Rediscovering Love: The Heart of Christian Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today's message centered on the essential Christian principle of love and the dangers of losing it within the church. We began by emphasizing that love is non-negotiable for believers. If we struggle to love others because of their differences, we are not truly of God. The church should be a place where everyone feels loved and accepted, transcending political and social divides.
We then examined the church in Ephesus, which excelled in doctrine but failed in love. This serves as a warning that no matter how correct our beliefs are, without love, they are meaningless. Love is the foundation of our faith, exemplified by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
Next, we discussed the church in Thyatira, which tolerated the spirit of Jezebel—a symbol of manipulation and false teaching. This spirit is prevalent today, especially through social media, where ungrounded individuals can lead believers astray. Jesus distinguishes between those who follow His truth and those who are deceived, urging us to hold fast to His word.
We also looked at the church in Laodicea, which was rebuked for its apathy and self-sufficiency. Their wealth led to a sense of independence from God, making them spiritually lukewarm. Jesus calls them to buy refined gold, symbolizing faith tested through trials, to regain their dependence on Him.
Finally, we were reminded that Jesus calls the American church to repent. Repentance is not a negative term but a loving call to change our ways and align with God's will. This message concluded with an invitation for those who do not know Jesus to surrender their lives to Him, emphasizing that true transformation begins with repentance and a commitment to follow Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Love is Non-Negotiable: True Christian love transcends political and social differences. If we struggle to love others because of their differences, we are not truly of God. Love is the foundation of our faith and the essence of God's nature. [01:39]
2. Doctrine Without Love is Meaningless: The church in Ephesus was commended for its doctrine but rebuked for losing its love. No matter how correct our beliefs are, without love, they are meaningless. Love is what brought us into the kingdom of God and must remain our guiding principle. [04:39]
3. Beware of the Spirit of Jezebel: The spirit of Jezebel represents manipulation and false teaching, often prevalent through social media. Believers must be discerning and hold fast to the truth of God's word, avoiding those who lead them away from the church and sound doctrine. [07:49]
4. Apathy is Spiritually Dangerous: The church in Laodicea was rebuked for its apathy and self-sufficiency. Wealth and resources can lead to a sense of independence from God, making us spiritually lukewarm. Jesus calls us to depend on Him and remain fervent in our faith. [15:51]
5. Repentance is a Loving Call: Jesus calls the American church to repent, not as a form of judgment but as a loving invitation to change our ways. Repentance is essential for aligning with God's will and experiencing true transformation. [22:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:39] - The Necessity of Love
[03:04] - Fellowship and Community
[04:39] - The Church in Ephesus: Doctrine vs. Love
[06:25] - The Church in Thyatira: Tolerating Jezebel
[07:49] - The Spirit of Jezebel Today
[09:13] - The Danger of False Teaching
[10:38] - The Importance of Holding to the Truth
[11:56] - Jesus Knows Our Hearts
[13:47] - Holding Fast to the Word
[15:51] - The Church in Laodicea: Apathy and Wealth
[17:13] - The Consequences of Apathy
[18:16] - Cultural Influence in the Church
[19:45] - The Danger of Self-Sufficiency
[20:57] - Jesus' Call to Repentance
[22:32] - The Importance of Repentance
[24:39] - Invitation to Surrender to Jesus
[26:36] - Prayer of Surrender
[29:40] - New Believers and Recommitments
[31:04] - Final Instructions and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV) - "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
2. Revelation 2:19-20 (NIV) - "I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols."
3. Revelation 3:15-17 (NIV) - "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 4:7-8, what is the relationship between love and knowing God?
2. What were the commendable deeds of the church in Thyatira as mentioned in Revelation 2:19? What was their major fault according to Revelation 2:20?
3. In Revelation 3:15-17, what does Jesus say about the spiritual state of the church in Laodicea? How does He describe their self-perception versus their true condition?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that love is non-negotiable for believers? How does this align with 1 John 4:7-8? ([01:39])
2. What does the spirit of Jezebel represent, and why is it dangerous for the church today? How can believers discern and avoid false teachings? ([07:49])
3. How does wealth and self-sufficiency contribute to spiritual apathy, as seen in the church of Laodicea? What does Jesus mean by calling them to buy "refined gold"? ([15:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there people you struggle to love because of their differences? How can you take a step towards loving them as God commands? ([01:39])
2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a church that was strong in doctrine but lacked love? How did it affect the community and its witness to others? ([04:39])
3. Social media can be a platform for both good and bad influences. How do you discern which voices to follow? What steps can you take to ensure you are not led astray by false teachings? ([07:49])
4. Consider your own spiritual fervor: Are there areas in your life where you have become spiritually lukewarm? What practical steps can you take to reignite your passion for God? ([15:51])
5. Repentance is described as a loving call to change our ways. Is there a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to repent? How can you respond to this call? ([22:32])
6. How can you cultivate a spirit of dependence on God rather than relying on your own resources and abilities? What practices can help you maintain this dependence? ([19:45])
7. Think of someone in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you share the message of love and repentance with them in a way that is both truthful and compassionate? ([24:39])
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s key points and apply them to their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading as you explore these important topics together.
