Finding God's Abundant Presence

Psalms 91:14 "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name".

Psalms 3:5 "I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me".

Today Francis Taylor asks a question we should always by asking ourselves -

"Where and how has God made Himself abundantly present in your life?

It's an interesting question! First, you need to realize that God IS present in your life. Then you need to look for him. As I was thinking about this, I remembered the movie White Christmas and the wonderful song "Count Your Blessings." What were your blessings today? Do you have your health? Did you have a nice meal? Did you find that perfect gift, or make all the lights? Do you have people in your life who love you? What are your blessings? I count my friends, my family, my home, my job. I could go on, but you get the idea. There are also significant moments – the birth of a child, recovery from an illness or injury. The ability to deal with grief and moments of intense joy are signs of God's presence. And don't forget the gift of faith, the people that God puts in your way that say just the right thing at the right time, the song you hear or something you read that guides you when you need it. So many opportunities to feel God's presence, if you look! Tonight, before you go to bed, take the advice of Bing Crosby in the movie and "count your blessings instead of sheep" and you'll fall asleep wrapped in the arms of a loving and ever-present God.

The biggest blessing for anyone is to have God in their life and know He is there".

The Hall of Faith

Read Hebrews 11

Faith is as important to a Christian as is water to a fish. In times like these, when world events challenge our faith every day, we need to draw inspiration from Biblical heroes and heroines, including Noah.

While it is good to read about Noah's faith, it is important to understand the role of faith in our walk with God, because faith is not just intellectual assent but a confident trust that leads to action and obedience.

We tend to look at faith from afar, but up close it may have very different connotations.

Hebrews chapter 11 is often called the "Hall of Faith" because it beautifully recounts the stories of numerous individuals throughout the Old Testament who demonstrated remarkable faith in God. Their stories teach us what faith is all about. Think of it as a powerful testament to what it means to live by belief rather than by sight.

Why is faith so important to us that a whole chapter was devoted to it by Apostle Paul?

The role of faith is absolutely central to the Bible, permeating both the Old and New Testaments. It's not just a passive belief, but an active trust and reliance on God, His promises and His word. It is :

1. The Foundation of our personal Relationship with God because it is the fundamental way humans connect with God. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Therefore, it is through faith that we acknowledge God's existence, His character, and His power.

2. Faith is the Means of Salvation:

The New Testament clearly teaches that salvation is a gift received through grace by faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). It's not earned by works but freely given to those who believe in Jesus' atoning sacrifice and resurrection.

3. Faith is the Key to Righteousness:

In the Old Testament, Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3). This sets a precedent that righteousness before God comes through believing His promises.

Faith is not just about believing that God is, but also believing in what He says and acting on it. Noah did it, Abraham did and so many more, as called out in the Hall of Faith.

4. Source of Power and Miracles:

Throughout the Bible, faith is linked to God's miraculous works. Jesus often told those He healed, "Your faith has made you well" (Mark 5:34).

How does all this concern us as Christians? Because we are called on to live by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7). This means trusting God even when circumstances are unclear or challenging. It involves making decisions and living life based on God's Word and promises, even when they seem contrary to human reasoning.

As we said in the last post, our own intelligence and reasoning is our worst enemy as it tends to dilute what God has asked of us. We "rationalize" situations, as we do His word. We interpret according to our convenience and logic. In effect we question God and maybe put words in His mouth. In the last post of the Rudderless Boat, I am sure many many of us would have advised God that He forgot the rudder and the sail.

Finally, faith is evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." It's the conviction that what God has said and or promised is real and will come to pass, even if it's not yet visible.

The Hall of Faith is about all those people who actually lived by faith in what God wanted them to do.

Faith, in the Bible, is not a blind leap into the unknown but a confident trust in God who we know.

It's a dynamic and active reliance on the unseen God and His unfailing Word.

The Rudderless Boat

Genesis 6 

Would you ride in a car that had no engine, no steering wheel and no brake? 

When we read about the great flood and Noah and his ark, we mostly read Genesis 6 without much thought. Yes, he built a boat and saved countless animals etc. etc.

But verses 15 onwards tell us that it was no ordinary boat. It was made according to God's specifications. That was one special boat.

Why did God give the exact measurements?

There may have been multiple reasons but before that remember the objective this boat had to fulfil.

