ADVENTure- Grace for the Adventure

ADVENTure – Grace for the Adventure 

Luke 2:8-16 

Ice Breaker: Pastor Brian told a story about a man who traded a paperclip to get a house. What would you consider your best trade or deal that you have made? 

Luke 2:8–14 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.What were the shepherds doing?  

2. What do you think it means that the glory of the Lord shone around them? (a Bible dictionary or study Bible may help) Compare verse 9 use of glory and verse 14. How are they the same or different?  

3. Glory can be expressed as the light of God. How does John the Baptist and Isaiah connect Jesus to the glory of the Lord? (Isaiah 9:2; John 1:3-5, 9-14) 

Isaiah 9:2 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 

John 1:3-5, 9-14  3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

4. Of all the people that the angels could have visited, why do you suppose God sent them to the shepherds? (See note) 

Note: In that day, shepherds were considered to be at the lowest rung of the social ladder. Their work not only kept them away from the temple and the synagogue, but it made them ceremonially unclean. Yet in His grace, God gave the first announcement of the Savior’s birth to lowly shepherds! (See Luke 1:52-53.) (Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament.) 

Luke 1:52–53 (NIV) 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. 

5.  Pastor Brian makes the point that the shepherds had every right to be bitter because of their position in society and how they were treated. How do you think this event would have changed their perspective of themselves especially in relationship with God? 

6. How can we trade bitterness in our relationships for love and hope? (Ephesians 4:31-32, Isaiah 61:3) 

Ephesians 4:31–32 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.  

Isaiah 61:1–3 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. 

7. For whom was this good news? (Luke 2:10) How do you think the shepherds felt hearing the good news was for them too? 

8. How can we help even the marginalized in our world get the message that the “good news” is for everyone? 

9. What was (is) the “good news” that will cause great joy? (Luke 2:11) Why would this be “good news” to them? 

10. What is the significance of the three titles given (Luke 2:11) regarding the one who was born? 

11. How has this "good news” brought great joy into your life? Who was the “angel” who first told you about Jesus? 

12. To whom does God give his peace in verse vs. 14? Who would that be? (Isaiah 9:6; 53:5; John 14:27; Romans 5:1) 

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) 6 For to us a child is born,  to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 

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. 

Romans 5:1–2 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 

Luke 2:15-20 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 

13. What did they do and what did they find as a response to the “good news” from the angels? 

14. How can we share the “good news” of the birth of Jesus to those around us this Christmas season?

by Candace Hampton

The One and Only

The One and Only  

Ice Breaker: What is the most exclusive place that you have ever been to? 

John 14:6–7  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 

Acts 4:10–12 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is  “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’  12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”  

1 Timothy 2:5   For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 

1.What did Jesus claim about himself? (John 14:6-7) What did Peter claim about Jesus? (Acts 4:10-12) What did Paul claim about Jesus? (1 Timothy 2:5) 

2. Why do you think that some people get offended by the Christian claim that Jesus is the only way to salvation?   

Pastor Brian said that there are lots of reasons people are offended by the exclusive claim that Jesus is the only way.  He separated them into three categories, Intellectual, Behavioral, and Heart reasons. 

Intellectual 

3. Pastor Brian said that we live in a pluralistic society.  What does “pluralistic society” mean to you? 

4. What do you think is the source of authority for this pluralistic society?  The Intellectual reason for pluralism seems to follow a reasoning, “Who are we to insist that OUR religion is better than other religions.”  What is wrong with this line of reasoning? 

5. What is the source of authority for Jesus claiming that He is the only way to God? (Colossians 1:16-17) 

Colossians 1:16–17 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 

6. What is the central issue regarding our need for salvation? (1 Peter 3:18, Romans 3:23-24, Proverbs 9:10) 

Romans 3:23–24 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.  

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

Behavioral - The Behavioral reasons that people reject the exclusivity of Christ comes down to the actions and unloving attitudes of Christians. 

7. Does the behavior of people make any objective facts more or less true?   

8. How can we Christians be more effective at being imitators of Christ?   

9. How can you be more loving to people around you? 

Heart -  The final category of reasons people are offended by the claim that Jesus is the only way, comes from the Heart.  The cause of this offense is people we have known and loved who have not been Christians, and may be gone. 

10. How do we handle the argument that the God who would send “good and decent people” to hell, must not be very loving? (John 3:16-18, 15:13; 2 Peter 3:9b)  How can we show empathy, yet still stay true to the truth of the gospel? 

John 3:16–18 - 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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  

2 Peter 3:9b - 9 … Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 

11.  Pastor Brian said that a survey of American Christians found that only 29% said that Jesus is the only way to be saved.  How would you explain “American Christians” believing there are other ways of finding salvation? (Matthew 7:21-23) 

Matthew 7:21-23  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and, in your name, perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ 

Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 

12. What does that fact that there is only one way to God say about our good works?  (Can’t everyone do good works?)  (Ephesians 2:8-9, Isaiah 64:6) 

Ephesians 2:8-9 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.  

Isaiah 64:6  All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.  

13. How does the fact that Jesus is the only way help you to live out your faith? What would be the result if more of us live as if Jesus alone by faith is our only hope of salvation? 

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - Jesus 

by Candace Hampton

The One- Where Are The Other Nine

The One – Where Are The Other Nine  

A Lesson on Thankfulness 

Icebreaker: Who do you have to be thankful for during this Thanksgiving season? 

Luke 17:11-19 11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy  met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” 

1.Why was it so significant that Jesus had contact with lepers? (Numbers 5:1–2 (ESV))  

Numbers 5:1–2 (ESV) The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous …. 

2. When the 10 lepers asked for pity, how did Jesus test their faith? (Leviticus 14:3) 

Leviticus 14:3, and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall look. Then, if the case of leprous disease is healed in the leprous person.   

