The Bible Meets Life
|
|
- Whitney Burke
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 The Point Jesus is the Way to the Father; therefore, we can live in peace. The Passage John 14:1-7 The Bible Meets Life We must be on our guard not to let the daily news and world events overwhelm us. Nations are at odds, groups within nations fight among themselves, economies are on the brink of disaster, and nothing feels safe or secure. Apart from Christ, any one of these issues would be a cause for anxiety. But Jesus offers us something beyond the turbulent, insecure world we live in. Jesus is the way to the Father and an eternal home with Him. The Setting John began his coverage of Jesus last week on earth in what we know as chapter 12. By the time he arrived at the passage of this study, it was well into the evening of Jesus last night on earth. In the upper room only hours before His crucifixion, Jesus devoted Himself to final instructions and assurances the disciples needed before He departed from them. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 57
2 What does the Bible say? John 14:1-7 (HCSB) Troubled (v. 1) This term can refer to outward shaking or stirring up, inward turmoil, unsettling circumstances, or being thrown into confusion. Dwelling places (v. 2) This phrase refers to a room or abode, or even of a settled residence. Know (v. 7) All three uses in this verse come from the Greek word meaning to know by personal experience. A different Greek word appears in verses Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going. 5 Lord, Thomas said, we don t know where You re going. How can we know the way? 6 Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 If you know Me, you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him. 58 SESSION 5
3 THE POINT Jesus is the Way to the Father; therefore, we can live in peace. GET INTO THE STUDY DISCUSS: Invite your group members to discuss Question 1 on page 45 of the Personal Study Guide (PSG): When have you felt most at peace? Allow time for each person to respond. RECAP THE PSG (PAGE 46): One of the most beloved American literary characters is Atticus Finch, the smalltown Alabama lawyer in Harper Lee s To Kill a Mockingbird. Throughout the novel, Atticus maintains a calm poise whether facing down a rabid dog or dealing with a racially-motivated mob. Several times in the narrative, Atticus tells his children, Jem and Scout, It s not time to worry. 10 minutes TIP: Make it a habit to pray regularly for your group members, their spiritual growth, and your group discussions. Notes Trouble has a way of finding us, and it is easy to let those troubles cause us to worry. It would be nice to a have our own version of a calm and collected Atticus Finch someone who would tell us, It s not time to worry. SAY: Jesus offers us something far greater. He doesn t just offer words in an attempt to comfort us; He offers Himself. He is our peace in the midst of any trouble. GUIDE: Call the group s attention to The Point on page 46 of the PSG: Jesus is the Way to the Father; therefore, we can live in peace. PRAY: Transition into the Bible study with prayer. Pray for your group members to learn more about the peace Christ offers and that they would personally experience it this week. Display Pack Item #6 for use with the optional activity on page 60. PLAYLIST PICK: Everything Is Mine In You by Christy Nockels BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 59
4 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE John 14:1 Notes 1 Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. ALTERNATE QUESTION: When do you find it difficult to trust God? DISCUSS: Question 2 on page 48 of the PSG: How do you determine if someone is trustworthy? (Note: If the conversation doesn t naturally land on the character of the person we re placing trust in and your relationship with him, be sure to insert this idea into your discussion). SAY: In John 14, Jesus began his teaching with the topic of trust. READ: Ask a group member to read aloud John 14:1. SUMMARIZE: Share with your group the context of this passage. John began his coverage of Jesus last week on earth in chapter 12. In chapter 14, it was well into the evening of Jesus last night on earth. In the upper room only hours before His crucifixion, Jesus devoted Himself to final instructions and assurances the disciples needed before He departed from them. Jesus sought to encourage His disciples. These men had already experienced difficulty because of their commitment to Him. It was going to get worse much worse. Persecution and martyrdom would soon be a reality. SUMMARIZE: Jesus commanded his disciples: Believe in God; believe also in Me. Notice Jesus did not say simply to trust the power of God or the presence of Jesus. It is a trust based on a relationship with God that is personal and intimate. We trust in Persons (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit), not merely in concepts or doctrines. That s a distinctive characteristic of the Christian faith. ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): The disciples were about to face an experience that would be both distressing and unexpected. On a smaller scale, young adulthood carries its own share of unknown and challenging issues. As a group, identify challenging issues facing young adults that threaten to steal a sense of peace. Invite someone to make a list of these issues, writing them on Pack Item #6, Choppy Waters. 60 SESSION 5
5 THE POINT Jesus is the Way to the Father; therefore, we can live in peace. John 14:1 Commentary Trust in Jesus keeps your heart from being troubled. Verse 1: Jesus said, Your heart must not be troubled. In modern culture, the heart is associated almost exclusively with emotion (think Valentine s Day). The ancient metaphor of the heart was broader, including what we normally think of as activities of the mind. So, heart is meant to convey that which is conceived as the center and source of life, especially inner life, the seat of emotions, wishes, desires, and moral decisions. The heart, then, is where we have our deepest thoughts or hold our hidden fears, those thoughts or fears we would not readily confess to someone else. Jesus always operates here, in the heart. He relates at the deeper levels, knows us fully, perceives what we really think, and understands how we really feel. Troubled carries the concept of a sea or other body of water being stirred up or agitated. Jesus call not to be troubled came in the moment of the shocking realization that Jesus had just predicted betrayal by His own disciples. Surely Jesus announcement would have made the hearts of the disciples toss out of control like a small fishing ship on the Sea of Galilee during a tremendous storm. The disciples cannot be blamed for having a difficult time processing this news. Most particularly, their own denial of Jesus would be hard to fathom. For the disciples, these troubled waters brought troubling thoughts. Jesus then challenged