WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.600 Who is the person in your life that you listen to most? 00:00:05.799 --> 00:00:10.359 You have your ear tuned to this person's voice. 00:00:11.939 --> 00:00:15.300 Or who is the person that you talk to all throughout the day? 00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:19.699 Who's the person that you plan around? 00:00:22.559 --> 00:00:24.300 Who's the person that you sing to? 00:00:24.300 --> 00:00:30.960 Who's the person that you make to introduce? 00:00:31.080 --> 00:00:34.780 You make a point to introduce to anyone you meet. 00:00:35.219 --> 00:00:36.859 You want them to know this person. 00:00:39.340 --> 00:00:41.740 Who's the person that you love so much? 00:00:42.480 --> 00:00:44.980 You love those who this person loves. 00:00:48.820 --> 00:00:51.560 Who's the person that you long for most? 00:00:51.560 --> 00:00:54.320 That you long to be with. 00:00:55.520 --> 00:00:57.800 That you look forward most to seeing. 00:01:01.300 --> 00:01:03.420 That person is your first love. 00:01:05.500 --> 00:01:08.780 And this morning you must answer this question. 00:01:10.240 --> 00:01:12.680 Is your first love Jesus? 00:01:12.680 --> 00:01:22.700 Last week we were given a glorious vision of Jesus from Revelation chapter 1 verses 9 through 20. 00:01:23.200 --> 00:01:24.740 Jesus is risen. 00:01:25.060 --> 00:01:27.480 He's radiant fire eyes. 00:01:27.620 --> 00:01:28.300 Glowing feet. 00:01:28.460 --> 00:01:30.580 And he is reigning right here. 00:01:30.760 --> 00:01:31.719 Right now. 00:01:31.719 --> 00:01:36.719 And the risen, radiant, and reigning Jesus. 00:01:37.659 --> 00:01:38.980 After this vision. 00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:43.819 John falls at his feet as though a dead man. 00:01:43.819 --> 00:01:51.239 And Jesus puts that right hand that would hold all the seven stars of the seven churches. 00:01:51.359 --> 00:01:52.819 He puts it on John. 00:01:53.560 --> 00:01:55.579 And he says, fear not. 00:01:55.579 --> 00:02:03.420 He's got full authority over every square inch of creation. 00:02:04.019 --> 00:02:05.400 I mean, he's got the keys. 00:02:06.980 --> 00:02:07.879 Jingle, jingle. 00:02:10.879 --> 00:02:15.079 The risen, reigning, radiant Christ tells John to write. 00:02:15.439 --> 00:02:18.319 Write the things that are, in verse 19. 00:02:18.319 --> 00:02:21.139 And write the things that are to take place. 00:02:23.019 --> 00:02:28.199 This morning we are moving into chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation. 00:02:28.560 --> 00:02:31.180 And these are the things that are. 00:02:32.239 --> 00:02:36.699 Jesus is going to speak to seven specific churches. 00:02:37.299 --> 00:02:40.740 And he's going to speak into those churches. 00:02:41.400 --> 00:02:43.740 It's prophetic forth telling. 00:02:44.680 --> 00:02:46.539 He's speaking into their situations. 00:02:46.539 --> 00:02:51.879 These are the seven churches that he names in Asia Minor. 00:02:52.759 --> 00:03:00.060 And so for the next seven weeks, starting today, we are going to make our way through each of these seven letters. 00:03:00.299 --> 00:03:02.219 One letter per Sunday. 00:03:04.239 --> 00:03:10.719 We're going to do this because not only did the risen, radiant, and reigning Christ have something to say to those churches. 00:03:12.079 --> 00:03:13.979 He's got something to say to our church. 00:03:13.979 --> 00:03:22.339 Before we turn to the first letter to the first church, which is the church of Ephesus, I want to make a point. 00:03:23.199 --> 00:03:30.299 I want to show you something that is something that's similar in each of these letters to these seven churches. 00:03:30.539 --> 00:03:32.539 It's the way that these letters are organized. 00:03:32.539 --> 00:03:39.879 They have a seven common components. 00:03:40.379 --> 00:03:41.439 First one is this. 00:03:41.819 --> 00:03:42.939 A church is addressed. 00:03:44.219 --> 00:03:46.780 Second, Christ is pictured. 00:03:47.680 --> 00:03:51.699 And it's pictured back from the vision in verses 9 through 20 in chapter 1. 00:03:51.699 --> 00:03:58.619 Something about Jesus is pictured to each of these churches that correspond to something going on in that church. 00:04:00.979 --> 00:04:02.619 Third, a claim is made. 00:04:04.039 --> 00:04:04.619 I know. 00:04:05.359 --> 00:04:08.139 I know what's going on, Jesus says. 00:04:08.780 --> 00:04:13.339 Fourth, oftentimes there's commendation to this church. 00:04:13.340 --> 00:04:19.199 Fifth, more frequent than not, there is a critique, a criticism, a rebuke. 00:04:19.579 --> 00:04:25.439 Five out of the seven churches are rebuked by the risen, radiant, and reigning Jesus. 00:04:25.899 --> 00:04:30.180 And following that critique is a correction because Jesus loves his churches. 00:04:31.840 --> 00:04:33.840 That's the sixth, the correction. 00:04:33.839 --> 00:04:41.259 And then they close with the seventh of a closing call to hear and to overcome. 00:04:43.000 --> 00:04:48.379 They are all, by and large, shared throughout these seven letters. 00:04:48.819 --> 00:04:56.039 And the reason why is for us to realize these letters are not just intended for those specific churches. 00:04:56.399 --> 00:04:58.839 They're intended for all churches. 00:04:58.839 --> 00:05:07.079 This is for the church of every place, every time, including our church. 00:05:08.899 --> 00:05:12.519 So let's now turn to Revelation chapter 2, if you haven't already. 00:05:12.679 --> 00:05:14.739 Thank you, Vince Zanotti, for reading this morning. 00:05:15.759 --> 00:05:20.519 And what we're going to do is we're going to walk through these seven components of this letter. 00:05:21.439 --> 00:05:22.939 Because you need to see something. 00:05:22.939 --> 00:05:27.620 At the heart of this is a rebuke. 00:05:28.839 --> 00:05:32.639 And it's going to cause you to soul search. 00:05:33.639 --> 00:05:35.019 To check your heart. 00:05:36.119 --> 00:05:38.339 To see if Jesus is your first love. 00:05:39.659 --> 00:05:43.919 So let's now look at chapter 2, verse 1, this church address. 