Monday, October 29, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
LifeGroup Curriculum: October 13 - 14, 2007
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
Money, money, money! What has first place in your heart? Is it God or money? Does money control you – or do you control money? Don’t love what God gives you more than you love God.
Summary:
Jesus warns that money has the power to deceive and control us. He tells us that the deceitfulness of money can even choke out the Word of God that has been planted in our hearts! Greed will pressure us to buy things we don’t need, and many people are drowning in a sea of debt and stress. Debt and financial pressure can keep believers in bondage and fear, distracting them from the true riches of life in Christ. God’s will for us is that we experience contentment and trust Him for our daily bread. When we give the first fruits of our income to God, our faith releases God’s grace into our lives to break the power of money and create in us a peaceful and content heart.
Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)
Proverbs 3:9-10
What are ways you can honor God with the first fruits of your income? What can stop you from doing this?
1 Timothy 6:6-12
What does Paul tell us to pursue over wealth? How does the power of money threaten our faith, and what can we do to fight against this threat?
Luke 16:13
Identify a change you can make in your financial life to honor God and put Him first.
Mark 4:1-20
What affect did money have on the hearts of those in this parable (verse 19)? How does the worship of or desire for wealth sneak into our minds, and how can we protect ourselves?
Matthew 6:24-34
What does Jesus tell us are the two things we should seek above all else? What can you do everyday to keep yourself focused on these things?
Taking Action: Spend some time this week reviewing where you invest your finances and how much you think about money. Be willing to respond to God’s direction, conviction, or moving in this area of your life. Make one change in your spending habits this week that will honor God.
Ministry Time
Thursday, October 11, 2007
LifeGroup Curriculum: October 13 - 14, 2007
BACK TO THE FUTURE II
Growing in Faith: Part 4 of 6
A Biblical Worldview—How Jesus thought about Suffering & Forgiveness
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
Forgiveness means that I am not a victim. Forgiveness means that God is on my side and I am more than a conqueror. Forgiveness means letting go of my right to retaliate and turning to God. Forgiveness is essential.
Summary:
Forgiveness is an extreme act of trust and faith in God. It challenges us to trust God for a better future - one that is based on the hope that our hurts will not have the final word in our lives. God asks us to give up our destructive thoughts stemming from offenses and to place our hope and trust in him for the future. Forgiveness builds confidence that we can survive the pain and grow from it. When we refuse to forgive, we are defying God, and our pride will limit his divine grace in our lives. Refusing to forgive by holding on to anger, resentment, and a sense of betrayal will make our lives miserable and ineffective. A vindictive attitude creates bitterness and destroys our ability to love and grow spiritually. A victim attitude destroys our faith and hope. Forgiveness honors the Lord and is a gift we give to ourselves. Forgiveness brings freedom! Forgiveness brings life!
There is no offense that cannot be forgiven! Not one!
Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)
Matthew 6:9-15
What does Jesus tell us is the result of refusing to forgive others? Explain how forgiveness is an action, not a feeling.
Matthew 18:21-35
Why did the master tell the servant he should have forgiven the man who owed him money? How can you apply this to your own life?
1 Peter 5:5-6
How does Peter say God deals with the proud? How is unforgiveness the ultimate example of pride?
Romans 8:28
Explain how this promise should create a biblical worldview for your life and help you forgive others?
Genesis 50:15-21
Did Joseph’s brothers seek forgiveness in an honorable way? How does Joseph demonstrate his forgiveness for his brothers?
Taking Action: Do you have unforgivness in your heart? If so, humble yourself, forgive, ask for forgiveness, give the situation to God, and experience freedom. If appropriate, share your experience(s) with the group next week.
Ministry Time
Growing in Faith: Part 4 of 6
A Biblical Worldview—How Jesus thought about Suffering & Forgiveness
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
Forgiveness means that I am not a victim. Forgiveness means that God is on my side and I am more than a conqueror. Forgiveness means letting go of my right to retaliate and turning to God. Forgiveness is essential.