His disciples on the basis of their fundamental faith in God, that they should believe also in Me. The calming influence for the troubled seas of their hearts stood in front of them, even as He had that night they had been on the Sea of Galilee when the waves and the winds whipped up (John 6:16-21). That night He had easily solved the crisis of the external storm. This night He addressed their internal storms with an admonition to continue to have faith in Him. Such a faith in only a few days would include not only belief in the death of Jesus, but in His resurrection as well. Forgiveness and life result from this faith to which Jesus called His disciples. In John s Gospel, belief is not merely rational thought, such as agreeing with an idea. Belief is action. We pick up on John s distinctive framing of belief as action by noting that John never used the static noun belief in his Gospel. John only used the active verb, to believe. Thus, belief or faith in John s text is something someone does rather than what someone simply thinks. It is trusting. It is relating. The disciples were learning that belief in Jesus is trusting Jesus to secure their relationship. Even though they would betray Jesus, Jesus was calling for them to trust that He would guarantee the future of their relationship. Salvation depends on Jesus ability to secure the relationship, not the sinner s inability to avoid betrayal. Salvation is not jeopardized by sin. Trust in Jesus keeps your heart from being troubled. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 61
6 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE John 14:2-4 Notes 2 In My Father s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going. READ: Ask a group member to read aloud John 14:2-4. ALTERNATE QUESTION: How would you state the promises in verses 2-4 in your own words? DISCUSS: Question 3 on page 49 of the PSG: What do these verses reveal about God s intention for our relationship with Him? SUMMARIZE: This passage contains significant teaching that was not immediately understood by Jesus disciples. The disciples would have expected Jesus to talk of an earthly kingdom over which He would reign. Jesus had a different kind of kingdom in mind. Jesus promised believers permanent residence in His Father s house. The phrase dwelling places emphasizes the location of the place being prepared for us and that location is with God. The grandeur of heaven is the presence of God! Jesus promised, I will come back and receive you to Myself. He would retrieve His followers, accompany them beyond death, and bring them into His presence as their eternal reward. SAY: Because of Christ s death, resurrection, ascension, and return, we re offered the ultimate peace: getting to be in God s presence for all eternity. 62 SESSION 5
7 THE POINT Jesus is the Way to the Father; therefore, we can live in peace. John 14:2-4 Commentary We can trust in Christ because He is preparing a permanent place for us in heaven. Verse 2: Jesus repeatedly affirmed that He came from the Father in heaven. Here the disciples learned their relationship to Jesus was like having a residence in heaven: In My Father s house are many dwelling places. A place to reside means permanent relationship. This permanence could heal the disciples anxiety, especially Peter s, of having just learned they would betray Jesus. Jesus would transcend their betrayal; it would not end their relationship. Jesus was leaving, to prepare a place. Jesus would not prepare a place unless He was going to forgive their betrayal. The disciples certainly would not instantly have understood Jesus words about His Father s house to be about heaven. When first-century Jews conceptualized the kingdom of God as inaugurated by the Messiah, that kingdom always was thought of as on earth. In this coming kingdom, they thought, Jews still would live in their own homes. They simply would have the Messiah as their king over them, peace at their borders, and abundant crops in their fields. Thus, we have to anticipate that the disciples would have been confused by Jesus language. Do not assume this conversation would have been easy to grasp. A place in heaven would not have been their first thought. No part of their typical Jewish expectations would have prepared them for what Jesus meant. Verse 3: Jesus then answered the obvious question of how one would get where He was going. If He were going away to prepare a place for His followers, then I will come back, He declared, and receive you to Myself. His departure would be not only purposeful but also temporary. When the preparation of verse 2 had been accomplished, Jesus would be back. Notice the double-fold emphasis of the intention of Jesus return. On one side of the coin, it is to receive you to Myself. On the flip side, it is so that where I am you may be also. One is for Him; the other is for us. The hotel maid makes preparation for our arrival, but has no intention of being with us during our stay. Jesus prepares for our arrival specifically so we can share our stay together with Him. The story of Jesus is not complete even after His death and resurrection. A marvelous return awaits. Jesus return is a premier doctrine of the New Testament, and John s Gospel ends on a reminder of the return of Jesus (21:22). We can trust Christ because He is preparing a permanent place for us in heaven. Verse 4: Jesus then intrigued His disciples. Even while indicating that He would receive His own, Jesus still insisted, You know the way to where I am going. This insistence is captivating. It flies in the face of the obvious: Jesus had not made clear where He was going. Certainly He had spoken about His Father s house, but even that thought was pretty ambiguous for His disciples. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 63
8 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE John 14:5-7 Notes 5 Lord, Thomas said, we don t know where You re going. How can we know the way? 6 Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 If you know Me, you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him. READ: Ask a group member to read aloud John 14:5-7. ALTERNATE QUESTION: What are the implications for today s culture of what Jesus said? DISCUSS: Question 4 on page 50 of the PSG: What does this I am statement teach us about Jesus nature and character? SUMMARIZE: The only way to know God is to personally know and follow Jesus; any other belief system or set of spiritual principles claiming to offer salvation are false. Jesus is the only Way to the Father. DISCUSS: Question 5 on page 51 of the PSG: How do these verses lead us to experience peace? (Note: Help your group to discuss this question in terms of peace in our day-to-day experiences as well as eternal peace.) DO: Instruct group members to complete the activity on page 50 of the PSG on their own. Chaos or Calm? Peace is the result of placing your faith wholly in Christ. Which of the following areas feel like choppy waters in your life right now? Check all that apply. Navigating a big decision Managing finances Implementing education & career plans Strengthening current relationships Other: What truth from today s passage gives you the greatest sense of peace? Write it below in your own words. 64 SESSION 5