00:05:44.120 --> 00:05:47.139 The angel, to the angel of the church in Ephesus. 00:05:47.599 --> 00:05:53.039 The risen Christ is telling John to write something to the angel of the church in Ephesus. 00:05:53.040 --> 00:05:56.040 Which is a really interesting way to talk about it. 00:05:56.720 --> 00:05:58.540 It's common throughout all the letters. 00:05:58.980 --> 00:06:01.860 Write this to the angel of this particular church. 00:06:02.180 --> 00:06:05.040 There is debate over who this angel is. 00:06:05.120 --> 00:06:07.000 Could it be the lead pastor of a church? 00:06:07.340 --> 00:06:08.379 Preaching to the church? 00:06:08.720 --> 00:06:13.020 I believe it's referring to an angel, a heavenly messenger. 00:06:13.019 --> 00:06:19.019 Because for the rest of the book of Revelations, at least 69 times this word shows up, angel. 00:06:19.259 --> 00:06:21.500 It's always in reference to a heavenly messenger. 00:06:21.839 --> 00:06:22.779 Which means this. 00:06:24.740 --> 00:06:26.819 John is pulling back the curtain here. 00:06:28.979 --> 00:06:30.539 We're in a spiritual conflict. 00:06:30.540 --> 00:06:35.080 There is an angel assigned to our church. 00:06:35.939 --> 00:06:38.160 There is an angel assigned to the churches. 00:06:39.480 --> 00:06:45.840 And what makes you realize is there is more going on than what we see on a day-to-day basis. 00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:52.140 Let's talk about this church in Ephesus. 00:06:53.480 --> 00:06:56.920 This church in Ephesus is a mix of Jews and Gentiles. 00:06:57.040 --> 00:07:00.220 We know that from the book of Ephesus, of Ephesians. 00:07:00.540 --> 00:07:06.800 And this church was an established church. 00:07:07.040 --> 00:07:08.540 Now, do you know what a core sample is? 00:07:08.819 --> 00:07:16.300 Like scientists in the Arctic, they drill down into the ice and they pull out like a six-foot-long cylindrical core sample of ice. 00:07:16.420 --> 00:07:21.379 And they're able to see the layers that have been laid down over the course of decades and centuries. 00:07:21.560 --> 00:07:22.620 And they can learn a lot about them. 00:07:22.660 --> 00:07:28.820 If we drill down into the New Testament, we could pull out a core sample of the church of Ephesus. 00:07:28.819 --> 00:07:33.500 We're able to track progress throughout the book of the New Testament. 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:36.240 It's a really fascinating study. 00:07:36.779 --> 00:07:39.219 But what you learn from that core sample is this. 00:07:40.060 --> 00:07:45.920 The church of Ephesus was the flagship church in this region at this time in the first century. 00:07:46.699 --> 00:07:47.920 They were established. 00:07:47.920 --> 00:07:57.240 By the time that John is writing this on behalf of Jesus in the late 90s, this church has been around for at least 40 years. 00:07:58.140 --> 00:07:59.020 Four decades. 00:07:59.900 --> 00:08:00.860 It's established. 00:08:02.259 --> 00:08:03.420 It's seen a lot. 00:08:05.200 --> 00:08:06.319 Ministries are underway. 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:11.959 They've seen quite a few pastors, actually. 00:08:13.420 --> 00:08:15.560 Timothy was a pastor in Ephesus. 00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:23.279 And history says that John the Apostle was actually a pastor in Ephesus. 00:08:23.279 --> 00:08:34.199 What we get from this church here, what you need to sense is that this is a real church that Jesus is addressing. 00:08:34.579 --> 00:08:35.679 With real people. 00:08:35.839 --> 00:08:36.860 With a real history. 00:08:37.819 --> 00:08:41.279 And Jesus is going to dial into a real problem. 00:08:41.879 --> 00:08:44.539 At the core of this church. 00:08:46.259 --> 00:08:48.000 Now, we are a real church. 00:08:48.959 --> 00:08:50.279 Of real people. 00:08:51.079 --> 00:08:52.360 With a real history. 00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:53.600 I mean, next week. 00:08:53.700 --> 00:08:54.980 Five years as a church. 00:08:55.060 --> 00:08:56.039 That's something to celebrate. 00:08:56.500 --> 00:08:57.460 God's faithfulness. 00:08:59.080 --> 00:09:03.340 But Jesus is going to address a real issue in our church through this letter. 00:09:04.279 --> 00:09:07.279 A real danger that we must be aware of. 00:09:08.820 --> 00:09:10.700 That's the church addressed. 00:09:10.840 --> 00:09:12.700 This is the church of Ephesus. 00:09:14.740 --> 00:09:17.039 And Jesus doesn't begin with a problem, though. 00:09:17.039 --> 00:09:21.440 He moves from addressing this church then to turning to himself. 00:09:22.360 --> 00:09:23.759 The Christ. 00:09:25.460 --> 00:09:27.460 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write. 00:09:28.399 --> 00:09:31.360 The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand. 00:09:31.440 --> 00:09:33.639 Who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 00:09:33.639 --> 00:09:37.340 It's a reference back to the vision beforehand. 00:09:37.580 --> 00:09:39.940 In chapter 1, 9 through 20. 00:09:40.080 --> 00:09:42.539 Verses 12 and 16 in particular. 00:09:42.680 --> 00:09:44.500 Now, if you weren't with us last week. 00:09:44.779 --> 00:09:46.320 You may be asking the question. 00:09:46.320 --> 00:09:50.320 Seven stars and seven golden lampstands. 00:09:50.320 --> 00:09:51.560 That sounds mysterious. 00:09:53.400 --> 00:09:57.820 Well, the good news is Jesus explains exactly what they are in chapter 1, verse 20. 00:09:58.300 --> 00:10:01.100 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand. 00:10:01.140 --> 00:10:02.379 And the seven golden lampstands. 00:10:02.660 --> 00:10:05.540 The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches. 00:10:05.539 --> 00:10:10.319 And the seven lampstands are the seven churches. 00:10:11.419 --> 00:10:14.620 And so what Jesus is reminding the Ephesian churches. 00:10:14.919 --> 00:10:19.240 Is that he holds all angelic beings in his right hand. 00:10:19.480 --> 00:10:21.740 It's a picture of sovereign control. 00:10:22.259 --> 00:10:24.439 Of power over all. 00:10:24.860 --> 00:10:26.759 Of unrivaled authority. 