Alice Drive Baptist Church Podcast

Steps to Joy: I Am PowerlessPastor Clay SmithMatthew 5:3-5Sermon Notes:· Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: Rejoice! - Philippians 4:4· Admit we are powerless.· We can't control ourselves.· Kate Bowler – Control is a drug and we are all hooked.· You will not find joy until you embrace the truth: You are not in control.· Matthew 5:3 - 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.· Proud people do not come to Jesus.· Heavenly Father, I confess, I am powerless to solve my own problems.· You lack the power, but God has the power. Matthew 5:4 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.· John 14:16-17a - 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth.· God's grace is bigger than your biggest failure. That is good news.· Matthew 5:5 - 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.· The worse your story, the warmer your welcome.· Where are you not fine?· Admit to God you are powerless.LIFE Group Discussion QuestionsOpener: Please share one area of life where you do not feel in control1. Read Matthew 5:32. In your opinion, what does it mean to be spiritually poor?3. How would you advise someone to become aware of their spiritual poverty?4. Read Matthew 5:45. In your opinion, what is the biggest barrier a person faces when it comes to mourning the condition of his or her life?6. How has God comforted you in moments when your life fell apart?7. Read Matthew 5:58. Do you know any gentle people? What are they like?9. In your opinion what does it mean to have a home with God while still living here on earth?

Easter SundayApril 20, 2025Scripture: Luke 24:36-45Sermon Notes:· Luke 9:22 – And he said to them, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”· Soren Kierkegaard – Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.· Their own agenda for Jesus prevented them from hearing what he was saying.· Luke 24:11 – But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.· Luke 24:33b-34 – They found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together, and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon!”· 36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a· Until you meet the risen Jesus, it is hard to believe his promises.· Peace is knowing whatever you face, Jesus has already won.· Don't just hear about Jesus; meet him.· 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.· The only way to know if Jesus is real is to get close to him· 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.· 44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.· God wants to connect with people.· Jesus is the servant King.· Jesus is the King who does the right thing.· A.T. Robertson – All the scripture looks different in the light of the Cross and Resurrection.· Whenever we read the Bible, read it against the backdrop of Jesus· If you struggle with faith, you are normal.· It is normal to struggle; don't stop pursuing Jesus.· Listen to Jesus' invitation.· What is God's invitation to you today?Life Group Discussion QuestionsOpener: What has happened in your life that seemed too good to be true, but it really happened?1. Read Luke 24:36-372. Put yourself in that room. What would your reaction be if Jesus appeared in your midst? What emotions would you experience?3. Read Luke 24:38-404. What does it mean to you that Jesus was able to read their thoughts and know they were troubled?5. Have you ever talked with someone who said they did not believe in the resurrection of Jesus? What was your response?6. Read Luke 24:41-437. In your opinion, what is the significance of Jesus being hungry and eating a piece of fish?8. Read Luke 24:44-45.9. Is there part of the Old Testament that is hard for you to understand? How might your understanding be helped if you read that passage in the light of Jesus' death and resurrection?

Palm SundayPastor Clay SmithSermon Notes:· Luke 19:35-36 - 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.· They brought the colt, they put their cloaks on it, they put Jesus on the colt.· They.· You decide whether or not Jesus will be King of your life.· We shift from “Mine” to Thine.· 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:· What have you seen God do? Do you give him credit?· Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! – Philippians 4:4· 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”· How are you doing running your life?· True submission brings joy.· “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”· Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men.· 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”· Beware of being religious; be a follower.· Is Jesus my King or my teacher?· 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”· Even the rocks are smarter than you.· Am I dumber than a rock?· To the King!· To the King!· Crown Jesus King each day.· Philippians 2:9-11 - 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.Group QuestionsIntro: Who is the most humble leader you have known?Go Deeper1. Read Luke 19:35-362. What would be God's motivation for not coming as a conquering King the first time?3. Imagine yourself in the crowd. What would it have been like for you?4. Read Luke 19:375. What have you seen God do in your life?6. What is the most natural way for you to praise God?7. Read Luke 19:388. What modern song, Christian or secular, would fit this occasion?9. Read Luke 19:3910. Have you ever met a religious killjoy? What were they like?11. Read Luke 19:4012. In what ways have you seen God's creation testify to his greatness?

Sermon Powerpoint· God made you to be joyfully generous.· Generosity is about your soul, not your wallet.· Do you have a reputation of generosity?· 2 Corinthians 9:12 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.· God can use your generosity today to be a catalyst for real joy.· How might your generosity help others thank God?· 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 2 Cor. 9:13· Giving helps others see a bigger picture of God.· They believed in their cause more than they trusted money.· Acts 4:32-35 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.· The church is a group of receivers that become generous givers.· The reputation of the first Jesus followers is that God used their generosity to change the world.· Graceful generosity will help us be more like the first Jesus followers.· 2 Cor. 9:14 - And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.· Prayer makes the difference.· 2 Cor. 9:15 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!· God's indescribable gift is the ultimate act of generosity.· God's reputation is to be generous to you.· No matter what you give, you have a place in God's plan.· Do you have a generous reputation?· What type of giver are you?· What you give is your real reputation.· What needs to change so your reputation of generosity looks more like His?Group Discussion QuestionsStarter: How would your friends describe your relationship with money?Read 2 Corinthians 9:12-151) Jesus followers in Jerusalem we're in a challenging time. Paul called on the Corinthian Church to help. How have you seen God sustain you during a hard time?2) How has the generosity of someone else helped you see a bigger picture of God?3) Giving, according to Paul, is both good for us and promotes God's work in others lives. How do these two truths work together?4) What stops us from giving more generously?5) According to Paul, what is the ultimate reason for giving sacrificially? What does sacrificial giving look like?6) What did the giving ladder show you about your level of generosity?7) What needs to change so your reputation of generosity looks more like His?8) What is your main takeaway from the Let Go series?

SERMON NOTES:· God made you to be joyfully generous.· Generosity is about your soul, not your wallet.· God wants you to be generous because he wants something for you, not something from you.· 2 Corinthians 9:6: 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.· To get a harvest you must plant the seed.· The more you plant, the more you harvest.· The more you give (sow), the more you receive (reap).· Generosity gives greater grace.· Following Jesus will make your life better and make you better at life.· 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.· Give what you have decided to give.· Heavenly Father, show me what it means for me to be generous.· Give what you decide to give.· Resist outside agendas.· For God loves a cheerful giver.· You feel better about yourself, your life, and walk with Jesus when you are generous!· 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”· God bless you so you can be generous.· All things, all times, all sufficient.· Only in heaven will you know the impact of your generosity.· 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.· Be generous with what God gives you.· Spend less than you make. Save. Avoid debt. Be generous. Repeat.· Dallas Willard - It is not a matter of doing or not doing specific things, but of having a heart in union with God's heart, one that has "entered the kingdom of God· 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.· When you are generous, people thank God for you· God wants something for you, not something from you.· It is time for you to be a hilarious, joyful, cheerful giver and become the person God made you to be.LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: Do you know someone who is wealthy? Are they generous?Discussion:1. Read 2 Corinthians 9:62. How would you explain what it means to sow generously so you can reap generously?3. Read 2 Corinthians 9:74. When have you been generous and it brought you great joy?5. Read 2 Corinthians 9:8-96. How might you claim that God is able to bless you in at all times, in all things, giving you all you need to be generous? What practical steps are involved?7. What are practical ways we can bless the working poor?8. Read 2 Corinthians 9:109. What might the best way for you to remember God owns everything you have?10. Read 2 Corinthians 9:1111. Who might give thanks for your generosity?

Notes:· God made you to be joyfully generous.· God loves a cheerful giver – 2 Corinthians 9:7b.· Generosity is about your soul, not your wallet.· 2 Corinthians 8:8: 8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.· Generosity cannot be commanded.· Action proves love.· Someone needs to set the standard· Malachi 3:10 – Bring all the tithes (10%) to the storehouse, says the LORD, that there may be food in my house.· 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.· 10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.· It's not how you start, but how you finish.· Income arrives, generosity first.· Think more, not less.· Take opportunities.· 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.· Therefore if you are willing to be present…· Your generosity puts you there· Not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice· God wants your generosity to be based in reality.· At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”· Give us this day our daily bread.· Be generous with what you have; trust God to care for you.· Let go of you, so God can make you into the generous person he designed you to be.LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: How do you react when someone tells you what to do? Is it possible this is the source of people's resistance to be generous?Discussion:1. Read 2 Corinthians 8:72. In your opinion, what is the best way to show the sincerity of our love to Jesus?3. Read 2 Corinthians 8:94. How would you describe Jesus' poverty on earth?5. Read 2 Corinthians 8:10-116. In your opinion, what would cause a person to falter in their generosity? How might you encourage someone to re-engage in developing a generous soul?7. How would suggest we help people not feel about the amount they give and feel positive about giving what they have?8. Read 2 Corinthians 8:12-139. How would you help a person determine what generosity means to them?10. Read 2 Corinthians 8:14-15.11. When has someone's generosity arrived at the right time in your life? When has your generosity arrived at the right time in someone else's life?

· Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! – Philippians 4:4· God made you to be joyfully generous.· God loves a cheerful giver – 2 Corinthians 9:7b.· You need to let go of your ideas about money and giving to take hold of God's teaching.· It is more blessed to give than to receive – Acts 20:35b· 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 -And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.· Someone must define what generosity is· 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.· Generosity does not depend on your economic situation.· Overwhelming joy leads to rich generosity.· Heavenly Father, increase my joy.· Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people.· With great urging they begged us for the grace and fellowship of serving the holy ones.· When we are generous, we create connection.· Giving to the local church body is an act of trust.· 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.· Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also – Matthew 6:21.· Heavenly Father, I give my ideas about generosity to, for you to teach me.· Heavenly Father, show me examples of generosity.· 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.· Do not leave generosity as the last task to be done.· 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.· God wants you to excel in joyful generosity.· Heavenly Father, am I generous?· Heavenly Father, teach me to give joyfully.LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: In your opinion, what helps people be generous?Discussion:1. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-3a2. Who is your example of generosity?3. How would you explain to someone that joy is the key to unlocking generosity?4. What might motivate you to give beyond your ability?5. Read 2 Corinthians 8:3b – 5.6. In your opinion, what would help people see being generous as a privilege?7. In your opinion, what might help people to give themselves first to the Lord when it comes to generosity?8. Read 2 Corinthians 8:6-79. Who has permission to be Titus in your life, to hold you accountable for your generosity?10. What would be your next step to excel in generosity?

