GROWTH GROUP STUDY BOOKLET

Transcription

1 GROWTH GROUP STUDY BOOKLET ALL ABOUT ME studies 2014 creekroad.org.au 1

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3 welcome to our series From epic works of literature like The Lord of the Rings to children s films such as Frozen, it seems we have a never ending appetite for stories. We love stories. Stories have been a significant part of every culture since the beginning of time. Perhaps it s because stories help us to understand ourselves and the world we live in. Have you thought of the Bible as a story? This term we re looking at the story of the Bible. We sometimes only read the Bible as a series of unconnected, separate stories. But the Bible actually tells one grand, unified story. And it s the most amazing story ever told. It s a story all about Jesus. Every letter, every poem, every prophecy, every law, everything it s all about Jesus. He is the reason the story is being told. He is the central character. Jesus is the one who unites the story of the Bible. The Bible tells a story that s all about Jesus. And at the same time It s a story all about us. As we see how the Bible fits together, we understand the amazing news of the Gospel and that God s story is all about us. The story of the Bible show God s eternal plan to rescue, forgive, cleanse and restore a people for Himself. Many people in our society imagine that the Bible is irrelevant. You might be tempted to agree with them. Hopefully during this term we ll see that actually the Bible is the most relevant message for us. We cannot possibly hope to understand our own story until we first understand how we fit into God s story. We can only truly understand ourselves when we understand who Jesus is. Who are we? Why are we here? What s it all about? These are just some of the questions we will be exploring in this series as we look at the greatest story ever told. A Prayer for This Series Dear Heavenly Father, We praise you that you are a sovereign God, in control of all things and that all things are working out according to your plan and purpose. We praise you that your story is one of grace and mercy towards those who least deserve it. We praise you that the story of your faithful love to an unfaithful people is a true story. A story written in blood, written with love, written for us. A story all about Jesus. We ask that you would speak clearly and powerfully to us. By your Spirit open our eyes that we might see Jesus more clearly. Warm our hearts so that we might love Jesus more deeply. Transform our actions so that we might serve Jesus wholeheartedly. We pray that we would be people who share this story with those who have never heard it. Help us to reach the city and reach the world with the life-giving and life-transforming story of Jesus and what He did for us at the cross, In Jesus name we pray, Amen ALL ABOUT ME studies 2014 creekroad.org.au 3

4 01 written about me The story of the Bible is all about a loving creator God who reveals himself ultimately in Jesus. The story of the Bible is all about you, but only understood in relation to Jesus. 1. What impacted you from Sunday? What did you find encouraging or challenging? 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. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. - Luke 24:44-47 Read John 3: What does this episode from Jesus ministry tell us about him? 3. What does this episode tell us about ourselves? 4. In what way does this episode anticipate Jesus death and resurrection? Read Genesis 1:27-31, Psalm 8, Ezekiel 37: What do these passages from the Law, Prophets and Psalms tell us about ourselves? 4

5 6. What do these passages from the Law, Prophets and Psalms tell us about Jesus? Read John 19:38-20:10 7. How does Jesus death and resurrection ultimately fulfill these passages and enable us to truly understand them? CROSS SHAPED LIVES Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16 8. HEAD: How have these passages helped you to understand the Bible and to know God better? 9. HEART: How does the truth from these passages shape who you are? 10. HANDS: What will you start doing, do differently or stop doing as you live your life shaped by the cross of Jesus? ALL ABOUT ME studies 2014 creekroad.org.au 5

6 01 written about me PRAYER POINTS Praise God that He is the loving Creator of all things. Praise Him for His wisdom, His power, His creativity and His kindness in Creation. Praise God that we are a part of His unfolding story. Confess that we often live as though God is not our Creator and the story is all about us. Confess that we listen to what the world tells us about ourselves rather than how we are defined by Jesus. Give thanks for Jesus, the full and true revelation of God. Give thanks that in Jesus God shows us the truth about ourselves. Ask for God s grace that we might better understand who Jesus is and so better understand who we are. Pray for your friends who don t yet know Jesus. Pray that they would come to know the One who created them and that they would truly find themselves in surrendering their lives to Him. Pray for your Cross Cultural Connect Team Member. Pray that their words and their lives would be an effective witness to their Creator. Pray that God might open the eyes of those they serve so they might see who He is. 6 Our Song From Age to Age Oh God of power living Word The One who made the stars Who with Your glory filled the earth From dust made beating hearts Our Song from Age to Age; Joel Schzebel; 2012 Sovereign Grace Worship

