Royal Mail

Dear Readers,

This summer, the Monday Message will be based on the 7 letters to God’s friends found in the book of Revelation (Chapters 2 &3). Each Monday you will recieve a special handpicked remix version of each letter comprised of 7 different English translations* of the Bible. The aim is to present them in a reverent and relevent way.

A commentary will also be included at the very end in the form of something we @Freedomhouse call a “Bible Breakdown” (more on that next time).

A very familiar yet, brand new form of the Monday Message will be returning in the Autumn. So please don’t tell yourself “I can read the real thing in my own book” or “I’ve already heard this 100 times”. I think God has some divine timing in store for us all. I hope your are encouraged and challenged this summer by the 7 greatest letters ever written…

*Bible translations used: King James – NLT – NASB – ESV – Amplified – Message – NIV

To the messenger of the Ephesian Assembly write:

The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this…

I know all the things you do: your works, your toil, your patient endurance and how you cannot bear with those who are evil. You’ve tested those who call themselves special messengers of Christ and yet are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. But I have this complaint against you…

You have left your first love.

Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Turn back and recover your dear early love, or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent.

Yet you have this in your favour: you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans (corrupters of the people), which I also hate.

Are your ears awake? Listen…anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Everyone who overcomes will eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God.

Sincerely,
The One Who Holds the Seven Stars

(((—>–>->!>^*******^<<!<-<–<—)))

Bible Breakdown on Revelation 2:1-7 by Brandon Munoz found at the bottom of this message..

Bible Breakdown:
Revelation 2:1-7

First Love Losers

Verse Breakdown:

1 From the One Who Holds Us and Walks Among Us
2-3 Patience and Not Gullible
4-5 Losing the Love That Matters Most
6 It’s Good to Hate the Things God Hates (w/ Love)
7 Tasty Trees in Paradise for Those Who Overcome

Message:
It seems that we are always worried if we are on ‘good terms’ with people, banks, employers, etc. If we do all the right things like sending Christmas cards or pay bills on time then we can walk with a clear, anxiety free conscious based on our good and responsible deeds alone.

When it comes to God, He expects much more than good deeds and efficient spirituality. Our Creator wants love to motivate all we do with Him. Without love we are only doing things for Him. This can get old very quick, both for God and for us.

God loves to make us feel good. Look how much encouragement is in this letter. But in his mercy He was also making sure this great church didn’t burn out like a birthday candle. With the power of a Spirit-filled 1st Love working in us, we can do all things through Christ without feeling like we have to, but because we really want to.

Love will always be a choice.

Application:
This summer I am scanning my deeds with a love-tooth comb to see what’s being done to maintain reputation or comfort my self-righteousness. I will ask God to really help me see and hear clearly. Letting some things go and refining my attitude in what is essential.

I’d rather lose something that makes me feel good than ditch the Love that makes everything real good.

Memory Verse:
Revelation 2:5

Look how far you have fallen from your first love! Turn back to me again and work as you did at first. If you don’t, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.