Summary

Pastor Kent shares a powerful story about his hometown of Garden City, Kansas, where the Arkansas River had been dammed up by Colorado, leaving only a dry riverbed. When Kansas won a lawsuit and Colorado temporarily opened the floodgates, life suddenly sprang up around the flowing water. He uses this as a metaphor for what he sees happening in their church - God opening the floodgates and bringing spiritual life. The sermon focuses on King Hezekiah, who inherited a kingdom from his wicked father Ahaz. Despite growing up under terrible circumstances where the temple was destroyed and idol worship was prevalent, Hezekiah immediately opened the temple doors on his first day as king and led a spiritual revival. Remarkably, the people's response to this revival was to bring their tithes - 10% of everything they had - and pile them in heaps. This response puzzles the pastor and sets up a series he plans to preach about tithing, its purpose, and why it was the natural response to God's movement in their lives.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You would open our hearts to what You want to teach us. Just as You opened the floodgates and brought life to dry places, we pray that You would move in our lives and in our group discussion today. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit and to learn from each other. Give us wisdom and understanding as we explore Your Word together. We surrender our preconceived notions and ask that You would speak to us in ways we need to hear. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

Share about a time when you experienced something coming back to life after a long period of dormancy - maybe a garden after winter, a friendship that was restored, or a hobby you picked up again after years.

Key Verses

1. 2 Chronicles 28:2-4
2. 2 Chronicles 29:1-3
3. 2 Chronicles 31:4-6
4. 2 Chronicles 29:11
5. 1 Peter 2:9

Questions

1. How do you think Hezekiah was able to choose righteousness despite growing up under such a wicked father? What factors might have influenced his decision?
2. The pastor describes feeling like God is opening floodgates in their church. Have you experienced seasons where you felt God moving in your life or community? What did that look like?
3. Why do you think the people's immediate response to revival was to bring their tithes? What does this tell us about their hearts?
4. Hezekiah said 'do not be negligent now.' What areas of your life might God be calling you not to be negligent in?
5. The sermon mentions that our culture has complicated views about money and church. How has this affected your own perspective on giving?
6. What does it mean to you that we are part of 'the priesthood of believers' as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:9?
7. The pastor talks about recognizing your 'sphere of influence.' What is your sphere of influence, and how might God want to use you there?
8. How can we respond when we feel afraid or inadequate to step into what God is calling us to do?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific area where you might be 'negligent' - where God is calling you to step up but you've been hesitant. Take one concrete action in that area, whether it's having a spiritual conversation with someone, serving in your community, or deepening your relationship with God. Don't let fear or feelings of inadequacy hold you back from what God wants to do through you.

Key Takeaways

1. God can bring life and revival even to the driest, most hopeless situations
2. Our past circumstances don't have to determine our future choices - like Hezekiah, we can choose righteousness despite difficult backgrounds
3. When God moves in revival, the natural response of grateful hearts is generous giving
4. We are all part of the priesthood of believers and have been chosen by God for our specific spheres of influence
5. God calls us not to be negligent in the opportunities He places before us, even when we feel afraid or inadequate

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder that You can bring life to even the driest places in our hearts and communities. Help us to be like Hezekiah - choosing to follow You regardless of our past or our circumstances. Give us generous hearts that respond to Your goodness with gratitude and giving. Show us our spheres of influence and give us courage not to be negligent in the opportunities You place before us. May we be faithful stewards of all You have entrusted to us. Help us to trust You even when we feel inadequate or afraid. We want to be part of what You're doing in our church and in our world. In Your precious name, Amen.