00:10:27.039 --> 00:10:29.599 And he is walking in the midst of the lampstands. 00:10:30.139 --> 00:10:33.639 Imagine these seven churches in Asia at this time. 00:10:33.639 --> 00:10:35.279 Think of them as an apple orchard. 00:10:35.919 --> 00:10:38.019 And Jesus is the owner of that apple orchard. 00:10:38.539 --> 00:10:39.439 And the picture is this. 00:10:39.620 --> 00:10:41.720 Jesus is walking in the midst of his orchard. 00:10:42.360 --> 00:10:43.840 Inspecting his trees. 00:10:44.399 --> 00:10:46.519 Making sure they're healthy and bearing fruit. 00:10:46.860 --> 00:10:49.199 And if there's a root problem, he's going to address it. 00:10:50.720 --> 00:10:52.960 And he does so with this particular church. 00:10:54.259 --> 00:10:58.519 Now, the reason that the risen, radiant, and reigning Jesus. 00:10:58.519 --> 00:11:03.779 Starts off this letter with this particular aspect of the vision. 00:11:05.199 --> 00:11:07.299 He is reminding them of this. 00:11:07.799 --> 00:11:11.100 I am right here in your midst. 00:11:12.019 --> 00:11:13.740 I am present. 00:11:14.799 --> 00:11:20.559 Because what we're going to see is the Ephesian church has forgotten about him. 00:11:20.559 --> 00:11:23.639 In all of their ministry busyness. 00:11:25.119 --> 00:11:26.719 They've lost their first love. 00:11:27.939 --> 00:11:30.879 And what Jesus is saying is you may have forgotten about me. 00:11:31.539 --> 00:11:33.079 But I haven't forgotten you. 00:11:34.019 --> 00:11:35.239 I'm in the midst of you. 00:11:38.039 --> 00:11:40.559 This is the Christ. 00:11:40.559 --> 00:11:44.859 Now, you may be feeling right now today. 00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:47.839 That the risen, radiant, and reigning Christ. 00:11:48.399 --> 00:11:53.259 Well, you know, I hear that he is right here right now. 00:11:53.359 --> 00:11:58.299 But I don't feel like he is right here right now. 00:11:59.039 --> 00:12:00.059 I don't see him. 00:12:02.059 --> 00:12:07.199 Well, as followers of Jesus, we walk by faith and not by sight. 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:11.600 We walk by faith and not by our feelings. 00:12:13.860 --> 00:12:22.200 And so when we read that the risen, radiant, reigning Jesus is walking in the midst of his lampstands. 00:12:22.200 --> 00:12:25.100 That's enough for us to say by faith. 00:12:25.520 --> 00:12:28.259 He is here right now. 00:12:28.460 --> 00:12:29.340 Right here. 00:12:31.960 --> 00:12:33.660 And he's got something to say. 00:12:35.280 --> 00:12:36.360 Did you notice? 00:12:37.200 --> 00:12:40.680 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write, 00:12:40.800 --> 00:12:41.780 The words of him. 00:12:44.540 --> 00:12:46.879 That should ring something in your mind. 00:12:48.340 --> 00:12:50.080 Remember the expression from the Old Testament. 00:12:50.560 --> 00:12:52.940 Thus saith the Lord. 00:12:54.420 --> 00:12:55.700 That's what's going on here. 00:12:57.640 --> 00:13:00.300 Thus says the Lord. 00:13:01.060 --> 00:13:05.259 Him who holds the stars in his right hand. 00:13:05.259 --> 00:13:08.740 He was walking among the golden lampstands. 00:13:08.740 --> 00:13:15.480 This one in our midst is the risen, radiant, and reigning Christ. 00:13:16.399 --> 00:13:17.399 And he makes a claim. 00:13:18.399 --> 00:13:20.620 Notice in verse 2. 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:22.860 I know. 00:13:25.179 --> 00:13:26.460 I know your works. 00:13:29.100 --> 00:13:39.200 I pointed out last week that Jesus, when we're talking about his fire eyes in chapter 1 verse 14, that he sees everything. 00:13:39.340 --> 00:13:40.399 He knows everything. 00:13:41.480 --> 00:13:42.419 He knows. 00:13:42.419 --> 00:13:46.819 This little phrase, I know your works, it shows up in all of the seven churches. 00:13:46.959 --> 00:13:47.719 All the seven letters. 00:13:48.099 --> 00:13:50.199 I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know. 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:51.919 He knows. 00:13:53.039 --> 00:13:54.000 Because he's present. 00:13:55.059 --> 00:13:56.079 And he sees. 00:13:56.080 --> 00:13:59.120 I know your works. 00:13:59.300 --> 00:14:02.780 Jesus is saying to this Ephesian church, I know your situation. 00:14:02.920 --> 00:14:05.420 He's saying to our church, I know your situation. 00:14:07.240 --> 00:14:10.600 He says to the Ephesian church, I know what you're facing. 00:14:10.820 --> 00:14:13.220 He's saying to our church, I know what you're facing. 00:14:16.320 --> 00:14:17.660 I know what you're fearing. 00:14:17.659 --> 00:14:21.159 I know how you're responding. 00:14:22.519 --> 00:14:24.600 I know where your heart is at. 00:14:25.939 --> 00:14:28.159 And I even know your blind spots. 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:40.399 Jesus is fully present and completely aware of the real condition, the real health of every one of his churches. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:42.679 Then and now. 00:14:43.039 --> 00:14:45.519 He is the owner of the apple orchard. 00:14:45.519 --> 00:14:47.600 He knows every one of his trees. 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:47.799 He knows every one of his churches. 00:14:49.679 --> 00:14:50.819 Including our church. 00:14:52.959 --> 00:14:56.879 Now, for us, there should be this sense of comfort in that. 00:14:57.839 --> 00:15:00.299 That the one walking in our midst knows us. 00:15:00.539 --> 00:15:03.419 That the one walking in our midst is risen. 00:15:03.539 --> 00:15:04.000 He's radiant. 00:15:04.100 --> 00:15:04.600 He's reigning. 00:15:04.879 --> 00:15:07.759 And he's the Lord of all. 00:15:08.419 --> 00:15:09.459 He's in control. 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:11.699 All things have been placed under his feet. 00:15:11.699 --> 00:15:15.620 He's been given dominion by the ancient of days. 00:15:15.620 --> 00:15:21.820 And currently, he's bringing all things functionally, actively under his reign. 00:15:23.759 --> 00:15:25.220 That should comfort us. 00:15:25.220 --> 00:15:30.320 But also carries this sense of caution. 