WEBVTT 00:00:00.140 --> 00:00:01.919 Please have a seat and let's pray. 00:00:04.820 --> 00:00:09.599 Father God, we pray that we might be those that humbly receive your implanted words. 00:00:10.220 --> 00:00:12.599 Father, do your work in our lives, we pray. 00:00:13.160 --> 00:00:15.679 Be with us in this time and teach us by your Spirit. 00:00:16.480 --> 00:00:20.559 We ask this in Jesus' name and for his sake. Amen. 00:00:21.500 --> 00:00:24.600 We're in the second installment of We've Got Mail, 00:00:24.600 --> 00:00:34.640 this series looking at the letters that the risen Lord Jesus writes to seven churches in Asia Minor or modern day Turkey. 00:00:34.780 --> 00:00:42.299 Ian kicked us off last week with this great description in the end of chapter one about the author, 00:00:42.840 --> 00:00:48.520 about what the risen Lord Jesus looks like, about what he is, what his character is. 00:00:49.780 --> 00:00:52.840 And today we get into the letters properly. 00:00:52.840 --> 00:01:00.760 Today we're going to look at the church in Ephesus in Revelation chapter two and verses one to seven. 00:01:02.400 --> 00:01:06.560 Everyone has an opinion when it comes to church. 00:01:06.939 --> 00:01:08.520 Everybody has an opinion. 00:01:09.200 --> 00:01:10.500 Church is too boring. 00:01:10.740 --> 00:01:12.020 Church is too exciting. 00:01:12.340 --> 00:01:13.439 Church is too modern. 00:01:14.020 --> 00:01:15.340 Church is too traditional. 00:01:16.560 --> 00:01:17.700 Church is too loud. 00:01:18.939 --> 00:01:20.060 Church is too quiet. 00:01:20.260 --> 00:01:21.600 Church is too big. 00:01:21.599 --> 00:01:23.759 Church is too small. 00:01:23.939 --> 00:01:25.299 Church is too formal. 00:01:25.959 --> 00:01:27.479 Church is too casual. 00:01:27.599 --> 00:01:28.979 The sermons are too long. 00:01:29.780 --> 00:01:32.659 Everyone thinks the sermons are too long. 00:01:33.780 --> 00:01:38.179 There is no shortage of opinions when it comes to church. 00:01:39.359 --> 00:01:45.000 You can buy countless books written by experts about what churches should do, 00:01:45.099 --> 00:01:47.379 what churches should be, how churches should run, 00:01:47.379 --> 00:01:49.079 what churches should look like. 00:01:49.439 --> 00:01:55.859 Just on my bookshelf alone, I have total church, center church, simple church, vintage church, 00:01:56.019 --> 00:02:02.319 wiki church, vertical church, transformational church, everyday church, urban church, organic church, 00:02:02.459 --> 00:02:07.359 slow church, provocative church, deliberate church, disappearing church, spirit-filled church, 00:02:07.500 --> 00:02:11.280 mission-shaped church, gospel-centered church, and purpose-driven church. 00:02:11.280 --> 00:02:16.699 There is no shortage of opinions when it comes to church. 00:02:17.000 --> 00:02:18.420 Some of them are great. 00:02:19.120 --> 00:02:22.000 It's good to have opinions about church. 00:02:22.199 --> 00:02:27.520 But there is one opinion that matters over and above everything else, 00:02:27.620 --> 00:02:31.120 what the Lord Jesus thinks and says about his church. 00:02:31.120 --> 00:02:33.539 What he says is good. 00:02:33.879 --> 00:02:35.219 What he says is bad. 00:02:35.420 --> 00:02:41.219 That must be the primary opinion that matters in our churches and in our lives. 00:02:41.599 --> 00:02:43.460 His opinion ultimately matters. 00:02:43.980 --> 00:02:46.379 His advice must ultimately be heeded. 00:02:46.759 --> 00:02:51.200 And his verdict about church will be ultimately decisive. 00:02:51.199 --> 00:03:02.299 And so in Revelation chapter 2 and chapter 3, we have these seven letters written to seven churches in modern-day Turkey. 00:03:02.959 --> 00:03:08.679 They are real churches, but they are also representative churches. 00:03:09.079 --> 00:03:14.579 There are lots and lots and lots of churches in Asia Minor when Jesus dictates these letters. 00:03:14.580 --> 00:03:22.300 But these are the seven he writes to, and these are the seven that represent what church is. 00:03:23.000 --> 00:03:29.400 Letters dictated to the Apostle John on the island of Patmos by the risen Lord Jesus. 00:03:29.880 --> 00:03:32.080 And they are so relevant to us. 00:03:32.500 --> 00:03:38.920 Even though they're written 2,000 years ago to a context that is quite different to 21st century Edinburgh. 00:03:39.720 --> 00:03:42.140 They are incredibly potent. 00:03:42.139 --> 00:03:44.459 They are ferociously contemporary. 00:03:44.779 --> 00:03:45.059 Why? 00:03:46.500 --> 00:03:49.079 Because people haven't ultimately changed. 00:03:50.199 --> 00:03:53.559 Because church hasn't ultimately changed. 00:03:53.679 --> 00:03:55.899 Because Jesus certainly hasn't changed. 00:03:56.359 --> 00:03:58.139 And truth remains truth. 00:03:59.379 --> 00:04:02.379 These letters are written to them, but they're for us. 00:04:03.459 --> 00:04:08.579 What the Spirit says to these churches, the Spirit is saying to us today. 00:04:08.580 --> 00:04:11.580 And they follow a regular framework. 00:04:12.240 --> 00:04:15.380 The seven churches all follow a very similar pattern. 00:04:15.900 --> 00:04:17.560 And it starts with an inscription. 00:04:19.120 --> 00:04:26.080 Jesus says to the message bearer of the church in Ephesus, right, there is a command to make an inscription. 00:04:27.040 --> 00:04:29.759 Then there's a description of the author. 00:04:30.620 --> 00:04:35.879 To him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 00:04:35.879 --> 00:04:37.259 Always a description. 00:04:37.259 --> 00:04:40.659 A description that is picked up from the end of chapter 1. 