• Where have you found joy in a greater purpose?• John 3:26 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”• Their competitive spirit was robbing them of joy!• John 3:27-28 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'• Humility• God Alone• He was part of the greatest purpose: Glorifying God by pointing people to Him!• Every Good Thing• “God created the world out of nothing, and so long as we are nothing, He can make something out of us.” - Martin Luther• Point People to Jesus• John 3:29 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.• Isaiah 54:5 “For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.”• Shoshbin• Their Role was part of a greater purpose• John 1:29, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”• Look to Jesus, and point people to Him• EVERYONE IS CALLED TO POINT PEOPLE TO JESUS• 2 Cor 11:2 2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.• John 3:30 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”• He is Everything• “Am I complaining because the glory of Jesus is decreasing, or is it about me?” -Matt Carter/Josh Wredberg• Less of me, More of Him• Step In, Step Up, Step Out• John 3:36: 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.• Less of you, More of HimLIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: What lessons can be drawn from Johns attitude toward Jesus in these verses for Christians today, especially in terms of prioritizing Jesuswork over personal recognition or success?Discussion: Read John 3:26-301. How does John respond to his disciplesconcern in verses 27-28?2. What does Johns response to his disciplescomplaint teach us about humility in ministry??3. In verse 28, John reminds his disciples that he is not the Messiah but only the one sent ahead of Him. What does this statement reveal about Johns understanding of his purpose and calling?4. Why do you think John was content with the decrease in his following and the increase in Jesus' following?5. How does Johns role as a "friend of the bridegroom" relate to the concept of joy in fulfilling Gods will, as seen in verse 29?6. What are some ways that you can find joy in pointing people to Jesus this week?7. What is the greater purpose in pointing people to Jesus according to this passage?8. How does this motivate you in knowing you are a part of this greater purpose?

· Lostness often creates confusion, anxiety, hurt, hopelessness, and distance.· Luke 15:1-2 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”· You can be lost in godlessness.· Does your schedule allow for time with the lost?· You can be lost in religion.· Jesus actively seeks the lost.· Luke 15:3-4 Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?· Luke 15:5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'· The Lord God proclaims: I myself will search for my flock and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out the flock when some in the flock have been scattered, so will I seek out my flock. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered during the time of clouds and thick darkness. Ezekiel 34:11-12.· Jesus is here to carry you.· Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.· Isaiah 53:6, We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.· Go find the lost sheep! · Luke 15:8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?· Luke 15:9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'· Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”· The road from lost to found goes through repentance.· You are either lost or found, there is no middle ground.· For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10· What are you willing to do to help someone know Jesus?· The church is most faithful when every believer goes all-in to find the lost.· When the lost are found: we celebrate.· When did you last celebrate the joy of Jesus in someone else's life?· Who needs to hear your lost and found story?· You are not a nobody to God.LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: What's one thing you've lost in life that you'd most like to get back? How would your life change if you got it back?Discussion: Read Luke 15:1-101. In Luke 15:1-2, who was Jesus speaking to? Why is the audience important?2. What similarities do you notice between the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7) and the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10)?3. How does Jesus describe the reaction in heaven when a sinner repents? Why is that reaction so significant?4. There is great joy in finding something that was lost. How have you experienced this kind of joy in your own life?5. The shepherd leaves 99 sheep to find the 1 lost sheep. How does this challenge your view of God's love for individuals?6. The woman shows diligence in her search for the lost coin. This diligence is highlighted by themes of time, wisdom, truth, inspiration, and hope. Which of these aspects do you need to better prioritize as you connect with the lost?7. How can you cultivate a heart that rejoices when others come to faith, even if they've made mistakes in the past?8. Is there someone in your life who seems "lost" that you can reach out to this week? What's one practical step you can take to show them the joy of Jesus?

· What if there is a treasure waiting for you to discover?· Matthew 13:44-46 - 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.· The Kingdom of Heaven is like…· Do you want to live in the Kingdom of Heaven?· In his joy he went and sold all he had and bought the field.· The Kingdom of God is so valuable, it is worth everything you have.· Do you find joy in the Kingdom?· Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!· Joy (in my sense) has indeed one characteristic … the fact that anyone who has experienced it will want it again – CS Lewis· Heavenly Father, please send me unexpected joy.· Is God's Kingdom worth everything to you?· “Joy is not a substitute for sex; sex is very often a substitute for Joy. I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for Joy.” CS Lewis· Heavenly Father, you promised if I would seek, I would find. Open my eyes to see the treasure of your kingdom.· What is standing between you and the joy of the Kingdom?· Do you know what the Kingdom of Heaven is worth?· Mark 8:34-37 - 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?· Do you need to surrender something· Do you need to realize Jesus is who you been have searching for?· PIX – Jamie Aten· True spiritual surrender is far from passive—it is a willful act of obedience. – Jamie AtenLIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: Imagine you receive an unexpected inheritance of a million dollars. What would you do?Discussion:1. Read Matthew 13:442. What do you think the man experienced when he found this buried treasure?3. Imagine what it was like for him to sell everything worth of value to buy the field. Was it hard for him to let go of something? Would it be hard for you to let of some possession or money if God told you to?4. What do you think the treasure meant to the man's future?5. Read Matthew 13:45-46.6. Think of reasons the pearl merchant might have passed on the opportunity to buy this pearl.7. Can you think of someone you know who has held on to something of lesser value instead of taking hold of the Kingdom of God.8. The point Jesus makes in both stories is the Kingdom of God is worth everything. What might help people know the true value of God's Kingdom?

· Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!· Why should I choose joy?· John 14:1-4 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”· Heaven is living in the presence of God.· Heaven is not just a place to go when you die; it is a Kingdom you experience as you follow Jesus.· Isaiah 65: 17For behold, I am the creator of new heavens and a new earth;And the previous things will not be remembered and will come upon the heart.18So then, rejoice and be excited forever for what I create!For behold, I am the creator of a rejoicing Jerusalem and her people of joy!19And I will be excited with Jerusalem and I will rejoice with my people;And in her will not be heard again weeping or crying.· 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 theireyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”· If you do not want a relationship with God on earth, you will not be comfortable in heaven.· We need to live to get ready for heaven.· Do you hate?· Do you lust?· Do you treat marriage as sacred?· Are you trustworthy?· Do you let go of hurt and bitterness?· Do you love your enemies?· Are you generous?· Are you developing a conversational relationship with God?· Do you trust God with your worries and anxieties?· Do you judge others?· Are you building your life on Jesus or on your own wisdom?· 19And I will be excited with Jerusalem and I will rejoice with my people…· Following Jesus means doing life with God right now.· Church is to be a preview of heaven.· Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.· The more the church looks like heaven, the more people want to know what makes us that way.· When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.· When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory.LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: Have you ever known someone who lived like they were already in heaven? What were they like?Discussion:1. Read Isaiah 65:17-192. Read Revelation 21:1-43. What are the parallels you see between these two passages, written over 600 years apart?4. A new heaven and a new earth refers to God creating a new reality. What would you like to see in God's new reality?5. What do you think it means when the passages refer to “the previous/former things?” How does it change how we live if no longer let “the previous things” lay on our heart?6. In the Isaiah passage, God is described as “excited” and “rejoicing.” What picture does your mind paint? What does God look like when he is rejoicing?7. The message referred to a “getting ready for heaven” and using the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount as a guide. How did you feel when these questions were asked? Which one pricked your heart most?8. In your opinion, what could we do to make our church more like heaven?

· Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!· Why should I choose joy?· Insider or outsider.· Who does God include and who does God exclude?· Isaiah 56:3 3Let no son of a foreigner, one joined to the LORD, say, “The LORD separates me from among his people.”Let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dried-up tree.”· Before you judge, know a person's story· 4For thus says the LORD, “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths and chose what I delight in;And to the ones grasping my covenant;5I will give them in my house and in my walls a monument and a name;Better than sons and daughters.A name everlasting I will give to him who will not be cut off.· Micah 6:8 - He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.· 6And to the sons of foreigners, the ones who joining with the LORD to serve him, to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants;All the ones keeping Sabbath from pollution and grasping his covenant:· 7I will bring them to my holy mountain and I will cause them to rejoice in my house, my house of prayer;Their sacrifices and their offerings are acceptable upon my altar.For my house will be called a house of prayer for all people.· Matthew 21:13 - “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.'”· Do not interfere with people who want to worship God!· 8Thus says the Master, the LORD, the gatherer of the banished ones of Israel.Yet others I will collect to him, to the ones gathered.· John 10:16 - I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.· Why doesn't Jesus include everyone?· God does not force a relationship with you.· “Hell is simply the best God can do for some people.” – Dallas Willard· Be kind to the excluded.· Church must be a place of grace.· Isaiah 57:14 - And it will be said: “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”· John Ortberg – The more your mess, the greater your welcome.· Every excluded person matters to God.· The Good News of Jesus is for everyone.· I came to seek and to save the lost ones.· Heavenly Father, I have sinned. Please forgive me. Enter my life. From now on, I will follow Jesus.· Galatians 3: 28 - 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: Think about a time when you were excluded from a group. How did you feel?Discussion:1. Read Isaiah 56:32. How would you describe the feelings of foreigners and the eunuchs?3. Read Isaiah 56:4-54. What would these verses mean to a eunuch? How would they feel?5. In your opinion, who are the modern eunuchs?6. Read Isaiah 56:6-77. What would these verses mean to a foreigner? How would they feel?8. Compare the devotion of the foreigner to the devotion of people who call themselves Christians today. In your opinion, whose devotion is greater?9. Read Isaiah 56:810. In your opinion, how do we keep our church open to all who are excluded?