00:15:30.320 --> 00:15:37.019 Because as we're about to see our risen, radiant, and reigning Lord. 00:15:37.019 --> 00:15:43.919 He does not remain indifferent to his people's indifference. 00:15:48.079 --> 00:15:49.500 He is our holy one. 00:15:51.439 --> 00:15:54.480 And he's seeking to make us holy. 00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:59.220 And our holiness starts with our hearts. 00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:04.120 Specifically, what we love most. 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:13.180 And so we move from this claim to I know, to commendation. 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:15.500 He knows us. 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:17.039 He knows this Ephesian church. 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:18.399 He knows what they were doing well. 00:16:18.440 --> 00:16:20.500 And he spells a bunch of things out. 00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:24.200 I mean, this was a hard-working church. 00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:26.720 They were active in ministry. 00:16:28.100 --> 00:16:32.659 I know your works, your toil, and your patient endurance. 00:16:33.460 --> 00:16:38.220 I mean, after all, this is the church that received the letter of Ephesians. 00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:44.940 Which says in chapter 4 that the shepherds, that the elders are to equip the saints for works of service. 00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:46.139 To do ministry. 00:16:46.879 --> 00:16:49.139 That was 30 years before. 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:57.879 So it's a pretty safe bet that this church, this flagship church in the region. 00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:01.939 They were seeking to be faithful this way. 00:17:02.080 --> 00:17:02.919 Feeding the poor. 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:05.240 Caring for widows. 00:17:06.420 --> 00:17:07.619 Caring for orphans. 00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:09.980 Serving one another in need. 00:17:10.079 --> 00:17:13.539 Whether that's food, or clothing, or lodging, or transportation. 00:17:14.519 --> 00:17:15.759 Leading Bible studies. 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:18.839 Meeting with younger Christians to establish them in the faith. 00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:21.480 And they were patiently enduring. 00:17:22.599 --> 00:17:23.939 They weren't giving up. 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:25.919 They were pressing on. 00:17:26.959 --> 00:17:28.019 They were working hard. 00:17:28.019 --> 00:17:34.440 They were also doctrinally astute. 00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:37.460 Doctrinally discerning. 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:39.759 In verse 2 we read, 00:17:40.119 --> 00:17:43.160 And how you cannot bear with those who are evil. 00:17:43.920 --> 00:17:44.940 Who is he talking about? 00:17:45.160 --> 00:17:45.740 Keep reading. 00:17:45.740 --> 00:17:49.839 But have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not. 00:17:50.319 --> 00:17:51.839 And found them to be false. 00:17:52.779 --> 00:17:58.379 Now what you need to know about Ephesus is that it was the fourth largest city in Rome at the time. 00:17:58.639 --> 00:18:01.419 It had a population of 225,000 people. 00:18:01.939 --> 00:18:03.480 And it was in the mouth of a river. 00:18:03.699 --> 00:18:05.699 It was the leading port of the area. 00:18:05.959 --> 00:18:08.459 So you had all sorts of trade and people coming through. 00:18:08.460 --> 00:18:13.220 It was also the focal point of three trade routes coming in. 00:18:13.539 --> 00:18:18.180 And so this was a cosmopolitan city in the first century. 00:18:19.220 --> 00:18:22.100 You had a lot of people, a lot of thoughts, a lot of ideas coming in and through. 00:18:22.099 --> 00:18:28.259 You had a lot of people claiming to be apostles coming through. 00:18:29.500 --> 00:18:34.559 Claiming to be sent by Jesus himself to exercise authority over a church. 00:18:36.099 --> 00:18:39.159 And that's what was going on here at this time. 00:18:39.279 --> 00:18:44.379 There were people claiming to be authoritative in what they taught. 00:18:44.380 --> 00:18:55.440 And the elders of the Ephesian church at that time, they were meeting those claims. 00:18:55.900 --> 00:19:00.320 They were inspecting the fruit of these so-called apostles. 00:19:00.840 --> 00:19:02.080 Were they teaching truth? 00:19:02.420 --> 00:19:04.780 And did their lives reflect it? 00:19:06.600 --> 00:19:11.320 And Jesus commends them for concluding that they're not true apostles. 00:19:11.320 --> 00:19:11.520 True apostles. 00:19:14.380 --> 00:19:20.140 This is exactly what the apostle Paul warned the Ephesians of three decades earlier. 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:21.780 When he met them in Miletus. 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:24.440 Coming back from his second missionary journey. 00:19:24.760 --> 00:19:28.780 He says there's going to come a time where fierce wolves seek to ravage this church. 00:19:29.240 --> 00:19:29.900 Be on guard. 00:19:33.580 --> 00:19:35.380 They were doctrinally discerning. 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:42.160 They had the spiritual wherewithal and the capable leadership to identify, diagnose, 00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:48.300 and kind of get out of their church false teaching. 00:19:49.080 --> 00:19:49.800 False practice. 00:19:51.320 --> 00:19:52.519 It's not just that. 00:19:54.019 --> 00:19:55.720 They were suffering for Jesus. 00:19:58.160 --> 00:19:59.080 Look at verse 3. 00:19:59.180 --> 00:20:02.940 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake. 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:04.000 And you've not grown weary. 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:08.920 This church, they weren't shrinking back. 