First Love
Have You Left Your First Love?
$9.95 — includes the complete ebook (PDF) FREE as a bonus.
In First Love: Have You Left Your First Love? Rev. Juan M. Pérez delves into the profound message of Revelation 2:4, where Jesus warns the Ephesian church: “You have left your first love.” This book challenges readers to move beyond superficial understandings of faith, revealing that “first love” is not merely an emotion or initial excitement for Jesus, but a dynamic, action-oriented devotion characterized by selfless, obedient love (agape). Drawing from over 40 years of pastoral ministry, counseling, and personal transformation, Pérez guides believers through the pitfalls of spiritual apathy, doubt, and distraction that cause many to drift from their early zeal.
The book is structured in four parts for clear, practical application:
Part One: “First Love” explores what this biblical concept truly means. Pérez clarifies that it’s more than saying “Jesus,” it’s a wholehearted commitment involving zeal, joy, obedience (John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments”), and active service to God and others. He shares his own journey from a life of rebellion, negativity toward Christianity, and addiction to a surrendered relationship where God became “the boss.” Readers learn how initial salvation sparks this love, but complacency, legalism, or worldly pulls can lead to “cold religiosity” without passion. Restoration begins with remembering early fervor, repenting, and returning to devoted actions.
Part Two: Have You Left Your “First Love”? examines why believers abandon this devotion. Pérez critiques destructive aspects of organized religion that impose rules over genuine relationship with God, leading to stagnation. He unpacks biblical love, contrasting English definitions (up to nine, from romantic affection to enthusiasm) with scriptural types: agape (selfless), phileo (brotherly), eros (romantic, implied), and storge (familial). Misunderstanding love as feelings rather than deeds (1 John 3:18) erodes faith, causing guilt, weakened witness, and distant fellowship with God. Consequences include vulnerability to sin and loss of spiritual influence (Revelation 2:5). Yet, hope shines through: trials build endurance, character, and affirmed hope in God’s love (Romans 5:3-5).
Part Three: How to Return to Your First Love introduces Pérez’s innovative “Love Chain”—a biblical framework transforming love into actionable steps: Gratitude (1 John 4:19) → Willingness to Sacrifice (Romans 12:1) → Obedience (1 John 5:3) → Ministry (1 Corinthians 12:7) → Serving Others (Galatians 5:13) → Glorifying God (1 Corinthians 10:31). This progression, supported by ESV and NASB Scriptures, mirrors the “Suffering Chain” in Romans, showing how faith matures. Practical steps include: Remember initial zeal and decisions; Repent of complacency and seek accountability; Do the Works through obedient acts. Pérez emphasizes becoming a “new creation” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), renewed by mind transformation (Romans 12:2), fostering homesickness for heaven and deeper Bible engagement.
Part Four: How to Maintain Your First Love addresses sustaining this devotion amid life’s trials. Pérez reflects on redefining love beyond manipulation or emotions, embracing obedience as the core. He shares his “addiction” to Bible study, replacing past vices with immersive research, testing promises, and experiencing transformation. Church life is portrayed realistically: a place of resources and failures, where imitating mature believers (1 Corinthians 11:1) builds faith, but focusing on personal obedience avoids disillusionment. A powerful testimony from Elder Greg Gutierrez illustrates overcoming divorce, addiction, and the “Dark Night of the Spirit” through repentance and renewed purpose.
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