Remark-able #3- TRUST

Remark-able #3 – TRUST 

ICEBREAKER:  Have you ever allowed someone to lead you around while blindfolded or have you ever played the trust game where you let yourself fall backward hoping the other person would catch you?  How did it make you feel? 

Proverbs 3:5,6 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 

1. How do you define trust?  How do you define faith?  How do you believe they differ and how do they work together? (Consider Hebrews 11:1,1 Peter 5:7) 

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

1 Samuel 17:4, 8-11, 14, 16, 26, 33-37, 45-47  4Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span... 8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, “Why do you come out to draw up in battle array?  Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul?  Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.  9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants, but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.” 10 Again the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.”  11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. 

14 David was the youngest.  Now the three oldest followed Saul...  16 The Philistine came forward morning and evening for forty days and took his stand... 26 Then David Spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel?  For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?”   

33 Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.”  34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep.  When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck and killed him.  36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.”  37 And David said, “the Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”  And Saul Said to David, “go, and may the Lord be with you.” 

45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have taunted. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you.  And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” 

2. Why were the Israelites afraid of Goliath?  Do we face similar fears in our lives today? 

3. How long did the Israelites allow Goliath to challenge them without a reply?  (vs16)  Are there challenges in your life that you have delayed in responding to? 

4. What or who does the fear of the Israelites show they were trusting in? 

5. Why do you think the other Israelites or even King Saul did not trust God to the same extent as David?  (vs 34,35; James 2:26) 

James 2:26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.  

6.  Why did David trust God so deeply?  (v.37) 

7. How was their trust or lack of trust affecting their relationship with God?  How does this affect our relationships with God and others today? 

8. From David’s later writings how do we know David learned of God?  (Psalms 1:1,2)  How do we learn of God today? 

Psalms 1:1,2  1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. 

 9.  From David’s later writings what do we know about how David perceived God? ( Psalms 59:16)   

Psalms 59:16  But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; yes, I shall joyfully sing of your lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. 

Sara stated in her lesson on Sunday that, “our self-awareness or lack of has a direct bearing on our relationship with God and to others and in relation to our own soul.” 

10. How can we tell if we are trusting more in ourselves than God? 

Sara also stated in her lesson that “ultimately God wants to deal with the deepest layers of our trust structures.  The deepest areas where we are relying on ourselves and not God.” 

11. What experiences have you had where God provided for you that have helped develop your trust in Him?   

12.  What practices do you have in your life that have helped you identify the deepest layers of your trust structure?   

13. What would be some ways we could give God opportunities to build our trust in Him in our lives?  (ex. In our personal lives, in relations with other people, in decisions we make, etc.) 

1 Peter 5:6,7 6 Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 

by Candace Hampton

Remarkable #2: I love you-Words that transform /Words that have the power to bring new life- I love you

Remarkable #2:  I love you – words that transform  

Words that have the power to bring new life – I love you 

Icebreaker: Can you recall a time that someone unexpectedly said kind words to you?  How did it make you feel? 

In our current sermon series, Remarkable, we are looking at the Book of Proverbs to find wise principles that have the power to bring new life.  Practicing these principles can renew our relationships with God and others.    

This week's Proverbs verses discuss the principle of love. 

Proverbs 3:3-4: 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 

1. What is love according to God? (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-8) 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 

2. How important is love to God? (see 1 John 4:7-8) 

1 John 4:7-8 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

3. How does the world’s understanding or actions differ from God’s definition of love?   

4. How does our steadfastness to love and faithfulness benefit us? 

5. How might it benefit others? 

John 21:10-19 (After the resurrection) 

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time He said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Feed My sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow Me!” 

6. Why would Jesus ask Peter if he loved him?  (see John 13:34-38, John 15:3) 

John 13:34-38 - 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 36 Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” 37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for Me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown Me three times! 

 John 15:3 - Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 

7. Although Peter said he loved Jesus, how do you think he felt after he realized that he had denied Christ three times?   

8. In the John 21:10-19 passage, how did God reach out to Peter?  What example did Jesus provide of the kind of love He expected from His disciples (from us)? 

9. How does it make you feel when you sin (which is like denying Christ)?  How does it cause separation between you and God? 

10. How does it make you feel knowing that Jesus loves you, forgives you, and accepts you as His own? 

11. With Christ as our example, how can we show love to someone who sins against us? (1 John 4:19, Galatians 6:1-2) 

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.    

Galatians 6:1-2 1Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  

In Pastor Brian’s Sermon, he challenges us to try three “I Love You Challenges” to show and express your love for each other. 

• Make your expression of love a regular practice 
• Make your expression of love unconditional 
• Make your expression of love specific 

In the next few questions consider a particular person to whom you would like to apply this challenge. You may want to begin with someone with whom you have regular and normal contact.  

12. What are things you can do as a regular practice in your personal relationships to demonstrate your love to that person? 

13. What would unconditional love look like in this relationship? What, if anything, would you need to change on your side to show that person unconditional love? 

14. What are the specific things you love about that person that you could compliment them on? 

Let love and faithfulness never leave you - Proverbs 3:3a

by Candace Hampton

Remark-able #1 I Understand - Proverbs 18

Remark-able #1: I Understand 

Proverbs 18 

ICE BREAKER: Who is the person who listens best in your life, and why?    

Paul talks about the church as a body, in 1 Corinthians 12. Each of us makes up parts of the body. Each of us is essential, and as a body, we are to be united, connected to each other by our love for each other. One of the ways of being connected and loving toward each other is to listen to each other and understand the lives of each other. But sometimes we have problems listening to each other.   

1.What makes someone a poor listener?  

Pastor Brian used Proverbs 18:2 and 18:15 to point out some issues with listening and understanding. 

 Proverbs 18:2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. 

2. What does the fool find delight and pleasure in?  Why do you think this is foolish? 

3. What is our primary source for finding understanding? How does knowledge of the Holy One provide understanding for us? (Proverbs 9:10) 

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 

4. How do you think we can become more others-centered in our hearts? (Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Peter 1:5-7) 

Galatians 5:22–23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

2 Peter 1:5–7 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  

Pastor Brian pointed out that we can have faulty listening habits that hinder our ability to understand each other.    

Faulty Listening Habits 

• “The I-Phoner”- Distracted, not really focusing on the speaker, or the message 
• “The Interrupter”- Only thinking about his reply, only cares about his thoughts 
• “The Problem Solver”- thinks it’s his responsibility to solve every problem mentioned.  Loves to air his own opinions.

5. Which of these faulty listening habits do you struggle with? 

6. What do these faulty listening habits indicate about the desires of those who display them? 

7. What can we do if we have any of these habits?  (Psalm 139:23-24 2 Timothy 3:16-17) 

Psalm 139:23–24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.   24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  

2 Timothy 3:16–17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God  may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

8. What makes someone a good listener?   

Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. 

9. How do the discerning acquire knowledge? How well do we listen to God? 

10. How do you suppose we can be more discerning and acquire greater knowledge? (James 1:19 Hebrews 5:13-14) 

James 1:19  My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry 

Hebrews 5:13–14 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. 

