Recapturing the Wonder
E.A. Johnston urges believers to rekindle their initial passionate love for Jesus, moving beyond routine faith to a vibrant, wonder-filled relationship.
In 'Recapturing the Wonder,' E.A. Johnston challenges believers to move beyond routine spirituality and rediscover the passionate love they first had for Jesus. Drawing from the example of the early church in Ephesus and the poetic imagery of the Song of Solomon, Johnston calls for a heartfelt renewal of devotion. This devotional sermon encourages Christians to fan the embers of their faith and embrace a vibrant, wonder-filled relationship with Christ.
Full Transcript
I can always spot a couple who are dating. They're the ones holding hands and looking in each other's face with rapture and wonder. They are completely absorbed in one another.
I can also spot an old married couple out at dinner, uninvolved with each other and more focused on their meal in an attempt to extract some pleasure out of their day. The person opposite them has just become ordinary, perhaps even annoying. They have lost their wonder of each other and, like the old blues song, the thrill is gone, baby.
At times our walk with God can fall to the level of human terms, where we continue to read our Bible, dutifully attend church and say our prayers. But somewhere we have lost the wonder of Jesus. This happened to the early Christians at Ephesus.
They had left their first love. The risen Lord acknowledges their works and service unto him, but he tells them, Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do thy first works.
This should be your goal as well, friends. Recapturing the wonder should be your greatest priority, for to be out of step with God is to admit a backslidden condition. We must fan the embers on the altar of our hearts and be like the lovers in the song of Solomon, whose love was described in the most passionate terms.
We read, The coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath the most vehement flame. Let us pursue Christ as when we first believed. Let us recapture the wonder of Jesus, for he is not only worthy, he is worth it.
Let us pray.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Loss of Wonder
- Comparison of new love and faded love in relationships
- Spiritual parallel to losing wonder in our walk with God
- Example of the early Christians at Ephesus
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II. The Warning from Jesus
- Acknowledgment of works and service
- The charge of leaving the first love
- Call to remember, repent, and return
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III. The Call to Recapture Wonder
- Importance of rekindling passion for Christ
- Using the imagery of passionate love from Song of Solomon
- Pursuing Christ as when first believed
Key Quotes
“At times our walk with God can fall to the level of human terms, where we continue to read our Bible, dutifully attend church and say our prayers. But somewhere we have lost the wonder of Jesus.” — E.A. Johnston
“This should be your goal as well, friends. Recapturing the wonder should be your greatest priority, for to be out of step with God is to admit a backslidden condition.” — E.A. Johnston
“Let us pursue Christ as when we first believed. Let us recapture the wonder of Jesus, for he is not only worthy, he is worth it.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus and identify areas where passion has diminished.
- Commit to daily practices that foster intimacy with God, such as prayer and scripture meditation.
- Actively pursue Christ with the enthusiasm and wonder you experienced when you first believed.