Big Idea

God created the church for us to experience his transforming presence.

Scripture

Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 25:8, Exodus 40:33-35, John 1:1-3, John 1:14; John 14:15-17, 23, I Corinthians 3:16, Revelation 21:3-5, Hebrews 10:23-25

Opening Questions

1. Have you been able to B.L.E.S.S. others recently?
2. What fictional family would you most like to join?

Today we’ll look at a theme that runs throughout all of Scripture. God wants to be with his people. He is a God that is with us and wants to transform us by his presence. Look up each passage below and talk about the themes you see.

Bible Discussion

3. Read Genesis 2:1-3. It says God rested after creating the world. It might be hard to recognize, but in the ancient world, for God to rest doesn’t mean God takes a vacation but that God dwells in the space that’s been created. It’s like the whole world is God’s temple, and he dwells with his people there. How does that concept strike you?
4. Read Exodus 25:8-9 and Exodus 40:33-38. What do you notice here?
5. Read John 1:1-3, John 1:14. In verse 14, the word dwell means “tabernacle.” Why do you suppose John was trying to say by connecting Jesus to the Old Testament Tabernacle?
6. Read John 14:15-17, 23. What is Jesus promising here?

Life Application

7. Read 1 Corinthians 3:16. See also this statement by Theologian David Fitch. “Presence is the way God works. Therefore, for God to work the way he chooses to work, requires a people for God to be present to, and to make space for God to be made known in the world…God requires the church.” What are some of the ways we can be more open to the Holy Spirit in the life of our community?
8. Read Revelation 21:3-5. How can this future picture encourage us today?
9. Finally, read Hebrews 10:23-25. How can we practically live out the encouragement given here?