Summary:
Forgiveness is an extreme act of trust and faith in God. It challenges us to trust God for a better future - one that is based on the hope that our hurts will not have the final word in our lives. God asks us to give up our destructive thoughts stemming from offenses and to place our hope and trust in him for the future. Forgiveness builds confidence that we can survive the pain and grow from it. When we refuse to forgive, we are defying God, and our pride will limit his divine grace in our lives. Refusing to forgive by holding on to anger, resentment, and a sense of betrayal will make our lives miserable and ineffective. A vindictive attitude creates bitterness and destroys our ability to love and grow spiritually. A victim attitude destroys our faith and hope. Forgiveness honors the Lord and is a gift we give to ourselves. Forgiveness brings freedom! Forgiveness brings life!
There is no offense that cannot be forgiven! Not one!
Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)
Matthew 6:9-15
What does Jesus tell us is the result of refusing to forgive others? Explain how forgiveness is an action, not a feeling.
Matthew 18:21-35
Why did the master tell the servant he should have forgiven the man who owed him money? How can you apply this to your own life?
1 Peter 5:5-6
How does Peter say God deals with the proud? How is unforgiveness the ultimate example of pride?
Romans 8:28
Explain how this promise should create a biblical worldview for your life and help you forgive others?
Genesis 50:15-21
Did Joseph’s brothers seek forgiveness in an honorable way? How does Joseph demonstrate his forgiveness for his brothers?
Taking Action: Do you have unforgivness in your heart? If so, humble yourself, forgive, ask for forgiveness, give the situation to God, and experience freedom. If appropriate, share your experience(s) with the group next week.
Ministry Time
Thursday, October 4, 2007
LifeGroup Curriculum: October 6 - 7, 2007
BACK TO THE FUTURE II
Growing in Faith: Part 3 of 6
A Biblical Worldview—How Jesus Thought about SELF
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
Jesus led a self controlled life. We are called to do the same thing which is described in scripture as dying to self. One of the most significant ways we die to self is by believing and obeying the truth of God’s Word.
Summary:
Jesus provides us with the ultimate example of living a life of self control, a life submitted to the will of God. He provides the example and then tells us to follow him in doing the same. What does Jesus mean when he says we must give up our life, deny ourselves, and pick up our cross? Why does Jesus tell us that the road the Christian must walk is difficult and narrow? Jesus is calling us to confront our selfish, sinful nature and pursue the righteousness of God. This requires us to submit ourselves to God’s grace and Spirit, because our sin nature exerts a persistent and sometimes very strong force on our will to do things our way. The good news is that God gives us his Spirit, and his Spirit produces in us the self control we need to walk this difficult, narrow road together.
Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)
Matthew 16:24-25
What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? What would that look like today in your life?
Titus 2:11-12
What does God’s saving grace teach you about how to live your life? What are the ways you can release more of God’s grace into your life?
Galatians 5:16-26
Why does Paul warn us against living a life controlled by the flesh? How does the Christian put this way of life to death?
1Peter 5:8
Why does Peter remind us to be self controlled and alert? How can you keep yourself ready and prepared to resist sin and selfishness in your life?
2 Peter 1:2-11
Peter reminds us that we have to diligently make the effort to grow in our self control. What are some practical ways in which you can partner with God to increase this fruit in your life?
Taking Action: Give examples of ways you could die to self. Challenge each other to choose one thing and implement it this week. Pray as a group and ask for God’s grace to teach you how to do this and empower you to succeed.
Ministry Time
Growing in Faith: Part 3 of 6
A Biblical Worldview—How Jesus Thought about SELF
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
Jesus led a self controlled life. We are called to do the same thing which is described in scripture as dying to self. One of the most significant ways we die to self is by believing and obeying the truth of God’s Word.
Summary:
Jesus provides us with the ultimate example of living a life of self control, a life submitted to the will of God. He provides the example and then tells us to follow him in doing the same. What does Jesus mean when he says we must give up our life, deny ourselves, and pick up our cross? Why does Jesus tell us that the road the Christian must walk is difficult and narrow? Jesus is calling us to confront our selfish, sinful nature and pursue the righteousness of God. This requires us to submit ourselves to God’s grace and Spirit, because our sin nature exerts a persistent and sometimes very strong force on our will to do things our way. The good news is that God gives us his Spirit, and his Spirit produces in us the self control we need to walk this difficult, narrow road together.
Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)
Matthew 16:24-25
What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? What would that look like today in your life?
