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REVELATION 2:4

"THE CRY FOR LOVE"

I. THE FIRST LOVE.
        A. Something about human nature that finds excitement in the novel.
                1. Your new dream car.
                        a. First time you turned on the ignition.
                        b. Carried dust cloth in glove box.
                        c. Parked at far end of parking where nobody else might park.
                        d. Now you run it through the car wash occasionally.
                        e. You sometimes leave it out overnight.
                        f. You don't get the same thrill when you drive it dawn the street,
                           in fact you are considering on trading it in.
                2. We see it with a child and a new toy.
                3. We have an expression romantic love.
                        a. It usually lasts for only about 2-6 months after the honeymoon.
                        b. When Kay and I were being counseled before marriage, the pastor
                           warned us.
                4. The fallacy of the extra-marital romance.

II. GOD'S CRY TO ISRAEL.
        A. I remember your love and excitement when you followed Me in the wilderness.
                1. Graffiti around the camp. "Holiness unto the Lord"  "Jehovah rules."
                2. What iniquity did you find in Me?
                        a. What did I do wrong?
                        b. Where have I failed you?

III. THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS WAS AS MARTHA, BUSY SERVING THE LORD. 
        A. Jesus was looking for the Marys that would just sit with Him and fellowship.
                1. I know you are working and laboring for Me.
                2. The motions are good, but I desire the emotions.

IV. THE REMEDY.
        A. Remember what it once was.
                1. Bumper stickers on your car.
                2. The little notes you wrote to Jesus.
                3. The longing for the Word.
        B. Repent.
                1. It is more than being sorry.
                2. Sorry enough to change.
                3. True repentance manifested in the change.
        C. Repeat.
                1. Do thy first works.
                        a. The natural spontaneity.
                        b. Back into the Word.
                        c. Back into increased fellowship.

V. OR ELSE -  I WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK OUT OF THIS PLACE.
        A. The place of the candlestick, Christ was walking in the midst.
                1. He is saying He will take His presence from the loveless church or life.