7 BIG IDEA PRIMARY & HIGH SCHOOL The Bible is all about our loving creator God who shows us what he s like through Jesus. Play Who Am I? Write the names of celebrities, historical figures, politicians, movie/book characters (not too difficult to guess though) onto some stickers. Everybody gets a sticker on his/her back, but they don t know the name they have. Everybody gets to ask 20 Yes or No questions to try to guess what their name is. E.g.: Am I a real person? Am I a character in a movie? Did I invent something? READ John 1:1-3, 14 PRE-PRIMARY Read the rules of the Who am I? game in the section for older children, and make some adaptations for your young ones. E.g.: Use pictures instead of words; show them pictures of three characters (e.g.: Dora, Thomas and the Cookie Monster), then give clues to help them guess the right character, such as I am not a person, My colour is blue etc., until they guess the one you chose. You could even just draw pictures and have your child guess who you are drawing. PRAYER Thank you God for fearfully and wonderfully making us. Thank you that you did not create us and then leave us, but that you care for us and you revealed yourself to us through the world you made, and through the Bible and ultimately through your son Jesus. Please help us to know you better and give us the wisdom to understand ourselves through our knowledge of you. Amen. ALL AGES We just played a game to find out who we are. But if we want to really know who we are, we need to ask questions of the Bible and of God. Because God created us through Jesus, he knows more about us than anyone does. So if we really want to know who we are and how we fit into the world, we should get to know the one who created us Jesus. Jesus has the real answers to our questions.

8 02 writing wrongs We rejected the loving author of our story. We want to write our own story, but everything we write is wrong. It s only Jesus who can right our wrongs. 1. What impacted you from Sunday? What did you find encouraging or challenging? 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. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. - Luke 24:44-47 Read Luke 22: What does this episode from Jesus ministry tell us about him? 3. What does this episode tell us about ourselves? 4. In what way does this episode anticipate Jesus death and resurrection? Read Genesis 3:1-8, Psalm 51, Isaiah 53: What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about ourselves? 6. What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about Jesus? 8

9 Read Luke 23: How does Jesus death and resurrection ultimately fulfil these passages and enable us to truly understand them? CROSS SHAPED LIVES Therefore, as God s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 8. HEAD: How have these passages helped you to understand the Bible and to know God better? 9. HEART: How does the truth from these passages shape who you are? 10. HANDS: What will you start doing, do differently or stop doing as you live your life shaped by the cross of Jesus? ALL ABOUT ME studies 2014 creekroad.org.au 9

10 02 writing wrongs PRAYER POINTS Praise God that despite our rejection of Him, He did not reject us. Praise Him for the depths of His mercy in sending His own Son, to right our wrongs and rescue us from the consequences of our sin. Confess that we often continue to reject God, rebelling against His will for our lives. Give thanks that the cross of Jesus is sufficient to right all of our wrongs. Thank God that Jesus blood covers over every sin and removes every spot and blemish. Ask that God would create in us soft hearts that overflow with praise and thanksgiving for all that He has done for us. Pray for your friends who don t yet know Jesus. Pray that they might come to see both the depth of their sinfulness and the height of God s grace in Jesus. Pray for your Cross Cultural Connect Team Member. Pray that they would be focused and encouraged to share the story of Jesus with the world. Our Song From Age to Age Oh God of promises fulfilled The God who took on flesh Who did all that the Father willed Was humbled unto death Our Song from Age to Age; Joel Schzebel; 2012 Sovereign Grace Worship 10

