Rekindling Our First Love for Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the blessings we have in Christ. We began with a song of gratitude, "I'm So Blessed," which set the tone for our service. We then read Psalm 31:1 together, seeking God's protection and righteousness. We prayed for our congregation, especially lifting up Mike, who is facing a medical procedure this week. We also celebrated the joy and unity experienced during our Vacation Bible School (VBS) week.
I introduced our new sermon series on the Seven Churches of Revelation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the historical and spiritual context of these letters. The Book of Revelation, written by John around 95 A.D., was addressed to seven specific churches in Asia Minor. These letters contain commendations, corrections, and counsel from Jesus, which are still relevant to us today.
We focused on the Church of Ephesus, which was commended for its hard work and endurance but criticized for losing its first love. This serves as a reminder for us to rekindle our passion for God and each other. We must balance truth with love, ensuring that our faith is not just about doctrinal correctness but also about genuine love and compassion.
I encouraged everyone to return to their first love by engaging in worship, immersing themselves in the Word, and being a witness for Christ. Worship is not just about singing but about honoring God with our whole being. The Word of God is our primary source of spiritual nourishment and guidance. Witnessing involves actively sharing the love and truth of Christ with others.
In conclusion, we must hold the light of Christ high, just as a lampstand holds a lamp. Our mission is to shine brightly in our community, representing Christ in all we do. Let us return to our first love and reignite our passion for God and His mission.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Worship: Worship is more than just singing; it is an act of honoring and glorifying God with our whole being. True worship involves engaging with God in spirit and truth, recognizing His presence among us. When we worship, we are reminded of God's greatness and our dependence on Him. [14:11]
2. Immersing in the Word: The Bible is our primary source of spiritual nourishment and guidance. Spending time in Scripture helps us grow in our faith and understand God's will for our lives. It is essential to read the Bible not just as a historical document but as a living word that speaks to us today. [32:37]
3. Balancing Truth and Love: The Church of Ephesus was commended for its adherence to truth but criticized for losing its first love. We must strive to balance doctrinal correctness with genuine love and compassion. Our faith should be marked by both truth and grace, reflecting the character of Christ. [01:01:19]
4. Returning to Our First Love: Over time, our passion for God and each other can wane. We must intentionally rekindle our love for God by remembering the joy and excitement we had when we first came to faith. This involves spending quality time with God in prayer, worship, and Scripture. [01:04:57]
5. Being a Witness for Christ: Our mission as a church is to shine the light of Christ in our community. This involves actively sharing the love and truth of Christ with others. We must be intentional about reaching out to the lost and unchurched, representing Christ in all we do and say. [01:17:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:13] - Opening Song: "I'm So Blessed"
[14:11] - Corporate Prayer and Scripture Reading
[25:37] - Prayer for Mike and Congregational Needs
[27:31] - Reflections on VBS and Community
[31:49] - Introduction to the New Series: Seven Churches of Revelation
[32:37] - Four Questions for Spiritual Growth
[33:38] - The Joy of Children Reciting Scripture
[34:45] - Historical Context of Revelation
[36:38] - Understanding A.D. and B.C.
[37:25] - John's Exile to Patmos
[39:58] - The Significance of John's Writings
[45:29] - The Seven Churches and Trade Routes
[50:37] - Structure of the Letters: Commendation, Correction, Counsel
[52:51] - Applying the Letters to Our Lives
[01:01:19] - Commendation and Correction for Ephesus
[01:04:57] - Rekindling Our First Love
[01:17:17] - Worship, Word, and Witness
[01:23:38] - Closing Prayer and Hymn
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 2:1-7 (Church of Ephesus)