Titus 2:11-12
What does God’s saving grace teach you about how to live your life? What are the ways you can release more of God’s grace into your life?
Galatians 5:16-26
Why does Paul warn us against living a life controlled by the flesh? How does the Christian put this way of life to death?
1Peter 5:8
Why does Peter remind us to be self controlled and alert? How can you keep yourself ready and prepared to resist sin and selfishness in your life?
2 Peter 1:2-11
Peter reminds us that we have to diligently make the effort to grow in our self control. What are some practical ways in which you can partner with God to increase this fruit in your life?
Taking Action: Give examples of ways you could die to self. Challenge each other to choose one thing and implement it this week. Pray as a group and ask for God’s grace to teach you how to do this and empower you to succeed.
Ministry Time
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
LifeGroup Curriculum: September 29 - 30
BACK TO THE FUTURE II
Growing in Faith: Part 2 of 6
A Biblical Worldview— How Jesus Thought about God
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
How did Jesus think about God? How did his thinking about God guide his life?
Summary:
Jesus is the perfect example of a person having a God-centered, biblical worldview as the focus for his life. Jesus lived with a proper understanding of God and of his purpose in life, which was to do the will of his Father in heaven. He submitted himself to God and aligned every decision to his mission and purpose. He prayed, he listened, and he obeyed. This focus helped him overcome the temptations to sin and to do things his own way. To the very end of his life, Jesus trusted in God and remained obedient to the will of his Father.
Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)
Matthew 6:5-13
In addition to providing us with an example of prayer, what does Jesus reveal about God’s nature in this prayer?
Luke 22:40-44
Do you pray with this kind of passion? What outcome did Jesus ultimately pray for? How can we pray like Jesus?
John 18:10-11
Did Jesus accept and trust the will of the Father or did he decide to do it his way? Do you have areas in your life where you are not submitting in obedience to God’s will? If appropriate, give some examples.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
What does Paul say is the will of God for your life? How does this affect how you think about your life?
2 Timothy 3:16-17
How do our knowledge, understanding, and application of Holy Scripture benefit our worldview? What is one way you can increase this influence in your life?
Taking Action: What do you plan on doing this week to make your life more God-focused? What changes will you make in your life to help you pray like Jesus, listen like Jesus, and obey like Jesus?
Ministry Time
Growing in Faith: Part 2 of 6
A Biblical Worldview— How Jesus Thought about God
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
How did Jesus think about God? How did his thinking about God guide his life?
Summary:
Jesus is the perfect example of a person having a God-centered, biblical worldview as the focus for his life. Jesus lived with a proper understanding of God and of his purpose in life, which was to do the will of his Father in heaven. He submitted himself to God and aligned every decision to his mission and purpose. He prayed, he listened, and he obeyed. This focus helped him overcome the temptations to sin and to do things his own way. To the very end of his life, Jesus trusted in God and remained obedient to the will of his Father.
Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)
Matthew 6:5-13
In addition to providing us with an example of prayer, what does Jesus reveal about God’s nature in this prayer?
Luke 22:40-44
Do you pray with this kind of passion? What outcome did Jesus ultimately pray for? How can we pray like Jesus?
John 18:10-11
Did Jesus accept and trust the will of the Father or did he decide to do it his way? Do you have areas in your life where you are not submitting in obedience to God’s will? If appropriate, give some examples.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
What does Paul say is the will of God for your life? How does this affect how you think about your life?
2 Timothy 3:16-17
How do our knowledge, understanding, and application of Holy Scripture benefit our worldview? What is one way you can increase this influence in your life?
Taking Action: What do you plan on doing this week to make your life more God-focused? What changes will you make in your life to help you pray like Jesus, listen like Jesus, and obey like Jesus?
Ministry Time
Thursday, September 20, 2007
LifeGroup Curriculum: September 22 - 23
BACK TO THE FUTURE II
Growing in Faith: Part 1 of 6
A Biblical Worldview—Thinking Like Jesus
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
Do you think and live like Jesus? Do you even know if you are thinking and living like Jesus?