00:04:41.439 --> 00:04:48.459 And that is incredibly pertinent to the church that Jesus is writing to. 00:04:49.300 --> 00:04:51.259 After the description, you get a commendation. 00:04:52.300 --> 00:04:53.819 Jesus says what they're doing well. 00:04:55.319 --> 00:04:57.120 I know, he says. 00:04:57.120 --> 00:05:01.560 And after the commendation, there's usually an accusation. 00:05:02.300 --> 00:05:06.220 Yet this I hold against you, but this I hold against you. 00:05:06.899 --> 00:05:09.439 After the accusation, there's an instruction. 00:05:11.519 --> 00:05:13.560 This is what you're to do about it. 00:05:14.199 --> 00:05:21.240 This is your steps to change and to bring your church back in line with what I want your church to look like. 00:05:21.240 --> 00:05:24.340 After that, there's an exhortation. 00:05:24.879 --> 00:05:27.480 Either in the form of a warning or a promise. 00:05:28.639 --> 00:05:30.199 And then an affirmation. 00:05:31.560 --> 00:05:33.759 He relays a promise to them. 00:05:34.259 --> 00:05:35.240 To him who overcomes. 00:05:35.980 --> 00:05:38.199 That word overcome is the word Nike. 00:05:38.400 --> 00:05:40.379 The word, the one that is victorious. 00:05:40.519 --> 00:05:43.800 To the one that is victorious, I will do this. 00:05:44.900 --> 00:05:46.879 And then it finishes with an invitation. 00:05:46.879 --> 00:05:51.899 To those who have ears to hear, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 00:05:52.839 --> 00:05:56.779 And understanding that not everyone who gets the mail will understand what Jesus is saying. 00:05:58.100 --> 00:06:00.399 There will be an invitation. 00:06:00.560 --> 00:06:01.980 And the seven churches are different. 00:06:02.779 --> 00:06:05.259 I tried to write a three-word review for each of them. 00:06:05.860 --> 00:06:08.000 Ephesus is sound but hollow. 00:06:08.100 --> 00:06:09.680 We'll see more of that in a sec. 00:06:14.079 --> 00:06:16.600 Smyrna is vibrant but fearful. 00:06:16.879 --> 00:06:21.500 Pergamum is evangelistic but undiscerning. 00:06:22.839 --> 00:06:25.459 Thyatira is loving but naive. 00:06:26.560 --> 00:06:29.620 Sardis is hypocritical and sleeping. 00:06:30.659 --> 00:06:33.279 Philadelphia is struggling but strong. 00:06:35.199 --> 00:06:39.120 Laodicea is affluent and apathetic. 00:06:39.819 --> 00:06:42.360 To two churches, Jesus says nothing bad. 00:06:42.759 --> 00:06:45.139 To two churches, Jesus says nothing good. 00:06:45.139 --> 00:06:47.680 And to three churches, they get a mixed report. 00:06:47.800 --> 00:06:51.579 And Ephesus is a church that gets a mixed report. 00:06:52.099 --> 00:06:56.379 And the key for us over these seven weeks is not to diagnose what sort of church we are. 00:06:56.819 --> 00:06:58.959 We're not going to say, we're not going to rebrand. 00:06:59.539 --> 00:07:01.819 It's no longer Brunsfield Evangelical Church. 00:07:01.899 --> 00:07:05.240 It's Pergamum Evangelical Church because we think that letter fits us. 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:11.740 The key is to listen to what Jesus says, to discern what a healthy church looks like, 00:07:11.960 --> 00:07:17.680 and to spend all our energy and effort trying to orientate our church in line with what he says is best. 00:07:17.680 --> 00:07:24.840 So if you've got a Bible, turn with me to Revelation chapter 2, and we'll read these seven verses. 00:07:24.839 --> 00:07:31.839 John writes, 00:07:31.839 --> 00:08:01.839 00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:31.839 00:08:31.839 --> 00:08:43.699 The letter to the church in Ephesus. 00:08:43.699 --> 00:08:46.579 And Ephesus is a major city. 00:08:47.899 --> 00:08:49.339 It is affluent. 00:08:49.579 --> 00:08:50.539 It is multicultural. 00:08:50.779 --> 00:08:51.679 It is pluralistic. 00:08:51.980 --> 00:08:54.600 It is the melting pot of lots of different cultures. 00:08:54.600 --> 00:09:01.139 It's at the intersection of three of the big trade routes of the ancient world. 00:09:01.680 --> 00:09:04.879 It was a church that was planted by Paul. 00:09:05.580 --> 00:09:11.340 He spent about three years there teaching and discipling and getting the church off the ground. 00:09:11.980 --> 00:09:17.100 It's pastored by Timothy, his right-hand man, during a very problematic period. 00:09:17.759 --> 00:09:22.420 It's invested in heavily by the dynamic duo of Priscilla and Aquila. 00:09:22.419 --> 00:09:29.439 And latterly, church history tells us that Ephesus becomes the base of operations of John, 00:09:29.959 --> 00:09:31.939 who's writing these letters down. 00:09:32.319 --> 00:09:35.799 John acts as some kind of overseer and bishop of all of Asia Minor, 00:09:36.079 --> 00:09:39.439 and he has his base in Ephesus. 00:09:41.139 --> 00:09:44.199 And it is to this church that Jesus writes his first letter. 00:09:46.099 --> 00:09:52.019 In the middle of this vibrant city, this large city, there is a real church of Jesus Christ. 00:09:52.419 --> 00:09:56.259 I like to call it Ephesus Evangelical Church, but I'm biased. 00:09:57.679 --> 00:10:03.039 And Jesus describes himself as the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand 00:10:03.039 --> 00:10:05.759 and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 00:10:05.979 --> 00:10:08.419 It is Jesus who holds the churches. 00:10:09.079 --> 00:10:10.719 He is the one who upholds them. 00:10:10.779 --> 00:10:13.079 He is the one that ensures they keep on going. 