Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love - Continue

 Jesus than sets a pattern for all but two of his seven messages by opening with warm words of commendation. For the Ephesians, he has this message: "I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot bear bad men, and that you put those to the test who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them liars. You are also showing endurance, and you have borne up for my name's sake and have not grown weary." (Revelation 2:2, 3) Years before, the apostle Paul had warned the Ephesian elders about "oppressive wolves," apostate disturbers of the flock, and had told those elders to "keep awake," following his own tireless example.  (Acts 20:29, 31) Since Jesus now commends them for their labor and endurance and not for growing weary, they must have applied that counsel. 

Next time: Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love - Continue 

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