IF GOD IS YOUR FIRST LOVE, REMEMBER YOUR OBEDIENCE GIVES HIM GLORY!

                                                                 

REMOVING YOUR CANDLESTICK

“…I KNOW THY WORKS, AND THY LABOR, AND THY PATIENCE, AND HOW THOU CANST NOT BEAR THEM WHICH ARE EVIL: AND THOU TRIED THEM WHICH SAY THEY ARE APOSTLES, AND ARE NOT, AND HAS FOUND THEM LAIRS…[However,]…  I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK out of his place, except thou repent…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

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Removing your candlestick is not a threat, or a warning really, but it is God RESPONDING to the choices the church of Ephesus has made to rely on their OWN duty-bound, self-efforts of religious obligations. “… I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK out of his place…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

The candlestick represents the church of Ephesus and the candle, which was inside it; represents Jesus. The church of Ephesus, together with Jesus, once ILLUMINATED with the LIGHT of TRUTH. “… You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

When the church of Ephesus was devoted to FIRST LOVE (God), they were totally different. “… our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). The church and the city of Ephesus played an important role in early Christianity.

God blessed the WHOLE city of Ephesus JUST because HIS people were there. Remember how God was with Joseph when he became a servant in Potiphar’s house and he BLESSED the WHOLE house just because of him. “…The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.  And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate…” (Genesis 39:2-6 NLT).

The presence of the church of Ephesus blessed the WHOLE city of Ephesus. “…the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. …” (Genesis 39:2-6 NLT).

Many were converted in Ephesus, they sent out missionaries from there, Apostle Paul, John, Timothy, and possibly the mother of Jesus lived in or around Ephesus, they had a robust Jewish synagogue, they planted other churches, men received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, some of Apostle Paul’s letters were written in or to the Ephesians, the gospel of John may have been written there too, and the church of Ephesus was initially passionate and zealous for Christ.

“…I KNOW THY WORKS, AND THY LABOR, AND THY PATIENCE, AND HOW THOU CANST NOT BEAR THEM WHICH ARE EVIL: AND THOU TRIED THEM WHICH SAY THEY ARE APOSTLES, AND ARE NOT, AND HAS FOUND THEM LAIRS…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

Somewhere along the way the church of Ephesus fell away from the original zeal and passionate they had for God. “… remember, therefore from whence thou art fallen…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

They had FELL away from FIRST LOVE (God). “… Thou hast left thou first love…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

The fall away from FIRST LOVE (God) is always a “fall away” from GRACE. “…If you are trying … [in your OWN effort] … to make yourselves right with God (or gain favor) by keeping the … [commandments], you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT).

Their WORKS did not make them right with God; GRACE did. “…a person is made right with God by faith [or depending upon]… Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT). “…Grow in the grace (underserved and the unearned favor) …” (2 Peter 3:18). 

If you are doing duty-bound works to make yourself right with God or to earn his favor; it is ALL in vain. “… We are made right with God by placing our faith (our dependence upon) in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are…” (Romans 3:22 NLT). “… No one is justified by the Law (self-effort) before God is evident; for, "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH (dependence upon God)…" (Romans 3:11 NASB).

Even if your WORKS appear to be the same WORKS as those who are depending upon God; those works WON’T make you right with God or EARN you special favors or blessings. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…Apart from Me (Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).   “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  

  “…a person is made right with God by faith [or depending upon]… Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

 “I do not treat the grace (unearned and undeserved favor) of God as meaningless. …” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…BY GRACE have ye been saved…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…We … [receive]… the GRACE of the Lord Jesus Christ [and]… we shall be SAVED…” (Acts 15:11 KJV). “…The grace of our Lord was poured out (transferred) on me abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH (the indwelling power to depend upon God) and love that are in Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

If you received his GRACE to be SAVED; that same GRACE will sustain you throughout your ENTIRE Christian journey and it will NEVER lose its sufficient POWER. “…My grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  “…NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVES to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “…I will supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). “… [The God of LOVE and GRACE]… is … sustaining ALL THINGS by his powerful WORD…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…In him (the God of LOVE and GRACE) ALL THINGS hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “…HE (the God of love and grace) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “… [I am]… strengthened with might by his Spirit in [my]… inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…It is God which worketh in [me]… both to will and to do..” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… [I]..can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [me]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…I know whom I have believed (depended upon), and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day...” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV). ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep …may he work in [me]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

“… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

. “… [go back to Choosing to depending upon] the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… [go back to choosing “not” to lean] unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … [Go back to choosing to acknowledge him in all your ways], and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). Go back to depending upon God to direct your steps. “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

“… or else I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

The candle indwells or fits into the candlestick, which enables it, when LIT or SET on FIRE, to GIVE LIGHT to the surrounding area. “…The Light which … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB).

