JCH

How can a local congregation lose its "first love" for Jesus? By becoming complacent; by just "going to church", going through the motions, replacing their obligations of worship with other menial things; by becoming numb. What are the signs of genuine love for Jesus in worship and ministry? Following His word; putting away desires for those menial things; making sacrifices in your routine; spreading the Word. How does the lack of love show up? By losing love for those around them; by neglecting fellowship; chomping at the bit to hear "Amen", so you can be at home in time for the kickoff! How can a congregation regain this love? Make sacrifices to be with the Lord. The more time I spend with Jesus and in fellowship, listening to the message, hearing testimony and witness to reinforce my own budding belief, His love is filling my heart and life. I just step into the sanctuary and tears well up to see all these different people ~ and they're on our side!

As seen in Revelation, Christ is at the right hand of the Father, He is exalted; before, he was perceived as a simple human being; God's physical being. John is shown Jesus in this light to exemplify Him and describe Him in His true glory. What overall emotions is this vision of Jesus among the lampstands designed to evoke in the reader? Awe. Flatout jaw-dropping, knee-bending reverence! To balance faith, I often think of Jesus as the best, truest friend a person could have. However, Jesus Christ, our Savior, isn't just our "buddy", but the divine Christ, richly deserving of praise and worship.

Prejudice and religious persecution exist just about everywhere you look (including our own backyards!), but predominantly, countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Latin America in regard to Christianity. {As a member of the US Air Force, I was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1993 and 1996. We were allowed to venture into downtown Dahran, but warned never to speak of our beliefs, no matter what faith we were. We were further instructed to hide our crosses/symbols of our faith, lest we get apprehended by the local "religious police." These were the men that patrolled the streets in green uniforms and gleeming white helmets, carrying a rather large baton! I wasn't remotely Christian at the time, but still felt a sharp stab in my freedom of choice!} Revelation tells all who are suffering that everlasting life is the gift of faithful endurance. Whether it's a migraine or martyrdom, the Lord is reserving a place for those that keep the faith.