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:10.240 They were stepping up. 00:20:10.380 --> 00:20:11.980 They weren't hiding out. 00:20:12.119 --> 00:20:13.500 They were stepping in. 00:20:13.859 --> 00:20:15.519 They weren't compromising. 00:20:16.799 --> 00:20:17.900 They're staying true. 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:24.000 And then in verse 6, we learn something else they're commended for. 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:33.660 Now notice that this commendation, verses 2 and 3 and verse 6, they actually surround Jesus' critique and correction of this church. 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:35.279 He's a class act. 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:45.119 And to these Nicolaitans, he's talking about a group of false teachers. 00:20:45.539 --> 00:20:47.519 It may have been connected to these apostles. 00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:54.180 But in the church of Pergamum, in chapter 2, verses 14 through 15, we learn something about them. 00:20:55.039 --> 00:21:02.819 Jesus says they're connected, associated with the teaching of Balaam, who is a prophet from the Old Testament. 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:11.079 And who is hired out to consult one of Israel's enemies and to tell them how to defeat Israel. 00:21:11.079 --> 00:21:14.419 And what Balaam said is, here's how you do it. 00:21:14.639 --> 00:21:22.679 You cause them to be unfaithful to their God by mixing in with them and causing to be idolatrous and committing sexual immorality. 00:21:22.919 --> 00:21:24.079 That's how you move them away. 00:21:24.159 --> 00:21:26.099 You blend them with everyone around them. 00:21:28.699 --> 00:21:38.339 So what it seems the Nicolaitans were doing were they're taking some doctrines of the Christian faith and making them permissive of grievous sin in God's sight. 00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:47.279 Now, this teaching had taken root in the church in Pergamum. 00:21:47.399 --> 00:21:49.899 And Jesus has some very specific things to say about that. 00:21:50.659 --> 00:21:57.619 But because of the doctrinal wherewithal of the church of Ephesus, they've sniffed it out. 00:21:58.460 --> 00:22:00.359 They haven't let it take root. 00:22:01.079 --> 00:22:02.720 And Jesus commends them for it. 00:22:05.199 --> 00:22:07.419 He commends this church. 00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:14.400 But at the heart, in the middle of it, is a critique. 00:22:15.640 --> 00:22:16.519 A rebuke. 00:22:18.200 --> 00:22:21.940 I mean, if you're just to look at the Ephesian church on paper. 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:25.800 I mean, ministry active. 00:22:25.799 --> 00:22:35.359 So many people in the church are kind of getting it done for ministry and doctrinally astute and discerning. 00:22:36.259 --> 00:22:37.399 They're enduring for Jesus. 00:22:38.359 --> 00:22:40.599 They hate the immorality of the Nicolaitans. 00:22:41.899 --> 00:22:42.619 Staying pure. 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:46.339 On paper, man, this church looks great. 00:22:46.559 --> 00:22:48.839 I mean, let's go visit this church if we're going through Ephesus. 00:22:48.839 --> 00:22:53.959 There is an internal problem. 00:22:55.579 --> 00:22:59.240 And the one walking in the midst of the lampstands sees it. 00:23:02.500 --> 00:23:04.299 He rebukes them in verse 4. 00:23:05.399 --> 00:23:07.000 But I have this against you. 00:23:08.619 --> 00:23:12.019 Could you imagine sitting with Jesus in a coffee shop? 00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:13.819 And you're having a conversation. 00:23:13.819 --> 00:23:17.439 And he says to you, but I have this against you. 00:23:19.639 --> 00:23:22.819 Could you imagine the Ephesian church hearing this for the first time? 00:23:24.939 --> 00:23:28.460 But I have this against you. 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:32.500 He has one rebuke. 00:23:32.500 --> 00:23:38.940 And this one rebuke affects everything else. 00:23:41.660 --> 00:23:44.680 You have abandoned the love you had at first. 00:23:45.960 --> 00:23:50.799 The New International Version translates this. 00:23:51.140 --> 00:23:53.180 You have forsaken your first love. 00:23:55.359 --> 00:23:58.099 Commentators differ on what this first love is. 00:23:58.099 --> 00:24:03.459 Some say that this is the love the Ephesians had for one another at first. 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:10.099 One respected commentator says that this is the Ephesians' love for those outside of the church. 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:20.919 But I believe, as other commentators do, that Jesus is talking about himself. 00:24:22.419 --> 00:24:26.079 You have forsaken me, your first love. 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:29.039 And here are the two reasons why. 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:32.819 The book of Revelation is all about Christ. 00:24:34.819 --> 00:24:39.519 His call to endure hardship for him because of who he is. 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:45.000 This book, from beginning to end, is about fidelity to Jesus. 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:51.039 That's why we are given such glorious visions of him and then called to endure for him. 00:24:52.139 --> 00:24:53.539 The book's about Jesus. 00:24:53.539 --> 00:24:57.159 Him being foremost in your life. 00:24:58.799 --> 00:25:02.159 And secondly, in related, it's where this book ends. 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:08.099 And it ends talking about the church in an important way. 00:25:08.399 --> 00:25:11.980 It talks about the church as the bride of Christ. 00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:16.279 Revelation 19, the marriage supper of the Lamb. 00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:23.160 Revelation 21, two instances of seeing and beholding the new Jerusalem coming down in its glory. 