Ross Road Community Church

“Community Disciplines”James 5:12-20“Active discipleship happens in community”5:12: Be Honest in Your Speech5:13-18: Prayer, Healing, and Confession5:19-20: Pursuing the WandererPut it into practice: Which of the three categories above needs your attention and action this week? How will you take a step of active discipleship? Take some time this week to read through James in one sitting, asking God to reveal to you one way in which your faith can be put into action.

“Patient Perseverance”James 5:7-11“Active disciples wait patiently for God's justice”Remember Jesus is coming to make all things right (5:7-8)Rely on one another (5:9)Learn from the examples of the past (5:10-11)Put it into practice: Take some time this week to journal/pray about what's challenging for you in life right now. Include some lament to God about the difficulty. Express your trust in Him. Describe your homesickness, that is, your longing for heaven. Then, choose one of the prophets and observe their perseverance in difficulty.

“The Perils of Wealth”James 5:1-6“Those who hoard wealth will be judged by God.”Four Reasons for the Wealthy Landowners to Weep:Their wealth is temporal and subject to the ravages of timeThey are guilty of a crime against the poorThey will be judged and condemned for their selfish use of material goodsThey have been adding to their material treasure as if the world will go on foreverQuestions to reflect on: How might we properly reflect on our own use of wealth? What parameters might we use to monitor our thoughts and behaviours regarding money? In what ways can you practice generosity this week?

“The Sin of Presumption”James 4:13-17“Humble disciples submit everything to God's plan, including the future”James 4:13-17Application:* Seek God's will - humbly* Watch out for greed* Boast properlyQuestion for reflection: In what ways do you intentional posture yourself to submit to God's will for your future?

True RealityHebrews 1:1-3; Luke 2“Jesus is the truest and the best”Jesus is true joy (Luke 2:10-11)Jesus is true peace (Luke 2:14)Jesus is true hope (Luke 2:28-33)What does worship look like for you this Christmas?

“Repent”Matthew 1:20-23“Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins”Jesus: “The Lord Saves”Immanuel: “God With Us”Questions to reflect on: What do the names of Jesus mean and what do they lead us to do in response? What form of repentance do you need to express today?

“Surrender”Matthew 1-2; Luke 1“Christmas confronts us with an opportunity to surrender to God”History of the Christmas holiday:Joseph (Matthew 1:18-24)Herod (Matthew 2:1-8,16)Mary (Luke 1:26-38)Questions to consider: Why do you think Christmas has evoked such a strong response throughout the centuries? How have you reflected on the challenge to surrender that Christmas brings? How will you practice surrender to God this year?

“Stop”Luke 2:19,51“Stop to ponder the miracle of the birth of Christ”Mary's Posture: Luke 2:19,51Stop and WaitStop and SeeQuestions to consider: What do you hope your experience of Christmas will be like this year? How much space have you created in your schedule to stop and ponder the miracle of Christ's birth? What will you do to intentionally slow down to be in awe of Jesus?

“Wisdom”James 3:13-18“Active disciples demonstrate wisdom by putting humility into action”3:13: Heavenly Wisdom, part 13:14-16: Earthly Wisdom3:17-18: Heavenly Wisdom, part 2Active Discipleship prompt: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how bitter envy and selfish ambition may be present in your life and how it manifests itself. Pick one aspect of heavenly wisdom to strengthen in your life and ask God for opportunities to put it into practice.

Speak Life!James 3:1-12T. AndersonActive Disciples Speak the Character and Kingdom of GodOur Words Have Consequences (v.1-2)Our Words Are Powerful (v.3-8)Our Words Are Our Responsibility (v.9-12)Points to ponder: In what situations do you find that your ungracious speech betrays your faithfulness to Jesus? What lies behind those words (e.g. tiredness, anger, frustration, insecurity, fear, hurt, disrespect, etc.)? How will knowing this help you to respond better in the future? Although you may never know how impactful your words might be, who might you speak words of blessing to today?