11 BIG IDEA People reject God as King but when we realise how much he loves us we should want to follow him as our King. READ Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-17 PRE-PRIMARY & LOWER PRIMARY Remember a time when there was whining about food (or anything else) in your house. Retell the story and think about how, when we whine about something, it s usually because we are only thinking about ourselves. Read the story in Numbers again, and retell it with props: a lolly snake on a kebab stick or toothpick, some Lego (or other) figures take this as far as you want to! Then talk about similarities between the Israelites whining, and your own whining. What is the real reason for any type of whining? PRIMARY & HIGH SCHOOL Recall a time when there was whinging in your house. (Was it about chores, or having to get out of bed, or homework, or.?) Discuss what is at the heart of the issue when we whinge. It s always all about me. Look at the story in Numbers again. If you enjoy dramatization, you may also like to retell the story with or without props (see lower primary ), and try to identify the real problem the Israelites had. Are there any similarities between them and you when you re whinging? How does self-centredness fit in with the way God wants us to live? ALL AGES Read John 3:14-17 again. Was lifting up a bronze snake on a pole the only way God could save them from the snakebites? Of course not. God was giving them and us an illustration of how he would one day save all of mankind from the consequences of their sin. Now we know that Jesus was lifted up on a cross to receive the punishment we all deserve. When we look up at him and understand what he did, we are saved from the consequences of our sin and come back into right relationship with God. PRAYER Give each person a turn to say sorry to God for a time when they were self-centred. Then take turns to thank him for something that stands out for you this week, and ask God for his help to make you more Christ-centred, and less self-centred.

12 03 writing history We cut ourselves off from God s family tree, but God has made a way for us to be grafted back in through Jesus. 1. What impacted you from Sunday? What did you find encouraging or challenging? 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. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. - Luke 24:44-47 Read John 8: What does this episode from Jesus ministry tell us about him? 3. What does this episode tell us about ourselves? 4. In what way does this episode anticipate Jesus death and resurrection? Read Genesis 12:1-3, Psalm 1, Isaiah 11: What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about ourselves? 6. What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about Jesus? 12

13 Read Acts 2: How does Jesus death and resurrection ultimately fulfil these passages and enable us to truly understand them? CROSS SHAPED LIVES So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2: HEAD: How have these passages helped you to understand the Bible and to know God better? 9. HEART: How does the truth from these passages shape who you are? 10. HANDS: What will you start doing, do differently or stop doing as you live your life shaped by the cross of Jesus? ALL ABOUT ME studies 2014 creekroad.org.au 13

14 03 writing history PRAYER POINTS Praise God for his extraordinary goodness in sending Jesus to rescue rebels like us and accept us as part of His family. Praise God for the amazing privilege of being able to call him our Father and knowing that He cares intimately for us. Confess that often we fail to remember that God is our Father. Our day to day behaviour often fails to reflect the family likeness that we share in Jesus. Give thanks that God is at work in us, making us more like Jesus. Give thanks that, despite our differences, God has drawn us into a new family of believers. Ask that our Growth Groups would be places where we are encouraged and challenged to live out our new identities as children of God. Pray that we would be able to love and support one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for your friends who are still outside God s family. Pray that God would give us a heart for the lost and a boldness to share the good news of Jesus with them. Pray for your Cross Cultural Connect Team Member. Thank God for the family bonds which link us with them, despite their distance from us. Pray that through all they do new members would be added to God s worldwide family and helped to grow into mature disciples of Christ. Our Song From Age to Age Oh God of all of history Enthroned in realms of light What eyes of faith have strained to see Will one day fill our sight Our Song from Age to Age; Joel Schzebel; 2012 Sovereign Grace Worship 14

