As We Begin. How It Works. Week 2: Three Ways to Keep Score Read: Chapters 3-5 Worship (October 7): Chapter 3 Study: Chapters 4 & 5

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2 Everyone loves a good game. As We Begin Just think of the memories that spring to life when you hear the names: Scrabble, Risk, Monopoly, The Settlers of Catan, Battleship, Twister, Life, Stratego, Uno, Hearts, Euchre, Texas Hold Em Even if you don t have a competitive bone in your body, you probably would enjoy a private game of Solitaire, Sudoku, or Angry Birds. And I m not even going to get into football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, rugby, or hockey. Get the idea? This fall everyone at Holy Cross will be invited to participate in a Spiritual Growth Campaign built around John Ortberg s book, When the Game Is Over It All Goes Back in the Box. In his own profound, yet accessible way, Ortberg uses the metaphor of playing a game to lead us into a surprisingly deep exploration of the Game of Life. After being reminded of the rules of this Game and the strategies required to win, you will not be able to look at the Game of Life the same way again. You ll be challenged. You ll be changed Because you ll know that It All Goes Back in the Box! How It Works For the next six weeks, you ll be invited to Read the book, participate in Worship built around the book s themes, join a Small Group to Study what God s word says about the book s main points, and, ultimately, to Make Your Move. We have divided the book into eight sections, according to the eight weeks of our campaign. Each week has two or three chapters of reading, which you are invited to Read all in one sitting or in bits and pieces. Whatever works for you. Each Sunday during the campaign, our Worship will focus on one chapter (or two) from the book, while the Small Group Study Guide will focus on the remaining chapter(s). For the last two weeks of the campaign, you are invited to a twoweek wrap up Special Bible Class during Sunday morning Education Hour, led by Pastor Wangelin, November 11 & 18. Throughout the campaign, you will also be given various opportunities to make a Move, culminating in an invitation to return a Commitment Card, declaring your Spirit-led, prayer-covered intention to respond to God s unlimited grace with your time, your energy, and your financial resources. During this Fall Spiritual Growth Campaign, everyone at Holy Cross will be challenged to Make a Move. Everyone will be encouraged by the materials we read and study. We hope and pray that you get in the game! Campaign Schedule Read. Worship. Study. Move. Week 1: It All Goes Back in the Box Read: Chapters 1 & 2 Worship (September 30): Chapters 1 & 2 Study: Chapters 1 & 2 Week 2: Three Ways to Keep Score Read: Chapters 3-5 Worship (October 7): Chapter 3 Study: Chapters 4 & 5 Week 3: No One Else Can Take Your Turn Read: Chapters 6-7 Worship (October 14): Chapter 7 Study: Chapters 6 & 7 Week 4: Remember Your Stuff Isn t Yours Read: Chapters 8-10 Worship (October 21): Chapter 8 Study: Chapters 9 &10 Week 5: Roll the Dice Read: Chapters Worship (October 28): Chapter 12 Study: Chapters 11 & 13 Week 6: Find Your Mission Read: Chapters Worship (November 4): Chapter 14 Study: Chapters 15 & 16 Week 7: More Will Never Be Enough Read: Chapters Worship (November 11): Chapter 17 Attend: Special Bible Class Sunday 9:45 Study: Chapters 18 & 19 Week 8: The King Has One More Move Read: Chapters Worship (November 18): Chapter 21 Attend: Special Bible Class Sunday 9:45 Study: Chapters 20 & 21 1 P a g e

3 Small Group Study Questions Week 1: Chapters 1 & 2 Opening Discussion 1. Are you a board game lover? If so, what are your favorites and why? 2. Which approach to playing best describes you? You re going down! Prefer watching others win Who? Me? Cheat?! Rule book memorizer/enforcer Oh, it s my turn again I can t believe you would purposely sink my battleship! I quit! Other 3. In the opening chapter, John Ortberg has shared his story of playing Monopoly with his grandmother. Do you have similar memories of playing games with your family while growing up? What life lessons have you learned through these experiences? Into the Word 4. Read Luke 12: What are some ways in which people today demonstrate similar attitudes and actions of either the brothers or the rich fool of Jesus parable? In your own words, how then would you describe or define what it means to be rich toward God? What would it really look like? 5. The Bible has much to say about the nature and meaning of human life and how God desires our lives to find ultimate eternal fulfillment in Him. Read and discuss the following: a. What is the source of our life? Deuteronomy 8:17-18 Psalm 24:1 James 1:17 2 P a g e