3. Why did Luke remind us that the thankful man was a Samaritan in verse16? 

4. What enabled this one Samaritan to express his thankfulness so passionately? (Romans 10:17, Tim Keller quote)

Romans 10:17 faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.  

“It’s one thing to be grateful.  

It’s another thing to give thanks.  

Gratitude is what you feel.  

Thanksgiving is what you do.” –Tim Keller  

5. What happened to the other nine? What might be the conditions of their hearts? 

6. How did Jesus respond to this one grateful Samaritan? (Luke 17:19) 

7. How is thankfulness an expression of our faith? 

Thankfulness Training 

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  

8. As faithful believers, how are we to live our lives in Him?  

9. How can continuing to being rooted, built up in Him and strengthened in faith help us to overflow with thankfulness? How do you practice them? (Ephesians 3:17, Ephesians 2:20, Hebrews 13:9)  

Ephesians 3:17 ... And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love 

Ephesians 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  

Hebrews 13:9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace... 

10. What steps can you take today to be rooted, built up and strengthened or help someone in the process?  

Thankful Daily Living 

Colossians 3:15-17, 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Ephesians 5:19b-20 “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”   

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

11. Why is thankfulness an essential part of Christian living with God and with one another? 

12. How can we be thankful and show gratitude to others when we do not feel like it?

Personal reflection: Who is it that needs to hear thank you from you? 

by Candace Hampton

Living The Lord's Prayer

Living The Lord’s Prayer 

Ice Breaker: Who is the one person you could spend the most time with on the phone? What is it about that person that makes it easy to talk with them? 

Jesus has been teaching in the local synagogues and healing people from all over the neighboring regions who came to him. Jesus began teaching His disciples and the crowd. The Lord’s Prayer is contained within the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7 and is part of a section on prayer in Matthew 6:5-15. 

Matthew 6:5–15  5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  9 “This, then, is how you should pray:  “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

1.What is prayer? 

2. What did Jesus teach about prayer in the section leading up to the Lord’s Prayer? (Matthew 6:5-8) 

Matthew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

3. What does the opening of the prayer teach us about God and our relationship with Him? (Matthew 6:9) 

4. What does this opening imply about how we should approach God in our prayers? 

Matthew 6:10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 

5. What does it mean for God’s Kingdom to come (on earth as it is in heaven)? (Colossians 1:13–14, 2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Corinthians 15:22-26, Revelation 20:12–15, Revelation 21:1–4) 

Colossians 1:13–14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  

2 Timothy 4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:   

1 Corinthians 15:22-26  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.  

Revelation 20:12–15 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.  

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.” 

6. What does it mean for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven? (1 Timothy 2:3–4, Matthew 28:18–20, John 13:34–35, John 17:20–23, Ephesians 4:11–13, among others) 

1 Timothy 2:3–4 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  

Matthew 28:18–20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.” 

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 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. 

Ephesians 4:11–13 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. 

7. How would focusing on what God’s Kingdom coming and His will to be done, before asking for our needs, help us in our prayer? (Matthew 6:33) 

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

8. What are ways we could implement focusing more during our prayer on who God is and what he is doing before taking our needs to Him? 

Matthew 6:11 Give us today our daily bread. 

9. When should we ask for our daily bread? 

10. What might be included under the category of “daily bread”? 

11. Since it is true that “your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8) Why do you think we should ask anyway? 

12. What are ways we could make prayer a daily habit? 

Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 

13. Since it is true that Jesus has died for our sins, why do you think it is important to both ask for forgiveness and to forgive others? (See note- More on the forgiveness of sin - at the end of these questions.) 

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from the evil one.’ 

Note:  “The Bible teaches that God does not tempt man to sin (Matthew 6:13; cf. James 1:13–14). The words of Matthew 6:13 meant “Do not allow us to succumb to temptation.” Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. 

14. What is Jesus’ teaching about God’s power over our own evil desires and over Satan?  

15. How does knowing that God has power over temptation and the evil one help us when confronted with their influence? (1 Corinthians 10:13) 

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 

16. When praying, what do you find is your biggest challenge? What can you do this week to overcome that challenge? 

Prayer is a relational engagement, not a transactional arrangement.  

More on the forgiveness of sin. The following note from the ESV Study Bible is provided for clarity on the meaning of Matthew 6:12,14-15.  

6:12 Forgive us our debts (the fifth petition) does not mean that believers need to ask daily for justification, since believers are justified forever from the moment of initial saving faith (Rom. 5:1, 9; 8:1; 10:10). Rather, this is a prayer for the restoration of personal fellowship with God when fellowship has been hindered by sin (cf. Ephesians 4:30). Those who have received such forgiveness are so moved with gratitude toward God that they also eagerly forgive those who are debtors to them.  

6:14–15 forgive others. Jesus reemphasizes the importance of forgiving others, indicating that there is a direct relationship between having been forgiven by God and the forgiveness that his disciples of necessity must extend to others. As in v. 12, forgive your trespasses here refers to restoration of personal relationship with God, not to initial justification (cf. note on v. 12). 

Also remember that these words from Jesus were spoken prior to his death on the cross and subsequent to the new covenant. 

by Candace Hampton

What Love Does- Love Transforms

What Love Does-Love Transforms 

Ice Breaker: What was the biggest change for the better, that you can describe in a person you have known?  Or what (besides becoming a Christian) has caused the biggest change in your life? 

1.Pastor Brian began his sermon with an illustration about houses that had been weathered and neglected, and needed to be transformed.  How are our lives weathered and been neglected and in need of transformation?  

Luke19:1-8 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

2. Who was Zacchaeus, and why do you think it was unusual that Jesus would stay with him?  

3. What is the difference in how Jesus looked at Zacchaeus and the way the people looked at Zacchaeus? (Luke 19:7) How do religious people sometimes treat secular people without love? 

4. What was Zacchaeus’ reaction to the love and acceptance of Jesus? (Luke 19:8) 

5. What should the verse, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” mean to us who know Jesus as our savior? 

Zacchaeus began a transformational journey when he met Jesus.  

