Digging Deeper

Extreme Makeover #1    ~    September 12, 2004

 

 

Think About it:

 

            There is no doubt that, if given the opportunity, we would makeover some area of our lives…whether it’s our bodies, homes, yards, families, etc.  Knowing us, many of these makeovers would be EXTREME!  Think about this—how many of our makeovers would shape us for the Kingdom of God?  How many of us would put our heart on the extreme list of makeovers?  How would it even need makeover?  What is the shape, style, culture, livelihood of the Kingdom?  This is our journey as we dig deeper into these questions and more over the next several weeks.

 

Explore it:

 

  1. If you had the opportunity to makeover ONE thing, no holds barred—what would it be and why?

 

 

The Kingdom of God is amazing to think about.  It is so vast when you think about the universe, creation, our world; yet it is also small—even to the point of being personal to each of us.  Big and little.  Macro and micro.

 

  1. As a group, go outside and spend 2-3 minutes just looking, listening, smelling, feeling, all that is around you.  (If it is raining, you can stand on a porch or in an opened garage.)  Then spend just a few minutes talking about your experience (what you saw, heard, smelled, felt).  After everyone had a chance to share, read Acts 17:24-28.   You may want to say a simple prayer of gratitude for God and this group.  Return inside.

 

  1. Is it easier to think of the Kingdom of God in its bigness (macro) rather than its smallness (micro) of being in our hearts?  Why?

 

  1. What does the Kingdom’s bigness lead us to do according to Acts 17:27, 28?

 

  1. To live “in Him” is a big deal.  The implications are enormous.  The focus of the Kingdom and “life in him” stands on loving God and loving others.  If this was the only measuring stick for YOU, how would your heart measure up?  Why?  Would you desire a makeover, even an extreme makeover, to truly live your life “in Him”?  What would have to change?

 

  1. Wrap up your time with any additional thoughts and comments.  Encourage the group that the journey we are on is to discover more about the Kingdom, our hearts, and God’s gracious makeover opportunity as we live life together…in Him.

 

In your prayer time, make it a priority to pray for each person by name and the work God wants to do in their lives and hearts.