Theme: Return to First Love
 

Scripture: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.” (Rev. 2:5)

 

Scriptural background:

TPVC-EM should become people of Kingdom builders and kingdom building takes place in all areas of our lives as we return to the first love for Christ. Our love for Christ shows up outside of church walls; in our marriage, in our parenting, in our friendship & relationship, in our academic setting, and in our market place. We may be active and faithful in serving within church walls but our real love for Christ must show up in our daily life.

Therefore, the Lord points out how the church in Ephesus did many things right such as not tolerating wicked men and testing the teachings to make sure they are true to Word. The Lord also commends for persevering and enduring hardship for Christ’s sake but He rebukes her for losing the first love. So let us focus on our “first” love for God.

 

Ministry Plan

1. Return to first love with the Lord in PERSONAL walk

  a. build worship in spirit and truth
  b. build closer walk with the Lord through daily quiet time

    (1) Daily Bread
  c. build unity and stronger body of Christ through fellowship and small group

    (1) The Purpose Drive Life curriculum
  d. build greater knowledge and affection for God through the Bible reading

 

2. Return to first love at HOME

  a. start family devotion at home
    (1) once a week with a short reading (Daily Bread) (2) worshipping together on Sunday when possible

  b. demonstrate what loving God looks like at home
    (1) do ministry together with family
    (2) volunteer at a local foodbank or other social ministries in the area

  c. enrich marriage by reading books on marriage and attending marriage conference

    (1) Weekend to Remember conference (2) podcasts on marriage

 

3. Return to first love in MARKETPLACE

  a. pray and reach out to co-workers with the gospel so that the Kingdom may built up

  b. invite non-believing friends to church (1) Friends Day Sunday

  c. build connection between friends and pastor/other Christians