00:25:23.360 --> 00:25:25.339 And seeing the bride of the Lamb. 00:25:25.339 --> 00:25:34.119 And when you read back chapters 2 and 3, the vision for the bride of Christ. 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:44.759 You start understanding that this first love language has everything to do with Jesus being the groom. 00:25:45.859 --> 00:25:48.899 And the church being the bride. 00:25:48.900 --> 00:25:53.259 But I have this against you. 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:56.380 That you have forsaken me. 00:25:57.340 --> 00:25:59.620 You've forgotten about me. 00:25:59.860 --> 00:26:02.080 I'm no longer foremost in your heart. 00:26:03.080 --> 00:26:05.740 This mature church. 00:26:06.420 --> 00:26:07.900 Active in ministry. 00:26:08.620 --> 00:26:09.800 Doctrinally discerning. 00:26:10.360 --> 00:26:11.400 Morally pure. 00:26:11.880 --> 00:26:13.900 Enduring for Jesus' name. 00:26:13.900 --> 00:26:18.880 They had substituted these things for Jesus himself. 00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:30.980 So could this first love language be addressing love for other Christians and loving those outside? 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:32.320 Yes. 00:26:32.500 --> 00:26:37.580 But as outworkings of our first place love for Jesus. 00:26:37.579 --> 00:26:50.859 We as a church, we're living practically 2,000 years since this letter was first written to this church. 00:26:52.559 --> 00:26:54.960 But we have so much in common with the Ephesian church. 00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:58.159 Many of you in this room are working hard in ministry. 00:26:58.919 --> 00:27:00.079 You're showing up. 00:27:00.359 --> 00:27:01.359 You're putting time in. 00:27:01.599 --> 00:27:03.000 You're wanting to help other people. 00:27:03.139 --> 00:27:06.000 You're wanting to see this church succeed. 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:08.440 You're wanting to see the gospel go out. 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:11.779 And we are committed to doctrinal purity here. 00:27:11.859 --> 00:27:16.640 We are committed to rightly handling God's word and understanding what it teaches. 00:27:16.799 --> 00:27:19.500 And then living in the light of what it teaches. 00:27:20.319 --> 00:27:21.539 We're committed to that. 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:29.660 And we're committed to not conforming or compromising with this world's idolatry and immorality. 00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:30.779 We're committed to that. 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:44.799 Now, what we're in danger of is substituting these good things, even important things, for the one we can't live without. 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:47.579 Jesus. 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:53.059 The risen, radiant, and reigning Christ. 00:27:53.059 --> 00:28:00.659 So Christ the King Church, if there is a burden to this text, you've got to hear Jesus. 00:28:02.039 --> 00:28:03.359 I'm your first love. 00:28:05.879 --> 00:28:08.079 I'm your first love. 00:28:08.079 --> 00:28:19.339 We are not to substitute good things for best things. 00:28:23.059 --> 00:28:28.199 Now, you may be wondering, how do I know? 00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:32.980 How do I know if I've lost Jesus as my first love? 00:28:33.419 --> 00:28:36.199 I don't know if I've forgotten him or forsaken him. 00:28:36.199 --> 00:28:38.059 How do I know? 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:41.399 I've got a seven-point diagnostic test for you. 00:28:41.559 --> 00:28:41.839 You ready? 00:28:45.839 --> 00:28:47.419 Do you listen to Jesus? 00:28:49.439 --> 00:28:53.859 Is your ear tuned to his voice? 00:28:55.319 --> 00:28:59.299 And are you tuned to his voice in order to obey what you hear? 00:29:00.579 --> 00:29:01.519 That's question number one. 00:29:02.099 --> 00:29:02.899 Question number two. 00:29:03.899 --> 00:29:06.000 Do you talk with Jesus throughout the day? 00:29:06.000 --> 00:29:08.480 Question number three. 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:11.839 Do you make your plans with Jesus in mind? 00:29:13.119 --> 00:29:14.660 Or is Jesus an afterthought? 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:16.680 Or no thought? 00:29:18.099 --> 00:29:19.319 Question number four. 00:29:21.259 --> 00:29:22.460 Do you sing to Jesus? 00:29:22.680 --> 00:29:24.680 Paul McCartney just released a new album. 00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:27.299 He wrote that song, Baby, I'm Amazed. 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:28.480 Baby, I'm Amazed. 00:29:28.560 --> 00:29:29.480 Wrote it to his wife. 00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:30.360 They're divorced now. 00:29:30.560 --> 00:29:31.460 Not the best illustration. 00:29:31.539 --> 00:29:32.259 But you get my point. 00:29:36.259 --> 00:29:37.880 We sing to Jesus. 00:29:39.360 --> 00:29:40.480 Because we love him. 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:48.759 Fifth, do you introduce others to Jesus? 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:54.579 Do you enjoy introducing others to Jesus? 00:29:55.839 --> 00:30:01.579 When you meet people, are you thinking, man, how do I get them connected with Jesus? 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:09.160 Do you, six, do you love those whom Jesus loves? 00:30:09.160 --> 00:30:12.500 Do you love those he's purchased with his blood? 00:30:12.880 --> 00:30:15.900 Do you love those in whom he came to die for? 00:30:19.320 --> 00:30:22.900 Seventh, do you long to be with Jesus? 00:30:24.480 --> 00:30:27.680 At the end of this book, there's this, come Lord Jesus. 00:30:28.560 --> 00:30:29.880 I want to be with you. 00:30:29.960 --> 00:30:31.040 I want to see you. 00:30:32.380 --> 00:30:34.100 Is that the longing of your heart? 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:43.079 The danger we face is replacing Jesus, our first love, with good things. 