The Message to Ephesus
By Assistant Pastor Dr. Jaden Fitzpatrick | August 24, 2025
Turn to Revelation 2:1-7. Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand… I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience… Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. Let’s pray: Father, speak to our hearts, remove distractions, and bind Satan. Clothe me in my calling and accomplish Your work. Thank You for the baptism and singing. Bless the unsaved to trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On August 24, 2025, Assistant Pastor Dr. Jaden Fitzpatrick delivers a compelling sermon at Mission Baptist Church, focusing on Jesus’ message to the Ephesus church in Revelation 2:1-7. Exiled on Patmos, the Apostle John receives a vision from Christ to write to seven churches in Asia, with Ephesus representing churches throughout the church age. Ephesus, a vibrant port city immersed in paganism, was home to the grand Temple of Artemis and emperor worship under Domitian, fostering immorality and demonic activity. Despite this, Paul, Apollos, and John established a faithful church there. Jesus commends their works, patience, and rejection of false apostles and Nicolaitan deeds (thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate), but rebukes them for leaving their first love—Christ. Dr. Fitzpatrick, sharing personal stories from his ministry and family life, urges believers to remember their past zeal, repent of loveless service, and return to Christ, promising access to God’s paradise (the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God).
Remember Where You Came From
Jesus calls the Ephesians to remember therefore from whence thou art fallen (Revelation 2:5). Dr. Fitzpatrick challenges believers to reflect: “Do you love Jesus more today than ever before?” He recalls times when believers were more devoted—attending multiple services or visiting—urging them to remember what they did when closest to Christ. Like Mary and Joseph losing Jesus but finding Him where they left Him (Luke 2:46, they found him in the temple), Christians must recall their initial passion. Dr. Fitzpatrick shares how his early ministry felt obligatory, but a brief period of simply attending church rekindled his joy. He encourages honest reflection on past closeness with God to identify where love waned, setting the stage for renewal.
Repent of Loveless Service
Jesus commands, repent, and do the first works (Revelation 2:5), warning of removing their candlestick if they don’t. Dr. Fitzpatrick clarifies that repentance isn’t just saying “sorry” but a change of heart and action. He humorously illustrates with apologizing to “Cam” for mocking baldness, only to repeat it, showing insincere remorse. True repentance, like burning sins at a camp bonfire, means leaving them behind. Dr. Fitzpatrick recounts his son Remington’s claim that “God is bald,” emphasizing childlike faith in change. He urges believers to stop habitual apologies and decisively abandon sins—whether actions, places, or attitudes—that dishonor God, ensuring their service stems from love, not duty.
Return to Your First Love
Finally, Jesus instructs to do the first works (Revelation 2:5), calling for a return to Christ. Dr. Fitzpatrick likens this to the prodigal son realizing the pig pen isn’t as good as the father’s house (Luke 15:17-18, he came to himself… I will arise and go to my father). Using Raymond to illustrate, he shows how drifting from God creates distance, but taking one step back—attending another service, praying more, or joining ministry—prompts God to draw near (James 4:8, Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you). Dr. Fitzpatrick emphasizes that the first step is the hardest but urges believers to act, promising God’s embrace like the prodigal’s father. He contrasts the emperor’s exclusive garden in Ephesus with Christ’s open invitation to paradise, encouraging steadfast faith for eternal reward.