St Luke's Church, Great Crosby

  Going Deeper Leaders' Notes 2
  Section 1: Encountering God

Our images of God influence the whole of our Christian life. This section looks at the greatness of God in creation, the love of God in Jesus and the power of God in the Holy Spirit, and how to discover this God in the Bible.

Play the tape of the talk if group members have not heard it.

Session 2: Discovering the love of God.
Aim To explore and experience Jesus as a revelation of the Father’s love.
Bible
Readings
Old Testament   Hosea 2:19-23
Psalm   136:1-6,13-18
New Testament   1 John 4:7-21
Gospel   John 14:8-11
Welcome Share some of the insights into the character of God that you discovered as you looked at creation. Write the words on a large sheet of paper.
Word

Introduction
Creation revealed God’s power, glory & presence. Jesus let go of all this to reveal God’s love in human form. (Philippians 2:6-8)

In Jesus we see God on a human scale.

Jesus said 'If you have seen me you have seen the Father' (John 14:9).

What characteristics of God do we see in Jesus?

A Father's (parent's) love (John 3:16, cf Luke 15:20)

  • He loves me
    • he knows my name (John 15:16, cf Luke 19:5)
    • he knows all about me (John 4:17, Psalm 139:1-6 & 13-18)
    • and he accepts my love (Mark 14:3-5)
  • - He only wants the best
    • life in all its fullness (John 10:10)
    • tough on sin (Mark 10:43)
  • - He gives everything to me
    • his life (John 15:12)
    • all things (Romans 8:32)

Discussion
In two’s make a list of words that describe the Father's love as seen through Jesus. Share these together and write them on the sheet of paper. Compare this list with the list of words you prepared at the beginning that describe God as seen in his creation.

Discuss the differences.

What does God the Father want from us?

  • A child’s love (Mark 10:15 )
    • open, trusting, yielding
  • A united life - (Matthew 11:28-30)
    • 4 Steps:
      • - come - because we have a need (cf John 7:37 thirsty)
      • - take - first let go (Luke 9:23)
      • - learn - gentle, humble, pliable
      • - rest - united, in harmony

Discussion
There are many pictures of this united life. (vine John 15:1-4, body 1 Corinthians 12:27, family Romans 8:16-17, building 1 Peter 2:4-5, bride Revelation 21:1-3)

Which one is most meaningful to you? Can you think of modern images?

What would you expect to experience if you were united to Christ?

How could you enter this experience?
Prayer
Time
  • play and/or sing songs that express God's love for us and our love for him, eg MEP 139
  • silence to reflect on the words
  • ask Jesus to come and fill us with his love
    • rest in his love
  • offer thanks and praise
Link Spend time each day expressing your love to the Lord. Do you become more aware of his love?
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17 January 2003
amended 28 January 2003
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