00:30:44.779 --> 00:30:46.099 Important things. 00:30:47.179 --> 00:30:50.659 But compared to Jesus, secondary things. 00:30:52.899 --> 00:31:00.000 So here is Jesus walking in the midst of his lampstands, saying to this church that has forgotten him, 00:31:00.439 --> 00:31:02.119 I am here. 00:31:04.099 --> 00:31:07.819 And you must love me first. 00:31:13.199 --> 00:31:14.339 That's the critique. 00:31:16.619 --> 00:31:18.279 And then comes the correction. 00:31:20.319 --> 00:31:21.740 In verse five, we read, 00:31:22.740 --> 00:31:27.419 Remember therefore from where you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first. 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:32.559 If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place unless you repent. 00:31:32.559 --> 00:31:38.759 What you need to understand about this correction and even the rebuke, this is love. 00:31:39.740 --> 00:31:41.579 This is Jesus loving us. 00:31:42.679 --> 00:31:44.940 He loves us with himself. 00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:52.519 So this correction starts with a call to remember. 00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:57.640 For those of us who forget about Jesus, the call is to remember. 00:31:58.640 --> 00:32:01.320 Keep remembering who Jesus is. 00:32:02.380 --> 00:32:04.620 Remember from where you have fallen. 00:32:04.779 --> 00:32:07.799 It compares this sin to having fallen. 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:09.720 And says, get back up. 00:32:12.119 --> 00:32:12.680 Remember. 00:32:12.680 --> 00:32:13.079 Remember. 00:32:14.359 --> 00:32:16.500 Remember who your Jesus is. 00:32:17.919 --> 00:32:20.940 Remember he is risen, radiant, and reigning. 00:32:22.019 --> 00:32:24.279 Remember what he has done for you. 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:29.680 That he gave himself for you because he loves you. 00:32:29.680 --> 00:32:37.180 I love singing that song earlier. 00:32:38.320 --> 00:32:41.700 How wonderful is my Savior's love for me. 00:32:42.920 --> 00:32:45.279 Remember who your Lord is. 00:32:45.860 --> 00:32:46.980 Remember him. 00:32:48.759 --> 00:32:50.340 And his great love for you. 00:32:51.720 --> 00:32:55.700 And that he's worthy of first place in your heart. 00:32:56.039 --> 00:32:56.860 So remember. 00:32:57.140 --> 00:32:58.420 And then there's a call to repent. 00:32:58.420 --> 00:32:58.820 Repentant. 00:33:00.440 --> 00:33:01.800 Repentant is simply a U-turn. 00:33:02.960 --> 00:33:05.700 You know, you're driving down the street and you're looking for a place and you go buy it. 00:33:05.740 --> 00:33:06.600 And you're like, oh, I missed it. 00:33:06.940 --> 00:33:07.420 What do you got to do? 00:33:07.460 --> 00:33:08.200 You got to do a U-turn. 00:33:09.880 --> 00:33:11.259 We're driving through life. 00:33:11.580 --> 00:33:13.519 We get kind of consumed with where we're at. 00:33:13.640 --> 00:33:16.480 And we realize, I've just driven by Jesus seven times. 00:33:17.740 --> 00:33:19.759 Do a U-turn back to him. 00:33:23.160 --> 00:33:23.960 Return to him. 00:33:26.360 --> 00:33:27.440 Confess him. 00:33:28.420 --> 00:33:30.560 Here's what you may need to do. 00:33:31.000 --> 00:33:32.380 You may need to confess this. 00:33:32.840 --> 00:33:37.259 Oh, Lord Jesus, forgive me for making ministry my first love. 00:33:37.640 --> 00:33:45.019 Oh, Lord Jesus, forgive me for making doctrinal precision my first love. 00:33:45.420 --> 00:33:50.900 Oh, Lord Jesus, forgive me for making moral purity my first love. 00:33:50.900 --> 00:33:53.180 You alone are worthy of my first love. 00:33:54.360 --> 00:33:55.240 You got to repent. 00:33:56.320 --> 00:34:03.120 We all regularly repent of these things because we all tend to drive by Jesus. 00:34:03.780 --> 00:34:07.259 We all need to do U-turns throughout the day and week. 00:34:08.539 --> 00:34:11.360 Remember, repent, redo. 00:34:11.360 --> 00:34:14.160 Do the works you did at first. 00:34:14.160 --> 00:34:18.320 Listen to Jesus speak. 00:34:19.820 --> 00:34:22.980 Tune your ear to his word. 00:34:24.380 --> 00:34:26.079 Talk to Jesus throughout the day. 00:34:27.079 --> 00:34:29.300 Make plans with Jesus in mind. 00:34:29.780 --> 00:34:35.500 Sing to Jesus and sing loud with joy in light of who he is and what he's done. 00:34:35.500 --> 00:34:41.639 Introduce others to Jesus and love those whom Jesus loves. 00:34:43.840 --> 00:34:45.300 Long to see him. 00:34:47.800 --> 00:34:52.800 Lord Jesus, make me long to see you. 00:34:52.800 --> 00:35:00.500 These are the means of placing Jesus first and keeping him first in your heart. 00:35:02.720 --> 00:35:04.100 Who in the room right now? 00:35:05.100 --> 00:35:12.400 Who in the room right now must repent of forsaking Jesus as your first love? 00:35:13.900 --> 00:35:19.940 If you know it's you, all you need to do, remember who he is. 00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:25.840 Just repent of making something else your first love and redo. 00:35:26.559 --> 00:35:27.480 Start afresh. 00:35:29.099 --> 00:35:31.619 There's this sober warning attached to this. 00:35:32.639 --> 00:35:38.820 That Jesus will come and remove this church from its place if it does not repent. 00:35:39.940 --> 00:35:43.639 If it does not make Jesus their first love. 00:35:43.960 --> 00:35:45.539 He's going to come and remove them. 00:35:45.539 --> 00:35:59.199 If you lose Jesus as your first love, it's just a matter of time before you cease being a church. 00:35:59.940 --> 00:36:11.559 If we lose Jesus as our first love, it's just a matter of time before this building get used for some real cool coffee house. 00:36:11.559 --> 00:36:18.139 There are all sorts of shells of buildings around our nation. 00:36:19.239 --> 00:36:26.619 Of churches that have died because they've lost Jesus as their first love. 00:36:28.699 --> 00:36:32.039 It's Jesus purifying his church. 00:36:32.039 --> 00:36:38.500 It's a loving correction. 