In the first chapter of Revelation the apostle John was instructed to write concerning "the things which are." (v. 19) This resulted in the messages to the churches as recorded in chapters two and three. Although this message was to seven actual churches of his day, they are also relevant for today and representative of churches in every age. The message is to the "churches." (2:7, 11,17,29; 3:6, 13, 22)

Ephesus is the first church John writes about. As you read his messages to them, it initially appears that they have it altogether. First of all, they do not tolerate evil men or false apostles. This is exactly what the apostle Paul warned the Ephesian elders about over 30 years earlier. He told them, "...after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves." (Acts 20:29,30) They were to be on guard. Apparently they took his admonitions to heart, for they remained vigilant in this matter. No false teachings or deceptive person would gain a foothold.

Secondly, they persevered and had patience, and labored for His name's sake and did not become weary. (2:3) They were very busy, laboring for Christ. As we all know, results from our spiritual labor often take time. Usually people and situations do not change over night. Yet the church at Ephesus persevered and continued to work. And even as John wrote to them, they had not grown tired of laboring and continued in patience.

Since the seven churches are descriptive of present day churches, let's consider how the church of Ephesus might look today? To begin, such a church would not affirm sinful lifestyles. It would teach that the grace of God leads to Godly living. This church would not bear with evil men in their midst.

As the church at Ephesus exposed false apostles, such a church today would not allow false teachers to infiltrate the flock. The elders would guard the flock. It would affirm the doctrines of the Christian faith - the Trinity, the Deity of Christ, Salvation by grace through faith, the Bodily resurrection of Christ, heaven and hell, the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture, etc. It would be a place where you would not be misled doctrinally. You would have heard the truth in Ephesus and you would hear the truth in such a church today.

Observing the activities, one might see Sunday Schools, Sunday morning and evening worship services, Wednesday night services, and outreach programs to the community. People would seem to be serving. They would have energy and would be involved in the ministry of the church. Outwardly, it would be a church that appears to be on the move for Christ. Without looking to deeply, it might be a church that you and I would join. 

But then Jesus says to them, "...I have this against you that you have left your first love." (2:4) What a disturbing appraisal! How could a church that is apparently faithful and actively working have left their first love? - More on this next time.