February 21, 2010
When Love Grows Cold 
Pastor John Sprecher

WHEN LOVE GROWS COLD
Text: Matthew 24:11-13
Introduction: “We’re getting a divorce because I just don’t love him/her anymore and after all, doesn’t God want me to be happy?”  While we would not likely say the same thing about God, our actions often betray us.

1. FALSE PROPHETS
1. Sources of inspiration
1. Divine
2. Human
3. Demonic
2. The power of the prophet
1. Is perceived to have information you want that can tell the future
2. Can create fear (Deut. 18:20-22)
3. The test of a prophet
1. What do they say about Jesus (I John 4:1-3)
1. Must confess that Jesus came in the flesh
2. The motivation (II Peter 2:1-3)
1. Destructive heresies
2. Exploit by covetousness
3. The fruit (Matthew 7:15-20)
1. Sheep’s clothing over ravenous wolves
2. Lifestyle and character
3. Judge by character and fruit
4. Often immoral (II Tim. 3:6-7)
5. To edify, exhort or comfort (I Cor. 14:3)
2. LAWLESSNESS WILL ABOUND
1. Root is selfishness
1. I can be my own God
2. I can do as I please
3. I have rights
4. It doesn’t apply to me
5. The lie (II Thess. 2:9-12)
6. The form of godliness, but no power (II Tim. 3:1-5)
2. Doing what is right in my own eyes
1. No king in Israel, everyone did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25)
2. No revelation of right– no restraint of evil in hearts (Proverbs 29:18)
3. Essence of the Law (Mark 12:28-34)
1. The greatest commandments
1. Love God with all your heart and soul
2. Love your neighbor as yourself
3. All of the law is fulfilled in these two
2. Understanding the principle brings us near the Kingdom
3. Jesus desires us to be born into His Kingdom
4. The damage done by lawless leaders (Matthew 7:21-23)
1. Many who appear to be doing spiritual things may not be spiritual people
2. Jesus is not impressed with our activity, but with our heart relationship
3. Can cause agape to grow cold
1. We are discouraged by what we see/expect in others
2. Our focus is taken from Christ to people
3. STAY ON TRACT FOR THE LONG HAUL
1. To stand (Eph. 6:13)
2. To finish well (II Tim. 4:7-8)
3. Obedience to the clear teachings of Jesus (Matthew 7:24-27)
1. Hear and do
2. The rock and the sand
3. The storms will come
4. Remember where you have come from
1. The forgiveness of the impossible debt
2. The first love (Rev. 2:1-5)
1. Patient
2. Pure doctrine
3. Perseverance
4. Love instead of legalism 
5. Repent and return to first passion