11. How does this desire for greater knowledge affect our relationships with each other?  

Mark 10:46-52 46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”  So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.  51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.  The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”  52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. 

12. Who was with Jesus and what were they doing when Bartimaeus called to Jesus? How did the crowd react to Bartimaeus’ calling to Jesus? 

Pastor Brian stated that there is a fourth type of Listening Habit - “The Understander”!  The characteristics of an understander are: 

• Remove the barriers that vie for our attention 
• Stop interrupting or ignoring 
• Ask questions 

13. How did Jesus demonstrate each of the characteristics of “The Understander” in Mark 10:46-52? 

14. Why did Jesus ask Bartimaeus what he wanted, rather than just know and heal his blindness? What does this indicate about Jesus/God’s desire for relationship with people?  

15. What can we learn about how we should relate to others from Jesus’s example? 

One of the greatest gifts we can give to our friends, our family, and our co-workers is the gift of understanding.  

by Candace Hampton

EASTER at Sun Grove

EASTER at Sun Grove 

Icebreaker: How does your family traditionally observe or not observe Easter? 

Let’s look at the Easter story! It’s Friday, Sunday’s comin’! 

Friday (Jesus Hung on the Cross)  

Matthew 27:45-46, 50-56 45From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli,Eli,  lemasabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)   

50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. 51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely, He was the Son of God!” 55Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for His needs. 56Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. 

1. What might have caused Jesus to cry out while hanging on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me?” (Luke 22:39-44, Isaiah 53:10, Psalm 22:1)

Luke 22:39-44 39Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. 44And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 

Isaiah 53:10  Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. 

Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?  

2. What is so significant about the curtain in the temple being torn in two? (Hebrews 10:19-22) 

Hebrews 10:19–22 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 

 3. What miracles happened after Jesus gave up His Spirit?

4. Why was the soldiers’ conclusion important? (Matthew 27:54) 

5. How would you have reacted if you have been with Jesus and then witnessed His crucifixion and subsequent miracles?

Sunday (Empty Tomb) 

Matthew 28:1-10 1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7Then go quickly and tell His disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ Now I have told you.” 8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” He said. They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshipped Him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me.” 

6. Why were the women afraid when they heard from the angel and then from Jesus? (Matthew 28:5,10) 

7. How were the women’s responses different upon hearing from the angel and then from Jesus?

8. What role did Mary Magdalene and the other women play in the Christ’s resurrection account? (Matthew 27:55, 28:1,6, Luke 24:9-12)

Luke 24:9–12 9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. 

9. In what manner can we respond like Mary and the other women? 

Significance of Christ’s Resurrection 

10. How was Christ’s resurrection prophesized in the Old Testament? (Psalm 16:10, Acts 2:31-32)

Psalm 16:10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. 

Acts 2:31–32 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 

11. Why did Jesus have to die and then be raised from the dead? (Romans 5:19, 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Romans 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one Man the many will be made righteous. 

1 Corinthians 15: 3-4  3Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 

2 Corinthians 5:21  21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 

12. What hope does Christ’s resurrection have for us? (Matthew 27:58, 1 Corinthians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 15:44)

1 Corinthians 6:14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 

2 Corinthians 5:1 Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. (CEV) 

1 Corinthians 15:42-44 42So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. 

13. How did you accept Jesus as the risen Savior and Lord?  (Romans 10:9-10)

Romans 10:9-10 9If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

14. How does belief in the resurrection help us to deal with anxiety and fear? (See sermon notes and note below) 

Note from Sermon: We do not need to be afraid because: 

• • God is with us 
  • God is for us 
  • God saves us 

15.  What fear and/or anxiety do you need to let go of in the light of the forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life? 

Now greet one another: 

• Facilitator says, “Christ is risen.” 
• All resounding responding, “He is risen indeed!” 

If you just now realize Jesus is alive and are moved to take the step of faith in confessing Jesus as Christ (the Anointed One) who died for your sin, we invite you to pray the following prayer: 

Dear God, I believe Jesus is God and He died for me so I can be forgiven of my sins. I’m sorry for my sins, I believe He is risen. I want to live the rest of my life the way You want me to. Amen. 

by Candace Hampton

"Getting Ready For Easter"- Palm Sunday

“Getting Ready for Easter”- Palm Sunday 

ICEBREAKER: What was the most elaborate celebration or party that you have ever attended? How so? 

Luke 19:33–40  As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.  37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:  38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”  “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”  40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” 

1.Why did the people celebrate Jesus as he entered Jerusalem?  

2. What do you think they were hoping for?  

3. What do you think Jesus meant by saying the stones will cry out?  Can anything stop the will of God from being accomplished?  (Isaiah 55:11) 

Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. 

 4. What kind of reaction or problem could be caused by calling Jesus King? (Luke 19:39-40)   

5.  Why do you think the crowd changes from excitement to disappointment in less than a week? (Matthew 27:20-23) 

Matthew 27:20–23 (NIV) But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.  21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.  “Barabbas,” they answered.  22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.  They all answered, “Crucify him!”  23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.  But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” 

6. In what ways have you been disappointed in God?  Have you ever had a hope come near fulfillment but fail? What keeps you from turning against God? 

7.  King David often was honest with God as in Psalm 44:23-24, Psalm 69:3, Psalm 22:1 in his disappointments. How do you deal with disappointments? 

Luke 19:41–44 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” 

 8.  What was Jesus’ disappointment with Jerusalem?  (v. 44) What would be the consequence? 

9. Did He know that the leaders and people would reject Him and that it would lead to His death? (Mark 10:33) 

Mark 10:33  saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and will deliver Him to the Gentiles.” 

10.  How is our world much like Jerusalem of Jesus’ day? 

11. How should we be praying for our friends, family and neighbors to have their eyes open to not reject Jesus? 

From Sermon: “Many people come to admit that what they really needed for success in life came to them through their most difficult and painful experiences.”  Tim Keller, The Reason for God. 

 12.  What promises does God give for those who bring their pain to Him?  (Matthew 11:28-30, James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28) 

Matthew 11:28-30 28 ”come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.  30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 

 James 1:2–4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

 Romans 8:28  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 

 13. How has God grown you through a difficult life circumstance or disappointment?

Continue praying for those you may be able to invite to Easter Service at Sun Grove!  Pray for Sun Grove’s outreach into our community! 

by Candace Hampton

Getting Ready For Easter- So That They May Believe- John 11:1-53

Getting Ready for Easter 

So That They May Believe-John 11:1-53 

Ice Breaker: Talk about a time that you were not ready for something that you were supposed to be ready for. 

The Death of Lazarus 

John 11:1-16 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”  4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”  8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”  9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”  11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”  12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.  14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”  16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”  

1.What do we learn about Lazarus, Mary and Martha in John 11:1-7? 

2. Why did his disciples want him to stay where he was? (John 10:31-33,39; John 11:8,16) 

John 10:31–33  Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”  33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” 

 John 10:39 Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp. 