Summary:
A follower of Christ will live life based on a biblical worldview. They will actually think and act like Jesus. This happens when we seek God’s will, replace our desires with his desires, and actually obey his commands. We can’t live like Jesus if our minds are filled with the things of this world rather than the things of God. Transformation happens in our lives when our minds are renewed. It is when we think like Jesus that we will then act like him too. This is important because God demands that we be doers of the word and not just hearers. Authentic discipleship is evidenced when we think like Jesus, do what Jesus did, and ultimately live our lives in submissive obedience to his teachings.
Daily Devotionals & Group Discussion:
Monday - Acts 2:40-42
Are you devoted to God’s Word or to the things of this world? Where do you spend your time – ible or TV?
Tuesday - Romans 12:1-2
How can we know how to live like Jesus and follow God’s will? Are you making time in his Word a priority in your life?
Wednesday - Ephesians 4:17-24
What is the cause of a darkened understanding, separation from the life of God, and ignorance? What can you personally “put off” in order to help correct your thinking?
Thursday - 2 Corinthians 10:2-6
What thoughts do you need to take captive? Now, what will replace those thoughts?
Friday - James 1:19-26
What happens when we hear the truth, but don’t live it? What are we promised when we are obedient to the Word of God?
Saturday - John 14:15-21
How does Jesus qualify who is his disciple? What does Jesus promise to those who think like him and therefore obey him?
Taking Action: What are you doing in your life to ensure you are thinking and then acting like Jesus? What are some things you could be doing?
Ministry Time
Growing in Faith: Part 1 of 6
A Biblical Worldview—Thinking Like Jesus
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
Do you think and live like Jesus? Do you even know if you are thinking and living like Jesus?
Summary:
A follower of Christ will live life based on a biblical worldview. They will actually think and act like Jesus. This happens when we seek God’s will, replace our desires with his desires, and actually obey his commands. We can’t live like Jesus if our minds are filled with the things of this world rather than the things of God. Transformation happens in our lives when our minds are renewed. It is when we think like Jesus that we will then act like him too. This is important because God demands that we be doers of the word and not just hearers. Authentic discipleship is evidenced when we think like Jesus, do what Jesus did, and ultimately live our lives in submissive obedience to his teachings.
Daily Devotionals & Group Discussion:
Monday - Acts 2:40-42
Are you devoted to God’s Word or to the things of this world? Where do you spend your time – ible or TV?
Tuesday - Romans 12:1-2
How can we know how to live like Jesus and follow God’s will? Are you making time in his Word a priority in your life?
Wednesday - Ephesians 4:17-24
What is the cause of a darkened understanding, separation from the life of God, and ignorance? What can you personally “put off” in order to help correct your thinking?
Thursday - 2 Corinthians 10:2-6
What thoughts do you need to take captive? Now, what will replace those thoughts?
Friday - James 1:19-26
What happens when we hear the truth, but don’t live it? What are we promised when we are obedient to the Word of God?
Saturday - John 14:15-21
How does Jesus qualify who is his disciple? What does Jesus promise to those who think like him and therefore obey him?
Taking Action: What are you doing in your life to ensure you are thinking and then acting like Jesus? What are some things you could be doing?
Ministry Time
Saturday, September 15, 2007
LifeGroup Curriculum: September 15 - 16
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Sharing Life: Part 6 of 6
The Book of Acts: “Growing Strong Together”
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
We are not designed to be lone rangers. Spiritual growth rarely takes place in isolation. We have to have other people in our lives.
Message Summary:
We are designed by God to experience life and spiritual growth within a community of believers. We are like hot coals that keep each other burning, but if isolated we quickly cool off. We depend on each other for acceptance, encouragement and the correction we need to live the Christian life. But make no mistake, doing life together is hard! We need to be patient with each other, bearing with each other’s weaknesses, and forgiving each other. Our enemy will do everything he can to create division, envy and strife within our community. Empowered by God’s grace, we can be a church that edifies and equips each other to advance the Kingdom of God!
Daily Devotionals & Group Discussion:
Monday - Matthew 7:1-5
What does Jesus tell us we need to do before we can help our brother with the “speck in his eye”? Jesus is warning us to not be hypocrites. How does our enemy twist this passage to suggest we should mind our own business and not correct anyone?
Tuesday - Mathew 6:14
Why does Jesus say we must forgive those who sin against us? Is there anyone in your life that you have not forgiven?
