Ever feel like a fish out of water? Ever feel like you are going one direction while everyone else is going the opposite way? Ever feel alone, even in a small group? You are not alone—well, at least in one sense. Many people experience a sense of isolation. Just because seven or eight people get together with you once a week and talk about spiritual things doesn’t necessarily mean that you will feel connected with them. Particularly is this true, if some of the group share like interests that are not yours, if conversations center around mutual friendships that you don’t share, or if you are in a different place emotionally or spiritually. Perhaps, this is a group needing some encouragement to move into deeper spiritual areas.
All Consuming Fire won’t automatically take care of these concerns, but it lends itself to the kind of discussion that allows for a small group to experience the movement of the Holy Spirit. Even in a group where stories are shared, where hurts are exposed, and where lives are laid bare, life transformation may not necessarily be taking place. Especially is this true when the focus of those conversations is about fixing either another person or myself, so that life is better. The movement of the Holy Spirit often includes a conviction of sin, and the wonderful life-giving and powerful experiences of healing and restoration. That’s what small groups should be about. For small group licensing, order here.
All Consuming Fire can also be used for Retreats, both for a personal retreat or a corporate retreat. Choose three or four lessons that you think will be the most helpful to you or your group. The presentation already exists in the “Consider This” section of each lesson. Personal reflection questions and group discussion questions are already prepared in the “Personal Reflection” and the “Engagement” pages of the book. As you spend significant time away from the distractions of life, be prepared to meet with God in very personal ways!