Ephesus

– Pastor Rusty – Nov. 3rd, 2026

“But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love. Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.“ Rev. 2:4-5

Jesus was speaking to the prophet John to write to the Church at Ephesus a prophetic indictment against them with I dire warning. The preamble was that there were things they were doing right. BUT… they had left their first love. What does this tell you? That irregardless of your doctrine… right or wrong the Kingdom of God is relational not theological. Their relation was outa wack. Like a marriage that is dysfunctional… their position was in jeopardy. They had lost their first love. Looking at this situation I have two thoughts that would help in your relationship in Christ Jesus.

One… if you don’t have a prayer life you’re not relational. Paul said, “Pray without ceasing!” I Thes. 5:17.

No relationship can survive without communication. 🤔

Speaking to God is paramount to a successful Christian faith. It reveals that you have true belief or not. If you have faith in your Father you talk to Him. Prayer becomes part of the life flow in the the life of the believer. No marriage can have success without communication, it’s unheard of, neither can your faith. “But you, beloved, building up yourselves in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20.

Two… you cannot be relational without hearing His voice. “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” Jn. 10:27. The Kingdom of God is relational. Every believer has the ability to hear His voice. Most simply function with obstruction. Distracting ourselves, busying ourselves with thoughts becoming encumbered. But the Holy Spirit is speaking to us. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” Rev. 2:17 NLT. Train yourself in listening and hearing. God is speaking and the Kingdom of God is relational.

Pastor Rusty.

Image created by Belinda with AI