4 b. What is the real outcome of human accomplishment? Job 1:21 Ecclesiastes 2: John 2:15-17 c. What then is the secret to finding contentment? Matthew 6: Timothy 6:6-10 Hebrews 13:5 Philippians 4:11b Being rich toward God, living in light of eternity means learning to recognize what is temporary and what is truly of eternal value. Which perspective, the temporal or eternal, has most influenced your everyday decisions in the past? 7. On what object, passion, or pursuit do you personally need to place a temporary sticky note (see Back in the Box, pp.30-32) as a reminder this week? Remember Forever God Other people My soul Deeds of love Going back in the box Possessions My résumé My body Money Pleasures Other people s opinions of me Security Titles and positions Youth Power Physical attractiveness Health (Back in the Box, pg. 32) Application 8. Many times we are so focused on the temporal things of life that we lose sight of the eternal things that God is doing all around us. This week, intentionally watch for God at work, and look for ways that He is messing in your life. Be ready to share next week your God sightings with the group. Closing Prayer Invite people in your group to pray out loud, or choose two or three people to pray. Take this opportunity to ask God to bless you, along with the entire Holy Cross community, as we enter into this Spiritual Growth Campaign. Ask that God would bless the hearing and study of His Word and that hearts would be changed and faith strengthened as we are reminded of what truly matters in the Game of Life. Invite God to open your eyes in the days ahead to see Him at work. Ask him to take your focus off of earthly things so you can better see His Kingdom unfolding around you. 3 P a g e

5 Small Group Study Questions Week 2: Chapters 4 & 5 Opening Discussion 1. How have you seen God at work this last week? Give a brief report on what God is up to. 2. In chapter 4 of our book, Ortberg discusses an outer and inner self (pp ). There is the outer you, that everyone sees, and the inner you that is invisible. With this in mind, how does our world focus on the outer person in the following areas: The entertainment industry and media? Health, beauty and fitness? Advertising? What are the results of focusing so much attention on the outer self? Into the Word 3. What do the following passages of Scripture tell us about the natural inner you? Genesis 8:20-21 Matthew 15:17-20a Romans 3: What is the consequence of the condition of our natural inner selves? Consider Romans 6: Read Romans 6:1-11. How is the inner you changed from one that is dying in sin to one that is alive in God s love? 6. When our inner nature is transformed by God s grace, and we begin to live for God, who is it that is truly working in us? Read Galatians 2:20. 4 P a g e

6 Application 7. In chapter 5, Ortberg tells a humorous story about a friend who tried to take off in a plane when it was still tied down. Read Hebrews 12:1. What does that say about the ropes that tie us down? What are some ropes that challenge you personally ( name them), and how can you avoid them? ( concrete action ). 8. Not only does this action need to be concrete, but it also will likely cost you something. What do the following passages tell us about the cost of following Jesus? Matthew 10:17-42 Luke 9: Corinthians 6:3-10 Closing Prayer In your closing prayer time, ask that God would continue to transform your inner self to become like Christ. Ask Him to give you the strength to untie the ropes that seek to hold you back. Before you leave, offer to hold up one another in prayer. Ask for at least one specific issue in their lives that you can include in your prayers throughout the week and commit to praying for them daily. 5 P a g e

7 Small Group Study Questions Week 3: Chapters 6&7 Opening Discussion 1. In his popular children s book, Yertle the Turtle, Dr. Suess teaches us a profound lesson about the illusion of control. After going to extreme lengths to enlarge his kingdom, Yertle s plans are thwarted by an obscure, powerless turtle named Mac. That plain little Mac did a plain little thing. He burped. And his burp shook the throne of the king! (Back in the Box, pg. 62) What does this little story teach us about the Game of Life? Into the Word 2. Read Luke 2:1-12. In the old King James Version, that familiar passage opens with the unforgettable words, And it came to pass Your translation may be different, but the birth story of Jesus nonetheless teaches a powerful lesson about who ultimately is Master of the Board. Why did Caesar Augustus consider himself to be King of Kings or Master of the Board? In what ways does this passage tell us that God was truly Master of the Board? 3. The Bible s answer to the illusion of control is to resign as Master of the Board. Read James 4:1-7. How does this passage describe the problems that result from playing the Game of Life under the illusion of control? What must we do to put ourselves in a position to receive God s blessing? 4. How can it be possible that surrendering to God s control actually allows for us to experience a better hope, true power, and total freedom? Read Genesis 50: How does that dramatic moment in the life of Joseph encourage us to embrace God as the true Master of the Board? 5. In chapter 7, Ortberg reminds us that, as in any game, each player has to take a turn. In the Game of Life, each of us faces countless turns each and every day, every time we make a choice. Read Genesis 1: How is our ability to choose or take our turn related to being made in the image of God and the responsibilities He has given us? 6 P a g e