1. It had to accommodate a huge number of passengers

2. It had to float. Unlike the Titanic It was not mean to travel or go from point A to point B. It had to be built for the successor world to not drown but float and survive.

While the Bible doesn't explicitly state why those exact measurements were chosen, the most likely reasons relate to the Ark's functional requirements for stability, capacity, and survival, all that was necessary to keep a three-story building afloat. 

But The level of detail in the instructions emphasizes that the Ark wasn't meant to be a haphazard construction. God provided specific guidance, highlighting his intentionality and control over the process. Just as God meticulously designed creation, the design of the Ark was also a deliberate act.

But for this deliberate act to happen, someone had to follow instructions without any deviation. Noah had unwavering faith and a spirit of obedience - which meant he never even thought about questioning God or His instructions.

Now comes the shocker: The boat had no sail and no rudder. Strange!

Noah would have realized that fact when building the boat, yet he did not question. He did not add, nor did he subtract from God's direction. He would have realized this that he and his family would have had no control over the Ark's direction; they were entirely reliant on God's provision and the movement of the floodwaters. That's faith and trust. Hence our question of today: Would you get into a car which had no steering wheel, no engine and no brakes?

How many times, when we follow God's given directions, do we add to it or subtract from it based on our own so called wisdom - not remembering -

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts".

If we were in Noah's place, would we have not said - "Hey Lord you forgot the sail and the rudder"?

Yet, we are alive today because of that rudderless boat that God designed.

Ocean Ministries relates what happened then to what we need to do now.

"doesn’t the Ark preach the very foundation of the Gospel? We are called to a childlike faith, a faith that hands our lives over completely to the will of a Good Father. He sent His only Son to be the Ark of salvation for His children"

When you follow Jesus into the spiritual Ark you are giving up your rudder & sail and saying I trust you to sail my life to the places you so desire. I give up control.

Adam's Legacy

Read Genesis chapter 5 & 6

What Adam and Eve started, God ended with the great flood. A complete destruction of the World.

The state of the world before and during Noah's time, according to the Biblical account in Genesis, was one of extreme wickedness and violence. Several key aspects characterized this period:

* Widespread Corruption: The text states, "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). This suggests a pervasive moral decay affecting all aspects of human life.

* Prevalence of Violence: The earth is described as being "filled with violence" (Genesis 6:11). This indicates a breakdown of social order and rampant aggression among people.

* Ungodliness: People lived their lives with no regard for God or his ways. They were consumed by their own desires and pleasures, seemingly oblivious to any impending judgment.

* Normalcy on the Surface: Interestingly, Jesus compared the days before the flood to the time preceding his own return, noting that people were "eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage" right up until the day Noah entered the ark (Luke 17:26-27). This suggests that outwardly, life appeared normal, even as deep moral corruption festered.

Some interpretations of the Genesis account also mention the intermingling of the "sons of God" (maybe fallen angels) and the "daughters of men" (Genesis 6:1-4), leading to the birth of the Nephilim, which is sometimes associated with increased wickedness and the corruption of the gene pool.

While the Bible doesn't give a precise population count, some estimations based on lifespans suggest a potentially large population. Despite this, the narrative emphasizes that only Noah and his family found favor in God's eyes due to the overwhelming depravity of the rest of humanity.

In essence, the world in Noah's time was characterized by a profound moral and social breakdown, marked by pervasive wickedness, violence, and a general disregard for God, even as daily life continued in its usual patterns for most.

These are not just Bible stories. Evidence of some of what is mentioned has been found.

The Book of Enoch, the one who walked with God and did not die, though not considered scripture (that is, writing not inspired by God) is very informative as a historical document, describing the nature and deeds of the fallen angels, among other things.

Enoch was so close to God that He took Enoch into confidence and shared the judgements of the future- of things to come.

Such was Adams legacy that depravity, crime, and sin became everyday life - grieving the creator to the extent that He regretted having made man.

The union between the spirits and women caused such a huge disruption in a world which was supposed to be based on order - that God took the final decision. Nothing less than full scale destruction to stop this depravity.

In the event of such a destruction Noah was the succession plan.

Today, when we try and fully understand what happened, we can well imagine it because we see some of it happening even now. Adultery, polygamy, murder, violence, sexual depravity, war, terrorism, corruption and injustice - you name it and its there.