However, if the candlestick (the church), which is the vessel that displays the LIT CANDLE and is meant to GIVE LIGHT (Jesus) - to the surrounding area - is extinguished; it loses its significance.

"… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

Without the LIT candleLIGHT, the candlestick is NO “…longer good for anything, except to be thrown out...” (Matthew 5:13 NASB). It is no longer relevant. It serves NO purpose in the service of God.

“… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

 “… or else I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

Salt does two things, it preserves and it flavors. "… You are the salt of the earth…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB). It preserves by keeping things from rot and decay. It flavors by changing the taste of things. Salt is relevant and it has a purpose. "… You are the salt of the earth…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

Salt in Matthew 5:13 is also talking about God’s people, the church body. The church has a purpose. It serves the purpose of reconciling the world to God and changing the flavor of human morality to holy morality upon the earth. “…God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (salt and light). …” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV). "… You are the salt of the earth…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB). “…ye shall be holy  (not just moral) unto me: for I the Lord am holy…” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).

When the church does NOT serve its purpose it loses its ability to reconcile men to God or influence holy morality. "… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

The church, therefore, is a LIGHT of TRUTH to the world, but if that LIGHT can’t be SEEN it can’t preserve anyone from corruption nor can it influence holy morality. . “…The Light which … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB).“…. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

If the church LOSES its distinctive qualities of preservation, holy morality, or light; it has LOST its relevancy and its purpose. "… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless …It is no longer good for anything…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

The church LOSES its distinctive qualities when it begins to MIX with the wrong elements, become independent of the indwelling Holy Spirit, or allows itself to be EXPOSED to impurities. ^“… “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “ And do not touch what is unclean…” (2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB).

This LOSS of distinction produces religious practices and behaviors that further extinguishes the church’s ability to preserve, influence holy morality, or uphold the LIGHT of TRUTH. “…He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  

When the church begins to practice Christianity according to their own self-effort; their behavior is no longer EMPOWERED by what makes them uniquely relevant, or purposeful. “… [The irrelevant]… are such [that]… serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV).

The church becomes USELESS for the purposes of God. The body without the Spirit is dead. “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The church body without dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit is also dead and useless. Apart from depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit, the church can do nothing. ^“…The God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep …work in us (empowering) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).“…Apart from Me (Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit), [YOU can] do nothing [spiritually relevant]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Without depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to do the work “IN” and “THROUGH” them the church becomes impure from depending upon self-effort which relies on sinful flesh. “ … It is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The sinful flesh profits NOTHING, especially NOTHING that glories God. The flesh is USELESS and UNPROFITABLE. “…The flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human effort (the flesh) accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT). “…If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love (God is LOVE), IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING…” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV)."… if the salt has become tasteless … It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

If the church LOSES its distinctive quality, which IS the indwelling Holy Spirit, how will it be able to preserve others from the corruption of sin or, influence holy morality, or be a LIGHT of TRUTH? “….Don't put your confidence in … people [or your OWN flesh]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT). “…It is impossible to please God without (the indwelling Holy Spirit of) FAITH…” (Hebrews 11:6 NLT). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

What would the Christian church be good for without the indwelling Holy Spirit? “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). What would make the Christian church distinctive from any other religion? “…It is God who works in [them]…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

If the Christian church does not set a tone for HOLY morality; how will their human moral practices be any different from others.  “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV). “…There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways DEATH ….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV). “…and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

Trying to do Christianity through duty-bound religious obligations gleaned from self-effort REDUCES the distinctive qualities of God’s church to USELESSNESS and being “good for nothing.” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

Without the indwelling WORK of the Holy Spirit what distinctive quality does the Christian church have from any other church? Thus, it is good for nothing in regard to the purposes of the HOLY God (Matthew 5:13).

In the 21^st century are people being SAVED; are they being preserved from the corruption of sin; are they being influenced by Holy morality; and are they SEEING the LIGHT of TRUTH?“…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).  “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (unChristian), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).  “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident…” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).

