The Beginning of Revival

Revelation 2.1-7

“I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first?”

(Revelation 2.4, NRSV)

Introduction

Have you ever tended a campfire? How about a smoker?

A physical principle, “Fires die” it’s what they do.

John, in Revelation 2, is writing to a church whose fire is dying.

Ephesus was a city that was famous for its worship.

Ephesus was home to one of the early Christian churches.

The Ephesian Church was commended by the Living Christ, the one who knows.

They were commended for their patient endurance.

They were commended for their hard work.

They were commended for the character of their life.

But all was not well with the Ephesian Church.

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned their first love. (2.4 NRSV)

The Ephesians lost their single-minded love for Jesus.

The Ephesians lost their zeal for their relationship with Jesus.

The Ephesians lost the intensity of their love for one another, and for the world.

The call to renewal (revival) involves three actions.

Remember

Repent

Return to your first works

The warning is grave.

Conclusion

How is your relationship with Jesus Christ?

What is the Holy Spirit calling you to do to rekindle the fire of your first love for Jesus?