Voiceofgod

What was the pioneering reason that the Holy Spirit should be gifted to the believing Church?

The pioneering reason that the Holy Spirit is given to the Church is to move the Church back to its First Love.

Are the Church of God listening?

Revelation 2:2–5 NKJV [2] “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; [3] and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. [4] Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. [5] Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”

Most of today’s Church has many right boxes to tick:

• Perseverance. Yes
• Patience. Yes
• Labored for the Lord’s name’s sake. Yes
• Not become weary in that labor. Yes

Alas,

The Lord says we have left our First Love.

Is it possible to labor for God, not grow weary, be patient, persevere, but still lose the First Love?

What the Lord is asking from the Ephesian Church: To return to their First Love.

What was love like, and how sweet is the First Love.

Song of Solomon 1:2, 4 AMP [2] “May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!” [Solomon arrives, she turns to him, saying,] For your love is better than wine. [4] “Draw me away with you and let us run together! Let the king bring me into his chambers.”

It’s so intensely intimate — we, with our Lord, truly on top of the world.

It seems like the whole world around us is singing chorus songs.

Song of Solomon 2:4 NKJV [4] He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love.

Does our love for our Lord still burn with holy passion?

Song of Solomon 2:16 NKJV [16] My beloved is mine, and I am his.

Do we feel this warmth of love in our hearts?

From where have we fallen?

Revelation 2:5 NKJV [5] Remember therefore from where you have fallen…

Do I love Jesus? If so, do I seek Him?

Song of Solomon 3:2 AMP [2] “I said, ‘I must seek him whom my soul loves.’”

Are we like…

Song of Solomon 5:6 AMP [6] “I opened for my beloved, But my beloved had turned away and was gone. My heart went out to him when he spoke. I searched for him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he did not answer me.”

Why should the Lord ask us to return to our First Love?

Because He is in love with you.

He remembers not your sins.

Rather, He wants to embrace you and show you great and marvelous things which He has kept for those whom He loves.

See how He addresses you…

Song of Solomon 4:7–8 AMP [7] “O my love, you are altogether beautiful and fair. There is no flaw nor blemish in you! [8] Come away with me from Lebanon, my [promised] bride. May you come with me from Lebanon. Journey down from the top of Amana, From the summit of Senir and Hermon, From the dens of lions, From the mountains of leopards.”

Can the Church respond…

Song of Solomon 7:10 AMP [10] “I am my beloved’s, And his desire is for me.”

Can we leave behind everything — yes, all those ambitious goals, plans, some of which have now become our idols?

Can we seek JESUS, find Him, and hold on to Him, never letting Him go?

Song of Solomon 3:4 AMP [4] “When I found him whom my soul loves, I held on to him and would not let him go…”

Yes, you are making the right choice. Jesus is altogether lovely and desirable. He is your best friend indeed.

Song of Solomon 5:16 AMP [16] “His mouth is full of sweetness; Yes, he is altogether lovely and desirable. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.”

The Holy Spirit helps you to get back to your First Love.

May your cup run over with His love again.

Romans 5:5 AMP [5] Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Ask, and it shall be given.

Key Takeaway:

The Nature of First Love (Song of Solomon Imagery)

• Intimacy: “Your love is better than wine” (Song 1:2) — love that is intoxicating, joyful, and deeply personal.
• Belonging: “My beloved is mine, and I am his” (Song 2:16) — a covenantal bond of mutual possession.
• Pursuit: “I must seek him whom my soul loves” (Song 3:2) — love that drives relentless pursuit.
• Delight: “He is altogether lovely… this is my beloved and this is my friend” (Song 5:16) — love that sees Christ as both friend and desire.

The Spirit’s Role

• Rekindling Passion: The Spirit awakens holy desire, reminding believers of the sweetness of their first encounter with Christ.
• Empowering Return: He enables the Church to leave behind idols, ambitions, and distractions, drawing hearts back to Jesus.
• Sustaining Love: The Spirit doesn’t just restore love once — He continually pours it out, keeping the flame alive.

The pioneering reason the Holy Spirit was gifted is to move the Church back to its First Love — to ensure that faith is not only about perseverance and labor, but about intimacy, passion, and delight in Christ. Without this love, even the most faithful works risk losing their eternal fragrance.

Amen.
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