Wednesday - Colossians 3:5-17
What are the things that Paul tells us to “put off”, and what are we to “put on”. How can we encourage each other to do this daily?
Thursday - James 5:16-20
Do you have someone in your life that you confess your sins to and receive prayer for healing? What is James encouraging us to do for each other in verses 19-20?
Friday - Galatians 6:1-10
Paul tells us we are responsible to help gently restore others when they are overtaken with sin. Why does our enemy deceive us into thinking “it’s none of my business”?
Saturday - Hebrews 10:23-31
Why is it so critical for us to stay connected and look out for each other? What does the writer tell us is at stake?
Ministry Time
Sharing Life: Part 6 of 6
The Book of Acts: “Growing Strong Together”
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
We are not designed to be lone rangers. Spiritual growth rarely takes place in isolation. We have to have other people in our lives.
Message Summary:
We are designed by God to experience life and spiritual growth within a community of believers. We are like hot coals that keep each other burning, but if isolated we quickly cool off. We depend on each other for acceptance, encouragement and the correction we need to live the Christian life. But make no mistake, doing life together is hard! We need to be patient with each other, bearing with each other’s weaknesses, and forgiving each other. Our enemy will do everything he can to create division, envy and strife within our community. Empowered by God’s grace, we can be a church that edifies and equips each other to advance the Kingdom of God!
Daily Devotionals & Group Discussion:
Monday - Matthew 7:1-5
What does Jesus tell us we need to do before we can help our brother with the “speck in his eye”? Jesus is warning us to not be hypocrites. How does our enemy twist this passage to suggest we should mind our own business and not correct anyone?
Tuesday - Mathew 6:14
Why does Jesus say we must forgive those who sin against us? Is there anyone in your life that you have not forgiven?
Wednesday - Colossians 3:5-17
What are the things that Paul tells us to “put off”, and what are we to “put on”. How can we encourage each other to do this daily?
Thursday - James 5:16-20
Do you have someone in your life that you confess your sins to and receive prayer for healing? What is James encouraging us to do for each other in verses 19-20?
Friday - Galatians 6:1-10
Paul tells us we are responsible to help gently restore others when they are overtaken with sin. Why does our enemy deceive us into thinking “it’s none of my business”?
Saturday - Hebrews 10:23-31
Why is it so critical for us to stay connected and look out for each other? What does the writer tell us is at stake?
Ministry Time
Saturday, September 8, 2007
LifeGroup Curriculum: September 8 - 9
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Sharing Life: Part 5 of 6
The Book of Acts: “Amazing Miracles Together”
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
Experiencing the power and miracles of Jesus in a community of believers. Why can’t it happen today? It can.
Message Summary:
The book of Acts is the story of the people of God receiving what Jesus received – the Holy Spirit – in order to do what Jesus did! Why do we not experience more of God’s supernatural presence in our own lives and church? Does God not want to miraculously heal people anymore? God’s power flowed through the apostles because their heart’s desire was to see the Kingdom
of God reach a lost world. They were more concerned about the heart of God and the souls of men than their own lives. God does not want us to selfishly seek Him so he will miraculously improve our health or finances. Love for God and others must be the driving attitude of our hearts if we are to see God’s power miraculously transform our own community.
Daily Devotionals & Group Discussion:
Monday - Matthew 6:24-34
What does Jesus tell us to seek as our first priority in life? What can distract us and how can we stay focused on this priority?
Tuesday - 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Paul says we are given the gifts of the Spirit for what reason? How does this require us to remain in a community of believers?
Wednesday - Acts 20:7-24
What miracle did God perform through Paul? What does he expect to happen to him in every city he enters? What does Paul say is important to him?
Thursday - Acts 20:21
What is the message that Paul preached? How would you define repentance toward God?
Friday - James 4:1-12
What is James warning us against in this passage? How does pride and selfish motives affect our prayers?
Saturday - John 14:12
Jesus says Christians will do greater things than he by the power of the Holy Spirit. What can cause our faith to be weak and not believe this to be true?
Ministry Time
Sharing Life: Part 5 of 6
The Book of Acts: “Amazing Miracles Together”
Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
Experiencing the power and miracles of Jesus in a community of believers. Why can’t it happen today? It can.
