Meeting God (Again) | April 2, 2023 | God Transforms

The world loves transformation - to change or optimize something. Lots of things can motivate you to change, be it shame, guilt, peer pressure, even a motivational speech. Those things will transform you in a way or for a time, but nothing can transform you like God can transform you. Romans 2:4 says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?"

God’s mode of transformation in people's lives is by his kindness, inviting everyone into the fullest kind of life with him. Do you have a story like that? Do you want a story like that? Hear and celebrate stories from the people of Canyon Ridge, reminding people about the vast story that God wants to write in everyone. As you listen, write down what questions emerge and discover who God wants to transform you to become with him!

KEY VERSES

  • Psalms 116:1-9 NLT -1 I love the Lord because he hears my voiceand my prayer for mercy. 2 Because he bends down to listen,I will pray as long as I have breath! 3 Death wrapped its ropes around me;the terrors of the grave overtook me.I saw only trouble and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:“Please, Lord, save me!” 5 How kind the Lord is! How good he is!So merciful, this God of ours! 6 The Lord protects those of childlike faith;I was facing death, and he saved me. 7 Let my soul be at rest again,for the Lord has been good to me. 8 He has saved me from death,my eyes from tears,my feet from stumbling. 9 And so I walk in the Lord’s presenceas I live here on earth!

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT -17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

  • Romans 2:4 NLT - 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

  • Romans 8:10 NLT - 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.

  • Psalms 51:10-12 NLT - 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.Renew a loyal spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence,and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and make me willing to obey you.

HEARING WHAT GOD IS SAYING

One of the best ways to hear what God is saying right now is to look at what He has said in the Bible with a few friends. Discovery Bible Study is an easy-to-use way to hear from God, make good changes in our lives, and share with others what God is up to. Grab some friends, pick a verse or story from above and dive in deeper to this week’s message.

Recap

+ Reconnect

To begin the study, each person answers these questions:

  • What are you thankful for?
  • What is causing stress for our neighbors and people around us?
  • What can we as individuals or as a group do to help?

+ Recap

  • Have someone retell the story from your previous meeting.
  • Did you live out your response from last week?
  • Did you tell anyone else about the story from last week?

Discovering What God Is Saying

+ Read and Retell the Bible Story

  • One person reads the story out loud to the group.
  • Someone else in the group retells the story in their own words as they remember it, and others fill in what’s missing.

+ Read and Look

  • Read the passage again (different version if possible)
  • What does this passage say about God, Jesus, or His plan?

+ Read and Look Again

  • Have 1-2 more people retell the story as if they were telling a neighbor outside their home.
  • What does this passage say about people in general?

Doing What God Is Saying

+ Consider

  • What in me needs to change to better DO what God is showing me today?
  • How will you respond to/obey this passage in a tangible, perhaps even costly ways in the next 47 hours?
  • Have someone record these for prayer time, and for the beginning of the next meeting.

Sharing what God is saying

+ Praying Together

  • Take prayer requests
  • Pray together

+ Share

  • Who in your life needs to hear this story?
  • Who could you invite to study the Bible like this?

GIVING

Everything that happens at Canyon Ridge is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through Canyon Ridge, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and making a difference for the people of Las Vegas and around the world!

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