Locations & Times

You can be doctrinally correct, faithfully serving, and completely checked out of your relationship with Jesus—all at the same time.

The church in Ephesus was one of the strongest in the New Testament—active, discerning, and uncompromising in truth. Yet Jesus had one charge against them: they had abandoned the love they had at first. This message from Revelation 2:1-7 unpacks the quiet danger of spiritual drift; how activity for God slowly replaces intimacy with God, and how Jesus's call to Remember, Repent, and Return is less a warning and more an invitation home.

Whether you've noticed a growing distance between you and Jesus, or you're simply going through the motions of faith without feeling much behind it, this message is for you.

In this message you'll discover:

• Why the greatest danger to your faith isn't false doctrine — it's a cold heart
• How spiritual drift happens gradually through a thousand small decisions, not one sudden fall
• The difference between being busy for God and being genuinely close to God
• Jesus's three-step path back to your first love: Remember, Repent, and Return

Karl Romeus
June 21st, 2026

// Bible References: Revelation 2:1-7, Ephesians 2:8, Ephesians 6:11, Ephesians 3:21, Acts 19, Acts 20,                                                  Revelation 2:1-5, John 5:39, Luke 10:4, Matthew 6:21

// Community Question: Are you someone who likes spoilers, or do you prefer to be surprised? Why?

// Discussion Questions

1. Spiritual drift is something that happens gradually through 'a thousand small decisions' rather than one big moment of rebellion. What are some everyday habits or distractions that can slowly pull someone away from their relationship with Jesus without them even noticing?

2. In Revelation 2:4, Jesus tells the church in Ephesus, 'I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.' How is it possible for someone to be doing all the right ministry opportunities — serving, attending church, defending truth — and still be distant from Jesus?

3. Karl draws a contrast between Martha and Mary in Luke 10:41-42, where Jesus says, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.' What is the difference between being busy “for” Jesus and doing life “with” Jesus, and why does that distinction matter so much?

4. Whatever has your deepest affection becomes your true first love, and points to Matthew 6:21 — 'Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' How do you identify what actually holds first place in your heart, even if you wouldn't expect the answer?

// Challenge: Karl closes with Jesus' three-word prescription in Revelation 2:5 — 'Remember. Repent. Return.' He emphasizes that this is not about earning your way back or performing better, but about coming home like a child who knows they belong.  This week take some time to sit with Jesus and practice:

• Remember:Reflect on a time when you felt close to Jesus and thank Him for His faithfulness.
• Repent:Ask God to reveal anything that has become more important than Him and surrender it.
• Return:Re-engage in one practice that once helped you connect with Jesus (prayer, worship, Scripture, journaling, solitude, etc.).