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Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on Revelation 2:2-5 posted September 25, 2013 - Prayer Tents
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Come back!
This chapter and the next talks about how we, as the church collectively, can easily fall away from God's desire for a relationship. Each can be examined carefully to expose our hearts and show us how we can turn back to the Lord.
For today, I focus on the writing that was made to the first church, Ephesus. This is a church with a very good track record. They have held their services without fail, they know the Scriptures very well, and they DO things right.
What's the problem then? They don't have a relationship with God. Actually, they began with such a fervor like many of us do, but eventually they sank into religiousness.
They began to DO things and felt they were right with God as long as they kept doing what they were doing. We can never forget that God's original (and even today's) intent has always been to be in a relationship with His people, the church (or us, collectively).
Our activities cannot replace our direct relationship with God, which Jesus has purchased for us through the cross. This is why the call for us is “You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! ... Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.”
What did we do first when we believed in the Lord? I recall diving into Scriptures, spending time in reflection, prayer, singing praises, and sharing God with others. It's a heart-matter! Our hearts may have become too hardened from our everyday doing (including our busyness). Let’s ask the Lord the soften our hearts so that we may receive Him and commune with Him once more.
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel 36:26
2“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. 4“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.
Revelation 2:2-5 (NLT)
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
New York, NY
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Scriptures Marked by Sang Sur
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