Here are some websites and articles that give some information about the city of Ephesus. You may need your MyValleyForge information to access some of these articles.
Christ says he hates the practices of the Nicolaitans, but who are they and what do they believe? You may need your MyValleyForge information to access some of these articles
Ephesus
The Great City
The Loveless Church
Has your first love become your last priority?
There is an amazing contrast between Ephesus in Acts 19 and Revelation chapter 2. In one generation the external behaviors were still taking place but, unfortunately, the spiritual vitality had diminished. In The Great City was The Loveless Church.
We will use a two-fold approach with each church.
I. Looking at the Text: Revelation 2:1-7
A. Commission – v: 1
To Ephesus
B. Character – v: 1
· The Preserver: He who holds
· The Watchman: He who walks
C. Commendation – v: 2-3
· I know your deeds
· I know your hard work
· I know your steadfastness
· I know your wisdom
D. Condemnation – v: 4
· But I have this against you
· You have abandoned your first love
E. Correction – v: 5
· Remember
· Repent
· Repeat
F. Call – v: 6
· What I say unto you, I say unto all
G. Challenge – v: 7
· To him who overcomes
II. Looking At Practical Lessons
Has your first love become your last priority?
A. How Can That Happen?
B. How Long Does That Take?
C. How Should That Be Corrected?
Conclusion
“I don’t care how fast you run in the first mile. I want to see you at the end of the journey.” F. F. Bruce
He ran a great 95 yard dash.
This article on “The Bible College Romance” illustrates the challenges in our human and Divine relationships. What a great message!
This article illustrates the challenges in our human and Divine relationships.
1"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
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