Forgotten Love Series

Sunday Morning February 7, 2010

Bel Aire Baptist Church

Series: “Royalty” [#7]

FORGOTTEN LOVE

2 Chronicles 25:1-28

Introduction:

Have you ever been asked to wear your “Sunday’s Best”? What does that mean? Although my generation has seemed to change this a bit, for many years people equated dress clothes and church in the same thought. This attitude of being better dressed at church than during the week has carried over to more than just our clothes. People generally try to act better at church, talk better at church, etc… than they do in other environments.

2 Chronicles 25:1-2 (NIV)

“Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddin; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly.”

The key to this message this morning is found in that last statement, “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly.” We often forget why we do the things we do.

Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

It’s the “all” that is tough; but we as God’s Children are called to remember our “First Love’. This morning I want us to look at King Amaziah and the 1st of 7 Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation- The Church of Ephesus; and see how to avoid forgetting our “First Love”.

If you are going to avoid forgetting your “First Love”, then you must remember…

1. Who is in control.

We find in 2 Chronicles 25 that after Amaziah gained control over the kingdom, he took revenge on those officials who had killed his father and had them executed. He didn’t kill their children because he wanted to abide by the Law. He then drafted over 300,000 trained men that were of fighting age (over 20) and hired 100,000 fighting men from Israel.

Revelation 2:1 (NIV)

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.”

Who should be in control? I’m talking in all areas- Whether it’s the Kingdom of Judah, the Church, your life, your employment, etc…

Remember that…

> God chooses. Amaziah decided to enlist the help of some Israel mercenaries. God had provided plenty of help through Judah; but Amaziah wanted more. As with the Church of Ephesus; God has us in His Hands.

> God places. God puts us right where we are supposed to be. Don’t go away from His plan.

> God provides.

> God protects.

> God expects. God expects us to be used by Him. We are an instrument in the Hand of God.

> We are responsible to God.

> We are accountable to God.

Jesus Christ is the One who walks in the midst of the Churches, (which represented by the golden candlesticks).

This means that Christ...

> Is present in the very midst of the Church.

> Sees and knows all about the Church.

> Is present to teach and grow the Church.

> Is present to provide and protect the Church.

> Is present to guide and direct the Church.

> Is present as the Light of the world to give light to the church.

If you are going to avoid forgetting your “First Love”, then you must remember…

2. To continue in doing the right things you already doing.

Although Amaziah made a mistake within hiring some Israelite mercenaries, he had been getting many things right. A prophet of God went to Amaziah and told him not to use the Israelite mercenaries in battle or he would be destroyed. Amaziah asked the prophet about the money he had spent on them and the prophet told him not to worry about the money; that God would bless him far beyond that amount.

Amaziah had been following the Lord’s commands in many areas of his life and he did as God said and sent the mercenaries home.

Revelation 2:2-3 (NIV)

“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”

This Church is commended for 5 things:

> The Church had worked hard and labored for Christ.