Sermon Notes
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Sunday, February 23rd
This sermon explores the concept of God's omnipresence, contrasting it with human limitations of being in only one place at a time. The sermon draws on several biblical stories, including Elijah's contest with the prophets of Baal and the parable of the Prodigal Son, to demonstrate that the real distance between humans and God is not physical but relational. The key message is that while we cannot physically run from God's presence, we can choose to either withdraw from or draw near to God relationally. The sermon emphasizes that elaborate rituals or dramatic gestures aren't necessary to get God's attention - simple, honest prayer and a willingness to turn toward God in humble obedience is all that's needed.
Discussion Questions:
1. Think about a time when you felt distant from God. Was this distance more physical or relational? What helped you bridge that gap?
2. The sermon contrasts the quiet prayer of Elijah with the elaborate rituals of Baal's prophets. How do you tend to approach prayer - do you ever feel pressure to make it "dramatic" or "perfect"?
3. Does the idea that "God is here" impact your daily life? If so, how? How do you think it should impact our daily lives?
4. The sermon mentions how the elder brother in the Prodigal Son story was physically close but relationally distant from his father. Have you ever experienced something similar in your spiritual life - going through religious motions while feeling emotionally disconnected?
5. Consider the metaphor of the Stanley water bottle - believing it's full but never drinking. In what ways might you be carrying faith without "drinking" from it?
6. How does the concept of God’s presence being an objective reality and not something that we need to envision or conjure up challenge or affirm your understanding of experiencing God?
7. God is present everywhere. Do you think there are places that he is “more” present (sanctuary, nature)?
Discussion Questions:
1. Think about a time when you felt distant from God. Was this distance more physical or relational? What helped you bridge that gap?
2. The sermon contrasts the quiet prayer of Elijah with the elaborate rituals of Baal's prophets. How do you tend to approach prayer - do you ever feel pressure to make it "dramatic" or "perfect"?
3. Does the idea that "God is here" impact your daily life? If so, how? How do you think it should impact our daily lives?
4. The sermon mentions how the elder brother in the Prodigal Son story was physically close but relationally distant from his father. Have you ever experienced something similar in your spiritual life - going through religious motions while feeling emotionally disconnected?
5. Consider the metaphor of the Stanley water bottle - believing it's full but never drinking. In what ways might you be carrying faith without "drinking" from it?
6. How does the concept of God’s presence being an objective reality and not something that we need to envision or conjure up challenge or affirm your understanding of experiencing God?
7. God is present everywhere. Do you think there are places that he is “more” present (sanctuary, nature)?