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
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
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
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