3. Why did Jesus wait two more days after he heard that Lazarus was sick before he left where he was for Judea? (John 11:4,15), look ahead also to John 11:25-26, 39-42) 

Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus 

John 11:17-37 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.  21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”  23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”  24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”  25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”  27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”  28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.  32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.  “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.  35 Jesus wept.  36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”  37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”  

4. How did Mary and Martha react to Jesus coming after their brother had died four days earlier? (John 11:21,32) 

5. Why is it so hard to wait on God's timing for our prayers? And why do we tend to blame God when the outcome is not what we want? 

6. How does Jesus reassure Martha? What claim does Jesus make about himself? What does He ask of her? (John 11:25-26) 

7. What are ways Jesus reassures us when life does not go the way we want? What does He ask of us? 

Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead 

John 11:38-46 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.  “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”  40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”  41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”  43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.  Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” 45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done 

8. Why did Jesus pray the way he did before he asked them to roll away the stone? (John 11:41) 

9. Why do you think that Jesus asked them to roll away the stone (John 11:39) and take off the grave clothes (John 11:44) when He could have miraculously done that himself? 

10. What are some of the stones (act of faith) you need to roll away so that Jesus can work in your life? What is keeping us from rolling those stones away?

11. How are the resurrections of Lazarus and Jesus the same? How are they different? 

12. Why did Jesus perform this miracle? (See answer in question 3) Why do you think Jesus revealed this miracle in a public way, rather than privately? (John 11:42) 

13. How can we reveal the works of Jesus in our lives in such a way that others may believe and see the glory of God? 

The Plot to Kill Jesus 

John 11:47-53 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.  “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”  49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”  51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life. 

14. Describe the people who were at the tomb to witness the miracle and what was their response? (John 11:37, 45-46)  

15. How does raising Lazarus from the dead prepare the stage for what will happen to Jesus that leads to the cross? (John 11:53, 12:9-11) 

John 12:9–11 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. 

16. Soon after this event, Jesus will go to Jerusalem to be betrayed, crucified and resurrected. How do you think this event helped to prepare the disciples for what they were about to experience? 

17. How is God preparing you for your next steps with Him? How are you preparing yourself?  

by Candace Hampton

GETTING READY FOR EASTER  

INVITE – Luke 14 

ICE BREAKER: Tell about the first time you were invited to church.  What made you want to go?  What would you change about the experience? 

CONTEXT: In Luke 14, Jesus is attending a luncheon at the home of a prominent Pharisee, along with other Pharisees and experts in the law, (Luke 14:1-2).  The Pharisees believed that God had blessed them, for their obedience to the law and doing good works.  They were looking forward to the Resurrection of the Righteous, because they believed that they were included.  They reasoned that because they were descendants of Abraham and lived a religious life, they had to be included.  Jesus tells this parable of the Great Banquet, where many are invited, but they have reasons that they do not want to come. (Luke 14:18-20).  

Parable of the Banquet  

Luke 14:15-20 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” 16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’  18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’  19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’  20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’  

1.What do you think the great banquet represents in this parable? 

2. Who are the characters or groups of people in this parable and what do you think they represent and why?  

3. What is the goal of the man/master preparing the great banquet? 

4. What were some of the excuses people made for not coming to the banquet? Why would people make excuses not to come to a banquet? 

5. What excuses today keep people from coming to Jesus’ invitation to the Kingdom of God? 

Luke 14:21-24 21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’  22 “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’  23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” 

 6. What do you think that the religious people (Luke 14:15) thought when Jesus opened up the Kingdom of God to the less desirable, miserable, blind, lame and poor people from the country? 

7. What does each “empty chair” represent? (Luke 14:22) What is the responsibility of those who follow Christ regarding the “empty chairs”? (Romans 10:15, Matthew 4:19, Matthew 28:19-20) 

Romans 10:15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”  

Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 

Matthew 28:19-20 - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

8. What is indicated if we are not interested in evangelism (not fishing for people)? What excuses do people use not to invite others to fill the “empty chairs” by not sharing their faith with others? 

9. According to Ephesians 2:8-10, why are we still left here on earth? 

Ephesians 2:8-10 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

The empty chairs bothered the master of the house.  Empty chairs still bother the Lord. 

10. What are ways that we can invite others to join us at the “Great Banquet” in the Kingdom of God? 

Challenge from Pastor Brian’s Sermon:  “We want to make this as practical as possible:"  

• Who are the 5 people that you can invite to join us. 
• Think about your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers, and your family members.  
• Who are the people you might not have thought about yet?  
• Who is the last person you could imagine coming? 

Begin praying for those you may be able to invite to Easter Service at Sun Grove!  Pray for Sun Grove’s outreach into our community! 

by Candace Hampton

Ancient Practices- Baptism

Ancient Practices - Baptism 

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by Candace Hampton

Ancient Practices- Soul Full

Ancient Practices 

SOUL FULL 

ICE BREAKER: What is the best dining experience you’ve ever had? 

Introduction:  We are physical beings with physical hunger & we are spiritual beings with spiritual hunger.  “Our hearts are restless until they find our rest in you.” (Augustine). Pastor paraphrased it as: Our souls are hungry until they find their fill in God. 

Matthew 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  2 And after he had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.  3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”  4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”   5 Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘you shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”  10 Then Jesus said to him, “Go Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” 11 then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.

1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world nor the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  16 For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.  17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 

1. What do the temptations of Jesus and the love of the world have in common? (Compare the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11 with the things of the world in 1 John 2:16) 

2. How can temptation, given into sin, damage the soul? 

3. Is it fair to say that the temptations we are facing today are similar or the same as Jesus faced? In what way?  (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  

4. Why would Jesus go into the desert alone?  Can the noise and busyness of life keep me from focusing on God?  (Psalms 46:10) 

Psalms 46:10 Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. 

5.  What did Jesus use to counter the temptations?  What scriptures do you use to counter temptations and trial? 

6. Why do you think Jesus prepared to face these temptations with fasting and prayer?  How do you prepare to face your challenges? (Matt. 4:2)

7. When with God’s help you have overcome temptation, how do you celebrate? 

8. How did Jesus choose to deal with the pressures that surrounded Him?  (Luke 5:15,16) 

Luke 5:15-16 But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.  16 But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. 

9. How does Psalms 1:1-3 help prepare a person for the onslaught of life?   

Psalms 1:1-3 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!  2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.  3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.  

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.  12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

10. What do you think is the “secret” that Paul learned about contentment? 

11. What kind of focus does one need to have in order to be content in “any and every circumstance"?  (1 Tim. 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5,6) 

1 Tim. 6:6-8 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.  7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.  8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 

Hebrews 13:5-6 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” 6 so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid.  What will man do to me?”  

12. Paul says that Jesus was the source of his strength.  What can we do to make Jesus the source of our strength? (Phil. 4:13) 

Ephesians 3:14-19 (NAS)  For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. 

