Fletcher Church

Seeing the Risen Christ Compels Transformation … I. Something to Turn From! (Var) II. Someone to Turn To! (Var) III. Something to Do! (Var) Practical Implications o How can you cultivate a clearer seeing of Jesus? o What do you need to turn from, specifically? o What do you need to turn to, biblical and specific?

Christ Our Only Hope in Life and Death . . . I. How do we Stand Before Others? Free from Legitimate Accusations! (1-9) II. How will We Stand Before God? Gospel Hope! (10-21) III. How will we Speak with Others? Gospel Faith, Living and Future! (22-27) Practical Implications How have you experienced and fought criticism and gossip? How has the gospel shown up in your faith, your living and your hope?Prepare for the Supper.

Gospel Courage leads us to Show up and Share a Jesus Centered Testimony . . . I. What was your life like before Christ? (1-5)II. How did you Encounter Jesus in a Saving Way? (6-11)III. How has Knowing Jesus Transformed you (lately)? (12-21)Practical Implications o What is your story?o What are 3 things would you do differently this week if …?o What are some ways you have changed lately? Seen change in someone's life lately

Jesus' Tender Mercy Is on Display Even as His Sovereign Plan Unfolds . . .I. Jesus' Sovereign Power Demands Worship! (36-40)II. Jesus' Tender Mercy Compels Worship! (41-42)III. Don't Miss Your Opportunity to Make Peace with God! (43-44)Practical Implicationso What areas of your life are not under the rule of the Sovereign God?o In what ways does your heart not reflect the Tender Mercy of Jesus?o In what ways are you quenching the Spirit's work in your life?

Treasure Christ Supremely . . . I. Be Saved to See the Worth of Knowing Jesus! (7-9) II. Be Satisfied in Becoming Like Jesus! (10) III. Be Hopeful you will Rise to Jesus! (11-12) Practical Implications o What 5 things about Jesus are precious to you (not platitudes to you)? o What competes most with Christ for the central place in your life? o How does the thought of heaven increase your hope?

Better to Lose your Life than Waste it (Piper) . . . I. Live in a Way that Commends the Gospel! (17-19, 33ff) II. Rely on and Minister the Word to People! (20-21; 24b-25; 26-27; 31-32) III. Gladly be Mastered by God come what May! (22-24) IV. Love the Church! (28-32a) Practical Implications o How do you interpret and apply “Better to Lose your life than to waste it” where you are? o Do an Unwasted Life Review o Prepare for Supper:

Better to Lose your Life than Waste it (Piper) . . . I. Live in a Way that Commends the Gospel! (17-19, 33ff)II. Rely on and Minister the Word to People! (20-21; 24b-25; 26-27; 31-32) III. Gladly be Mastered by God come what May! (22-24) IV. Love the Church! (28-32a) Practical Implications o How do you interpret and apply “Better to Lose your life than to waste it” where you are? o Do an Unwasted Life Review

God's Word Has Prevailing Power… I. The Message of Jesus Requires Belief that Leads to Life Change. (1-10) II. Belief: Freeing People from the Power of Sin through Repentance & Worship. (11-20) III. Unbelief: Trusting Idols Causes Retreat from & Resistance to God. (21-41) Practical ImplicationsWhere do I see unbelief producing the fruit of unrighteousness in my life? In what ways are you pretending to know Jesus? Are you relying on past experiences or present intimacy? What idols do you love, trust, hope in more than God?

God Sovereignly Placed you in your Circles for a Purpose . . . I. Spiritual Places: Engage Unsaved Christians! (1-15) II. Everyday Places: Care for Broken People! (16-22) III. Suffering Places: Display Hope for Everyday People! (23-40) Practical Implications How can you cultivate gospel ears and gospel courage? How do you view broken people?How do you handle suffering?

Fight to Preserve the Essence of the Gospel . . . I. Gospel Clarity: Non-Negotiables! (1-11) II. Gospel Liberty: No Other Burdens! (12-29) III. Gospel Unity: Love Governs Liberty! (23-35)Practical Implications o Some things are worth Fighting For, Make sure it's the Right Things: o What are you tempted to add to Jesus (Law, Liberty) o How can you prepare for the Supper/reflect the Supper in all of Life?

