Passage
Revelation 2:1-11 (ESV)
Let All the Earth Be Silent
Habakkuk 2:9-20
Key Verse: 2:20
Restore the Love You Had at First
Date: Oct. 23, 2018
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 2:5
1. Repent (1-7)
Apostle Paul shed tears of love to establish the church at Ephesus, but vicious wolves had to be fought (Ac 20:18-31), particularly false apostles and antinomian Nicolaitans. They overcame and did not grow weary, but in the course of battle forsook the love they had at first. Jesus wants us to keep sound doctrine, but more than that he wants us to love him and love one another. He asks us to remember that love we had at first, repent and do as we did before, and be victorious!
2. Be faithful (8-11)
Smyrna believers were afflicted and poor humanly, under attack by the synagogue of Satan, but Jesus saw them as rich! They would suffer much for ten days (a time), but Jesus says: Do not be afraid...be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown. Next to love, faithfulness is necessary in these days of darkness.
Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus' care to rebuke and encourage. Help me love you and be faithful.
One Word: Jesus loves me