·      Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again, Rejoice!  ·      Why should I choose joy?  ·      Choose joy because God gives you hope. ·      Do people today think they can manipulate God?  ·      They realized they had blown their relationship with God.  ·      Do you ever think “I've blown my relationship with God?”  ·      Isaiah 35:1-2 – 1The wilderness and the desert rejoice; the steppe rejoices and the saffron blooms. 2She blooms and rejoices; Yea, joy and cries of joy. The glory of Lebanon is given to her, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. Behold they see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. ·      God does not give up on you.  ·      3All of you make strong discouraged hands and make firm knees that stumble.  ·      Romans 8:28 – For we know that God is working good in all things for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. ·      Heavenly Father, open my eyes.  Help me see where you are at work. ·      4Say to the hurried heart, “All of you, be strong and do not fear. Behold your God; vengeance comes.  God brings ‘the getting even;' and he saves you all. ·      5Then the eyes of the blind will be open; and the ears of the deaf will be open. 6Then the lame ram will leap and the speechless tongue will cry out. For water will burst forth in the wilderness, and torrents on the desert plains. 7The parched ground will be a pool; the thirsty ground as a pool of water. In the jackal habitat, a resting place, a home for reeds and rushes. ·      We are the Easter People! ·      God is the God of the unexpected.  ·      8And there will be a highway and a way, the way of the Holy, those called to it.  The unclean will not pass over it. He is to them walker of the way and the foolish will not wander on it. 9There will be no lions there and no hungry beasts will come upon it; They will not be found there, but the redeemed ones will walk. ·      Psalm 14:1 – The fool has said in his heart, “There is no god…”  ·      10And the ransomed ones of the LORD return; And they come to Zion with ringing cries. ·      And eternal joy is upon their heads. Exuberance and joy they attain. And they escape grief and groaning. ·      Revelation 21:2-4 - And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, like a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with me.  He will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.   ·      Do you need some hope today? Our Heavenly Father has all you need.    LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter:  Think about a time when you desperately needed hope.  How did you find it?  Discussion: 1.      Read Isaiah 35:1-2 2.      Imagine you are in exile in a foreign country.  What emotion would you feel as you hear these words? 3.      Throughout this passage, God is making dead space alive. For example, the desert gushes water and it rejoices.  What are modern dead spaces?  How does God make them alive. 4.      Read Isaiah 35:3-7 5.      The prophet brings a message of hope to the exiles.  How can Jesus followers today bring a message of hope? 6.      What is your reaction to God claiming vengeance as his business?  How does that make you feel? 7.      Read Isaiah 35:8-9 and Matthew 7:13-14. 8.      In your opinion, what are the parallels between these two passages? 9.      Read Isaiah 35:10 and Revelation 21:2-4 10.  What do you think will be your reaction to when you enter heaven?  How does this help you live with hope?

·      Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again, Rejoice!  ·      Why should I choose joy?  ·      Isaiah 12:1 - And you will say in that day, “I will praise the LORD for you were angry with me… ·      We only truly know God's will in hindsight.  ·       For you were angry with me.  ·       Do you ever put anything else ahead of God? ·       Do you ever make God in your own image?  ·       Do you ever put God's name where it doesn't belong?  ·       Do you give God a day each week, and keep it holy?  ·       Do you respect your Mom and Dad? ·       Do you hate?  ·       Are you faithful in your marriage?  ·       Do you steal?  ·       Do you lie or distort the truth?  ·       Do you think “If I just had ‘that' I'd be happy ·       Can you accept that our Heavenly Father has a good reason to be angry with you? ·       Your anger turned and you consoled me. ·       In God's eyes, my sins and failures do not define me.  ·      2Behold, God, my salvation! I am trusting and I am not fearful; For my strength and my song, the LORD, the LORD; He is to me salvation. ·      We chose joy because God is our salvation! ·       Psalm 56:3 – What time I am afraid, I will trust in the thee ·      Philippians 4:13 – I can all things through Christ who strengthens me.  ·     Joy doesn't have to wait till heaven.  ·      12:3 - You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.  ·      PIX: Ichetucknee Springs ·      First, admit and confess your sins.  ·      Second, embrace God who comes back to you.  ·       Heavenly Father, I confess my sins, and I know you have every reason to be angry with me.  I ask for your forgiveness.  I open my heart to you, for you to lead me, guide me, and teach me.  From now on, I will follow Jesus.  ·      Third, let God's salvation carry you.  ·       Philippians 2:12b-13 – Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.  ·       Finally, chose joy.  ·       Heavenly Father, today I chose joy.  ·       Rejoice in the Lord always!  I will say it again, rejoice!    LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter:  Do you know someone whose life was profoundly changed when they were saved? Please share your perception of their story.  Discussion: 1.      Read Isaiah 12:1 2.      How does it make you feel to know that God can be angry with you? 3.      What mental picture comes to your mind when you read God turns from his anger to console you? 4.      Read Isaiah 12:2 5.      There are four descriptors attached to salvation in this verse: trust, unafraid, strength and song.  What does these four descriptors teach you about salvation? 6.      Read Isaiah 12:3 and Revelation 22:1-2. 7.      What parallels do you see between the two passages? 8.      What do you need to do to be carried by salvation and experience joy?

·       Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again, Rejoice!  ·      Dallas Willard – Joy is a pervasive sense of well-being that is infused with hope because of the goodness of God. ·      Reach.   ·      80% of churches in the US are plateaued or in decline.  ·       Matt 28: 18-20 - 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  ·      You can live under the authority of Jesus or you can live against the authority of Jesus.  ·       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. ·      James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ·      John 15:12 – My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  ·       And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ·      Next.  ·       Deut. 31: 7-8 - 7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” ·       128,000 have no meaningful connection with a church.  ·       Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged.  ·       Own.  ·       We want something for you, not something from you.  ·       Ownership costs! ·      Phil. 2:2 - 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  ·       Love one another as I have loved you ·      You must invest to love. ·       kbuynak@adbc.org ·       Step in and give something.  ·       Step up and tithe.  ·       Step out and give according to God's blessings.  ·       Who can you reach with your story this year?  ·       Will you pray for our new pastor?  ·       What step of ownership do you need to take?  ·       Following Jesus makes your life better and makes you better at life.    LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter:  Imagine our church in five years.  What will it be like?  Discussion: 1.      Read Matthew 28:18-20 2.      In your opinion, what keeps a church from being under the authority of Jesus? 3.      In your opinion, why do so many Jesus followers struggle with sharing their story? 4.      Read Deuteronomy 31:7-8 5.      Imagine you are Joshua.  How would you feel as Moses speaks these words to you in front of all the people of Israel? 6.      Why do you think God might use one leader for one part of the mission and another leader for the next chapter? 7.      What might discourage Joshua?  How can we best encourage our new pastor? 8.      Read Philippians 2:2 9.      Why do Jesus followers find it hard to love like Jesus? 10.  In your opinion, how can we help people make the choice to own their place in the body of Christ?

·      What is the most joyous place on earth?  ·      Dallas Willard – Joy is not a passing sensation of pleasure, but a pervasive sense of well-being that is infused with hope because of the goodness of God. ·      The most joyous place on earth is in you.  ·      You can choose joy.  ·       I do not know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow.  ·      Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again, Rejoice!  ·      Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice. ·      Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy … ·      Joy is a spiritual discipline ·      Hebrews 11:25 - … sin brings pleasure for a season.  ·      God help joy spring up in me.  ·      Psalm 30:5 – Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.  ·      …in the Lord… ·      …Always…  ·      In Jesus I know my life is not my circumstances. ·      Habakkuk 3:17-18 - 17 Though the fig tree does not bud     and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails     and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen     and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,     I will be joyful in God my Savior ·     I will say it again, Rejoice! ·      PIX: Bethany Hamilton  ·      She's asking herself, 'How can I show the world I still have a life, that I enjoy my life, and that my life is filled with joy?' She has an underlying trust that God is taking care of her." ·       Know that when you are living in His truth and Jesus' promises of life, peace, and salvation through what He did for you on the cross, your story is exactly what it should be.    LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter:  Who is the most joyous person you know?  Why are they so joyous?  Discussion: 1.      Read Philippians 4:4 2.      Draw a circle.  The circle represents your life.  Now draw a slice that represents joy in your life.  Share with the group.  Why did you draw your circle like that?  What fills in the rest of the circle. 3.      What spiritual practices might help you to choose joy more often? 4.      What life practices are keeping you from joy? 5.      Read Psalm 30:5 6.      What does this Psalm say to you about sorrow and joy? 7.       What might help you remember that morning is coming when you are weeping in the night?

•  How can we start this year in a way that we know it can end well? •  How do we live life in a way that we know it was a life well lived? •  Humility •  Philippians 2:1-2 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. •  How well are we showing that we have these blessings to others? •  3 John 4: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. •  Pride •  Ephesians 4:30-32 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. •  Philippians 2:3-4 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. •  “At every stage of our Christian development and in every sphere of our Christian discipleship, pride is the greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend.” - John Stott •  Jesus •  Philippians 2:5-8 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. •  Philippians 2:9-11 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. •  What is it costing you to follow Jesus? •  How can we start this year in a way that we know it can end well? •  How do we live life in a way that we know it was a life well lived? •  Humility •  Embrace humility in your own life! •  Pray •  Study Scripture   LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Opening Question: What does humility mean and look like to you?  1.  Read Philippians 2:1-11 2.  What is a favorite story you've heard that had a humble beginning? Why do you like it? 3.  How easy is it for us as Christians to forget about our humble beginning?  The moment we gave our lives to Jesus? 4.  How should humility change the way that we live? 5.  Hearing Christ's example of humility, what are some things that need to change in your life to imitate His humility? 6.  What is one way you can challenge yourself to live humbly this year? Embrace it? Serve? Sacrifice? Pray? Devote yourself to God's word?

·      How much hope do you have for 2025? ·      Luke 2: 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. ·      Jesus comes to encourage.  ·      If you need hope in 2025, let the Spirit flow in you.  ·      To improve your relationship with God, regularly confess your sins ·      To improve your relationship with God, regularly ask, “God, where are you at work?”  ·      To improve your relationship with God, make room. ·       27bWhen the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,  you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,  and the glory of your people Israel.” ·      Jesus is God's salvation.  ·      Jesus is God's revelation.  ·      Jesus is God's glory.  ·      Jesus is for everyone. ·      33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” ·      Jesus will force people to make a decision.  ·      Jesus will face opposition.  ·      Jesus will reveal hearts.  ·      Obeying God brings pain.  ·       Hope always deals in the truth.  ·      36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. ·      Are you close enough with God to give thanks to Jesus? ·       If you share Jesus, you share hope.  ·      If you need hope, walk as close to Jesus as you can.  ·      Who do you need to share hope with? 

·      Matthew 2:1-12 - 1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. ·      When God interrupts your world, are you willing to go see what He is doing?  ·      Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ·       They were willing to accept the King as he was, not as they wished him to be.  ·       Will you accept Jesus as he is? ·       They worship.  ·       Don't just celebrate the birth of Jesus; worship the King of Kings! ·       They give.  ·       This Christmas, what will you give to Jesus?  ·       If you ever think of yourself as an outsider, Jesus is for you.  ·       They are playing it safe. ·       “…have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof…”  ·       Are you all in with Jesus? ·       Is Jesus a threat to you?    ·       How do you react to Jesus? ·       Heavenly Father, today I ask you to forgive my sins.  Please come into my life and forgive me.  I now commit to following Jesus forever.  Amen.  LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: In your opinion, why would people look to a politician to solve their problems?  Is that a wise course of action?  1.      Read Matthew 2:1-12 2.     Imagine the conversation among the wise men.  What was the discussion before they set out on their journey? 3.      Describe the wise men's emotions at Herod's palace and at Joseph and Mary's home.  What did they have to overcome to worship Jesus? 4.      What moments in your life do you need to bow down and worship? 5.      Notice the chief priests and teachers of the law know the scripture, but they do not make the journey to Bethlehem themselves. What do you think that might be? 6.      Herod sees Jesus as a threat.  Do you know anyone who is threatened by Jesus and who he is?  Why are they threatened? 7.      When Jesus grew up and heard these stories, what do you think was his reaction?