Everyday Life on Mission . . .I. Understand the Anatomy of Engaging a People or Place! (11:19-30) II. Expect Suffering as Part of Life in this World, as a Christian, and on Mission! (Ch 12)Practical Implicationso What are your next steps for Everyday Mission? o What keeps you from Praying w/ Boldness? Answers? o Review back of Sheet: What stands out? What would you add? Musings on Suffering God Centered Perspective:- Our Purpose in Life reframes the question: from why me to how do I show a superior satisfaction in Him! (2 Cor 5:9) - Produces greater eternal glory in/for us (2 Cor 4:16-18)- Life in Fallen world: Groaning and Redemption (Rom 8:22-25)- God has a wisdom/power beyond our vantage point (Rom 11:33-36)- Why is rarely answered but the Who is always answered (Job 40-42) - God entered the world and suffered on the cross (Mt 27:46) - God will do right and make all things right one day. (Rev 21:4) How do we Suffer Well: - Learn to Lament/Grieve Well before God: (Psalms) - Keep Praying: Don't let God disappear from trial. - Lean into God as He is; all that He is - Root out our idols/disordered loves- Cling to/Move towards Christ - Meditate on our eternal hope - Stay in Community- resist the urge to isolate.- In Time- Find Someone to Love and Serve - Stay faithful to the means of grace/disciplines Why do we Suffer? (*No “Answer” but some ideas)- *Beware of a Greater Good mentality. - Weans us from Love Affair w/ this World/Life- Tests the strength of our faith (goal of approving)- Works humility and compassion in us - Exposes our disordered loves/deepest treasures-Deepens our heavenly hope- Become more genuinely helpful to others- Opportunity to glorify God w/ Tears: Display God is better than what we can/will lose in this life (Ps 63:3) - Necessary in the Process of maturity and hope (Ja 1:2-4; Rom 5:1-5) What is helpful in this list to you? Why? What else would you add?

A Barrier Breaking Gospel that Keeps Moving Forward… I. Devout but Still Dead: The Gospel is a Universal Need! (1-8) II. Still in Process: The Spirit Forces us Past Personal Bias and Comforts! (9-29) III. No Partiality with God: The Gospel is a Universal Offer! (34-48; 11:1-18) Practical Implications o What are some areas of your life with image of fruit vs. fruitful? o Where is God stretching your lately? o What groups is your heart tempted to despise?

Conversion comes with a Commission . . . I. Spiritual Blindness- We are Blind but think we See Clearly, until we Encounter Jesus! (1-9) II. Spiritual Sight- God Restores our Sight by His Spirit and His People! (10-19a) III. Spiritual Burden- We can See People the Way Jesus Does! (19b-31) Practical Implications o How can you identify some of your blind spots? o Where/who are you holding back from Speaking? o How are your participating in Every Member on Mission?

The Scattered Church Aims for Maturity in Christ through ... I. Gospel Centered Teaching and Warning! (28) II. Gospel Centered Effort and Serving! (29) Practical Implications o In what ways are you scattering well? Ways growth is needed? o What ways are you resting well in gospel? What ways are you working from the gospel well? Poorly? o Prepare for the Supper: Process and Purpose Gathering: God exalting gathering leads us to experience God in community in a way that leads to responsiveness. Sunday School: Invited to community that share content that fosters the treasuring of Christ; gateway to connecting into relationships; invited to serve others w/ our gifts. Micro Group: Increasingly known/know; encouraged to fight sin; be reminded of Jesus/gospel; and to prompted to pursue holiness/positive Christian life. Meeting Balances MAPS - M- Mission: Where/Who/What next? - A- Accountability: Fight sin, point to gospel, pursue holiness. - P- Prayer: For live stuff, mission, growth. - S- Scripture: Heart Targeting Content; Content taken deeper.

The Church Gathers . . . I. God Centered- Encounter II. Others Focused- Encourage III. Personal Growth- Transform Practical Implications How can you cultivate a more God-centered perspective on and while gathering? Our Role in Gathering: Show up … show up ready; Participate/Engage; Be Responsive/Sensitive: What 1-2 areas is God calling you to focused growth?

