Wk 5 // July 22 & 23
Wk 5 // FIRE
July 22 & 23, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
Whether or not you like those types of movies, one has to admit that our culture has a bit of an obsession with death. If you doubt that, simply refer to the surge in popularity of movies and tv shows involving zombies, vampires… and the Halloween holiday as a whole. Put simply, we are fascinated with supernatural possibilities (fiction or fact) surrounding death. We recognize that death gives perspective on life. However, defining true death and true life (at least biblically) may not be quite as simple as one might think.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ezekiel 37:1-8
Death and life are far too often restricted to a physical condition. This is undoubtedly why God chooses such a vivid vision here. But God is of course not primarily commenting on physical death, but instead, a spiritual condition that epitomizes death. When we look at ourselves and those around us, we may initially draw conclusions from what we observe in the physical world. But God calls us to look past that into the spiritual condition defined through our relationship with him. That is where actual death and life can be determined.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ezekiel 37:9-14
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This imagery is just as pertinent today as it was when given to Ezekiel. God desires to breathe life through the Holy Spirit into each of us and mobilize us to create an army of people who lovingly represent Jesus in this broken world.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Pray that God would make the comfort, presence and power of his Spirit obvious to you as you praise and pray diligently this week.
July 22 & 23, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- What is your favorite movie that includes a significant amount of war/death/guts/etc.?
- Are you generally a fan of these types of movies? Why or why not?
Whether or not you like those types of movies, one has to admit that our culture has a bit of an obsession with death. If you doubt that, simply refer to the surge in popularity of movies and tv shows involving zombies, vampires… and the Halloween holiday as a whole. Put simply, we are fascinated with supernatural possibilities (fiction or fact) surrounding death. We recognize that death gives perspective on life. However, defining true death and true life (at least biblically) may not be quite as simple as one might think.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ezekiel 37:1-8
- What do you think God is trying to communicate to his people through this prophetic vision given to Ezekiel?
- What does it look like for a person to appear alive but for there to be “no breath in them”?
Death and life are far too often restricted to a physical condition. This is undoubtedly why God chooses such a vivid vision here. But God is of course not primarily commenting on physical death, but instead, a spiritual condition that epitomizes death. When we look at ourselves and those around us, we may initially draw conclusions from what we observe in the physical world. But God calls us to look past that into the spiritual condition defined through our relationship with him. That is where actual death and life can be determined.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ezekiel 37:9-14
- How do you know you’re alive spiritually?
- Allow yourself a moment to dream and envision… what does it look like in our world today, for “a vast army” like that to stand with the breath of the Holy Spirit in them?
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This imagery is just as pertinent today as it was when given to Ezekiel. God desires to breathe life through the Holy Spirit into each of us and mobilize us to create an army of people who lovingly represent Jesus in this broken world.
APPLICATION
- What is one way you can seek to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit this week?
- What is one way you can better walk in the power of the Holy Spirit this week?
PRAYER
Pray that God would make the comfort, presence and power of his Spirit obvious to you as you praise and pray diligently this week.