Message Summary:
The book of Acts is the story of the people of God receiving what Jesus received – the Holy Spirit – in order to do what Jesus did! Why do we not experience more of God’s supernatural presence in our own lives and church? Does God not want to miraculously heal people anymore? God’s power flowed through the apostles because their heart’s desire was to see the Kingdom
of God reach a lost world. They were more concerned about the heart of God and the souls of men than their own lives. God does not want us to selfishly seek Him so he will miraculously improve our health or finances. Love for God and others must be the driving attitude of our hearts if we are to see God’s power miraculously transform our own community.
Daily Devotionals & Group Discussion:
Monday - Matthew 6:24-34
What does Jesus tell us to seek as our first priority in life? What can distract us and how can we stay focused on this priority?
Tuesday - 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Paul says we are given the gifts of the Spirit for what reason? How does this require us to remain in a community of believers?
Wednesday - Acts 20:7-24
What miracle did God perform through Paul? What does he expect to happen to him in every city he enters? What does Paul say is important to him?
Thursday - Acts 20:21
What is the message that Paul preached? How would you define repentance toward God?
Friday - James 4:1-12
What is James warning us against in this passage? How does pride and selfish motives affect our prayers?
Saturday - John 14:12
Jesus says Christians will do greater things than he by the power of the Holy Spirit. What can cause our faith to be weak and not believe this to be true?
Ministry Time
Saturday, September 1, 2007
LifeGroup Curriculum: September 1 - 2
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Sharing Life: Part 4 of 6
The Book of Acts: “Sharing Life in Outer Space”
Reading the Confession of Faith & Opening Prayer
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
We need each other!
Message Summary:
One of devil’s greatest strategies for destroying Christians is to get them alienated from the community of faith. He tempts us with pride and tries to convince us that we don’t need each other. He deceives us into thinking it is wrong to speak correction into the lives of others. Why does Satan try so hard to destroy relationships and keep us isolated from the community? He
knows we will not survive spiritually on our own. Christianity is a faith that can be shipwrecked, a faith that can be wandered away from. The writer of Hebrews tells us to stay together and always encourage each other to continue on in the faith. The apostle Paul reminds us to fight the good fight of faith and finish the race. We need each other! People are counting on you!
Daily Devotionals & Group Discussion:
Monday - 1 Timothy 1:18-20
Paul admonishes Timothy to “fight the good fight” and to not allow his faith to be shipwrecked. Do you have this sense of urgency with your own faith?
Tuesday - Hebrews 10:23-31
What are 3 things we are urged to do as a community of believers? What are some practical things we can do for each other?
Wednesday - Galatians 6:1-2
How can you become more equipped to help carry others burdens and gently correct them if they are overtaken by sin?
Thursday - James 5:19
Our enemy wants us to believe that it is impossible for us to “wander away from the truth”. How can this spiritual lie affect our commitment to each other as a community?
Friday - 1 Corinthians 1:10
The Bible says that we should agree and not be divided on truth. How can we become perfectly united in mind and thought as the Bible commands?
Saturday - Ephesians 4:1-24
After reading this passage, ask yourself this question: Am I committed to living my life in a manner worthy of the calling I have received, do I bear with the weaknesses of my brothers, and am I devoted to help build up the church in unity?
Ministry Time
Sharing Life: Part 4 of 6
The Book of Acts: “Sharing Life in Outer Space”
Reading the Confession of Faith & Opening Prayer
Worship (optional)
The Big Idea:
We need each other!
Message Summary:
One of devil’s greatest strategies for destroying Christians is to get them alienated from the community of faith. He tempts us with pride and tries to convince us that we don’t need each other. He deceives us into thinking it is wrong to speak correction into the lives of others. Why does Satan try so hard to destroy relationships and keep us isolated from the community? He
knows we will not survive spiritually on our own. Christianity is a faith that can be shipwrecked, a faith that can be wandered away from. The writer of Hebrews tells us to stay together and always encourage each other to continue on in the faith. The apostle Paul reminds us to fight the good fight of faith and finish the race. We need each other! People are counting on you!
