Roy Hession emphasizes the message to the church of Ephesus from Revelation, where Jesus acknowledges their hard work and perseverance but rebukes them for leaving their first love. He explains that this departure is not about losing love but abandoning it, urging the church to remember their initial passion for Christ and to repent. Hession highlights the importance of enduring faith, intolerance of evil, and the need for spiritual leaders to maintain their love for Jesus and for others. He calls for a return to the foundational works of repentance and faith, reminding listeners that revival begins with rediscovering their first love for Christ.

In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for being invited to share the word of God with the audience. They are moved to tears by the testimony of a fellow believer and the powerful song performed by a young person. The speaker then shares a story about a missionary in India who used a light bulb to illustrate the importance of the connecting power of the Son of God. They emphasize the need for our first love to be for God and for our neighbors, including our spouse. The sermon concludes with an invitation to attend the next sermon, which will explore the concept of God's tears and the reasons for His weeping.

Peter Brandon emphasizes the critical importance of returning to our 'first love' for Christ, as highlighted in Revelation 2:1-7. He discusses the commendations given to the church of Ephesus for their works, labor, and patience, but also warns of the danger of leaving that initial fervor and love for God. Brandon encourages self-examination and repentance, urging believers to remember their early passion for Christ and to rectify their spiritual lives. He stresses that the church must be a light in a dark world, and that individual Christians should embody this light in their daily lives. Ultimately, he calls for a collective return to first love to ignite revival in the church.

Charles Finney addresses the critical issue of losing one's first love for Christ, emphasizing that true Christian love is characterized by joy, peace, and a natural inclination to worship and serve God. He outlines the signs of having left this first love, such as viewing religious duties as burdensome and lacking genuine affection for God. Finney warns that this state leads to hypocrisy and delusion, where individuals maintain the forms of religion without its power, ultimately harming both themselves and those around them. The remedy for this condition is sincere repentance and a return to the fervor of one's initial love for God, which is essential for spiritual vitality and genuine faith. He urges believers to reflect on their spiritual state and rekindle their passion for Christ.

Vance Havner emphasizes the danger of losing our first love for Christ, drawing parallels between nature's ability to recover from devastation and the human tendency to become complacent in faith. He warns that while we often get over hardships, we also risk getting over our passion for God, leading to spiritual stagnation. The church at Ephesus serves as a cautionary example of a community that, despite being active and doctrinally sound, had lost its fervor for Christ. Havner calls for a revival of love and zeal, urging believers to remember, repent, and return to their initial devotion to God. He concludes that true renewal comes from rekindling our relationship with Christ, rather than merely increasing church activities.

Michael Koulianos emphasizes the necessity of restoring our first love for Jesus, reminding the church and the world that the core message is always Jesus. He reflects on personal beginnings in faith, the importance of worship and prayer centered on Christ, and the dangers of losing sight of Jesus amidst supernatural experiences. Koulianos urges believers to return to the simplicity of the gospel, which is Jesus Himself, and to ensure that every aspect of church life, including worship and ministry, is focused on Him. He concludes by inviting those who feel bound by sin to come to Jesus for freedom and healing.

Zac Poonen addresses the church in Ephesus, highlighting their commendable deeds and perseverance but rebuking them for having left their first love for Christ and one another. He emphasizes that true devotion to God must be the foundation of all actions, warning that without love, even good works become meaningless. Poonen calls for repentance and a return to the fervent love that characterized their early faith, stressing that the Lord desires heartfelt devotion over mere ritual. He also warns against Nicolaitanism, which seeks to dominate and control believers, urging the church to maintain purity in both doctrine and love. Ultimately, he encourages believers to be overcomers, promising the reward of partaking in the divine nature for those who remain faithful.

In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of being deeply moved by a specific portion of biblical text. He emphasizes the importance of paying attention to these moments as they can be defining and transformative. The sermon addresses the issue of waning devotion to Christ and a lack of enthusiasm for attending church and studying God's word. The preacher urges the congregation to recognize their fallen state and calls for repentance, emphasizing the need to turn back to God and return to the fervent devotion they once had.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound love that Jesus has for us and the importance of reciprocating that love by keeping His words. He highlights that true love for Christ is not merely about zeal but a deep, heartfelt commitment that transforms our lives and draws us into intimate fellowship with Him. Waldvogel urges believers to recognize the significance of loving Jesus with all their heart, as this love is foundational to our relationship with God and our eternal destiny. He warns against the dangers of allowing our love to grow cold and encourages a passionate pursuit of Christ, who desires to dwell within us. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to our 'first love' for Jesus, reminding us that He longs for our hearts above all else.

Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 2:4-6, emphasizing the profound sorrow of Christ over the church of Ephesus having left its first love. He illustrates how this complaint is not merely a rebuke but a heartfelt expression of disappointment from a loving Savior who desires a deep, affectionate relationship with His followers. Bonar highlights that while the church maintained good works, it lacked the fervent love that should characterize a true relationship with Christ. He calls for a return to that first love, urging believers to rekindle their passion for Christ by reflecting on His unwavering love for them. The sermon serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of love in the Christian faith, above all deeds and actions.

T. Austin-Sparks delivers a profound message on Christ's warning to the church in Ephesus, emphasizing the critical importance of 'first love'—a deep appreciation for God's grace and love. He highlights that while the Ephesians were diligent in their works and patience, they had lost the wonder and amazement of their salvation, allowing familiarity to dull their hearts. Sparks urges the congregation to remember the grace that brought them to Christ and to rekindle their passion and worship, warning that without this first love, their ministry and relationship with God could falter. He draws parallels between the Ephesians' initial fervor and the danger of becoming complacent in faith, calling for a return to heartfelt worship and gratitude. Ultimately, the message serves as a reminder of the need for continual appreciation of God's grace in their lives.

Mark Greening emphasizes the message to the church of Ephesus from Revelation, highlighting their hard work and perseverance but also their critical failure of leaving their first love for Christ. He warns that busyness in ministry does not equate to spiritual health and urges believers to remember, repent, and return to their initial passion for Jesus. Greening illustrates the importance of love in the Christian life, stating that true faith must express itself through love for God and others. He concludes with a call to be overcomers, reminding the congregation that Jesus is coming soon and urging them to be ready.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the seven Lamps of Fire before God's throne, representing the seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit and the need for the church to be judged in light of Christ's character. He warns of a crisis in the church where believers must evaluate their spiritual state and the authenticity of their relationship with Christ, particularly focusing on the concept of 'first love.' Sparks highlights that true love for Christ is characterized by persistence, purpose, and a willingness to suffer for Him, urging believers to rekindle their passion and commitment to the Lord. He calls for a deep introspection to ensure that the Holy Spirit's fire is actively burning in their lives, leading to genuine transformation and service. The sermon concludes with a prayer for increased love and faithfulness among believers.

C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the profound joy and transformation experienced when one first encounters the Lord, emphasizing the vibrant spiritual renewal that follows salvation. He laments how, over time, this initial fervor can fade, leading to a coldness in devotion and service to God. Spurgeon urges believers to remember their first love for Christ and to rekindle that passion, warning against complacency and ingratitude for God's blessings. He calls for a return to the fervent commitment and joyful service that characterized their early faith, asking God to revive their hearts and restore their zeal.

Charles Finney addresses the critical issue of losing one's first love for God, as highlighted in Revelation 2:4. He emphasizes that while the Church of Ephesus had commendable qualities, their departure from sincere devotion to God was a grave concern. Finney outlines the characteristics of first love, its manifestations, and the dire consequences of neglecting this love, including spiritual decline and a lack of genuine interest in God's work. He calls for repentance and a return to heartfelt devotion, warning that losing this love can lead to a dangerous state of spiritual apathy and hypocrisy.

In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of a vision of Jesus and hearing His voice. He describes the appearance of Jesus in detail and how he fell at His feet as if dead. Jesus speaks to him and reveals that He is walking among seven golden lampstands, which represent seven churches in the province of Asia. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a fervent love for Jesus, comparing it to the devotion of Mary who poured out costly perfume on Jesus. He also shares a personal anecdote about a risky plane ride, highlighting the need to trust in God's guidance.

In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his life journey and emphasizes the importance of following God's guidance. He highlights the need to listen diligently to the Holy Spirit's messages and the consequences of not doing so. The speaker uses a metaphor of playing the violin to illustrate how people often fail to apply the teachings they receive. He also shares a humorous anecdote about a boy hammering nails and getting frustrated when they go crooked, without realizing that the fault lies with him. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the Lord's willingness to be our light and salvation, and the foolishness of not following His guidance.

