III. The Distinction of the Holy One. A. His faithfulness. I. The Discernment of the Holy One. B. His omnipotence. A. Idols are foolish.

Transcription

1 I have stirred him up in righteousness, and I will make all his ways level; he shall build my city and set my exiles free, not for price or reward, says the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 45:13 You felt secure in your wickedness, you said, No one sees me ; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, I am, and there is no one besides me. Isaiah 47:10 November 14 & 15, 2015 Ken Long, Senior Pastor Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any. Isaiah 44:7-8 I. The Discernment of the Holy One All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit. Their witnesses neither see nor know, that they may be put to shame. Isaiah 44:9 A. Idols are foolish. And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, Deliver me, for you are my god! Isaiah 44:17 B. Idols are deceptive. He feeds on ashes; a deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, Is there not a lie in my right hand? Isaiah 44:20 II. The Determination of the Holy One Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, Isaiah 44:24 A. God confounds the wise. who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish, Isaiah 44:25 B. God controls the wicked. who says of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose ; saying of Jerusalem, She shall be built, and of the temple, Your foundation shall be laid. Isaiah 44:28 III. The Distinction of the Holy One To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike? Isaiah 46:5 A. His faithfulness Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:3-4 B. His omnipotence declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose, Isaiah 46:10 My hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I call to them, they stand forth together. Isaiah 48:13 C. His salvation Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22 I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory. Isaiah 46:13 IV. The Distress of the Holy One Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea; your offspring would have been like the sand, and your descendants like its grains; their name would never be cut off or destroyed from before me. Isaiah 48:18-19 Application: Will I follow the Holy One? Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17 Available online at northshorechristian.org: Click the Media button for completed sermon CD s and DVD s of today s sermon & other messages are available next to the Media Booth. notes, video & audio. All scriptures are English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise Northshore Media # KJL noted.

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3 YOUR ROLE AS THE LEADER For clarification or assistance in understanding these responsibilities, connect with your Home Group Coach or Community Pastor. The Roles of the Home Group Leader: INSIDE THE GROUP The Roles of the Home Group Leader: OUTSIDE THE GROUP Abide in Christ Abide in Christ Spend time in God s Word, pray and fellowship during home group. Encourage others to spend time in God s Word, prayer and fellowship. Press into your relationship with God throughout the week. Encourage others to press into God s Word, prayer and fellowship. Intentional Relational Environment Intentional Relational Environment Create a safe environment for the group to thrive and grow. Ask good questions for the purpose of understanding where each group member is. Be transparent and vulnerable. Identify things to celebrate together as a group. (baptisms, serving, growth, etc ) Intentionally create opportunities to spend time with group members at coffee, home, etc... Aid in identifying places for people to play. Encourage others to pray for those outside of group. Pressing Into the One Pressing Into the One Identify your one. Disciple your one Identify a friend, co-worker, family member or neighbor to press into. Chase the Strays Chase the Strays Recognize who is missing from group. Encourage others to recognize who is missing from group. Check in with those who missed group. Look for opportunities to connect throughout the week with those who missed group and encourage group members to do the same. Connect the Unconnected Connect the Unconnected Pray for the Lord to put people in your path to invite to group. Encourage group members to invite people, especially from weekend services. Invite new people to your group through personal invitation and phone calls. Model for group members inviting unconnected people. Reach the Lost Reach the Lost Pray for the Lord to put non-believers in your path throughout the week to minister to. Equip your group members in sharing the gospel. Be prepared to share the gospel to anyone. Get to know your neighbors and co-workers. Invite the lost to home group. Spiritual and Leadership Development Spiritual and Leadership Development i Identify where group members are at in their spiritual maturity (Dead, Infant, Child, Young Adult, Parent) Identify, Equip, and Train an apprentice. Provide opportunities for your apprentice to lead. Release your apprentice when the group is ready to branch. Vision Cast the mission of the home group. Meet with your coach to discuss group and training. Meet with your apprentice regularly to debrief and equip. Identify and schedule serving opportunities for your group to do together.