Essentials of a Church/Community that Glorifies God … I. Love: the Posture! (8) II. Hospitality: the Value! (9) III. Giftedness: the Practice! (10-11) Practical Implications o What unloving traits do you see in yourself? What loving ones could you put on to replace them? o How can you increase your hospitality? o What would faithfulness to using your gifts look like right now?

The War Has Been Won, But a Battle Remains . . . I. Mission Brief: ___________ Dealt a ______________ to the Dragon! (1-6) II. Intel: The Dragon Schemes to ___________ and ___________! (7-10) III. Counterattack: ___________ the Dragon with the ___________ of the Spirit! (11) Practical Implications o In what ways have you been lulled to sleep by the enemy? o Are you speaking accusation or Gospel truth to self & others? o What shots do you want to take for the Kingdom of God in 2025?

Christmas Brings Us Great Joy Because . . . I. God Offers Great News to All People, Even the Lowly and Outcast! (8-10) II. God Offers a Great Savior Who Extends Peace to His Enemies! (11-14) III. God Offers a Great Opportunity to Experience His Nearness! (15-16) IV. God Offers a Great Privilege to Joyfully Participate in the Mission of God! (17-20) Application Questions o Have you experienced the nearness of God by entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? If not, what is holding you back from believing? o What about the birth of Christ produces joy in your heart? How can you ponder those truths this Christmas? o Who in your circles needs to hear about the good news that Christ offers this Christmas season? How can you share with them what Christ has done for you?

At Christmas God Became Flesh . . . I. To Reveal Salvation to the World! (9-13) II. To Dwell with People so God could be Fully Known! (14-18) Practical Implications o How can you carve out some quiet this Christmas? o What amazes you about Jesus (continued)?

Mission requires us to See Something Worth Sacrificing For ... I. See an All-Consuming Vision of God's Glory! (1-4) II. See the Depths of our Sin and the Breadth of our Redemption! (5-7) III. Hear the Call to Sacrificially Give, Go, and Send! (8-11) Practical Implications o How can you more intentionally seek the Lord? o What are your barriers to being open to go across the street or across the world? o How will you determine the Amount to Sacrificially Give?

Eat, Be Full, and Bless the Lord for the Good He Has Given You . . . I. Remember the God Who Led You through the Wilderness! (1-10) II. Don't Forget the God Who Brought You into Prosperity! (11-20) III. Certain Lessons Are Only Learned in the Wilderness & Must Be Remembered in Prosperity! Practical Implications o What are you thankful for? o When have you been in the wilderness? What did you learn about God there? o What do you need to remember about God's character as a loving Father when He disciplines you?

Be Spiritually Alert to Divine Appointments with Others . . . I. Divine Appointments take God's Initiative, Our Discomfort and Obedience! (26-29) II. Divine Appointments travel from a Connection Point to Bearing Witness to Jesus! (30-35) III. Divine Appointments Invite a Response and Commitment to Jesus! (36-40) Practical Implications o How can you be more alert to others? o What barriers need to be crucified in your life? o What connections can you cultivate and follow?

God Sends us to Everyday Mission . . . I. Embrace the Common Elements of Everyday Mission! (1-8) II. Look out for the Promise and Pitfalls of Everyday Mission! (9-25) Practical Implications o What Every Member on Mission Step can you take this week? o What 5 ways can you serve someone around you this week? o What would change if we assumed people were lost vs. saved?

Biblical Problem Solving Leads to Health and Growth … I. What's the Problem? Identify the Problem Specifically! (1-2) II. What's the Solution? Handle the Problem God's Way! (3-7) Practical Implications o What steps do you need to take to better identify problems in your relationships? o What are some biblical solutions w/ verses for the problems inside you and your relationships? o Prepare for the Supper:

Following Jesus Requires That You Cultivate Courage… I. Take Small Steps Toward Deliberate Discomfort! (17-26) II. Remember Who You Are and Whom You Serve! (27-32) III. Joyfully Accept the Consequences & Stay Zeroed in on the Mission! (33-42) Practical Implications o What are a few baby steps you can take to stretch your courage? o What causes you to shrink back from sharing what you have seen? o How are you responding to suffering and persecution? What might joyful obedience look like for you?