Andrew Murray emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining a personal and fervent love for Christ, as highlighted in Revelation 2:4, where the Church of Ephesus is admonished for leaving its first love. Despite their zeal and good works, the absence of a deep, personal relationship with Jesus renders their efforts meaningless in His eyes. Murray calls for a return to this intimate fellowship, stressing that true Christian life and service must stem from a heart filled with love for Christ. He warns that many in ministry may be active yet spiritually deficient due to neglecting this vital connection. The message urges believers to prioritize their love for Jesus above all else in their daily lives.

Basilea Schlink emphasizes the necessity of 'first love' for Jesus, which is crucial for enduring the trials of our time. This love, akin to 'bridal love,' is a powerful force that enables believers to face suffering and persecution with courage and joy. Schlink illustrates that true discipleship stems from this intimate love for Christ, which should be undivided and prioritized above all else. She encourages believers to cultivate this love through personal devotion and worship, as it is the key to genuine happiness and fulfillment in their faith. Ultimately, she reminds us that Jesus, as our Bridegroom, desires a deep, loving relationship with each of us, inviting us to surrender our hearts fully to Him.

G.W. North emphasizes the profound connection between the altar and the sacrifice in his sermon, illustrating how Christ embodies the ultimate sacrifice and how the altar serves as a vital symbol of this relationship. He explains that the altar is not merely a physical structure but a representation of God's eternal love and the call for believers to join in sacrificial love. North highlights that true martyrdom is not just about physical death but living a life of self-offering to God, reflecting the essence of first love. He urges the church to recognize its identity as the body of Christ, embodying His love and sacrifice in the world. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to first love, where believers are invited to live sacrificially and be a light to the world.

David Wilkerson addresses the church of Ephesus, emphasizing that they have 'lost their first love' for Christ, which signifies a shift in their hearts where other priorities have taken His place. He highlights that despite their strong foundation in the gospel and exceptional teaching from Paul, their affection for Jesus has diminished, which is the first sin that grieves Him. Wilkerson warns that this message is relevant for all Christians today, urging them to examine their hearts and rekindle their love for Christ, as mere diligence and moral living are insufficient without a growing affection for Him.

In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who had lost his inheritance due to his reckless lifestyle. However, after encountering the Lord, he changed his ways and his father decided to reinstate his inheritance. The preacher then reads from Jeremiah 3:12-14, where God calls out to the backsliding Israel and offers them a chance to return to Him. The sermon emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's sins and turning back to God, rather than being enticed by worldly desires. The preacher warns against becoming friends with the world, as it is considered enmity with God.

David Wilkerson reflects on the church at Ephesus, praising their close walk with the Lord and the commendations from Paul and Jesus for their faithfulness and good works. However, he emphasizes a critical issue: despite their diligence and righteousness, they have lost their first love for Christ. This serious warning from Jesus serves as a wake-up call for believers to examine their hearts and rekindle their affection for Him. Wilkerson challenges listeners to consider whether they, too, have allowed their love for Jesus to diminish amidst their labor for Him.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of returning to our first love for Christ, warning against the dangers of complacency and the consequences of neglecting our relationship with Him. He illustrates how many people stray from the path of righteousness, leading to spiritual darkness, and urges believers to heed the Spirit's call to repentance and renewal. Waldvogel highlights the importance of following Jesus as our guide and the blessings that come from overcoming the trials of life through faith. He reminds the church that true love for God requires a complete commitment of the heart, and that neglecting this love can lead to dire consequences.

Brian Guerin emphasizes the importance of returning to our first love for Jesus, encouraging believers to rekindle their intimacy with Him. He shares a dream that illustrates how God lovingly calls His people back to a deeper relationship, reminding them that even amidst busyness, they can realign their hearts with His. Guerin highlights the significance of prophetic dreams and visions as a means of divine communication, urging everyone to embrace the fullness of God's presence. He reassures that God is not upset with those who have drifted away but is eager to welcome them back with open arms. The sermon culminates in a call for a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit, inviting attendees to experience a renewed passion for Christ.