6. What evidence in the passage indicates the sincerity of Zacchaeus’ heart/repentance? 

Romans 12:2  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from  the Lord, who is the Spirit. 

7. How are we conformed to the pattern of the world?  In what ways do you think the Church, (universal) conforms to the pattern of the world? (Colossians 2:21-23)

Colossians 2:21-23  “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. 

Strong’s Concordance for Transform.: 3339 metamorphóō (from 3326 /metá, "change after being with" and 3445 /morphóō, "changing form in keeping with inner reality") properly, transformed after being with; transfigured.  

8. How does God transform us? What does it mean to have our minds renewed? How does this happen? (Joshua 1:8, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12)  

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  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 

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. 

9. What is the difference in real transformation, versus following a list of rules, or just appearing to restrain desire and trying hard to do good? 

10. How is love involved in your transformation? How is love involved in the transformation of others?  (1 John 4:19) 

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

11. What was your life like before you met Jesus? 

12. How has your life been transformed since you met Jesus? 

13. In what areas is God continuing to transform you into the likeness of Christ? (Review Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18) 

Pastor Brian said, “Transformation is about getting closer and closer to God, so He can transform us from the inside out, into what He created us to be.” 

by Candace Hampton

Love Speaks 

Icebreaker: If you are given a blank friendship card, what would you write in it to a friend or family member? 

In this series, we are looking at different ways Jesus modeled what “Love Does.” In this study, we are studying how love speaks to us. 

1. What does the world think love is? 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails. 

2. How did the Apostle Paul describe love? (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

3. How does the definition in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 differ from the world’s view of love? 

4. What makes this love unfailing? How have you seen that God’s love is unfailing? 

1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  

5. The Apostle John further described love as a person. What does it mean that God is love? (1 John 4:8)

6. Since God is love, how has that affected His communication and actions with us? 

7. Where did Jesus Christ direct His love and for what purpose? (John 13:34,35) 

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

8. How would you describe the different ways Pastor Brian pointed out that Jesus spoke love into Peter in the follow verses? 

a. Matthew 16:17-18 - Encouraging Words   

Matthew 16:17-18 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 

b. Matthew 16:19 - Empowering Words  

Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 

c. Matthew 16:21-23 - Exhorting Words  - …to strongly urge, to try to influence…to warn. 

Matthew 16:21-23 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” 

9. How could each of these ways of speaking love have a positive influence on others? 

a. Encouraging Words 

b. Empowering Words 

c. Exhorting Words 

10. What are other ways we can speak in love? (1 Corinthians 13:1, Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 4:29)

1 Corinthians 13:1, 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. 

Ephesians 4:15, 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. 

Ephesians 4:29, 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. 

11. Why is it important that we speak love according to the listener’s needs? (Ephesians 4:29) 

12. What was the most memorable words of love you have ever received from others? How did that change your life?

13. What has been your experiencing in speaking love in accordance with the listener’s needs? 

by Candace Hampton

What Love Does- Serve

What Love Does- Serve 

Ice Breaker: Describe a time when you received the most joy serving someone else.  

Matthew 20:17- 28   Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” (NIV)  20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.21.  “What is it you want?” he asked.  She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”  22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”  “We can,” they answered.  23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”  24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV) 

1.What did Jesus tell the disciples? (v17-19) Does it make any difference that this is the third time that He has told them that He must suffer?  Why would Jesus tell them over and over?  

2. Jesus is at the end of His earthly ministry. At this point, do the disciples seem to understand the mission of Jesus or the mission that they are shortly going to receive? (v18-19, 22)

3. How well do you think that the Christian church today understands the mission of Jesus and the mission of the church?  

4. Why do you think that their minds would go to what they get out of the coming events?  What does this suggest about the disciples?  

5. What was the disciple’s mother asking for? (v 21) 

6. Why did Jesus say to their mother, “You don’t know what you’re asking for?” 

7. Why do you suppose the other disciples were indignant with the two disciples? (v24)  

8. What is Jesus’ principle for greatness? (v25-28). 

9. In his introduction, Pastor Brian described serving as very undervalued by some.  How does our culture view serving? 

10. What is the relationship between pride, humility and service? 

11. Pastor Brian calls serving a discipleship practice.  What do the following passages say about being a disciple and serving? (Mark 10:45, John 13:34-35, 1 Peter 4:10) 

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

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.” 

1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 

12. How can we change our own perspective and mind to embrace Jesus’ command to serve one another? (Romans 12:1-2) 

Romans 12:1–2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  

13. What do you suppose would happen if everyone in the church started serving each others with their whole heart. (Ephesians 6:7) 

Ephesians 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 

14. How would serving out of love for God look different than serving for personal gain or selfish purposes?  

Pastor Brian- “Serving is the battleground of humanity where we win or lose the fight against self-centeredness.” 

by Candace Hampton

Words of Life

 Words of Life 

Icebreaker: Do you remember a time when you had difficulty making a new transition in your life? 

Acts 9:15  But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Galatians 2:8-9 For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Cephas[c] and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.

1. How was Paul a “chosen instrument” for God? What was he chosen to do? 

Acts 20:17-21  From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.18 When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus

2. How did Paul fulfill his calling as a chosen instrument in Ephesus? 

3. What did he declare to both the Jews and the Greeks? 

Acts 20:22-27 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. 25 “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 
 

4.  In the above passage, how does Paul emphasize the sovereignty of God? 

5. What is Paul’s stated aim? 

6. What does aiming to finish the race and completing the task the Lord has given you look like? 

7. What does he say about seeing his audience again?  

Acts 20:28-35 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

8. Paul gives four commands to his friends he will never see again. What are they? 

9. Paul knows his end is coming. Note the following verse in 2 Timothy. How did Paul know he had fought the good fight?

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 

Acts 20:36-38 When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

10. What grieved them the most?  

11. In the entire passage of Acts 20:17-28 How can we minister like Paul and the Ephesians with humility and friendship?   

1 Corinthians 11:1 You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.  

Philippians 3:17 Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.  

Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.  

1 Thessalonians 1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering. 

12. Take some time in your circle share about how you first came to Sun Grove?  What you have loved about it?   Share some memories of Pastor Dave? What is something he said or taught that sticks with you?  Do you have a favorite message you reflect on frequently?  

13. If Pastor Dave had a chance for one more sermon to give to Sun Grove, what do you think he might stress as important? 

14. It is good to hear some of the memorable history of Sun Grove. Appreciate together ways that God has taken care of our church family over the many years.

by Candace Hampton

Walking Through Storms (Week 3)- Accessibility and Availability

Walking Thru Storms (week 3) – Accessibility and Availability 

Icebreaker: Could you describe a situation when someone went the extra mile to help you or you help someone? 

Mark 2:1-5  1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 

1. Why, today with all the social media access, do many still feel isolated and lonely? Why is social media and text making the matter worse? 

2. What is the difference between being accessible and available in human relationships? 

3. How accessible was Jesus to the crowd? (Mark 2:1-2, Luke 5:16)

Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. 

4. Why did Jesus make Himself available this time to the man who came through the roof? 

5.  How did these men make themselves available to the paralytic? What does the text say about these men’s relationship to the paralytic? 

6. Whose faith did Jesus respond to? As people of faith, why do faith in action and availability go hand in hand? 

7. To whom should we make ourselves available? (Matthew 5:43-47, Luke 10:29-37, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Romans 12:10) 

Matthew 5:43–47  43“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  

Luke 10:29–37  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 fell into the hands of 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, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins 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.” 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. 

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  

8. Whose mat (brokenness) can you carry (faith in action) at this time?  

Mark 2:6-12 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7“Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”  

 9. Why did some teachers of the law want to foil the effort of these men?  

10. What resistance have you faced when trying to be available to help/serve? 

11. How did Jesus squelch the resistance? 

12. In the aftermath, what did the mat mean to the lame man and his 4 friends since Jesus told him to take it with him? 

13. What was the end result of this biblical account? How can we accomplish the same outcome when helping others? 

14. Why is meeting together in Sun Grove Circle groups a good way to become accessible and available to help? (Hebrews 10:24-25) 

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. 

by Candace Hampton

Walking Through Storms - Part 2

WALKING THRU STORMS – PART 2 

MARK 4:35-41 

Ice Breaker: Have you ever been in a natural disaster or serious circumstance caused by a natural event? (floods, earthquakes, wind, blizzard, etc.) What happened? What did you learn from that experience? 

Mark 4:35–41 35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”  39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.  40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”  41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”  

1.Who was with Jesus? How did they react to the sudden emergency? 

2. How do you typically respond to sudden difficulties or emergencies? Tell about a sudden emergency in your life and how you responded.  

3. What was the first question in this story? What does this question reveal about the disciples’ state of mind? 

4. Why do you think it is easy to blame God for not caring about our problems? How can we try to keep from feeling alone or feel like God doesn’t care? 

5. For what purpose do you think Jesus remained asleep during the storm?  

6. What are some reasons that God allows His children to experience the storms of life? (James1:2-4; Romans 8:17, 35-37; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)  

James 1:2–4 2 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 8:17  Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 

Romans 8:35–37 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:  “For your sake we face death all day long;  we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

 2 Corinthians 12:9–10  9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

7.  Why is it important to cry out to God with whatever we are feeling? (Psalm 18:6a; Psalm 88:1-2; Psalm 130:1-2)  

Psalm 18:6a 6 In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help.  

Psalm 88:1–2 1 Lord, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. 2 May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. 

Psalm 130:1–2 1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; 2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 

8. What do you think they expected Jesus to do? What did Jesus do?  

9. What was the second question in this story? (Mark 4:40) Why do you think Jesus asked this question? 

10. Think about times when you felt fearful; what would be your answer to Jesus’ question “Why are you so afraid?” 

11. What was the third question in this story? How does this third question really answer the second question? 

12. What happened earlier that should have given them faith in Him? (Mark 1:30-33, 40-42; 2:3-12; among others) 

Mark 1:30–34 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.  32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. 

Mark 1:40–42  40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”  41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. 

Mark 2:2–12 2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”  6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”  8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….” He said to the paralytic, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” 

13. What is the fourth question in this story? What evidence did Jesus provide that would have helped them answer this question?  

14. How does going through storms help us to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is? 

15. How does knowing that Jesus is in the proverbial “boat” with us, help us to handle difficult situations or help when we feel we are overwhelmed by circumstances? 

by Candace Hampton

Reclaiming Your Sanity- A Byproduct of Serving

Reclaiming Your Sanity-A Byproduct of Serving  

Ice Breaker: Describe a time when you received the most joy, serving someone else.  

Matthew 20:17- 28   Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” (NIV)  20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.21.  “What is it you want?” he asked.  She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”  22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”  “We can,” they answered.  23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”  24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV) 

1.What did Jesus tell the disciples? (v17-19) Does it make any difference that this is the third time that He has told them that He must suffer?  Why would Jesus tell them over and over?  

2. Jesus is at the end of His earthly ministry. At this point, do the disciples seem to understand the mission of Jesus or the mission that they are shortly going to receive? (v18-19, 22)  

3. How well do you think that the Christian church today understands the mission of Jesus and the mission of the church?  

4. Why do you think that their minds would go to what they get out of the coming events?  What does this suggest about the disciples?  

5. What was the disciple’s mother asking for? (v 21) 

6. Why did Jesus say to the mother, “You don’t know what you’re asking for"? 

7. Why do you suppose the other disciples were indignant with the two disciples? (v24)  

8. What is Jesus’ principle for greatness? (v25-28). 

9. In his introduction, Pastor Brian described serving as very undervalued by some.  How does our culture view serving? 

10. What is the relationship between pride, humility and service? 

11. Pastor Brian calls serving a discipleship practice.  What do the following passages say about being a disciple and serving? (Mark 10:45, John 13:34-35, 1 Peter 4:10) 

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  

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.” 

