Reading: Revelation 2:1-7

Devotional: Today's passage reminds us of the importance of maintaining our first love for Christ. The church in Ephesus was commended for their hard work and perseverance, but they had lost their initial passion. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you allowed your relationship with God to become routine or mechanical? Remember the joy and excitement of when you first encountered Christ's love. Take time today to rekindle that passion through heartfelt prayer and worship

Reading: John 15:1-11

Devotional: Jesus walks among His church, intimately involved in our lives. Just as He was present with the churches in Revelation, He is present with us today. This passage in John emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ. Consider how you can be more aware of Christ's presence in your daily activities. How can you "remain in His love" throughout your day? Practice acknowledging His presence in both mundane tasks and significant decisions.

Reading: James 1:2-12

Devotional: The church in Ephesus was praised for their endurance in hardship. James encourages us to view trials as opportunities for growth. Reflect on challenges you're currently facing. How might God be using these difficulties to strengthen your faith? Remember that Jesus sees your struggles and walks with you through them. Ask for His perspective and strength as you persevere.

Reading: 1 John 4:1-6

Devotional: The Ephesian church was commended for testing false teachings. In our complex world, discernment is crucial. This passage provides guidance on distinguishing truth from falsehood. Consider areas in your life where you need greater discernment. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of God's truth? Commit to regular Bible study and prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.

Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Devotional: Despite their many good qualities, the Ephesian church had neglected love – the most important aspect of faith. Paul's famous discourse on love reminds us that without love, all our spiritual activities are meaningless. Examine your own life and motivations. Are your actions driven by genuine love for God and others? Ask God to fill you afresh with His love, allowing it to overflow into all your relationships and activities.

This discussion guide is based on Pastor DJ's sermon "Looking for Love in all the Right Places" from the series  entitled Altars Everywhere - Volume 2.  We encourage you  to continue the discussion with a few friends in your HOW Church community!

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus walks among His church and is intimately involved with His people.
2. Jesus sees and acknowledges our efforts and struggles.
3. Our works and labor can never replace our love and affection for Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions that Jesus walks among His church. How does this impact your view of God's presence in your daily life?
2. Pastor emphasized that Jesus knows our "hustle and hardships." Share a time when you felt unseen in your efforts for God. How does knowing Jesus sees everything change your perspective?
3. The church of Ephesus was commended for many good works, yet lacked in their first love. How can we ensure we don't fall into the same trap of replacing love with labor?
4. What are some signs that might indicate we're drifting from our passionate love for Jesus?
5. The sermon states, "God measures your heart more than your hands!" How can we cultivate a heart of love for God alongside our service?
6. Discuss the statement: "Ministry success is not a measure of the number of chairs, but the amount of compassion." How might this change the way we approach church and ministry?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, set aside time each day to simply express your love to Jesus, without asking for anything or focusing on what you're doing for Him.
2. Reflect on your motivations for serving in church or ministry. Are they driven by love for Jesus or by other factors?
3. Choose one way to show Christ's love to someone in your community this week, focusing on compassion rather than just action.
4. Write a letter to Jesus, expressing your love and affection for Him. Be specific about why you love Him.
5. As a group, brainstorm ways your church can cultivate a culture of love alongside service and good works.

Closing Prayer: Thank Jesus for His presence among us and His intimate knowledge of our lives. Ask for His help in rekindling our first love for Him and maintaining that passionate affection in all we do.