Gospel Community takes Generosity and Purity Seriously . . . I. Gospel Community is Enhanced by Shared Lives, Generosity and Genuineness! (4:32-37) II. Gospel Community is Threatened by Impurity and Image without Substance! (1-11) III. Gospel Generosity is both a Duty and a Delight! (2 Cor 8-9) Practical Implications o How are you presently fighting sin in your life? How are you helping others fight theirs? o What is your current state of gospel generosity? o Take the One Month Worshipful Giving Challenge:

The Spirit Birthed Church is a Vibrant community that Values: I. Discipleship in Community: Jesus being Formed in us and Shown Through us! (41-42) II. Shared Life in Community: Shared Meals, Open Homes and Generosity! (42b, 44-46) III. Witness through Community: Offer a Taste of Belonging to those Far from God! (43, 46, 47) Practical Implications o Using “love Jesus, like Jesus, about others” framework: what areas encouraging in life now? Needing growth? o What is your next step in shared life and hospitality? o How can your relational community invite others in?

You Can Know for Certain that Jesus is both Lord & Christ. I. Because He Sent the Holy Spirit Just Like He Promised! (14-21) II. Because Jesus' Resurrection Fulfilled Scripture and was Confirmed by Eyewitnesses! (22-36) III. Requiring a Response to Humble Surrender to His Kingdom Rule! (37-41)    Practical Implications o  In what ways are you quenching the Spirit? Developing sensitivity to the Spirit? o  Do an inventory of your heart: Where is Jesus not Lord? o  How can you move toward one person to Listen, Engage, & Invite to follow Jesus?

The Coming of the Spirit Gives Birth to the Church . . . I. Listen to the Message: Supernatural Sign Marks the New Age of Christ! (1-4, 10) II. It's For you and All Peoples: The Global Audience for the Gospel! (5-10) III. A Response is Required: Some are Open and Some Reject! (6-7, 12-13) Practical Implications o How can you create opportunities for sharing with others? o What “differences” may the Spirit be breaking down in your heart? o How can you prepare for the Supper?

Bear Witness to Jesus . . . I. Watch out for Distractions! (6-7) II. We have Power for the Task Jesus left us! (8) III. We have a Future Hope to Motivate us Today! (9-11) Practical Implications o Where are you tempted to get stuck in the here and now kingdom? o How can we practically cultivate life in the Spirit that leads to witness? o How does the return of Christ encourage you?

Acts of the Holy Spirit to Bring a Taste of God's Expanding Kingdom to a Fallen World . . . I. The King: Resurrected Christ II. The Message of the Kingdom: Founding Documents III. Kingdom Citizens: Believing Church IV. The Kingdom's Experience: V. The Kingdom's Opposition: Practical Implications o Have you Repented and Believed the Gospel? o What is your next step as a citizen? o How can you begin praying about a church plant?

Relationships are God's Primary Context for Growth . . . I. The Necessity of Relationships for Growth and Change! (24) II. The Goal of Relationships of Growth and Change! (24) III. Key Qualities of Relationships of Growth and Change! (25) Practical Implications o Embrace Relational-Discipleship Values (For the Glory of God: 1. Openness- Know and be Known 2. Prioritize Gathering and Time w/ Other Believers (not optional) 3. Bring Good News not Good Advice that Comforts and Confronts 4. Mutual and Accountable 5. Humility and a Desire for Change o Who are you considering, who's considering you? o What changes are needed in your relationships to get on God's agenda?

God is Glorious (Great and Worthy) . . . I. How should I Respond to God's Greatness and Worth? (1-3) II. Why is God Great and Worthy? (4, 6) III. What Competes with God for Glory? (4c-5) Practical Implications o Embrace some God-Centered Values: 1. He is Great, we are not = Good! 2. Word Saturated Lives and Church! 3. The Centrality of Jesus and the Gospel 4. Salvation to the Praise of His Glory 5. Content Rich Songs that build a vv. 1-4 life. o What are your primary competitors? o What amazes you about Jesus (sit down in a truth that sticks)?

