Sermon: "The Christian's First Love" on Revelation 2:1-7 | Return to Your First Love

http://www.unlockingthebible.org/the-christians-first-love/

Pastor Colin Smith preached this sermon at The Orchard Evangelical Free Church, in Arlington Heights, IL.
http://theorchardefc.org/

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The Christian's First Love
Revelation 2:1-7

July 2nd / 3rd 2011
by Pastor Colin S. Smith
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw..." Revelation 1:1-2

The message today was not planned as part of our series on the church, but it is a fitting introduction to it. In these verses, the Lord Jesus Christ is speaking to the church and that means He is speaking to us.

John the Apostle knew Jesus well. He walked, travelled and served with Jesus for three years. He sat next to Jesus at the Last Supper. He ate breakfast with Him after the resurrection. But now Christ has ascended into heaven. The Father has glorified the Son and given Him the name that is above every name.

John is in prison on the island of Patmos. He is given a vision, a revelation of Jesus Christ. John sees His glory and says, "When I saw him I fell at his feet as though dead." Then Christ puts His hand on John, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever" (1:17-18).

The Risen Christ Speaks to His Church

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write..." Revelation 2:1

We know quite a lot about the church at Ephesus. It was a privileged church that had been greatly blessed. The church at Ephesus was planted by the Apostle Paul and it began with a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. (You can read the story in Acts 19).

There is evidence that John had strong links with this church. Timothy later served as its pastor (Paul tells him to "stay... in Ephesus" in 1 Timothy 1). When Paul says farewell to the Ephesians elders (Acts 20) he weeps and so do they, because they know they won't see each other again. The New Testament letter "Ephesians" was also written to this church. Here was a marvelous church, privileged and blessed in every way.

Christ speaks to leaders
"These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his hands." Revelation 2:1

That seems to be a reference to the leaders of the church. This is a wonderful assurance to elders, board members, missionaries and pastors—all who share the privilege and carry the responsibility of leadership: Christ holds you in His right hand.

Christ walks among churches
"The words of him who... walks among the seven golden lampstands." Revelation 2:1

This is a reference to the churches. Christ is walking among His churches. Do you see what that means for us? Though Christ is exalted in heaven, He is not remote from His people. Christ is present. He is here.

The Lord walked through the Garden of Eden in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). He took an interest in Adam, taking pleasure in his work and enjoying conversation with him. That's how it is with Christ and His church. He is here with us. He is actively engaged in all that is going on, and He knows everything about us.

What is Christ saying to us?
"If you do not repent I will come to you and remove your lampstand." Revelation 2:5

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