In the second and third chapters of the book of Revelation are seven messages to seven churches in Asia. Of timeless import, these messages offer invaluable instruction and spiritual guidance to the earnest church member of today.
In her Message to The Mother Church for 1900, Mrs. Eddy writes thus of the great importance of these seven messages: "In Revelation St. John refers to what 'the Spirit saith unto the churches.' His allegories are the highest criticism on all human action, type, and system. His symbolic ethics bravely rebuke lawlessness. His types of purity pierce corruption beyond the power of the pen."'00., pp. 11, 12;
The first church which John addressed was the church at Ephesus. Speaking as the Revelator, John saluted what was good and strong and positive in the church before uncovering the error that needed correcting. He commended Ephesus for its works, its patience, its willingness to rid itself of liars. He then rebuked the church because it had left its "first love." Magical arts and the worship of the goddess Diana prevailed in Ephesus. John therefore urged the church to "repent, and do the first works."Rev. 2:4, 5; The first love of Christian Scientists is the love of God and of man made in His image and likeness. The outward expression of this love in healing works is basic in individual and church experience. What can the individual church member do to see more healings in his church?
