THE ESSENCE OF REVIVAL:  RETURNING TO YOUR FIRST LOVE

"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." - Revelation 2:4

At first glance, the church at Ephesus was a great church.  When you read the opening verses of Revelation chapter 2, you find that this church was known for its works, patience, and discernment.  Most churches in America are not faithful in these areas.  At first glance, this church appears to be head and shoulders above the average church here in our country.  Yet the Lord finds fault with the church.  Jesus said, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou has left thy first love."

Could the same accusation be made of you?  I'm convinced that the reason we need revival in America is because too many Christians have left their first love.  Revival is all about returning to your first love, Jesus Christ.

In Matthew chapter 22, Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was.  In response, Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment," (verses 37-38).  Notice that Jesus said that we should love God, in three ways:  heart, soul and mind.  We should love Him passionately (with heart), emotionally (with soul) and intellectually (with mind).  Furthermore, our love is to be supreme.  Jesus said to love God, "with ALL thy heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind," (emphasis added).  I think if we're honest, such love for God is rare these days.

The Bible teaches us that the church at Ephesus had left their first love.  No, they didn't lose Him --- instead they left Him.  If you are not as close to God as you once was, know this:  God is not the One who moved. 

Do you love Jesus, right now, more than ever?  Can you honestly state that you love Him more than anything or anyone?  Does your actions reflect that you love Jesus?

It is possible to be active in church, busy in religious matters, and still be far from God.  In fact, many love ministry more than they love the Master.  It is possible to love your church more than Christ. 

The church at Ephesus had all the signs of spiritual vitality, yet they had left their first love.  If God sent you a letter, just like He did the church at Ephesus, what would He write?  Would He rebuke you for leaving your first love?

If you have left your first love, is it possible to return?  Obviously, the Lord knew it was possible for the church at Ephesus to return.  In fact, the Lord gave the church a three-step challenge.  It would be wise for many to take these same steps today.

1.  REMEMBER

The church at Ephesus was told, "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen."  Do you remember how you used to love Jesus?  Do you recall the sweetness that once existed in your walk with the Lord?  Remember these things.  As you think about the bliss you once enjoyed, also look at how far you are away from the Lord right now.  There are many things we should never forget.  Never forget how the Lord saved you. 

2.  REPENT

Secondly, the church at Ephesus was told to repent.  Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change in behavior.  Repentance is more than just confessing sin --- it also includes forsaking sin.  Perhaps you've not fallen into some public sin, but your distance from God is a reflection of sin in your life.  Repent.  Repentance is the quickest way for a person to get his or her life turned around. 

3.  RETURN

Finally, the church at Ephesus was instructed to, "... do the first works."  In other words, get back to things you used to do.  Get back to prayer.  Get back to reading your Bible.  Get back to having a quiet time daily with the Lord.  Get back in church.  Get back to sharing your faith.  Do the first works.  Return today.

Revival is a personal matter because returning to your first love is a personal matter.  No one else can do it for you.  Perhaps you think you've let too much time slip by or it may be you think you've drifted too far.  It could be that God has divinely led you to read these words so He may beckon you to return.

Many believers have left their first love.  Are you one of them?  Are you content to stay that way?