My First Love

  

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.

-Revelation 1:12-14

Abstain from every form (the appearance) of evil.

-1 Thessalonians 5:22

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.... But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

-Revelation 2:2-3, 6

  

1 - What incense am I burning?

Abstain from every form (the appearance) of evil.

-1 Thessalonians 5:22

The places we go, the things we participate in, the way we dress, and the manner we treat each other are all signs of who we are, and the world takes notice.

Jesus did not separate, nor assimilate, but permeated everywhere He went with the hope and purity of the Gospel.

In other words, you’re burning the incense to a false god.

  

2 - What statue or sign am I bowing down to?

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness

-1 Timothy 2:1-2

What am I honoring in my life that perpetuates the offense toward the God I love?

Sometimes we give up something we love for something we love even more!

  

3 - What is my faith costing me?

If your faith is real, it will cost you something.

'Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'

-Matthew 5:11-12

'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'

-Matthew 22:36-39

  

You can begin to believe that your goodness sets you apart and earns you the right to be loved, adored, and respected.

  

   

   

  

What is your main take-away from this message? 

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