We Want God Here - Isaiah 55v1-9 // April 27th, 2025
Teaching overview
Pastor Riley Taylor started a new series called We Want God Here. This week’s scripture was Isaiah 55v1-9. In the text, Isaiah is inviting the people of Israel and us, his church, if we are thirsty and hungry, we can come and purchase wine (symbolizes joy, celebration, and abundance) and milk (represents growth, health and nourishment), even if we do not have money- it is paid for. The invitation extends beyond mere physical nourishment, it also means that our basic needs are met, our deepest longings satisfied, and the price for life everlasting, is paid by God through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Our prayer for your Community
This week, we pray that we would hunger and thirst for your presence in our lives. Thank You for Your open invitation to come and be satisfied, even when we have nothing to offer. Help us, as a church community, to receive the joy, nourishment, and everlasting life You freely give through Jesus Christ. May we live as a people who hunger and thirst for You above all else.
Group questions
What part of Sunday’s message convicted, encouraged, or surprised you? (Seek)
Take time to revisit your notes or reflect on what you heard during the teaching. Consider where God might have been drawing your attention—not just what you thought, but what God might have been saying. A helpful practice is to spend a few quiet moments in Lectio Divina—slowly reading the passage of Scripture again, listening for a word or phrase that stands out, meditating on it, and letting it speak to your heart. Before speaking your own thoughts, let the Word speak first and ask that God's presence would join you.
What perspective do I need to change or adjust to come under the authority of scripture? What action does the text call me to do in light of this perspective? (Practice)
Hearing the word is just the beginning—following Jesus means living in obedience to it. The Spirit often prompts us toward simple obedience, repentance, or renewed action. This is not about being perfect, but about being faithful. What small step could you take this week to practice what was preached?
How can we as a group support you in living out what we’ve discussed this week? (Mission)
Discipleship is not only about inward formation but also outward compassion, and we want to walk that journey together as a community. As we pray for one another and seek Jesus together, our hearts are shaped toward His mission to renew all things. Our group isn’t just for us, but a place where we practice loving each other and live out the Kingdom of God.
For further meditation through the rest of your week…
Isaiah 55 reminds us that all the things we chase — success, comfort, approval — will never quench our thirst. Only God can satisfy my soul. His presence is an endless, overflowing well of life and peace. Today, we want to stop striving and simply come to Him, the only One who can truly fill us. John 4:14 – "Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst."
Sometimes we feel like we have to earn a place with God, like we have to “clean up” before we approach Him. But Isaiah says we can come without money, without fixing ourselves first. Jesus already paid the price. We respond to God’s invitation — not because we are worthy, but because He loves us freely and completely. Ephesians 2:8 – "It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
How much time and energy have we wasted chasing things that don’t last? God invites us to find real nourishment in Him — joy, strength, and purpose that no success or possession can match. We want to let go of the empty things and feast on the life only God can give us. Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?"