15 BIG IDEA We cut ourselves off from God s family tree, but God has made a way for us to be grafted back in through Jesus. READ John 1:12-13 PRE-PRIMARY Play charades. Act out a character trait of any of your family members. The rest of your family has to guess who you are pretending to be. We all have good character traits but we also know we have character traits that are not good and don t always show that Jesus is king of our lives. PRAYER Thank God that Jesus enables us to know God as our loving father. Thank God for your family members. Ask God to help you show Jesus character traits to others through the way you live your life. PRIMARY & HIGH SCHOOL Put sticky notes on each other s backs with that particular family member s character traits. Write as many as you can. Afterwards see if any of the family members have the same character traits. Talk about if you have character traits that are similar to those of extended family members, even those not blood related. The Bible describes lots of the character traits we should have as followers of Jesus. Have a quick browse through a list (search online for Christian character traits ). What makes it so difficult to make all of these character traits part of who you are? How can you display these character traits in your daily life? We need to look to Jesus. Through God s grace and love for us and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives we can have a desire to live out the family likeness of Jesus.

16 04 writing my name God gives his name to his people to bring salvation. This is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. 1. What impacted you from Sunday? What did you find encouraging or challenging? 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. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. - Luke 24:44-47 Read Matthew 4: What does this episode from Jesus ministry tell us about him? 3. What does this episode tell us about ourselves? 4. In what way does this episode anticipate Jesus death and resurrection? Read Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 96, Isaiah 44: What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about ourselves? 6. What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about Jesus? 16

17 Read Matthew 28: How does Jesus death and resurrection ultimately fulfil these passages and enable us to truly understand them? CROSS SHAPED LIVES And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 8. HEAD: How have these passages helped you to understand the Bible and to know God better? 9. HEART: How does the truth from these passages shape who you are? 10. HANDS: What will you start doing, do differently or stop doing as you live your life shaped by the cross of Jesus? ALL ABOUT ME studies 2014 creekroad.org.au 17

18 04 writing my name PRAYER POINTS Praise God that He has chosen to reveal himself to us through creation, through His Word and ultimately through Jesus. Praise God that because of Jesus we can know God on an intimate and personal level. Confess that often we do not live as those who bear the name of Jesus. Ask for forgiveness for the times your behaviour has given Jesus a bad name in the eyes of the world. Give thanks for the time when God first made Himself known to you. Ask that God would give your Growth Group a hunger for a deeper and closer relationship with God. Pray for your friends who don t yet know God. Pray that through our words and actions they might come to see who Jesus is and put their faith and trust in Him. Pray for your Cross Cultural Connect Team Member. Thank God for how He is using them to reveal His name where He has placed them. Pray that they might know God s help to faithfully and wisely make God known in the culture they are working with. Our Song From Age to Age You bore our cross of sin and shame Endured our agony With gladness we now bear Your name And worship at Your feet Our Song from Age to Age; Joel Schzebel; 2012 Sovereign Grace Worship 18

19 BIG IDEA God gives his name to his people to bring salvation. This is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. READ John 1:12-13 PRE-PRIMARY & PRIMARY Find objects around the house to help you remember the I am statements e.g. piece of bread, cotton wool, bunch of grapes, a door, the road, candle, cross made out of sticks. Display them somewhere in your house where you can see them every day. ALL AGES In the Living Hope series we got to know the disciple Peter. Can you remember what the name Peter means? Does your name have a special meaning? Go to the website and look up the meaning of the names of your family members. Then look up the meaning of Jesus name. But who does Jesus say he is? In the gospel of John Jesus says many things about himself: I AM the bread of life. John 6:35 I AM the light of the world. John 8:12 I AM the gate. John 10:9 I AM the good shepherd. John 10:11 I AM the resurrection and the life. John 11:25 I AM the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6 I AM the true vine. John 15:5 NOTE: Looking ahead to next week plan to have a lamb meal on the night of family growth. This might be a lamb roast or lamb chops etc. HIGH SCHOOL How do you think you are revealing Jesus to the world? Discuss as a family, situations you have been in at school where you have found it difficult to stand up for what you believe. Read Ephesians 6: During the week specifically pray for each other to stand your ground and be confident in Christ to reveal who you are because of Jesus. PRAYER Give thanks that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Give thanks that through Jesus we have salvation. Give thanks for opportunities in our lives to share Jesus with others. Pray for courage and boldness to use these opportunities.

