Part 03 | God’s Here
Discussion Guide
Choose a few of these questions from the various categories to go deeper in the sermon and putting the truths of Scripture into practice.
Sermon Summary
In this teaching, Pastor Jimmy Seibert delivered a powerful message about experiencing God's presence in our everyday lives through"house to house" communities. The central theme focused on the truth that God is present with us wherever we gather in His name - whether in personal worship, small groups, corporate gatherings, or in our daily activities.
Jimmy traces the historical journey of God's presence from Adam and Eve walking with God in the garden, through the tabernacle with Moses, David's restoration of worship, Solomon's temple, and ultimately to the New Testament reality where because of Jesus we become the dwelling place of God through the Holy Spirit. This progression shows God's relentless pursuit to be present with His people despite sin and brokenness.
The heart of the message centers on Acts 2:42-47, particularly the phrase "everyone kept feeling a sense of awe." Pastor Jimmy emphasizes that this awe wasn't produced by great leadership or programs, but by acknowledging God's presence when believers gathered together.
Key Scriptures
Acts 2:42-47 (NASB1995) "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."
John 15:26-27; John 14:18 (NASB1995) "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me... I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
1 Corinthians 3:16 (NASB1995) "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"
Ephesians 2:19-22 (NASB1995) "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit."
Matthew 1:23 (NASB1995) "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, 'God with us.'"
Discussion Questions
Scripture Study & Deeper Understanding
From Tabernacle to Temple: Trace the journey from the Old Testament tabernacle system to the New Testament reality of believers being God's temple. What does this progression reveal about God's ultimate desire for a relationship with humanity? How does this historical context deepen your understanding of what it means to be the church?
"House to House" Ministry: Looking at Acts 2:42-47, what specific activities did the early church practice that attracted God's presence and created "awe"? Which of these practices (teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, generosity, etc.) is strongest in your life group or church community? Which needs more attention?
Encouragement
God's Relentless Pursuit: Jimmy showed how throughout history, God has constantly pursued ways to be present with His people. How does this encourage you in your daily life?
Living Temples: The Scripture says we are temples of the Holy Spirit, containing God's provision, His ways, and His authority within us. What does it mean to you personally that you carry the very presence of God wherever you go?
Challenge
Acknowledging God's Presence: Pastor Jimmy emphasized that "any room can shift when anyone acknowledges God's presence." In what areas of your life do you struggle to acknowledge or invite God's presence? What would it look like to practically acknowledge God in your workplace, family dinner table, or difficult conversations?
Devotion vs. Division: The early church was "continually devoting themselves" to God's ways. In what ways do you find yourself devoted to other things (work, entertainment, relationships, etc.) that might be competing with your devotion to God? What needs to change?
Personal Testimony
Experiencing Awe: Think about a time when you experienced that sense of "awe" in God's presence, either alone or with other believers. What were the circumstances? How did acknowledging God's presence in that moment impact you or others around you?
Heart Healing: Pastor Jimmy shared a picture about God as our perfect Father and the Holy Spirit as our Comforter filling gaps left by imperfect earthly parents. How has God shown Himself as a faithful Father or Comforter in your life? What areas of your heart still need His healing touch?
Putting it into Practice
Practical Presence: Pastor Jimmy demonstrated acknowledging God's presence through prayer, texting encouragements, and generous giving. Wait on the Lord and ask Him to show you one specific way for you to intentionally acknowledge God's presence in your daily routine this week? How might you invite others into experiencing God with you?
Creating "Awe" Environments: Whether in your family, friend group, or workplace, how is God leading you to help create environments where people might experience that sense of awe and recognize God's presence? What practical steps is He leading you to take to be more intentional about inviting God into your relationships and gatherings?