Devotional
Day 1: Love Transcends Differences
Description: Love is a fundamental principle for Christians, and it must transcend all political and social differences. If we struggle to love others because of their differences, we are not truly reflecting God's nature. The church should be a place where everyone feels loved and accepted, regardless of their background or beliefs. This kind of love is non-negotiable for believers and is the foundation of our faith, as exemplified by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. [01:39]
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who holds different political or social views from you. How can you show them genuine love and acceptance today?
Day 2: Doctrine Without Love is Meaningless
Description: The church in Ephesus was commended for its strong doctrine but rebuked for losing its love. This serves as a warning that no matter how correct our beliefs are, without love, they are meaningless. Love is what brought us into the kingdom of God and must remain our guiding principle. It is essential to balance sound doctrine with genuine love for others, as both are crucial for a healthy and vibrant faith community. [04:39]
1 Corinthians 13:2 (ESV): "And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on your interactions with others in your church community. Are there areas where you prioritize being right over being loving? How can you change that today?
Day 3: Beware of the Spirit of Jezebel
Description: The spirit of Jezebel represents manipulation and false teaching, which can be prevalent through social media and other platforms. Believers must be discerning and hold fast to the truth of God's word, avoiding those who lead them away from sound doctrine. Jesus distinguishes between those who follow His truth and those who are deceived, urging us to remain steadfast in our faith and not be swayed by false teachings. [07:49]
2 Peter 2:1-2 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed."
Reflection: Consider the sources of information and teaching you consume, especially on social media. Are there any that might be leading you away from sound doctrine? How can you be more discerning in what you allow to influence your faith?
Day 4: Apathy is Spiritually Dangerous
Description: The church in Laodicea was rebuked for its apathy and self-sufficiency. Their wealth led to a sense of independence from God, making them spiritually lukewarm. Jesus calls them to buy refined gold, symbolizing faith tested through trials, to regain their dependence on Him. It is crucial for believers to remain fervent in their faith and not let material wealth or self-sufficiency lead them away from a deep reliance on God. [15:51]
Revelation 3:17-18 (ESV): "For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see."
Reflection: Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you have become spiritually apathetic or self-sufficient? How can you renew your dependence on God today?
Day 5: Repentance is a Loving Call
Description: Jesus calls the American church to repent, not as a form of judgment but as a loving invitation to change our ways and align with God's will. Repentance is essential for experiencing true transformation and spiritual growth. It is a call to turn away from sin and self-reliance and to embrace a life fully committed to following Christ. This message is a reminder that true transformation begins with repentance and a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. [22:32]
Acts 3:19 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Reflection: Is there a specific area in your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? What steps can you take today to align more closely with His will and experience true transformation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you struggle loving somebody because they look different from you or because you heard that they didn't vote for the party that you vote for that you swear they're supposed to belong to if you have a problem loving someone like that you are not of god that's what john just said first john 4 7 8 read it for yourself he says if you can't love like that you do not know god and there's no in between so we've got to learn amen." [01:39] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Everyone shall feel loved in the house of god so brothers and sisters i thank you for today is going to be a day for fellowship let's hang out together and let's just not stay in your corner make some new friends today make a new friend today you know if you're if you brought food to the picnic put a little bit on the community table so that everyone's at the picnic can get some food without having to sidle up to your table and look at you and one day if you're going to notice them and give them something just just be kind." [01:39] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Love brought us where we are if it wasn't for love i wouldn't be here today come on somebody love caused jesus to submit himself to be nailed to a cross for stuff he didn't do love made him take those 39 lashes on his back love is why we were born into the kingdom of god so if you forget love this is why you might read revelation and say man that was harsh of jesus that was a great church man i wish we had all of that don't forget love is the most important thing because if i speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not love i am nothing come on church and if you lose that you're not a church anymore you're just a nice bunch of people." [04:39] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you love god and you want to get to heaven be careful now let me just explain something to you about this it says it's about the spirit of jezebel it was a woman in this case but it's not always on women it's on men too there's a lot of false prophets have the spirit of jezebel on them because they manipulate and lie so they can get your money they don't care about you come see me friday night maybe take your money go to your church sunday morning broke that's what they do come let me give you a word i got a word for your life you I see you your pastor doesn't know what you're carrying come over here let me prophesy all over you believe him because he said some things that were so how would he know familiar spirits anybody can divine a thing if you have familiar spirits working on but you know what this spirit of jezebel gained prominence and visibility in the church and was allowed to teach." [09:13] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you stop talking to him and you think you got a church you might look around and realize that you're not a church you're just a club because if jesus is not there it's not his church i'm not a church i'm not a church i'm