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Hi House Church Leaders!
 
As we go through Revelation as a church, we will be sending out weekly sermon summaries and discussion questions to help your House Churches facilitate deeper study.
 
Warning Labels & Promises
Pastor Darren's sermon serves as a warning label to Christians, particularly followers of Jesus who may be doing all the right things—attending church, serving the poor, leading worship—but still missing the heart of the matter. Using the example of the church in Ephesus from Revelation 2:1-7, it shows how the believers were faithful in good deeds, purity, and perseverance, yet lost their "first love" for Christ. The warning is that without rekindling this passionate devotion, the church risks losing its prophetic witness. Jesus isn't interested in just our works; He desires our hearts and a relationship built on love, not duty. The call is to remember, repent, and return to the practices that fueled our initial passion for Christ, reigniting that first love.
Discussion Questions
1. What are some ways you have lost your "first love" for Jesus while still being active in ministry or spiritual disciplines?
 
2. How does the culture of Ephesus compare to modern-day pressures that can pull us away from a wholehearted devotion to Christ?
 
3. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our faith remains centered on love rather than routine or obligation?
 
4. What does it look like for you personally to rekindle your "first love" for Jesus, and how might this affect your daily life?
 
Communal Practice: Jesus in the Room
We aren't called to a set of beliefs or practices rather we are called to a person, Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we must keep Him at the center of everything. Our quiet times, House Church gatherings, serving, and worship. We don't just gather to talk about Jesus, as an idea, we talk about Him to fuel our hunger to talk to him face-to-face.
 
The beauty of the Family of God, is that we get to gather together, and corporately pursue Jesus and listen to God's voice on behalf of each other.
Thanks to the Holy Spirit, we have access to Jesus’ heart and can hear His voice. 
 
When you gather, bring people to the middle of the room to pray for them: 
“If Jesus were to walk in the room, what would he say to ____________?” 
 
Take time to do this for everyone in the group. You might need to break up into smaller groups of 3-4 to make sure that everyone receives prayer.
 
Daily Discipleship: Reflect & Repent
Set aside time every day for the next week to examine your heart and actions, repenting for any areas where routine or duty has replaced genuine love for Jesus.
 
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