I WANT YOU BACK”
A SEVEN (7) PART SERIES DEVOTIONAL
What is the Church? Who is the Church? Has the definition and expectations of the church changed since its inception?!!!
Many authors and theologians compare the church to a hospital for the spirit, soul, and body, caring for those wounded by life.
What about you and your church assembly affiliation? Do you agree with the theologians’ comparison? Examine yourself and your church assembly. Is quality care, provided for the whole person, with evidence of visible growth and spiritual development?
Seemingly, the words “Church” and “Christian” mean different things to people in this modern world. The terms are used very loosely, today. The world’s view of “church” and “Christian” is quite different from God’s view, according to the Bible, which is God’s written view.
The best answer to questions and frustrations about the church’s past, present or future is to go to the source, The Bible, as it is written.
(I Corinthians 12:12) Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
(I Corinthians 12:27) Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
This is a scriptural reminder that in the Bible the church never refers to a building, it always refers to people, as followers of Jesus Christ. What is God saying to the modern church? First, remember the church lies within each individual who follows Christ.” The church is the body of Christ, with many members.
Why is there so much frustration with the modern church today? You probably know someone who has totally stepped away from it. Largely, due to misconception and frustration. Because, many churches today have fallen for the influential cultural schemes of the world’s view, better known as “Church Hyper-Activity Disorder!
“What is God saying to the church today?
In Revelation Chapter 2, we will examine each message to the Church. “He that has an ear to hear, let him hear. This is an individual and collective indictment. Churches are made up of individuals and it is individuals who determine the spiritual life of the assembly. So, as we ponder God’s word apply it personally and examine your heart.
The Ephesian Church:
God”s Commendations: (which ones fit you)
- Hardworking
- Perservering in the works of the church
- No tolerance of evil wicked people
- Test those who claimed to be apostles but are false apostles
- Endure hardship for my namesake.
- You hate the Nicoliatans (Those who compromise with worldly practices in the church)
God’s Rebuke: Reflection: (Is this your (1) only rebuke, too or do you have more) Write them down!
- You have forsaken the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4-5)
God’s Remedy: Reflection (God’s plan + Your obedience)
- You must consider how far you have fallen. (Check your list)
- You must repent
- You must return to doing the things you did at first.
Personal Alert! Consequences for Disobedience: Reflection (Your light will no longer shine but be destroyed) You will Stumble in darkness!
(Revelation 2:4-5) Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far 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.
Self Reflection: Are you able to find yourself in the Ephesian Church? Remember. Churches are people, and human nature has not changed so much from earlier centuries, unfortunately!
Over the next couple of weeks, contemplate, which Church mirrors your heart and actions? Next week we will dive into the church in Smynar! Another mirror reflection!
Next Steps: (Read Revelation: 2: 8-11)
Conclusion: God rebuked them because they abandoned the love they had at first. First love always involves passion. There was no passionate pursuit of an intimate relationship with Christ. They merely followed a program. Duty had replaced devotion. They had correct doctrine, but not a correct heart. Question: What is the condition of your heart?
First, is the keyword, not love. They had stellar leadership. How easy it is for a church to become proud and forget that pastors and teachers are God’s gifts which may be taken away at any time. Be cautioned to worship the Lord and not the pastors and teachers! Question: Are you a man/person pleaser or a God pleaser?
All those good qualities were not motivated by a love for Christ. What we do is important. However, so is why we do it! Labor is not a substitute for love; neither is purity a substitute for passion.
Take Action: (This is not optional for God!)
- Repent
- Confess your sins to the Lord
- Restore your original fellowship through (Prayer, Bible Reading, Meditation, Obedient Service and Worship), consistently.
Self Reflection: What will you do about your areas of rebuke discovered this week? Disobedience? or Obedience?
Take Action: Related Reading: The Book of Ephesians
- Humbly rejoice in your commendations from God!
Pray: Lord, I confess that I have some areas of rebuke. Thank you for the reminder to prioritize my relationship with you before all other things, including service. Search me Lord I repent of anything that has offended you, known and unknown. I thank you for forgiving me. Now, help me to keep the main thing the main thing. You are number 1 in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Share this devotional lesson with others, especially those who may be questioning what’s happening in the church, and need to see God’s rescue plan, one follower at a time. Praying that the readers will be encouraged to make life changes and persevere in the Kingdom of God. I would love to hear your church experience and thoughts.
The Prayer Escape 