Kentucky MBC
02.15.2026 Sunday

      • Lamentations 3:22–24KJV1900

      • Psalm 71:23KJV1900

  • Child of the King

      • Matthew 22:36–38KJV1900

  • I Will Serve Thee
  • Footsteps Of Jesus (Footsteps)
  • Heaven Came Down
  • Thank You, Lord
  • Revelation 1:19–20 KJV 1900
    19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
    In Chapters 2 and 3 we are given a series of letters from the Lord Jesus Christ to these 7 churches.
    These are 7 literal churches. They are located in the land of what we call Turkey today. These churches no longer exist today so you can’t go over there and visit any one of them.
    When studying the 7 Churches of Revelation, we know the number 7 represents completeness. Together, these 7 churches represent the major virtues and main weaknesses of churches throughout the centuries. Therefore, we also find an application to our church today. As we study these 7 churches we are going to find the good things that all churches need to have today, but we will also discover some bad things that all churches today need to get rid of from their presence.
    Not only can we study them practically, but we can also study them personally.
    At the end of every letter, there is a verse that states Rev 2:7
    Revelation 2:7 KJV 1900
    7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
    The plurality of churches in this statement opens it for us to find the message that God has for each of us.
    Chapters 2 and 3 are letters of love written from the Groom, Jesus Christ, to His future bride, the Church. They enter the second part of the outline given to us in Rev 1:19
    Revelation 1:19 KJV 1900
    19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
    Jesus is looking into our heart and revealing the condition of his fiancee while giving them words of admiration and admonition.
    The words of admiration encourages His fiancee but the words of admonition challenges her.
    Whether admiration or admonition, the love Jesus Christ feels for us, His church can never be questioned.
    Ephesus was located about 60 miles across the Mediterranean Sea from the Isle of Patmos.
    Ephesus was the mother church of all the Asian churches. Paul preached and ministered at Ephesus for 3 years until a riot forced him to leave the city according to Acts 19. After Paul left, He left Timothy to be the faithful pastor of this church.
    Ironically, the first church is the church of Ephesus where He laid out this relationship in Eph 5:25-33.
    Ephesians 5:25–33 KJV 1900
    25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
    So, the emphasis is not on our condition but on our willingness to repent and listen to His comments and make the needed adjustment because judgment is coming and will we be found faithful?
    Matt 25 gives a parable about the bridegroom returning for His bride. He said there were foolish virgins and wise virgins.
    Matthew 25:1–13 KJV 1900
    1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
    We saw in Rev 1:18
    Revelation 1:7 KJV 1900
    7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
    Christ is coming back. The question because are we really ready and prepared to meet our groom.
    Revelation 2:1–7 KJV 1900
    1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
    When it comes to the church of Ephesus, we have lots of information:
    In Acts 19, we discover her beginning.
    Paul arrived in Ephesus, preached the gospel, and planted a church in the city, a city with a temple for the goddess Diana,
    that is considered one of the “seven wonders of the world.” This temple took 220 years to build and was 364 feet long, 164 feet wide, and was decorated with 127 gleaming marble columns. This temple was central to local life and was steeped in false religion and every moral vice connected with that corrupt religious culture.
    The city, being threatened by truth, and the commercial riches they would lose, revolted against Paul.
    The power of the Gospel won out over the world and many were saved and a church was established there. They loved Jesus with all their hearts.
    However, nearly 30 years have passed and though she is a church with rich history having a letter written to them by Paul, has drifted into a dangerous condition of spiritual coldness - losing her love for Jesus.

    The Christ of Ephesus:

    Revelation 2:1 KJV 1900
    1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

    Jesus Speaks to Us:

    Jesus, the all-knowing and all-seeing head of the church and groom of the church speaks.
    Notice, His mouth, hands, feet, and mind “I know” of verse 2 are emphasized.
    Revelation 1:15 KJV 1900
    15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
    Revelation 1:16 KJV 1900
    16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

    Jesus Holds Us:

    Revelation 2:1 KJV 1900
    1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
    Revelation 1:20 KJV 1900
    20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
    angels: literally means messenger. Either these are Real angels that are guardians of the churches, or it is referring to pastors, the messengers that stand and preach to the congregation.
    Which ever is not real significant and I am still trying to figure it all out. However, whether the angel or the pastor or both are to share it exactly what John writes.
    Not only does Jesus speak with a voice of authority, and holds the messengers in his right hand, of honor and privilege, but He also

    Jesus Walks among Us:

    Revelation 2:1 KJV 1900
    1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
    Jesus is actively involved and present in His churches. He is evaluating us and He is about to let us know what He sees and what He expects.