With limited knowledge man tries to play the role of God in this world and the universe. We defied gravity, defied space, and defied Gods laws of creation to replicate His work. Our works have not glorified God - they have competed. Our works have not pleased God - they have grieved His spirit. Every newspaper account, every page, paints a picture of a world similar to the one before the great flood.

Genesis chapter 6 verse 3 is a chilling verse, no matter how you interpret it. We have, once again, vexed Gods spirit. Pray that we turn from our ways so that His Spirit does not give up on us.

Adams legacy was death. Praise God for Jesus because of who we have the promise of Life.

Abandoned by God?

                                  
"You said You'd come

And share all my sorrows

You said You'd be there

For all my tomorrows

I came so close to sending You away

But, You came to stay"

Have you ever felt alone, lost and abandoned by God? Have you ever cried out to Him, like Mary did when she saw Jesus and fell at His feet, saying " Lord if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died"? 

It's easy to feel that way when we are going through difficult times. We question God's presence and His plan for us. But the truth is God is always with us, even in our darkest moments, speaking to us through His word and through His spirit. We just need to be quiet and attentive, because sometimes He just whispers.

God understands our pain and our sorrows and our fears. He knows the brokeness of this world and He sees every tear that we shed. And just like He did for Mary and Martha, He weeps with us. He is not distant or uncaring, but rather, He is right beside us, holding our hand and carrying us through.

When we feel abandoned by God, its important to remember His plans are higher than ours. We may not understand why we are going through what we are, but God does. He is using our struggles to shape us, to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him. We may not see it now, but one day we will look back and see how God used our pain for a greater purpose.

So today, if you are feeling alone and abandoned byGod, remember that He loves you. He is always with you and carrying you through your struggles so trust in His plan, even when it doesn't make sense. And know that one day, you will see how he used your pain for His glory.

He will use your struggle for a greater purpose.

"And Jesus said

Come to the water

Stand by My side

I know you are thirsty

You won't be denied

I felt ev'ry tear drop

When in darkness you cried

And I strove to remind you

That for those tears I died".

This post is based on a KJV Devotional and the song - "Come to the Waters" by Marsha Stevens- Pino

The Genesis of Murder

Read Genesis Chapter 4

Genesis is a book that documents the first moments of human failure after creation—the first lie, the first deception, the first rebellion, the first sin, the first sacrifice, and the first murder. Each event shapes humanity’s ongoing struggle between obedience and disobedience, faith and rebellion.

Cain and Abel: A Deeper Story

The story of Cain and Abel is as well-known as Adam and Eve’s, yet it carries profound lessons that go beyond the obvious jealousy and violence. It serves as a powerful reminder of faith, obedience, and the continuous relationship between God and humanity.

Even after the fall, God did not abandon mankind—His presence remained. The story of Cain and Abel reveals that despite separation from Eden, people still had a choice in how they approached God.

Beyond Jealousy: The Root of Cain’s Actions

The divide between Cain and Abel was deeper than simple envy—it was about faith vs. empty obligation.

· Abel’s offering was given with genuine gratitude and faith, reflecting a heart aligned with God.

· Cain’s offering, however, was done as a formality, without sincerity—an action without true devotion.

Cain’s rebellion against God’s correction led him to reject divine guidance and choose his own path, ultimately leading to the first recorded murder in the Bible. His punishment—banishment and separation from God —was a direct consequence of his defiance, rather than reflection or repentance.

David Jeremiah’s commentary highlights: "Cain’s response to God hints at why God did not respect Cain and his offering. Those who become angry when corrected reveal selfish hearts. Cain rejected God’s authority by ignoring His invitation to make the right choice."

Applying These Lessons Today

Cain’s mistakes mirror modern struggles in faith and integrity. To avoid similar patterns in our own lives, we should:

· Offer to God with joy and gratitude – Give willingly from what we earn, not as an afterthought. If giving to God is a burden, it’s better not to give at all.

· Accept God’s correction humbly – Do not reject His authority, wisdom, or discipline when faced with truth we may not like. Accept responsibility for our mistakes. 

· Reflect God’s presence in our daily lives – If we are honest in our relationship with God, it will show in how we treat others. Integrity in faith leads to integrity in work, relationships, and decision-making. 

