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Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
The Reckoning
May 3,2025
Week 2: Waking Up to God's Presence
Jeff Griffin
Genesis 28:10-22
Life can sometimes feel like a wild frontier. That certainly was the case for Jacob, Isaac’s second born son and Israel’s namesake patriarch. As Jacob faces some of his past mistakes and finds redemption through God’s grace, his story will spur us on our own journey of transformation.
What’s one of the most bizarre or unusual dreams you’ve had recently?
1. Jeff pointed out that the phrase, “God helps those who help themselves,” isn’t actually in the Bible. Yet what do you think of that statement? Why might some people think of God as far away and uninvolved in their daily life?
2. In your own words, describe what it means to be a deist. What did you learn about this worldview?
3. Read Genesis 28:11-12. What was so significant about Jacob’s dream about a ladder?
“Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” (Genesis 28:11b-12, NIV)
4. What does God reveal about himself and Jacob’s future in Genesis 28:13-15? Why does this matter in the grand scheme of things? How does God convince Jacob He’s real? In what ways has God personally convinced you?
“There above it stood the Lord, and he said: ‘I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’”
5. Jeff stated that although He may be invisible, God is not inaccessible. What does it mean to CONNECT with God and to fully EXPECT Him to show up in meaningful ways? What helps you stay accountable with God to do that? How does it affect your prayer life?
God wants to speak to us and remind us how much He is present and wants to talk with us. How can your group help you stay connected to the power of the Holy Spirit and with others? Pray for each group member to see God’s active presence in their life and to watch the hand of God make Himself known.