00:36:40.679 --> 00:36:42.279 Jesus loves you. 00:36:44.139 --> 00:36:48.840 He knows what's best for you is if he's your first love. 00:36:48.840 --> 00:36:56.800 This loving correction is followed by a closing call. 00:36:58.300 --> 00:37:01.900 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 00:37:02.340 --> 00:37:05.380 That is repeated throughout all seven letters. 00:37:05.380 --> 00:37:11.079 To the one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 00:37:11.079 --> 00:37:20.119 In other words, what you've just heard Jesus say, take to heart. 00:37:23.319 --> 00:37:25.119 It's not just for this church. 00:37:25.259 --> 00:37:29.759 It's for the church of Christ of all time in every place. 00:37:31.219 --> 00:37:32.639 Including our church. 00:37:33.019 --> 00:37:35.880 So you need to take this rebuke to heart. 00:37:35.880 --> 00:37:40.180 Are you loving Jesus first? 00:37:42.960 --> 00:37:47.160 And then secondly, Jesus says, take this to heart. 00:37:47.440 --> 00:37:50.500 And then he says, set your heart on this. 00:37:51.079 --> 00:37:52.340 And he paints a picture for us. 00:37:54.280 --> 00:37:55.619 To the one who conquers. 00:37:55.740 --> 00:37:56.820 To the one who overcomes. 00:37:57.160 --> 00:38:01.380 To the one who keeps Jesus' first love in their heart. 00:38:01.380 --> 00:38:06.200 To that one I will grant to eat of the tree of life. 00:38:06.380 --> 00:38:07.800 Which is in the paradise of God. 00:38:07.840 --> 00:38:10.500 Now when you hear tree of life, you're thinking Genesis 2, aren't you? 00:38:12.019 --> 00:38:14.539 Tree of life in the paradise of God. 00:38:14.800 --> 00:38:15.340 The garden. 00:38:15.900 --> 00:38:16.880 Where it all started. 00:38:17.340 --> 00:38:18.260 Adam and Eve blew it. 00:38:18.500 --> 00:38:19.380 They got kicked out. 00:38:19.720 --> 00:38:22.380 And God prevented them from accessing the tree of life. 00:38:22.660 --> 00:38:24.000 But that all changes now. 00:38:24.000 --> 00:38:31.900 Because in Christ, we have access to the tree of life again. 00:38:32.880 --> 00:38:33.400 It's coming. 00:38:35.719 --> 00:38:37.019 For those who conquer. 00:38:37.639 --> 00:38:38.380 Who overcome. 00:38:38.880 --> 00:38:40.639 Who keep Jesus as their first love. 00:38:41.280 --> 00:38:44.940 We are promised to eat of the tree of life. 00:38:45.360 --> 00:38:48.719 And it points us to Revelation chapter 22, 1 and 2. 00:38:48.940 --> 00:38:50.719 It's a picture of the new Jerusalem. 00:38:50.719 --> 00:38:53.639 And in the middle of the new Jerusalem is a river flowing. 00:38:54.059 --> 00:38:56.379 And over that river is the tree of life. 00:38:57.159 --> 00:38:58.480 Bearing fruit monthly. 00:38:58.899 --> 00:39:01.699 For us to eat together in the presence of God. 00:39:02.319 --> 00:39:03.939 It's a picture of eternity. 00:39:04.459 --> 00:39:05.639 In the presence of God. 00:39:05.959 --> 00:39:06.759 In his place. 00:39:07.019 --> 00:39:07.619 With his people. 00:39:09.039 --> 00:39:10.399 It should make your heart rise. 00:39:11.919 --> 00:39:12.319 Yes. 00:39:13.480 --> 00:39:15.759 I can't wait to eat of that fruit. 00:39:17.359 --> 00:39:18.539 In that place. 00:39:20.719 --> 00:39:21.459 With God's people. 00:39:26.959 --> 00:39:27.719 This morning. 00:39:29.239 --> 00:39:30.779 We looked at the first letter. 00:39:32.419 --> 00:39:34.319 This letter to the church of Ephesus. 00:39:37.079 --> 00:39:38.819 And Jesus ends it with. 00:39:39.159 --> 00:39:41.839 The risen, radiant, and reigning Lord Jesus. 00:39:44.599 --> 00:39:46.099 Not only rebuking us. 00:39:47.619 --> 00:39:49.779 But reminding us of what's to come. 00:39:50.719 --> 00:39:55.099 Our first love is in our midst. 00:39:55.799 --> 00:39:57.339 And we may not see him right now. 00:39:58.339 --> 00:39:59.319 But he's here. 00:40:01.319 --> 00:40:02.759 And there's coming a day. 00:40:03.199 --> 00:40:04.959 When we will be in his presence. 00:40:06.419 --> 00:40:08.139 Eating from the tree of life. 00:40:10.459 --> 00:40:12.439 So this morning's call is this. 00:40:12.539 --> 00:40:13.480 Christ the King Church. 00:40:13.480 --> 00:40:18.039 Love Jesus. 00:40:19.440 --> 00:40:20.639 With all you got. 00:40:22.219 --> 00:40:24.099 He is worthy. 00:40:25.539 --> 00:40:27.480 And he is to be first. 00:40:28.820 --> 00:40:29.400 Now. 00:40:30.260 --> 00:40:31.460 And always. 00:40:32.460 --> 00:40:33.320 Let's pray. 00:40:33.320 --> 00:40:39.580 Lord Jesus. 00:40:41.660 --> 00:40:42.920 We are your church. 00:40:44.059 --> 00:40:46.240 You have purchased us with your blood. 00:40:46.760 --> 00:40:48.539 And your blood covers. 00:40:48.880 --> 00:40:51.360 Even our abandoning of you. 00:40:51.840 --> 00:40:53.220 Our forsaking of you. 00:40:53.440 --> 00:40:54.640 Our forgetting of you. 00:40:55.059 --> 00:40:56.360 You paid for those. 00:40:56.640 --> 00:40:57.680 At the cross. 00:40:57.679 --> 00:41:00.199 Because you love us. 00:41:01.899 --> 00:41:02.759 Lord Jesus. 00:41:02.759 --> 00:41:04.639 We would ask for you to do a work. 00:41:05.059 --> 00:41:05.980 In our midst. 00:41:06.960 --> 00:41:08.799 That you would be. 00:41:09.239 --> 00:41:10.719 Our first love. 00:41:11.799 --> 00:41:12.399 Individually. 00:41:13.339 --> 00:41:14.539 And corporately. 00:41:15.759 --> 00:41:16.919 That Lord Jesus. 00:41:18.339 --> 00:41:20.019 Our ears would be tuned. 00:41:20.019 --> 00:41:21.480 To your words. 00:41:21.480 --> 00:41:24.300 That we would talk to you. 00:41:24.360 --> 00:41:25.119 Throughout the day. 00:41:26.639 --> 00:41:27.380 That Lord. 00:41:27.480 --> 00:41:29.059 We would plan with you in mind. 00:41:30.260 --> 00:41:31.920 That we would sing to you. 00:41:32.000 --> 00:41:33.019 With all of our hearts. 00:41:34.480 --> 00:41:35.900 All these things Lord. 00:41:36.139 --> 00:41:37.099 All these things. 00:41:37.780 --> 00:41:39.079 Introducing others to you. 00:41:40.199 --> 00:41:41.440 Loving those whom you love. 00:41:42.320 --> 00:41:43.500 Longing to see you. 00:41:43.900 --> 00:41:45.400 God would you make these real. 00:41:45.599 --> 00:41:47.079 In our individual lives. 00:41:48.380 --> 00:41:49.619 That you would be foremost. 00:41:51.480 --> 00:41:52.780 For the glory of your name. 00:41:54.099 --> 00:41:54.500 Amen.