    Jesus Knows Us:

    Revelation 2:2 KJV 1900
    2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
    What consequences does Jesus warn about for the church of Ephesus if they do not repent?
    He knows us as a church. He know every member. He knows every members motives. He knows everything. He knows even our heart.
    We need to listen, Amen!
    Notice next

    The Commendation of Ephesus:

    Revelation 2:2 KJV 1900
    2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

    They were Performing the Task:

    Jesus mentions 3 things.
    Their Work = What they should be doing!
    Their Labour = The Intensity of the work, to the point of pain involving personal sacrifice.
    Their Patience = Endurance. Opposition did not phase them.

    They were Protecting the Truth:

    Revelation 2:2 KJV 1900
    2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

    Moral Conviction:

    “thou canst not bear them which are evil”
    Notice, Practiced separation.
    Romans 16:17 KJV 1900
    17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
    2 Thessalonians 3:6 KJV 1900
    6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
    The congregation rejected ungodly behavior and maintained high standards of discipline and moral purity.
    Not only did they have Moral Convictions but they also had:

    Doctrinal Convictions:

    Revelation 2:2 KJV 1900
    2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
    They put the preachers to the test. They rejected doctrinal error and unscriptural beliefs…

    They were Persevering In the Test:

    Revelation 2:3 KJV 1900
    3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
    They are obedient and active in the face of opposition, morally and doctrinally. They were fulfilling the promise of
    Galatians 6:9 KJV 1900
    9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
    Wow! I want to be a part of that church. Amen.
    How are we doing? Are we performing the Task? Are we Protecting the Truth? Are we Persevering in the Test?
    If not, why not?
    Jesus said these things are good. He gives His commendation.
    However, this is not the only thing with Ephesus along with these great things they were doing, protecting, and fainting not they had a problem.

    The Condemnation of Ephesus:

    Revelation 2:4 KJV 1900
    4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
    Ouch, just when we thought things were great and were ready to move our membership we hear the word, Nevertheless! followed by “I have somewhat against thee”.
    The church at Ephesus were saved and serving people. They were working, they were doctrinally sound, and they were faithful to their commitment. However, there was a problem.
    They Lacked Love:
    This wasn’t a problem at the first. Paul wrote to them in
    Ephesians 1:15–16 KJV 1900
    15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
    What happened within 2 generations of believers?
    Listen, it is not what we do for Christ that counts, but the motive behind the action that counts.
    Love is to be the motivation of everything we do. Love for God and love for Others. All the commandments hang on the motive of love.
    30 years before this letter from the Apostle John, they received a letter from the Apostle Paul warning them of this issue.
    Ephesians 5:1–2 KJV 1900
    1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
    What is the most hurtful thing a spouse in a covenant relationship say to their mate?
    “I don’t love you anymore”
    These words spoken to an individual that you have made a vow before God to love you with all their heart, soul, and mind to say, “I have lost my love for you; I no longer desire you; my feelings for you have grown cold” brings shock and tears like nothing else in a marriage.
    Love for another is not in a moment, but slowly over time. It happens so slowly that you do not even realize that it is happening until all of a sudden one day.
    This is a very critical moment in a marriage. However, the lack of love is not a hopeless situation, just a critical situation.
    Notice the word “left”. They have not lost their love, they have left their love. They were not lacking in love, but they were lean on love.

    The Vitality of Their Love was Gone:

    Their love for Christ was no longer vibrant. There is no longer energy, no more thrills, no more excitement in their love. The depth and fervency of love for Christ has diminished.
    True love is plain to see. When 2 people love each other, there is enthusiasm, attendance, joy.
    True love is Christ is seen in your actions, witnessing (talking about your love), Praise (talking to your love), study (learning how to please your love), and prayer (sharing your vulnerbilities and weaknesses).
    The religious term for this condition is back slidden.
    If you were ever closer to your spouse than what you are right now, you are backslidden.
    If you were ever closer, more excited, more committed, more involved with Jesus Christ then you are right now, you are backslidden.
    Not only have they lost their Vitality, but they have lost

    The Validity of Their Love was Gone:

    Revelation 2:5 KJV 1900
    5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
    They have fell away. The closeness is no longer present. We are present but not present. Every Sunday I see it in people’s life. They are here, they are busy, but there is no love. The spark in their eye is gone. The excitement in their voice has disappeared.

    The Correction for Ephesus:

    Revelation 2:5 KJV 1900
    5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
    Any relationship whether is be friends, lovers, or Jesus Christ that finds itself having left their first love can do these three things to correct the situation.

    Remember: a left love is critical but not HOPELESS.

