Sermon Notes:
1. Christianity is not a religion, but a love relationship with God.
2. To be loved by God is the highest relationship, the greatest achievement, and the noblest position in life.
3. The number one thing that God wants from us is to love Him back.
How to rekindle your love for Jesus:
4. Remember your first meaningful days with Jesus.
5. Repent of walking away from Jesus.
6. Return to the things you did at the beginning with Jesus.
Follow-up Questions from Sunday:
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Digging Deeper:
1. In Revelation 2:1-7, Jesus gives a review to the Church at Ephesus. As you read these verses what were the things they were doing right? Why do you think these things were important to Jesus for a church to practice back then and today?
2. In vs. 4, Jesus says that He has this one thing against them, “that they have left their first love”. Why do you think it’s important to Jesus that we love Him?
3. Read Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 11:4; 1 John 4:8-10; John 3:16. How is God’s love towards us described in these verses? How have you experienced God’s love for you lately?
4. 1 Timothy 6:17 says that God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. How do you think this verse describes the heart of God for us? What are the little things you have enjoyed lately that God has provided for you?
5. Read Mark 12:28-34. In Mark 12, Jesus is in a public debate with the religious leaders of the day as they were trying to trap Him before the people. Then an honest question was asked about what God wants from us the most. Jesus tells the teacher that the most important thing that God wants from us is love. Does this surprise you, why or why not?
6. In what practical ways do you show God that you love Him?
7. Read Revelation 2:4-5. How could these verses be helpful for a Christian who has lost their first love? What do you do when your love for Jesus grows cold?
Taking it Home:
What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?