October 4, 2026
Remember to Remember
Revelation 2:1-7; John 19; 1 Corinthians 15; Acts 18; Acts 19; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; 1 Corinthians 11; Ephesians; John 3:16; John 14; 1 John 1:9 · Revelation 2 · John 19 · 1 Corinthians 15 · Acts 18 · Acts 19 · 1 Corinthians 11 · John 3 · John 14 · 1 John 1
Pastor Seth Presley preaches from Revelation 2:1–7 on the power of remembering. The church in Ephesus had enjoyed faithful leaders and strong teaching, and Jesus commended its hard work, endurance, and discernment against false teaching.
Yet Jesus also confronted the church: it had left its first love. A congregation can remain active and doctrinally alert while its love for Christ grows cold. Pastor Seth Presley describes revival as returning to a fresh love and commitment to the Lord.
The remedy in Revelation 2:5 is to remember, repent, and return to the first works. Remember Christ’s mercy and the cross; turn back toward the Lord; and renew your service to him. Pastor Seth Presley also urges anyone unsure of their salvation to call on Jesus, the only way to the Father.
Key takeaways
- Jesus commended the Ephesian church for its labor, endurance, and discernment.
- Sound doctrine matters for faithful Christian living.
- A busy church can still grow cold in its love for Christ.
- Jesus said the Ephesians had left their first love.
- Remembering Christ’s mercy can renew love and gratitude.
- Repentance means turning back toward the Lord.
- Return to the first works of faith and service.
- Revival begins with a renewed love for Jesus.
- Christ is the only way to the Father.
- Those unsure of their salvation should call on Jesus.
Day 1
Remember Your First Love
Revelation 2:1-7
Jesus sees the church in Ephesus clearly. He recognizes its hard work, patient endurance, and discernment about false teaching. Yet he also names what has gone wrong: they have left their first love. Their activity and sound doctrine had not disappeared, but love for Christ had cooled. This passage invites us to consider not only what we do for the Lord, but what is happening in our hearts as we do it. Remembering our first love is not about trying to recreate a particular feeling or pretending that every season of faith is the same. It is about turning our attention again to Jesus—his mercy, his truth, and his faithful presence. He speaks correction because he cares for his people and calls them back to life with him. Today, ask the Lord to renew your love and shape your service from that love.
- Reflect
- Where might faithful activity be taking the place of attentive love for Jesus?
- Prayer
- Jesus, turn my heart toward you again and let my service flow from love.
Day 2
Faithful in the Work
Revelation 2:2-3; Ephesians 6:10-17
The church in Ephesus was commended for labor, endurance, and spiritual discernment. Their faith was not passive: they kept serving and remained steady under pressure. Their example reminds us that perseverance matters, especially when following Jesus is difficult or unnoticed. But hard work alone cannot take the place of love for Christ. Service is healthiest when it grows from trust in him, rather than from a need to prove our worth or earn his favor. God’s Word also helps us recognize what is true and resist teaching that would draw us away from the gospel. We do not need to chase every new claim; we can test what we hear against Scripture and hold fast to Christ. Ask God for both a willing heart to serve and a discerning mind. Then keep going in the work he has given you, relying on his strength rather than your own.
- Reflect
- What is one faithful act of service you can offer this week from love for Christ?
- Prayer
- Lord, strengthen me to serve faithfully and help me hold firmly to your Word.
Day 3
Love at the Center
Matthew 22:34-40; 1 John 4:19
When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, he called his people to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and to love their neighbor as themselves. Love is not a substitute for truth or obedience; it is the center from which a life of obedience grows. As we receive God’s love in Christ, we are freed to love others with patience, honesty, and care. This love changes how we speak and act. It turns us away from using people, holding grudges, or seeking only our own advantage. Yet love is more than a burst of feeling. It is a steady response to the God who loved us first, shown in worship, faithful choices, and practical kindness. If your love feels small today, you can bring that honestly to God. Ask him to renew your gratitude for Christ and to make his love visible in the way you treat the people around you.
- Reflect
- How could love for God shape one specific interaction you will have today?
- Prayer
- Father, thank you for loving me first; teach me to love you and my neighbor well.
Day 4
Remember, Repent, Return
Revelation 2:5; 1 John 1:9
Jesus gives the Ephesians a clear way back: remember where they have fallen, repent, and do the works they did at first. Remembering helps us see both the goodness of God and the ways we have drifted. Repentance means turning from sin and turning toward God; it is not merely feeling regret. The invitation is to return to faithful love in practical ways—prayer, worship, obedience, and care for others. For believers who have sinned, Scripture offers hope, not despair: when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us. We do not earn his welcome by making ourselves worthy. We return because his grace is real. Perhaps today’s next step is to name a sin honestly, restore a neglected habit of prayer, or seek reconciliation with someone. Take that step with confidence in the mercy of God, who calls his people back to himself.
- Reflect
- What honest act of repentance or return is God inviting you to take today?
- Prayer
- Merciful God, show me where I have drifted and help me turn back to you.