Budget Goal: $4,012,812 Given so far: $3,219,475 Expected next three weeks: $300,000. Shortfall: $493,337 You gotta see this!  PIX: Dog praying.  8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  Jesus is for ordinary folks.  Do you pay attention to God's interruptions?  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.  You can choose to let fear control you or you can control your fear. Don't lose sight of the good news of Christmas. 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.” Jesus is Savior. Jesus is Messiah.  Jesus is Lord.  We are the good news people!  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.” 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  15 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.” Are you willing to see what God is doing?  "I am your life. You thought that your life was your history, your name, your personality. You thought that your life was the fact that your heart beats. But that is not your life. I am your life. I am the foundation of everything else in your life 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.  When God interrupts you, is it important enough to tell?   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.  Do you know Jesus is for you?  Do you need to remember Christmas is about Good News?  Do you need to see what God is doing?  Let us go and see this thing that has happened…  LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: If you were at work, what interruption would be good news?  1.      Read Luke 2:8-10 2.      Imagine yourself as a shepherd.  What questions would be running through your mind as the angel spoke?  3.      Read Luke 2:11-12 4.      What does it mean to you that Jesus is given three titles: Savior, Messiah, and Lord? 5.      Read Luke 2:13-14 6.      Why do you think God allowed a host of angels to chant to the shepherds?  7.      What does the phrase “Peace on earth to all those God graces” mean to you? 8.      Read Luke 2:15-20 9.      What would it mean for you to go and see what God is doing?  When should you do this? 10.  In your opinion, what experiences of God need to pondered over long periods of time?  What stops us from doing this?

-     Our obedience speaks louder than your words. -     Humbly say yes to God's will. -     Luke 1:26-29 - 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. -     “favored one” - to make graceful; to pursue with grace; to honor with blessings -     This is humble curiosity of unexpected grace. -     Luke 1:30-33 - 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” -     Charis “Grace" - pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness -     Luke 1:34 - 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” -     Luke 1:35-38 - 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. -     “No word/saying from God will ever fail” -     Faith -     Does your fear ever get in the way of you saying yes to His will? -     Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. -     Obedience follows when we humbly say yes to God. -     Say Less, Say Yes -     God help me to understand -     When God invites you to take a next step will you say yes? -     “No word/saying from God will ever fail” -     Luke 1:46-55 46“My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.     For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,     and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him     from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm;     he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones     and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things,     and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel,     in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers,     to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”   LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: Do you find it easy to give God your yes?  1.    Read Luke 1:26-38 2.    When is a time that you were surprised by God's grace? 3.    How should Mary's faith Encourage us? 4.    Read Luke 1:5-25 5.    What are some differences you see between Zechariah and Elizabeth? 6.    When is a moment God called you to something big and you had to simply trust no matter the outcome? 7.    “No word/saying from God will ever fail” How should this shape the way we live?

·      When you feel betrayed, what next?  ·      Matthew 1:18-19 - 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. ·      More curiosity, less judgment.  ·      Deuteronomy 22:23-2423 If a man happens to meet in a town a virgin pledged to be married and he sleeps with her, 24 you shall take both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death—the young woman because she was in a town and did not scream for help, and the man because he violated another man's wife. You must purge the evil from among you. ·      Matthew 1:20-21 - 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” ·      How many times does your fear stop you from following Jesus? ·      Peace comes from following Jesus, not understanding.  ·      Matthew 1:22-23 - 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). ·      Will you obey without knowing the outcome?  ·      Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ·      Do you have confidence that God knows your biggest need more than you do? ·      Will you say yes to God?  ·      Matthew 1:23-25: 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. ·      When God gives you a clear message, more messaging is not needed.  Obedience is. ·      Mark 6:3 – Isn't this Mary's son…  ·      Is your faith larger than your hurt?  ·      Your obedience speaks louder than your words. ·      What words is your obedience speaking?    LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: Do you find it easy to obey or hard to obey?  Why?  1.      Read Matthew 1:18-19 2.      What emotions do you think Joseph experienced?  3.      Read Matthew 1:20-21 4.      If you were Joseph, how would you know you could trust this dream from God? 5.      Read Matthew 1:22-23 6.     Matthew pulls Isaiah 7:14 into the story of Jesus' verse.  He is writing this after Jesus' death and resurrection.  What do you think Matthew is trying to point out? 7.      Read Matthew 1:24-25 8.     Joseph obeyed.  As the years went buy, what price do you think he paid for his obedience?

●     Because God is Sovereign, he is able to do what he wants, when he wants. ●     Someone or something will be the king of your life. ●     Who should be your king?    ●     Psalm 47 1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.  ●     2 For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. ●     3 He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. ●     4 He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.[b] ●     Have you ever asked God to choose your inheritance for you?   ●     What does it mean to receive inheritance from the king? It means you are His child!   ●     The King is not stingy but he is generous. The King is not passive but he is active.  The King is not careless but he is protective.    ●     5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy the Lord amid the sounds of trumpets   ●      The house of our King won't go down!    ●      6-7, sing praises to God, sing praises;   ●     sing praise to our king, sing praises.   ●     For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of Praise.   ●     We are made to praise.   ●      8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. ●     9 The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings[c] of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted. ●     All other kings are measured by their faithfulness to the true King ●     The world's kings are either temporary or soul crushing.   ●     Jesus is not a king who rules from a distance, but one who comes close, knows us by name, and leads us to eternal life. ●     Who is your true king?   ●     There is a sovereign king, true royalty. He wants you. LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: What's the most complicated relationship you've ever experienced?”  Read Psalm 47:1-4 1)    Why was it so difficult for God's Children to trust their kings? 2)    What is the most awesome thing you've seen God do? 3)    How does the writer's reference to Jacob (vs. 4) offer you confidence in the Lord and His plan?   Read Psalm 47:5-9 4)    What is your “go to” way of praising God? 5)    What steals your affection for King Jesus? 6)    How does seeing Jesus as sovereign King bring rest to your anxious heart? 7)    What is your main takeaway from the Sovereign series (Creator, Shepherd, Savior, King)? 

·      Who has the power to save you?  ·      PIX: 3 Circles. ·      We repeat the pattern of brokenness.  ·      Philippians 2:12b - … continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. ·      1I waited, waited for the LORD;  And he stretched out to me; He heard my cry. ·       There are no silly prayers. 2He lifted me from the roaring cistern, from the mud and the mire;   He set my feet on the cliff. He set my steps. ·          3He gives my mouth a new song, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and they will fear, and they will trust in the LORD. ·        You are not just saved from something; you are saved for something.  4Happy is the man who sets the LORD as his confidence, And does not turn to the arrogant or swerve to lies. ·       Salvation means putting your confidence in the LORD.  5You, LORD my God, make many extraordinaries; Your thoughts toward us – no one can compare to you! I will declare and I will speak: they are too numerous to tell. ·       Heavenly Father, please forgive all my sins.  Enter into my life.  Take charge and I will follow Jesus.  ·       Heavenly Father, I need you to save me from _____________.                 ·      The course of my life has now brought me through a stormy sea, in a frail ship, to the common port where, landing, we account for every deed, wretched or holy. So that now I clearly see how wrong the fond illusion was that made art my idol and my king leading me to want what harmed me. My amorous fancies, once foolish and happy: what sense have they, now that I approach two deaths- the first of which I know is sure, the second threatening. Let neither painting nor carving any longer calm my soul turned to that divine love that to embrace us opened his arms upon the cross.   LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: What does the word “Salvation” mean to you?”  1.      Read Psalm 40:1 2.      When have you experienced God stretching his arm to you? 3.      Read Psalm 40:2 4.      In your opinion, what is the best way for you to see where Jesus is leading you? 5.      Read Psalm 40:3 6.      How is the new song God gave you sing different than the old song you sang? 7.      Read Psalm 40:4 8.     In your opinion, why might it be difficult for someone to have confidence in the Lord?  What could you share that might encourage them? 9.    Read Psalm 40:5 10.  In your life, besides God, who thinks about you most?  In what way does God's thoughts about you differ from this person?

·      John Ortberg – Everybody has a story. Nobody gets the story they want.  ·      Because God is Sovereign, he is able to do what he wants, when he wants.  ·      PIX: 3 Circles.  ·      Revelation 21:1 – Behold I saw a new heaven and a new earth… ·      1My shepherd is the Lord, I will not lack. 2In green pastures he makes me lie down; By quiet waters he leads me. 3My soul, he brings back. He leads me in the right track for his name's sake. ·      David chose his shepherd.  ·      John 10:14 - 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”  Only if you are known by Jesus can you be restored to God's design for your life. ·      Who is your shepherd? ·      You see God's care best after the crisis.  ·       Heavenly Father, show me when you showed up.  ·       Could it be the reason it is hard for you to trust God is because you don't take time to remember when He showed up? ·      4Yes, if I walk in the valley of death, I will not fear evil; For you are with me; your club and your stick they console me.  ·      I will fear no evil (chaos), for you are with me. ·      5You set a table before me in front of the ones hostile to me; You anoint my head with oil; my cup is well-filled. ·      6Truly good and fierce love will chase me all my days of living; And I will return to the house of the LORD for the length of my days. ·      Heavenly Father, catch me with your goodness, with your fierce love. ·      John 14:1-3 - “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.    LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: When have you heard Psalm 23 that it was especially meaningful to you?  1.      Read Psalm 23:1-3 2.      Look at the what the LORD as the shepherd does: He provides for the needs of the sheep; he provides rest; he keeps the sheep on the right path.  Which of these do you need most now?  Why? 3.      Read Psalm 23:4 4.      What dark valley have you experienced?  Looking back, do you see where God was at work? 5.      Read Psalm 23:5 6.      Imagine this banquet is for you.  Who would the hostile people be witnessing you being honored by your Heavenly Father?  What do you think their reaction would be? 7.      Read Psalm 23:6 8.      When did God's goodness and fierce love chase you? Did you know it at the time? 9.      Can you imagine your home with God right now, not just in heaven.  What does that mean to you?

