Reading: John 4:1-26

Devotional: Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well reveals the transformative power of God's presence. Just as Jesus offered living water that quenches spiritual thirst, God invites us to drink deeply from His presence. Reflect on areas of your life where you feel spiritually dry. How can you open yourself to receive God's living water today? Consider ways you can create space in your daily routine to experience God's refreshing presence.

Reading: Psalm 1:1-6

Devotional: The image of a tree planted by streams of water illustrates the vitality and fruitfulness of a life rooted in God's presence. Like the trees along the river in Ezekiel's vision, we too can flourish when we remain connected to God's life-giving Spirit. Examine your spiritual roots today. Are you drawing nourishment from God's Word and presence? Commit to a specific practice that will help you stay "planted" in God's love, such as daily Scripture meditation or regular worship.

Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-12

Devotional: Ezekiel's vision of the temple river depicts a gradual deepening of waters, symbolizing our journey of faith. Many of us start in the shallows, but God invites us into deeper relationship. Where are you in this river? Are you content at ankle-depth, or are you willing to wade further into God's presence? Pray for courage to surrender control and allow God to lead you into deeper waters of faith and trust.

Reading: Romans 6:1-14

Devotional: Baptism symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. It's an outward expression of an inward transformation. Reflect on your own baptism or conversion experience. How has your life changed since then? If you haven't been baptized, consider what might be holding you back. Regardless of where you are in your faith journey, ask God to renew your commitment to living out your new identity in Christ today.

Reading: John 7:37-39

Devotional: Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will have rivers of living water flowing from within them. This indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit not only transforms us but also flows out to impact others. How is God's presence in your life affecting those around you? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh today, and look for opportunities to let His love and grace flow through you to others who are spiritually thirsty.

This discussion guide is based on Pastor DJ's Sermon "There's Something in the Water" from the series entitled "Altars Everywhere".  We encourage you to continue the discussion with a few friends in your HOW Church community!

Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, inviting God's presence and guidance in your discussion.

Key Takeaways:

1. Water in Scripture often represents the presence of God.
2. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation.
3. The water flowing from the temple in Ezekiel's vision brings life, healing, and restoration.
4. God's presence pulls us deeper, demands surrender, and transforms everything it touches.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions that baptism is "an earthly announcement of a heavenly acquisition." What does this mean to you, and how does it impact your understanding of baptism?
2. Ezekiel's vision shows water gradually getting deeper. How does this relate to our spiritual journey with God? Where do you feel you are in this progression?
3. The sermon states, "You can't swim in God's presence while trying to stay in control." What areas of your life do you find it most challenging to surrender control to God? Why?
4. How does the image of trees planted by the river (Psalm 1 and Ezekiel's vision) inspire you in your spiritual life?
5. The sermon mentions three aspects of God's presence: it pulls you deeper, demands surrender, and transforms everything it touches. Which of these resonates most with you right now, and why?
6. What "dead areas" in your life do you need God's transforming presence to touch and bring to life?

Practical Applications:

1. Reflect on your spiritual journey. Write down specific moments when you felt God pulling you deeper into His presence.
2. Identify one area of your life where you're holding onto control. Commit to praying daily this week, asking God to help you surrender that area to Him.
3. Choose a verse about God's life-giving water (e.g., John 7:37-38) to meditate on and memorize this week.
4. If you haven't been baptized and feel God calling you to take that step, discuss it with your group leader or pastor.
5. Look for opportunities this week to share with someone how God's presence has transformed an area of your life.

Closing Prayer: End your session by thanking God for His life-giving presence and asking for His help in applying the lessons learned.