Daily Devotionals & Group Discussion:
Monday - 1 Timothy 1:18-20
Paul admonishes Timothy to “fight the good fight” and to not allow his faith to be shipwrecked. Do you have this sense of urgency with your own faith?
Tuesday - Hebrews 10:23-31
What are 3 things we are urged to do as a community of believers? What are some practical things we can do for each other?
Wednesday - Galatians 6:1-2
How can you become more equipped to help carry others burdens and gently correct them if they are overtaken by sin?
Thursday - James 5:19
Our enemy wants us to believe that it is impossible for us to “wander away from the truth”. How can this spiritual lie affect our commitment to each other as a community?
Friday - 1 Corinthians 1:10
The Bible says that we should agree and not be divided on truth. How can we become perfectly united in mind and thought as the Bible commands?
Saturday - Ephesians 4:1-24
After reading this passage, ask yourself this question: Am I committed to living my life in a manner worthy of the calling I have received, do I bear with the weaknesses of my brothers, and am I devoted to help build up the church in unity?
Ministry Time
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
LifeGroups Confession of Faith
We believe in one eternal glorious God, the Father, Jesus
Christ, and the Holy Spirit. God is the maker of heaven and
earth, and the author and finisher of our faith. We put our
trust in God alone!
We believe in the good news of God’s salvation that
through faith and repentance we have received forgiveness
of our sins because of the Lord Jesus Christ’s death on the
cross; we believe in the indwelling Holy Spirit through whom
we receive power to daily live victorious and transformed
lives; and we believe in the assurance that one day we will
dwell with God in heaven for eternity.
We believe in sharing our lives with each other by
supporting and encouraging one-another, growing in our
faith by devoting ourselves to biblical truth and daily prayer,
and reaching others with God’s love.
Amen.
Christ, and the Holy Spirit. God is the maker of heaven and
earth, and the author and finisher of our faith. We put our
trust in God alone!
We believe in the good news of God’s salvation that
through faith and repentance we have received forgiveness
of our sins because of the Lord Jesus Christ’s death on the
cross; we believe in the indwelling Holy Spirit through whom
we receive power to daily live victorious and transformed
lives; and we believe in the assurance that one day we will
dwell with God in heaven for eternity.
We believe in sharing our lives with each other by
supporting and encouraging one-another, growing in our
faith by devoting ourselves to biblical truth and daily prayer,
and reaching others with God’s love.
Amen.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
LifeGroup Curriculum: June 23 - 24
Lisa Bevere: Guest speaker and author of “Fight Like a Girl”
The Big Idea
Men and woman are made in the image of God, equal and yet very different. By embracing and honoring our differences, we glorify God and can more effectively reach the world with the gospel.
Message Summary
We live in an age where the gender lines are blurred, and it's not easy to discern between God's idea and purpose of gender differences and the world’s view. Our culture encourages women and men to move closer to the center and away from the God given traits that distinguish males and females. As Christian men and women, we need to accept and celebrate how God created us differently, and work together to make disciples of all nations.
Daily Devotionals
Monday – Genesis 1:26-27
Tuesday – Genesis 3:16
Wednesday – Ephesians 5:21-33
Thursday – Colossians 3:18-19
Friday – 1 Peter 3:1-6
Saturday – 1 Peter 3:7
Introduction
Modern media, cultural norms and traditional viewpoints discourage Christians from embracing the differences between men and woman. More significantly, sin has profoundly impacted our relationships, introducing pain and distortion to our God ordained roles. As we mature in Christ, we will grow to delight and rejoice in our created differences. This brings glory and honor to God, and we become more effective in reaching the lost with God’s truth.
Discussion Questions:
1. If man and woman are created equally in God’s image, what does this say about their relative importance before God?
2. Describe how the curse of sin brought a distortion to our God ordained roles.
3. How does biblical teaching on the differences in roles between men and woman conflict with some of the attitudes expressed in society today?
4. How does God’s grace in our lives help us overcome the distortion and conflict sin brought to our relationship as men and woman?
One Thing: What is the one thing that you will do this week to apply this message?
Singles: Can you honestly say that you think members of the opposite sex are equally valuable in God’s sight?
Husbands: Do you show love to your wife the way Christ shows love to the church?
Wives: Do you show honor and respect to your husband?
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