Week of October 18, 2026

Week 2: “Presence: God with Us”

Warm Up

What famous person would you want to spend a day getting to know? What would you want to do with them? How about someone you do know- who would you like a little extra time with? Why?

Introduction
Take some time to discuss any thoughts you have regarding this week’s message. In our technological world, connections are mostly made online, between devices. Social skills have taken a back seat to technical skills. But as internet connectivity has increased, so has loneliness. Humans are meant to be WITH- with other people, with the rest of creation, with their Creator God. From the first pages to the closing chapter, the Bible speaks of a God who wants to be with people. We find him walking in the garden, visiting his people, dwelling in a pillar of fire and cloud. We find him as a baby, wrapped in flesh and the love of his mother, Immanuel- God with us. Let’s explore how God reveals his great love by always being present for his people.

Digging Deeper (Scripture and discussion questions)
Read Isaiah 7:10-14. We are introduced to Immanuel- God with us. This is a Christmas prophecy, but “Immanuel” plays an important part in Isaiah’s day, even as they look ahead to Jesus. Glance ahead at Isaiah 8:5-10 and Isaiah 9:1-6.

- What else sticks out to you as you read the wider context?
- Why do you think God reminds the people of his presence amid difficulty?

“Immanuel” serves as a sign of God's presence, even though they aren’t even looking for him. They are tempted to turn to other gods and powers in their struggle. But Immanuel reminds them that only one God will be with them through it all. Read John 1:9-14. Jesus came to a world so lost that they stopped looking for God to show up.

• What is the promise we receive in this passage? How does it connect to God’s presence?
• Share a time in your life when you may have been too discouraged or distracted to even bother seeking God. What was that like for you?
• These passages remind us that God is always with us, even when we don’t feel it or believe it. How has God shown up for you in those dark times? Or how would you like God to show up for you?

God “tabernacled” among us (John 1). This word reminds the people that God chose to live in a tent as they went through the wilderness, filled the temple when they took over the Promised Land, and promised to be with them as their God. Jesus, the Word made flesh, is the embodiment of God’s promise to be with his people- so close he can touch all of our pain, heartache, and loneliness. And you can be assured that Jesus is still with you today.

Read Psalm 46.
• What is the point of this psalm? What encouragement does this Psalm give you?
• How does this psalm speak to our human experience of loneliness and heartache?
• Who do you know that would be encouraged by the presence of Jesus in their struggles?

Taking It Home
What is one key point from this discussion that I want to remember and apply? How will it impact my life moving forward?

Challenge of the Week
This week, your challenge is to explore how you have experienced God's presence. God can seem too distant or uninterested in our lives. But God is with us. Write down how God has been present in your life. Some questions that might help you:
‍ ‍When did I feel especially close to Jesus?
‍ ‍When did I hear an audible voice, see a visible sign, or feel a powerful sense of God’s closeness?
‍ ‍How have other Christians brought Christ's closeness to me?
‍ ‍Why do I believe that God cares about me? How has God demonstrated it?

Prayer
Take time to share any prayer concerns or requests people in the group have, and close in prayer for each other.

Dear Jesus, you love us. You care about us. You have drawn so near to us that you desire to dwell within us. Open our eyes to see your daily presence. Open our hearts to experience your goodness and love. Walk closely with us and teach us how to share this loving presence with others. In your name we pray, Amen.