4 THE PURPOSE OF HOME GROUPS THE PURPOSE OF HOME GROUPS: Although weekend worship is important, we believe that Jesus command to make disciples is best lived out in small group relational environments. Jesus methods are just as divine as His message. Therefore, we have chosen to follow Jesus example by creating community home groups which are the primary vehicle by which we carry out the mission of the church. Ranging in size from 4 to 14 people, home groups are community based relational environments of men and women that meet for the purpose of intentionally growing as disciples of Jesus. VISION: To reach the world for Jesus Christ by creating relational environments for the purpose of making disciples who can make disciples. MISSION: Loving God, Loving People, Disciples Making Disciples METHOD & STRATEGY: To follow Jesus divine model in making biblical disciples through intentional relational environments using His reproducible spiritual growth process. Abide in me, and I in You. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39 And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20 And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 ii

5 GROUND RULES for Home Group Discussions SAFE GROUP: We will all do our part to create an environment where everyone can be real, open and honest with their struggles and victories. CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in group stays in the group. LISTEN: Let s value one another during the discussions by really listening to what is being shared. Try to avoid thinking about how you are going to respond or what your are going to say next. PAUSE: Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares to give the person sharing the chance to finish and the group the opportunity to consider what was just shard before responding. SILENCE: It is important to allow silence in the group as it provides an opportunity for someone to share and for members in the group to process the topic or question being considered. NO CROSS TALK : Be considerate of others as they are sharing. No side conversations. NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each other. Jesus does that part. Give encouragement; speak truth and point to Jesus. Don t try to solve or fix each other. NO RESCUING: When people are sharing something deeply personal, there can be a tendency to try to make them feel better about themselves or the situation by providing immediate condolences. This will often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the temptation to rescue people. SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time you share. BE SELF-AWARE: Be self-aware of how you are personally affecting the environment through your words, actions and non-verbal communication. USE I STATEMENTS: It s easy to talk about the issues of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put yourself on the table. Try to use I statements rather than them, the church, us, we, etc. CONFLICT: We will commit to resolve conflict biblically. When conflict or sin issues between group members arise, we want to make sure that we are honoring God and each other in the way we deal with issues. iii

6 Table of Contents Page: Your Role as The Leader The Purpose of Home Groups Ground Rules for Home Group Discussions Table of Contents i ii iii iv WEEK #6: HEED THE WARNING 1 Key Scripture: Isaiah 35:8 Story: Isaiah 38:1-9, with Isaiah 39:1-8 Weekend of: October 31-November 1, 2015 WEEK #7: GOD S PLAN UNFOLDS 5 Key Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 Story: Genesis 17:15-22 and 21:1-7 Weekend of: November 7-8, 2015 WEEK #8: WHO IS LIKE THE LORD? 9 Key Scripture: Isaiah 45:18 Story: 1 Kings 18:17-40 Weekend of: November 14-15, 2015 WEEK #9: GOD WILL NOT FORGET YOU 13 Key Scripture: Isaiah 49:15 Story: Exodus 14:10-15:2 Weekend of: November 21-22, 2015 WEEK #10: THE SUFFERING SERVANT 17 Key Scripture: Isaiah 53:6 Story: Mark 15:1-39 Weekend of: November 28-29, 2015 WEEK #11: GOD S THOUGHTS AND WAYS 21 Key Scripture: Isaiah 55:9 Story: Judges 7:1-25 Weekend of: December 5-6, 2015 WEEK #12: THE FINAL CHAPTER 25 Key Scripture: Isaiah 66:18 Story: Ezra 1:1-11 and 3:8-13 Weekend of: December 12-13, 2015 The One Another Passages 29 4 Spheres 30 Sermon Series: THE HOLY ONE October 31-December 13, 2015 iv

7 This Week s Story: Hezekiah and the Envoy from Babylon THE HOLY ONE Isaiah 35:8 English Standard Version (ESV) A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray. ABIDING: How is your relationship with God? How is your relationship with family? BEFORE GROUP How is your relationship with church family? How is your relationship with people outside of church? PERSONAL DEVOTIONS: Reserve a daily time with God to know Him and His will through Bible reading, prayer, and reflection. What did God reveal to you in His Word today? Day 1: Psalm 4:1-8 Before Group: Who do I need to call this week (names)? Who am I intentionally praying for this Who needs me to pray with them? Who do I need to have a follow-up conversation with this week from group? Who was absent from group or from service? What s the next step to help them stay connected? Who am I inviting to group? How am I regularly encouraging group members to invite unconnected people? Is my group growing a heart for lost people? Read through the curriculum and discussion passages. Be aware of what God is showing you personally. Day 2: Proverbs 3:1-6 Day 3: Isaiah 12:1-6 Day 4: John 14:1-7 Day 5: Romans 15:8-13 Day 6: Nahum 1:2-7 PERSONAL PRAYER: 1 Taken From the Sermon: HEED THE WARNING! October 31-November 1, 2015