13.  What is Paul saying that contributes to being filled up to all the fullness of God (soul full)? 

14. Pastor Zach mentioned a few “ancient practices”, spiritual disciplines: Stillness (Psalm 46:10, 131:2), Solitude (Mark 1:35, 6:31), Sabbath, Simplicity (1 Peter 3:4, Luke 12:15),Slowing down (Psalm 23:2, 1 Thess. 4:11). What spiritual disciplines do you use or can we use to fill our souls?  

15.  Can you describe a soul filling experience that you have had in the past? 

by Candace Hampton

Ancient Practices- Communion

Ancient Practice 

Communion 

Note for Leaders: This week’s study is focused on communion. There are fewer questions this week so that if you choose you can have time to celebrate communion as a group. Communion was celebrated in the homes of believers of the early church as well as in large gatherings of the church. If done properly and respectfully, communion can be a wonderful way to develop fellowship within your Circle. Below the lesson, you will find suggestions for a successful time of communion with your group. 

Ice Breaker: Tell us about a time when you used something designed or purchased for one purpose, but used it for a completely different purpose. 

1.What was the original purpose and symbolisms of Passover celebration? (Exodus 12:1-17) 

Exodus 12:1-14 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2 “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. 5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. 8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. 10 Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. 11 This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover. 12 “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. 14 “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance. 

2. How did Jesus change the purpose and symbolism of the Passover at the Last Supper referenced in Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:14-20? 

Matthew 26:26–28 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”  27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” 

Mark 14:22–24 22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”  23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 

 Luke 22:17–20 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”  19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”  20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” 

Note: In 1 Corinthians 11:17-28, Paul chastises the Corinthian church for not celebrating the Lord’s Supper the way they were originally taught. Paul clarifies the Lord’s Supper for the church to follow by reframing it as communion (fellowship or “koinonia” in Greek) of the believers and gives us the purposes behind the symbolism. 

1 Corinthians 11:17–28 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18 In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19 No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. 20 So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, 21 for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. 22 Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!  23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.  27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 

3. How was the Corinthian church celebrating the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner?  

4. What would be a worthy manner inferred by Paul? 

5. LOOK UP – How does the celebration of communion focus the individual and the church on God and Jesus? (1 Corinthians 11:24-25; John 3:16) 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

6. LOOK BACK – How does the celebration of communion remind us of our past and what Jesus has done for us? (1 Corinthians 11:24-25, Matthew 26:28, Romans 6:6-7) 

Romans 6:6–7 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.  

7. LOOK WITHIN – How does the celebration of communion encourage us to adjust our attitudes and remind us that we need a savior? (1 Corinthians 11:27-28; 1 John 1:9) 

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 

8. LOOK AROUND – As we as believers each love and abide in Christ (John 15:5) and we love one another (John 13:34-35), it is there that we find true fellowship and koinonia. How does properly celebrated communion help us to strengthen fellowship (koinonia) within the body of Christ and His church?  (John 17:20-23)  

John 13:34–35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 

John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  

John 17:20–23 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.  

9. How and where did the early church of Acts 2 celebrate the breaking of the bread? (Acts 2:42, 46-47)  

Acts 2:42, 46–47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 

10. LOOK AHEAD – How does celebrating communion help us to focus on our future with Christ? (1 Corinthians 11:26, Revelation 21:1-4) 

Revelation 21:1–4 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”  for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 

A Time of Communion 

Preparation:  

1.At a minimum you will want to make arrangements for grape juice and bread or crackers for the elements. If you are using Zoom, you will want to alert your people ahead of time. 

2. Opening and closing communion in prayer is a good way to lead into, and after communion.  

3. Worship music is a good way to provide a solemn and reflective way to lead into communion, and after if you wish.  

• • • • If your group has a musician who can help with worship that is all the better. 
      • Another approach is to task someone in the group to download a few worship songs onto their phone and use those.  
      • Also, you will also find list of worship songs on Church Central with this lesson for you to choose from or any others you feel would be appropriate. 
      • You can either find the lyrics online and print them for your group or your group members can search the lyrics on their phone. Do whatever is most appropriate for your group.

4. Reading of one of the Last Supper texts is the easiest way to lead communion. (Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:1-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

5.Remember that Communion is for believers and each person should come to communion in a worthy manner. It is important to emphasize that they can take a moment to get their hearts right with God before taking communion  

6. Make sure that it is done orderly and as a group. 

Order  

1.Make sure everyone has the elements who are participating. 

2. Start with an opening prayer to focus on God and his presence. 

3. Use singing or quiet prayer time or instrumental worship music to give people a chance to focus on what Christ has done on their behalf and to put their hearts right. 

4. Read or have someone read the first part regarding the body and take the bread. 

5. Read or have someone read the second part regarding the cup and drink the cup.  

6. Finish with more song or prayer. 

by Candace Hampton

Audacious Prayers- Speak To Me- 1 Samuel 3

Audacious Prayers Week 3 

Speak to Me- 1 Samuel 3 

Ice Breaker: What song lyrics have you misheard, or never understood?  

Background: The book of 1 Samuel begins with Hannah struggling with infertility. What she did not realize was that God was making provision for a replacement for an aging Priest who had neglected his position and his relationship with God, and allowed his two sons to serve as ministers in the temple. Eli’s sons were wicked men (1 Samuel 2:12) who slept with the women who served in the temple (1 Samuel 2:22) and violated the offerings given to God by the people (1 Samuel 2:13-17). God sent a man to warn Eli of judgement coming on his house. “God will take away the priesthood from the house of Eli, and will not allow anyone from Eli’s line to reach old age”. The reason for the judgement was that God said Eli had honored his sons more than God, by allowing them to fatten themselves on the choicest parts of the people’s offerings. Eli disrespected God by not correcting his sons. God sent warning of the judgement, but gave Eli time to correct the problem. Eli chose not to correct the problem, further disrespecting God.   

1 Samuel 3:1-18 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. 2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was.4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”  7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.  8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”  Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”  11 And the Lord said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. 12 At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from beginning to end. 13 For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God,[a]  and he failed to restrain them. 14 Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, ‘The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’”  15 Samuel lay down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the Lord.  He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, 16 but Eli called him and said, “Samuel, my son.”  Samuel answered, “Here I am.”  17 “What was it he said to you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.” 

1.Do you feel like God speaks to you? Why or why not? 

2. What was Eli’s title or position in this passage?  What was Samuel’s position? 

3. Why do you suppose God spoke to Samuel rather than Eli?

4.  Every time Samuel heard God’s voice, he came running to Eli.  What does this indicate about Samuel’s attitude? (1 Samuel 3:4-9) 

5. Why do you suppose God called to Samuel, but did not speak to him, until Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”? 

6. What does this indicate about our attitude toward God speaking to us? 

7. What do you suppose Eli understood by the fact that God was speaking to Samuel and not to him?  (1 Samuel 3:16-18)

8. What does Eli’s response to Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:18 indicate about Eli and his attitude toward God? 

