Devotions From 3/9/25 Sermon, Rekindling Our First Love
Day 1: Reading: Revelation 2:1-7
Today’s passage reminds us of the importance of maintaining our first love for Christ. Just as the church in Ephesus had lost its initial fervor, we too can sometimes find our passion for God waning. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. When did you feel closest to God? What practices or attitudes characterized that time? Consider how you can rekindle that initial love and enthusiasm for Christ today. Remember, God’s love for us never diminishes, even when our affection cools. Take a moment to confess any areas where you’ve allowed your love to grow cold, and ask God to renew your passion for Him.
Day 2: Walking Among the Lampstands Reading: Revelation 1:9-20
In this passage, we see a powerful image of Christ walking among the lampstands, which represent the churches. This reminds us that Jesus is not distant or detached from His people, but intimately involved in the life of every church and believer. As you go about your day, practice awareness of Christ’s presence with you. How might your actions, thoughts, and decisions change if you were constantly mindful that Jesus is right there with you? Consider ways you can invite Christ more fully into every aspect of your life, allowing His presence to transform you from within.
Day 3: Perseverance in Faith Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3
The church in Ephesus was commended for its perseverance, and today’s reading encourages us to run our race with endurance. Life’s challenges can sometimes wear us down, causing us to lose sight of our spiritual goals. Reflect on the “cloud of witnesses” in your own life – those who have modeled faithful perseverance. How can their example inspire you? Consider what “weights” might be holding you back in your spiritual journey. Ask God for the strength to lay these aside and to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Day 4: Love in Action Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The Ephesian church had many commendable qualities, but had forgotten the most important thing – love. Today’s passage reminds us that without love, even our most impressive spiritual accomplishments are meaningless. Examine your own life and motivations. Are your actions driven by genuine love for God and others, or by duty, habit, or desire for recognition? Choose one practical way to demonstrate Christ’s love to someone today, whether through a kind word, a selfless act, or simply giving your full attention to those around you. Remember, love is not just a feeling, but a choice we make daily.
Day 5: Returning to Our First Works: Reading: James 2:14-26
Jesus called the Ephesian church to return to their “first works.” Today’s reading reminds us that true faith is always accompanied by action. Reflect on the enthusiasm and dedication you had when you first came to faith. What “works” characterized that time? Perhaps you were eager to serve, quick to share your faith, or diligent in prayer and Bible study. Choose one of these “first works” to intentionally incorporate into your life today. As you do, remember that these actions are not about earning God’s favor, but about expressing the love and faith He has already given you. Ask God to renew your passion for serving Him and others.
A. J
What Child Is This?
(Who Is Jesus?)
The Apostles’ Creed, dating back to the early centuries of the Church, says this about Christ:
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
OUTLINE
– A. Jesus Christ, God’s only Son
– 1. God’s son, only begotten (monogenes)
– Core of Christian faith is a person, not abstract ideas
– Difference between Jesus and other religious figures
– 2. Explanation of the name “Jesus Christ”
– Meaning of “Jesus” (God saves)
– “Christ” as a title (Messiah)
– Historical evidence for Jesus’ existence
– 3. Son of God
– Usage in Old and New Testament
– Unique relationship between Jesus and God
– Importance of Jesus being God’s Son
– Necessary for salvation
– Justification for worship
– B. Our Lord
1. Meaning of “Lord” in Old Testament
– Used to refer to God
– YHWH and translations
– 2. Jesus as “Lord” in New Testament
– Transfer of title from God to Jesus
– Significance of calling Jesus “Lord”
– 3. Examples of Old Testament “Lord” references applied to Jesus
– Acts 2:21 (Joel quotation)
– Philippians 2:10-11 (Isaiah reference)
– 4. Implications of Jesus as Lord
– Statement about Jesus’ divinity
The Prayer We Need Right Now
The Prayer We Need Right Now (Notes)
Matthew 6:5-13
Verses 9-13
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Would you personally like to experience life change, both spiritually and physically?
