Home Group Questions- August 17th

Key Takeaways:
  1. The altar represents a place of refuge, surrender, repentance, persistence in prayer, and encounter with God.
  2. God offers each person a place of refuge where we can run to Him for safety and comfort.
  3. Surrendering fully to God allows us to be filled completely with His presence.
  4. Repentance is a powerful tool for maintaining a right relationship with God and others.
  5. Persistent prayer aligns us with God's will rather than changing His mind.
  6. Encountering God at the altar can lead to life-changing experiences and spiritual growth.

Discussion Questions:
  1. What does the concept of the "altar" mean to you personally? How has your understanding of it changed after hearing this sermon?
  2. Pastor mentioned five aspects of the altar. Which one resonates most with you right now and why?
  3. Have you ever experienced a moment of complete surrender to God? What was that like, and how did it impact your life?
  4. How can we incorporate the practice of repentance more regularly into our daily lives?
  5. The sermon emphasized persistence in prayer. How do you maintain consistency in your prayer life, especially when you don't see immediate results?
  6. Can you share a powerful encounter you've had with God, either at a physical altar or in a metaphorical sense?
  7. How do you think our church community could benefit from a renewed focus on the altar as a place of encounter with God?

Practical Applications:
  1. Set aside time this week to create a personal "altar space" in your home - a dedicated place for prayer and encountering God.
  2. Practice daily surrender by starting each morning with a prayer offering your day to God.
  3. Identify one area in your life where you need to repent. Take action steps to address it and make amends if necessary.
  4. Choose a specific prayer focus and commit to praying persistently for it over the next month, keeping a journal of your experiences.
  5. Plan a time to visit your church's sanctuary or prayer room outside of regular service times to spend uninterrupted time seeking God at the altar.
  6. Reflect on areas of your life that you haven't fully surrendered to God. Write them down and prayerfully consider how to release control to Him.
  7. Look for opportunities to share your testimony of encounters with God to encourage others in their faith journey.