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Revelation 2:4, 5 - The Priority of Relationship.

Revelation 2:4, 5: The Priority of Relationship.

Revelation 2:4, 5 (NIV) Yet I hold this against you: You have 
forsaken your first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have 
fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, 
I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 

Revelation 2:4-5 (NLT) But I have this complaint against you. 
You dont love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how 
far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at 
first. If you dont repent, I will come and remove your lampstand 
from its place among the churches. 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   Ephesus was the home of a tremendous ministry. Despite harsh 
persecution, the church planted by Paul endured opposition, spread the 
gospel, and was quick to challenge false prophets. But 30 years after 
the apostle left, Johns revelation included a stern warning for 
those believers. 
   Imagine how the words of Revelation 2 must have struck the 
Ephesians when they read them. After complimenting their service to the 
gospel, Christ said, But I have this against you ... That phrase 
was no doubt extremely disconcerting. The Lord warned them that they 
had left their first love. In other words, all of their work was 
being done with wrong motives. 
   Christ called the Ephesians to remember their love for Him 
and their delight in His salvation. Service is no substitute for an 
intimate relationship, but modern believers continue to fall into this 
subtle trap. The commendable things that we do count for nothing unless 
they stem from a vibrant personal connection with God. Our work 
cant be effective or fruitful unless He is in it. 
   In fact, God is more interested in you and your personal 
relationship with Him than in a thousand lifetimes of good works. He desires 
to be the satisfaction and delight of His children so that their 
service is a result of loving devotion. 
   There are plenty of wrong reasons to labor for the kingdom. 
However, God is satisfied only with service motivated by love for Him. He 
wants those with selfish intentions to return to their first love. In 
that way, hearts and minds can be renewed, and service to the Lord 
will be more fruitful. [In Touch Daily Devotional by Charles Stanley 
at www.intouch.org re Rev. 2:1-7] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20180624-1123.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo [old, but one of the best] 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782

Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE

Musical Devotional On Christian Living: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/

ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657  

Last Day Prophecy: His Other Sheep by Pastor Gerald Babanezhad: 
https://vimeo.com/162267518