The apostle Paul reminded the church at Ephasus that they were quickened together with Christ, raised with Him, and seated in the heavenlies in Him. From the Book of Revelation Jesus speaks of their labour, patience, and strength. With all that, they still had a flaw.
Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
They knew He was right.
How is your love for Jesus today compared to the day of your salvation?
QUESTION: What sparks the fire of wilted love for God?
ANSWER: Read the Bible every day. Pray and attend all church services. Give your time and money to God's work. Witness.
Love for God's people, the church, and God's work, all grow out of love for The Lord.
Revival is the Church falling in love with Jesus all over again.Vance Havner.
It's good to remember the mercies we receive in sickness. Recalling my desparate prayer as I awakened from cancer surgery sixteen years ago, I tear-up at the loving-kindness of God.
In that dimly lit recovery room, I didn't pray for God to heal me. I was more concerned about chemo making me nauseous. God gave me peace with breast cancer when I realized that live or die, I was His and He was mine.
Before the sun rose that morning, I felt His consoling arms around me. Then He gave me a song: "Sheltered In The Arms of God". It was one of the highest spiritual moments in my life.
Isaiah 38:5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith The Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.
God answered my prayer. To my surprise, I didn't get nausea with chemo. I later learned I had a 15% chance of survival.
I've often wondered where I would be if not for the grace of God. I wouldn't have this peace in my heart, for sure. Grace is an extension of the great love of God. His grace is greater than all our sins
Sin will lead us to a physical death, a spiritual death, separated from God for eternity. But by salvation through God's love and grace, we receive His righteousness which brings eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Grace will make us right with God. The person who accepts God's grace becomes a child of the King, no longer in rebellion and therein is peace and joy.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
As the mob shouted "Away with Him," people still reject jesus today. "Leave me alone," they say.
Jewish leaders hated Jesus because he claimed to be the Messiah. No one denied His miracles.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
There is no middle ground. One either stands for Jesus or against Him. One either accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior or they reject Him.
Many professed Christians attend church only if it is convenient, witness only if it doesn't embarrass them, gives only when they can spare a little change. The life of a hypocrite is the most miserable life on earth. They know what they are missing.
What will you do with Jesus?
Mark 8:34 . . . Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
