Sermon Central
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The Love Of The Church Series
Contributed by Martin Holland on Oct 18, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: The letters to the seven Churches are tody letters to every church today. Here is a church that has lost it's first love.
The Love of the Church
These seven churches are only part of the churches that were located in Asia at the time of these letters. Seven is God’s number so the letters are to seven churches.
• They are in Chronological order oldest to the most recent
• They represent every Church that exist today in one way or another
Vs.1 tells us that our Lord holds the seven stars (Pastors) of each church in His right hand and He walks in the midst of the Church.
The letter to the Church is so fitting of our Lord:
Mention: Matt. 16:18 Upon this Rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Point: The Church age begins on the day of Pentecost with those 120 in the upper room
Mention: Ephesians 5:25 Tells us that He loved the church and gave Himself for it
Eph. 5:23 He is the Savior of the body
Also: Acts 20:28 he purchased the church with His own blood
Also: 1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us
The Apostle Paul stayed in Ephesus with this church at one time for 3 years.
See: Acts 20:17-20
Listen to the Words of this letter:
Verse 2-3 They were known for works, labor, patience and stand against evil for Christ’s name sake.
“And hast not fainted”
See: Vs.6 Nicolaitans (This is those who lord over the people)
Vs.4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love
Point: Everything they were doing was out of duty and not motivated out of their love for Christ!
What we do for Christ is so important, but also why we do it!
Love: Agape A deep devotion to
See: John 21:15-17
Listen if we are going to be effective in all we do for Christ it is going to be because we savored our love for Him.
See: 1 Thessa. 1:3 work of faith and labor of love
Labor is no substitute for love and purity is no substitute for passions.
They were so busy maintaining their separation that they neglected their adoration!
See: 2 Cor. 5:14 it is the love of Christ that constrained us…
Because I love Him I have no problem serving, giving and living for Him!
How do we reestablish this love?
1. Remember
Vs.5a remember from whence thou art fallen
Remember that day when you fell in love with the Savior, when He saved your soul.
This is why it’s so important to share your testimony with people!
Point: Remember what He has done for you
2. Repent
There needs to a turnabout in our lives. Quit going the wrong direction and get back on course
See: Luke 22:31-32 When thou art converted, strengthen the brethren
Mention: Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of my salvation
3. Repeat
Vs.5 Repent and do thy first works
“Or else I will come quickly and remove thy candlestick out of His place except thou repent”
Vs.7 He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches…