00:10:13.459 --> 00:10:16.059 He is the one sovereign over them. 00:10:16.059 --> 00:10:19.699 But see, he's also the one who walks among them. 00:10:20.619 --> 00:10:25.079 This idea of walking among takes us all the way back to Genesis chapter 3 verse 8, 00:10:25.479 --> 00:10:30.679 where the God of the universe would walk with Adam and Eve amidst his creation with his people. 00:10:30.679 --> 00:10:37.279 And here we see the risen Lord Jesus walking amidst and amongst his people. 00:10:37.939 --> 00:10:43.779 This idea that in the church, God's people have fellowship with God through the Lord Jesus, 00:10:44.639 --> 00:10:46.559 who is with them. 00:10:49.059 --> 00:10:51.819 And Jesus commends them in four ways. 00:10:52.459 --> 00:10:54.979 He gives them a cracking commendation. 00:10:55.519 --> 00:10:56.419 Four of them. 00:10:56.419 --> 00:11:01.919 The first thing he commends them for is their perspiration. 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:07.079 He says, I know your deeds, your hard work. 00:11:07.419 --> 00:11:11.000 That phrase hard work is literally sweaty toil. 00:11:11.740 --> 00:11:13.879 I know your sweaty toil. 00:11:14.659 --> 00:11:18.759 I've seen your t-shirt ringing with sweats. 00:11:19.599 --> 00:11:21.099 He says, I know. 00:11:21.539 --> 00:11:23.019 These are comforting words. 00:11:23.019 --> 00:11:27.699 He's not saying, I've read a report or I've heard a rumor or I've made an assumption. 00:11:28.500 --> 00:11:29.419 He says, I know. 00:11:30.100 --> 00:11:33.179 That the Lord Jesus who walks amongst his churches knows. 00:11:34.419 --> 00:11:36.639 I know your sweaty toil. 00:11:37.519 --> 00:11:40.600 He's saying, Ephesus, you're a very active church. 00:11:41.079 --> 00:11:43.659 You're a church of doers. 00:11:44.240 --> 00:11:47.000 You love rolling your sleeves up and getting your hands dirty. 00:11:47.139 --> 00:11:50.120 You love to be busy in the work of the Lord. 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:54.940 You all put your hands to the plow and your shoulder to the wheel. 00:11:56.139 --> 00:11:59.200 It's hard work modeled by Paul back in the day. 00:11:59.820 --> 00:12:01.320 In Acts chapter 20, he says, 00:12:01.779 --> 00:12:05.340 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way, 00:12:06.080 --> 00:12:09.179 you can take care of the poor and build the church of God. 00:12:09.539 --> 00:12:12.060 Jesus commends them for their perspiration. 00:12:12.700 --> 00:12:16.799 That in Jesus' eyes, he values sweaty toil. 00:12:16.799 --> 00:12:23.379 And so if he values sweaty toil, would sweaty toil describe your Christian walk 00:12:23.379 --> 00:12:25.079 and Christian service of the Lord Jesus? 00:12:27.779 --> 00:12:29.199 Perspiration for the Lord. 00:12:30.059 --> 00:12:31.919 Working hard. 00:12:33.179 --> 00:12:36.339 Because Jesus says, I commend that kind of effort. 00:12:37.620 --> 00:12:40.879 The second thing Jesus commends them for is their perseverance. 00:12:41.979 --> 00:12:42.719 Look at 2B. 00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:45.279 He says, I know your perseverance. 00:12:47.100 --> 00:12:48.080 Or verse 3. 00:12:48.300 --> 00:12:51.920 You have persevered and have endured hardship for my name. 00:12:54.639 --> 00:12:57.580 And have not grown weary. 00:12:58.220 --> 00:13:02.240 Second thing about the Ephesians is not that they're just sweaty and toil, 00:13:02.540 --> 00:13:03.680 but they keep going. 00:13:04.399 --> 00:13:05.779 They keep moving forward. 00:13:06.399 --> 00:13:08.740 They keep trying hard. 00:13:08.740 --> 00:13:12.360 Even amidst persecution, they haven't grown weary. 00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:15.320 Ephesus is a tough place to be a Christian. 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:19.500 In this kind of multicultural, riot sensitive, 00:13:20.100 --> 00:13:22.379 with the temple of Artemis over and above, 00:13:22.659 --> 00:13:24.220 a very partisan crowd. 00:13:24.740 --> 00:13:26.320 It's dangerous to be a Christian, 00:13:26.480 --> 00:13:29.740 and yet the Ephesian Christians keep on going. 00:13:31.200 --> 00:13:33.220 To own the name of Jesus in Ephesus 00:13:33.220 --> 00:13:35.840 was to put yourself in the crosshair of the culture. 00:13:35.840 --> 00:13:39.180 And Jesus says, you've done that. 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:42.879 And you've kept on going. 00:13:43.480 --> 00:13:46.160 You've persevered even though it costs. 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:48.440 Now, as I look at Brunsfield, 00:13:48.540 --> 00:13:52.360 I think we've got some wonderful examples of people who persevere. 00:13:53.280 --> 00:13:56.160 People who have gone through tough times or difficult times, 00:13:56.700 --> 00:13:58.759 worrying times, and have just kept on going. 00:13:59.560 --> 00:14:00.900 And we learn from Ephesus 00:14:00.900 --> 00:14:03.840 that Jesus commands perseverance. 00:14:03.840 --> 00:14:08.440 Thirdly, he commends them for their purity. 00:14:10.019 --> 00:14:13.639 The last bit of verse 2. 00:14:14.560 --> 00:14:17.899 I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people. 00:14:18.440 --> 00:14:19.259 Or verse 6. 00:14:19.320 --> 00:14:20.639 But you have this in your favor. 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:23.460 You hate the practice of the Nicolaitans, 00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:24.560 which I also hate. 00:14:25.259 --> 00:14:28.940 Jesus says, I know you cannot tolerate wicked people. 00:14:29.180 --> 00:14:31.160 You have an aversion to sin. 00:14:31.159 --> 00:14:36.959 You disassociate from people who are not living holy lives. 