Revelation 2:1-7; 1 John 4:7-11
Last week we began an exploration of Jesus’ letter to the church in Ephesus. Today Pastor Lyle will pick this up and focus on Christ’s strong warning to this church that they had lost their first love and needed to recover it. Their faith had lost its foundation of love and they would lose all effectiveness as a church if this was not regained. There are varying opinions on whether this first love had to do with love for God or love for others. However, when we look at how John understood love as a follower of Jesus, love for God and love for others was inseparable. He also understood God’s love for us as foundational to our capacity to love God and others.
Apply
- In what ways are love for God and love for others inseparable? How might we try to separate these concepts?
- Why is it crucial that we receive God’s love if we are ever to truly be able to love God and others?
Pray
- Ask God to work in your heart and in the hearts of all who will be attending our services online or in person today.
- Pray that those who are new to the church will be welcomed and find meaningful relationships.
- Pray for our Children’s Ministry Pastor, Jerilyn Bayer.
- Pray for the Children’s Ministry Associate, Annette Faszer. Pray for the Children’s Ministry Assistants: Abigail, Amelia, Blythe, Clarissa, Domina, Jenna, Sarah, and Sunita.