DEPARTING FROM ONE'S #1 LOVE"
By Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.
Revelation 2:4
records a church
called Ephesus. The
Lord is displeased
since it had
departed from its
first love. How does
one know when they
have reached this
state (not as much
"in love" with Jesus
Christ and His
Church as
previously). Some
might be when one:
1) Refuses to read
the Scripture
regularly, as
following one's
baptism (Acts 17:11)
2) "Backs Off" of
Sunday School,
saying it is not
really needed, as it
is kid's stuff(Heb.10:25)
3) Stays home on
Sunday evening for
company
4) Midweek Service
is viewed as for
fanatics, but does
not hesitate to call
to add
one to the Prayer
List
5) No longer reads
the periodicals from
the church
(bulletin,
newsletter,
take-home
papers, tracts,
etc.)
6) Church
Fellowships are no
longer desired to
attend, but attends
socials in the
community
7) No longer prays
at home or in
restaurants, nor
asks God for
direction on big
investments (autos,
house, etc.)
8) No longer has a
desire to attend
camp activities
9) Does not see a
need to visit
activities at other
congregations:
revivals, seminars,
men/women
fellowships, etc.
10) Does not see
Social drinking as a
"starting place" to
become an alcoholic
11) Sees using
tobacco as one's
choice instead of
destroying the
temple of the Holy
Spirit (I Cor.
6:18-20)
12) Using swear
words as being cute
instead of seeing
them as a means to
condemnation (Mt.
12:36,37)
14) Does not see
acquaintances
(relatives,
neighbors,
co-workers) as lost
if not a
Christian (John
14:6)
15) Can read or
watch "Filth" and
not be embarrassed
16) Plays the
lottery & other
forms of gambling
17) Attempts to
"explain away"
abortion
18) Reads more about
sports, politics,
financial market,
current events -
than the Bible
19) Forgets that the
church's #1 calling
is evangelism
20) Refuses to
"stand up" for
Christian principles
21) Allows wrong
thoughts to linger
in his/her mind
22) Refuses to use
talents and donate
time at church
23) Gossips about
one to another
24) Is viewed by
acquaintances as
just a good
neighbor, worker, &
citizen
KYOWVA Evangelistic
Association
1541 S. 7th Street *
Ironton, OH 45638
Web Page:
www.kyowva.com