“Faith & Works”James 2:14-26“Faith without works is dead”James “vs.” Paul:* James 2:17 & 24* Romans 3:28 & Ephesians 2:8-92:14-17: The problem2:18-19: The objection2:20-26: The examplesQuestions to consider: How would summarize the similarities and differences between how Paul and James talk about faith and works? Why is James so passionate about faith expressing itself through action? How do you evaluate your own life when it comes to how you express your faith in action?

“Mercy Triumphs”James 2:1-13“Active disciples are generously merciful to everyone”2:1-4: The Illustration2:5-7: The Interrogation2:8-13: The InstructionQuestions to reflect on: How have you been guilty of showing favouritism in your life or in the church? What does it look like for you to show mercy to those who you might tend to judge? How can our church be a more welcoming place?

“Mirror Mirror”James 1:19-27“Disciples of Jesus replace anger with active obedience to the perfect law of Christ'1:19-21: Disciples are slow to anger1:22-25: Disciples are freed by the perfect law of Jesus1:26-27: Disciples put their faith into action for the good of othersQuestions to consider: Has anger been a challenge for you in your life? What can you do to put James' advice into practice when it comes to anger? How does the perfect law of Christ bring true freedom? How does this text invite you to put your faith into action?

“God vs. Sin”James 1:13-18 “Sin always leads to death. God always gives good gifts.”Vs 13-15: Temptations* God
* You

* DesiresVs 16-18: God* Gifts* Creation and New CreationQuestions to reflect on: What are some desires that entice and drag you away from God? What are some of the good gifts you have received from God? How can you live as a “first fruit”?

“Pirates and How to Fight Them”James 1:1-18“Mature Christians rely on God for wisdom in trials”Intro to JamesVs 5-7: How to fight the pirates and get wisdom:* Ask wholeheartedly* Be of one mind* Trust in God's characterQuestions to reflect on: How have you received wisdom from God in the past? How can you ensure that when you ask God for wisdom you are of one mind? How can you increase your trust in God's character?

“Count It All Joy”James 1:1-18“Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds”How do we find joy in trials?Stand firm in your identityRecognize God's graceThere's more going on than meets the eyeQuestions to reflect on: As you think on current or past trials, what have you found helpful to produce joy in the midst of them? How can you stand firm in your identity when everything is painful?

“Make Disciples”Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15-16“Every Christian is a missionary”Questions to ponder: How intentional am I about taking the posture of a missionary in my life? How could I strengthen this? How can I pray for the lost? How can I prepare to engage? How will I plan and proceed?

“Rooted”Colossians 2:6-15“Disciples of Jesus have been rooted in Christ”Disciples are rooted and growing (2:6-7)Disciples are free and full (2:8-10)Disciples are alive in Christ (2:11-15)Questions to consider: How does the reality of what Christ has done for you/in you transform how you think about discipleship? How can you cooperate with God's work of strengthening you in the faith?

“What We're About”Matthew 28:18-20Our Mission: Helping People Find and Follow JesusOur Values:* We equip Christ-centred disciples* We welcome people into discipleship* We disciple in communityOur Vision: Everyone Actively Discipling for the Glory of GodApplications:Questions to consider: What has your discipleship journey looked like through the years? What has helped you to grow in your pursuit of Christ? How can you envision yourself on this journey with RRCC?

God Is CommunityGenesis 1 & Various Texts“We are like the triune God when we exist in community”The Trinity in:* Creation* John* EphesiansThe “So What?”* We are made to reflect the image of God* The Trinity and the Church (Eph 4:4-6) * In mission * In relationshipQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: How have you experienced the good and the challenge of community in your life? How does the Trinity help us to think about the importance of community? What can you do to take a further step into community?