·      What does it really mean for Jesus to be our leader? ·      God is sovereign because he is the creator and Lord of all things, free to do as he wishes. ·      God cannot be controlled.  ·      God is Big!  ·      1Bless the LORD, my soul, the LORD my God. You are exceedingly great; you are clothed in majesty and honor. 2You are clothed like a garment of light, Stretched out like the heavens as a curtain. 3He lays beams in the waters for his roof chamber; He makes clouds his chariot; He walks on the wings of the wind; 4He makes his messengers the wind; His ministers blazing fire. ·      If you are a follower of Jesus, you have the power to bless God!  To want and work for his good! ·      2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 - 6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels ·     Don't treat God lightly.  ·     God sets the foundation. ·      5He established the earth upon its foundations. It will not be shaken from this age, until time is past. ·      How much anxiety and stress do I bring into my life trying to control things I can't control?  ·     God wisely owns the world.  ·     24How many are your makings! All you made in wisdom; The earth is full of your things. ·     I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  ·      God keeps creation going.  ·      29You hide your face, they are dismayed. You remove your breath, they expire and to their dust they return. 30You send your Spirit, they are created. You make new the face of the ground. ·       What do you do if this is true? ·       34Let my thoughts of you be pleasing. I rejoice in the LORD. 35Bring sinners to an end from the earth; And the wicked – not any more of them. Bless the LORD, my soul, Praise the LORD. ·       God, help me really understand you.  ·       PIX: 3 circles.  ·       Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.    LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: What is the most beautiful natural place you have seen?  Why?  1.      Read Psalm 104:1-4 2.     There are so many images of God in these verses.  Which one is your favorite? 3.     What does it mean to you to bless God with your soul? 4.      Read Psalm 104:5 5.      What does it mean to you that God established the foundations of the earth? 6.     Read Psalm 104:24 7.      What would your day look like if you truly trusted God's wisdom about how he made the world? 8.      Read Psalm 104:29-30 9.      In what ways do see God sustaining his creation? 10.  Read Psalm 104:34-35 11.  Is there a way of thinking about God you need to correct? 12.  What would the world look like without sin?

·       If you don't know how faith works, you won't know how to fix it when it breaks.  ·       Faith means you trust what God does for you, not what you do for yourself.  ·       Stop Complicating your Faith and Focus on Jesus ·       Examine your relationship with Jesus ·       We would rather believe a lie, than wrestle with the truth ·       Picture of Vader ·       Picture of Micky Mouse on steam boat ·       Picture of Jif peanut butter ·       1 Timothy 1:3-7 3 3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. ·       love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ·       Heterodidaskleo - To teach strange doctrine ·       charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine ·       Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ·       Christians Should Guard the Gospel ·       If we lose the gospel, we lose everything. - David Platt ·       Picture of the Mona Lisa ·       love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ·       6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. ·       “The flesh (our old nature [life before Jesus]) loves religious legalism because rules and regulations enables a person to appear holy without really having to change his heart.” - W. Weirsbe ·       love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ·       1John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. ·       1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. ·       You could take it all, take my life | Give me Christ Sermon Discussion Questions Starter:  What teachings tend to lead people away from Jesus today that you have hear? 1.     Read 1 Timothy 1:3-7 2.     What is a teaching that you heard in the past that you put to the test of scripture? a.     God will never give you more than you can handle… b.     When God closes a door, he opens a window… (God doesn't immediately resolve our problems some times) c.     Follow your heart… 3.     What teaching are you allowing to pull you away from Jesus? 4.     Paul says that those who give misleading teachings attention end up shipwrecking their faith?  Is your faith shipwrecked due to this? Has it in the past? Someone you know? 5.     In what ways are you guarding the Gospel?  How are you guarding your faith?

●      If you don't know how faith works, you won't know how to fix it when it breaks. ●      Hebrews 11:1 Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see ●      5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? ●      True faith will stand up to the test. ●      Galatians 5:22-23, What spiritual fruit is evident in my life? ●      1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Do I love others well? ●      Philippians 4:8, How is my thought life?  ●      Psalm 15, How am I doing with holiness?  ●      Micah 6:8, Do I walk humbly with God? ●      We are hesitant to search because we might not like what we find. ●      Deal in reality so you can get to the source of your brokenness. ●      6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. ●      7 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. ●      8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. ●      9 We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. ●      10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. ●      Are you willing to pray for someone to know Jesus like Paul did? ●      Are your actions built on truth? ●      Do whatever it takes to restore what is broken in my life. ●      Have you given up on someone? ●      Who are you building up? ●      V. 11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. ●      For every one look at yourself, there should be ten looks toward Jesus. ●      What about my faith needs to be repaired? Sermon Discussion Questions Starter:  What's the most challenging test you've ever taken? How did you do?  Read 2 Corinthians 13:5-11 1. How did you grade yourself on the "spiritual report card"? 2. What is your strongest area? In which area do you need the most grace? 3. In which area of your life are you the hardest on yourself? 4. For Paul, loving the Corinthians meant challenging them to be godly. How does this fit with your understanding of love? Why do we find it so hard to lovingly confront others? 5. How does Paul's love for the church express itself in his prayers for them? 6. How can we avoid self-examination that robs us of joy? 7. What is your next step to repair your faith?

·       If you don't know how faith works, you won't know how to fix it when it breaks.  ·       Faith means you trust what God does for you, not what you do for yourself.  ·       Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see – Hebrews 11:1 ·       Pic of Text Screenshot ·       1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being[a] might boast in the presence of God. ·       “The Corinthians were sermon connoisseurs, critiquing their preachers as entertainers rather than critiquing themselves as Christians” - Ray Ortlund ·       1 Corinthians 2:1-2 - 1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. ·       Glorify God ·       VIDEO of Students and Leaders ·       Why do you love and follow Jesus ·       Less Presentation. More Presence. Less Noise. More Space. Less Head. More Heart. ·       1 Corinthians 2:3-5 - 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. ·       1 Corinthians 3:10 - “10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.” ·      1 Corinthians 2:4-5 - 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. ·      5 Core Beliefs based on Acts 2 ·       Jesus is sent from God ·       Jesus' divinity is shown by miracles/great works ·       Jesus was crucified by men according to God's plan ·       Jesus was raised from the dead ·       Our response: Repent and Believe ·       δύναμις dýnamis - power or ability ·       Jesus ·       If your faith is broken, look up to Jesus ·       Why do I love and follow Jesus?  Sermon Discussion Questions Starter: When is a most recent time where you let secondary issues distract you from your faith in Jesus?  How did it effect those around you? 1.    Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 2.    What are some “secondary issues” that pull your focus from Jesus today? a.    Styles of worship, the person preaching, the bible translation you use, etc. b.    How have these secondary issues robbed the church from reaching future generations? 3.    What does it mean for you to rest in God's power? 4.    Why do you love and follow Jesus? 5.    How have me overcomplicated what it means to focus on Jesus? 6.    What is one thing you are going to do to help you better focus on Jesus?

·      Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see – Hebrews 11:1 ·      If you don't know how faith works, you won't know how to fix it when it breaks.  ·      Frederich Buechner - Faith is the word that describes the direction our feet start moving when we find that we are loved. Faith is stepping out into the unknown with nothing to guide us but a hand just beyond our grasp. ·      Faith is a decision.  ·      Faith is a decision to move in God's direction.  ·      Faith is movement.  ·      Faith is broken when you stop walking with Jesus.  ·      Romans 9:30 - 30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;  ·       Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  ·       Faith makes you right with God. ·       31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.  ·       “I can be right with God if I am good enough.”  ·       You are too religious when you condemn and judge instead of help. ·       You are too religious when your goal is knowledge about God, instead of walking with God. ·       You are too religious when you want others to notice how good you are. ·       You are too religious when your rules keep people from Jesus. ·       You are too religious when attending church is checking off an item on your list. ·       You are too religious when baptism, baby dedication, or being an American checks an item on your list. ·       33 As it is written: ·       “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.” ·       The only way to be made right with God is through Jesus ·       Faith means you trust what God does for you, not what you do for yourself.  ·       If your faith is not working, check and see if you are  following Jesus or trying to be good enough.  ·       If you feel tension between you and God, accept his gift of Jesus.  ·       Heavenly Father, I confess I have sinned. Forgive me.  From now on, I will follow Jesus.  Amen.   ·       PIX – David Block Sermon Discussion Questions Starter:  Describe a moment when you did not feel good enough.  What made you feel that way? 1.     Read Romans 9:30 2.     How would  you describe righteousness to an unchurched person? 3.     Why do think the Gentiles did not pursue or hunt righteousness? 4.     Do you know someone who met Jesus and turned his or her life around?  Was it an example of a righteousness of faith? 5.     Read Romans 9:30-32 6.     In your opinion, why would a Jewish person struggle with the idea that righteousness did not come from keeping the law? 7.     What are the modern equivalents of “law-keepers?” 8.     Verse 32 speaks of “the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”  Shame relates to not being right with God.  How would you counsel someone who feels shame for their past?

·      Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see – Hebrews 11:1 ·      Matthew 15: 21-28:  21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” 23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” 25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. 26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs.” 27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table.” 28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. ·      Do you need to get out of your comfort zone to hear from God?  ·       When you pass the test, your confidence in Jesus' way increases. ·       Catalytic faith is humble. ·      Heavenly Father, I need you to do what only you can do.  ·      “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs.”  ·      “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table.”  ·      Catalytic faith persists.  ·      “They should always pray and not give up." ·       Is God calling you to persist in faith?  ·      28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. ·      Everybody matters to God.  ·      Will you persist? Or will you give up ·      Will Jesus ever say to you, “You have great faith!”  ·      Great faith is humbling coming to God and saying, “I can't.  You can.  Please do your will.”  LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: Who is the most persistent person you know?  Why are they that way?  1.      Read Matthew 15:21-28 2.     Jesus takes the disciples to an unlikely place to teach them.  When has God taught you something in an unlikely place? 3.      If you had been one of the disciples, how would you have reacted to the Canaanite woman? 4.      If you were the woman, how would you have reacted to Jesus' silence? 5.      What do you think Jesus' tone was in speaking these words?  Why do you think that? 6.      When are you tempted to give up on God? 7.       How would you speak to someone who has been hurt God's lack of response?

·      Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about whatwe do not see – Hebrews 11:1 ·     Catalytic faith changes you and changes the people around you. ·     Dallas Willard - Hope is joyous anticipation of good that is not yet here or is 'unseen.”  ·      Catalytic faith reaches out in hope.  ·      They are looking for hope at the end of their rope. ·      18 While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.”  ·      When you are desperate, go to Jesus.  ·      Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  ·      19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.  ·      Faith is not a competition.  ·      20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”  ·      Zechariah 8:23 - This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'” ·      22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. ·       Galatians 3:28 – There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.  ·       23 When Jesus entered the synagogue leader's house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, 24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.  ·       25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.   ·      Jesus' grip is stronger than the grip of death.  ·      There is nothing in your life more powerful than the grip of Jesus to save you. ·       26 News of this spread through all that region.  ·       You matter to God.  ·       When you are at the end of your rope, find Jesus' hope. LIFE GROUPDISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: How have you found hope when you felt at the end of your rope?  1.     Read Matthew 9:18-26 2.     In your opinion, how does the desperation of the synagogue ruler differ from the desperation of the woman with the blood disorder? 3.    Can you think of a religious or cultural taboo that is similar to Jewish laws and rules about being unclean?  4.    If we are to be like Jesus, what does this story teach us about our response to marginalized people? 5.     Imagine the woman's life after she is healed.  How does her daily routine change?  How has faith changed her life? 6.     Jesus will have another year and half ministering in this region.  When people or his peers ask the Synagogue leader about Jesus, what do you think he said after this? 7.      When you feel at the end of your rope, what will you remember from this story?

