Lighthouse Baptist Church
and Christian Academy

1. GOD IS LOVE.

[Your Objective: Gain deeper insight into God by comparing His unseen nature to what you have seen in life.]

How do we experience God's love, according to Romans 5:5?

• It's said that "mother-love" is intuitive. Discuss aspects of "mother-love" and how it reflects God to you.
• How does the Holy Spirit manifest God's love to us?
• Even if we did not have a loving relationship with our mother, how can we experience God's nurturing love now, today?

Describe Paul's prayer for the church, as expressed in 2 Thessalonians 3:5?

• How is this longing like a mother's natural desire for her children?
• What can we do to help each other experience this deeper understanding of God's love?

How can we see God's love? Read 1 John 4:9-10. Who is our living example?

• In what ultimate way did God demonstrate His love for us?
• This verse draws a distinction between God's love for us and our love for God. Which comes first? Why do we often think God's love is based on our behavior, as if we must earn it?
• Share in your group how God's love has become real to you.

Discipleship (Maturity) - God's goal for each of us is to grow up in Christ and know the depth of His love for us. In your group, discuss examples of times you've seen God's love in the actions of others. Talk about the difference between the concept of God's universal love and the greater reality of His personal love for you and for me. Make it your goal this week to fall deeper in love with God through study of His Word and through actively demonstrating His love to others.

2. GOD LOVES TO PROTECT AND COMFORT.

[Your Objective: See the parallel between a mother's desire to protect and comfort her children and God's love.]

In 1 Peter 5:7, what are we instructed to do? What does this reveal about God's nature and character?

• What makes us hold on to our burdens and cares, even when we know God wants to carry them for us?
• Name a few other things people turn to for comfort before they'll call out to God. Why do we do that?
• Why can we be confident in obeying this instruction? How is this aspect of God's character like a mother's natural love for her children? Give at least one example.

What is David's request of God in Psalm 40:11?

• Who does a child first cry out to when he is hurt? How does this person represent God to that child?
• Why are we not likely to turn to a stranger for help when we're hurt? How does that answer indicate the need to know God in order to trust Him?

How does Jeremiah 29:11 expand our understanding of God's desire for His children? What is His promise?

• This verse is often cited during times of despair. Why? What comfort does God offer here, especially when life is difficult to comprehend?
• Talk about the word "hope". How does it represent God's love, protection and comfort?

Psalm 121:5 offers another look at God's protective nature. How is the Lord described here?

• Have any of you experienced this "sheltering" love in relationship with your mother or a mother-figure in your life? If so, consider sharing a story from this relationship as an example and encouragement to others.

Fellowship (Membership) - One of the functions of the body of Christ is to protect and comfort its other members, just as when we are injured, our other body parts protect the injured one. Is anyone in your group in need of comfort right now? It's like that there is at least one, even if the need is not apparent. Prayerfully reach out to that injured brother or sister now and in the coming days. Ask God to show you how.

Responding to God's Love...

3. RECEIVE GOD'S LOVE.

[Your Objective: Experience the value of connecting with God and aligning yourself with His desires for you.]

When did God show His love for us, according to Romans 5:8?

• In what way does this sacrificial act demonstrate God's great love for us?
• Why do you think so many of us resist a love so freely given?

What did the father say had to be done to acknowledge the return of his prodigal son, in Luke 15:32? Why?

• It's not uncommon for children to be "missing," if even for just a moment. If you've ever experienced this, either as a parent, caregiver or as a child, describe what it was like. How did you feel when the lost one was found?
• How do you think God feels when one of His prodigals returns?
• We know that God is our creator. What do we need to do to become His child?

Worship (Magnification) - When we confess our sins to God and ask for His forgiveness, we take the first step in receiving His love. God is magnified by this act of acknowledgment. No matter how long we may have walked with Him, we must daily recognize the line in the sand that separates us from all He wants to do in our lives. Make it a point right now and all through the coming week to rededicate your life to Him daily. You don't have to be perfect to receive God's love. Take time, either individually or as a group, to do this right now.

4. REFLECT GOD'S LOVE.

[Your Objective: Focus on giving back to others what God has given you.]

How did Jesus describe the commandment He gave in John 13:34-35? What does He direct us to do?

• Many of us grew up in homes where God was thought of as someone who dispensed harsh rules. How does this commandment alter that image?
• Talk about what each of you could do this week to reflect God's love to someone who may have never seen it before, or just in your daily lives.

Evangelism (Mission) - A person who's found God's love naturally wants to tell others about the joy she has received from Christ. It's not about persuading someone else to believe in your God. It's about telling them your story. Remember when you won a special award, or first became engaged? You could hardly wait to share the good news. It's the same with the Christian message of hope. Do you know it? The world is full of love-hungry people. Give the food you've found to others. It's free!

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.

Ephesians 5:2 (NLT)

Are you a follower of Jesus? If so, you are on God's team. I challenge you to do something everyday to say, "Thank You!" to God for His love, protection and comfort. Ask Him for opportunities to reflect that love to others. Seriously pray about how He wants you to live as an On-Mission Christian. Listen carefully for His answer and make a plan for how you will respond. Celebrate His love. Nothing in life is deeper than understanding God's love and obeying His call.

Are you not yet a Christian? Then I challenge you to seek out His love. Right now, you can move from creation of God to child of God. In the silence of your heart, you can say god, I ask your forgiveness. It's not the words you use He cares about, but the condition of your heart. Enter into relationship with a living God.