1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 

12. How can we change our own perspective and mind to embrace Jesus’ command to serve one another? (Romans 12: 1-2) 

Romans 12:1–2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

13. What do you suppose would happen if everyone in the church started serving each other with their whole heart.  

Ephesians 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 

14. How does serving help us reclaim our sanity in our spiritual walk?  So, what is it that is causing our insanity?  

Pastor Brian- “Serving is the battleground of humanity where we win or lose the fight against self-centeredness.” 

by Candace Hampton

Resting and Reclaiming Your Sanity

Resting and Reclaiming Your Sanity 

Icebreaker: Can you remember a time of resting in your life when you really came away refreshed and ready to refocus on God and on life? 

A. Prioritizing our relationship with God. 

Luke 2:41-50 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 

1. At the age of 12, how did he amaze everyone? What was Jesus’ priority?

2. How is this story a foreshadow of the ministry of Jesus?

3. What do you think they thought about the actions of Jesus? What do you think he was really saying to his parents? 

4. How might we today misunderstand the priorities of Jesus? 

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

5. Why is it so hard to keep God first? What sort of things get in our way? 

6. How do we go about seeking to put God first in our life? (Matthew 6:33)

Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 

7. When we are really busy, why is it important to take time to be with the Lord?  

8. Read the passages below and describe what were some of the circumstances and/or reasons that Jesus withdrew to be with God. 

Luke 5:15-16 15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. 

Luke 6:12-16 12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:  

Luke 9:28-31 28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure,  which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.   

Luke 22:39-42 39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He 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.”   

Matthew 26:36–39  36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”  39 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.” 

9. In which areas could you learn from Jesus by withdrawing in prayer? 

B. Prioritizing regular rest in God 

Matthew 11:28–30  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.” 

10. How can we enter the rest of the promise in Matthew 11:28? 

11. Why is it important for the Christian to seek rest?  

12. What can we do to ensure that our quiet time with God is both regular and deep? 

13. How do we go about setting regular time to seek rest? Where does rest come in on our list of priorities?

Philippians 4:6,7  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

14. How does the above verse put together anxiety and the peace of God? Why is it so difficult sometimes to truly give something over in prayer to God?

15. How can you apply the lessons of prayer and rest to your life this week? (Isaiah 26: 3) 

Isaiah 26: 3 (KJV) 3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,  Whose mind is stayed on thee:  Because he trusteth in thee.

by Candace Hampton

People of Courage: Joshua and Caleb

People of Courage: Joshua and Caleb 

Icebreaker: How did you or your children/grandchildren find the courage to leave the security of home and start kindergarten? 

Numbers 13:1-3, 17-20, 26-27 

1The Lord said to Moses, 2“Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders.” 3So at the Lord’s command Moses sent them out from the Desert of Paran. All of them were leaders of the Israelites. . . .  (Verses 4-16 skipped) 17When Moses sent them to explore Canaan, he said, “Go up through the Negev and on into the hill country. 18See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. 19What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? 20How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) . . . . 

26They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 

1. What were the 12 spies asked to do? 

2. What was the significance of the food they brought back?  

Numbers 13:28 – 14:4 

28But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.” 30Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” 31But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” Numbers 14 1That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! 3Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”  

3. What did the spies discover that negated the good news of bountiful food? 

4. What did the people fear? (Numbers 14:1-4) What giants are we afraid of today? 

5. What are some things we blame or make excuses about to avoid the “giants” and challenges in our lives? 

Numbers 14:5-9 

5Then Moses and Aaron fell face down in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”  

6. What did Caleb and Joshua report? (Num. 13:30; 14:6-9)  

7. Why do you think Caleb and Joshua warned the Israelites not to rebel? (James 4:17) 

James 4:17 (NIV) 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. 

Summary of Joshua 14:10-19: The people wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb for wanting to put their trust in God’s promise. This angered God because of their unbelief. Moses pleaded with God to spare them from his judgment for the sake of His glory and great love and patience. God agreed.   

Numbers 14:20-25, 30-35 

20 The Lord replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. 21Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth, 22not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times— 23not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. 24But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it. 25Since the Amalekites and the Canaanites are living in the valleys, turn back tomorrow and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea. a ”  

30Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 31As for your children that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected. 32But as for you, your bodies will fall in this wilderness. 33Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. 34For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.’ 35 I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. They will meet their end in this wilderness; here they will die.” 

8. Why do Caleb and Joshua get to go into the promised land? What was the consequence for those who didn't trust God?  

Forty Years Later: Everyone who was over twenty during the refusal to enter the promise land has died, except for Joshua and Caleb. God makes Joshua the leader and calls him to lead Israel into the promised land. God also encourages Joshua and the people to be strong and courageous.  

Joshua 1:6-9 

6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8Keep 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. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

9. When the Israelites were ready to inherit the promised land, what did God command them to do? And for what reason?  (Joshua 1:6)

10. What are some of the promises of God that we can focus on? (Ephesians 1:13-14, Phil 1:6, 1 John 1:9) There are many -what are some other promises? 

Ephesians 1:13–14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. 

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  

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. 

11. How are strength and courage developed? (Joshua 1:7-8)

12. How does the presence of God keep us from fear and discouragement? (Joshua 1:9) 

13. What are your next steps to develop strength and courage to face your giants today? 

Whatever your giant is, 

…Whatever you need the courage to do 

… We can be strong and courageous! 

• Focus on God’s Promise 

• Obey God’s Commands 

• Trust in God’s Presence

by Candace Hampton

Romans 3

Romans 3

Icebreaker: What was the worst childhood misadventure that you got away with?

