Living Faith Alliance Church

Faith Talks:1. What did God offer to Habakkuk about himself that led the prophet to the conclusion that he would quietly wait?2. What are the circumstances of your life where God is leading you to quietly wait for him to work?3. What are you learning about who God is or what he has done that will help you to wait on him?

Faith Talks:When have you longed for God to bring his justice, to exercise his judgement?When have you longed for God to be merciful, and gracious and not bring his justice?How does the work of God in both justice and mercy impact your love for him?

Faith Steps:Take time to identify your idols by completing this sentence (as many times as it takes to get them all). LIFE ONLY HAS MEANING/I ONLY HAVE WORTH IF…Practice preaching the Gospel to your soul. Look up Bible truths on what Christ has promised. Seek to walk in those promises by faith.

Faith Talks:1. What is Habakkuk’s complaint?2. Why does God give us the example of a complaining prophet?3. What does pastor Greg mean by problem of evil?4. What experience do you have with wrestling with the problem of evil?5. What hope or answers have you found helpful in your journey of faith through the problem of evil?

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Faith Talks: What Peace did Jesus bring in his first advent? What Peace will Jesus bring in our future? How can you participate in the work of Peace and be an agent of peace this week?

Faith Talks:After hearing the depth behind this Christmas story, how is your faith increasing? What piece of your faith do you most long to see? (2 Corinthians 5:7)Talk about what you learned about this story today, that you didn’t know before, that could help enrich your (or someone else’s) faith. Make an “even though / God” list, and answer it with Scripture. Example: Even though I feel persecuted, God will not abandon me. (2 CoR 4:9)

Faith Talks:What kind of darkness are you experiencing in your life? And, how is that impacting you?Jesus is here; which one of the following realities about him are you willing to receive in your heart?- Jesus will live in the fullness of the Spirit- His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord- He will administer justice- He is always dressed up in righteousness and faithfulness - He will establish complete shalom- Jesus will fill the whole earth with the knowledge of the LordWho could you share the hope Jesus is giving you with?

Faith Talks:What did Pastor Greg mean by the term “Greenhouse?” Where do we see the use of the Greenhouse theme in the early church in the book of Acts?What are some of the ways that the tool of Greenhouse will help grow leaders?

Faith Talks:What role did strategic partnership play in Paul's missionary journeys?What role will strategic partnerships play in the future of local and global missions at Living Faith?What are our obstacles to healthy partnerships?Is there anything that God is calling you to regarding local or global strategic partnerships?

Faith Talks:What surprised you about the story of the church?What is meant by Jesus centered disciples and Kingdom minded churches?How has the story of the church become .your story? In what ways has your life been impacted by God’s ongoing story of Jesus centered disciple partnering with God in making Kingdom minded churches?

How Do I Forgive?Remember Forgiveness requires that you trust the justice of GodRemember Forgiveness requires you trust the Grace of GodRemember Forgiveness is an act of obedience not a feelingRemember Forgiveness Leads to healthy boundariesRemember Forgiveness is not just a moment but a processGrieve Your Hurts and LossesOffer Forgiveness at the Level of OffenseCancel the DebtFaith Talks:What do we learn about reconciliation and forgiveness from the life of Joseph?What is the difference between reconciliation and forgiveness?In what ways have you found freedom in forgiveness?What are the relationships that you have where God is asking you to take steps of forgiveness or reconciliation? What do you think is a good next step?

Faith Talks:When we look at the long view of Joseph’s life, where do we see the providential work of God?When you look at the long view of your life, where can you see God’s providential work?What can you learn from the life and practices of Joseph that enabled him to maintain faithfulness while God was providentially working behind the scenes?

Faith Talks:What conclusions have you made about God in light of your suffering?How have your own assessments become an excuse not to follow God obediently? What fears are you feeling guilty of? What better self-talk does the Cross gives you access to?What aspect of the Father are you most thankful for today—present, powerful or patient? Why?