00:14:38.339 --> 00:14:42.039 Ephesus is a people who don't walk in step with the wicked, 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:44.279 who don't stand in the way of sinners, 00:14:44.379 --> 00:14:47.120 or sit in the company of mockers. 00:14:47.620 --> 00:14:49.500 They don't tolerate wicked people. 00:14:49.759 --> 00:14:52.219 And they also hate the Nicolaitans. 00:14:52.579 --> 00:14:55.279 We don't know really much about the Nicolaitans, 00:14:55.279 --> 00:14:58.559 except that they seem to be this antinomian, 00:14:58.740 --> 00:15:01.779 ultra-Christian, liberal sect, 00:15:02.139 --> 00:15:04.360 who say, we are free in Christ, 00:15:04.459 --> 00:15:06.139 we can do whatever we want. 00:15:06.659 --> 00:15:07.659 Grace is sufficient. 00:15:08.959 --> 00:15:11.759 We can be licentious and promiscuous. 00:15:11.919 --> 00:15:13.379 We can be sexually immoral. 00:15:13.819 --> 00:15:16.720 We can be drunkards because Jesus has freed us. 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:18.940 And actually, the worst we get, 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:21.920 we're just showing how great Jesus is. 00:15:23.399 --> 00:15:25.639 And Jesus commends them for their purity. 00:15:26.399 --> 00:15:28.279 Don't associate with wicked people. 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:31.320 And you hate the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 00:15:32.580 --> 00:15:35.060 And then their fourth commendation is that 00:15:35.060 --> 00:15:38.320 they preserve truth. 00:15:38.320 --> 00:15:41.440 They preserve truth. 00:15:42.040 --> 00:15:44.400 That you have tested those who claim to be apostles, 00:15:44.560 --> 00:15:45.260 but are not. 00:15:45.540 --> 00:15:47.800 And have found them false. 00:15:48.280 --> 00:15:50.480 They are committed to contending for the faith, 00:15:50.560 --> 00:15:52.940 once for all, delivered to the saints. 00:15:53.180 --> 00:15:54.540 They can smell a rat. 00:15:55.480 --> 00:15:56.580 They know their Bibles, 00:15:56.700 --> 00:15:58.440 and when people start sharing things 00:15:58.440 --> 00:15:59.500 that aren't from the Bible, 00:15:59.640 --> 00:16:00.420 they go, well, no. 00:16:01.260 --> 00:16:02.440 We're going to stop you there. 00:16:04.460 --> 00:16:05.680 In preaching and teaching, 00:16:05.680 --> 00:16:07.680 they are like the Bereans of Acts. 00:16:07.679 --> 00:16:10.059 They receive the message with eagerness. 00:16:10.319 --> 00:16:11.579 They love the truth. 00:16:12.500 --> 00:16:15.319 But they examine the Scriptures daily to test 00:16:15.319 --> 00:16:18.599 whether what is being shared is from God. 00:16:19.919 --> 00:16:21.699 Not cynical conspiracy. 00:16:22.620 --> 00:16:25.059 Not always trying to pick up on every mistake 00:16:25.059 --> 00:16:26.679 and every little slip of the tongue. 00:16:26.939 --> 00:16:28.839 But if it doesn't chime with the truth, 00:16:28.919 --> 00:16:29.579 they're on it. 00:16:30.199 --> 00:16:32.059 And they say, we're going to have to stop you there. 00:16:33.179 --> 00:16:36.120 Don't worry about coming and sharing next week. 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:37.659 We'll sort someone out. 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:39.919 There's an eager and examining heart, 00:16:40.379 --> 00:16:42.840 not gormless and gullible. 00:16:43.840 --> 00:16:46.159 And you have to say, on the strength of that, 00:16:46.399 --> 00:16:48.500 Ephesus is a pretty splendid church. 00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:52.019 It's doing really well. 00:16:52.460 --> 00:16:55.159 They're hardworking, striving for holiness, 00:16:55.399 --> 00:16:57.120 keep going even when it's tough, 00:16:57.600 --> 00:17:00.220 orthodox and sound, committed to God's truth. 00:17:00.220 --> 00:17:03.080 Who wouldn't want to be part of the church in Ephesus. 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:06.299 You can imagine, as the guy reads this out, 00:17:06.759 --> 00:17:09.319 everyone's high-fiving, group hug, 00:17:09.400 --> 00:17:11.120 let's make sure we get this on the front page 00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:11.779 of the website, 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:14.140 that the Lord Jesus, our Lord and Head, 00:17:14.440 --> 00:17:16.220 says we're good at these four things. 00:17:16.220 --> 00:17:20.100 But then verse four comes. 00:17:22.339 --> 00:17:25.440 And stinging criticism follows. 00:17:27.740 --> 00:17:30.160 Yet I hold this against you. 00:17:31.600 --> 00:17:34.980 You have forsaken the love you had at first. 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:37.220 This is a crushing verdict. 00:17:38.680 --> 00:17:42.640 This is the criticism that totally overwhelms 00:17:42.640 --> 00:17:43.819 all the commendation. 00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:48.799 This is the one test you don't want to fail. 00:17:53.720 --> 00:17:56.639 This is the church of the tin man. 00:17:57.759 --> 00:17:59.059 Shiny and splendid. 00:18:00.339 --> 00:18:02.079 Dynamic and active. 00:18:03.460 --> 00:18:05.039 And yet as we learn from the Wizard of Oz, 00:18:05.119 --> 00:18:05.720 what's his problem? 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:06.879 He doesn't have a heart. 00:18:08.439 --> 00:18:10.419 And so the church in Ephesus 00:18:10.419 --> 00:18:13.599 is like Dorothy's friend, the tin man. 00:18:13.819 --> 00:18:16.439 Shiny and splendid. 00:18:17.539 --> 00:18:19.519 Dynamic and hardworking. 00:18:20.079 --> 00:18:22.480 Truth-loving and striving to be holy, 00:18:22.659 --> 00:18:25.220 but doesn't have a heart. 