Explores understanding God's heart in Revelation, rekindling our initial love for Him, and aligning our actions with this renewed love.
Good morning, beloved family of God, gathered here today to delve deeper into the mysteries of His Word, to uncover the treasures hidden within its pages, and to align our hearts with His. We are gathered here today under the banner of His love, united in our shared faith, and bound by the common thread of His grace. This morning, we turn our hearts and our minds to the book of Revelation, a book that often stirs up more questions than answers, a book that can seem daunting and mysterious, but also a book that is rich with promise and hope, a book that offers us a glimpse into the very heart of God and His plan for humanity.
As we prepare to embark on this spiritual expedition, I am reminded of a quote by D. A. Carson, who once said, "To know God is to be transformed, and thus to be introduced to a life that could not otherwise be experienced." Today, we are not merely seeking to know about God, but to know Him, to understand His heart, His character, and His desires for us.
The book of Revelation: In its vivid imagery and profound symbolism, it’s like a mirror that reflects both our past and our future. It's a reminder of our origins, our identity, and our purpose. It's a call to remember, to reflect, and to return to our first love. It's a call to remember the fervor and passion of our early faith, the purity and simplicity of our initial devotion to Christ.
The hustle and bustle of our daily lives: In the midst of the pressures and distractions of the world it's easy to lose sight of our first love. It's easy to forget the joy and wonder of our early faith, the awe and reverence we felt when we first encountered Christ. But Revelation calls us back, beckons us to remember, and invites us to return to our first love.
The church in Ephesus was commended: They were commended for their deeds, their hard work, and their perseverance. They were praised for their intolerance of wickedness and their discernment in testing those who claimed to be apostles but were not. They were recognized for their endurance in the face of hardships and their unwavering commitment to the name of Christ. But they were also rebuked for forsaking their first love.
The first love: This is not a reference to a romantic relationship or a familial bond ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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