Who Are We – Forsaking Our First Love?

September 26, 2021   /   IMPACT Church

    Who Are We: Forsaking Our First Love – Revelation 2:1-7
    Sunday, September 26, 2021

    Pastor Mike Bailey

    Introduction

    In the proverbial line up of life, who would pick you out as a follower of God amongst those around you? When you’re challenged to stand out and be a light in darkness, how bright are you? We are to reflect the image of a perfect Savior, Jesus Christ. That is a daunting task and one we all fail daily. But even the greatest artists have a first draft; the most talented athletes miss a shot; the world’s most intelligent scientists have a process called trial and error. Perfection will not be found until the day we reach Heaven, but do we reflect Jesus here on earth where others can confidently say, “That person follows God.”

    September 26 – Who Are We – Forsaking Our First Love?

    October 3 – Who Are We – Suffering Persecution?

    October 10 – Who Are We – Need to Repent?

    October 17 – Who Are We – False Prophets?

    October 24 – Who Are We – Falling Asleep?

    October 31 – Who Are We – Enduring Patiently?

    November 7 – Who Are We – Lukewarm Faith?

    IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
    (610) 857-3887 [email protected]

    1. The church of . – A.D. 52 – A.D. 200 planted by Paul

    2. Jesus’ relationship to the Church week 1. (2:1)

    “…the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands:” Revelation 2:1

    a. Jesus the pastor of the church.

    And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15

    b. The pastor carries the to the church.

    Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Hebrews 13:17

    c. Jesus must be the of the church.

    Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. Colossians 1:18

    3. Jesus the good in our lives. (2:2-3)

    The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3

    a. Jesus rewards a strong ethic.

    Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10

    b. Jesus does not evil.

    It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. Isaiah 59:2

    14 Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. 15 Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.  2 Thessalonians 3:14-15

    c. Jesus when you do not give up.

    So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

    But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Acts 7:55

    4. Jesus has a about the church of Ephesus. (2:4-5a)

    “Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.” Proverbs 1:23

    A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. Proverbs 17:10

    a. Started by losing your love.

    14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15

    b. Resulted with in your faith.

    Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.”  John 8:34

    5. Jesus gives a fair . (2:5b-7a)

    21  “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” Matthew 7:21-23

    a. You must .

    Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

    b. Do more than just , you must also .

    13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. 14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. 17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Proverbs 3:13-17

    6. There is a for victory. (2:7b)

    a.  from the Tree of Life.

     Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. Revelation 22:14

    b. Life in with God.

    But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

    Closing: Have you lost your first love? How much longer will you wait?

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