00:18:26.439 --> 00:18:29.579 It's hollow on the inside. 00:18:30.960 --> 00:18:32.960 And from the Lord Jesus, that is a fail. 00:18:34.119 --> 00:18:36.179 That is a massive problem 00:18:36.179 --> 00:18:37.720 that they need to do something 00:18:37.720 --> 00:18:39.559 serious about. 00:18:41.940 --> 00:18:44.259 Jesus really does value hard work 00:18:44.259 --> 00:18:45.759 and holiness and perseverance 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:46.900 and soundness. 00:18:48.019 --> 00:18:49.600 But absent of love, 00:18:50.960 --> 00:18:52.819 they're completely null and void. 00:18:54.200 --> 00:18:56.680 It's rendered everything else that is good, 00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:58.880 bad, because it is superficial 00:18:58.880 --> 00:19:00.980 and not growing out of a loving 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:02.900 and expanding heart. 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:04.640 Ephesus, it seems, 00:19:04.740 --> 00:19:05.839 has morphed into Corinth. 00:19:05.839 --> 00:19:10.779 If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, 00:19:10.899 --> 00:19:12.059 but do not have love, 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:13.659 I am only a resounding gong 00:19:13.659 --> 00:19:14.759 or a clanging cymbal. 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:17.220 If I have the gift of prophecy 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:18.659 and can fathom all mysteries 00:19:18.659 --> 00:19:20.279 and all knowledge, 00:19:20.459 --> 00:19:21.539 and if I have a faith 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:22.619 that can move mountains, 00:19:22.740 --> 00:19:23.659 but do not love, 00:19:24.079 --> 00:19:25.539 I am nothing. 00:19:25.539 --> 00:19:28.059 If I give all I possess to the poor 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:29.899 and give over my body to a hardship 00:19:29.899 --> 00:19:31.319 that I may boast, 00:19:31.920 --> 00:19:33.180 but do not have love, 00:19:33.899 --> 00:19:34.920 I gain nothing. 00:19:35.019 --> 00:19:37.119 Ephesus has become Corinth. 00:19:39.940 --> 00:19:41.519 And it seems that this love 00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:43.559 is particularly horizontal love, 00:19:43.659 --> 00:19:44.619 love for each other. 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:48.440 There is a lack of life-giving fellowship 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:49.960 in the church. 00:19:50.159 --> 00:19:52.319 A lack of love for people in the church, 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:53.759 but also a lack of love 00:19:53.759 --> 00:19:55.119 outside of the church. 00:19:56.039 --> 00:19:57.619 They have no burden for the lost 00:19:57.619 --> 00:19:58.659 or no concern. 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:00.859 Church that runs great, 00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:03.240 but is only superficial. 00:20:03.439 --> 00:20:04.879 A lack of life-giving fellowship, 00:20:05.039 --> 00:20:06.700 a lack of life-changing mission. 00:20:09.399 --> 00:20:10.659 They're great at stopping 00:20:10.659 --> 00:20:11.539 the world's message 00:20:11.539 --> 00:20:12.599 getting into the church, 00:20:12.659 --> 00:20:13.359 but they're terrible 00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:14.639 at getting the church's message 00:20:14.639 --> 00:20:15.359 into each other 00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:16.339 and out into the world. 00:20:16.339 --> 00:20:21.039 And so what are they to do? 00:20:22.439 --> 00:20:24.000 They've fallen a long way. 00:20:25.439 --> 00:20:26.699 Paul wrote to them in Ephesians, 00:20:26.779 --> 00:20:27.459 for this reason, 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:29.019 ever since I heard about your faith 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:29.819 in the Lord Jesus 00:20:29.819 --> 00:20:32.439 and your love for all God's people, 00:20:32.599 --> 00:20:34.319 I have not stopped giving thanks for you. 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:37.079 Remember you in my prayers. 00:20:38.439 --> 00:20:40.079 Now it seems they're cold 00:20:40.079 --> 00:20:42.220 and loveless, 00:20:42.779 --> 00:20:44.740 going through the motions, 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:47.740 absent of love. 00:20:47.799 --> 00:20:49.180 You're a church of tin men. 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:51.460 Hard work, 00:20:51.559 --> 00:20:52.759 but heartless work. 00:20:53.579 --> 00:20:54.039 Holiness, 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:55.599 but potentially legalistic 00:20:55.599 --> 00:20:57.579 because it's not done out of love 00:20:57.579 --> 00:20:58.420 for the Lord Jesus. 00:20:59.559 --> 00:21:00.000 Orthodoxy, 00:21:00.079 --> 00:21:01.259 but maybe dry and dusty 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:03.319 because it's not bringing about 00:21:03.319 --> 00:21:04.579 worship and love 00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:06.059 for the Lord Jesus. 00:21:06.180 --> 00:21:06.920 What are they to do? 00:21:07.559 --> 00:21:08.359 Three things. 00:21:09.519 --> 00:21:10.220 Verse five, 00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:11.420 remember. 00:21:12.319 --> 00:21:13.559 Consider how far 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:15.100 you have fallen. 