Manna in the Morning First Love
E.A. Johnston emphasizes the vital importance of maintaining one's first love for Christ, urging believers to rekindle their initial passion and devotion despite faithful service.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston explores the critical message from Revelation 2:2-4 about the church's lost first love. He challenges believers to examine their own spiritual fervor and encourages a heartfelt return to the passionate devotion experienced at salvation. Using the example of Mordecai Ham's counsel to Billy Graham, Johnston calls listeners to pray for a renewed and deeper love for Jesus Christ.
Full Transcript
Hello friends, this is manna in the morning, and our devotion today is first love. Our scripture passages found in the book of Revelation in chapter 2 and verses 2-4 we see in God's word, I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst 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 namesake hast labored, and hast not fainted, nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. In our passage today, the risen Christ first commands his followers by taking notice of their faithfulness, and servitude, and even defense of the gospel, but he caps off his commendations with a dire statement that he was against them despite all their labors because of one thing, the one thing needful, thou hast left thy first love.
Do you remember, friend, when you first fell in love with your spouse, how you could not wait to get into their presence and spend time with them, that first blush of true love set sparks in our hearts for that person? Do you recall when you were first saved, and how hungry you were to devour God's word and spend time with God in prayer? Is it still that way, friend, or have you left your first love as well? I'll never forget the story about Mordecai Ham, and how Billy Graham was saved under his preaching. One day Billy Graham went to visit Mordecai Ham, to inquire of him insights for ministry. The older evangelist looked Billy Graham in the eye and said there was only one thing he needed to be guarded of.
He said, Billy, don't ever lose your sweetheart love for Jesus. Great God, touch me with a coal from your altar, and burn in me a deeper sweetheart love for thy dear son. It is in the strong name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray, amen.
Sermon Outline
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I. Commendation of Faithfulness
- Recognition of works, labor, and patience
- Endurance against evil and false apostles
- Service for Christ's namesake without fainting
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II. The Problem of Lost First Love
- Christ's rebuke despite good works
- The danger of leaving initial passion
- The need to examine personal devotion
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III. Remembering the First Love
- Reflecting on the early joy of salvation
- The hunger for God's word and prayer
- The example of Mordecai Ham and Billy Graham
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IV. A Prayer for Rekindling
- Asking God to renew sweetheart love
- Seeking a deeper passion for Jesus
- Praying in the strong name of Christ
Key Quotes
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” — E.A. Johnston
“Do you recall when you were first saved, and how hungry you were to devour God's word and spend time with God in prayer?” — E.A. Johnston
“Billy, don't ever lose your sweetheart love for Jesus.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Regularly reflect on your initial passion for Christ to maintain spiritual vitality.
- Engage daily with Scripture and prayer to nurture your relationship with God.
- Pray earnestly for God to rekindle and deepen your love for Jesus.