First Love: Joy and Simplicity

Top Highlights

“If you are to ever regain your first love, it is absolutely necessary for you to acknowledge that Jesus does in fact have first place in everything, including your life. You do not occupy a position of prominence, only He does. The sooner you recognize that the quicker you will begin to reestablish your love for Him.” (Page 26)

“This passage crystallizes the danger of becoming so busy in activity for Christ that one forgets the necessity of maintaining a rich, loving relationship with Him.” (Page 7)

“Divine sovereignty and human responsibility are integral and inseparable realities of salvation—though exactly how they operate together only the infinite mind of God knows.” (Page 37)

“The Christian life is a continual pursuit of a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Because he is committed to Christ, the true Christian will do nothing to dishonor Him. Instead he will look to Him for mercy and grace when he sins. He will seek His strength during times of trial and temptation. And he will desire His wisdom and knowledge to lead him through the maze of life’s confusing circumstances.” (Page 10)

“But the Greek word translated ‘image’ here is eikōn, which refers to a perfect replica, a precise copy, or an exact reproduction, as in a fine sculpture or portrait. Paul was saying that God Himself is fully manifest in the Person of His Son, who is none other than Jesus Christ. He is the exact image of God.” (Page 18)