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First Love, Part VIII - A Return to Form
Recap: Last time on Theophilus, we used the example of Christendom to explore how idolatry erodes the Church. Today we will bring our series to a close.
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Christ had some strong words for the church in Ephesus.
But they were not without hope.
Hope for the Ephesians
Remember then from what you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
Jesus sees where the Ephesians are heading and warns them of what will happen should they neglect agape.
Should the Ephesians repent, however, they can return to this love and continue as a healthy church.
The whole address shows us something truly wonderful about God, the fact that He loves us enough not to leave us to our own devices.
When Jesus looked at the Ephesian church, He didnāt see a lost cause. He saw people, flawed people, but not hopeless people.
He saw what they could become- both good and bad.
Repentance
Contrary to popular belief, the Church is not a lost cause because humanity is not a lost cause.
With Jesus, the opportunity for repentance is always present.
āRepentanceā is another one of those words thatās gained some uncomfy religious baggage. Allow me to clarify it a bit.
The Greek word for ārepentā is metanoeĆ³, meaning āto change your mind.ā Thatās what repentance is, shifting your view from power, dogma, and idolatry to Godās agape love.
Thatās what Heās looking for.
Power doesnāt last. Dogma is a force form of control. And idolatry will never truly satisfy.
Meanwhile, agape is more than just a pleasant idea, utopian ideal, or vague sense of āacceptance.ā
The agape love of God is the greatest power in the universe.
So, why return to the first love? Because there is no need we have that He canāt fulfill.
No matter how far the Church strays, no matter how many times we get it wrong, God will always be there. Ready and waiting to embrace and be embraced.
After all, love is patient and love is kind.
Thank, God.
Application: What are some ways we can repent or āchange our mindsā to move closer to God?
For now, be blessed.
Jon,
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