Faithful on Fridays Blog

Any group of people, family, friends, or community don’t stay together very long without a leader: someone who will plan, organize, and implement. Beginning with Peter and continuing for two thousand years The Church, anywhere, anytime, has had those with that gift. They’re the seven stars in Jesus’ right hand which are crucial to sustaining the churches and the segway from chapter one into chapter two: leadership development.

Ephesus became the wealthy capital of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) famous for two cultural influences: pagan and Christianity. Due to Paul (Acts 19-20) and John’s intimate relationships and teachings (Ephesians and John 1, 2, and 3) this church thrived for four decades. Now, we find this church, and our own churches, with significant problems which Jesus points out to the leaders: His stars.

Jesus used the sandwich method for His leadership evaluation with commendation on both sides and correction in the middle. He personally observed their hard work, perseverance, and intolerance of evil in their pagan city commending them for recognizing the pseudo-apostles and teachings (called Nicolaitans) as they were taught. They showed bravery under the trials and persecutions that accompany their stand on His Name. 

However, as Jesus recognized their works He also knew their heart; the passion for intimate relationship was gone. Yes, their works are commended but He’s looking for more: Our heavenly Bridegroom desires deep love from His Bride. 

I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love. John 15:9

What’s the solution? It’s where you first began: repentance. Any valuable leadership development plan must include it because that’s where faith was launched.

The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News! Mark 1:15b 

Jesus completed his leadership evaluation with encouragement to listen to the Holy Spirit with an open heart and experience what it means to be an overcomer. That word is where we get Nike, to triumph and conquer. You’ll find it used throughout the Book of Revelation when He reminded all churches for all time that their faith in Him will empower us to overcome in any battle, persecution, or trial. It may not look like you’re a conqueror from the outside, a Nike believer, but you’re standing in faith on the inside. That’s what counts.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. 1 John 5:4 

I write to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:14 

The conclusion of this letter encourages us to get stronger in our faith every day, progressively growing to become a Nike believer, and eat from the spiritual fruit of the Tree of Life every day. It’s back to Eden, folks.