Ice Breaker

When was the last time you were completely awestruck by something in nature or creation? What was it and how did it make you feel?

Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Kent begins a new series called"Experiencing God" by addressing the question of when we last truly experienced God. He shares a personal story of experiencing God's peace during a moment of anxiety in a shower, emphasizing that while this isn't his everyday experience, it is possible to cultivate a life where we experience God more frequently. Kent explains that there is a spiritual physics - a way things work with God - and one of the most powerful ways to experience God is to live inside His will. Drawing from Romans 12:1-2, he emphasizes that we should offer ourselves as living sacrifices and not conform to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation allows us to test and approve what God's will is. Kent concludes with a 30-day challenge for the congregation to read one chapter of the New Testament daily to renew their minds and better understand God's heart.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your presence in our lives, we ask that You would open our hearts to truly experience You. Lord, we acknowledge that sometimes we go through seasons where we don't feel Your presence as strongly as we'd like. Help us today to be honest with ourselves about our spiritual journey and receptive to what You want to teach us through this discussion. May our time together draw us closer to You and to each other. In Jesus' name, amen.

Key Verses

1. Romans 12:1
2. Romans 12:2
3. Acts 4:13

Questions

1. The pastor asked, 'When was the last time you experienced God?' How would you answer this question, and what did that experience feel like?
2. What do you think it means to offer your body as a 'living sacrifice' in today's world?
3. The sermon mentioned that experiencing God is connected to living inside His will. How do you typically try to discern God's will in your life?
4. Pastor Kent suggested we should ask 'What is God up to?' rather than 'What is God's will for my life?' How might this shift in perspective change how you approach following God?
5. In what ways do you find yourself conforming to the patterns of this world? What would it look like for you to be transformed in those areas?
6. The sermon described God's will as more like a circle (boundaries) than a line (specific steps). Does this concept make God's will feel more accessible or more challenging to you? Why?
7. How has your understanding of God's character affected your ability to experience Him?
8. What obstacles prevent you from consistently spending time in Scripture, and how might you overcome them to take on the 30-day challenge?

Life Application

This week, take on Pastor Kent's 30-day challenge by reading one chapter from the New Testament each day. As you read, rather than asking 'What does God want to teach me?' focus on the question 'Who are You, God?' Keep a simple journal noting one thing you learn about God's character or heart each day. At the end of the week, reflect on whether this intentional focus has affected your ability to experience God's presence in your daily life.

Key Takeaways

1. Experiencing God is connected to living inside His will - there is a spiritual physics to how we encounter Him.
2. We should offer ourselves as living sacrifices, which means continually surrendering our lives to God's purposes.
3. To know God's will, we must not conform to the patterns of this world but be transformed by renewing our minds.
4. God's will is less like a specific line to follow and more like boundaries within which we can freely move.
5. Regular engagement with Scripture helps us understand God's heart and character, which enables us to better recognize His presence and will.

Ending Prayer

Lord God, thank You for Your desire to be experienced by us. We confess that sometimes we've sought You halfheartedly or expected to encounter You without truly seeking You with our whole hearts. Forgive us for conforming to the patterns of this world rather than being transformed by the renewing of our minds. This week, as we commit to spending time in Your Word, help us to see beyond rules and obligations to Your heart of love. May we become people who are noticeably different because we have been with Jesus. Transform our 'wanters' to align with Your will, and draw us into deeper experiences of Your presence. In Jesus' name, amen.