00:21:15.980 --> 00:21:17.360 Consider what you used to do. 00:21:17.680 --> 00:21:19.220 Consider what you were like 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:21.480 when I heard about your love 00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:22.360 for all God's people 00:21:22.360 --> 00:21:23.620 and never stopped giving thanks 00:21:23.620 --> 00:21:24.140 as poor. 00:21:24.579 --> 00:21:25.960 Remember those days. 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.279 Do you know when 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:30.600 I've had the very few opportunities 00:21:30.600 --> 00:21:31.420 to help people 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:32.700 whose marriages are struggling? 00:21:33.660 --> 00:21:35.220 And one of the great questions is, 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:36.880 talk to me about a time 00:21:36.880 --> 00:21:38.799 when you got on really well, 00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:39.480 loved each other 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.639 and your marriage was strong. 00:21:40.940 --> 00:21:42.319 And it suddenly dawns on them 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:43.759 that once they liked each other. 00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:47.000 And Paul is saying, 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:47.960 get back to those days 00:21:47.960 --> 00:21:48.980 where you liked each other. 00:21:50.119 --> 00:21:51.240 Where you were gracious 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:51.879 and loving, 00:21:52.019 --> 00:21:52.980 where you were concerned, 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:54.079 where your hearts 00:21:54.079 --> 00:21:55.000 were bursting 00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:56.139 with love for the saints 00:21:56.139 --> 00:21:57.319 and your minds 00:21:57.319 --> 00:21:58.000 were buzzing 00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:59.879 with how you could 00:21:59.879 --> 00:22:01.099 help and bless 00:22:01.099 --> 00:22:02.159 and serve each other. 00:22:02.379 --> 00:22:03.319 When it wasn't 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:04.539 an academic exercise, 00:22:04.740 --> 00:22:05.859 but it was an adoration 00:22:05.859 --> 00:22:07.000 exercise. 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:09.000 when it wasn't joyless duty, 00:22:09.119 --> 00:22:10.079 but joyous delight. 00:22:10.900 --> 00:22:11.319 He's saying, 00:22:11.400 --> 00:22:12.740 remember those days. 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:15.519 Consider how far you've fallen. 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:17.420 Go back 00:22:17.420 --> 00:22:19.420 to what you did at first. 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:20.900 And then he says, 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:21.500 repent. 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:23.880 Repent. 00:22:24.599 --> 00:22:25.839 A change of mind 00:22:25.839 --> 00:22:27.880 leading to a change of direction. 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:29.440 Change how you think 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:30.400 about church. 00:22:31.519 --> 00:22:32.480 Change how you think 00:22:32.480 --> 00:22:33.339 about each other. 00:22:33.339 --> 00:22:35.839 Reignite a passion 00:22:35.839 --> 00:22:36.699 for one another 00:22:36.699 --> 00:22:38.539 deep in your soul. 00:22:40.059 --> 00:22:40.839 When you weren't 00:22:40.839 --> 00:22:41.839 just going to church, 00:22:41.919 --> 00:22:43.279 but you were church. 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:44.079 When you weren't 00:22:44.079 --> 00:22:45.220 just doing services, 00:22:45.459 --> 00:22:47.480 but you were being family. 00:22:50.179 --> 00:22:51.039 And then he says, 00:22:51.119 --> 00:22:52.079 once you've repented, 00:22:52.199 --> 00:22:53.220 you've changed your mind. 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:54.659 Repeat. 00:22:55.659 --> 00:22:57.039 Do the things you did 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:57.799 at first. 00:22:59.799 --> 00:23:00.740 Serve others. 00:23:01.459 --> 00:23:01.919 Contribute. 00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:02.980 Don't just consume. 00:23:04.220 --> 00:23:05.400 Don't be tin men 00:23:05.400 --> 00:23:06.539 any more. 00:23:07.900 --> 00:23:09.519 Remember what you used to do. 00:23:09.840 --> 00:23:10.840 Repent and get back 00:23:10.840 --> 00:23:11.759 to the early days. 00:23:11.880 --> 00:23:13.080 Repeat what you used to do 00:23:13.080 --> 00:23:13.779 at first. 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:16.460 In order that Ephesus 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:17.460 might be a place 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:19.300 of life-giving fellowship 00:23:19.300 --> 00:23:20.620 and life-changing mission. 00:23:20.619 --> 00:23:23.359 A loving church 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:23.959 is a church 00:23:23.959 --> 00:23:25.599 that hangs in together 00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:26.619 and goes out 00:23:26.619 --> 00:23:27.599 together. 00:23:28.419 --> 00:23:28.879 Brunsfield, 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:30.079 a place of life-giving 00:23:30.079 --> 00:23:30.500 fellowship 00:23:30.500 --> 00:23:32.579 and life-changing mission. 