8 Week #6 Hezekiah and the Envoy from Babylon GROUP GUIDELINES Help set the tone for your group by going through the group guidelines on page ii. Help everyone have clear expectations of each other and the group time. VISION CAST the purpose of home group. To help everyone grow in their relationship with God and each other. To encourage each other to grow and mature in following Jesus as we are being disciples of Jesus together. The group also works together to reach out to others, helping them have a relationship with Jesus. Go as deep as needed, being mindful of different views and always aiming for unity. Listen carefully to how the members in your group respond to these questions. They will always give you clues to where they are spiritually and what experience they have pressing into the one. OPEN IN PRAYER: HOME GROUP GROUND RULES: VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: Black & White, Dec 4th DURING GROUP Get in the Game, 101, 201 & 302, Dec 6 th 5pm-8pm Sacred Search & Sacred Marriage Conference, January WARM UP QUESTIONS: When guests come to your home for the first time, do you close the doors to certain rooms or invite them to take a tour of the whole house? Was there a moment or event in the past week for which you would like to be granted a do over? THE BIG IDEA: In God We Trust SETTING UP THE STORY: A few weeks ago we looked at the story of Hezekiah s prayer and how Isaiah foretold God s deliverance from the Assyrian army. Today we are looking at two subsequent messages that were presented to Hezekiah by Isaiah. Ch. 38 describes a promise of healing and extended life when the king was extremely ill, along with a miraculous confirming sign involving a sundial. The third and last message follows a visit to Hezekiah by ambassadors from Babylon. They had arrived with letters, probably about rebellion against Assyria. It is possible that the astronomyminded Babylonians may have been curious about the miracle of the sundial and the Power that had produced it. Instead of ascribing greatness and glory to God, Hezekiah gave them a tour of all his earthy treasures. OUR STORY PASSAGE: Isaiah 38:1-9, with Isaiah 39:1-8 (connect the two segments for a single story) A. TELL THE STORY: B. REBUILD THE STORY: have the group recreate the passage together. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: How would you describe Hezekiah s attitude toward God during his life-threatening illness? (Leader s tip: 2 Chronicles 32:31 tells us that God tested Hezekiah when the Babylonian envoy came to meet him.) During his season of relative security and prosperity, what credentials for power did King Hezekiah choose to present to the Babylonian envoy? In your own life, what are the indicators of where you place your trust? How can we cultivate a life of steady faith that will be evident in seasons of both peace and panic? CLOSE IN PRAYER: Taken From the Sermon: HEED THE WARNING! October 31-November 1,

9 Week #6 Hezekiah and the Envoy from Babylon AFTER GROUP After Group: How is my group growing a heart for lost people? Who was absent from group or service? How are our relationships deepening? What needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this Who am I intentionally praying for this Who has God called you to press into? How will you connect with them? How will you press into their life? Where are they in their walk with Christ? How is their relationship with God? How is their relationship with family? How is their relationship with church family? Connecting In Daily Life The 4 Relational Spheres of Life What do I need to debrief with my apprentice this your relationship with Christ? your relationships at home? your relationships in the body of Christ? your relationships outside the body of Christ? What has God been With your spouse? People in your Your neighbors? telling you this Where is the enemy attacking you this How has your time in the word and in prayer been this Devotional? With your children? With your extended family members? What are you intentionally doing to help them and you mature as disciples of Jesus? home group? Others in the church? Conflict to overcome? Team, unity Connect the unconnected Your co-workers? Have you invited them to your home group? Have you shared the gospel to any of them? 3 Taken From the Sermon: HEED THE WARNING! October 31-November 1, 2015

10 Celebration and Prayer NAME PRAYER REQUESTS / CELEBRATIONS Take time to pray together for each other s: Walk with Christ Relationships at home Relationships within the Body of Christ Relationships outside of the Body of Christ 4