Point of this chapter: You are only saved by grace, through faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:1-8 1What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2 Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.” 5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7 Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” 8 Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is just!

1. What advantages did the Jews have spiritually over non-Jews? (Romans 3:1-2, 9)

2. What advantages do children have growing up in a Christian home?

3. What can we do to get God’s Word into the hearts of our children? What are you doing to get God’s Word in your heart?

4. Why do we deserve God’s wrath even though our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly? (Romans 3:5; 2 Tim 2:13)

2 Tim 3:13  if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Romans 3:9-18 9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.”14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know.”[e] 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

5. Who do you think Paul is talking about; all people, or non-Christians, and non-believing Jews? Explain your answer!

6. How does the truth that we are all under the power of sin, affect us as Christians/disciples? (Romans 3:9)

7. What does the fact that there is none righteous, yet God still seeks to save all of us, say about God? (John 3:16-17; 1 Tim 2: 3-4)

John 3:16–17 “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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

1 Timothy 2:3–4 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

8. What is the purpose of the law if not to make us righteous? (vs19,20)

9. What should be our relationship to the law if it does not make us righteous?

Romans 2: 21-31  21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. 27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

10. Does going to church and being good save us? If not, how are we saved? ((Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:23,28, Ephesians 2:8-9)

Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

Ephesians 2:8–10  8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this 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 workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

11. How does Christ’s death on the cross demonstrate the righteousness of God? (Romans 3:23-26)

Justify: to show to be righteous, declare righteous
Redemption: a release effected by payment of ransom
Atonement: the wrath of the God shall be appeased; a means of propitiation

12. How do we demonstrate faith in Christ? (Colossians 2:7)

Colossians 2:6–7 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

13. What can we do to promote building faith in ourselves and others?

by Candace Hampton

Self-righteousness is Believing That You Are Right Within Yourself

Self-righteousness Is Believing That You Are Right Within Yourself
Romans 2 

Icebreaker: Can you remember a time when your first impressions of someone turned out to be wrong? Or when someone’s first impression of you changed? 

A. The self-righteous fail to grant God’s kindness to others 

Romans 2:1-3
1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 

1.How are we condemning ourselves when we judge someone else? 

2. Can you remember a time when someone unjustly judged you? Have you been guilty of the same thing? 

Romans 2:17-24
17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;  19 If you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 

3. Who is Paul trying to teach in these passages? How do you know? (Romans 2:17,18)

4. What is Paul’s admonition in these passages? 

5. What do you think is the hardest part of this for you to put into practice? 

B. The desire for perfection will ruin you 

Romans 2:4 
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 

6. How is God’s kindness intended to lead us to repentance? 

C. Forgiving others is the proof of the forgiven 

Matthew 18:23-35
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” 

7. How much did the forgiven servant owe? Do you think he could have realistically paid the debt back? 

8. How much did the unforgiven servant owe? How do the two debts compare, and why is the king so upset at his forgiven servant? 

9. How is that example like us in our tendency to judge others? (Matthew 7:3-5) 

Matthew 7:3–5  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. 

10. How do we show contempt to God when living self-righteously? (Romans 2:4) 

D. The root sin of unforgiveness is anger 

The Prodigal Son: The younger son took his early inheritance from his father and fell into deep sin while on a wild spending spree. He lost everything, repented, and came humbly home. His father freely forgave him, and responded with great joy. His older brother, faithful all the time, resented it. (Ref: Luke 15:11-33) 

Luke 15:28  “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 

11. What do you think made the older brother angry? 

12. How do you think the older brother should have responded? 

13. How should that inform your idea of grace and forgiveness? (Jude 22,23) 

Jude 22,23  22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.  

“Has your heart been circumcised by the Holy Spirit? Are you right now open to the ongoing cutting of the Spirit to change and transform your self-righteousness into compassion and the obedience to forgive others? “ - Pastor Dave Flaig 

by Candace Hampton

Romans 1

Romans 1 

Icebreaker: Share how you reacted after being alerted to a potential danger or problem? 

Romans 1 

 A. CONCERNING PAUL (1:1-5) 

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.  

1. How was Jesus declared to be the Son of God? (1:4) 

2. How was Paul supposed to serve? (1:1&5)

3. What was the purpose of Paul being a servant of Christ? (1:5)

B. CONCERNING THE ROMANS (1:6-15) 

6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. 11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. 

4. Why did Paul want to go to Rome? (1:11-12,15)

5. Why did Paul refer to himself as obligated? (1:5,14-15;1 Corinthians 9:16) 

1 Corinthians 9:16 (NIV84) 16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 

6. How can we take ownership to the obligation of the gospel? 

 C. CONCERNING THE GOSPEL (1:16-17)

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”  

7. What is “God's power” to save? (1:16) 

8. What does the gospel reveal? (1:17)

9. Why is Paul not ashamed of the gospel? How can boldness be evident in our sharing the gospel? 

D. WRATH OF GOD (1:18-23) 

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. 

10. What two invisible attributes of God are revealed in nature? (1:20)

11. In what ways did mankind offend God? (1:21-22)

E. WRATH OF GOD REVEALED IN CONSEQUENCES  (1:24-32) 

24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. 

12.  How does God express His wrath in verse 18?  What does it mean that “God gave them over?” (1:24,26,28)

13. How is our current culture reaping God’s wrath? 

14.  What are the consequences of Christians’ indifference to God’s wrath over godlessness and wickedness of people? 

15. How can Christians and the church witness in such a darkened world? (Phil 2:15) 

Philippians 2:14-16 

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. 

by Candace Hampton

Committing to Follow Jesus- A Prelude to the Book of Romans

Committing to Follow Jesus- A Prelude to the Book of Romans

Icebreaker: What excuses have you used to get out of doing something? Or what keeps you from doing something you should do?

