Introduction: Bounce back. One of the purposes, besides ultimately glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ, is for Christians to “get back” to where we once were. But how does that work?
Below is a description of how that happens.
1. Returning to our first Love, JESUS! (Rev. 2:4) – “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”
Instead of leaving, we ought to be cleaving to JESUS! After all, He has promised never to leave us (Rom. 8:38–39; Heb. 13:5). Have you left your first love?
2. Repenting from sin! (Acts 3:19) – “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”
In this context, the Jews had grossly denied and rejected Jesus as their Messiah. Truthfully, we’ve done the same by our lifestyle, whether before we were saved or afterwards. Therefore, we need to have a change of mind due to our disobedience. How do you feel?
3. Refreshing in the Presence of the Lord! (Acts 3:19) – “…when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
Thank God for His REFRESHING! When we TURN from our bad ways, JESUS TURNS toward us, and then He pours out REFRESHING in our hearts. Do you need REFRESHING?
4. Reclaiming the ground given over to the enemy!(Acts 19:17–18) – “And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.”
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together… Real repentance results in a change. Counterfeit confession is short-lived! No change. No sorrow. But real godly sorrow results in a spiritual transformation.
5. Refocusing on God’s Will! (Acts 19:19) – “…Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
I really like what these Christians did after hearing the truth of the Word of God. They brought forth fruit proving it was genuine!