Stare at Christ, He is sufficient to fulfill His promises & accomplish His purposes... I.  In the Face of Abandonment, Laborers are still Sent Out! (9-11) II. In the Face of Opposition, Some will Remain Faithful! (12-15) III. In the Face of Loneliness, Christ's Presence Sustains the Soul! (16-20)   Practical Application o   In what ways are you loving this present world? What would your calendar, bank account, anxieties say? o   What rhythms are you practicing to help you see life w/ an eternal perspective? o   What is one act of faithfulness to the mission of God that you can take this semester?

Embrace a Holistic Faithful Ministry of the Word! I. This is a Sacred Trust from God! (1-2) II. Drift is a Continual Threat and “Christians” will at Times Abandon the Truth! (3-5) III. Christ is Coming and our Reward will be Eternal! (4-6) Practical Implications o How can you embrace a ministry of the word for yourself? o How can you embrace a ministry of word to others? o What's your why?

I.       Can We Choose What We Love? Yes! a.       We love what we pay attention to. b.      We love what we spend time with. c.       We love what we trade other things for. d.      We love what we invest in.    II.       What Is the World? a.      Not referring to the Earth. b.      Not referring to the people in the world. c.      Referring to a system that is opposed to God. III.     What Are the Things in the World? a.       Desires of the Flesh— b.      Desires of the Eyes— c.      Pride of Life—   IV.     Why Shouldn't We Love the World or the Things in It? a.       Love for the world is incompatible with love for           the Father. b.      The things of the world are inferior what the Father has for us. c.       The world and its things are temporary.

Continue Faithfully in the Gospel and Godliness . . . I. By Integrating the Example of Others who Live w/ Christ-Centered Purpose! (10-13) II. By Trusting the Bible is Sufficient for Everything you Will Face in this Life! (14-17) Practical Implications o What growth do you want to see in your core framework (Believe, Do, Living out purpose)? o Where are you tempted to ignore, disconnect Sufficiency of Scripture from everyday area of life? o What area of your life might God want to walk through the sufficiency process (reset view of God, restored way living, maturity, equipped to help others/engage significant relationships)?

God has given us a new identity through his grace and mercy that results in walking obedience to Jesus. I. Dead in sin: Child of Wrath! (1-3) II. Alive in Christ: Child of God! (4-9) III. Live out your Identity! (10) Practical Implications: o Tell someone the story of when you came to know Jesus Christ. What were some things that changed? How has he been changing you? o Do you struggle with believing your identity as a child of God? Why or why not? o What are some ways your boasting has been in things other than the cross?

Beware of Twisting the Gospel to Accommodate Self . . . I. Being Content with an External Image while Neglecting an Inner life in Decay! (1-5) II. Pulling People Toward me vs. Pointing People towards Christ! (6-7) III. Using Mental and Verbal Gymnastics to Justify Myself! (8-9) Practical Implications o Relentlessly Examine your Loves: o Graciously Examine your Leaders: o Critically Examine your Listens:

God Is Worthy of Praise Regardless of Circumstances Because . . . I. Christ's Salvation Produces an Unshakeable Joy! (17-18) II. Christ's Provision Promises an Unshakeable Future! (19) Practical Applications o Have you trusted in Jesus Christ alone for eternal salvation? If not, will you turn to Jesus to be saved today? o How joyful are you currently? Is your joy contingent upon your circumstances or is it based in the character and work of Christ? o Reflect on the goodness of God: What has He done, and what has He promised us in Christ? How is that better than what we can lose/have lost in this life? How do those truths offer us lasting hope?

Desire and Guard your Usefulness to the Lord . . . I. There are some things to Run After and Run From! (20-22) II. Discern what's worth Engaging in and what's just Distracting! (23) III. Remember the Redemptive Power of Relationships! (Mal 4) IV. Be Gentle, yet Committed to Correction (and Being Corrected)! (24-26) Practical Implications o What priorities of my life might God want to flip right side up? o Do you tend to avoid or engage correcting? What might God want to grow in these areas? o Do you engage people more with hope or reservation?