Faith Talks:1. With safe people, talk about the things that temp you to sin.2. What are the things that give you motivation to not follow the call of temptation? Write a list.3. Do you find God to be the major motivating factor not to sin or is there another reason that is more motivating than God?4. Spend time this week meditating on Proverbs 9:10, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Faith Talks:1. The Bible describes many obstacles the can hinder us from encountering the presence of God. How can you relate to the obstacle of expectations and idealism that we talked about from Nathanael story in John 1?2. According to the teaching today what can it look like to experience the manifest presence of God?3. What are ways to fight the obstacles and to prepare ourselves to experience God?

Faith Talks:1. How does the Biblical story indicate that God pursues His people?2. How does knowing the pattern of God’s pursuit of his people impact your desire to be with God, to see him, to enjoy his presence?3. Encountering the Presence of God means that God makes himself known to our spiritual senses and we align ourselves with Him. Can you identify a time in your life where God made Himself aware to your spiritual senses?

Faith Talks:1. What is your personal history with experiencing the presence of God? Reflect on the details of these events? What leads you to the conclusion that these were encounters with God?2. Describe your desire to be with God, to see him, to enjoy his presence?3. What does it look like in your life to seek after God?Describe times in your life that you encountered Go

Faith Talks:1.What are some false gospels that you have come to hear about Jesus? Have you come to believed any of them?2.Can you identify areas in your life where you consider Jesus as an optional resource?3.Do you personally know Jesus? or Do you know about Him only?

Faith Talks:How does it impact you to know that there are men and women with such different backgrounds in Paul’s Band of Brothers? Where in your life do you want to see an “open door for the word?” Over the next 6 weeks, ask the Father everyday for that open door. Let's see what happens!

Faith Talks:When you pray, what do you ask for? Track this for one week. Then take one week to focus on “keeping the Lord before you.” Then share with a friend any ways you would change what you ask God for. Make a list of moments in your life when you are around people who don’t believe in Jesus. Set a reminder for those times to remind you to pray and ask God for the Holy Spirit in those moments.

Faith Talks:1-Husbands and wives talk about what is the hardship of living Col 3:18. Why is it so hard for you to live as this passage says? 2-Parents talk to each other about ways you have "provoked your children". you'll be able to identify this by looking for ways that you have discouraged them. Ask God for help together as parents. 3-Talk about your hearts motivation for why you might work hard at your job. Is it for God or for another reason? Talk about those heart motivations and the benefit of working for the lord and not for man.To check out the works by Nate & Sharon that Erik references, just click on the pictures above or use this link.

Nate & Sharon HowardIn Pastor Erik’s sermon on Colossians 3:18-4:1 he referenced some works done by Nate & Sharon Howard. We’ve gone back to the archive and uploaded those sessions here so they can be available online. Enjoy!FOR MEN FOR WOMEN

Faith Talks:1. What are the things that Paul is telling us to put on in Colossians 3:12-17?2. Why is Paul telling us to put those things on?3. Of the things Paul tells us to put on which do you want to grow in and why is it a challenge for you? 4. What is it that you are refusing to let go of that keeps stuck in sinful patterns.5. What do you plan to do in order to mature in how you treat others?

Faith Talks:Please take 10 minutes to have an honest talk about what God spoke to you from this sermon. Why is the resurrection so important? What is now ours because Jesus rose from the dead?

Faith Talks:When Jesus entered Jerusalem, what did the people do that was an appropriate response to the arrival of Jesus?When Jesus entered Jerusalem, what did the people misunderstand or reject about Jesus?What are the obstacles that you face to receive the authority of Jesus at the worship center of your life?What is the great tragedy or consequence of not receiving Jesus at the worship center of your life?

Faith Talks:Of the list of things that Paul says to put to death, which three do you struggle the most/least with? Explain your answer.Culturally, which parts of your cultural heritage help/hinder you in living for the Kingdom of God? Explain your answer.What issue(s) of your heart do you most long for Jesus to touch and change? Ask a friend to pray for you about these issues.