9 THE POINT Jesus is the Way to the Father; therefore, we can live in peace. John 14:5-7 Commentary We can trust in Christ because He is the only way to live forever with God. Verse 5: Where Jesus was going was unclear. He had not mentioned the path. Thomas sought answers to both questions: we don t know where You re going. How can we know the way? It is probably best here to understand Thomas as the disciple who voiced the thought that was on all the disciples minds. Peter had already revealed his confusion (John 13:36). In short order, both Philip (14:8) and the other Judas (v. 22) would indicate that they, too, were not clear on Jesus message and its implications. Likely the whole crew puzzled over Jesus words that night. Verse 6: The question brought up another of the famous I am sayings of Jesus. Jesus responded with one of the clearest affirmations of the New Testament, I am the way, the truth, and the life. Way in Jewish thought is often about a life to live, the manner or character of your life. Truth in this context is integrity. Following Jesus as the Way and the Truth is living a life of complete integrity, pleasing God in all things. The Book of Acts regularly shows early Christians referring to themselves as the Way, probably reflecting the direct impact of this statement of Jesus. This manner of speaking was Jewish and apparently well known in Jesus world. Jesus, however, made an exclusive claim. Jesus immediately narrowed the scope of participation directly to Himself. He added, No one comes to the Father except through Me. Jesus could not have been more restrictive. The path is knowing and following Jesus personally. This exclusivity eliminates any other claim to salvation. With His personalized exclusivity, Jesus also rejected any effort to reduce Christianity to spiritual principles or multiple paths to God. Only one way and only one truth exists for anyone s life Jesus. We must be careful not to grant exceptions where Jesus allowed none. While the Bible teaches us that God desires none to perish (2 Peter 3:9), it also records that Jesus Himself said, No one comes to the Father except through Me. It is only through Jesus we can come to the Father and know the peace He intends for us to experience. Verse 7: Jesus then moved to the language of knowing as a way to describe the personal relationship believers share with Him. He revealed, If you know Me, you will also know My Father. The phrase knowing God was covenant language for Israel s prophets (Jeremiah 24:7; 31:34; Hosea 13:4). The psalmist encouraged developing a way of life that allows one to know God (Psalm 46:10; 100:3). This type of relational knowledge does not have to wait on a future journey to God s house. Jesus brought this possibility into the present, From now on you do know Him and have seen Him. Catching a vision of Jesus dying on a cross and rising from the grave is seeing God Himself at work in eternal salvation. We can trust in Christ because He is the only way to live forever with God. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 65
10 5 minutes LIVE IT OUT SAY: Jesus is the Way to the Father. What will you do with this truth? GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the responses to the Bible study listed on page 52 of the PSG. Turn from counterfeit peace. Spend some time this week identifying things in your life that you lean on to bring you peace. Confess to God your tendency to seek peace in things other than Christ. Ask Him for strength to trust in Christ alone. Memorize John 14:6. Commit this verse to memory and ask God to remind you of it the next time you find yourself feeling anxious or worried. Thank God for the access to Him we re given in Christ. Invite a person of a different faith to coffee or lunch. Ask this person to explain what his or her religion teaches about concepts like the way to heaven, truth, and eternal life. In turn, tell what Jesus has taught you about these issues. Wrap It Up SAY: Major decisions, distressing experiences, and unexpected life circumstances will come. That s when we plant our feet firmly on God s Word: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Trusting in these truths yields peace that only comes from God. Get expert insights on weekly studies through the Ministry Grid (MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife). 66 SESSION 5
OUR NEED FOR PEACE SESSION 5. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting
SESSION 5 OUR NEED FOR PEACE The Point Jesus is the way to the Father; therefore, we can live in peace. The Passage John 14:1-7 The Bible Meets Life Atticus Finch, the small-town Alabama lawyer in Harper
More informationWhen have you felt most at peace? #MoreThanEnough QUESTION 1 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE LifeWay
When have you felt most at peace? QUESTION 1 #MoreThanEnough BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 45 THE POINT Jesus is the Way to the Father; therefore, we can live in peace. THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE One of the most beloved
More informationOUR NEED FOR PEACE SESSION 5. The Point. The Bible Meets Life. The Passage. The Setting GET INTO THE STUDY. 10 minutes
GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes GUIDE: Direct the group to look at the picture on PSG page 60. DISCUSS: Question #1 (PSG, p. 60): When have you felt most at peace? GUIDE: Direct attention to The Bible Meets
More informationSESSION 5 OUR NEED FOR PEACE. When have you felt most at peace? #BSFLenough QUESTION #1 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 45
SESSION 5 OUR NEED FOR PEACE When have you felt most at peace? QUESTION #1 #BSFLenough BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 45 THE POINT Jesus is the way to the Father; therefore, we can live in peace. THE BIBLE MEETS
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point Jesus is the Vine who empowers us to live productive lives for God. The Passage John 15:1-8 The Bible Meets Life We fill our lives with activity: work schedules, religious activities, sports,
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point Jesus came to earth to rescue us. The Passage John 1:1-5,9-14 The Bible Meets Life During the Christmas season, our attention turns to Jesus as a baby. Even non-christians might display a manager
More information22 SESSION LifeWay
22 SESSION 2 The Point God Himself is my salvation. The Passage Psalm 27:1-6 The Bible Meets Life We depend on a lot of things to get us through the day. We depend on people to carry out their tasks. We
More informationTHE GIFT OF GRACE SESSION 3. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. God s grace allows me to face anything life throws at me.