God the Good Shepherd John 10:11-13 Recognizing God as our Shepherd means acknowledging that He knows best. John 10:11-15 1. The Shepherd 2. The hired hand & the sheep When bad things happen in a world with a good God – Recognizing God as our Shepherd means truly believing & trusting that He knows best. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: Why is it so hard for us to admit when we are wrong? Do you believe that God is your Shepherd and that He knows best, even when the world seems like it's crumbling around you? How would you answer if someone approached you and asked why there is pain in this world if God is good?

God is our RockMatthew 7:24-25Al StobbeBecause God is our Rock, we can build our lives on Him1. When we build our lives on God as our Rock…○ We can find strength2. When we build our lives on God as our Rock…○ We can also find refuge from our enemies3. When we build our lives on God as our Rock…○ We will trust Him more4. When we build our lives on God as our Rock…○ We can stand firm when things are shaking around usTherefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.

“God is Near”1 Samuel 3 “The one irrepressible need of our life is the presence of God” (Rob Reimer)We miss the voice of God when we don't _____________________________.Sin ___________ our ability to ________________.Sometimes we don't _______________ God when He ______________________.Foundational Truths chartQuestions to reflect: What might be hindering me from realizing God's nearness? When have I been successful at hearing God's voice and why? When each day will I review these foundational truths about my life with God?

“God is King”God was King - Psalm 47Jesus is King – Zechariah 9:9 & Colossians 2:15Jesus is King Forever – Revelation 17:12-14The Gospel is the Kingdom of God – Matthew 24:14We are Faithful FollowersQuestions to reflect on: How does you see the tension of the already/not yet reality of God's kingdom in your world? Which incomplete gospel do you find yourself believing most often? If Christianity is about the rule and reign of God, how does that affect how you live?

Alpha and OmegaRevelation 1:8, 1:17-18, 21:3-7, 22:12-13T. AndersonSeeing Jesus more clearly helps us to live more faithfully* Jesus' Divine TitlesThe Alpha and the Omega (1:8)The First and the Last (1:17-18)The Beginning and the End (21:6, 22:12-13)B. Our Faithful ResponseLive Confidently in Christ's SovereigntyLive Boldly in Christ's AuthorityLive Hopefully in Christ's Eternal PresencePoints to Ponder: How can people tell that you believe Jesus is God by looking at your life? In what ways do you need to live more confidently, more boldly, or more hopefully today?

“Living Water”Jeremiah 2:5-13“Your deepest longings can't be achieved, they can only be received”Worthless Idols and Broken CisternsGod's living water2 WarningsQuestions to reflect on: What broken cisterns do you go to? How can you posture yourself to drink from God's fountain?Scriptures to meditate on this week: Isaiah 55:1-2, Isaiah 58:11, John 7:37, John 4:1-26, Matthew 13:44-46, Psalm 23.

“God is a Hiding Place”Psalm 32“God hides us in His forgiveness”32:1-2: True happiness32:3-4: The weight of unconfessed sin32:5: The freedom of confession32:6-7: God is a hiding place32:8-10: God's generous provision and our decision32:11: A call to praiseQuestions to reflect on: How have you felt weighed down by unconfessed sin in the past? How have you experienced the happiness of God's forgiveness? What do you need to confess today, and, how can you receive God's forgiveness?

“Jesus' Family”Ruth 4“Your brokenness does not disqualify you from God's plan”4:1-8: The transaction4:9-17: Blessings from God and the community4:18-22: The line to DavidQuestions to ponder: How have you felt like your past has disqualified you from God's plan? How does reading about the characters who populate Jesus' family line make you feel about your own failings? How can you receive God's grace in full today?

“God's Plan Finds a Way”Ruth 3“God's plan of redemption always finds a way”Old Testament laws:Ruth's approach to Boaz:Micro-lessons:“God's plan of redemption always finds a way”Questions to reflect on: How has God's plan been worked out/working out in your life? Or, how have you experienced God's hesed in your life, either directly from God or through another person?