8 6. When our Lord takes His turn for our salvation, every move He makes is perfect and leads to our salvation. One of His great turns is His encounter with Satan in the wilderness. Read Matthew 4:1-11 and discuss the following: a. What choices did Satan offer Jesus? b. What was Satan s goal as he took his turn? c. How did Jesus respond to each offer? d. With what was Jesus equipped to contend with Satan? e. What was Jesus goal in this confrontation? 7. How does this episode in Jesus earthly ministry help to ready us for our turn in life? 8. A key issue in taking my turn with confident joy is faith in our Lord. How do Hebrews 10:19-24, Romans 8:28, and Matthew 28:20b assure us that we can take our turn in life with such faith in Christ Jesus? Application: The Daniel Adventure In the next week, consider taking on a Daniel Adventure (Back in the Box, pg ). Find some area in your life where you can make a deliberate choice to honor God. It may be obeying a command, serving your neighbor, or reaching out to someone in your life. For the next 10 days, make a conscious effort to follow through on your intention (no matter how big or small it may seem). Watch for God s movement and blessing. Share your Daniel Adventure on our facebook page, and celebrate God s work in the lives of all the others who are participating with you! Closing Prayer Ask God to work in you daily to resign as Master of the Board, entrusting every aspect of your life into His care. Pray that He would also empower you to take your turn, honoring God in every choice, each and every day. Invite Him to work in you powerfully through your Daniel Adventure. For those who are with you, follow them on facebook and offer them prayer support and words of encouragement through their Daniel Adventure. 7 P a g e

9 Small Group Study Questions Week 4 Chapters 9 & 10 Opening Discussion 1. Imagine what it would be like if we had no stop, fast-forward, or rewind buttons. How would that change the way we watch movies or listen to music? How would that change your life? 2. Given the fact that we cannot stop, rewind, or even slow down the Game of Life, it is stunning to consider how much of our life is tied up with binding commitments actions or choices made in the past that tie us to a future course of action (Back in the Box, pg. 100). Try to identify at least one example in your life of each flavor of these binding commitments: Flavors: Dramatic Routine Unspoken Examples: choosing a college putting your kids in a sport watching TV getting married commute to work chatting online career change volunteering at church going for a walk Your Example(s): How much of your time each day would you estimate that you spend on each of those binding commitments? How does that reflect your values and convictions? What might you want to change? Into the Word 3. Read Ecclesiastes 3:9-14. What does it mean to say that God has set eternity in the hearts of men? How does your awareness of your eternal destiny help you choose the right priorities and commitments to keep in the Game of Life? 4. We are all probably familiar with the popular sentiment, Live. Laugh. Love. We all sense that we could use more of each. Interestingly, Ortberg adds to these categories of regret a fourth: I would have given more generously (Back in the Box, pg. 105). Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. What is the connection between giving generously and experiencing true joy instead of regret? 8 P a g e

10 5. In chapter 10, Ortberg reminds us that great players follow the rules. Although we are often tempted to bend the rules in our favor, how does playing by the rules in the Game of Life reveal true character and integrity? Why is that important? 6. Read Matthew 7:1-5. No one likes to be called a hypocrite. When Jesus used the term, it would have been scandalous to any pious Jew. Yet, in truth, we all wrestle with this matter of integrity. Why is it such a challenge, even for committed Christians, to say one thing and do another? 7. Read 1 John 1:8-9. How does a life of repentance, including regularly confessing our sins and hearing God s word of forgiveness, empower us to overcome our rule-bending hypocrisy? Application 8. If the opposite of hypocrisy is integrity, what character qualities and specific behaviors should describe a Christian? Consider the following lists of virtues : Galatians 5:22-26 Ephesians 4:25-6:9 Colossians 3:12-4:6 9. As you think about your own life, draw a circle around those areas which you could honestly consider an area of strength. In all humility, draw a square around those areas that are a growth area. Closing Prayer Ask God to enable you to live a life free of regret, shedding those binding commitments that distract you from your true convictions and focusing on the things in life that truly matter. In particular, request that He would empower you to excel in the grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7). Confess your ongoing struggle with hypocrisy and invite God to aggressively cultivate the Fruits of the Spirit within you. 9 P a g e

