GARDEN TO GARDEN Week 4 By: Anita Venning This seven-week series tracks the recurring theme/symbol of Gardens within Scripture. Each of the Garden stories reveals understandings about the nature of God, human identity, and the world (present and future). By exploring the Garden of Eden (In Genesis 1 to 3), the new creation Garden-city (In Revelation chapters 21 & 22, and the Garden of Gethsemane and the Garden tomb (in the Gospels), we will gain an overarching view of God's creative and redemptive plans. Looking Back Listen to Revelation Song by Kari Jobe. Lead into a prayer that flows from the song. As a group or in twos or threes: What are you thankful to God for recently? What is something the Holy Spirit has been speaking to you about and how have you responded? Pray as a group or in twos or threes based on what has been shared above. Looking Up John the disciple of Jesus wrote Revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos because of his faith and testimony of Jesus. John had a series of visions ending in a picture of a new heaven and a new earth with Jesus the Lamb in the centre of the Garden City, giving hope to all believers. READ Revelation 21 and 22 As you take turns reading, stop and reread verses about God and Jesus the Lamb. What do you learn about God and His heart for restoration from this passage? What promises and invitations are extended to His people? What fears or questions does this passage raise? How can you live out what God is teaching you? Looking Ahead What is your next step? What is one way this week you will think, act or pray differently because of what God has shown you through His word? Pray for each other Pray for those places in our lives where we long for restoration. Pray for the truth of Jesus dwelling with us to become more significant. Pray, serve and love the people in our lives who are far from Jesus, to hear His invitation, through us to come and quench their thirst with the water of life.