2. Psalm 31:1
3. John 3:16-17
#### Observation Questions
1. What commendations did Jesus give to the Church of Ephesus in Revelation 2:2-3?
2. According to Revelation 2:4, what was the main criticism Jesus had against the Church of Ephesus?
3. How does Psalm 31:1 reflect the congregation's prayer for protection and righteousness during the service? [14:11]
4. What does John 3:16-17 say about God's love and the purpose of Jesus' mission?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus commended the Church of Ephesus for their hard work and endurance but criticized them for losing their first love? [01:01:19]
2. How can the balance between truth and love, as mentioned in the sermon, be applied to modern church practices? [01:03:05]
3. What does it mean to "return to your first love" in the context of Revelation 2:5, and how can this be practically achieved in a believer's life? [01:04:57]
4. How does the concept of being a "lampstand" that holds the light of Christ (Revelation 2:5) translate to the mission of the church today? [57:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal worship practices. How can you honor and glorify God with your whole being beyond just singing? What changes can you make to deepen your worship experience? [01:12:55]
2. How often do you immerse yourself in the Word of God? What steps can you take to ensure that you are consistently nourished and guided by Scripture? [01:16:10]
3. Think about a time when you balanced truth with love in a difficult situation. How did it impact the outcome? How can you strive to maintain this balance in your daily interactions? [01:03:05]
4. Have you ever felt your passion for God wane over time? What specific actions can you take to rekindle your first love for God and others? [01:04:57]
5. In what ways can you be a more effective witness for Christ in your community? Identify one person or group you can reach out to this week and share the love and truth of Christ. [01:17:17]
6. How can you ensure that your church remains focused on its mission to seek and save the lost? What role can you play in supporting this mission? [01:10:38]
7. Reflect on the importance of holding the light of Christ high in your community. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions and words consistently represent Christ? [57:35]
Devotional
### Day 1: Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship is more than just singing; it is an act of honoring and glorifying God with our whole being. True worship involves engaging with God in spirit and truth, recognizing His presence among us. When we worship, we are reminded of God's greatness and our dependence on Him. Worship is not confined to a church service but is a daily practice of living in a way that honors God in all we do.
Worship is a response to God's love and grace. It is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and a declaration of our trust in Him. When we worship, we align our hearts with God's will and open ourselves to His transformative power. Worship can take many forms, including prayer, reading Scripture, serving others, and living a life that reflects God's character. [14:11]
Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine beyond just singing? What specific actions can you take today to honor God with your whole being?
### Day 2: Nourishment from the Word
The Bible is our primary source of spiritual nourishment and guidance. Spending time in Scripture helps us grow in our faith and understand God's will for our lives. It is essential to read the Bible not just as a historical document but as a living word that speaks to us today. The Word of God provides wisdom, correction, and encouragement, equipping us for every good work.
Engaging with Scripture requires intentionality and discipline. It involves more than just reading; it requires meditation, study, and application. As we immerse ourselves in the Word, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. The Bible reveals God's character and His plan for humanity, guiding us in our daily decisions and helping us navigate life's challenges. [32:37]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to deepen your engagement with Scripture this week? How can you ensure that you are not just reading the Bible but allowing it to transform your life?
### Day 3: Balancing Truth and Love
The Church of Ephesus was commended for its adherence to truth but criticized for losing its first love. We must strive to balance doctrinal correctness with genuine love and compassion. Our faith should be marked by both truth and grace, reflecting the character of Christ. It is possible to be right in our beliefs but wrong in our attitudes and actions.
Balancing truth and love requires humility and a heart that seeks to honor God above all else. It means standing firm in our convictions while also extending grace and compassion to others. Jesus exemplified this balance, speaking truth boldly while loving unconditionally. As His followers, we are called to do the same, ensuring that our faith is not just about what we believe but also about how we live and love. [01:01:19]
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to balance truth and love? How can you intentionally practice both in your interactions with others this week?
### Day 4: Rekindling Our First Love
Over time, our passion for God and each other can wane. We must intentionally rekindle our love for God by remembering the joy and excitement we had when we first came to faith. This involves spending quality time with God in prayer, worship, and Scripture. Returning to our first love means prioritizing our relationship with God above all else and allowing His love to overflow into our relationships with others.
Rekindling our first love requires a conscious effort to refocus our hearts and minds on God. It means setting aside distractions and making time for what truly matters. As we draw near to God, He promises to draw near to us, renewing our passion and deepening our intimacy with Him. This renewed love for God will naturally extend to others, impacting our relationships and our witness for Christ. [01:04:57]
Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV): "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take to rekindle your love for God this week? How can you prioritize your relationship with Him in your daily life?
### Day 5: Shining the Light of Christ
Our mission as a church is to shine the light of Christ in our community. This involves actively sharing the love and truth of Christ with others. We must be intentional about reaching out to the lost and unchurched, representing Christ in all we do and say. Being a witness for Christ means living in a way that reflects His character and draws others to Him.
