I Thessalonians 4:1

Leaving our first love

Ephesus timeline

Paul’s second journey: Acts 18:19-21

Paul’s third journey: Acts 19

Paul’s farewell: Acts 20 (trouble brewing)

Paul’s letter: Ephesians

Timothy in Ephesus: I Timothy, II Timothy

John’s letter: Revelation 2:1-7 (left first love)

The church in Ephesus started so strong and had years of teaching from both Paul and Timothy, but they still left their first love! If it can happen in Ephesus, it can happen anywhere!

John 14:15-23

I John 5:3

I Corinthians 13:3

Acts 19:10 – Ephesus was the center of the gospel in Asia at one time!

Acts 20:36-37 – What happened to this passion?

Forming cliques (Galatians 3:27-28)

Possible cliques:

More money; less money

College students; non-students

Florida College; non-Florida College

Members; visitors

Older folks; younger families with kids

Acts 11:19-20, 26, 29

Matthew 13:53-58 vs Acts 2:9, 46-47 – They were unified spiritually despite their different backgrounds!

Romans 12:10, 16

There is no reason for any of these cliques!