00:23:33.419 --> 00:23:34.299 It's so easy, 00:23:34.359 --> 00:23:34.659 isn't it, 00:23:34.659 --> 00:23:35.419 to retreat to a 00:23:35.419 --> 00:23:36.479 satisfactory working 00:23:36.479 --> 00:23:37.059 relationship 00:23:37.059 --> 00:23:39.299 with each other, 00:23:39.359 --> 00:23:40.279 with the Lord Jesus. 00:23:41.599 --> 00:23:42.000 Retreating 00:23:42.000 --> 00:23:42.899 to just rubbing 00:23:42.899 --> 00:23:43.619 shoulders 00:23:43.619 --> 00:23:46.219 rather than having 00:23:46.219 --> 00:23:47.459 a deepening 00:23:47.459 --> 00:23:48.099 relationship 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:48.819 with each other. 00:23:48.819 --> 00:23:52.099 Jesus says 00:23:52.099 --> 00:23:52.639 to the church, 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:53.399 you need to remember, 00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:54.379 repent and repeat. 00:23:55.539 --> 00:23:56.019 Remember, 00:23:56.480 --> 00:23:57.460 repent and repeat. 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:59.259 And like all good 00:23:59.259 --> 00:23:59.939 letters, 00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:00.599 Jesus ends 00:24:00.599 --> 00:24:01.319 with a conclusion. 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:04.200 He says this, 00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:06.379 end of verse 5, 00:24:06.879 --> 00:24:08.139 if you do not repent, 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:09.740 I will come to you 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:10.879 and remove your lampstand 00:24:10.879 --> 00:24:11.919 from its place. 00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:14.160 And then he says, 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:15.440 whoever has ears to hear, 00:24:15.539 --> 00:24:16.220 let them hear. 00:24:16.600 --> 00:24:17.539 What the Spirit says 00:24:17.539 --> 00:24:18.060 to the church 00:24:18.060 --> 00:24:18.620 is to the one 00:24:18.620 --> 00:24:19.500 who is victorious, 00:24:19.900 --> 00:24:21.039 I will give the right 00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:22.000 to eat from the tree 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:22.600 of life, 00:24:22.960 --> 00:24:24.100 which is in the paradise 00:24:24.100 --> 00:24:24.700 of God. 00:24:26.080 --> 00:24:27.220 Jesus' conclusion 00:24:27.220 --> 00:24:28.340 has a warning 00:24:28.340 --> 00:24:29.259 and a promise. 00:24:30.560 --> 00:24:31.080 And the warning 00:24:31.080 --> 00:24:31.860 is this, 00:24:32.820 --> 00:24:34.500 if you don't change, 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:36.100 if you don't remember, 00:24:36.300 --> 00:24:37.180 repent and repeat, 00:24:38.100 --> 00:24:39.060 I will destroy 00:24:39.060 --> 00:24:40.460 and disband your church. 00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:41.420 It's that serious. 00:24:42.079 --> 00:24:43.420 Jesus will not tolerate 00:24:43.420 --> 00:24:44.840 a counterfeit version 00:24:44.840 --> 00:24:45.539 of his church 00:24:45.539 --> 00:24:46.880 representing his name 00:24:46.880 --> 00:24:48.220 to other people. 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:49.819 He says, 00:24:49.880 --> 00:24:50.900 if you don't change, 00:24:51.960 --> 00:24:52.880 the end is coming 00:24:52.880 --> 00:24:53.440 for Ephesus' 00:24:53.680 --> 00:24:54.860 evangelical church. 00:24:56.140 --> 00:24:57.559 If people will know 00:24:57.559 --> 00:24:58.620 Jesus' disciples 00:24:58.620 --> 00:24:59.680 by the way they love 00:24:59.680 --> 00:25:00.299 one another, 00:25:01.100 --> 00:25:02.620 then to be loveless 00:25:02.620 --> 00:25:03.980 is to be anonymous 00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:05.380 in Jesus' eyes. 00:25:06.680 --> 00:25:07.019 And therefore, 00:25:07.140 --> 00:25:08.180 if you don't sort it out, 00:25:08.940 --> 00:25:10.259 the lights will go off. 00:25:10.460 --> 00:25:12.960 It's a serious situation. 00:25:13.420 --> 00:25:14.340 Ten for effort. 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:15.700 Ten for holiness. 00:25:16.259 --> 00:25:17.600 Ten for orthodoxy. 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:19.120 Ten for perseverance. 00:25:20.319 --> 00:25:21.299 But the church 00:25:21.299 --> 00:25:22.579 is on its last legs 00:25:22.579 --> 00:25:24.600 because there's no love. 00:25:25.720 --> 00:25:26.640 Hard hearts, 00:25:27.380 --> 00:25:28.799 calloused over time, 00:25:29.660 --> 00:25:31.680 passionless formalism. 00:25:32.460 --> 00:25:34.079 The church of the tin man. 00:25:35.500 --> 00:25:36.140 Serious. 00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:37.539 You need to take action 00:25:37.539 --> 00:25:38.500 now. 00:25:39.799 --> 00:25:40.759 But he leaves 00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:42.240 with a wonderful promise. 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:44.879 To the one who overcomes. 00:25:45.799 --> 00:25:48.460 To the Nike people. 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:50.680 I will give the right 00:25:50.680 --> 00:25:52.319 to eat from the tree of life. 00:25:52.680 --> 00:25:53.440 It will be like 00:25:53.440 --> 00:25:54.599 going back to Eden. 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:56.299 It will be being 00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:57.279 in God's place, 00:25:57.339 --> 00:25:58.519 having fellowship with God 00:25:58.519 --> 00:25:59.460 in a real 00:25:59.460 --> 00:26:01.359 and full way. 