1. Worship and ADORATION of God. Vs 9-10
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’”
True prayer starts with worshipping God.
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe…
Proper adoration and worship causes our attitudes to change.
Revelation 15:4
Who will not fear you, Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
Psalm 96:9
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.
Someone wrote this:
When we rely upon organization, we get what organization can do;
When we rely upon education, we get what education can do;
When we rely upon eloquence, we get what eloquence can do, and so on.
2. A personal SUBMISSION. V 10
…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Luke 18:14b
…all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Isaiah 66:2b
“These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word.”
3. Honest REQUESTS in faith. V11
Give us today our daily bread.
Food, shelter, clothing, health and healing, wisdom, safety, understanding, praying God’s Word.
Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
John 14:13-14
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Come before God in worship and adoration, a personal humility and submission, and with honest requests.
4. Giving and seeking FORGIVENESS. V12
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
This means forgiving others who have wronged we as you seek personal forgiveness of sin.
As we’re praying to God, we ask Him to search our hearts, and to reveal sin in our hearts.
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Psalm 66:18-20
If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;
but God has surely listened
and has heard my prayer.
Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!
5. PROTECTION from ALL enemies. V 13a
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Ephesians 6:1
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Conclusion
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
The prayer we need right now is powerful and effective.
The prayer we need right now is prayer in the manner Jesus teachers us to pray, characterized by these five dimensions:
- Grounded in worship
- Prayed in Submission
- Consisting of honest Requests—asking for what you need
- Accompanied by asking for and extending Forgiveness
- Seeking God’s Protection from the evil one.
The prayer we need right now is that prayer that cries out to God in the day of trouble…
Psalm 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.
The prayer we need right now is bold and confident.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
The prayer we need right now consists of these five dimensions:
Worship, Submission, Requests, Forgiveness, Protection …
1 John 5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
Response to this message:
- To prioritize prayer. Look at your schedule, your use of your time, and make a place, carve out some time to spend talking to your heavenly Father.
- Along with prioritizing, practice prayer; once you’ve created the space, then make sure that you occupy that space with intentional practice…pull out your bible, follow along with Jesus in Matthew 6:5-13, and use that as a template.
Notes for 4/17/2024 Bible Study
Notes for 4/10/2024 Bible Study
B. His Earthly Reality.
C. His Post-resurrection Reality.
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Notes for 4/3/2024 Bible Study
I. The Person, v. 1
A. His Pre-existent Reality.
B. His Earthly Reality.
C. His Post-resurrection Reality.
II. The Proclaimers, v. 2
III. The Plan, v. 3
IV. The Purpose, v. 4
From “How to Read the Bible Book by Book, Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart, Zondervan, 2002
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A (Mercifully) Short History of Lent
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Notes for 2/24/2021 Bible Study
Below are there documents referenced in this Bible Study
Notes for 6/24/2020 Bible Study
Ephesians 1:22-23
Ephesians 1:22 and 23:
And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Paul has just said he prays for his readers that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened, in order that they might come to comprehend the hope to which he has called them, the riches of God’s glorious inheritance in the Saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
This power is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, and we see it not only raised Jesus but exalted him, took him all the way to the right hand of the Father.
The same power that raised Jesus is for us, and now Christ is exalted. Vs. 21 says Jesus has been exalted:*
…far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
We, you and me, that is to say the church, are central to God’s program in the world. vs. 23a (The Message):
The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church, the body of Christ, matters to God and should matter to us.
What becomes clear in vs. 23 is this:
The church is Christ’s complement. (With an “e.”)
Complement: Something that fills up, completes, or makes perfect.* John Calvin:
This is the highest honor of the church, that, until he is united to us, the Son of God reckons himself in some measure imperfect. What consolation it is for us to learn that, not until we are in his presence, does he possess all his parts, or does he wish to be regarded as complete.