· Avoid rebellion in everyday actions & Accept responsibility – Misusing resources, rejecting correction, shifting blame, always criticizing (without a solution) or escaping responsibility through lies are signs of a rebellious and weak character—echoing Cain’s own downfall.

Cain’s story is a powerful reminder that obedience, humility, faith and sincerity are essential in a faithful walk with God. 

The Genesis of Deception

Genesis 3:1 – "Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?"

Genesis 3:4-5 – "The serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die! For God knows that when you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’"

Does Satan lie or deceive? Interesting question so let us understand it and the difference. 

Satan primarily deceives though lying is one of his tools. Lying and deceiving are closely related and often used interchangeably, but they have distinct nuances.

Lying involves making a false statement with the intention to mislead. Deception, on the other hand, misleads without necessarily lying - through omission of facts, or creating misleading statements which are not necessarily lies. It often exploits the other person's assumptions, expectations, or cognitive biases. It is more subtle—it involves twisting truth, creating doubt, and leading people astray (Revelation 12:9).

In short, deception is mostly based on an aspect of the truth, making it plausible, and difficult to detect.

That is exactly what the serpent did to Eve in the Garden of Eden. Satan didn’t just lie outright—he twisted God’s words to make disobedience seem appealing (Genesis 3:1-5).

He played on Gods command and advice, quoted God (as a question) and gave a plausible, attractive reason, at the same time not telling Eve of the consequences.

Deceiving is Satan's strategy. He does not go around making random false statements but uses our own weaknesses and plays on them.

Deception is a wider concept than simply uttering falsehoods. Satan's methods go beyond direct lies to include:

-Manipulation: Twisting God's words and intentions, as he did with Eve in the Garden of Eden. He didn't outright say God was lying, but he reinterpreted God's command and motives.

-Creating Illusions: Planting ideas and perceptions in people's minds so that we think we are the author and therefore start justifying it, even though it may be false. This procedure is called auto suggestion.

-Exploiting Weaknesses: Targeting vulnerabilities and desires to lead people astray. 

-Half-Truths: Mixing elements of truth with falsehoods, making the lie more convincing.

For these reasons deception is much more dangerous than lies - because it is much more difficult to identify, and Satan excels at it. It speaks to his cunning, his strategic approach, and the ultimate goal of causing people to embrace falsehood and reject truth.

What can we do about it?

For starters we need to understand the "why" and the "how" of Satan's deception.

Why does Satan deceive people?

Satan is the enemy of all righteousness and doesn’t want anyone to follow the Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He wants us to be miserable like he is (see 2 Nephi 2:27).

His target is God and Christ and their mission, and his way is through us people. The weaker and more fearful or impatient we are, the more we collaborate with Satan to defeat God's purpose. Think about that.

How does he deceive?

Eric B. Murdoch says - "Satan loves it when we feel discouraged. He wants us to believe that whatever is getting us down will be around permanently. But that’s just not true".

He works relentlessly to confuse us to believe that good is evil and evil is good (see Isaiah 5:20). To see examples of this simple fact, look around you and then find out what the Bible says about what you have seen.

Finally, how do we overcome Satan?

How do we not allow ourselves to become his tools to be used and thrown (you know where)?

First, we must decide in all honesty whether we want to become his tool. Somewhere deep down, are we willing to compromise, just a little, to achieve or attain something, just a little and willing to bend the rules, just a little? Is there anything that could make us give up on God, even for a brief moment or a day. Be honest. If the honest answer is yes, then we first need to work on correcting our own mindset and priorities. 

Second, focus on Jesus Christ: Jesus declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Anchoring ourselves in Christ and his teachings is paramount.

We can't do this alone. Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance: The Holy Spirit is called the "Spirit of truth" (John 16:13) and helps believers discern truth from falsehood, even within ourselves.

finally, do we truly believe we are on level or more powerful than Satan by ourselves? Sorry. This is spiritual warfare, not the kind we read about in books, where strategy and plans come in handy and tanks and weapons and protective gear are required.

Being a spiritual war, we need to put on spiritual Armour, and we need spiritual weaponry. Therefore, put on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18): This passage describes spiritual armor to withstand spiritual attacks, including deception. 

Use the Bible as your scale and weapon to refute lies and stand firm against deception, just as Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4).

