Real Life. Real People. Real Jesus. 

8-2-26
God With Us: The End

Scripture: Revelation 21:3–4 (ESV)
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man... He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore...'"

Discussion Question:
Where do you find your hope being shaped more by your current circumstances than by God's promised future?

Follow-up Questions:

• What tends to steal your hope most easily?
• How would your daily outlook change if Revelation 21 became more real to you than today's struggles?
• Who around you could benefit from seeing that hope lived out?

Connection to the Sermon:
The sermon emphasized that our ultimate hope isn't escaping the world but living forever with God in His restored creation.

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2. Living with a New Creation Lens
Scripture: Romans 8:23–25 (ESV)
"We ourselves... groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies..."

Discussion Question:
When have you found yourself living as though this broken world is all there is?

Follow-up Questions:

• How does believing God is restoring creation change your priorities?
• What part of your life needs more "new creation hope" today?
• What practical difference could this make this week?

Connection to the Sermon:
The sermon challenged us to let God's vision of the future shape how we live in the present.

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3. What Needs Restoration?
Scripture: Revelation 21:5 (ESV)
"And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'"

Discussion Question:
What area of your life are you longing for God to make new?

Follow-up Questions:

• What keeps you from believing God is still at work there?
• How have you already seen Him begin restoring something that once felt hopeless?
• How can your group pray specifically for that area?

Connection to the Sermon:
Rather than abandoning creation, God is restoring it. That same hope encourages us to trust His restoring work in our own lives.

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4. God With Us Forever
Scripture: Revelation 21:3 (ESV)
"Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God."

Discussion Question:
What would it look like to become more aware of God's presence in your everyday life?

Follow-up Questions:

• When have you experienced God's presence in a meaningful way?
• What distractions most often keep you from noticing Him?
• How can you intentionally pursue His presence this week?

Connection to the Sermon:
The central theme of the entire series is God's desire to dwell with His people, culminating in Revelation's picture of God with us forever.

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5. Living Like the Future Is True
Scripture: Colossians 3:1–2 (ESV)
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above... Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Discussion Question:
What would it look like for your choices this week to reflect confidence in God's coming kingdom?

Follow-up Questions:

• Where is God inviting you to live differently because of your future hope?
• Which relationship could be changed by living with greater hope?
• What's one specific act of obedience you'll commit to before next week?

Connection to the Sermon:
The sermon concluded by challenging believers to let the hope of the New Creation shape every area of life—from suffering and work to serving and disciple-making.----------------------------------------

This week's reading
Based on the sermon's application, encourage everyone this week to:

• Identify one area of life where they most need new creation hope (grief, anxiety, temptation, relationships, work, etc.).
• Intentionally remind themselves each day that God is making all things new, asking how that future hope should shape today's decisions.
• Read Nehemiah 1 and Ezekiel 36:22–26 in preparation for next week's series, God Through Us.