Faith Talks:Which aspect of redemption do you tend to focus more on: dying with Christ, being made alive with Christ or living in the future glory with Christ? Why?Which of these three aspects would you like to grasp better so that you can mature in your identity in Christ?Dying with Christ, being made alive with Christ and sharing in the future glory with Christ produces joy, shapes our love and fuels our hope. Share a story of how you are presently experiencing joy, loving (God or others) well or living hopeful in these days.What is consuming your mind these days, earthly things or things from above? Consider asking someone to pray for you to have the grace to seek the things that are above and to set your mind on things that are above.

Faith Talks:Are there any areas in your life that you are looking to find fulfillment or fullness that cause you to reduce or reject Jesus? Are any of these issues creating doubt of confusion in your walk with Christ? If so, actively repent and ask some trusted friends to pray with you. Walk with Jesus, Rest in Jesus, Focus on Jesus - What is one thing you can do on a daily basis to help you live these three things? Share those with someone who can hold you accountable.

Faith Talks:In your pursuit of freedom why is it significant that Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities?How has the triumph of our warrior King changed you life?This lent season are there areas of your life where you feel held down or captive, areas where you are not living in the freedom Jesus has won for you? What are some empty philosophies that may be holding you captive?

Faith Talks:Faith talks: Talk about times in your life when community has: encouraged you, kept you from believing a deluded gospel, helped you understand the gospel. Talk about an area of your life where God is building you up in the gospel. Think in terms of an area where you have seen a growth in maturity. Gratitude towards God should be a main characteristic of God’s people. Spend ten minutes everyday this week sharing things that you are grateful for because of God. If you want to take it a step further as a practice in gratitude for this week choose not to complain about anything in your life.

Faith Talks:Paul says in Colossians 1:24-29 that it is going to be worth it. It will be worth the effort, worth the pain, worth the suffering. According to Paul, what is so valuable that makes it all worth it?How motivated are you to grow into maturity, and what is hard for you about growing into maturity? Paul says in Colossians 1:29 “for this I toil.” What does it look like in your life to “toil,” work, or labor to present yourself and others as mature in Jesus?

Faith Talks:How would you describe the mission of Jesus according to Col. 1:21-23?Of the 4 P’s of the Mission of Jesus which one(s) do you most identify with?What can you do to grow in your participation in the mission of Jesus?

Faith Talks:Jesus above all things: Which aspect of Christ creates the most “wow” in your heart? Share that with someone this week. Jesus In every moment: What moments is it easiest for you to see Jesus above all things? What moments are the hardest for you to see Jesus as supreme? Share these with a trusted friend and pray for each other.

Faith Talks:Which of these facts about the deliverance of God is the most precious to you today?How does this BIG truth truth about God impact you? How does it change you?Can you identify the impact in yourself or others of not believing in this rescuing work of God?

Faith Talks:Think of situation that you want to pray about. Of the 3 points of Pauls prayer which one is most needed in that situation. Ask God to work in that situation the same way Paul asked God to work in the lives and situations of the Colossians.

Faith Talks: When somebody does a great spiritual thing, my first reaction is to congratulate them or thank God? If no words could be used to explain people around me that I am a disciple of Christ, would they be able to know this because of the love I show to other Christians? Think about your everyday routine When focusing on the hope laid for us in heaven, how can this change the view of your daily walk? Think on some concrete examples.

Faith Talks:What are the 4 foundational truths of Pauls introduction to the church at Colossae?Which of the 4 foundations did you find most challenging or absent from your relationship with God?Which of the four foundations already represents something God has been doing in your life?

Faith TalksWhat is so significant about the name of Jesus as Prince of Peace? In what way does the Bible show us Jesus as the Prince of Peace? In what areas of your life do you desire peace?Knowing the kind of peace Jesus offers, how committed do you think He is to bring about the peace you desire? In what ways can you join Jesus’ work in spreading/sharing peace?

Faith TalksWhen Jesus comes and brings everything to light in your life, will His might be for you or against you? Will his arrival be a ‘rising’ or a ‘falling’ for you? Sit with a good friend and talk these question over. Read 2 Chronicles 27:6. In what ways is this true in your life? Are there any areas that need to change based on this verse? If so, pick one and take one action to affect change in that area.