Shining the light of Christ requires boldness and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. It means being attentive to the needs of those around us and responding with love and compassion. As we share the gospel and serve others, we become conduits of God's grace, pointing people to the hope and salvation found in Jesus. Our lives should be a testimony of God's transformative power, inspiring others to seek Him. [01:17:17]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be a light in your community this week? What specific actions can you take to share the love and truth of Christ with those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want to say to you very clearly that just like John faced extreme challenges for his faith, that every one of us sometimes will face difficulties or opposition in our lives. John's example of perseverance reminds us to stay strong and keep our faith no matter the circumstances." [39:58] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The church, please hear me, is not the light, but we hold the light. I was reflecting as we were worshiping this morning. I had scheduled those songs probably over a month ago, and I was still wrestling with what to preach after I came back from vacation. I did not miss it while I was leading worship. How present or how prevalent the word light was in the songs." [57:35] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Worship is not merely singing the words. It's the act of honoring and glorifying our Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. I want you to think about something. You are aware that Holy Spirit is in this room right now, right? Scripture tells us very clearly. Where two or three are gathered together, there I am also. If you struggle with worshiping sometimes, yourself, God is here. He is with us." [01:15:12] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The church at Ephesus had gotten away from their first love by overemphasizing truth at the expense of loving one another and loving God. Churches today can get too focused on their methods at the expense of the mission. We have talked in the past about church revitalization. Big old fancy word. Really all that means is helping churches get back on mission. The mission of seeking and saving lost people. The mission of discipling people." [01:17:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Church, how brightly is your light shining today? Are you active and involved in the community? Or are you hiding your lamp at home? Kind of strong words. He said, you are the light. Our witness is that we represent Christ to a community that largely doesn't know him. Well, they may have heard about him, we need to display that kind of witness, that kind of love." [01:22:20] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Are you spending at least five minutes a day in the Bible? Thank you. Thank you. Are you pausing in your prayer time to listen for Holy Spirit? Are you surrendering all things to Jesus? And are you looking for opportunities to talk to people about Jesus who either don't know him or aren't walking with him?" [32:37] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus said we are to speak grace with grace and truth. There's a balance between those two and the church of Ephesus had gotten out of balance. They were really good at the truth part but Jesus said your law where did it go when I was a teenager." [01:05:38] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I just want to say this very clearly. Worship is not merely singing the words. It's the act of honoring and glorifying our Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. I want you to think about something. You are aware that Holy Spirit is in this room right now, right? Scripture tells us very clearly. Where two or three are gathered together, there I am also. If you struggle with worshiping sometimes, yourself, God is here. He is with us." [01:15:12] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I don't just read the Bible to say that I read the Bible. I immerse myself in the Scriptures and invite God to change me through it. I invite Holy Spirit to convict me when I am not in alignment with Scriptures." [01:18:07] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The church of Ephesus had done like a lot of us have done they'd lost their first love they'd lost their intensity of love for god and their intensity of of love for one another here was his counsel in verses five through seven that's what jesus saying to this church you think about this being at that first reading pastor stands up and he's like i have a letter to you directly from jesus directly from jesus and this is what they hear verse five look how far you have fallen turn back and look how far you have fallen turn back and look how far you have fallen turn back and back to me and do the works you did at first if you don't repent i will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches but this is in your favor you hate the evil deeds of the nicolaitans and i'll explain that in a later sermon but just as i do anyone with ears to hear must listen to the spirit and understand what he was saying to the churches to everyone who is victorious i will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of god jesus has said to this church turn back to me repent remember your first love remember how you love to spend time with me that pastor didn't have to stand up and ask you every week are you spending five minutes a day in scripture because you're already spending 30 or an hour or whatever it is so turn back to your first love watch the warning there in verse five he said if you don't repent i will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches what did the lampstand do again it held the light he said if you do not repent i am going to come and take your lampstand away and i'm not going to let you hold my light up the way you did because you're not representing me in truth they were strong on truth that grown i think that's why when churches stop focusing on the mission of jesus to seek and save the lost reach the unsaved and the unchurched i think that's why we see those churches stagnate and then die and the truth is they need to repent and turn back to their first love and hold that light high and truth" [01:08:53] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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