20 05 written in blood Real forgiveness comes at great cost. The cost of our forgiveness was paid by Jesus. 1. What impacted you from Sunday? What did you find encouraging or challenging? 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. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. - Luke 24:44-47 Read Luke 22: What does this episode from Jesus ministry tell us about him? 3. What does this episode tell us about ourselves? 4. In what way does this episode anticipate Jesus death and resurrection? Read Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 34, Isaiah 53: What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about ourselves? 6. What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about Jesus? 20

21 Read John 19: How does Jesus death and resurrection ultimately fulfil these passages and enable us to truly understand them? CROSS SHAPED LIVES Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 8. HEAD: How have these passages helped you to understand the Bible and to know God better? 9. HEART: How does the truth from these passages shape who you are? 10. HANDS: What will you start doing, do differently or stop doing as you live your life shaped by the cross of Jesus? ALL ABOUT ME studies 2014 creekroad.org.au 21

22 05 written in blood PRAYER POINTS Praise God for the depths of His love and mercy towards undeserving sinners like us. Praise God that Jesus was willing to pay the ultimate cost, giving His very life so that we could truly live. Confess that we often take God s forgiveness for granted, forgetting how much it cost Him to forgive us. Confess that we are quick to hold grudges and slow to forgive those who have hurt us. Give thanks that God s forgiveness is freely available to all who trust in Jesus, no matter who they are or what they have done. Ask that God would help us to truly forgive others from the heart because our hearts have been touched and transformed by the love of Jesus. Pray for your friends who don t yet follow Jesus. Pray that as they see the joy and peace the Gospel produces in our lives, they might seek God s forgiveness for themselves. Pray for your Cross Cultural Connect Team Member. Pray that God would keep their hearts and minds fixed on Jesus. Pray that they might be assured of God s forgiveness through Jesus for themselves and have a renewed zeal and passion for making Jesus known to those around them. Our Song From Age to Age You are our song from age to age Our voices unite to recount Your praise again and again You are our song from age to age We will proclaim Your power to save again and again Our Song from Age to Age; Joel Schzebel; 2012 Sovereign Grace Worship 22

23 BIG IDEA ALL AGES Real forgiveness comes at great cost. The cost of our forgiveness was paid by Jesus. As you share the lamb meal, discuss together what the lamb had to sacrifice to provide the meal. Just like the lamb was sacrificed to sustain us in the form of the meal, so Jesus was sacrificed to provide forgiveness of sins, and ultimately, to sustain us for eternity. READ Exodus 12:1-14 PRE-PRIMARY & PRIMARY What were some of the things the people in the Exodus story had to do in order to be safe? What do we do today in order to be saved? How is it different to what s written in Exodus? In Exodus, the people of the Old Testament were given very clear and specific instructions on how to prepare for the Passover (and how to commemorate it year after year). They did this so that they would be safe from God s judgement of Egypt. When Jesus died on the cross to earn forgiveness for our sins, he made it possible for us to be saved by trusting in him. We no longer need to do all the things the Old Testament people did. UPPER PRIMARY & HIGH SCHOOL PRAYER Discuss the various elements of the Passover in the Exodus passage, and what their significance might be. The blood the Israelites had to paint on their doorways (v7) The roasting of the lamb on the fire (v8) The bread made without yeast (v8) Eating the Passover meal dressed as if ready to leave (v11) Dear Lord Thank you for Jesus and what He did on the cross. Thank you that through Him I can be forgiven. Sorry for the times I sin. Sorry that I take for granted the sacrifice He made. Help me to remember that He died for my forgiveness. Help me to forgive others in the same way. The specific instructions given to the Israelites as they prepare and consume the Passover meal all have significance as they point us towards the ultimate forgiveness & salvation Jesus death on the cross.