Keeping the Sabbath Feeds Your Soul . . . I. Establish a Rhythm of Rest: God Is Our Provider! II. Forsake Selfish, Distracting Desires; God Alone Gives True Satisfaction! III. Value the Sabbath; God Defines Our Worth and Identity! Practical Applications o In what ways have you profaned the Sabbath? What might repentance look like? o What is your Sabbath plan? What do you need to do to prepare for the Sabbath? o What is taking your focus off delighting in Christ? How can you guard your Sabbath to refrain from these things?

Desire and Guard your Usefulness to the Lord . . . I. There are some things to Run After and Run From! (20-22) II. Discern what's worth Engaging in and what's just Distracting! (23) III. Correct in Ways that Allow a Person to Grow and Change vs. Quarrel and Dig in! (24-26) Practical Implications o What hinders your maximum usefulness to the Lord? o What would it look like for you to pursue righteousness, faith …? o Where are you on the kindness and correction scale? What qualities or conversations do you need cultivate?

Keep the Gospel Central in All Things . . . I. God Delights in Diligent Service and in Faithfulness to the Scriptures! (14-15) II. What we Believe Always Shows up in How we Live! (16-19) Practical Implications o What stirs your soul about Jesus (Remember Jesus List)? o What lesser things distract you from the most important things in life and relationships? o What concrete things do you need to “put off”? “Put on”?

Keys to Endurance in Disciple making . . . I. Remember the Gospel! (8) II. Suffering Can be Framed by Purpose and Eternity! (9-10) Implications o Use healthy rhythms to actively remember Jesus! o Identify your Obstacles. o Test yourself for Present Growth:

Prioritize Making Disciples of Faithful People . . . I. Disciple-making Requires God's Strength and Work! (1) II. Disciple-making Focuses on the Good News of Jesus and Identifying Faithful People! (2) III. Disciple-making is Costly and Rewarding! (3-7) Practical Implications o Check your life for present grace and growth? o Where has the Cost Caused Retreat? o What's the Obstacle?

Prioritize Making Disciples of Faithful People . . . I. Disciple-making Requires God's Strength and Work! (1) II. Disciple-making Focuses on the Good News of Jesus and Identifying Faithful People! (2) III. Disciple-making is Costly and Rewarding. (People work is painful work)! (3-7) Practical Implications o Check Yourself: o Check Your Investments: o Count the Cost:

Boldly Display and Declare the Glory of Jesus even when it's Costly . . . I. We have been Given Truth to Live, Share and Protect by the Power of God! (13-14) II. People are Risky, but God Graciously Gives us Some Relationships to Refresh us! (15-18) Practical Implications o How would you describe your consistency and quality of time in the word/prayer? o What are some tangible ways you could refresh/encourage another believer this week? o Who are some of the people God uses/has used to encourage you?

Boldly Display and Declare the Glory of Jesus even when it's Costly. I. Be Courageous; God has Given you Gifts and a New Nature! (6-7) II. Don't Settle for Comfortable; the Gospel is too Glorious! (8-10) III. Set an Example; we Know God and His Power! (11-12) Practical Implications o How do/can you stoke fire of your soul so it blazes for Jesus? o Where are you tempted to be ashamed, silent or pulling back? o Who and where are you on mission?

Encouragements to Cultivate the Fire of your Soul to Boldly Live out your Calling . . . I. Form Deep Bonds of Spiritual Friendship/Family! (1-4) II. Remember Your Spiritual Progress and Your Legacy of Faith! (5) III. God Gifted You and Gave you a New Spirit! (6-7) Practical Implications o Pursue Spiritual Friendships that are mutually encouraging. o Look for tangible evidences of God's work in your life and others. o Live God's Purpose, Calling and Gifting w/ passion in everyday stuff of life.

As Christ's Body, we are purposefully joined together by the Holy Spirit according to God's good design. I. The Holy Spirit Unites All Members into the Local Church from Diverse Backgrounds! (12-13) II. God Has Designed a Specific Role for Each Member to Perform within the Local Church! (14-20) III. God Has Ordained That Each Member's Role Is Indispensable for the Health of the Local Church! (21-26) Practical Application Questions Have you trusted Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection for eternal salvation? If not, what is preventing you from the answering the call? Have you obeyed the call of God to be part of a local church? How faithful are you to that call? To which of the Seven Commitments are you most faithful? Which area requires the most improvement? What would be the first practical step to becoming more faithful in that area?