Theme:
Intimacy
Title:
Being close to God
Desired Outcome:
That the members will understand being intimate with God and being in the same room as God is not the same thing. You can sit next to a friend but still be more intimate with your wife for instance.
Core Scriptures:
- Matthew 7:23
Welcome:
Any fun and welcoming Icebreaker that gets the members moving, on their feet, where all the members can participate in. If there are new members be careful not to create a space where they feel exposed or uncomfortable.
Word:
The uGroup leader must develop his own revelation and substance around the word, this will guide him/her with some thought points.
Help the members understand why it is important to be intimate with God and to evaluate the intention with which they approach God and their relationship with God. Being close to God might feel difficult and less resistant, but the easy way or the place of least resistance is not a place of freedom, it is the place of being subject to the things /circumstances around you.
Help members understand that moving closer to a fire might hurt as all the impure things melt away the closer I get to the fire. The heat of the fire might feel like a burden that I carry but it burns away all the things that is not meant for me and it shines light on the treasure I have in me.
You can ask the following questions:
- What is the difference between Moses who killed a man and Cain that made an unworthy offering to God?
- Is Intimacy with God and being in the same room as God the same?
- Why does it feel like serving God is heavier than not serving God?
Elaborate and explain what is true freedom and that being a Christian does not limit you, it empowers and liberates you from past things/circumstances that held you captive.