SESSION 3 THE GIFT OF GRACE The Point God s grace allows me to face anything life throws at me. The Passage 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 The Bible Meets Life Our lives are filled with both joys and sorrows opportunities
More informationONE GREAT COMMITMENT SESSION 5. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. To be saved, I must trust in Christ. Romans 10:1-3,8b-13
SESSION 5 ONE GREAT COMMITMENT The Point To be saved, I must trust in Christ. The Passage Romans 10:1-3,8b-13 The Bible Meets Life What must I do to be saved? We make decisions constantly. Many decisions
More informationVICTORIOUS FAITH SESSION 4. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. My faith in God makes me victorious.
SESSION 4 VICTORIOUS FAITH The Point My faith in God makes me victorious. The Passage Hebrews 11:1-6 The Bible Meets Life Many people treat faith as a hopeful wish. We have faith our sports team will do
More informationVICTORIOUS FAITH SESSION 4. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. My faith in God makes me victorious.
SESSION 4 VICTORIOUS FAITH The Point My faith in God makes me victorious. The Passage Hebrews 11:1-6 The Bible Meets Life It s hard to know what to believe anymore. The Internet is filled with news on
More informationGOD S LIVING WORD SAVES
SESSION 4 GOD S LIVING WORD SAVES The Point Jesus is the ultimate Word from God who brings salvation. The Passage Psalm 119:41; Luke 1:30-35 The Bible Meets Life Ever had a brush with someone famous? A
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point You were created for eternal life in Christ. The Passage 1 John 5:6-13 The Bible Meets Life In the past 100 years, the average life expectancy has increased by more than 25 years.1 Americans
More informationUNSTOPPABLE MESSAGE SESSION 2. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and reigns as Lord.
SESSION 2 UNSTOPPABLE MESSAGE The Point Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and reigns as Lord. The Passage Acts 2:22-24,32-33,36-38 The Bible Meets Life Do you know the original mission statement of
More informationWHAT SHOULD WE DO NOW?
SESSION 5 WHAT SHOULD WE DO NOW? The Point We do not live for ourselves; we serve God by serving others. The Passage Acts 2:37-47 The Bible Meets Life Not long after moving into our home, a Christian neighbor
More informationOUR NEED FOR PROTECTION
SESSION 3 OUR NEED FOR PROTECTION The Point Jesus is the only One who offers us ultimate protection. The Passage John 10:7-15,27-30 The Bible Meets Life Several years ago, while traveling in a major city,
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point Jesus is the Light who reveals the way we should go. The Passage John 8:12-19 The Bible Meets Life We like to think we live in an enlightened society, but we live in darkness. Society in general
More informationii. What must the disciples do in order to have and maintain an untroubled heart? (John 14:1b)
Week 14 John chapter 14 Jesus Begins His Final Teaching On the night before Jesus died, He gave His last instructions to His beloved disciples. These were His final hours with them His last opportunity
More informationSIMEON S PROCLAMATION
SESSION 5 SIMEON S PROCLAMATION The Point We have a sure hope when we trust in Jesus. The Passage Luke 2:25-35 The Bible Meets Life More and more people are buying 3D printers. Far beyond the way old-school
More informationJESUS TEACHES SESSION 2. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Obeying Jesus teachings leads to fruitful living.
SESSION 2 JESUS TEACHES The Point Obeying Jesus teachings leads to fruitful living. The Passage Mark 4:1-9 The Bible Meets Life The Bible gets a lot of respect in America at least superficial respect.
More informationUNSTOPPABLE MISSION SESSION 1. The Point. The Passage
SESSION 1 UNSTOPPABLE MISSION The Point The Holy Spirit empowers us to spread the gospel. The Passage Acts 1:4-8,12-14 The Bible Meets Life We don t like to wait. Chalk it up to impatience, or maybe it
More informationGOD S WORD FILLS MY HEART
SESSION 2 GOD S WORD FILLS MY HEART The Point God s Word teaches us all we need to live well. The Passage Psalm 119:9-16 The Bible Meets Life Manuals, how-to books, and online videos abound to teach us
More informationSESSION WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? ONE GREAT COMMITMENT THE SETTING. Romans 10: Romans 10:8B-13
SESSION 5 ONE GREAT COMMITMENT THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE What must I do to be saved? We make decisions constantly. Many decisions require little thought, and most decisions require little long-term commitment.