Day 5
Remember the Savior
1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 14:1-6
The Lord’s Supper gives the church a tangible way to remember Jesus: his body given for us and his blood poured out. This remembrance is more than looking back at a tragic death. We proclaim the Lord’s death, receive the promise of his grace, and look forward to his coming. The cross reminds us that salvation rests on Jesus, not on our ability to maintain a perfect record or a constant feeling of spiritual excitement. Jesus is the way to the Father, and his promise gives hope when our hearts are troubled. Whether your faith feels strong or you are asking God to rekindle it, turn your attention to the Savior who gave himself for you. Remember his mercy, trust his promise, and let gratitude shape the way you live today. We remember not to stay in the past, but to walk with the risen Christ in the present and hope in his future.
- Reflect
- What truth about Jesus’ sacrifice or promise do you most need to remember today?
- Prayer
- Jesus, thank you for giving yourself for me; keep my hope and love rooted in you.
Open together
- 1.What is something meaningful you have remembered recently?
- 2.What helps you keep an important relationship from growing distant?
- 3.When have you felt especially eager to serve or take part in something you care about?
Observation
- 1.What does Jesus commend the church in Ephesus for in Revelation 2:2–3?
- 2.What criticism does Jesus give the church in verse 4?
- 3.What three actions does Jesus call the church to take in verse 5?
- 4.What does Jesus say will happen if the church does not repent?
- 5.What does Jesus commend the church for in verse 6, and what promise does he give to those who overcome in verse 7?
Interpretation
- 1.What might it mean that the Ephesians had “left” their first love, even though they continued to work and persevere?
- 2.Why do you think Jesus connects remembering, repentance, and returning to the first works?
- 3.How can sound teaching and faithful service coexist with a cooling love for Christ?
- 4.What does the image of the lampstand suggest about a church’s witness and life?
- 5.How does the promise of the tree of life encourage the church to listen and persevere?
Application
- 1.Which part of Jesus’ message to Ephesus—his commendation, criticism, or call to return—stands out to you most, and why?
- 2.What helps you remember what Christ has done for you?
- 3.Are there habits or distractions that may be weakening your love for Christ? What step could you take to address them?
- 4.What is one way you can renew a former practice of love or service to Christ this week?
- 5.How can your group encourage one another to remain faithful to Christ and grounded in Scripture?
Jesus Is the Only Way
0:52Pastor says Jesus isn’t merely a good way to heaven—He is the only way.
“I Want All the Revival I Can Get”
0:58Pastor refuses to let age, perfection, or failure become an excuse for not seeking revival.
Revival Means Falling in Love Again
0:41Pastor distinguishes revival from an evangelistic campaign: it’s a cold-hearted believer falling in love with Jesus again.
Hardworking Christians Can Still Feel Stuck
0:56Pastor explains how even diligent, spiritual Christians can fall into a rut.
Don’t Wait for Revival to Find You
0:45Pastor challenges listeners to ask God for revival right where they are, instead of waiting for a great awakening.
Repentance Is a Change of Direction
0:27Pastor defines repentance simply: stop heading away from Jesus and turn your life back toward Him.
You Can’t Defeat What You Don’t Know
0:47Pastor argues that spiritual discernment starts with what you believe—and that Scripture is essential to overcoming temptation.
The Way Back to Joy
0:36Pastor offers a hopeful path out of a spiritual rut: confess your sins and let God restore your joy.
When Faith Feels Like Fireworks
0:36Pastor vividly recalls the joy and energy he felt when he first got saved.
Remember What Jesus Brought You Through
0:43Pastor says remembering where you came from—and what happened at Calvary—can renew your gratitude.
It’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. Take time today to remember God’s faithfulness and what He has done in your life. Join us as we reflect on the message, “Remember to Remember.”
#RememberToRemember #SalemBaptistChurch #Faithfulness #Remember
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What we believe shapes how we live. Stay grounded in God’s Word and let it guide your choices. Join us as we learn more from “Remember to Remember.”
#RememberToRemember #SalemBaptistChurch #GodsWord #Faith
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A cooling love for the Lord calls for an honest return to Him. Ask God to renew your love and commitment today. Come worship with us and hear more from “Remember to Remember.”
#RememberToRemember #SalemBaptistChurch #FirstLove #Revelation
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Even faithful people can find themselves feeling spiritually stuck. Be honest with God about where you are and ask Him to rekindle your love for Jesus. You’re invited to join us for worship and encouragement.
#RememberToRemember #SalemBaptistChurch #Revival #FaithJourney
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Pastor Seth Presley points to Jesus as the only way to the Father. Put your trust in Him and share this hope with someone who needs it. Join us as we worship Jesus together.
#RememberToRemember #SalemBaptistChurch #JesusIsTheWay #John146
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Remembering can help us recognize when we need to turn back toward the Lord. Take a step today to renew your relationship with Jesus. You’re welcome to join us as we seek Him together.
#RememberToRemember #SalemBaptistChurch #Revelation25 #Renewal
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