24 06 writing on the wall We take God s name and try to make it all about us. Jesus came to make us all about God s name. 1. What impacted you from Sunday? What did you find encouraging or challenging? 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. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. - Luke 24:44-47 Read Luke 11: What does this episode from Jesus ministry tell us about him? 3. What does this episode tell us about ourselves? 4. In what way does this episode anticipate Jesus death and resurrection? Read Exodus 32:1-24, Psalm 115, Ezekiel 36: What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about ourselves? 6. What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about Jesus? Read Acts 4:

25 7. How does Jesus death and resurrection ultimately fulfill these passages and enable us to truly understand them? CROSS SHAPED LIVES Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3: HEAD: How have these passages helped you to understand the Bible and to know God better? 9. HEART: How does the truth from these passages shape who you are? 10. HANDS: What will you start doing, do differently or stop doing as you live your life shaped by the cross of Jesus? ALL ABOUT ME studies 2014 creekroad.org.au 25

26 06 writing on the wall PRAYER POINTS Praise God that He alone is worthy of all our worship. Praise God that His name is above all other names and His glory above all other glories. Confess that we are too often obsessed with our own glory and reputation. Confess that instead of worshipping God for who He is we want to take God s name and make it all about us. Give thanks that the cross frees us to forget about our empty glory and instead shapes our lives for God and His glory. Ask that God would give us hearts that are consumed with a passion and a desire for Jesus and the honour of his name. Ask that God would help us to die to self and live for Christ. Pray for your friends who don t yet follow Jesus. Pray that as they see us living our lives for God s glory, they too would come to worship Him. Pray for your Cross Cultural Connect Team Member. Thank God for their obedience in serving for God s glory. Pray that those they serve might come to know and worship the God of all creation, the one whose glory knows no limits. Our Song From Age to Age With all the saints we'll lay our crowns Before the Savior's feet And sing as all the heav'ns resound For all eternity Our Song from Age to Age; Joel Schzebel; 2012 Sovereign Grace Worship 26

27 BIG IDEA We take God s name and try to make it all about us. Jesus came to make us all about God s name. READ Exodus 32:1-6 PRE-PRIMARY & PRIMARY Have you ever noticed the marks Graffiti artists make? These are called Tags and are used to identify the artist. They are like the artist s signature, and often say something meaningful about the owner. Unlike the graffiti artist however, our identity should be in Jesus. We shouldn t try to glorify our own name, we should try to bring glory to God. Using a big piece of paper stuck on a wall, or using a paintbrush and water on your driveway/path/patio, try creating your own tag, that shows you know and love God. HIGH SCHOOL Think about the social media you use. When you put something on your profile, wall or page, what does it say about you? What does it say about God? Have a go at rewriting the public profile of your social media page to show more of your identity in Jesus. Discuss how you could make your social media presence less about you, and more about God. PRAYER Dear Lord Thank you for sending Jesus to fix my relationship with you. I m sorry for the times when I forget what Jesus did for me, and when I try to rule my own life. I m sorry when I try to make things more about me, and less about you. Please help me to remember the sacrifice you made by sending Jesus to die for me, and help me to glorify your name rather than my own.

28 07 written with Love The story of the Bible is about God s faithful love to unfaithful people. The cross is the ultimate display of God s love. We love because God first loved us. 1. What impacted you from Sunday? What did you find encouraging or challenging? 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. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. - Luke 24:44-47 Read Matthew 22:34-23:12 2. What does this episode from Jesus ministry tell us about him? 3. What does this episode tell us about ourselves? 4. In what way does this episode anticipate Jesus death and resurrection? Read Deuteronomy 6:4-12, Psalm 103, Hosea 3: What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about ourselves? 6. What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about Jesus? Read Luke 23:

29 7. How does Jesus death and resurrection ultimately fulfil these passages and enable us to truly understand them? CROSS SHAPED LIVES And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14 8. HEAD: How have these passages helped you to understand the Bible and to know God better? 9. HEART: How does the truth from these passages shape who you are? 10. HANDS: What will you start doing, do differently or stop doing as you live your life shaped by the cross of Jesus? ALL ABOUT ME studies 2014 creekroad.org.au 29