9. How can we have an attitude of “speak, Lord, for your servant is listening"? (1 Samuel 3:9) 

10. How does God speak to us now in these latter days? (Hebrews 1:1-3) 

Hebrews 1:1-3 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 

11. What hinders our communication with God? (James 1:6-8, John 9:31)

James 1:6-8 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.  

John 9:31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. 

12. What improves our communication with God? (Psalm 1:1-6; John 15:5) 

Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take. or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. 4 Not so the wicked!  They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.  

John 15:5  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

13. How do the following verses relate to God speaking to us through His word? (Hebrews 4:12, Joshua 1:8, 2 Timothy 3:16,17) 

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates  even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 

Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

14. Along with the Word of God what are other ways God can speak to us? (John 14:26; Psalm 119:67-68; Ephesians 4:11-13) 

John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

Psalm 119:67–68  Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your Word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. 

Ephesians 4:11–13 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  

15.  Pastor Brian spoke of a posture of relationship, expectation and submission to hear God.  What can we do that would allow God to speak to us? (James 4:6-10. Psalm 24:4-6, Psalm 25:14) 

James 4:6-10 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:  “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 

Psalms 24:4-6 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?  Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.[a]. 5 They will receive blessing from the Lord. and vindication from God their Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. 

Psalms 25:14 The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.  

16. What are practical ways we can make ourselves more available to hear from God?

by Candace Hampton

Audacious Prayers- "Send Me"

Audacious Prayers – “Send Me” 

Icebreaker: Have you ever said, “YES” to go someplace or do something and later wondered, “What did I get myself into?”  

Background: During King Uzziah’s 52 years reign, Israel experienced exceptional prosperity. Unfortunately, they were failing their calling as ‘the people of God.’ They were worshipping idols. They were consistently disobedient. God stepped in and called Isaiah on a mission. 

Isaiah 6:1-8. 1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 

Note: Seraphim. This word means fiery ones, in allusion, as is supposed, to their burning love. They are represented as "standing" above the King as he sat upon his throne, ready at once to minister unto him. Their form appears to have been human, with the addition of wings.  - Easton’s Bible Dictionary 

1.What did Isaiah see in the year that King Uzziah died? (Isaiah 6:1-4) 

2. How does Isaiah seeing God on the throne, with emphasis on the throne, impact him? (Isaiah 6:1-4)

3. Why do Christians need to give Isaiah’s and John’s vision of God first place in their view of God? (Revelation 4:2, 9-11)

Revelation 4:2, 9-11 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.......9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” 

4. Describe a time that God revealed himself to you and what was your response?

5. How did Isaiah see himself in the light of God? Why was his response very appropriate? (Isaiah 6:5, James 3:9-10) 

James 3:9-10 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. 

6. What did the seraphim do to Isaiah? Why was “live coal” in the mouth necessary when we consider Isaiah’s sin and calling? (Isaiah 6:5-6)

7. What was the result after the "live coal” in the mouth? 

8. What would be the New Testament equivalent to what the seraphim did? (1John 1:9)

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 

9. For what purpose did Christ offer himself and cleanse our consciences? (Hebrew 9:14, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21)

Hebrews 9:14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! 

2 Corinthians 5:20–21  20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 

10. What did the Lord ask Himself before an audience of one? What is the significance that both “I” and “us” are referring to God? (Isaiah 6:8)

11. Why do you think God might have asked this question? (Isaiah 6:8, Isaiah 1:16-18, Romans 10:15, Matthew 4:19, 20) 

Isaiah 1:18-20 18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; 20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” 

Romans 10:15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 

Matthew 4:19-20, 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 

12. How did Isaiah respond?  Why was Isaiah’s five-word prayer so bold and audacious? 

13. How is “send” more than geography?  Pastor Brian listed seven domains of life: Arts and Entertainment, Business, Education, Government, Family, Media, and Religion. Into which domain/s of society has God put/sent you? How do you or could you “go” for God into that domain?

14. Why must it be a 2-part response- “Here am I” and then “Send me”? What kind of time gap between the two parts has there been for you? Please explain. 

15. 30-Day Challenge: For the next 30 days, tell the Lord, “Here am I” followed with a request for God to send you. Wait expectantly for God to speak to you and consider sharing your experience with the Circle Group. 

by Candace Hampton

Audacious Prayer- Search Me

Audacious Prayer 

SEARCH ME 

ICEBREAKER – Tell about a time you searched for something but could not find it, only to find it at an unusual time or place. 

Psalm 139:1–6, 13-17, 23-24 1You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. 2You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. 5You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain... 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.    15My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be... 17How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you…. 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 

1. How long has God known us?  How well does God know us? How does God feel about us? 

2. How do you feel about God knowing what we are going to do before we do it? 

3. Why would God be so interested in us? 

4. If God already knows all of this about me why do you think I should I ask Him to search me? (Psalm 139:23-24)

5. How can God’s knowledge of us help us to best bring the most fulfillment into our lives? 

Psalms 46:10 Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.  

1 Chronicles 28:9–10 9“And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”  

Psalm 26:2 Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 

6.  How does one begin to allow God to search them? 

7. Why is it important in our service to God to know our own heart’s condition?  

8. What kind of “house” is God moving you to build with courage and action? (1 Chronicles 28:10)  

Jeremiah 17:9–10 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10 “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” 

Genesis 4:5–7 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 6Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” 

9.  What is the danger of not being shown our faults? Why would anyone want to be shown their faults? (Genesis 4:6-7) 

10.  Why is God-centered self-examination important in all our relationships? (1 Corinthians 11:27-29) 

1 Corinthians 11:27–29 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 

11. What do you think are the signs that we may be ignoring or rejecting God’s involvement in our lives? 

Matthew 26:39–46 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”  43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.  45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”  

12. How did Jesus bare his soul to God to help him to fulfill His mission? How can baring your soul to God help you deal with your reality? 

13. How does God respond when you bring your problems and anxieties to Him? (Luke 11:9-13, Luke 22:43, 1 Peter 5:6-7) 

Luke 11:9–13 (NIV) 9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.  11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”  

Luke 22:43  Now  an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.  

1 Peter 5:6-7  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 

14.Take a moment of silent prayer to ask God to search your heart and turn any thoughts as a prayer to God. 

by Candace Hampton

Relational Revolution- Get Off Your Donkey

Relational Revolution 

Get Off Your Donkey 

Ice Breaker: Tell about a time when a stranger went out of their way to help you in a time of distress. Or tell about a time when you helped a stranger in a time of distress. 

Luke 10:25–37  On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”  27 He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”  29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’  36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”  37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”  Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” 

1.What do we know about the motives of the man questioning Jesus?  

2. Although Jesus does not answer the “who is my neighbor?” question directly, how does Jesus define neighbor by telling this story?

3. Who might we consider our “neighbors” in our lives in light of Jesus’ answer? 

4. Why do you think the Priest and the Levite did not stop to help the man in need? 

5. What excuses do you sometimes use to avoid being a good neighbor to strangers or the people you know? 

6. How did the good Samaritan demonstrate love to the man left at the side of the road?

7. How is this different than sympathizing and feeling sorry for the one in distress? (1 John 3:18)  How is this different than just handing someone money? 