Lastly, understand that he makes us believe in the concept of 'me first' - that I and my so-called happiness is more important than people and even God. (For example, certain things which were completely taboo in the past have been justified today and included in the mainstream as "normal".)

When we prioritize our own desires above everything else, including people and Gods word, justified in our own minds, we are opening up ourselves to deception. The desire is ours; the justification and prioritization are obligingly provided by Satan.

To counter this, we need our daily dose of the spirit. We need the "spirit of God" to help us through it, giving us the power to see through deception, by staying rooted in prayer, scripture, and discernment. 

The Genesis of Fear (and what we can do about it)

Fear can overtake every human being - Satan ensured that. But the difference between a believer and others is what happens after that. The response to fear.

The believer falls back on the Word of God, prayer and sharing with the Lord, and then experiences a calmness and peace of God. 

On the other hand, a non-believer gets into a frenzy, panics, gets into fits of rage, reacts, may scream, may abuse etc., finally succumb to it and lose their self-control.

This peace that true believers experience is beyond our understanding as the word says. It can only be experienced. This peace is not a delirium. It does not ignore the reality of danger but believes that he will overcome - because he has God on his side.

Fear entered the human existence after Adam and Eve disobey God in the Garden of Eden, as described in Genesis 3:10. They likely feared Gods reaction to their disobedience.

But today, we have the peace of God available to us - a divine assurance of His presence through it all.

God's peace stands as an unshakable foundation for believers. It is not merely the absence of trouble but a deep assurance. The Bible says -

Philippians 4:7 – "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The peace God gives is different from what the world offers—it is lasting, unbreakable, and rooted in His presence.

John 14:27 – "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

When we place our trust in God, fear loses its grip, and His peace fills our hearts.

Isaiah 26:3 – "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."

The Bible often reminds believers that fear is not from God, but rather a response to uncertainty or difficulties. Instead of succumbing to fear, scripture encourages trusting in God’s strength. But that means you have to believe Him first.

Adam’s story offers a deep insight into the concept of faith and human nature. While he knew God personally, lived in His presence, and was given direct instructions, his choice to disobey reflects our own relationship with God. We worship Him, we pray to Him, but do we really trust Him through all our troubles? Do we rest in His promises?

Pastor Rajiv's Mid- Week Message on the Church that Should be

 

Pastor Rajiv: The Church That Should Be

                           

                  BIBLE READING – REVELATION 2:1-7

A few Sundays back I commenced a series with a message about the church that was. In my first message in the series we looked at the how the early church was established and the principles on which the early church was based.

Today we will look at the church that is and the church that should be.

So, today, we are going to look at one of the seven letters to the seven churches in the book of revelation. These were dictated by the risen and glorified lord Jesus Christ to the apostle John.

I also mentioned what people look for in a church: where some prefer a church with a large membership role, some look for a church with a large choir with the works - guitars, drums, and all that goes with it and some look for a dynamic smart pastor preaching sermons that people "want to hear".

But if you recall I had also mentioned that there is one common line of instruction and advice that runs through all these seven letters. And à that instruction was "love".

In a book that I am reading, Dr David Jeremiah quotes the result of a survey conducted by the institute of American church growth and the report of this survey was striking.

This survey covered 8600 people from 39 different Christian denominations to measure what they called their ‘love care quotient’. Their findings? Members of growing churches are more loving towards one another and to their visitors.

Loving churches, irrespective of their denomination and their theology or their location attracted more people.

With that background, let us look at the very first letter and delve into it today: The Letter to the church of Ephesus.

But before we go into this message and this study want to make a point here. We are embarking into a study of a subject that is extremely relevant and crucial for us which is the church of today. And because this is a subject of such criticality and of crucial importance, I will be delving deep into God’s word and the reason for this is that I believe all of us are mature believers not ‘babes in Christ’ as Paul described the Corinthian church - and will be able to understand correction, accept it and implement it. 

Ephesus was the most prominent city in the roman empire in fact it was the religious and commercial Centre of Asia minor of that day. Paul founded the church at Ephesus before he established Timothy as the Pastor. Bible scholars believe that John took over the church as its pastor after Timothy.

It is possible John was living in Ephesus when he was taken captive and exiled to the island of Patmos where he saw the risen and glorified lord Jesus Christ and was dictated this letter.