Is the American Christian church NO longer a relevant life preserver? Is the American Christian church no longer a relevant influencer of Holy morality? Is the American Christian church no longer a relevant LIGHT of TRUTH? "…Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB).

If the American Christian church has LOST their distinctive qualities HOW will the lost people find the ANSWERS? Is the American Christian church GOOD for NOTHING? “…How shall they believe in him of whom they have not HEARD? And how shall they HEAR without a preacher (one who speaks not only in words, but in deeds)?” (Romans 10:14 KJV).

The American church can RETURN to usefulness by returning to FIRST LOVE (God) and remembering FIRST LOVE’S (God’s) GRACE. “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

The Christian church will be a useful vessel ONLY for the purposes in which they were called. The church DOES these things BY FAITH (depending upon the Holy Spirit). “….Without [the Spirit of] faith (the empowering ability to depend upon God) it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).  “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The indwelling Spirit of Faith empowers believers to depend upon God to enable them to do what PLEASES God.  “…God … worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER (the indwelling Holy Spirit) that worketh in [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

The indwelling Holy Spirit DOES the WORK of FAITH “IN” and “THROUGH” the church. “ … It is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will … …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).“… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep…work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

The Father, who is Spirit, and dwells within them, “HE” DOES the WORK. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus Christ) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). . “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV).  “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The church chooses to willfully TRUST or DEPEND UPON his indwelling Holy Spirit to DO the WORK. “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

First of ALL the Holy Spirit dwells within them. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Christ in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus Christ) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). . “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV). 

Second the Holy Spirit WORKS in and through them. “ … It is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Third the church chooses to willfully depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to do the WORK of FAITH which empowers them to hope for and expect from God the things promised in his WORD. Thus, God DOES the empowering WORK of faith, within the believer, enabling them to depend upon him. “…The WORK of God: [is] that ye believe (depend upon) on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29 KJV). “…It is God who WORKS IN YOU…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (empower) you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep …may he work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God’s Holy Spirit DOES the WORK of faith “IN” and “THROUGH” his people, the church. “ … It is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

He’s given EVERY child the Spirit of his indwelling POWER.  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost (Spirit)…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). . “…God has …given us a spirit …of power…” (1 Timothy 1:7 NLT).

They are to choose to DEPEND UPON his indwelling POWER, which is the Holy Spirit. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

The church can DEPEND UPON the indwelling POWER to work in and through them to be a life preservers, influencers, and lights of truth. “ … It is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). God “…grant[s]… [those who depend upon him]… to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).

The REAL church of God knows and understands it is by GRACE they are preservers, influencers, and lights of truth. “…BY THE GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

Apart from the distinctive, indwelling Holy Spirit, the church knows they would NOT be able to do anything to preserve others from the corruption of sin, or influence others toward holy morality, or be lights of truth. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Without depending upon this distinctive quality, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the church of God, serves no greater purpose those others who are in the DARK. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

They have FALLEN away from the LIGHT and have become USELESS as vessels for the LIGHT of TRUTH. If the church LOSES its distinctive qualities of preservation, holy morality, or light; it has LOST its relevancy and its purpose. "… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless …It is no longer good for anything…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

FALLING away is a choice. The church is choosing to serve God in and through their OWN self-efforts. “…. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

Self-effort is willfully and voluntarily forfeiting YOUR dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit. Self-effort demonstrates the church has forgotten salvation is by GRACE. “…The Light which … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB “…We … [receieve]… the GRACE of the Lord Jesus Christ [and]… we shall be SAVED…” (Acts 15:11 KJV). “…BY GRACE … [you are] …saved …not of WORKS, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

To forget salvation by GRACE is to forgot FIRST LOVE (God). FIRST LOVE  (God) FUELS the many acts of GRACE that offers salvation and perpetual favors to the undeserving, the unworthy, and those who could never earn it. “…The grace of our Lord was poured out (transferred) on me abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH (the indwelling power to depend upon God) and love that are in Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

To remember GRACE is to remember FIRST LOVE (God) and how his act of GRACE saved you from corruption, influenced your holy morality, and transformed you into a light of truth. “…BY GRACE have ye been saved…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

