighting, unforgiveness among congregants present or departed. (The ghosts of ex-members are influential for good or bad.)

·         External affairs: As in the lack of being a Mark 16:15 Great Commission Christian, individually and as the body of Christ. Do we Biblically speak the gospel to souls “already condemned” (Jn.3:16-18) in need of Jesus Christ as the one and only Redeemer?

·         Misguided priorities: Serving social needs as the congregational urgency.

    Your fellow traveler.

Sincerely,

EBB4