    Remember that time where you said “I do”.
    Remember that time where you trusted Jesus Christ with your life and eternity.
    Remember the excitement, the joy, the dreams that you had.
    What do you do when you fall?
    Do you just stay on the ground? No!
    You quickly remember,
    I don’t belong here.
    Walking is easier to get to my destination and fulfilling my dream.
    Remembering is not living in the past but Recalling the past.
    Husbands, wives, look at your spouse and remember that first date, that moment she stepped out to become your wife, that honeymoon you experienced, and that first major decision you made together forging your future. Remember!
    Believers, look at Jesus and remember that first encounter, that moment His Spirit touched your heart, that moment have you said, “I do”, that baptism, that first answer to your prayer. Remember!
    After we Remember,

    Repent: for being where you don’t BELONG.

    1 John 1:9 KJV 1900
    9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
    Repentance is changing your mind. I don’t belong here. We don’t belong here.
    Repentance is making it right.
    Jesus is looking for a change of attitude towards Him, a reversal of actions on our part that prove we love Him and not just saying, “I love you.”
    Labor is not a substitute for Love.
    Purity is not a substitute for Passion.
    Deeds are not a substitute for Devotion.
    Remember!
    Repent!
    and next
    Revelation 2:5 KJV 1900
    5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

    Return: to where you were before you Fell.

    Fall back in love. Do what you did in the beginning.
    Pursue your spouse again. Pursue Jesus Christ.
    Study Him, Talk to Him, Share with Him, and Praise Him.

    Realize: There is a Consequence to Falling out of Love.

    Revelation 2:5 KJV 1900
    5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
    No Love for Jesus means No Light for Jesus!
    1 Corinthians 13:1–3 KJV 1900
    1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
    A spouse, A Christian, or a Church that does not have love is a false witness! You give a false signal of Marriage and Jesus is all about.
    Jesus will not tolerate a church without love.
    Without Love, Our Witness and Testimony will go dark.
    Divorce takes place.
    Fortunately and Unfortunately, we live on the future side of this letter.
    The story of Ephesus ends in remorse. The city eventually declined and disappeared from the scene.
    By the middle ages, its testimony for Christ was obliterated and its light for Christ was removed.
    Today, there is nothing left of Ephesus but a memory.
    However, this doesn’t have to be. There is hope.
    Revelation 2:6 KJV 1900
    6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
    The Nicolaitans were a false witness of Christ.
    We hate divorce, we hate false witnesses, and we hate false churches.
    We have a purpose. There is a purpose of marriage,
    Genesis 1:26 KJV 1900
    26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
    Genesis 2:24 KJV 1900
    24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
    As a Christian, we have a purpose.
    Ephesians 1:3–14 KJV 1900
    3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
    As a church, we have a purpose.
    Ephesians 5:1–2 KJV 1900
    1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

    The Challenge to Ephesus:

    Revelation 2:7 KJV 1900
    7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
    Overcome does not mean we will become perfect or without sense. Overcomer refers to genuine Christians who have overcome the world and sin through the person of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to be Witnesses.
    You will either overcome or will be overcome!
    The tree of life is a symbol of immorality, the promise of living victoriously in the power of the risen Christ.
    If Adam and Eve would have loved each other the way God intended, Adam would not of let Eve be deceived to eat the fruit and Eve would have not given the fruit to Adam to eat.
    Genesis 3:22 KJV 1900
    22 And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
    Life for them and for us would be entirely different. However, Jesus Christ showed us true love by clinging to personal enjoyment or pleasures, but humbled himself in the form of man and showed love by dying on the cross for our sins.
    His love gave exactly what we needed, but it cost Him his life. That is love.
    Our joy is not found in things, but in our love for each other.
    Lets me conclude with Rev 22:2 in the New Jersalem
    Revelation 22:2 KJV 1900
    2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
    Will You Overcome your lack of Love or will you be Overcome?

      • Revelation 1:19–20KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:7KJV1900

      • Revelation 1:19KJV1900

      • Ephesians 5:25–33KJV1900

      • Matthew 25:1–13KJV1900

      • Revelation 1:7KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:1–7KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:1KJV1900

      • Revelation 1:15KJV1900

      • Revelation 1:16KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:1KJV1900

      • Revelation 1:20KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:1KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:2KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:2KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:2KJV1900

      • Romans 16:17KJV1900

      • 2 Thessalonians 3:6KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:2KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:3KJV1900

      • Galatians 6:9KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:4KJV1900

      • Ephesians 1:15–16KJV1900

      • Ephesians 5:1–2KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:5KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:5KJV1900

      • 1 John 1:9KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:5KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:5KJV1900

      • 1 Corinthians 13:1–3KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:6KJV1900

      • Genesis 1:26KJV1900

      • Genesis 2:24KJV1900

      • Ephesians 1:3–14KJV1900

      • Ephesians 5:1–2KJV1900

      • Revelation 2:7KJV1900

      • Genesis 3:22KJV1900

      • Revelation 22:2KJV1900

  • Lord I'm Coming Home
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