Ice Breaker Activity:

Art Effects

Materials needed to play Art Effects:

Sheets of blank paper

A surface to draw on

Sharpened pencils

How to Set Up the Game:

Get a head count of who all will be playing. Create teams of two with a single person set aside as the critic (if you have an uneven number of players). Write down random words that can be described — like goose or pizza — on slips of paper. Set aside.

How to Play Art Effects:

Pick out or have artists volunteer from the group and then randomly select a partner for them to pair with. Each pair will have one "artist" and one "describer". Each describer should be given a few slips of paper (with the random words you wrote down earlier) to describe to their artist. Once the partners have been decided, break up in pairs throughout the room with the artist and describer sitting back to back. Each artist will attempt to draw one item without the item being named, only described. Set a time limit or a word limit to keep the game interesting! (If there is a need for an unbiased ruling, consult your critic.)

In what ways can the Holy Spirit be a gift in your life? How have you or haven’t you experienced that in your life?

Read Matthew 6:8 Jesus states that the, “Father knows what you need before you even ask Him.” Has the Holy Spirit ever provided what you needed through one of His gifts?

What is something in your life that you have eagerly desired? How did that eager desire influence the way you lived your life?

In 1 Corinthians 14:1, the Apostle Paul says to “eagerly desire” the gifts/Holy Spirit. Reflecting on your answer to the previous question, how might a life look that eagerly desires the gifts/Holy Spirit?

What is one thing you have learned from the Holy Spirit series that you are praying will continue to grow your relationship with the Holy Spirit?

Spend some extended time praying for each of the individuals in the group, and specifically pray for the things they mentioned in the previous question.

Ice-Breaker Questions (Pick two and have group discuss before you dive into this week’s message questions):

- What is the story behind the time you went the longest without sleep?

- What is a quirky or unusual fear that you have?

- What is one of your biggest pet peeves?

- As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up and why?

Message Questions:

When I think about God speaking to me, it (fill in the blank) me? (Ex:

intimidates, confuses, frustrates, creates reservations, excites, etc.)

Knowing that God WANTS to speak to you, tells you what about God?

After hearing the message on how God speaks to you, give one

example of a time that you think God spoke to you and how it impacted

you?

Why is it important to “test” (examine/approve) what you are hearing to ensure it is truly from God? What are the potential dangers if you don't test what you are hearing?

What things have you found can hinder your ability to hear from God?

How might the life of someone who is actively hearing God speaking to

them look differently than someone who is not?

How would you like to grow in the area of hearing the Holy Spirit speak?

How can the group be praying for you in this area?