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:03.759 The hope of heaven 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:05.339 in the future 00:26:05.339 --> 00:26:06.059 but seen 00:26:06.059 --> 00:26:07.559 as a working model 00:26:07.559 --> 00:26:08.159 in the life 00:26:08.159 --> 00:26:09.299 of the church now. 00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:10.979 That the one 00:26:10.979 --> 00:26:11.899 who walks amongst 00:26:11.899 --> 00:26:12.799 the lampstands 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:13.819 will walk amongst 00:26:13.819 --> 00:26:15.339 his people again. 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:17.959 Those who have ears 00:26:17.959 --> 00:26:18.819 let them hear. 00:26:21.199 --> 00:26:22.559 So what about Brunsfield? 00:26:22.699 --> 00:26:23.419 Well, we want to be 00:26:23.419 --> 00:26:24.419 the best of Ephesus. 00:26:25.699 --> 00:26:26.959 The best of Ephesus. 00:26:27.099 --> 00:26:28.000 We want to be commended 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:28.680 for all the things 00:26:28.680 --> 00:26:29.839 Ephesus are commended for. 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:31.039 Working hard, 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:31.980 standing firm, 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:33.859 suffering long 00:26:33.859 --> 00:26:35.480 and being set apart. 00:26:36.579 --> 00:26:37.259 But we've got to be 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:38.279 better than Ephesus 00:26:38.279 --> 00:26:39.859 as a place 00:26:39.859 --> 00:26:40.579 that loves 00:26:40.579 --> 00:26:41.559 much. 00:26:47.099 --> 00:26:48.440 Well, I must go to Oz 00:26:48.440 --> 00:26:49.240 and get my heart, 00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:50.079 said the tin man. 00:26:50.660 --> 00:26:51.400 So he walked 00:26:51.400 --> 00:26:52.119 to the throne room 00:26:52.119 --> 00:26:53.059 and knocked at the door. 00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:53.700 Come in, 00:26:53.740 --> 00:26:54.359 called Oz. 00:26:54.720 --> 00:26:55.640 And the tin man 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:56.339 entered and said, 00:26:56.380 --> 00:26:57.480 I have come for my heart. 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:59.140 Very well, 00:26:59.240 --> 00:27:00.279 answered the little man. 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:01.539 But I shall have to 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:02.740 cut a hole in your breast 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:03.859 so I can put your heart 00:27:03.859 --> 00:27:04.819 in the right place. 00:27:05.319 --> 00:27:06.579 I hope it won't hurt you. 00:27:07.319 --> 00:27:08.019 Oh no, 00:27:08.119 --> 00:27:09.059 answered the tin man. 00:27:09.099 --> 00:27:10.579 I shall not feel it at all. 00:27:11.420 --> 00:27:12.480 So Oz bought 00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:14.319 a pair of tin smith shears 00:27:14.319 --> 00:27:15.859 and cut a small square hole 00:27:15.859 --> 00:27:17.180 in the left side 00:27:17.180 --> 00:27:18.200 of the tin man's 00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:20.019 tin man's breast. 00:27:21.079 --> 00:27:21.519 Then, 00:27:21.700 --> 00:27:23.299 going to a chest of drawers, 00:27:23.460 --> 00:27:23.980 he took out 00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:24.819 a pretty heart 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:26.000 made entirely of silk 00:27:26.000 --> 00:27:26.559 and suffered, 00:27:26.839 --> 00:27:27.900 stuffed with sawdust. 00:27:28.980 --> 00:27:30.339 Isn't it a beauty, 00:27:30.460 --> 00:27:30.960 he asked. 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:31.720 It is indeed, 00:27:31.819 --> 00:27:32.740 replied the tin man. 00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:34.279 He was greatly pleased. 00:27:34.380 --> 00:27:35.859 But is it a kind heart, 00:27:36.279 --> 00:27:37.160 asked the tin man. 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:38.500 Oh very, 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:40.539 answered Oz. 00:27:41.220 --> 00:27:41.920 Let's pray. 00:27:41.920 --> 00:27:46.240 Almighty God, 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:49.019 to whom all hearts are opened, 00:27:49.160 --> 00:27:50.320 all desires known, 00:27:50.460 --> 00:27:51.160 and from whom 00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:52.500 no secrets are hidden, 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.500 cleanse the thoughts 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:55.460 of our hearts, 00:27:56.200 --> 00:27:57.279 encourage the size 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:57.960 of our hearts, 00:27:58.120 --> 00:27:59.060 inflame the warmth 00:27:59.060 --> 00:27:59.900 of our hearts, 00:28:00.460 --> 00:28:02.779 enrich our compromised hearts. 00:28:03.259 --> 00:28:04.420 And do this 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:05.460 by the inspiration 00:28:05.460 --> 00:28:06.620 of your Holy Spirit, 00:28:06.619 --> 00:28:07.959 that we may 00:28:07.959 --> 00:28:09.199 perfectly love you 00:28:09.199 --> 00:28:10.779 and sacrificially 00:28:10.779 --> 00:28:11.799 love each other 00:28:11.799 --> 00:28:13.739 and worthily magnify 00:28:13.739 --> 00:28:14.219 your name 00:28:14.219 --> 00:28:15.119 to those outside. 00:28:15.739 --> 00:28:16.559 We pray this 00:28:16.559 --> 00:28:17.519 through Jesus Christ, 00:28:17.619 --> 00:28:18.019 our Lord. 00:28:18.579 --> 00:28:19.000 Amen. 00:28:19.000 --> 00:28:19.119 Amen. 00:28:19.119 --> 00:28:49.099 Thank you.