1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 

 8. How does this story demonstrate that the Samaritan's actions were more in line with what God wanted than the religious leaders in the story? (John 4:9, Matthew 23:23–24, Exodus 23:4–5, Proverbs 14:21; 25:21–22) 

Matthew 23:23–24  “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 

Exodus 23:4–5 “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it. 

Proverbs 14:21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. 

Proverbs 25:21–22  If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. 

Pastor Brian pointed out that the Samaritan had his own experiences that he could have used as excuses to not involve himself, including knowing the Jews thought he was an outcast and the person on the side of the road was not his business.  

9. What about the Samaritan's background could have made him sensitive to the need of someone in distress? (John 4:9)

John 4:9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)  

10. Yet the Samaritan transformed his experiences and compassion into action. What are ways we can transform our experiences and the compassion we feel for action? (Matthew 25:35–40, 2 Corinthians 1:3–4) 

2 Corinthians 1:3–4  3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  

Matthew 25:35–40 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’  40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 

11. How can church and Circle groups provide the opportunity to understand each others needs in order to practice being each other’s neighbor? 

12. How can we practice being a neighbor to strangers? 

13. How can being aware of how God is working around you and being available to being a part of what God is doing (being “missional”) help us to “Go and do likewise.”? (Luke 10:37) 

14. What can we do ahead of time to be less like the Priest and Levite and more like the Good Samaritan to be ready for when the opportunity arises?  

15. In what way does our willingness to be a good neighbor bring glory to God? (Matthew 5:16, 1 John 4:11–12, James 2:15–18) 

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  

1 John 4:11–12 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 

James 2:15–18 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”  Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 

 16. Can you think of a person, people or circumstance that you can be a good neighbor to this week? What can you do? 

Rhythm of Gather then Scatter!

by Candace Hampton

Relational Revolution - Communitas & Ekklesia

Relational Revolution 

Communitas & Ekklesia 

ICE BREAKER:  Besides Jesus and your spouse, what is the greatest act of love others have done for you? 

LIVING IN AUTHENTIC BIBLICAL COMMUNITY 

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 

1 John 4:7-8  “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love.” 

If we say that we love God but do not love one another we are a walking contradiction- Pastor Brian. 

1.Where does love come from? 

2. What does this tell us about how we love one another? 

3. What does it teach about those who do not love? 

4. What are some characteristics of love?  (1 John 3:16) 

Meaning of Community: intense life shaping bond, mutual service, shared mission  

5. What makes a Christian community?  What makes community authentic as opposed to artificial? (John 13, 34-35, Acts 2:44-47) 

John 13:34-35  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  

Acts 2:44-47 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.  Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”  

6. What do you think is the biggest attraction to draw people together in community? 

7. What are the characteristics in life that build community? (Philippians 2:1-4, Hebrew 10:24,25)  How does suffering together foster community? 

Pastor Brian told the story of the Vietnam veteran who suffered danger, discomfort, disease and death in the war, but was now living a normal life of comfort.  The former soldier longed to go back to the life of danger discomfort and death, because of the community the soldiers shared with each other. 

Philippians 2:1-4 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  

Hebrews 10:24,25. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

8. How can the Church promote healthy community by sharing the realities of life together?  Can you think of other ways to stimulate community among members? 

Pastor Brian spoke of the hinderances to Christians having community in church: 

•  Cultural view of church as a service we go to once a week 
•  Feeling that church is just fulfilling our religious duty 
•  Not developing relationships with anyone in the church 

9. What is missing from the cultural view of the church? (John 15:5-8)  

John 15:5-8  5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

10. Pastor Brian also spoke of the obstacles to community- busyness, fears, my flaws, your flaws, past hurts, etc.  What obstacles do you identify in developing community? 

Pastor Brian pointed out that, in Jesus’ day, there were two religious institutions around which Jewish life centered: The Temple and the Synagogue.  These were places people would come to, to celebrate major religious holidays.  There was no church!   

In Jesus’ day, the Ekklesia (the word we translate as church) was not a religious institution like the Temple or the Synagogue. Ekklesia was a term used to describe a gathering or a group of people that would meet in the marketplace or the public square. Ekklesia wasn’t a religious term at all!  

When Jesus told Peter, “On this rock, I will build my Ekklesia, (a gathering, or assembly).  Jesus did not say, “I will build my Temple or Synagogue.”  Pastor Brian pointed out that the emphasis was not on the building, but on the people.  The assembly was to be a mobile, people movement designed to operate 24/7 for the purpose of having an impact on everybody and everything. 

11. How does this explanation compare to the church we have in the world today? 

12. What can we do to make church more like what Jesus told Peter that He was building? 

Pastor Brian said that our relationships should be characterized by three things: 

• Authenticity- Being real, letting people know who you really are. 
• Accountability- People know what you’re working on and asking about it.  
• Accessibility- Being available to some people in church (not necessarily everyone). 

13. How authentic, accountable and accessible are we to those in our circle group and to each other? 

14. What are the hesitations or obstacles that keep you from developing close loving relationships with other people in the church? 

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,  if you love one another.” - Jesus (John 13:35) 

by Candace Hampton

Relational Revolution- Conflict

Relational Revolution- Week 3  

Conflict 

Icebreaker: Can you recall a humorous family conflict or event that happened when you were a child that you still talk about when you reminisce as a family? Or can you recall a situational conflict scene you watched on TV or in a movie? What about that scene made an impression on you? 

Series Recap:  The goal is to grow in our ability to love God and one another as well.  Jesus expects this from us as his followers. 

Grow in Love 

Matthew 22:36-39 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” -  

1 John 4:16–19  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 

1.What kind of love did Jesus command us to follow? Why must this love be more than a feeling? 

2. Why is this love known as “perfect love”? (1 John 4:16-18)

Conflict- Love Damper   

Genesis 4:3-8  3In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 6Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” 8Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.”  While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 

 3. How is the Bible’s early account of conflict an omen of things to come for us? (Genesis 4:3-8) 

4. How did your family handle conflict while you were growing up?  

Ephesians 4:26-27, 29-32 “In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.... 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  

 5. What is anger and what role does anger play in conflicts?  

6. What challenges you from the list of do’s and do not’s in the above passage? 

Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  

7. Whenever we have conflicts, what must we remember according to Ephesians 6:12? 

8. How can we avoid sinning and even experience victory in the storms of conflict? (Romans 14:15-20, Ephesians 6:10-12)

Romans 14:15–20 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. 19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 

Conflict Response Choices 

Conflict is inevitable!  How we RESPOND to conflict is how we can take unresolved tension and grow it into a maturing relationship. Even so, we have options.  

Conflict Choice #1 - False Peace   

One option is to choose a FALSE PEACE. . . 

 "They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, 'Peace, peace,' But there is no peace.” - Jeremiah 6:14     

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” - Matthew 5:9  

 9. What is the difference between being peace KEEPERS (doing everything we can NOT to rock the boat or ruffle feathers) and peace MAKERS (proactively pursue peace, and that can mean staring down conflict and taking it on directly)? 

