"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent...." Revelation 2:4-5

THIS is not intended as a lecture on human relationships, but rather, it is important that you fully perceive and correctly understand that which constitutes the BASIC ORIENTATION in order to have our seats reserved in Heaven. GOD WAS/IS FIRST. So long as THERE He remained in man's life, that long did man remain with God! When God became second, OUT WENT MAN! Wherefore, in order to reenter God's Presence, we must again PLACE GOD FIRST IN OUR LIVES! THAT is why the Son of God admonished us to DISREGARD our kindred, our children, possessions, home, and life itself that we may enter into our "FIRST LOVE" – OF God and His righteousness, thereby giving us BASIC CLAIM to citizenship in Heaven. For, so long as we live in a passionate love for anything or anyone here on earth, just that long is our vision too limited (SELF-oriented) to become desirable citizens of the Heavenly Kingdom. Forget not how Jesus acclaimed John the Baptist, yet concluded by saying that the least in Heaven's Kingdom outshone John the Baptist!

...That cross you must bear is to teach you faith and patience: virtues ESSENTIAL in the Heavenly Master's Kingdom. GOD was/is FIRST: similarly must He also be in your own personal life, THEN will you perpetually rejoice in the greater vision, having been freed from the fetters founded in the "me and the mine."

Have you "counted the cost of discipleship"? Greatly rejoice if yours is the means to pay for the "building of the tower" – that you "may be His disciple."

Discipleship (a Sermonette)