When God Restarts Your Heart Discussion Guide
Summary
Pastor Adrian delivered a powerful sermon about what happens when God restarts our hearts. He used the biblical story of Saul, who went from searching for donkeys to becoming Israel's first king after encountering God. The message focused on how a genuine encounter with God transforms us from the inside out, giving us a new heart and spirit that enables us to live differently.
The sermon emphasized that when God restarts our hearts, four key things happen: our hearts are changed, we begin to hear God's voice, we become heroic in our faith, and we help transform others' lives. Pastor Adrian stressed the importance of maintaining humility and continually returning to God for renewal, warning against becoming like Saul who eventually stopped listening to God.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be honest with ourselves and each other as we explore what it means to have our hearts restarted by You. Guide our discussion and help us to encourage one another in our faith journey. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Can you share about a time when you had to restart something in your life (like a job, relationship, hobby, etc.)? What was that experience like?
Key Verses
1 Samuel 10:6-11
Ezekiel 36:25-27
Luke 4:18-19
Questions
What does it mean to have God 'restart' your heart? How is this different from just trying to change yourself?
The sermon mentioned that when God changes our heart, we begin to hear His voice. How have you experienced hearing God's voice in your own life?
What are some ways that pride or self-reliance can hinder our relationship with God?
How does having a 'new heart' from God affect our relationships with others?
Pastor Adrian talked about becoming 'heroic' in faith. What does this look like in everyday life?
What are some practical ways we can maintain humility while serving God?
How can we tell if we're operating out of our 'old heart' versus our 'new heart'?
What role does community play in helping us maintain our transformed hearts?
Life Application
This week, take time each morning to surrender your heart to God and ask Him to help you operate from your 'new heart.' Keep a journal of moments when you notice yourself responding differently to situations than you would have with your 'old heart.'
Key Takeaways
When God restarts our heart, He changes us from the inside out
A transformed heart enables us to hear God's voice more clearly
True transformation leads to boldness and heroic faith
We must maintain humility and continually return to God for renewal
God's transformation of our hearts enables us to help transform others' lives
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of a new heart and the opportunity to be transformed by Your Spirit. Help us to remain humble and dependent on You, always returning to You for renewal and guidance. Give us the courage to live boldly for You while maintaining tender hearts that are sensitive to Your leading. Use us to transform the lives of others as You continue to transform us. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.
Seeking The Spirit Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focuses on seeking the Holy Spirit through prayer and fasting, using Acts 13:2 as the key text. The pastor emphasizes how Barnabas and Saul's dedication to seeking God through fasting and prayer led to their missionary journeys that spread Christianity across the known world. He highlights that when we truly seek God, He directs our paths and reveals His plans for our lives.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be sensitive to Your Spirit and give us the courage to seek You wholeheartedly. Guide our discussion and help us understand how we can better seek Your presence in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's the longest you've ever waited for something you really wanted, and was it worth the wait?
Key Verses
Acts 13:2
1 Chronicles 28:9
Jeremiah 29:13
Matthew 6:33
Questions
Who or what is currently directing your life decisions?
What does it mean to be 'sensitive to the Holy Spirit'?
How have you experienced God's direction in your life through prayer?
What barriers prevent you from seeking God more intentionally?
How can fasting enhance our spiritual sensitivity to God?
What role does unity with other believers play in seeking God?
What special work might God be calling you to start?
How can we maintain consistency in seeking God beyond just special seasons of fasting?
Life Application
This week, commit to spending at least 15 minutes each day in focused prayer and Bible reading, specifically asking God to reveal His direction for your life. Keep a journal of any impressions, scriptures, or thoughts that come to mind during these times.
Key Takeaways
When we seek the Holy Spirit, we become more sensitive to His voice and direction
Seeking God leads to greater unity and solidarity with other believers
God has a specific plan for each person that can only be discovered through seeking Him
Starting something lasting for God's kingdom requires dedicated prayer and fasting
Our personal relationship with God should drive our decisions, not others' opinions
Ending Prayer
Lord God, thank You for reminding us of the importance of seeking You wholeheartedly. Help us to be intentional in pursuing Your presence through prayer and fasting. Give us the courage to step into the plans You have for us and the faith to start what You're calling us to begin. May we become more sensitive to Your Spirit and united in Your purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen.
finish the fight
Summary
Pastor Adrian delivers a powerful sermon about finishing your fight, focusing on the biblical story of Elisha and the Aramean army from 2 Kings 6. He emphasizes that as Christians, we are in a spiritual battle, but we must fight differently than the world does. The message centers on three key principles: looking at things with spiritual eyes rather than natural eyes, laboring in the right fight (spiritual rather than carnal), and loving the right way (even our enemies).
Intro Prayer
Lord, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to understand how You want us to fight our battles. Help us see things through Your eyes and give us the wisdom to apply these truths to our lives. Guide our discussion and help us encourage one another in faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Share about a time when you faced a challenging situation and how your perspective on it changed after seeking God's guidance.
Key Verses
2 Kings 6:16-17
Ephesians 6:12
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
Matthew 5:44
Questions
What are some battles you're currently facing where you need to change your perspective?