More information82 SESSION LifeWay
82 SESSION 7 The Point Jesus ascended to heaven but did not leave us alone. The Passage Acts 1:3-11 The Bible Meets Life We come to faith in Jesus when we realize we cannot come to God on our own. We are
More informationWHEN RACES COLLIDE SESSION 1. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting
SESSION 1 WHEN RACES COLLIDE The Point Our relationship with Christ should be reflected in our unity with one another. The Passage Ephesians 2:11-22 The Bible Meets Life For most of us, our source of information
More informationONE GREAT SAVIOR SESSION 4. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. God offers us hope and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
SESSION 4 ONE GREAT SAVIOR The Point God offers us hope and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The Passage Romans 5:6-11 The Bible Meets Life Why would Jesus save me? When we come face-to-face with our
More informationTHE SHELTER OF GOD S PROTECTION
SESSION 6 THE SHELTER OF GOD S PROTECTION 84 SeSSion 6 The Point God is my ultimate protection. The Passage Psalm 91:1-4,9-11,14-16 The Bible Meets Life We do all we can to protect ourselves and our loved
More informationIDENTITY: MY LIFE OF FAITH
IDENTITY: MY LIFE OF FAITH 98 Who are you? Start with Christ. Most of us struggle with our identity at some point in life. Not knowing who you are can really mess up where you are and what you do. I know
More informationSESSION 5 OVERCOME BITTERNESS 134 SESSION LifeWay
SESSION 5 OVERCOME BITTERNESS 134 SESSION 5 The Point Relationships can only move forward with forgiveness. The Passage Genesis 45:3-11 The Bible Meets Life The actions of others, like betrayal and bad
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point The way we treat others should reflect the way we re treated by God. The Passage Matthew 7:1-12 The Bible Meets Life Tolerance is a word that gets tossed around a lot by both Christians and non-christians,
More informationMADE FOR SOMETHING MORE
92 MADE FOR SOMETHING MORE Who are you really? Identity is a buzz word in our world that question of what makes us who we are. The world tells us our identity is determined by a bunch of different factors,
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point God s Word can be fully trusted. The Passage Luke 1:11-20,63-65 The Bible Meets Life We hear a lot of fantastic claims these days from product endorsements, inflated job resumes, and campaign
More informationREDEEMED FROM DEVASTATING FAILURE
SESSION 5 REDEEMED FROM DEVASTATING FAILURE The Point God can redeem us from even our worst failures. The Passage Luke 22:54-62; Acts 4:8-13 The Bible Meets Life I ve thought a lot about failure in recent
More information12 More than enough 2015 LifeWay
12 More than enough Lacking something? Jesus is more than enough. We all long for peace, security, and fulfillment. Denying those needs is pointless. Trying to meet them in unhealthy ways is counterproductive.
More informationVICTORIOUS HOPE SESSION 2. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. When we come to Jesus in faith, we find hope.
SESSION 2 VICTORIOUS HOPE The Point When we come to Jesus in faith, we find hope. The Passage Matthew 8:5-13 The Bible Meets Life We fix things that are broken, and when life breaks down we try to fix
More informationTHE GIFT OF GRACE SESSION 3. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. God s grace allows me to face anything life throws at me.
SESSION 3 THE GIFT OF GRACE The Point God s grace allows me to face anything life throws at me. The Passage 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 The Bible Meets Life Can we have too much of a good thing? The answer is
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point Jesus is the Resurrection who gives us life now and forever. The Passage John 11:17-27 The Bible Meets Life From the moment we are born, our physical bodies are on a road that leads to death.
More informationONE GREAT COMMITMENT SESSION 5. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. To be saved, I must trust in Christ. Romans 10:1-3,8b-13
SESSION 5 ONE GREAT COMMITMENT The Point To be saved, I must trust in Christ. The Passage Romans 10:1-3,8b-13 The Bible Meets Life Life is full of decisions lots of them. Columbia researcher Sheena Iyengar
More informationJESUS TEACHES SESSION 2. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Obeying Jesus teachings leads to fruitful living.
SESSION 2 JESUS TEACHES The Point Obeying Jesus teachings leads to fruitful living. The Passage Mark 4:1-9 The Bible Meets Life Think back to a favorite teacher: elementary school, high school, college,
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point God has uniquely gifted us to serve Him. The Passage 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 The Bible Meets Life The world gravitates to people who are talented or highly skilled with unique abilities. The more
More informationONE GREAT SAVIOR SESSION 4. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. God offers us hope and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
SESSION 4 ONE GREAT SAVIOR The Point God offers us hope and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The Passage Romans 5:6-11 The Bible Meets Life It was a dark and stormy night. That sentence is considered
More information8 Storm Shelter LifeWay
8 Storm Shelter Storms will come. We need shelter. Hardly a day goes by that I don t check the weather app on my phone. Why? Because I want to know what I might face today. I want to be prepared for sunshine
More informationJOHN: SINGLE- MINDED FOCUS
SESSION 5 JOHN: SINGLE- MINDED FOCUS The Point Christ-centered living chooses to exalt Christ, not self. The Passage John 1:26-34; 3:26-30 The Bible Meets Life There are a lot of fascinating facts about
More informationIDENTITY: MY LIFE OF FAITH
IDENTITY: MY LIFE OF FAITH 98 Who am I? You will more than likely struggle with your identity at some point in life. Not knowing who you are can really mess up where you are. I know. When I was in my early
More informationVICTORY OVER FEAR SESSION 5. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting
SESSION 5 VICTORY OVER FEAR The Point Believers have no reason to fear separation from God and His love. The Passage Romans 8:31-39 The Bible Meets Life We all have things we re afraid of. Snakes, public
More informationWHEN MATERIALISM CONSUMES
SESSION 6 WHEN MATERIALISM CONSUMES The Point Possessions never satisfy nor last, but the love of God does. The Passage 1 John 2:12-17; 3:16-18 The Bible Meets Life Let s admit it, we enjoy the American
More informationJOHN: SINGLE- MINDED FOCUS
SESSION 5 JOHN: SINGLE- MINDED FOCUS The Point Christ-centered living chooses to exalt Christ, not self. The Passage John 1:26-34; 3:26-30 The Bible Meets Life Self-centered living defines this world.
