When Love Grows Cold

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When Love Grows Cold

• Revelation 21-5

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Revelation 21-5

• "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
  'These things says He who holds the seven stars
  in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the
  seven golden lampstands I know your works, your
  labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear
  those who are evil. And you have tested those who
  say they are apostles and are not, and have found
  them liars and you have persevered and have
  patience, and have labored for My name's sake and
  have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this
  against you, that you have left your first love.
  Remember therefore from where you have fallen
  repent and do the first works, or else I will
  come to you quickly and remove your lampstand
  from its place--unless you repent.

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Introduction

• The closer we are to Godthe better
• But, times for each of us when love grows
  coldbegins to fade
• This isnt goodbut not new phenomenon
• Mystery What to do about itwhich is what our
  lesson today focuses upon

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Wavering love no minor issue

• Love is greatest obligationMatt.2236-40
• Love can exist one-directionlybut peace and
  fellowship can not
• When love grows coldwe experience unrest,
  unhappiness, perhaps misery

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Cooling of love always possible

• Ephesian church left its first love by near the
  end of the first century
• But, earlier, things far differentEphesians
  115-16 317

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Initially, change not perceived

• Look again at Revelation 22-3
• Duties continue to be performed
• Right things must be donebut also must be done
  for the right reasons
• Love needed to keep proper values, and to
  maintain righteousness
• Individuals and congregations effected

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If love seems to be fading, what should we do?

• Love isnt that mysterious
• Love like a planttake it away from its proper
  environmentfailure to thrive
• Thus, we need to know proper environment
• Also must keep love focused in right direction
• Must keep your love ACTIVE

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If our love already is cold, faded, what should
we do?

• Answer in Revelation 21-5, again
• Fan the flames
• Remember the way it was
• After LOOKING backnow you must GO back

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Final thoughts

• Todays lesson can be applied to earthly marriage
  or heavenly relationships
• Ideally, well apply it to both
• Some here today may be suffering from love
  problems
• If sodont wait around to fall in love
  againTAKE ACTION now

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We love Him because He first loved us. 1
John 419