William Hendriksen:
As to his divine essence Christ is in no sense whatever dependent on or capable of being completed by the church. But as bridegroom he is incomplete without the bride; as the vine he cannot be thought of without the branches; as shepherd he is not seen without his sheep; and so also as head he finds his full expression in his body, the church.
Colossians 1:24:
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
Here he notes that he church, in essence, completes Christ’s suffering.
vs. 23b (The Message):
The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.
St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582):
Christ has no body now but yours.
No hands, no feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world.
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.
Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
Kenneth Wuest (in his exposition of Ephesians):
The relation between Christ and the Church, therefore, is not an external relation, or one simply of Superior and inferior, sovereign and subject, but one of life and incorporation. The Church is not merely and institution ruled by Him as President, a Kingdom in which He is the Supreme Authority, or a vast company of men in moral sympathy with Him, but a Society which is in vital connection with Him, having the source of its life in Him, sustained and directed by His power, the instrument also by which He works.
• The church matters to God because it is the earthly manifestation of His presence.
• The church matters to God because it is a crucial part of His plan for this world.
• The church matters to God because it is His place for us to grow and mature in our faith.
The church matters to God, and should matter to me as well!
Awake, O Sleeper!
I bear the marks of Jesus.
#hosanna
Somebody put it like this:
He is Abel’s sacrifice
Noah’s rainbow
Abraham’s ram
Isaac’s wealth
Jacob’s Scepter
Moses’ rod that divided the Red Sea in two and
made it a super highway for the children of Israel
Joshua’s Sun, and the Moon that stood still
Elijah’s mantle
Elisha’s staff
Samuel’s horn of oil
David’s sling shot
And Malachi’s Son of Righteousness;
He’s Peter’s shadow that healed the sick
Stephen’s signs and wonders
Paul’s apron and handkerchief;
He is the father of the orphan
A husband to the widow
A bright morning star for the traveler by night
The Lily of the Valley
The Rose of Sharon
The Rock of Ages
The express image of God’s person
The King of glory
A rock in a weary land,
And the beauty of ten thousand;
He is the Cup that runneth over
The rod and staff that comforts me
The Lion of the tribe of Judah
That breaks every chain and sets man free
The Government of our lives is upon His shoulders;
In mathematics He multiplied five loaves of bread
To feed five thousand peoples
In Zoology He is the Lamb slain for our Salvation
In Botany He is the flower that fades not
In Biology He is the life everlasting
In History He is the Alpha and the Omega
In Physics He is the One that disproved the law of gravity by ascending on high
In Chemistry, he changes ordinary water into sweet wine;
To the artist He is the altogether lovely,
To the architect, He is the Chief Cornerstone
To the baker, He is the bread of life
To the banker He is the hidden treasure
Oh to the Carpenter He is the door
To the farmer He is the sower and the Lord of the Harvest
To the horticulturist, he is the true Vine
To the Philosopher, He is the wisdom of God
To the Philanthropist, He is the unspeakable gift
To the Journalist, He is the great news of glad tidings
To the student, He is the Incarnate One
To the servant, He is the Good Master
To the statesman, He is the Desire of all Nations
To the sinner, He is the Lamb of God
That takes away the sins of the world
To the weary, He is the Giver of Rest
To the theologian He is the Author and the Finisher of our faith
But who is this man?
He came to die for our sins
The just for the unjust
That He might bring us to the Father
Believe in Him and you will be saved
He is Jesus of Nazareth
A man approved by God with Signs and wonders
And miracles which God did by Him through Him
His name is J E S U S! JESUS!!!
The name that deposes sin
Disperses demons
Dispels darkness
Depreciates fear
Disintegrates impossibilities
Dissolves difficulties
And dislocates mountains
He’s more than the latest thing; he’s the ancient of days.
he’s the Lord of all.
Amen.
Voice on the Mount of Transfiguration: this is my beloved son; hear him!
Mary, at Cana: Whatever he tells you, do it!
Green Crayon Christians
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