How can we practically distinguish between fighting spiritual battles versus fighting people?
What does it mean to 'labor in the right fight' in your daily life?
How has God shown you His perspective in situations where you initially only saw the natural circumstances?
What are some practical ways we can show love to our 'enemies' as discussed in the sermon?
How does knowing that we have 'more on our side' affect how we approach difficult situations?
What distractions might be keeping you from focusing on the real spiritual battles in your life?
How can we maintain a loving approach even when facing opposition or persecution?
Life Application
This week, identify one relationship or situation where you've been fighting the wrong way. Commit to approaching it differently by: 1) Asking God to help you see it from His perspective, 2) Using spiritual weapons (prayer, faith, love) instead of carnal ones, and 3) Responding with love even when it's difficult.
Key Takeaways
We must look at situations with spiritual eyes rather than natural eyes
Our battle is not against people but against spiritual forces
Love is our most powerful weapon in spiritual warfare
Victory comes through fighting God's way, not the world's way
We need to focus on the right battles and not get distracted by lesser conflicts
Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us how to fight our battles Your way. Help us to see with spiritual eyes, focus on the right fights, and love even those who oppose us. Give us strength to finish our fights with Your perspective and Your love. May we be known as people who fight differently because we follow You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Don't Kick Against Your Call
Summary
The sermon focuses on pursuing God's call in one's life, using the Apostle Paul's transformation as a model. Pastor Adrian outlines four key elements needed to fulfill God's calling: revelation (a personal encounter with God), impartation (receiving the Holy Spirit's power), transformation (a period of preparation and character development), and dedication to changing generations. He emphasizes that this journey isn't about personal glory but about exalting Jesus Christ.
Intro Prayer
Lord, as we gather to discuss Your word, open our hearts and minds to understand Your calling for our lives. Help us to be honest with ourselves and each other about where we are in our spiritual journey. Guide our discussion and show us how to better align our lives with Your purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What was your dream job or career when you were a child, and how has that changed over time?
Key Verses
Acts 26:12-18
Acts 9:17
Philippians 3:12-14
Acts 13:2-3
Questions
What does having a 'personal revelation' of God mean to you? Have you experienced this?
Why do you think God often includes a waiting period in our spiritual journey?
How can we distinguish between religion and genuine relationship with God?
What are some ways we might be 'kicking against' God's call in our lives?
How can we maintain patience during seasons of transformation?
What role do you think community plays in pursuing God's call?
How can we impact generations in our current sphere of influence?
What's the difference between pursuing our own glory versus God's glory in ministry?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you might be resisting God's call or direction. Commit to taking one specific step toward obedience in that area, whether it's serving others, joining a growth group, or addressing a character issue God has been highlighting.
Key Takeaways
A personal revelation of Jesus is essential for pursuing God's call
Transformation is a necessary process that requires patience and humility
God's calling is meant to impact generations, not just ourselves
The ultimate purpose of our calling is to exalt Jesus, not ourselves
Everyone has a calling, regardless of their role or position
Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patient work in our lives. Help us to embrace both the revelation and transformation processes You've designed for us. Give us courage to step into Your calling, patience during seasons of preparation, and hearts that seek Your glory above all else. Guide us to impact the generations You've placed in our path. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Christ Before Comfort Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the importance of prioritizing Christ over personal comfort. It encourages believers to look to past pioneers of faith, fix their eyes on Jesus, and allow the Father's love to guide and correct them. The message challenges the congregation to actively choose Christ's path, which may involve enduring hardships for a greater purpose, and to be pioneers of faith for future generations.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us today. Help us to be attentive to Your voice and willing to embrace the path You have set before us. May we be inspired by the examples of faith that have come before us and be strengthened to choose Christ over comfort. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you enjoy doing for relaxation or comfort?
Key Verses
Hebrews 12:1-2
Hebrews 12:5-6
Hebrews 12:12-13
Questions
What does it mean to you to choose Christ over comfort?
Can you share a time when you had to prioritize your faith over personal comfort?
Who are some past pioneers of faith that inspire you, and why?
How can we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus in our daily lives?
What role does God's discipline play in our spiritual growth?
How can we be pioneers of faith for the next generation?
What are some practical steps you can take to strengthen your spiritual walk this year?
In what ways can the love of the Father transform our lives?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you have prioritized comfort over Christ. Make a conscious decision to change that, whether it's spending more time in prayer, serving others, or stepping out in faith in a new way.
Key Takeaways
God has a unique race set before each of us, and we are called to run it with endurance.
Looking to past pioneers of faith can inspire and guide us in our spiritual journey.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus helps us to endure hardships and stay true to our faith.
God's discipline is an expression of His love and is meant to guide us towards holiness.
We are called to be pioneers of faith for future generations, impacting lives for Christ.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the opportunity to gather and reflect on Your Word. As we go forth, help us to choose Christ over comfort in every aspect of our lives. May we be strengthened by Your love and inspired by those who have gone before us. Guide us to be faithful pioneers for the generations to come. In Jesus' name, Amen.