Rev. 2:1-5; Phil 2:12-13

INTRODUCTION

Our salvation is by God's grace

Our service is a privilege

The right way to renew is the point of relationship

This we saw in our last message (the prodigal wrong and right steps)

Up till today God is still calling us to Himself in repentance

This is the way of right ministry that has to do with God.

FROM OUR TEXT

Rev 2:5; “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place”.

Phil 2:12  “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling”.

The Ephesians Church was commended for their first love

Unfortunately they have reneged

Reflection:

What do you think make people renege , or get cold over time?

Comfort

Compromise

Conformity

Convenience

Etc

Hence, encouraged or commanded to:

Remember

Repent

Return

Remove

Note: Failure to do the first three will lead to the fourth

May every grace and opportunity already ours be taken away by our sin and carelessness.

Hence, the serious command to: 

Continue in obedience (a lot learnt in our Daily Encounter this week) 

Work out our salvation; show practically that we are saved

In fear and trembling

Why?

Only the Lord approves the genuineness of our salvation and work

Our best service/ministry in the name of the Lord stands the test of His mind

"Let him that thinks he stands take heed ....

It is easy to be off-track or fall off.

NEW BEGINNING, RENEWING OUR MINISTRIES

Remember our/your ministry

What is the situation of each as at today?

What are you doing or where are you today?

Think of where you started as a person

OUR EMPHASIS TODAY

Renewal of commitment

Excuse of time

Grace of God unlimited

God's command (Deuteronomy 15:10)”Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to”.

Remember: 

Your Lord

Your commitment

God's faithfulness over time

His requirements by His own mercy

No grudging. He knows us and our situations.

But generosity

With a promise, because of this, the Lord your God will BLESS you in EVERYTHING you put your hand to. (emphasis mine)

CONCLUSION

Remember

Repent

Return

Be rewarded