Print

REVELATION 2: 4, 5

"RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE"

I. WHAT THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS HAD.
        A. Works and labors.
                1. Well organized functioning church.
                        a. Witness teams.
                        b. Visitation teams.
                        c. Finance committees.
                        d. Pulpit committee and church growth department, all functioning.
                        e. A model of organization structure.
                2. They were laboring in the name of the Lord.
                        a. It was being done under the right banner.
                        b. It was a well oiled piece of machinery.
                                1. God doesn't want His work done on machines.
                                2. He doesn't want your work to be mechanical. 
        B. Patience.
                1. Throughout New Testament churches exhorted to patience in  waiting on the
                   Lord.
                        a. Patience in waiting for Him to work.
                        b. Patience in waiting for Him to come again.
                2. Patience is a desired virtue.
        C. No place for evil persons.
                1. A weakness of many churches.
                        a. A weakness of many churches.
        D. A discerning church.
                1. They could uncover the false apostles.
                2. John Todd would have never had an audience there.

II. WHAT THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS DIDN'T HAVE.
        A. Their first love.
                1. They had the right motions but lacked the right emotions.
                2. The Lord is more interested in the motivation than the action.
                3. Many working for Lord from wrong motivation.
                        a. I want people to see how talented I am.
                        b. I want people to know how good I am.
                        c. I want people to think well of me.
                        d. Motivations are people oriented not God oriented.
                4. God wants only one motivative force, love.
                        a. If you can't serve Him because you love Him, then don't serve.
                        b. If you can't give because you love Him, then don't give..
                        c. Anyone who is serving the Lord in any capacity should
                                examine his motives.
                5. If your love for Christ isn't constraining you, then quit! Get out of if!
                6. The warning of Jesus to remove candlestick out of his place.
                7. You may find in many churches a great deal of social works, elaborate
                   buildings, glorious choirs and beautiful lectures, but if you look for 
                   Jesus, He is no where to be found, except in the stained glass windows and
                   an occasional quote.
                        a. But the vibrant life and presence of Christ is not there. They are
                           worshipping in the tomb.

Ill. THE CALL OF JESUS TO THE CHURCH.
        A. Remember from whence thou art fallen.
                1. Those days when your love for Jesus was the consuming passion of your life.
        B. Repent.
                1. Turn around.
        C. Repeat, "Do the first works."
                1. Fall in love with Jesus again.