30 07 written with Love PRAYER POINTS Praise God for His gracious love for unfaithful and undeserving people like us. Praise God that His love extended even to sending His own Son to die in our place. Praise God that He is a faithful God and His faithfulness towards us will continue forever. Confess that we are often unfaithful and fickle in our love for God and each other. Confess that we prefer to think about ourselves and our own needs rather than the needs of those around us. Give thanks for your experience of God s love and the love of His people towards you. Ask that God might soften our hearts with His love and give us opportunities to show that same love to our family, friends, neighbours and co-workers. Pray for your friends who don t yet love Jesus. Pray that through your love and the love of our church they might come to know and respond to God s love for them in Jesus. Pray for your Cross Cultural Connect Team Member. Pray that love would characterise the church in which they are serving. Pray that through their ministry many would come to know the love of Jesus for themselves. Our Song From Age to Age You loved us when we fell away Poured mercy on our souls And promised grace would come to save To loose death's iron hold Our Song from Age to Age; Joel Schzebel; 2012 Sovereign Grace Worship 30

31 BIG IDEA The story of the Bible is about God s faithful love to unfaithful people. The cross is the ultimate display of God s love. We love because God first loved us. READ 1 John 4:7-12 ALL AGES Look up the Bible passage 1 John 4:7-12 on Bible Gateway Copy and paste the passage the words from the passage into create in Wordle You can keep clicking randomize until you find one you like the look of. What are the main words you see appearing from the passage? Which words are the biggest? Why do you think the writer of the book of 1 John wanted those words to be the main idea? You may want to print out your wordle to put up on the fridge this week to remind your family how God is Love. Maybe even post a photo of it on Instagram with #creekroad How does God show that he is love? How can you thank him for the love that he shows? How can you show God s love to others? PRAYER Spend time thanking God for his amazing love. You might like to use popcorn prayers (single phrase or sentence prayers).

32 08 written by the King Jesus is the King of Kings; he triumphs over all other kingdoms through his victory on the cross. 1. What impacted you from Sunday? What did you find encouraging or challenging? 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. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. - Luke 24:44-47 Read John 18: What does this episode from Jesus ministry tell us about him? 3. What does this episode tell us about ourselves? 4. In what way does this episode anticipate Jesus death and resurrection? Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20, Psalm 72, 1 Kings 10:26-11:8 5. What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about ourselves? 6. What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about Jesus? 32

33 Read Mark 15: How does Jesus death and resurrection ultimately fulfil these passages and enable us to truly understand them? CROSS SHAPED LIVES Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 8. HEAD: How have these passages helped you to understand the Bible and to know God better? 9. HEART: How does the truth from these passages shape who you are? 10. HANDS: What will you start doing, do differently or stop doing as you live your life shaped by the cross of Jesus? ALL ABOUT ME studies 2014 creekroad.org.au 33

34 08 written by the King PRAYER POINTS Praise God that Jesus is the King of Kings, the supreme authority in all the earth. Praise Him that the apparent weakness of the cross actually meant ultimate victory over all things. Confess that there are times when we reject Jesus authority, living instead as though we are king of our own lives. Give thanks for the kindness, compassion and justice of Jesus Kingship. Thank God that Jesus is a humble King who was willing to endure the shame of the cross for the benefit of His subjects. Ask that God would help you to take up your cross and submit to Jesus Kingship in every area of your life, especially when it is costly. Pray for your friends who still reject Jesus. Pray that they might see the glory of Jesus as King and submit their lives to Him. Pray for your Cross Cultural Connect Team Member. Pray that God would give them opportunities to proclaim the unique Kingship of Jesus and the boldness and sensitivity to do this well. Our Song From Age to Age Oh God who surely guides our steps Through tempests and through trials Our Shepherd King Your way is best Though tears now veil our eyes Our Song from Age to Age; Joel Schzebel; 2012 Sovereign Grace Worship 34