More informationThe Gospel of John. A Promise of Home John 14:1-11
The Gospel of John A Promise of Home John 14:1-11 A LMOST INAUDIBLY, JESUS WHISPERED, One of you is about to betray me. The whole company gasped, as if Jesus had cracked the table with an ax. What? said
More informationJESUS RULES SESSION 3. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. You can trust Jesus in the storm. Mark 4:35-41
SESSION 3 JESUS RULES The Point You can trust Jesus in the storm. The Passage Mark 4:35-41 The Bible Meets Life If you ve ever been in an area hit by a flood, tornado, or hurricane, you know you can only
More informationSESSION 2 CONNECTED IN UNITY 22 SESSION LifeWay
SESSION 2 CONNECTED IN UNITY 22 SESSION 2 The Point Unity is a given, but staying unified takes work. The Passage Ephesians 4:1-6 The Bible Meets Life All sports carry a high level of excitement in championship
More information8 Connected: my life in the church LifeWay
8 Connected: my life in the church I am a Christian. Therefore, I am connected. Let s make a quick list of pressing issues we face on a regular basis: Making wise career choices. Raising a family. Keeping
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point Showing humility is critical to restoring relationships. The Passage Genesis 27:41; 33:1-11 The Bible Meets Life We don t always get our own way in a relationship. A person who feels like he
More informationMADE FOR SOMETHING MORE
94 MADE FOR SOMETHING MORE Who are you really? Identity is a buzzword in our world answering that question of what makes us who we are. The world tells us our identity is determined by a bunch of different
More informationSTORM SHELTER: PSALMS OF GOD S EMBRACE
STORM SHELTER: PSALMS OF GOD S EMBRACE 8 Storms are coming. Find shelter. Hardly a day goes by that I don t check the weather app on my phone. Why? Because I want to know what I might face today. I want
More informationSESSION 7 ASCENDED LIKE NO OTHER. 78 SeSSion LifeWay
SESSION 7 ASCENDED LIKE NO OTHER 78 SeSSion 7 The Point Jesus ascended to heaven but did not leave us alone. The Passage Acts 1:3-11 The Bible Meets Life We come to faith in Jesus when we realize we cannot
More informationSESSION 4 THE SHELTER OF GOD S ENCOURAGEMENT. 60 SeSSion LifeWay
SESSION 4 THE SHELTER OF GOD S ENCOURAGEMENT 60 SeSSion 4 The Point God encourages me when I feel overwhelmed. The Passage Psalm 42:1-3, 6-8; 43:3-5 The Bible Meets Life We can often feel overwhelmed by
More information84 SESSION LifeWay
84 SESSION 6 The Point God is my ultimate protection. The Passage Psalm 91:1-4, 9-11, 14-16 The Bible Meets Life We do all we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones from danger. We try to protect
More informationBROKEN VESSELS LifeWay
BROKEN VESSELS 96 What is broken will be restored. Brokenness and pain. Unfortunately, both are universal in our experiences as human beings. We may have been hurt by a love that ended prematurely, by
More informationPreschool Large Group
Leader DEVOTIONAL Jesus had just fed more than 5,000 people on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. After sending away the people and directing His disciples to go back across the sea, Jesus went to a mountain
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point Make your influence count for what matters. The Passage Matthew 5:13-20 The Bible Meets Life While many people crave money, others want power. They want the control and the authority that comes
More informationCREATED FOR A PURPOSE
CREATED FOR A PURPOSE 82 We are designed and equipped to serve God in a unique way. It s quite satisfying to go through life with a purpose. Unfortunately, not all of us experience that satisfaction. Worse,
More informationFOR GOD SO LOVED... A Bible study focused on Jesus and His Amazing Love John 13-21
A Bible study focused on Jesus and His Amazing Love John 13-21 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:
More informationI AM A PRIEST SESSION 4. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. As servants of Christ, we are His representatives.
SESSION 4 I AM A PRIEST The Point As servants of Christ, we are His representatives. The Passage 1 Peter 2:4-10 The Bible Meets Life You can t just enter the White House today. You have to have an appointment,
More informationSAVED BY GOD S SON SESSION 3. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Jesus came to earth to rescue us.