10. How can avoiding conflict for the sake of peace lead to greater relational issues? 

Conflict Choice #2 - Fight Dirty. Examples of fighting dirty 

• Denial   
• Sarcasm   
• Silent Treatment 
• Shouting   
• Using “You always” or “You never”   
• Passive-Aggressive  

11. Now, be honest, which of these dirty fighting techniques tends to be your go-to? 

12. Why do we resort to fighting dirty when we are in conflict? 

Conflict Choice #3 - Fight Clean  

  Pete Scazzero says:  “A clean fight is a negotiation between two people for the sake of their relationship.”  

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil (That would be dirty fighting). Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. (There is something for us to do.) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (That is good clean fighting) - Romans 12:17-18  

13. What does it look like to fight cleanly?  

14. How does this passage help us define our role in making peace? 

Establish Conflict Guidelines  

• Pray (Asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom, discernment, and direction)  
• Everyone speaks 
• Commit to clarity and closure 
• Attack Problems, Not People   
• Act! Don't React   
• Take responsibility for your actions  

15. Which of the above do you think could be helpful to you as you commit to clean fighting? (Romans 14:15-20) 

Don’t win the argument - Win the relationship!  

by Candace Hampton

Relational Revolution- Becoming Aware

RELATIONAL REVOLUTION
Becoming Aware

Ice Breaker: If you had gotten a present for someone because they had told you they liked it only to find out later they really did not like it, how would that make you feel?

Pastor Brian states, “The truth is our lives can be a lot like an iceberg. Often only 10% of what is going on lies at the surface.”

Luke 22:21,33-34, 60-62 31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”…. 60 But Peter said, “man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

1. What did Jesus understand about Peter that Peter did not understand about himself?

2. How did Jesus respond to knowing Peter would deny him? How did Jesus help Peter become aware of his true feelings of commitment?

3. Have you ever had someone say they were your friend only to have them say hurtful things about you? What did that do to the relationship?

Become Aware

When we lack awareness,
…We misunderstand ourselves.
…and that can lead to misunderstanding God as well.
A lack of emotional intelligence can also hinder our
…Awareness of the hearts and lives of others
…which impacts how we love those around us – Pastor Brian

4. Have you said hurtful things to others, not knowing why you said those things?

5. What could be a sign that our feelings and faith are not on the same page? Can this make us hypocritical? (Luke 6:42)

Luke 6:42 Or how can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.”

Choices in Becoming Aware

6. What kind of effort will it take to become aware of myself? (James 1:5, Psalm 139:23)

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Psalm 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Pastor Brian pointed out that Jesus experienced his emotions and expressed them in HEALTHY ways.

Here are a few examples.
• He shed tears (Luke 19:41).
• He was filled with joy (Luke 10:21).
• He grieved (Mark 14:34).
• He was angry (Mark 3:5).
• Sadness came over him (Matt. 26:37).
• He felt compassion (Luke 7:13).
• He felt sorrow (John 11:35).
• He showed astonishment and wonder (Mark 6:6; Luke 7:9).
• He felt distress (Mark 3:5; Luke 12:50).
Jesus was anything but an emotionally frozen Messiah.”

7. Why is it important to learn the source of our emotions and deal with it? (Colossians 3:15, Romans 8:6-8)

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Romans 8:6–8 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those
who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

Practical Steps

A. Developing an Awareness of What I Am Feeling and Doing

8. Pastor Brian suggested that we delude or excuse ourselves from paying attention to our emotions using denial, minimizing, blaming others, blaming yourself,rationalizing, distracting and becoming. Which of these do you sometime struggle with?

B. Asking the “Why?” or “What’s Going On?” Question”

9. How can we develop an awareness of what I am feeling and doing?

10. How can we as the body of Christ support each other in our search reconcile our faith and emotions? (Proverbs 27:17, Hebrews 10:24-25)

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as someare in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

11. How can we encourage each other in our Circle Groups?

by Candace Hampton

Relational Revolution: Clarify Expectations

Relational Revolution: 

Clarify Expectations 

Ice Breaker: Describe a time when someone or a business completely exceeded your expectations? 

Series Introduction:  This series examines the importance of healthy relationships and their connection to spiritual health and maturity.  

1. Pastor Brian stated that “A mark of a growing Christian is a deepening love for God and love for people.” What do the following passages say about the importance of love and its spiritual implications? (Matthew 22:37-39, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Galatians 5:6, 1 Peter 4:8) 

Matthew 22:37–40 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  

Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. 

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 

2. How can relational immaturity become a roadblock to spiritual maturity? What are some reasons that keep us from loving others in an emotionally mature way? 

Week 1 – Clarifying Expectations  

Ephesians 4:15–17, 25-27 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking....  

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 

3.  How does truth and love combine to bring maturity to the body of Christ? Do you think this principle can also apply to personal relationships? Why or why not? (1 Peter 1:22) 

1 Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 

4.  Christian author, Bob Biehl, wrote “All miscommunications are the result of differing assumptions.” How can miscommunication lead to misunderstanding, lack of growth, disunity and give the devil a foothold in our relationships? 

One form of having differing assumptions that can sabotage relationships is due to unhealthy expectations. This includes Unconscious Expectations, Unreasonable Expectations, Unspoken Expectations and Un-agreed Upon Expectations.  - Emotionally Healthy Relationships, Pete and Geri Scazzero. 

5.  How can each of these types of expectation, if unresolved, lead to unhealthy relationships? 

6.  What would be some examples of unhealthy expectations that you have had of others or someone has had of you? How did that affect your relationship with them? 

Avoiding Unhealthy Expectations 

7. Stop Mind Reading (Proverbs 18:2) - How can thinking we know the thoughts and motives of another person, lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings?  

Proverbs 18:2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. 

8. Stop Making Judgments (Matthew 7:1-5) – It is common for us to assume the worse in others when we question someone’s behavior, but excuse the same behavior in ourselves (Fundamental Attribution Error). How can judging others lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding? What should we do before we consider the behavior of others? 

Matthew 7:1–5 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 

9. Start Having Conversations (Proverbs 18:15, 1 Corinthians 2:11a) How can having conversations help to avoid unhealthy expectations? What kind of conversations lead to better communications and understanding? 

Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. 

1 Corinthians 2:11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them?  

10. Start Clarifying Expectations – How can clarifying expectations whenever a misunderstanding occurs help to keep or restore relationships? 

Steps to Clarifying Expectations 

a. First examine your own expectations that may be unconscious and determine what expectation you are bringing into the relationship. 

b. Second, discern whether these expectations are realistic. 

c. Third, assess if the expectations have been clearly spoken and take the responsibility speak the expectation out loud. 

d. Fourth, in order for an expectation to be a healthy expectation, both people have to agree to it. 

11. How do you think these steps would be valuable in building healthy relationships both personally and within the church? 