Watch the Bible Project Video, Romans1-4 https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/romans-1-4/

1. Tell the group what do you hope to get out of this series on the book of Romans.

Why a series through Romans: Paul’s primary theme in the book is God’s plan for salvation for people of every nation, language, tribe and tongue. If you have been a part of Sun Grove Church for any length of time, you know that is exactly what we preach, share & proclaim. Paul was writing to prepare the people of the Roman house churches for his upcoming visit, by sharing with them solid doctrine about Christ.

Jesus calls people to follow Him, continuously for a lifetime. As Christians, we are to be growing in faith and in our commitment to Christ. Pastor Dave told us that Jesus tells His disciples that there is a cost to following Him, and so it is for us. To prepare us for the journey through Romans, this lesson is on the faith, commitment and sacrifice required to follow Jesus.

2. Which areas of Christian commitment do people struggle with the most?

3. What was your hardest struggle when you became a Christian?

LUKE REMINDED US THAT IT IS ALL ABOUT JESUS!

Luke 9:57-62 57As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

4. Jesus lays out what it means to be a disciple, letting go of personal comfort. What personal comfort have you let go of in your following of Jesus? What personal comfort do you need to let go of? (Luke 9:57-58)

5. In verses 59-62, Jesus deals with others who offer excuses to put off commitment to discipleship and following Jesus. What is the point of Jesus’ response to these excuses? What are the excuses we use today?

John 6:53-56, 60-68 53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

6. In John 6:53-56, 60-68, Jesus tells His followers that they must eat His flesh and drink His blood, to have life. At this point, many followers leave, because they do not understand, and are offended. Why do you think Jesus would say things to His followers that they would not understand, and stop following Him?

7. How does this differ from our tradition of telling people, “If you want to become a follower of Christ, pray this prayer?” What should we be emphasizing in our presentation?

8. Can you share with your group a time in your life when God used a hard truth or a confusing situation to test you or grow your faith?

COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS

Luke 9:57-62 57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

THE ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEER: Luke 9: 57-58, 57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

The STALLING RECRUIT: Luke 9:59-60, Deuteronomy 8:11-14

Deuteronomy 8:11-14 11Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

9. How/Why does having food, homes and wealth cause us to forget God?

10. Do you spiritually thrive more in persecution, or in plenty?

Philippians 4:12,13 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Pastor Dave: Loyalty to Jesus and His kingdom is more important than loyalty to what is normal in our culture. Pastor Dave suggested the following excuses:

- Let me live with my girlfriend.
- Let me establish my career.
- Let me get out of debt.
- Let’s not take this religion too far.
- Let’s not share in suffering.
- Let’s wait until I am older.

11. Can a person be a Christian or a disciple while struggling with sin(s) or desires for things of this world? (1 John 2:15,16) Where is the principle/dividing line that separates real followers of Christ from people who do not have salvation? (Hebrews 4:2;11:6)

1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

Hebrews 4:2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

THE PEOPLE-PLEASING VOLUNTEER: Luke 9:61-62, Luke 14:25-26

Luke 14:25-26 25Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.

12. How does family conflict with our commitment to being Jesus’ disciple today? Can you tell of a time that you have experienced this conflict with your family?

13. What would you say to a person who wanted to call himself a Christian but not obey God’s will as expressed in the Bible?

In the Church in America, many people equate church attendance with being a Christian. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that salvation is by grace through faith. But how is that faith expressed? Is it simple church attendance? We teach a moment in time where we sincerely ask Jesus to come into our hearts. But Jesus calls people to follow Him, continuously for a lifetime. As Christians, we are to be growing in faith and in our commitment to Christ. Pastor Dave told us that Jesus tells His disciples that there is a cost to following Him, and so it is for us.

14. How can we make our Christian faith more authentic?

by Candace Hampton

How Do I Deal With My Aging Parents? 

Icebreaker: Can you remember a time when your parents did something special just for you? -or- Do you have any family traditions that make absolutely no sense? 

Pastor Dave: Nothing good ever happens by accident. You must be intentional.  

Exodus 20:12  “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 

Ephesians 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother”-which is the first commandment with a promise- 3“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. 

1.To whom does the commandment “Honor your father and mother” apply? What do you think it means to honor your father and mother? (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2) 

2. What are some of the differences between Biblical times and today in the way in which older people are cared for?  

3. How might those differences make honoring our parents more difficult or easier? How might this affect our responsibility to care for our parents? 

4. How should we be different from our culture in honoring our parents? 

Matthew 15:1–6 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” 3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’  and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’  5 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ 6 they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 

5. Why were the Pharisees upset at the disciples? Were the disciples actually breaking the Law? Explain. (Matthew 15:1-6)

6. How do you think people were avoiding honoring their parents with saying something is “devoted to God”? (Matthew 15:3-6)

7. Are there ways that we might be substituting traditions or cultural norms for our need to be there for our parents? 

8. How serious is God about our need to honor and care for our parents? (1 Timothy 5:3-4,8) 

1 Timothy 5:3-4,8 (NIV) 3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. … 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 

These are a couple of recommendations from Pastor for parent care: 

• Agree with your spouse that taking care of your parents will come ahead of any other expenditure.
• Tell your parents of your commitment.

9. Why do you think agreement with your spouse about parent care is so important?  

10. Why do you think telling your parents of your commitment is important? 

11. How might our children be affected by watching their grandparents being honored?  

by Candace Hampton

Ever, Forever & Ever

Ever, Forever & Ever

Icebreaker: What was a memorable event that you wish could have gone on forever?

Ever Sermon Series Big Picture: Whatever you think determines how you react. Whoever – The down way up, and Whoever welcomes the little children. Whenever you take communion. Wherever you go, God wants to grow. This study will look at the significance of Forever. In numerous instances the eternity of God is revealed through the use of the word “forever.”

GOD IS ETERNAL; THEREFORE, HIS WORD IS TOO.

1. What do you think eternal or forever mean? (Revelation 22:13, Isaiah 40:28, Psalm 90:2)

2. How has your understanding of God eternal/forever attribute deepened with time?

Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning the end.

Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3. What does “In the beginning was the Word” mean? (John 1:1)

4. Since God is eternal, how is it that God's word is also perfect and eternal? (Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 24:35)

5. How has the eternal word transformed your life?

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

ETERNITY BEGINS TRUSTING GOD WHERE YOU ARE NOW & INTO FOREVER.

6. How should we live our lives in light of eternity? (John 3:18, Matthew 28:18-20, Psalm 145:21)

John 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.

Psalm 145:21 My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

7. What will God do for those trusting in Him for eternity? (John 10:10, John 16:33, Isaiah 26:3-4)

8. In what circumstance have you trusted God for eternity?

John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

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.”

Isaiah 26:3-4  3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

GOD’S HEALING REVIVES YOUR HEART WHILE HUMBLING YOUR PRIDE.

9. What has God promised to the contrite and lowly in spirit? (Isaiah 57:15-16)

10. How has God restored that which is lost, taken or given away in your life?

Isaiah 57:15-16 15 For this is what the high and exalted One says—He who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. 16 I will not accuse them forever, nor will I always be angry, for then they would faint away because of me— the very people I have created.

11. What does God the Son want God the Father to provide to help us forever? (John 14:15-17)

12. What are the responsibilities the Holy Spirit helps us with? (John 14:15-17, John 15:1-8, Matthew 22:37-40)

John 14:15-17 15 If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I (Son) will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- 17 the Spirit of truth.

John 15:1–8 1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
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. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that
you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Matthew 22:37-40 37 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.”

FOREVER AND EVER GIVE GOD GLORY, HONOR AND THANKS.

13. How can we forever give glory, honor and thanks to God?

1 Timothy 1:15-17 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 4:9-11 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.”

by Candace Hampton

Wherever- You Go

Ever Series – Wherever -You Go 

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)  9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  

Ice Breaker: Tell about the first trip (more than a day) you took without any adult supervision. How did you feel? 

Pastor Dave used “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss as an allegory for his sermon points. Therefore, the Dr. Seuss quotes are a starting point giving the worldly perspective and not necessarily Biblically based. Pastor Dave redirects to a biblical view.  

“Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!” - Dr Seuss 

1.What is wrong or misleading about this quote from a Biblical perspective? (Mark 11:22-23, John 14:6, Ephesians 2:10) What would be a better way to word this sentiment? 

Mark 11:22–23 (NIV) 22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.  

John 14:6 (NIV) 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

2. The word for “way” in Hebrew and in Greek means road, path or journey. As we journey through life, what are some of the doubts that cause us to question whether God is really with us and for us? (Isaiah 41:10) 

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand 

Main Idea: Wherever You Go, God is There 

3. Why do you think God desires to journey with us in our lives “wherever we go”? (Ephesians 2:4,1 John 4:9-10) 

Ephesians 2:4–5 (NIV) 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.  

1 John 4:9-10 (NIV) 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.   

Read Psalm 139:1-12 1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.  

4. What does Psalm 139:1-12 say about God and His relationship with his people? 

WHEREVER YOU HAVE BEEN, GOD KNOWS, AND WANTS TO RESTORE YOU.  

“With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.” - Dr Seuss  

5. Psalm 139:1-6 describes God's omniscience (all knowing). How does this knowledge of His omniscience bring comfort to us? How does this attribute make His forgiveness and grace amazing? (Romans 5:7-11,1 Peter 3:18, 1 John 1:9) 

Romans 5:7–11 (NIV) 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 

1 Peter 3:18 (NIV) 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 

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

WHEREVER YOU GO GOD WILL GUIDE YOU AND HOLD YOU.  

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. And if you go in, should you turn left or right… or right and three quarters? Or maybe not quite? Or go around back and sneak in from behind? Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.” - Dr Seuss  

6. Psalm 139:7-12 describes God’s omnipresence (always everywhere, ever present). How does this attribute give us comfort even when we feel far from God or have wandered from his way? (see Jonah 1-2 Summary, Romans 8:35-39) 

Jonah 1-2 Summary: Jonah couldn’t outrun God, and when he tried, things got so bad that he volunteered to be cast overboard was swallowed by a fish for three days, then spit out on shore where God wanted him to be in the first place. God was in the storm, the fish, and put Jonah back where he should be.  

Romans 8:35–39 (NIV) 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:  “For your sake we face death all day long;  we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”  37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

7. What are the ways David uses the hand to describe what God does for us? (Psalm 63:8; 73:21-23; 139:5,10 (see above)) 

Psalm 63:8 (NIV) 8 I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.  

Psalm 73:21–24 (NIV) 21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel,  and afterward you will take me into glory.  

“I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.” - Dr Seuss 

8. How does the principle, “wherever you go, God is there” help us to trust God in difficult times and in good times?  (Romans 8:28) 

Romans 8:28 (NIV)  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

WHEREVER YOU GO, YOU MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF JESUS.  

9. Wherever you go, God wants to grow. Often, he wants to grow you, but he also wants to grow his kingdom through you. How can we be a part of growing God’s kingdom? (Acts 8:4, Mark 14:9, Philippians 1:6, Ephesians 2:10) 

Acts 8:4 (NIV) 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 

Mark 14:9 (NIV) 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”  

Philippians 1:6 (NIV) 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

Main Idea: Wherever You Go, God is There  

10. How does knowing that Jesus is “with you always, to the very end of the age” empower us to “go and make disciples of all nations”? (Matthew 28:19-20) 

Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV) 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.” 

11. How are we to demonstrate that God is There, Wherever We Go? (John 13:34-35,1 John 4:11-12) 

John 13:34–35 (NIV) 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.” 

1 John 4:11–12 (NIV) 11 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. 

Wherever you go, God wants to grow. 

Often, he wants to grow you, but he also wants to grow his kingdom through you

by Candace Hampton