Revelation 2:7 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.

 

In the year 96 A.D., Jesus dictated seven Letters to John; one for each of the seven Churches in Asia at that time. John wrote the Letters and as directed by Jesus, sent them to the Pastor of each Church. Each Letter contains Jesus’ feelings about what is happening there. He praises them for what they are doing right and rebukes them for their wrongdoing.

 

In all seven cases, we find the information in these Letters pertinent to the Church today and in my opinion, that’s why they are included in the Canon of Scripture. As we study through these Letters let us apply the praises and rebukes to ourselves personally and to the Church we attend. It’s amazing that in the year 2022, the very same things are still happening.

 

For the past three days, we have discussed the first Letter which was written to the Ephesians. As in all the Letters, Jesus points out the good and the bad about their doctrine and practices. At the conclusion of the Letter, Jesus makes this familiar statement: 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.

 

My friends, we would be well advised to heed the Word of the Lord. Everything He wrote to the Church in Ephesus applies to us today. As a recap, the following is a list of things brought to their attention for praise and rebuke. If you or your Church is lacking in any of these areas, I suggest you correct them immediately! Work hard, have patience, shun evil, test the spirits, persevere, labor for the sake of the Name of Jesus, never leave or drift away from your first love (Jesus), continually share the Gospel of Christ, hate false doctrine and all occult practices. Do not allow the enemy to infiltrate your midst.

 

What you have just read is the content of the Letter written to the Church in Ephesus. Take these Words to heart and put them ALL into practice in your daily life and in your Church because Jesus concluded His Letter with these Words: To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. (Revelation 2:8)

 

Be an overcomer. God is about to….….turn the tide

 

Forgive me Lord where I have failed,         Doreen

 

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