05-02-2021

05-02-2021
Dr. E. Dale Locke (West & Online), Rev. Trevor Johnston (East), Pastor Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Mistaken Identity
Week 4: Feel Good god
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español

1. Read our memory verse for this sermon series, which tells us how to get the most true picture of what God is like - Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.  After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

Our understanding of God should not be static. It should grow as we read Scripture and get to know Jesus better. Share something you used to think about God that you’ve come to understand was mistaken.

2. What helps a person stay humble, open and teachable with regard to their understanding of God and His Word? 

This week we’re looking at what we call “Feel Good god.”

Problematic Idea:  God is there to make me feel good all the time.

3. Sociologists say that we go through stages in human relationships. The “infatuation stage” is an important and necessary step in human bonding.  It’s the stage where very strong feelings develop, and chemicals in your brain are at work to lead you to the next stage, which is called the “attachment stage.”

What happens if a human relationship gets stuck the “infatuation stage”? 

4. How are there parallels of this in our relationship with God?

5.  Read about Peter’s experience with Jesus in Matthew 17:1-9.
     “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.  4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

     5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

     6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.  9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Why did Peter want to stay on the mountaintop?  Why did Jesus want them to go back down the mountain?

Disclaimer:  We’re NOT saying people can’t experience the presence of God!

6. John Wesley describes that his heart was “strangely warmed” when he gave his life to Christ. If you’ve experienced a “warming” in your heart at some point in your faith journey, share about what that was like. 

7. Even someone like King David didn’t always feel the presence of God. Read what David wrote in Psalm 13:1-6 - “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?  2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?  3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God.  Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.  5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.  6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.”

What was going on within David in the first view verses of this Psalm?

8. Of course God had not actually forgotten David.  But God wants us to be honest about our feelings – whether positive or negative - in our prayers.  If you’ve ever been in a difficult season and poured out your frustration or other negative feelings to the Lord, how did that impact you?

9. What do you notice in verses 5 and 6 about how David’s perspective changed as he was praying?  What do you think caused this change in him? 

10. Pastor Dale said, “The true sign of Christian maturity isn’t the feeling of the presence of God; it’s the conviction to stay committed and engaged, open and trusting, even when you don’t feel God’s presence.”  What did he mean by that? 

11. Here are some truths about emotions and experience in our spiritual lives: 

·       Emotions are fickle.

·       Emotions are wonderful servants but terrible masters.

·       Emotional experiences of God’s presence ebb and flow.

·       Our level of experience of God is often connected to our engagement with Him.

·       Sometimes our felt experience of God decreases in order that our trust may increase.

Talk about what we mean by each of these truths.  If you’ve experienced any of them, share about that with your group. 

Ready for your next step?

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News and Announcements:

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·       Parenting Seminar: Thursday, May 13 @7:30 on Zoom

Navigating technology with kids and teens is HARD and it's always changing. As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our kids to navigate technology in a way that is healthy and balanced. Join us for a practical evening of teaching for parents of kids and teens of all ages. It is never too early or too late to start!  Register on our events page. 

·       Baby Bottle Boomerang:  We are partnering with First Care Women’s Clinic who have been helping women facing crisis pregnancies to choose life for their unborn babies for over 35 years. Last year 203 babies were saved!  First Care has clinic locations throughout Palm Beach County including a virtual Telehealth clinic. After the service on May 9 & 16, you can pick-up a bottle from Janet Ratty in the lobby.  Fill up the bottle with a check, cash, or coins. Please return your bottle on May 23 to support this wonderful ministry!

·       Community Garden:  Do you enjoy gardening?  Would you like to help us grow healthy produce to feed those in need in our community?  Join our Community Garden team!  We are currently serving together at the West Campus on the 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings of each month.  Learn more at communityofhope.church/missions

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