·      Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see – Hebrews 11:1 ·      Dallas Willard - To have faith in God is to trust him, to have confidence in him.  ·      Whatever God addresses in our lives needs addressing.  ·      Will you let God address your deepest need? ·       A catalyst is an agent that provokes or speeds change. ·      Matthew 9:1-8 - Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” 4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, ‘Get up and walk'? 6 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7 Then the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. ·     Catalytic faith trusts Jesus can do what only God can do.  ·      What great challenge do you need to bring to God? ·      When he saw their faith…  ·      Galatians 6:2 – Carry each other's burdens and in this way fulfill the law of Christ.  ·      Catalytic faith equals action.  ·      James 2:26 – Faith without works is dead. ·      Following Jesus will make your life better and will make you better at life.  ·      Your sins are forgiven.  ·      The root of all dysfunction in the world is sin.  ·      PIX – Soul.  ·       What you think is your greatest need and what God says is your greatest need may be two different things.  ·      Jesus cures the paralytic at his roots.  ·      Have you asked Jesus to forgive you?  Are you asking for God's forgiveness for the sins of the day? ·      Don't put God in a box.  ·      Heavenly Father, where are you at work in this?  What are you trying to communicate? ·      Sin makes you leap to unsound thoughts, feelings, and decisions.  ·      The forgiveness of sins takes power.  ·      The paralytic went from a horizontal life to a vertical life.  ·      Catalytic faith brings people to Jesus.  ·      Invest. ·      Invite.  ·      Include.  ·      Catalytic faith receives forgiveness.  ·      Catalytic faith lives in forgiveness.  ·      Are you living in Jesus' sweet forgiveness?  LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: Do you know anyone who needs God's forgiveness?  Share a bit of their story.  1.      Read Matthew 9:1-8 2.      Think about the faith of paralytic and his friends.  In your opinion, what would have caused them to have faith that Jesus could heal the paralytic? 3.     When Jesus declares the paralytic's sins forgiven, how do you think the paralytic felt?  How did the friends feel? 4.      In your opinion, why does Jesus forgive before he heals? 5.      If you were in the crowd, what would your reaction have been to Jesus' rebuke of the teachers of the law?  Why does Jesus label their judgment as “evil?” 6.      Why does Jesus' healing of the man prove he has the authority to forgive sins? 7.      The crowd was afraid while simultaneously give God glory. Why do you think they were afraid? What did Jesus' pronouncement of forgiveness mean to them?

·      Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see – Hebrews 11:1 ·     You need faith that God is at work ·       A catalyst is an agent that provokes or speeds change. ·      Your faith changes you.  ·      Your faith changes other people.  ·       Matthew 8:5-13: 5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” 7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” 8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,' and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,' and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment. ·       Humility before help ·       Only say the word and my son will be healed.  ·       Love your enemies.  ·       Does your faith amaze anyone?  ·       True love warns.  ·       Every time Jesus speaks of hell in Matthew, he is addressing people who thought they were exempt. ·       Depart.  It will happen according to your faith.  ·       The centurion's faith is the catalyst for Jesus to heal his son.  ·       Your faith can be the catalyst for God to work in someone's life. ·       Is your faith a catalyst?  LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: In your life, who has had amazing faith?  1.      Read Matthew 8:5-13 2.      In your opinion, did the centurion have to overcome any prejudices toward Jews in order to approach Jesus?  What do you think these might be? 3.      The centurion speaks “as one under authority.”   He compares his understanding of authority to Jesus.  What does this say to you about Jesus' authority? 4.      Jesus says “the sons of the Kingdom will be cast out into the gloom where there will be crying and gnashing of teeth.  What does this teach you about hell? 5.      Jesus praises the faith of the centurion, and tells him that his son will be healed “according to your faith.”  What does this teach us about the power of our faith? 6.      Is there someone in your life that needs the power of your faith?  Who is it and please share their needs.

-      Happiness, Money (Security), Freedom (debt, find true purpose), Peace, Joy, Balance, Fulfillment, Confidence, Stability, Passion -       “Some treasures aren't bad until they take your focus from the true, fulfilling treasure. When we let treasures lead us away from Christ, that treasure turns to waste." -Michael Grubbs -        What would it look like if we shifted our pursuit to the true treasure that provides all of these? -        Colossians 3:1-4 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. -       Col 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. -       The moment you believe, your pursuit SHOULD shift… -        It starts with the heart. -         Does your heart pursue the same things that Jesus did? -        Col 2:2-3 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. -        Mark 12:30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' -       “…Christians should not determine eternal truths according to “earthly things”; we must interpret the world around us according to the heavenly reality “above” us.” -R. Scott Pace -        Col 3:4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. -         In ALL things, pursue Christ LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: Matt opened with an adventure of pursuing a great treasure.  Who did you find yourself relating to in that story?  1.      Read Colossians 3:1-4 2.     What are some things that keep you from pursuing Christ? 3.      What are some ways that you “keep seeking” the things that are above? 4.      Read Colossians 3:5-17 5.      Where do you struggle in putting on the new self as Paul lays out? 6.      In what ways do you challenge your thinking?  Where is your thinking focused on what is temporary instead of eternal? 7.      If you were John Chrysostom, would you have stood as boldly hidden in Christ? Why or why not? 8.      In all things, Pursue Christ.  Where God has you in your career, or life in general, how well are you pursuing him?

·      Reach, Next, Own.  ·       What's the difference between owners and renters? ·       What's the difference between the owners of a church and renters of a church?  ·      Colossians 1:18 - And he is the head of the body, the church… ·      The church must keep our eyes on Jesus. ·      1 Corinthians 12:12 - 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  ·      PIX – family around fire. ·      PIX – family arguing.  ·      PIX - Bodies move. ·       13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. ·       We all have a life-changing experience with Jesus. ·       Lake Baptism, September 15th.  ·       ADBC must be a place of grace because that is what Jesus wants for his body.  ·       Do not let the failures of people get between you and Jesus.    ·       If you claim Jesus, you belong in the body.  ·       Are you a healthy part of the body or an unhealthy part of the body?  ·       15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?  ·       PIX – eyeball in Dallas.  ·       18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be?  ·       20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.  ·       You have to decide if you are an owner or a renter.  ·       Follow Jesus.  ·       Baptism.  ·       Belong.  ·       Next Starting Point: September, each campus.  ·       Serve.  ·      QR code.  ·       Owners serve. ·       Give.  ·      (1st part of slide) Where we should be: $2,286,158.  (2nd part of slide) Where we are: $2,163,123.  (3rd part of slide) Difference: $123,032.  ·       Abundance brings opportunity.  ·       Step In.  ·       Step Up.  ·       Step Out.  ·       Owners give. ·       27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Starter Question: Pastor Clay used the analogy of owners and renters of church.  Describe an owner of a church.  Describe a renter.  1.     Read Colossians 1:18 2.     What does it mean to you that Jesus is the head of the church? 3.     Read 1 Corinthians 12:12 4.     Fun exercise: Draw a picture of the church as body.  Share why you drew what you drew. 5.     Read 1 Corinthians 12:13-14. 6.     According to this scripture, why is baptism important?  7.     In your opinion, what does it mean to drink from the Spirit? 8.    Read 1 Corinthians 12:15-17. 9.    Why might one part of the church body be unhappy or unhealthy? 10.  Read 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 11.  Where do you think God has placed you in the body?  What is your role?

·      Reach, Next, Own.  ·       A change in leadership means a change for the church.  ·      1I encourage the elders among you, as a fellow elder, and as a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one about to a partner in the revealing of his glory… ·      Be encouragers.  ·       PIX – Four-legged stool.  ·      2Shepherd your flock of God, not forced, but willingly, according to God; not for shameful gain, but with energy; 3not dominating the charge, but becoming an example to the flock. ·      Leaders do what needs to be done – Peter Drucker ·      Every church leader, especially the Lead Pastor, must have a sense of call. ·      The speed of the leader is the speed of the team – John Maxwell.  ·      Everyone looks to the leader to see what's expected ·      4And the chief Shepherd will appear and you will receive an unfading glory crown.  ·      5aLikewise, young ones, submit to the elders ·       Fill the gap with trust, not criticism.  ·     5b…All of you, tie on humility, for “God lines up against the arrogant, but to the humble, he gives grace.” ·     Church is not about us; church is about Jesus ·     My role and your role is focus on and follow after Jesus. ·      Church leaders need to be shepherds. ·       Be wise enough to not follow some leaders.  ·      Do not let the failures of men and the flaws of the church get between you and Jesus.  ·      Are you called to lead?  ·      Will you answer yes? ·      kbuynak@adbc.org.  ·      “Heavenly Father, my answer is yes.  Now show me what is next for me.” LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Starter Question: Is there a church leader who has made an impact on your life? What impact did they make? 1.      Read 1 Peter 5:1 2.     Please share about a leader who has been encouraging in your life. 3.    In our church, which leader most embodies spiritual maturity and wisdom to you? 4.    Read 1 Peter 5:2-3 5.     Peter gives us three contrasts for a leader: not forced, but willing; not after shameful gain, but having energy; not dominating, but being an example.  Which one of these is most important to you in a church leader. 6.     Read 1 Peter 5:4. 7.      What does it mean to you that Jesus will recognize and reward a leader's work? 8.      Read 1 Peter 5:5. 9.      In your opinion, why do people find it hard to submit to a leader? 10.  Both the leader and the led are to humble.  What helps you be humble?