11 Small Group Study Questions Week 5 Chapters 11 & 13 Opening Discussion 1. In the Game of Life, our calendars serve as a kind of game Board. Each day is a square on your Board. If you were to examine your life by taking a close look at your calendar, which word would you use to describe it: Everything is in order Not much going on Life is crazy Not enough time in a day Right about where I want to be My assistant takes care of this Other 2. Have you ever caught yourself saying, I ll get around to it when things settle down. (Back in the Box, pg 124). What is the danger in that? Into the Word 3. Read Matthew 6: How does this passage help us reprioritize what matters most? What does Jesus mean when He says, Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness? 4. Looking at your Board in the Game of Life, how often do you set aside time devoted entirely to God? What would need to change for this to happen? 5. After giving God first priority, Ortberg reminds us that people come next. He also points out that to be deeply present with the people in my life takes time (Back in the Box, pg. 129). Looking at your Board, how much time do you devote to the people in your life that matter most? Do you try to squeeze in time for them around your other commitments, or are they a high priority? 6. Jesus often spent significant time with people, paying close attention to them and investing Himself in their lives. Consider the following passages, how does Jesus demonstrate a high priority for people: John 3:1-21 (Nicodemus) John 11:17-44 (Raising Lazarus from the dead) John 13:1-17 (Washing His Disciples Feet) What impact did Jesus presence and attention have on the people he was with? 10 P a g e

12 7. In describing the frantic pace of many peoples lives, Ortberg says, The danger is that you will lead a respectable, decent, nonscandalous, busy, tired, human-powered life. That is unspeakably sad. We all want to pursue the kingdom of God. We just don t have the time (Back in the Box, pg. 132). How do you respond to that statement? 8. In chapter 13, Ortberg emphasizes the importance of gratitude in how we play the Game of Life. Read Luke 17: What does this account teach us about gratitude or experiencing life as a gift? 9. Read Proverbs 30:7-9. How might having too much make us ungrateful? Why is that a danger? Application 10. Fortunately, gratitude can be learned. Whether we are not grateful by nature or we are just too busy to take the time, we can take certain steps to cultivate gratitude. Consider Ortberg s three suggestions: Keeping Track with a Diary (pp ), Hold a Gratitude Night (pg.155), and Appreciate Imperfect Gifts (pg.156). Which one can you choose as your focus this week? 11. As we reflect on Jesus mission to spend time with people, reflect on the people in your life that you could spend a little more time with. What would you have to let go of to spend more time with people? How does being available for others open up opportunities to share God s love? Closing Prayer In your closing prayer, acknowledge before God how you have failed to keep Him as the first priority in your life. Ask for His strength to rearrange your Board to make time for what matters most. Celebrate with thanks all the blessings God has given you. Ask God to direct your focus to the people that he has placed in your path, at home, work, church or school. Ask Him to help you enjoy people and have conversations with them. Throughout the week ahead, look for opportunities to have conversations with people, and listen for how God might be leading you to bring a little good news into their life. 11 P a g e

13 Small Group Study Questions Week 6 Chapters 15 & 16 Opening Discussion 1. Looking back over your life, try to identify at least one time when you felt fully alive. What were you doing at the time? What emotions rise to the surface when you think about it? How would you describe God s involvement? 2. As you think about your experiences at Holy Cross, what memories do you cherish the most? Why? How would you describe God s involvement in your life up to this point? Into the Word 3. In chapter 15, Ortberg warns that each of us has a shadow mission, that is, the activities toward which I will gravitate if I allow my natural temptations and selfishness to take over (Back in the Box, pg. 171). Read the following passages of Scripture and discuss what you think the shadow mission is for each person. Note how the shadow mission will sometimes use a person s position and resources (which come from God!) for his own purposes. Jonah 1:1-3 (Jonah) 2 Samuel 11:2-27 (King David) Matthew 16:21-23 and 26:69-75 (Peter) 4. What tends to distract you from following Christ and draw you into your shadow mission? What is the danger there? 5. Read Luke 22: Jesus anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals not only the intense spiritual battle raging around Him, but also the temptation He faced from His own shadow mission. How would you describe Jesus shadow mission? With what vivid imagery does Luke tell us of the intensity of Jesus struggle? 6. Read 1 John 1:8 2:2 and John 21: How does Christ deal with us when we ve been engaged in our shadow mission? 12 P a g e