not a church i'm not a church i'm not a church i'm not a church i told you in the beginning he stands in the midst of his churches and he knows the deeds of the churches but a good thing for laodicea is that he said listen the reason why i know your deeds is because i'm still here but if you don't get it together i won't be here next year." [20:57] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The church of thyatira and the word that jesus would say the american church because i'm using that to speak some things here because of some things that i saw when i looked in revelation in the church in thyatira that resembles some traits in the american church the word he would say is be careful what you tolerate note that thyatira was a great church doing great things but they had a penchant for tolerating the intolerable in verse 19 of revelations 2 jesus said i know your works how many of you know he knows your works oh my god does that scare you a little bit i know your works and your love and faith and service and patient endurance and your last works are greater than the first wow that's a growing church increasing in love and all of the things that they did but i have this against you that you tolerate the woman jezebel the one who calls her self a prophetess and teaches and deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols." [06:25] (77 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The spirit of jezebel manipulates through craft seduction false doctrine and influence gain from lofty titles and high visibility social media has given a man to the manipulation and deception of the spirit of jezebel there are people now who teach on social media and have a whole bunch of church people following them and not their pastor and i have a problem because most of those people really have no grounding they're not connected to any church in fact many of them are telling people to get out of the church well i would tell people to get out of some churches too but you can't tell people to get off the church what if you're in a good church because why they go against the church but they themselves are trying to build a church." [07:49] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The truth only frees those who follow it it only liberates those who love it because the truth is a person y'all miss that but only those who live by the truth can be saved by the truth here's what jesus said but i say to you to the rest who are in thyatira all those who do not hold to this teaching who have not known the truth and who have not known the truth and who have not known the truth look now look what satan thinks that is sad about this as they say i do not put upon you any other burden i stop in these two days operators the says i know that you're not all like that annabelle's282 Newton was sitting in this room right now whose heart's belong to him and whose hearts are elsewhere is divided good to know a man bad even though he speaks judgmented on those who are following the spirit he also knows you are one of the many you cool with me my he says i put no burden on you what i'm saying about the judgment that's not you don't have to worry about that i put no burden on you don't lose sleep over that that's for the false people who are ignorantly running after the spirit of jezebel they're the ones i'm wanting to repent i'm so glad that jesus makes a distinction i'm so glad that he knows our very hearts he makes a promise he says verse 25 nevertheless to you who have not followed jezebel hold fast to what you have until i come." [11:56] (95 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The spirit of apathy in the laodicean church was likened to the lukewarm tasteless water that was piped in laodicea was built in a very funny place geographically they had no fresh water supplies and they had to there's a hot spring in another uh town not too far from there and what they had to do to get water to the people in the city of laodicea was to create pipes even back then they had plumbing but it was very crude the pipes were made out of hardened clay and the problem was one it traveled for from a long distance and so even though when the water left the cold springs by the time it got to them because of the heat the water would be warm and then because it got mixed with the contaminants that were in the clay pipes it had a horrible taste when you cooked with it it smelled up the whole place it was toxic water but that's the only water they had and jesus liked it and he said to the people in laodicea that they had to drink it because the content of the open pit我们换回来 the spirit of apathy that was on the church it was so distasteful to him he said it's just like that lukewarm water that when people drink it it makes them vomit he says you make me want to vomit." [15:51] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The reason why he mentioned their wealth is because that was one of the things that contributed to the attitude in the church that city had gone through uh some natural disaster i forgot was an earthquake or something and it was a part of the roman uh you know world and so that city refused to take money from the emperor to rebuild because they had enough resources to do it for themselves so they obviously and people generally who had this pride about them that hey we don't need rome's money we got our own money and we look we rebuilt our city and restored it to its glory without rome's help and the problem was that it was the same people that was inside the church in laodicea that had that same attitude on them we know what you bring from outside you bring on the inside the spirit of culture come on you you bring that same spirit in the church the problem with that is not that that is the reality we accept but the problem with that is something you don't know the difference between the the of culture that's on you and the values of culture that's on you and when the word of the kingdom is preached that you need to jettison those cultural things that's antithetical to the word of god and say that is the truth it's probably don't know the difference between culture and church that's why i'm so careful to make sure i preach counter cultural truth because everybody wants to tell you what you want to hear that's the voice of culture who wants to hear jesus say you make me sick you probably never even knew that was in your bible but it's in there because of apathy and the wealth of the church gave them a sense of independence as with the american church the blessing of having money and resources at your fingertip has a similar effect i am warned to be careful we're not there yet but i'm warned to be careful." [18:16] (105 seconds)
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