The bible passage opens with the heading à ‘the loveless church’ Why? Because the Ephesian church had some very serious love problems. However the letter opens on a positive note - Jesus reminds the church that he is always with them and even though they have all these problems His right hand of authority has the power to meet their needs.

"These things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands"- verse 1.

Jesus’ presence is in the midst of the churches - these are the seven golden lampstands. And because he is present in their midst it means he knows their shortcomings. But before he deals with their faults He praises them for what they are doing right, where He says in verses 2& 3 à 2

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. and you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for my name’s sake and have not become weary".

The Ephesian church was a busy church and they were firm believers in the fact that while salvation came through the grace of God and our lord Jesus Christ - works were an important outcome of being saved through grace.

Jesus also described the Ephesian church as à patient and He used the word "patience" not once but twice in these two verses. Dr David Jeremiah in the Jeremiah study bible notes that this church could be described as a three ‘d’ church - determined, disciplined and discerning. Remember - they had ‘tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;’

They were patient as far as service and suffering were concerned but were not when it came to sin and acceptance of false teachers. These false teachers could have been enticing these believers to worship the Roman Emperor and not Christ.

Every things seems to be perfect isn’t it? But then Jesus makes an extremely harsh statement in verse 4 "nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love".

These two words - first and love are extremely critical and crucial and carry the weight of the whole message of this letter on them.

Why did Jesus use this phrase - first love?

Because à fervent, personal, uninhibited and an openly displayed devotion to Christ is and should be a Church’s first love.

And how is this Characterized in a church?

It is manifested in relationships with fellow believers and with those who are lost.

How shocking for a believing church to be told that they had lost their first love. And à Jesus did not just stop there. He went further as he reminded them from where they had fallen- verse 5 "remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent".

Jesus is saying to the Ephesian church just think back and remember from what level of belief you have fallen and you started off so well, full of love, but today you have lost that love.

And then à Jesus gives them an extremely serious warning and an even more serious consequence. "Repent ,go back and return to where you have fallen from and inculcate into yourselves the very first à and foremost condition of being a follower of Christ - love. And if not? I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent".

Christ gave them three commands - 1. Remember 2. Repent 3. Return to your first love - the first love that every church should have firstly for the lord Jesus Christ and then for fellow believers and for the lost.

The consequence for not doing this was serious. Jesus warned the church that they would lose their light and their testimony in the community unless they remembered and repented and returned to the point from which they had started.

And this is what happened years later as Ephesus declined as a city and today it is uninhabited and is just a heap of ruins.

You know even though John recorded these words more than 2000 years ago, these words hold that same warning for the church that is the church of today.

In Melbourne where I live, driving through the heart of the city, are 7 old church buildings, beautiful, ancient churches with lovely gardens surrounding them.

The last time I drove past those churches 5 had been converted into B&Bs and another one had a "for sale" sign outside it.

It is evident that these churches had lost their first love and their light and testimony to the community had been removed.

Just as Jesus had warned the Ephesian church. On the outside the Ephesian church was a model church and were passionate about works only because of a sense of duty. But inside their first love had grown cold and this is what Christ pointed out was their problem. The church died a tragic death after 67 years.

Like this letter Jesus ends every one of his seven letters to the churches with 7 “he who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

You know readers, as I mentioned in the introductory message of this series these letters even though written nearly a 2000 years ago are as current and as relevant as today’s calendar.

Keeping that in mind are we really hearing heeding the warning signs to see if our church is losing its first love? Do we still experience the excitement of new believers?

We live in a busy and fast moving world today and it is easy to be swept up into the frenzy of life and this may allow our love relationship with our lord to grow weak. So that we do not go down this path this letter to the Ephesian church is a crucial message to all of us.

The lord Jesus Christ is to have priority in our lives.

Our first priority as a church is to hold on to our first love - the fervent personal uninhibited and openly displayed devotion to Christ which will lead to our relationship of love with our fellow believers and with those who are lost.

Let us remember these words and write them firmly on the tablet of our hearts.

Just as Jesus was walking in the midst of the 7 churches of that time he is walking in the midst of every church in the world today.

This means that He knows each and every favorable aspect as well as each and every fault of every church today.

We will do well to heed the warnings in each of these seven letters so that we do not lose our light and our testimony as the Ephesian church did.