Pastor Jim Hammond | July 10, 2022

Recap:
The next two chapters of Revelation (chapter 2–3) are seven letters written to seven churches. Pastor Jim is going to teach on each letter, one at a time. This weekend, he taught from the first letter, the letter to the church at Ephesus. This is the same church that the book of Ephesians was written to, but the church receiving the Revelation letter was probably one generation removed from the church who received the letter from Paul. Perhaps that is one reason why the church was caught up in all the works they were doing for the Lord that they lost sight of their first love! That was the critique they received, one that we can learn from today as well! What is the most important to us: doing the work of God or connecting with God and igniting our love for Him?

Dive Deeper:
The church at Ephesus wasn’t a good place. They did, however, have a church most likely founded by Aquila and Priscila that was doing much for the Lord. This church labored hard for the Lord. They knew about God’s grace and continued to follow Him, despite the opportunity to give up. They had knowledge of the truth, were studying the Scripture, and given good instructions in biblical doctrine.

Something was missing though. The admonishment in their letter in the book of Revelation was that they had left their first love. Their love for God was no longer priority in their life. Something else had replaced that love. Perhaps they were in love with doing the work of God; perhaps they were in love with something else. Whatever it was, they had set aside their affection for God and chosen something else instead.

This is something that is always a test for Christians. There is a tendency to set our faith in our works rather than in Jesus’ sacrifice. We can get caught up in all we are doing for the Lord and the perseverance we are walking out that we forget to kindle the flame of our relationship with God.

The good news is, we don’t have to live as a Christian in our own strength. We can choose to love God first and let Him help us live our lives our well. We don’t have to let our times of connecting with Him turn into a program. We can keep our heart soft to God and let our love for Him be our priority.

Read About It:
Revelation 2:1–7 KJV
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Luke 10:38–42 KJV
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Galatians 6:15 Amp.
For neither is circumcision [now] of any importance, nor uncircumcision, but [only] a new creation [the result of a new birth and a new nature in Christ Jesus, the Messiah].

Discussion Questions:
1. Have you had that experience of truly knowing God’s love for you and letting His love be born in your heart?
2. Have you ever left your first love for God?
3. What are practical ways we can reignite our love for our Lord?

Rewatch or catch up on the full sermon with the link below!
Watch Now
Share
Share
Share

Recent Sermon Notes

GRACE UNVEILED, #34 “Why Suffering Isn’t Wasted” | Jim Hammond

May 18, 2025

Pastor Jim continued with his teaching series on the book of Romans called “Grace Unveiled.” In this 34th installment entitled, “Why Suffering Isn’t Wasted,” Pastor Jim said he wanted to revisit Romans 8:17: “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (KJV). He explained, “I realized that this scripture is much deeper than how I explained it. So I feel it’s very important to go through it again.” We found out what it means to “suffer with Him.”

Bread for the Soul | Jim Hammond

May 13, 2025

Pastor Jim wished all the mothers in the congregation and online a very happy Mother’s Day. It was a day dedicated to the celebration of motherhood, acknowledging the great devotion mothers have toward their families. He pointed out there was one specific thing at which mothers are very good—how to feed their children the Bread of Life like no one else can.

The Accuser of Brethren | Mac Hammond

May 4, 2025

Pastor Mac taught a message entitled, “The Accuser of Brethren.” “This message is important,” he said, “because it encapsulates our challenge in this life and summarizes things in a significant way.” His subject? How to avoid deception! The basic truth of this message is this: If the enemy can’t deceive you, he can’t defeat you!

GRACE UNVEILED, #33, “The Holy Spirit Leads You Out of the Dominion of Sin” | Jim Hammond

Apr 29, 2025

Pastor Jim preached a message subtitled, “The Holy Spirit Leads You Out of the Dominion of Sin.” This is his 33rd message in his teaching series on the book of Romans called “Unveiled Grace.” The message was based on Romans 8:13, “For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.” (Amp.) This verse tells us that through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to put to death the evil deeds of the body.

Portal of Power | Mac Hammond

Apr 22, 2025

Pastor Mac taught a message on the celebration of Easter. He said, “The kingdom of God is based upon the Word of God. In fact, the kingdom of God is a manifestation of the Word of God and His purposes on the earth.” The celebration of Easter is a centerpiece of all that He’s done to enable humanity to rise to the level only possible in Him—and to escape the realm of death!