SESSION 3 SAVED BY GOD S SON The Point The Passage John 1:1-5,9-14 The Bible Meets Life Some assembly required. Many of us dread those words. Maybe you ve known that terrible feeling that comes when you
More informationJESUS HEALS SESSION 5. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Jesus brings healing to our lives. Mark 5:22-24,35-43
SESSION 5 JESUS HEALS The Point Jesus brings healing to our lives. The Passage Mark 5:22-24,35-43 The Bible Meets Life When we experience pain or hurt, we turn to doctors and pharmacists. After all, they
More informationMINISTRY IN THE FACE OF MENTAL ILLNESS
BONUS SESSION MINISTRY IN THE FACE OF MENTAL ILLNESS The Point Christians are to care for those suffering from mental illness. The Bible Meets Life We readily pray for each other when we re dealing with
More informationFEAR NOT! SESSION 4. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. We don t need to fear evil forces when we re in Christ.
SESSION 4 FEAR NOT! The Point We don t need to fear evil forces when we re in Christ. The Passage 1 John 4:1-6 The Bible Meets Life She missed over 10,000 sunsets. For nearly 30 years, Marjorie Goff never
More informationRUTH: ALL-IN COMMITMENT
SESSION 3 RUTH: ALL-IN COMMITMENT The Point Christ-centered living chooses commitment, not convenience. The Passage Ruth 1:8-17 The Bible Meets Life Culture often presents a skewed idea of commitment.
More informationAUTHENTIC JOY SESSION 5. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Authentic joy flows from a relationship with Jesus.
SESSION 5 AUTHENTIC JOY The Point Authentic joy flows from a relationship with Jesus. The Passage 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 The Bible Meets Life Between 1590 and 1613, William Shakespeare wrote close to forty
More informationJESUS SAVES SESSION 4. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Jesus was born to bring us into a relationship with God.
SESSION 4 JESUS SAVES The Point Jesus was born to bring us into a relationship with God. The Passage Luke 2:4-20 The Bible Meets Life There s no doubt that Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on
More informationOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS SESSION 6. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting
SESSION 6 OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS The Point Because God is righteous, He will ultimately make all things right. The Passage Jeremiah 33:3-8,14-16 The Bible Meets Life Life is just not fair. People with poor
More informationJESUS SAVES SESSION 4. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Jesus was born to bring us into a relationship with God.
SESSION 4 JESUS SAVES The Point Jesus was born to bring us into a relationship with God. The Passage Luke 2:4-20 The Bible Meets Life There s no doubt that Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on
More informationVICTORY OVER SIN SESSION 3. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Sin is no longer my master Jesus is.
SESSION 3 VICTORY OVER SIN The Point Sin is no longer my master Jesus is. The Passage Romans 6:4-14 The Bible Meets Life I ve been married for over 35 years, and that s been plenty of time for me to mess
More informationSESSION 5 RETURN TO UNITY. 134 SeSSion LifeWay
SESSION 5 RETURN TO UNITY 134 SeSSion 5 The Point Walking with Christ brings us together in unity and purpose. The Passage Acts 4:31-37 The Bible Meets Life When two strangers meet and discover they share
More informationSimply Jesus. The Life and Ministry of God s Son
Simply Jesus The Life and Ministry of God s Son Lesson 22 Introduction Adults naturally want to be in control, to see the end from the beginning, so that we can selectively choose our own direction and
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point God values and cares for even the weakest among us. The Passage Psalm 8:1-8 The Bible Meets Life We hire people to appraise our property. We take jewelry or antiques to an expert to get them
More informationI AM A MINISTER SESSION 3. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. God works through us to make a difference. 2 Corinthians 3:4-12
SESSION 3 I AM A MINISTER The Point God works through us to make a difference. The Passage 2 Corinthians 3:4-12 The Bible Meets Life While we can be thankful for the work of our pastors and church leaders,
More informationGOD S WORD IS ALWAYS RELEVANT
GET INTO THE STUDY 5 minutes GUIDE: Direct attention to the picture on Personal Study Guide (PSG) page 60. SESSION 5 GOD S WORD IS ALWAYS RELEVANT DISCUSS: Question #1: When have you gotten swept up in
More informationOUR NEED FOR PURPOSE SESSION 6. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting
SESSION 6 OUR NEED FOR PURPOSE The Point Jesus is the Vine who empowers us to live productive lives for God. The Passage John 15:1-8 The Bible Meets Life I m sooo busy. We hear that a lot, don t we? Some
More information160 SeSSion LifeWay
160 SeSSion 6 The Point Help others to practice purity. The Passage 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 The Bible Meets Life Viewed in biblical perspective, sex is a good and natural part of our lives. After all, God
More informationSTAND DOWN SESSION 3. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Surrendering to God leads to greater things. Esther 4:1-3,10-16
SESSION 3 STAND DOWN The Point Surrendering to God leads to greater things. The Passage Esther 4:1-3,10-16 The Bible Meets Life Standing up for the sake of others can sometimes be easy: casting a vote,
More informationI AM JUST PASSING THROUGH
SESSION 5 I AM JUST PASSING THROUGH The Point Our lives in this world should reflect our eternal home. The Passage 1 Peter 2:11-17 The Bible Meets Life We all have a place we call home; it shows up on
More informationOUR NEED FOR HOPE SESSION 4. The Point. The Bible Meets Life. The Passage. The Setting GET INTO THE STUDY. 10 minutes
GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes GUIDE: Direct the group to look at the picture (PSG, p. 46). DISCUSS: Question #1 (PSG, p. 46): What are some things people often hope for? GUIDE: Direct attention to The
More informationWHY DID JESUS COME? SESSION 4. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Jesus came to remove our sin.
