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Introduction

Sermon text with italics and bold and John 3:16 and v. 20.

Jesus commended the church of Ephesus:

• Their Devotion: “I know your deeds, your hard work and perseverance”
• Their Discernment: “I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles, but are not, and have found them false”
• Their Determination: “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary”

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first” (v.4)

Not that they did not love Him, but they left their first love.

It is about the sense of discovery I had at first - that Jesus loves me and I love Him dearly.

Symptoms of a loss of first love - Loss of:

• Joy and Glow
• Ability to Love Others
• Godly Perspectives of Ourselves

”Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first” (v.5)

1. Keep On REMEMBERING

Recalling again and again

2. REPENT

A change of mind; a change in action

3. REPEAT the works you did at first

Peer Pressure: The 5Cs

• Gen X & Before: Condo; Cash; Cars; Credit Cards; Country Clubs
• Millennials: Career; Change; (Internet) Connection; Competition; Cash

for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness” (1 Cor 10:26)