“Where's Waldo?”Ruth 2“God's gracious provision comes to us through various means”* Through circumstances* Through other people (and you!)* Through our own effort* Through His law* Through His provision in the big pictureQuestions to reflect on: How have you seen God's provision in your own life through the five means above? In which of these areas have you not thought to look for God's provision?

Cuckoos in Corinth1 Corinthians 1-16“Pursuing Jesus means embracing it is of Him and rejecting what is not”* Embrace the centrality of Jesus; reject idolatry* Embrace the nature of the church; reject individualism* Embrace the purpose of the human body; reject dualismQuestions: As you reflect on our journey through 1 Corinthians, what lessons stand out to you? What themes stand out as most important for you to remember and live out? How was this letter challenged your thinking and your behaviour?

Love Is All You Need1 Corinthians 16“Above all, love”16:1-4: Love those in need16:5-24: Love each other16:5-24: Love GodQuestions to ponder: Why does Paul put such a primacy on love all the way through the chapter? What is one way in which you've loved those in need, each other in the church, and God? What is one way you could improve in your love for these?

“Death's Defeat”1 Corinthians 15:50-58“Because victory is assured we joyfully give ourselves to the wholehearted service of God”Questions to reflect on: In what ways have you been tempted to give up on the Christian life? How does Jesus' resurrection provide us with motivation for the Christian life in the present?

“The Resurrected Body”1 Corinthians 15:35-49“We will live in eternity with Christ with perfected physical bodies”15:35-41: The Upgraded Body15:42-29: The Physical and Spiritual Resurrected BodyQuestions to consider: How does our view of the end times affect how we live in the present? Of all the things that will be different about the resurrected body, what makes you most excited? What does it mean to reflect ‘the image of the heavenly man'?

Why The Resurrection Matters 1 Corinthians 15:12-34“The reality of the resurrection impacts how we live in the present”1 Corinthians 15:12-19: The implications of no resurrection1 Corinthians 15:20-28: The implications of the resurrection1 Corinthians 15:29-34: The future matters nowQuestions to ponder: Describe in your own words why the resurrection of Jesus is important in Christian theology. Why is the belief in a future resurrection important? How does it transform our suffering and change how we behave?

“The Most Important Thing”1 Corinthians 15:1-11“The resurrection of Jesus transforms our lives in the past, present, and the future.”Questions to consider: Why and how is the resurrection of Jesus the most important thing? How does Jesus redeem your past, transform your present, and guarantee your future? Have you made the decision to trust Jesus with your life? Why or why not?

“Order!”1 Corinthians 14:26-40“Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”Vs. 26-33 - Tongues and Prophecy in the GatheringVs 34-35 - Women in the GatheringVs 36-40 - SummaryQuestions: Summarize chapters 11-14 in your own words. Have you identified your own spiritual gifts? How can you utilize something that you're good at to benefit someone else this week?

“Body Building”1 Corinthians 14:1-25“The purpose of the corporate worship gathering is the building up of God's people”The gift of tongues:The gift of prophecy:The proper use of both gifts:Questions to consider: What has been your experience with the gifts of tongues and prophecy? How does Paul prioritize these, in your own words? How does individualism affect how you evaluate the corporate worship gathering? How might it look if our focus was on building each other in these gatherings?

Body Parts1 Corinthians 12:12-31Why is the church called “the body of Christ”?What does it mean to be a “body part”? (v. 12-14)The attitude of inferiority (v. 15-19)The attitude of superiority (v. 21-26)What does this mean for our church? (v. 27-31)

“Same Spirit, Different Gifts”1 Corinthians 12:1-11“Jesus' followers have may have different gifts but the same Spirit”12:1-3 – Who has the Spirit?12:4-6 – The Same Spirit12:7-11 – Empowered for the Common GoodApplication – Courageous and humble faithfulness.For further thinking: Why is it important to know that you have the same spirit as other believers? How does this cause courage? How does this cause humility?