The Revelation of Jesus Christ #2 - Ephesus

Over the next several weeks, we will be studying what the Apostle John calls, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" - specifically, we'll be looking at the first few chapters that address the 7 churches in Asia. Today, we're exploring Revelation 2:1-7, the letter to the Church at Ephesus. There is a general 'framework' that Christ uses when He addresses each of the churches:

1. He greets the church and identifies Himself with one of the phrases used to describe Him from Revelation 1. When He addresses the Ephesian church, He says: "The words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands..." (referencing Revelation 1:12-16).
2. Christ addresses the current state of the church, giving encouragement for the areas they are doing well, and correction for the areas that need repentance.
3. He offers a challenge to change - to repent from the area of sin
4. He describes what the consequences of inaction/lack of repentance will be.
5. Finally, Christ delivers the promise of blessing and life that are assured to the ones who put His words into action

For background on the church at Ephesus, you can look at the following Bible passages: -The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 19 -The Letter to the Ephesians -The First Letter to Timothy - 1Timothy (Timothy was the pastor at Ephesus)

I'm looking forward to our time in this book, & to the blessing attached to reading, hearing, and keeping it NOTE: If you want to read Ch. 1,2,3 & write down any questions that you might have from those chapters, I would love to try & help find answers to those questions. Just send your question to hillside4@mac.com