In the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, the apostle John wrote to the seven churches in the Roman Empire and the first church he wrote to was Ephesus in Asia Minor which is Turkey today.

John recorded Jesus as saying the following to the Church in Ephesus: Revelation 2 verse 1, "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: {2} "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; {3} "and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. {4} "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. {5} "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place; unless you repent. {6} "But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. {7} "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."'"

Jesus begins with some positive remarks to the angel of the Church in Ephesus. The Greek word for ‘angel’ is angelos which can also mean messenger or human leader of the Church. Then in verse 4, Jesus focuses in on a problem when He says, "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. {5} "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place; unless you repent."

How would you feel if Jesus told you that "You have left your first love?"

Our first love is the love Christ gives us for God and each other and for the truth.

Do you remember your first love? It was that moment in time in which you said, "Our Father in heaven, Forgive me of my sins and transgressions against You and your Word, and Your Commandments. I accept Your Son Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. Have mercy on me a sinner."

You repented of your sins and was baptized a short time later (Acts 2:38).

At that moment you were clean, holy and pure before God and Jesus Christ (John 3:16). You were a new creature and your sins were covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. You were justified by Jesus’ blood, reconciled to God and saved by His life (Romans 5:9-10).

At that moment in time you were righteous before God and you wanted to continue to do what was right, and keep God’s Commandments, statutes and laws (Psalms 119:172).

Part of living the Christian life is developing a relationship with God and Jesus Christ by doing our Prayer and Bible Study and Meditation every day. And at times fasting to draw even closer to God.

But at time we have trials and tests, and perhaps the cares of the world taunt us, as Jesus related in the parable of the ‘Sower and Seed’ in Matthew chapter 13.

We may let down in our repentance and overcoming as Jesus related in the story of the kingdom of heaven to be likened to ten virgins who went forth to meet the bridegroom. Five virgins were wise and five were foolish. The wise virgins were prepared with oil for their lamps, which could represent that the Holy Spirit was active in their lives, and the foolish virgins were not prepared and were without oil for their lamps.

What happens when we sin? The prophet Isaiah gives us the answer: "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. {2} But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Our sins, transgressions and iniquities separates us from God.

The Apostle John tells us: "Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him" (John 9:31).

Well, we are all human and fall short of the Kingdom of God (Romans 3:23). We all have our short comings and weaknesses. So, what do we need to do?

What did Jesus tell the Church in Ephesus who lost their first love to do?

Jesus said in verse 5 of Revelation 2, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works."

Jesus said, "REPENT!"

So, we need to get out our spiritual toolbox and spend more time in Prayer, Bible Study, Meditation and Fasting. Spend more time on your knees.

Two things that Jesus told each of the seven Churches of Revelation to do was to Repent and Overcome. We also need to comply with His command to repent and overcome. One thing we all need to overcome is pride. We need to be humble (James 4:6).

The second thing that Jesus said to do in verse 5 of Revelation 2 was to "do the first works." We need to resume our former zeal and diligence and walk righteously in God’s sight. Keep God’s seventh day Sabbaths (Saturday) and annual Holy Days properly. Love the Church and love the Brethren.

Our first works should be to do good works. Our good works should include applying the beatitudes (Matthew 5 and 6) in our lives. Look at the good works parable in Matthew 25 verses 31 through 46.

In Conclusion: Try to develop a strong desire to spend more time with God and Jesus Christ in Prayer, Bible Study, Meditation and occasional fasting. Be zealous for God’s truth and strive for righteousness in obedience to His Commandments. Love the brethren.

Hold fast to your first love!