·      We need to prepare for what is next.  ·      Reach, Next, and Own.  ·       6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” ·      “They faced a choice between narrow nationalism or Christ's universal Kingdom.” – Frank Stagg ·      7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  ·      8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ·      Isaiah 40:31: But those that wait upon the LORD will renew their strength.  They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk, and not grow faint.  ·      Those who charge ahead without the LORD will run out of strength.  They will flop like chickens, run like old people, and pass out before the finish line. ·     “Waiting reminds us what needs to be in in this world is beyond our ability… We must wait and pray for the power of the Spirit.” - Will Willimon ·     To help as many people as possible take their next step toward Jesus ·      “This will no longer be Alice Drive if this is not a place of grace.” ·       PIX: HELP   ·       Will you share your story?  ·       What's your story?  ·       PIX – 3 circles. ·       We can't fix our own brokenness.  ·       What is God doing in your life right now? ·       Pray for power.  ·      Commit to being a church that reaches out to as many as possible.  ·       Pray for a chance to share your story.  ·       Heavenly Father, I am a sinner.  Please forgive all my sins.  I open my heart to you and now I will follow Jesus forever.  LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Starter Question: In your opinion, what makes ADBC a special place?  1.      Read Acts 1:6 2.     Why do you think so many Christians hunger for political power?  3.     Read Acts 1:7 4.     Jesus says there is part of God's plan we are not to know. Why is so hard for us to deal with not knowing? 5.      Read Acts 1:8 6.      In your words, describe a church without power?  Please describe a Jesus follower without power. 7.      In your experience, what is the best way to wait on God? 8.     To be a witness is to share your story.  Please share one way God worked in your life recently. 9.     Pastor Clay used the 3 circles tool to share the basic message of the gospel.  Can you partner with someone and walk through this tool with them?  Then have them share back.  This will help you become comfortable with this tool.

·      Is it hard or easy for you to forgive? ·      Fear of being hurt again.  ·      Feel shame.  ·      Feel in control.  ·      Feel vulnerable.  ·      Feel pressured.  ·     Feel angry – still.  ·      What if God felt this way toward us?  ·      What if church is supposed to be a model of a healthy family?  ·      21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” ·       Scorekeeping divides relationships into winners and losers.  ·      Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.   ·      The more forgiveness, the stronger the relationship. ·       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. ·       How rich is the King that he forgives this much?  ·      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.”  ·      If you are truly forgiven, you can forgive.  ·      Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling.  ·      When you forgive, you release the other person and yourself. ·      The more forgiveness, the stronger the relationship. ·       Ephesians 2:4-5 - 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. ·       If your heart has not been changed so you can forgive, has Jesus changed your heart? ·      Name the hurt. ·      Feel the hurt.  ·      Hate the hurt.  ·       Release the hurt.  ·      “Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  ·      I know for sure that forgiveness is a gift that actually benefits me, the giver. ·      Is there someone you need to forgive?  ·       Do you know God's forgiveness in your heart? LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: In your life, who is the hardest person to forgive?  Why?  1.  What does Jesus want us to know? 2.  Have you ever dealt with someone who will not admit they hurt you or sinned against you?  How did that make you feel? 3. In your opinion, when do you think the church should be involved in conflict between two people? 4. Jesus says if a person will not listen to the church, let them be to you as a pagan or a tax collector.  How then should you relate to them?

·      Do you know how to have a healthy conflict?  ·      Conflict avoiders.  ·      Volatile couples ·      Validating couples.  ·      Hostile couples.  ·      Hostile-detached couples.  ·      What if church is supposed to be a model of a healthy family?  ·      Matthew 18:15-17 - 15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. ·       Principle of directness.  ·       Deal in the truth.  ·       Until there is truth, there cannot be healing.  ·       Accountability.  ·       The principle of protection.  ·       18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. ·       Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  ·       Does your family look like heaven?  ·       19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.   ·      Find God's will and do it.  ·      Together focus on walking with Jesus.  ·       20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” ·       Principle of Presence.  ·       Principle of Directness ·       Deal in the Truth ·       Accountability ·       Principle of Protection ·       Find God's will and do it ·       Principle of Presence ·       Heavenly Father, I bring this conflict to you.  I don't know how to do this; you do.  Show me. LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Starter Question: On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 is terrible and 10 is very good), how well do you deal with conflict? 1.      Read Matthew 18:15-17 2.     If someone approached you to talk about your sin against them, what would your reaction be?  How do you think Jesus would want you to respond? 3.     Have you ever dealt with someone who will not admit they hurt you or sinned against you?  How did that make you feel? 4.     In your opinion, when do you think the church should be involved in conflict between two people? 5.     Jesus says if a person will not listen to the church, let them be to you as a pagan or a tax collector.  How then should you relate to them? 6.     Read Matthew 18:18-19 7.     In your opinion, what is the best way for us to agree with God's will and ask for it to be done on earth as it is in heaven? 8.     Read Matthew 18:20 9. What does mean to you to have Jesus involved in your conflicts?

·      Your investment determines your motivation for chasing a stray. ·      What if church is supposed to be a model of a healthy family?  ·      Matthew 18:10-14 - 10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.  12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if hefinds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. ·      Don't despise people.  ·      Are you worth the trouble for God to find you ·      God says you are worth trouble.  ·       Romans 8:38-39 - 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.  ·       Have a passion for people who have lost their way. ·       We exist to help as many people as possible take their next step toward Jesus.  ·       Pray for people far from God. ·       Share your story.  ·       Be ready for lost sheep to come.  ·       Everyone in your family matters.  ·       Put the same value on your family members as God does ·       Father, I confess I have done wrong.  Please forgive all my sins.  Please come into my life and take charge.  From now on, I will follow Jesus. LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: How do you feel when people look down on you? 1.      Read Matthew 18:10 2.     In what ways do you see churches despise or look down on people who are new in faith? 3.    Have you experienced being looked down on in your family?  What was that like? 4.     How does it make you feel to know your angel has direct access to your Heavenly Father? 5.     Read Matthew 18:12-13 6.     Can you think of reasons why the Shepherd should not go after the lost sheep?  What does this say about Jesus that he does go after the lost sheep? 7.      Read Matthew 18:14 8.     What does this verse tell you about the character of God, that he does not want any of the little ones to perish?

·     PIX – I40 rock slide. ·       Obstacle removal is a continuous process. ·       Do churches ever put up obstacles that keep people from faith?  ·       Rigidity ·       “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 ·      Do families ever put up obstacles that keep each other from faith?  ·      What if church is supposed to a model of a healthy family?  ·       Matthew 18:6-9 - 6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. ·       6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. ·       PIX – Millstone ·       7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!  ·      Acknowledge you do cause people to stumble. ·       I can cause people to stumble.  ·      Pray for God to show you how you cause other people to stumble.  ·      Ask people around you to tell you if your behavior or words cause them to stumble.  ·       Stop.  ·       8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. ·       The obstacles you have inside will determine the obstacles you set for others.  ·       Confront what causes you to sin and get rid of it.  ·       If your stumbling block is pride, serve the least of these. ·       If your stumbling block is greed, give. ·       If your stumbling block is wrath, be silent. ·       If your stumbling block is envy, give thanks for what you have. ·       If your stumbling block is lust, submit to God ·       If your stumbling block is gluttony, fast. ·       If your stumbling block is sloth, find and live your purpose. ·       Deal with your sin so you do not cause others to stumble ·       “Greater is he that is in you, than he who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4. ·       “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6.  ·       Make a list of obstacles.  ·       Repent ·       Make your family a place of grace ·       Are you putting up obstacles for anyone?  ·       God I can't.  You can.  I'll let you.  LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Starter Question: Has anyone ever caused you to stumble?  How did you feel? 1.   Read Matthew 18:6 2.   Why would Jesus prescribe such a strong reaction to the realization you caused someone to stumble? 3.   Read Matthew 18:7 4.    What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “Woe to the world…?”  In what ways does our world cause us to stumble? 5.     Read Matthew 18:8-9 6.     Jesus again uses violent imaginary.  What should we cut off or pluck out to keep ourselves from sin? 7.     In what ways does your own internal stumbling block cause others to stumble?

-       Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. Phil. 3:1-2 -       Real Faith Lasts -       Joy is not a passing sensation of pleasure, but a pervasive sense of well-being. - Dallas Willard -       Who steals your joy? -       For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. Phil. 3:3-4 -      Joy is in the relationship, not in the rituals. -       If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. -       What are the misplaced hopes in your life? Phil. 3:5-6 -      7 But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. Phil. 3:7 -       8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Phil. 3:8-9 -       10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Phil. 3:10-11 -       What needs to be transformed so that you can claim joy? -       I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15 -       12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead Phil. 3:12-13 -       What in your past have you not given to God? -       I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:14 -      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. Acts 20:24…… -       How is your faith today? LIFE Group Discussion Questions  Starter Question: Since we are halfway through 2024, what is one way you've been encouraged by the Lord so far this year? Read Philippians 3:1-4. 1)    Who has best exemplified joy in your life? Why? 2)    When was the last time you felt you lost joy? What was most helpful in finding joy again?   Read Philippians 3:5-6. 3)    What are your misplaced hopes?   Read Philippians 3:7-11. 4)    What needs to be transformed so you can claim joy in your life?   Read Philippians 3:12-13. 5)    What in your past have you not given to God? 6)    How is that experience shaping your heart today? Read Philippians 3:14 and Acts 20:24. 7)    How do these verses change your perspective on faith? 8)    What is your next step to grow in faith?

·      Matthew 17:14-20 14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, 15 said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” 17 And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” ·       “adynatos” [ad-oo'-nat-os] - ability/inablity or power/lack of power ·       Matthew 17:14-17 14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, 15 said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” 17 And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” ·       Everyone in this story lacked faith. ·       The last time you faced a crisis… Were you faithful or faithless? ·       Do we sometimes place our faith in the church or in disciples rather than in their Lord and so show our real faith is in creatures rather than Creator, who alone is blessed? – Dale Bruner ·       Matthew 17:18-20 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” ·       Where in your life are you asking God why am I not able to____? ·       How do we fight our lack of Faith? ·       “he is saying that whatever little faith they were trying to have to heal this boy, it was the wrong kind of faith.  It was not just the wrong size of faith, because size is not the issue anymore.  It's the wrong kind.” - John Piper ·       They had the wrong view of faith. ·       1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. ·       Where is my belief? ·       Prayer ·       “Prayerlessness is Powerlessness” ·       Mark 9:24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Starter Question: When is a moment where you may have had a wrong view of Faith?  1.      Read Matthew 17:14-20 2.      Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples – Why do you think they were perplexed? 3.      When is the last time something didn't workout because you were trusting in your ability to do something over God's? 4.      What is something impossible, that you need to lean into prayer with? 5.      What distracts you from wanting to fully trust God with these things? 6.      What prayer do you need to pray after today's message?