To remember GRACE is to remember that FIRST LOVE (God), through the riches of his GRACE, will sustain you, hold you up through his indwelling Holy Spirit, and be sufficient for you forever. “… [God is]… sustaining ALL THINGS by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…in him  ALL THINGS hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “…My GRACE is sufficient for you….” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE by NEVER changing! “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  ^“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE, because he NEVER leaves his church. “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE by strengthening you when you are weak! “…when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE by doing the WORK of faith “IN” and “THROUGH” his church. “ … It is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE by meeting the churches EVERY need. “…My God will supply ALL [YOUR need]… according to His riches  [which are] … in glory in Christ Jesus…”  (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…The LORD (the indwelling Spirit) “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).“…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT)

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE by giving, his church, EVERYTHING that pertains to LIFE and GODLINESS. “…His divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

When the church loses its ability to preserve, influence, or uphold the light of truth it is usually because they have willfully and voluntarily chosen to forget or abandon God. “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).

God is NOT removing their candlestick because he CHANGED, but because they have changed and have chosen to follow Christianity in their OWN way. “…my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

If the candlestick, which is a vessel, does not have candle LIGHT it is useless for its intended purposes. “…MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, because THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved…” (John 3:18-20 KJV).

The candlestick, which represents the church, in Revelation 2:5, can be restored to its usefulness by repenting and remembering its first usefulness, which was simple to receive the candle and depend upon the candle do the WORK of giving LIGHT to the surrounding area. “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

Apart from the candle, the candlestick can do nothing. The candle is the LIGHT; not the candlestick. The church is the candlestick and Jesus is the LIGHT. Apart from Jesus, the church can do nothing. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

The candle empowers the candlestick to become a useful vessel that GIVES LIGHT. Jesus said if I be lifted I will draw all men unto me. “…God is Spirit…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will and to do …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

The candlestick (the church) LIFTS up the candlelight (Jesus) so men can SEE how to be preserved from the corruption of sin, or to influence them through holy moral behavior, or to enlighten them with God’s truth. “..If I (Jesus, the LIGHT) be lifted up from the earth, WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV).

The difference between the candlestick and the church is the church has a choice to be a useful vessel. They have a choice to depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit, which projects the LIGHT of TRUTH “IN” and “THROUGH” the church. ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (empower) you with everything good [the LIGHT]… for doing his will, and may he work in us (through his LIGHT) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

The candlestick, as a vessel for the LIGHT, serves, and becomes a part of the SAME purpose as the candle. “ … We have this treasure [LIGHT] “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “… I am the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “… You are the light of the world..." (Matthew 5:14 KJV).

The candlestick and the candle work together to be the LIGHT of the WORLD. “…God which worketh IN YOU …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

The candlestick, however, must choose to remember the SOURCE of the LIGHT. “… In Him was life (Jesus), and the life was the Light of men…” (John 1:14 NASB). "…I (Jesus) have come as Light into the world...” (John 12:46 NASB). “…This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

Without the SOURCE, the church loses its relevancy, its purpose, and its secret, indwelling strength to be a LIGHT to the world. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…our great power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

The candle NOT the candlestick is what provides the LIGHT. “…our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

 John was a candlestick and admitted he was NOT the light, but was a vessel for the LIGHT. “…There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a WITNESS, to bear witness (be a vessel) of the LIGHT, that all men THROUGH him might believe (depend upon). He was NOT the LIGHT, but was SENT to BEAR WITNESS (be a vessel) of that LIGHT… the WORD (Jesus)…was the true LIGHT….” (John 1-10 KJV).

God so loved the world that he GAVE his son, the true light. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, SHOULD NOT PERISH, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “…The Light which … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB).

His purpose is to demonstrate and express that love to sinful mankind. Willing vessels work together with him to do the same thing IF they voluntarily choose to serve him as a candlestick that gives LIGHT to the WORLD. “…The Light which … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB). “… I am the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Removing the candlestick is God’s RESPONSE to a decision the church of Ephesus’ made by trying to be the LIGHT of the WORLD without depending upon the actually LIGHT to do it! “… I am the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…our great power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

Without the TRUE LIGHT the Christian church will become irrelevant and useless. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  The church of Ephesus, once a metropolis of Christianity, is said to have less than 1% of Christians in that city to this day.

Some say there is a total of only 3 Christians, period, in the whole city of Ephesus now. I don’t know for sure, but it is definitely NOT the LIGHT it once was. “…I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

Are the Christian churches in American becoming like the church of Ephesus? Are American churches preserving their fellow citizens from the corruption of sin? Are they influencing holy morality? Are they STILL a light of truth?

