Stay In Love September 13, 2015
Revelation 2:1-5 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Paul preached to the Ephesians for two years. Even though they heard the high calling message, this is what the Lord writes about them. They left their first love. In this meeting we have a love, appreciation, and thankfulness for Paul’s gospel. Many Christians don’t know about the high watermark of the entire Bible.
Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
There is only one gospel to preach – Paul’s gospel. In Ephesians 3 we read of the mystery of Christ and the church. The glory message of all eternity. It was hidden from the Old Testament saints. The O.T. worthies of faith wrote these mysteries for our sake. They will have a reward, but to us a better thing (Hebrews 11:40). They cannot be made complete without the queen taking her place with Jesus. Jesus Christ will not take the throne as God until He has what comes forth from Paul’s gospel. Grace has bestowed such wonder, and mercy has called us to the most highly esteemed place. God wants our focus on Him. He made us to worship Him. Just like any engagement, you have to continue to cherish it, and grow more excited for the wedding day. Vashti was queen but she became complacent, her love grew cold. The crown was taken from her and given to one better – Esther. The church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3 is a company of believers that are alive and in love with Jesus. They will be kept from the tribulation. He may come today, are you loving His appearing? He reminds them to stay in love with Him.
Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
To the Ephesians He tells them they have fallen.
Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Fallen = “driven off course”. The ‘truth in love’ avenue is the only road to grow up into Him in all things.
Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
We have the life of Jesus. And that life is a fully mature life, a life kept ready as His wife. Knowing there is nothing to get in order – He’s done it all. The Ephesians were going on with the Lord, but they fell out of love. When life sets in and we entangle ourselves in things of this world, we lose ourselves in empty pursuits. You’ll end up sitting there with someone you don’t even know. Forgetting what first love is all about.
We are in the time where the love of many is waxing cold. It is so sad for Jesus when He hears I don’t love you anymore. But nothing will stop Him from loving us. He keeps wooing us, saying return to your first love. Fall in love with Him. It’s not too late. For His love to remain, you’ve got to hear Him. Love His appearing. Paul rejoiced in the saint’s love to one another but he wanted it to abound more and more. There isn’t anyone so lovely and striking as the Lamb. That’s the love, by the grace of God that will transform you into the ravishing one to Him!
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Sermon Topics: Paul's Gospel,The Bride