12. Which of these steps has been a challenge for you and why? 

Sermon Challenge: Who are the important relationships in your life where you are experiencing disappointment? Take an honest look at your own expectations and set aside some time this week to talk with that person about your expectations. 

13. Did you, or are you going to, meet with someone about your expectations? If so, is there anything you would like to share with the group or that the group can pray for you in this relationship? 

by Candace Hampton

ADVENTure - From Sorrow to Joy

Adventure -From Sorrow to Joy 

Ice Breaker: What is your earliest Christmas memory?   

Pastor Brian began introducing the sermon by reminding us that though Christmas is supposed to be a happy season, for many people Christmas can be a very hard time to be happy.  Pastor Brian mentioned stress from financial pressures, personal loss and loneliness, as well as parties, at which we are supposed to feel happy. Everyone has their sources of unhappiness. This time of year can bring them out. The story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, can move us from sorrow to joy.  

But there were problems in- 

Israel: For the nation of Mary’s people, it had been generations since they were a nation on their own. Israel had been conquered by the Roman empire. The Romans had appointed King Herod the Great, a man who ruled Israel with an iron fist. Roman soldiers were everywhere; they were brutal towards anyone they felt was getting out of line. First century Israel was a pretty sorrowful place.  

Nazareth: Was a small rural town of no more than 150 people. Nazareth was about four miles from a Roman garrison. There was nothing quaint or picturesque about Nazareth. It's only claim to fame was that it had a red-light district for Roman soldiers. Nathaniel, one of Jesus’ disciples, said snidely, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) 

Luke 1:26-38  In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”  38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.  

Mary:  

For Mary, everything was new and not understood. She was a young girl no more than 14 years old.  She was engaged to Joseph.  It is safe to say, she shared in the dejection and humiliation of her people. There was a lot to be sad about being a girl in Nazareth- Pastor Brian. 

1.We come to this story, understanding that the angel came to Mary announcing the birth of the Messiah, Jesus. We understand the complete story. Mary was living the drama and uncertainty. What would Mary find difficult to understand? 

2. What was Mary’s reaction when the angel first appeared? (Luke 1:29) 

3. How did the angel address Mary? (Luke 1:28) The word for highly favored means “to be shown great grace or kindness” What do you think the Angel was saying about Mary and his favor? 

4. How has God shown you “great grace or kindness”? 

5. How did the angel comfort Mary? (Luke 1:30) 

6. How did the angel describe the son that Mary was to birth? (Luke 1:32-33) 

7. What would Mary have understood about the Messiah? (Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2,) 

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and  hers;  he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” 

Isaiah 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 

Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” 

8. Was there anything in the description of Israel or Nazareth that would indicate that this is the time for the appearing of the Messiah? What does this indicate about how God works in troubled times? 

9. What would you imagine would be Mary’s concerns being single, engaged, and being told she will become pregnant from the Holy Spirit? 

10. What was Mary’s attitude about this assignment? (Luke 1:38). What does this attitude reveal about Mary? 

11. How does Mary’s response differ from the response of Moses? (Exodus 3:10-12, 4:13). Has there been a time that you felt God prompting you and how did you respond? 

Exodus 3:10–12 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” 

Exodus 4:13  But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”  

Luke 1:39-45  At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,  40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” 

12. Who was Elizabeth to Mary? (Luke 1:36)  

13. What role did Elizabeth play in Mary’s life? (Luke 1:42-45). Why was this important to Mary? 

14. Who would you consider an “Elizabeth” in your life and why? 

Luke 1:46-54 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49   for the Mighty One has done great things for me—  holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;  he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones  but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 

15. What is the focus of Mary’s song or speech? 

16. How do you think Mary’s focus on God helped her deal with the issues of being young, unmarried and pregnant? 

Pastor Brian contrasted Joy and Happiness.  He said the words joy and happiness are used interchangeably, but they are not interchangeable. Happiness is what we feel when something good happens.  Joy is a deep sense of wellbeing in spite of what is happening.    

“She (Mary) is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime, which means high stakes, and high adversity and lots of uncertainty, but it was a journey of joy because now she knew she was favored and the Lord was with her.”- Pastor Brian 

17. How is our journey, a journey of joy rather than happiness? 

18. How does knowing that you have God’s grace and favor encourage you?

by Candace Hampton

ADVENTure: Conflict To Peace

Adventure: Conflict to Peace 

Icebreaker: What do you do for stress relief? 

Background: 

Despite what the Christmas cards depict, Bethlehem was not calm and bright. When Jesus was born, Israel - had a pretty bad run of it. Israel was conquered by the Babylonian Empire, which was subsequently conquered by the Persian Empire. Persian Empire and the Romans went to war, and Rome won. Rome then had possession of Israel. The Romans mercilessly dominated their empires for 500 years! 

The Roman empire was a military machine. Their soldiers had carte blanche to take from the inhabitants. Rome set up a little “mock” local government with power-hungry men to rule the “local franchise.” 

The Christmas narrative in Luke 2 begins: “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to their own town to register." (Luke 2:1-3) 

Roman taxes were terrible.  Joseph & pregnant Mary weren’t headed to Bethlehem to see family but for the census. Why a census you ask? To ensure Rome is getting taxes. And if you couldn’t pay your taxes, Roman soldiers could burn down your house, maybe take your kids as slaves or take your land. The time of Jesus was far from calm and bright. It was full of conflicts. - Pastor Brian Werner 

Our discussion will be about attaining peace in the midst of conflicts.  

Luke 2:1–14  In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

 1.In Esther 4:14, there is a noteworthy statement, “born for such a time as this.”  If you can add more to the above background, what was the “time” Jesus was born into? 

2. What might the atmosphere of Israel countryside have been like when Joseph and Mary went back to Bethlehem to register for the census? 

3. How is our chaotic and conflicting time similar to Jesus’ time? 

Greek word rendered as Peace (eiréné)- (from eirō, "to join, tie together into a whole") – properly, wholeness, i.e. when all essential parts are joined together; peace (God's gift of wholeness). - HELP Word Studies, Discovery Bible  

4. How is the contemporary view of peace different from the Greek/Hebrew view? 

5. As the angel and the heavenly host praised God and announced peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests, what is broken that God wants to make whole? (Romans 5:19, 6:23) 

Romans 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. 

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

6. Who will find this peace? (Luke 2:14, Romans 5:1)

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ 

7. In what circumstances did you receive this peace?  

8. From whom and how can we find this peace?  (John 14:27, Matthew 6:33-34, Romans 14:17, Galatians 5:22) 

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” 

Matthew 6:33-34 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit 

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

9. Why do we Christians sometimes not find peace? (James 4:1-3) 

James 4:1-3 1What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.  

10. What can this peace in us overcome? (John 16:33) 

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

11. How can this peace be a defensive weapon in facing conflicts in this world?  

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

12. How has this peace of God been guarding (keep watching) you from your conflicts? Reference John 14:27 above 

13. How can we maintain the peace with God daily? (Romans 8:6) 

Romans 8:6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 

by Candace Hampton