·       PIX: Folded Clothes in the dryer ·       What happens in a relationship when there is a failure to communicate?  ·       What happens when we miss the point Jesus is trying to make ·       We have already made up our minds what Jesus wants to say. ·       We are afraid of what Jesus will say, so we don't listen ·       Our needs drown out Jesus' message.  ·      Matthew 16:5-12 - 5 When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn't bring any bread.” 8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. ·      What could you bring into your life that could destroy you?  ·      The Pharisees = Super Spiritual.  ·      Do rules and rigidity help people draw closer to our Heavenly Father?  ·     You must follow the rules to follow Jesus.  ·      The Sadducees = The Super-Sophisticated.  ·      Do power and wealth help draw people closer to our Heavenly Father?  ·      If we get enough power and money, we can make people obey Jesus.  ·      John Ortberg: If we elect all the right people, and pass all the right laws, will we have solved all the problems of our country?  ·      Jesus: Do not let this thinking get in your head.  ·      Ephesians 2:5b – It is by grace you have been saved.  ·      Dale Bruner – The temptation of Christians is to look at what we have instead of who we have. ·      Do you ever miss the real message of Jesus?  ·      Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus ·      Do you pay attention to what you add to your life?  ·      Lord is it wise to think or behave this way?  ·      Lord, change the way I think.  Remove this from my life. ·       Am I taking next steps with Jesus or am I a rule keeper or luster of power and wealth?  ·      Are you listening to what Jesus is really saying?  LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Starter Question: Have you every had “a failure to communicate?  What was that like for you? 1.      Read Matthew 16:5-12 2.     Would you say you are more tempted to keep the rules or gain status and wealth?  Why do you think that temptation is greater for you? 3.      Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples – Why do you think they miss Jesus' point? 4.    Jesus reminds the disciples what he did.  What helps you remember the power and abilities of Jesus? 5.     What kind of thinking do you need to pay attention to?  What kind of teaching/thinking is dangerous for you or might interfere with you following Jesus? 6.      What could you do that would help you more clearly understand what Jesus is trying to communicate to you?

·       The exclusion dilemma: I choose something, I exclude other options.  ·       22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It's a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. ·      If Jesus needed to pray this much, what's your excuse? ·      Our minds are limited, but do not let your mind limit God.  ·      Is your faith bigger than your fear?  ·       You grow your faith by doing what you have not done before. ·       Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”  32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” ·       You can only focus on one thing.  ·       Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, and all these things will be added to you. ·       What is one thing that takes your focus off Jesus?  ·       Father, Help me focus on your son Jesus. LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Starter Question: Describe someone you know whose life is scattered.  What makes his or her life that way? 1.      Read Matthew 14:22-29a 2.     Why do you think Jesus choose to walk on water toward the disciples? 3.      The disciples are terrified by the sight of Jesus walking on the water.  When God does the unexpected, what emotions do you experience? 4.     In the first moments Peter walks on water, what do you think he is feeling? 5.      Read Matthew 14:29b-33 6.      What causes you to take your eyes off Jesus?  Why do those things have such power? 7.      Jesus saves Peter, and then tells him he has little faith, then asks him why he doubted.  In your opinion, why does Jesus say these words to Peter?  Are they words of encouragement or discouragement?  How would you react if Jesus spoke these words to you?

·       Matthew 8:23-27 - 23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We're going to drown!” 26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” ·       Does Jesus ever ask you “Why are you such a coward?”  ·       Do you allow other people's anxieties to control how you follow Jesus ·       Am I following the herd or am I following Jesus ·       Do I accept responsibility for my own spiritual health?  ·       Do I want a quick fix or am I committed to long-term spiritual growth?  ·      Oligopistoi ·      Oligos ·      Pistoi ·       Praise reminds you nothing is impossible for God.  ·       Do you praise God in your prayers?  ·       Thanksgiving gives God credit for what He has done.  ·      When we do not praise God and give Him thanks, we incur short-term faith memory ·       “What did you do with that new heart I gave you?” LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Starter Question: Do you know someone who makes a promise to God and then doesn't keep the promise?  Why do you think that happens? 1.    Read Matthew 8:23-27 2.    Have you ever felt out of control, like the disciples in the storm?  What were the circumstances? 3.    In crisis, would you say your prayers are: a.     Desperate cries for help. b.     Statements of faith. c.      Non-existent. d.      Other Why do you think this is your response? 4.      Jesus calls the disciples “cowards.”  How do you think they felt when they heard Jesus call them by that name? 5.      Jesus tells the disciples they have “little faith,” or “short faith.”  In a crisis, what would it look like to have big faith, or tall faith? 6.     What are specific steps you can take to not be a coward and to grow your faith?

●      How can we honor our country, with all its success and failures, while living as kingdom citizens? ●      Romans 12:1- 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. ●     Your most important citizenship is in God's Kingdom. ●    13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ●      Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, there is no authority except that which God has established. Romans 13:1 ●      whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Romans 13:2-3 ●      The one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4 ●      Those in authority should promote the good. ●      Proverbs 20:28: Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure. ●      Those in authority should reprimand the bad. ●      Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. Romans 12:19 ●      5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:5 ●      18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18  ●      6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:5-7 ●      Is prayer the defining factor in your view of authority? ●      15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not?” ●      18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”21 “Caesar's,” they replied.Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.”22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away. Matthew 22:15-22 ●      Give to God what is His…your life! ●      Are you living as a responsible, godly citizen? ●      Do you pray faithfully for those in authority?  ●      Does your life reflect the image of your creator?

·      The average American will earn over $1.7 million over his or her lifetime.  ·      You are richer than you think! ·      The average American spends about $3.3 million over his or her life.  ·      Who teaches you to make decisions about money? ·      Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honor the LORD from your wealth; and from all your first products.  Your storehouses will be filled with plenty and new wine will burst open your wine vats. ·      Involve God in all your financial decisions.  ·      You can earn it.  ·       Proverbs 14:23 - All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. ·       What did I gain by working today?  ·       Proverbs 28:25 - The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. ·       Heavenly Father, guide me about earning decisions. ·       You can spend it.  More is not better; contentment is. ·      Proverbs 19:23 - The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.  ·      Heavenly Father, guide me before I spend. ·      You can save it.  ·      Money cannot buy happiness, but it can provide margin.  ·       Proverbs 21:20 - The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.  ·       To save, spend less than you make.  ·       Heavenly Father, give me the strength to save money. ·       You can borrow money.  ·       Proverbs 22:7 - The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.  ·       Heavenly Father, is it wise for me to borrow this money? ·       You can give it.  ·       Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD from your wealth; and from all your first products.  ·      Giving is the #1 way we attack selfishness in our lives.  ·      Giving reminds you that God is first.  ·      Proverbs 3:10 - Your storehouses will be filled with plenty and new wine will burst open your wine vats.  ·      You cannot put God first until you are humble.  ·      Would you rather: a) Have $10,000,000 a year for the rest of your life? Or b)Have peace with God?  ·      Matthew 6:24b – You cannot serve God and money.  ·      Are you honoring God with your money?  ·       Do you choose God over money?  ·       PIX: William Borden ·       No reserves ·       No retreats ·       No regrets        LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: There are five things you can do with money: earn it, spend it, save it, borrow it, and give it.  Which one of these is easiest for you?  Why?  1.      Read Proverbs 3:9 2.     Who in your life have you seen put God first in their financial decisions?  What was his or her life like? 3.     Read Proverbs 14:39 4.      How would you define hard work?  How would define the benefit of hard work? 5.      Read Proverbs 28:25 6.      Have you ever seen a greedy person stir up conflict?  What happened? 7.      Read Proverbs 19:23 8.     What does contentment look like to you? 9.      Read Proverbs 3:10 10.      What would you say are the top three ways God could bring abundance into your life? 11.      What would it mean for you to honor God with all your financial decisions?

PIX: Jessica Rocha.  Exodus 20:12 - 12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Attachment is the secure bond you have with someone.  Honor what you can and forgive the rest. How to be parents worthy of honor and how to honor our parents.  Proverbs 1:8-9 – Listen my son, to the correction of your father; and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.  9For they are a garland of grace for your head; and a necklace for your neck. Proverbs 15:20 – A wise son causes joy for a father; but a stupid man despises his mother.  Martin Luther – There are few things wholly good or wholly evil.  Do you bring joy to your parents or are you stupid?  Proverbs 20:20 – One who curses his father and his mother – his lamp will be snuffed out by deep darkness.  There are no perfect parents.  Forgive your parents.  Proverbs 30:17 – The mocking eye toward a father, and the eye that despises a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick out that eye and the son of a vulture will eat it. More curiosity, less judgment.  Proverbs 23:25 – Your father and your mother bring joy and the one who gave birth to you rejoices. Be parents of joy.  Dallas Willard: Joy is a deep, pervasive sense of well-being.  Are you honoring your Father and your Mother?     Are you forgiving your Parents for not being perfect? Do you have a strong relationship with our Heavenly Father to fill in the gaps your parents couldn't fill?             LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: What is one positive thing your mother gave you in life?  1.    Read Proverbs 1:8-9 2.   What instruction did your parents give you that turned out to be a garland of grace? 3.    Read Proverbs 15:20 4.    What advice did your parents give you that rejected, but it turned out they were right? 5.    Read Proverbs 20:20 6.    Have you known someone who stayed angry at their parents?  What was his or her life like? 7.    Read Proverbs 30:17 8.    Have you mocked your parents?  Do you need to ask forgiveness? 9.    Read Proverbs 23:25 10.  What do you need to do to be a parent who brings joy to your children?

·      What do you do when you don't know?  ·      First option: you construct a story.  ·     Second option: Walk away.  ·      God punishes the wicked.  Job, you are suffering, therefore, you must be wicked. ·      Beware of people who have a story about God that is not big enough to include your story. ·       Job 31:35-37 - 35 “Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing. 36 Surely I would wear it on my shoulder, I would put it on like a crown.37 I would give him an account of my every step; I would present it to him as to a ruler.” ·       Job 38:1-7 - Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? ·       Beware of a one-dimensional God.  ·       God invites Job to get the bigger picture ·       We will never know all the reasons “why.”  ·       Job 40:1-14 - The Lord said to Job:2 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!”3 Then Job answered the Lord:4 “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.5 I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.” ·      6 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm: 7 “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.8 “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? 9 Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his?10 Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty. 11 Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at all who are proud and bring them low, 12 look at all who are proud and humble them, crush the wicked where they stand. 13 Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave.14 Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you. ·      Do you understand what is like to be God?  ·      Can we save ourselves?  ·      God does not abandon those who suffer.  ·     Job 42:1-6 - Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.  4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.'5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”  ·      When you meet God personally, he changes your life.  ·      I know you are God, and I am not.  ·       Third Option: When you do not know, you can choose faith.  ·       When you do not know, do you choose faith?  ·       Heavenly Father, help me have faith that you are enough, you are better than answers. LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: Do you know someone who has had a powerful encounter with God?  What was their experience like?  1.    Read Job 38:1-7 2.    How does God's reply strike you?  Is he angry? Aggressive?  Forceful? 3.     Can you think of a time when you spoke about God without knowledge and later realized you were wrong?  What made you come to that realization? 4.     Read Job 40:1-14 5.    If you were God, how would you react to Job's response?  6.      God is challenging Job to consider what it is like to God.  What do you think it is like to be God?  How do these verses inform your thinking? 7.      Read Job 42:1-6 8.      What does Job now understand? 9.      In your opinion, what is the difference between hearing about God and seeing God?