SESSION 4 WHY DID JESUS COME? The Point Jesus came to remove our sin. The Passage Luke 1:68-79 The Bible Meets Life Thanks to the Internet, we have easy access for finding solutions and fixing problems.
More informationAbide in Me John 15. Text. Introduction. John 15:1-11
Abide in Me John 15 Text John 15:1-11 Introduction I have given my testimony in this Church of how I came to know Christ. I never would have come to a point where I understood my need for a Savior, had
More informationFALL 2013 LEADER GUIDE RONNIE FLOYD GENERAL EDITOR PRESSURE POINTS WHEN RELATIONSHIPS COLLIDE
FALL 2013 LEADER GUIDE RONNIE FLOYD GENERAL EDITOR PRESSURE POINTS WHEN RELATIONSHIPS COLLIDE 10 SESSION 1 The Point Joyful trust in God will see you through all trials. The Bible Meets Life No one lives
More information80 Beauty from Ashes 2015 LifeWay
80 Beauty from Ashes We ve all messed up. God's mercy brings redemption. No two human beings are exactly alike. Each of us has a unique personality, background, life experience, and even DNA. But we all
More informationUnit 23, Session 1: Jesus Turned Water to Wine Unit 23, Session 2: Jesus Provided Bread from Heaven Unit 23, Session 3: Jesus Walked on Water
Unit 23, Session 1: Jesus Turned Water to Wine Unit 23, Session 2: Jesus Provided Bread from Heaven Unit 23, Session 3: Jesus Walked on Water **Note to leaders: Use the tweets, status updates, and emails
More informationOUR SHEPHERD SESSION 5. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. God guides us as He walks with us. Psalm 23:1-6
SESSION 5 OUR SHEPHERD The Point God guides us as He walks with us. The Passage Psalm 23:1-6 The Bible Meets Life Maps are good to direct you from one place to another, but you need to study them before
More informationBROKEN VESSELS: HOW GOD USES IMPERFECT PEOPLE
BROKEN VESSELS: HOW GOD USES IMPERFECT PEOPLE 98 God continually chooses to work in and through His people. Brokenness and pain. Unfortunately, they are universal. It may have been from the pain of that
More informationONE GREAT TASK SESSION 6. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Each of us must share the gospel.
SESSION 6 ONE GREAT TASK The Point Each of us must share the gospel. The Passage 2 Timothy 2:1-10 The Bible Meets Life The struggle to find hope and purpose is universal. Earlier in this study, we saw
More information84 Awa k e LifeWay
84 Awa k e Don t sleep through your spiritual life. Wake up! Nothing refreshes like a good night s sleep. And who doesn t enjoy the occasional afternoon nap? In at least one way, though, sleep is not good
More informationBARNABAS: ONGOING ENCOURAGEMENT
SESSION 4 BARNABAS: ONGOING ENCOURAGEMENT The Point Christ-centered living chooses encouragement, not criticism. The Passage Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-27; 11:19-26 The Bible Meets Life No one likes to go it alone.
More informationHebrews 6: A Hope & Anchor that does not fail! 11/16/14. A Hope & Anchor that Does not Fail
Hebrews 6: A Hope & Anchor that does not fail! 11/16/14 A Hope & Anchor that Does not Fail I. Jesus is the only Anchor that does not fail. 1. Struggle to trust even God. Thus, I tend to look to other things
More informationGRACIOUS HOSPITALITY SESSION 3. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Ground your service and love in hospitality.
SESSION 3 GRACIOUS HOSPITALITY The Point Ground your service and love in hospitality. The Passage 1 Peter 4:7-11 The Bible Meets Life We tend to evaluate ourselves based on what we believe, but we evaluate
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point Choose to follow Jesus. The Passage Matthew 7:13-27 The Bible Meets Life Our culture overwhelms us with choices. Even soft drink vending machines in restaurants are now offering up to 127 choices.
More informationThe Bible Meets Life
The Point Possessions don t last. Your relationship with God does. The Passage Matthew 6:19-24 The Bible Meets Life We are physical beings, and we live in a physical world. It s natural, then, that we
More informationReadings: Matthew 26:20-35; Mark 14:17-31; Luke 22:14-39; John 13:1-38; 14:1-31
Day 318 - November 14 Jesus the Christ (5 BCE-30 CE) Upper Room Readings: Matthew 26:20-35; Mark 14:17-31; Luke 22:14-39; John 13:1-38; 14:1-31 Reflections: The upper room represents one of the most significant
More informationVICTORY OVER SIN SESSION 3. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. Sin is no longer my master Jesus is.
SESSION 3 VICTORY OVER SIN The Point Sin is no longer my master Jesus is. The Passage Romans 6:4-14 The Bible Meets Life As Americans, we pride ourselves on being free people. We parade our rights and
More informationSESSION 5 WORK THROUGH CONFLICT 58 SESSION LifeWay
SESSION 5 WORK THROUGH CONFLICT 58 SESSION 5 The Point Leaders handle conflict with clear communication. The Passage Joshua 22:11-12, 15-18, 26-27, 33-34 The Bible Meets Life It s often easy to misread
More information