Last Things First | Love When You've Been Going Through The Motions

Teaching from Justin Weece | March 9th, 2025 

Rev 1:1-5; 2:1-7 (Ephesus) 

We all know what it's like when something that once felt exciting becomes routine. Maybe you once had that spark with Jesus - that first-love excitement that made you want to tell everyone about Him. Or maybe you're still figuring out what you believe, but all you see are Christians who seem more focused on looking the part than living differently. Either way, you know the difference between genuine passion and just going through the motions. This was exactly what happened to the church in Ephesus. From the outside, they had it all together - serving others, standing for truth, never giving up. But Jesus pointed out what they were missing: their first love. They were doing all the right things, but their hearts had grown cold. Their routines had replaced their passion. The truth is, whether faith is brand new to you or you've been around church your whole life, it's easy to get stuck in routines that look good on the outside but feel empty on the inside. Religious boxes to check. Traditions to maintain. Rules to follow. But what if there's something more? This week, we're diving into what it looks like when love - real, authentic, life-changing love - drives everything we do. Not because we have to, but because we've encountered something, Someone, who changes everything. Whether you're discovering this love for the first time or remembering what you might have forgotten, join us as we explore what happens when we move beyond religious routines to genuine relationship. Because here's the truth: God isn't interested in your perfect attendance. He's after your heart.

You are listening to the Iron Coast Church Podcast. Our mission is to guide explorers to extraordinary lives through Jesus!

To learn more and to get connected, visit us online at ironcoast.church. This teaching was recorded live during our in-person gathering which happens every Sunday at 10am in Crooker Theater located in Brunswick, Maine. 

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