14 7. In chapter 16, Ortberg turns from exploring our mission (chap 14) and shadow mission (chap 15) to another fundamental aspect of playing a game: competition. How do you respond to competition? 8. When can competition be a good thing? What can cause it to get out of hand? Consider the following: Philippians 3: Timothy 2:3-5 & 4: Skim through Hebrews 11. Sometimes referred to as the Spiritual Hall of Fame, this chapter highlights some of the greatest heroes of the faith. Note how each faced a unique set of challenges, demanding that they live by faith. How can this encourage you as you play the Game of Life? Application 10. If you have a copy of the book, turn to page 186. If you don t have a copy with you, use what is printed here on the right. Fill in the top blank with your name. Below, in the space on the left, write the year you were born. On the right, you have space to write the year that you will die. Since this is still a mystery for us all, put in a question mark. Read Hebrews 12:1-2. Keeping in mind that metaphor of running a race and recognizing that you have no real control over any of the blanks (unless you choose to change your name), the question becomes: What are you going to do with your dash? Share your answer with someone else, and ask them to pray that God would lead you and strengthen you for the plan He has for your life. Closing Prayer Spend some time in groups of two or three, asking God to bring clarity to each of you in the mission God has prepared for you. Pray that God would defend you from your own shadow mission. Seek God s power to play hard in the Game of Life. Pray that God would direct Holy Cross as we fill out our commitment cards this week to bring to worship on Sunday, and that all we have would be used to His glory and for the spread of the Gospel. Throughout the week, continue to pray that God would lead and guide you as you Make Your Move. 13 P a g e

15 What s Next? For the last two weeks of our campaign, we are going from a small group to a large group setting, meeting for two weeks in the Adult Bible Class on Sundays, November 11 th & 18 th at 9:45 a.m. We will discuss the remaining chapters of the book, and how the King has one more move! If you found this book meaningful, consider recommending it or giving it to someone else who might be blessed by the book, and offer to spend some time discussing it. Hopefully you were able to build or strengthen some friendships with others at Holy Cross in your small group time. At this point, some may move on to other areas of involvement, or join a new group, or continue meeting if it is a good fit. Missional Huddles One option for small groups is to meet periodically as a missional huddle, a group of Christians that shares God sightings and encourages each other in Christian living. Missional huddles provide an informal setting to talk about how we live out our Christian life in the day to day. Missional huddles do not spend all their time on Bible Study, but rather on sharing stories. The Bible Study happens at home or at church, but the missional huddle comes to talk about how that all is being applied in day to day life. The five basic discussion questions that missional huddles can use are: 1. How did you see God working this past week? (God sightings) 2. What is He telling you in His word? (Bible reading) 3. Who have you been having conversations with? (Enjoying People) 4. What good can we do around here? (Bring a blessing) 5. How can we lift you up in prayer? Missional huddles can meet once a month, once a week, or as often as they enjoy hanging out with fellow Christians, talking about God at work in their lives, and being encouraged in their faith. Would your small group consider being a missional huddle? Small Group Resources If your group is more eager to dive into the word, there are a number of great Bible Studies at the Holy Cross Resource Room. Contact Nancy DeJonge or Pastor Wangelin for more information. God s blessings to you as you grow in faith, care for others, and experience community in Christ! 14 P a g e

16 This Christmas Give as Jesus Gave We have just spent six weeks discussing the problem of building our lives around things that don t last. And now the Christmas season is upon us, and what are we to do? How can Christmas look different this year in light of our Spiritual Growth Campaign? Talk with your family about the true meaning of Christmas, and how God gave us His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior from sin. Jesus gives us love, hope, joy, and peace! Then consider the purpose of giving at Christmas time, and how you as a family can bless others with God s love through meaningful gifts that can truly make a difference. For example, instead of buying stuff for yourselves, consider spending your Christmas money on: Sponsoring a child s education in Haiti through Shine the light Purchasing a farm animal for a family in a 3 rd world country through Heifer International Giving homemade gifts that you made together as a family Doing an act of service for your family members by giving of your time Providing clean water to thirsting communities As you plan your Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings with family and friends, consider the opportunities that you have to share the greatest gift of all the Good News of God s Love in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus! Need an excuse to tell the story of Christmas this year? We have one for you! It s the Advent Wreath. Wednesday, November 14 th Advent Wreaths and Living Missionally, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Advent wreaths are a way to help center our homes around the true meaning of Christmas, and they can also provide opportunities to share the Reason for the Season with our friends, family, and neighbors. To help you share this meaningful tradition with others, we will spend some time talking about the significance of the Advent wreath and what kinds of opportunities there are to share this tradition with family and friends. What you will leave with: A better understanding of the Advent wreath and how it points to Christ A FREE Advent wreath for your home if you don t already have one Several FREE Advent wreath kits for you to make with your family and friends 15 P a g e