35 BIG IDEA Jesus is the king of kings, he triumphs over all other kingdoms through his victory on the cross. READ 1 John 4:7-12 PRE-PRIMARY & LOWER PRIMARY Preparation - you will need to have some paper, scissors and sticky tape ready. This week we are talking about kings. We are going to pretend to be a king/queen. You will need to make yourself a crown from paper. Now you have a crown, you can start making kingly decrees. If you were a real king or queen, what kind of rules would you have in your kingdom? In the bible passage what does it say kings are supposed to be like? What kind of king is Jesus? How is Jesus a better king than you? HIGH SCHOOL Have a look at these English kings from Horrible Histories (search on youtube for horrible histories rulers song ) What kind of rulers were they for their country? If you were a king, what kind of country would you run? In the bible passage what does it say kings are supposed to be like? What kind of king is Jesus? How is Jesus a better king than you, or any other earthly king? PRAYER Thank you God that you sent Jesus to be a wise and just king for us. Thank you that though he rules over all of us, he is a servant king who chooses to lay down his life for his people.

36 09 written on your heart The story of the Bible is all about me returning home with my heart beating for God. 1. What impacted you from Sunday? What did you find encouraging or challenging? 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. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. - Luke 24:44-47 Read Matthew 6: What does this episode from Jesus ministry tell us about him? 3. What does this episode tell us about ourselves? 4. In what way does this episode anticipate Jesus death and resurrection? Read Deuteronomy 30:1-10, Psalm 14, Jeremiah 29:10-14; 31: What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about ourselves? 6. What do these passages from the law, prophets and psalms tell us about Jesus? Read Luke 24:

37 7. How does Jesus death and resurrection ultimately fulfil these passages and enable us to truly understand them? CROSS SHAPED LIVES For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3: HEAD: How have these passages helped you to understand the Bible and to know God better? 9. HEART: How does the truth from these passages shape who you are? 10. HANDS: What will you start doing, do differently or stop doing as you live your life shaped by the cross of Jesus? ALL ABOUT ME studies 2014 creekroad.org.au 37

38 09 written on your heart PRAYER POINTS Praise God that He has a plan for Creation and that plan includes bringing each of His children home to be with Him. Praise God that He is in Sovereign control of all things and nothing can stop Him achieving His purposes. Confess that our hearts are often captivated by things on this earth rather than Jesus and our home in heaven. Give thanks that our eternal home is safe and secure because of Jesus and doesn t depend on us and our achievements. Ask that as a church our hearts would beat more and more for Jesus. Pray that we would live radically different lives here on earth because of the eternal hope we have in heaven. Pray for your friends who don t yet know Jesus. Pray that their eyes might be opened to the emptiness of living only for the here and now and instead they might put their hope in Jesus. Pray for your Cross Cultural Connect Team Member. Pray that the hope of an eternal home with Jesus might help them to persevere even through setbacks and disappointments. Pray that through their ministry God might call many to put their trust in Him. Our Song From Age to Age Your steadfast love our perfect hope Our eyes are fixed on grace We have no doubt You'll lead us home To finally see Your face Our Song from Age to Age; Joel Schzebel; 2012 Sovereign Grace Worship 38

39 BIG IDEA The story of the Bible is all about me returning home with my heart beating for God. READ Deut 30:1-20 (Deut 30:6 for younger listeners) ALL AGES We have been singing this song a bit at church lately - Heartbeats - have a listen to it as a family. You can find it on YouTube (search for heartbeats royal royal ). Can you perform an a capella (without music) version at your house? Think back over the last nine weeks. What have you learnt from this series? How you have grown? How does your Heart beat more for Jesus? PRAYER Idea - Beat on your legs or stamp around the room to the rhythm of a heartbeat. Say thanks to God for all you have learned using the rhythm of the heart.

40 At Creek Road we love Jesus. We want to reach the city and reach the world with the good news about who Jesus is. We d love to help you meet Jesus as we explore the Bible together at our Sunday Services. We want every person to have a chance to connect with Jesus, to grow to be more like Jesus and to serve Jesus. So we try to make everything we do clear and easy to understand. If you ve got any questions, we d love to answer them. If there is anything you need, we d love to help. You don t need to be good, religious, or have it all together to join us on a Sunday. Jesus is for everyone - people of all stages, ages, and places. So is our church. Everyone is welcome. Seriously. MEDIA Song words used with CCLI Licence # CREEKROAD.ORG.AU