OR is the American Christian churches BARELY maintaining their OWN salvation? “…The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and [YOU]… ARE NOT SAVED...” (Jeremiah 8:20 KJV). “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and TURN FROM their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “… And  …“If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” (1 Peter 4:18 NLT).

God’s judgement will begin with the household of believers. “… The time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News?” (1 Peter 4:16 NLT).

After all, the American Christian churches are the ones who claim to have the LIGHT of TRUTH. “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).  “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (depending upon SELF-effort), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).

 “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).  “… or else I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

A removal of your candlestick is a RESPONSE to your OWN choice to DO Christianity in your OWN way, which WILL “NOT” and can “NOT” preserve people from the various corruptions of sin or, influence holy morality, or impart truth. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

God is responding to those churches who have LOST their relevancy and usefulness for his purposes. “...the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man…” (Genesis 6:3 KJV). “…They DID NOT like to retain God in their knowledge…” (Romans 1:28 KJV). “… I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV)

God is responding to those churches who are NOW depending upon the limitation of human effort. “…If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING…” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV). “…the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).   “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

God is responding to those churches who no longer DEPEND UPON his POWERFUL indwelling Holy Spirit to do the WORK “in” and “through” them. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT … is the SOURCE of them all. …it is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

 “… or else I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

You must ask yourself these questions: Am I, personally, depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit? Are people in my family, or among my friends, or in my community being preserved from the corruption of sin? Are people in my family, or among my friends, or in my community being influenced by holy morality? Are the people in my family, or among my friends, or in my community being enlightened with God’s truth? Am I or is my church body depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower us to be a LIGHT to our families, or among our friends, or in the community? “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).  “… or else I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).

God is in control, but he is NOT controlling. God has WORK to do upon the earth. If you CHOOSE not to be a willing vessel for his purposes he will respect your choice and he is demonstrating that respect when he removes your candlestick. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…  I … WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

However, God’s WORK of preserving people from the corruption of sin, influencing holy morality, and being a light to the world will continue; with or without you. “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

Christianity is STILL relevant and serving its purpose in other parts of the WORLD. ^“Herein is LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

The GREAT LIGHT of truth has shifted and imparted its relevancy and purpose to willing vessels in countries such as African, Latin America, and Asia. “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world…” (John 3:16 KJV).

China KNOWN for its atheism is GROWING a Christian community that can no longer be ignored. Experts predict that by 2025 China will become the largest Christian country.

If you think your candlestick has been put on the list for removal; it is time to repent. “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).  

God has been removed from American schools, from monuments, people don’t attend bible study like they used to, Sunday night services are unheard of, parents no longer “MAKE” their children attend church, people complain about long sermons or long church services, people grumble about an Easter or Christmas service which center around Christ over staying home to enjoy the holiday instead,  communion, which used to be a special and separate service is now incorporated into morning service to make it convenient for the people.

Christians, themselves, are compromising their OWN relevancy and purpose by throwing away biblical orthodoxy practices. Thus, many Christian churches have had NO new converts in weeks, months, or even years. They have LOST their purpose and relevancy.

The WORLD tells, the Christian church, that LESS Jesus would make them more purposeful and relevancy, but the bible says it will take MORE JESUS. “… I am the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…our great power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

It is the churches CHOICE to become a church which is relevant and purposeful through the POWER of the indwelling Holy Spirit or become a church who languishes from the impact of self-effort and religious obligation, which EXCLUDES God.

God respects your choice. However, you have time to “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).  “… or else I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).

God’s church is ALIVE, RELEVANT, and PURPOSEFUL. Your church can AGAIN become a part of the WORLDWIDE community of believers that are LIGHTING the WORLD with God’s TRUTH.

No matter how DEAD you think your church has become; God is “NOT” dead and his candlesticks - in other parts of the worldwide community - is preserving people from the corruption of sin, influencing holy morality, and enlightening people with the truth.

There are still some America churches who are choosing to be willing vessels by proclaiming the Gospel and by being the LIGHT. They are allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to use them in changing lives, changing families, changing congregants, changing communities, changing societies, and changing countries.

However, we need MORE. We need an American REVIVAL!!

No matter what you SEE or how DEAD you think your Christian church or Christian life has become JESUS is “STILL” LIGHTING the WORLD through willing vessel!!

DO THIS” “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).  “… or else I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).

 

 

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