11 This Week s Story: Isaac: The Promised Son THE HOLY ONE Isaiah 40:31 English Standard Version (ESV) ABIDING: BEFORE GROUP But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. How is your relationship with God? How is your relationship with family? How is your relationship with church family? How is your relationship with people outside of church? PERSONAL DEVOTIONS: Reserve a daily time with God to know Him and His will through Bible reading, prayer, and reflection. What did God reveal to you in His Word today? Day 1: Proverbs 20:1 Before Group: Who do I need to call this week (names)? Who am I intentionally praying for this Who needs me to pray with them? Who do I need to have a follow-up conversation with this week from group? Who was absent from group or from service? What s the next step to help them stay connected? Who am I inviting to group? How am I regularly encouraging group members to invite unconnected people? Is my group growing a heart for lost people? Read through the curriculum and discussion passages. Be aware of what God is showing you personally. Day 2: Proverbs 3:5-6 Day 3: Psalm 9:9 Day 4: John 14:27 Day 5: Proverbs 30:5 Day 6: Psalm 37:5 PERSONAL PRAYER: 5 Taken From the Sermon: GOD S PLAN UNFOLDS November 7-8, 2015

12 Week #7 Isaac: The Promised Son GROUP GUIDELINES Help set the tone for your group by going through the group guidelines on page ii. Help everyone have clear expectations of each other and the group time. VISION CAST the purpose of home group. To help everyone grow in their relationship with God and each other. To encourage each other to grow and mature in following Jesus as we are being disciples of Jesus together. The group also works together to reach out to others, helping them have a relationship with Jesus. Go as deep as needed, being mindful of different views and always aiming for unity. Listen carefully to how the members in your group respond to these questions. They will always give you clues to where they are spiritually and what experience they have pressing into the one. OPEN IN PRAYER: HOME GROUP GROUND RULES: VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: Black & White, Dec 4th DURING GROUP Get in the Game, 101, 201 & 302 Discover Your Ministry, Dec 6 th 5pm-8pm Sacred Search & Sacred Marriage Conference, January WARM UP QUESTIONS: How many siblings do you have, and where are you in the line-up? What is the meaning of your name? Do you think it matches well with who you are? THE BIG IDEA: God keeps His promises. SETTING UP THE STORY: Abraham was 75 years old, and his wife, Sarah, 65 when God sent them out on the ministry of a lifetime. In a time when relocation apart from national calamity was unheard of, this wealthy, childless couple was called to leave their home and their people and go to the land that God would show them. God promised them land, descendants that would fill that land and become a nation, and that through the offspring of Abraham all the families of the world would be blessed (Gen 12:1-3). Abraham believed God (15:6), and moved with Sarah and his nephew Lot, to Canaan where they lived a nomadic life for the next 24 years. During that time the promise of land, offspring and blessing was reiterated and expanded (Gen. 13:14-18, 15:4-21, 17:1-8), but not fulfilled. The story this week tells about the joyous arrival of Isaac, the son of the promise. OUR STORY PASSAGE: Genesis 17:15-22 and 21:1-7 A. TELL THE STORY: B. REBUILD THE STORY: have the group recreate the passage together. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What two phrases from Genesis 21:1-2 tell us that we can trust God s word? According to Romans 4:18-21, exactly how was Abraham able to wait for the arrival of Isaac? What promise from God s word has helped to strengthen and sustain you during a time of prolonged waiting? How was the promise fulfilled? What promise from the word of God would you be willing to offer as an encouragement to a co-worker? Child? Neighbor? Family member? Brother or sister in faith? As a group, pool your ideas to expand one-another s resources. CLOSE IN PRAYER: Taken From the Sermon: GOD S PLAN UNFOLDS November 7-8,

13 Week #7 Isaac: The Promised Son AFTER GROUP After Group: How is my group growing a heart for lost people? Who has God called you to press into? Connecting In Daily Life Who was absent from group or service? How are our relationships deepening? How will you connect with them? How will you press into their life? Where are they in their walk with Christ? What needs can I or others meet? How is their relationship with God? How is their relationship with family? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this How is their relationship with church family? The 4 Relational Spheres of Life Who am I intentionally praying for this What do I need to debrief with my apprentice this your relationship with Christ? your relationships at home? your relationships in the body of Christ? your relationships outside the body of Christ? What has God been With your spouse? People in your Your neighbors? telling you this Where is the enemy attacking you this How has your time in the word and in prayer been this Devotional? With your children? With your extended family members? What are you intentionally doing to help them and you mature as disciples of Jesus? home group? Others in the church? Conflict to overcome? Team, unity Connect the unconnected Your co-workers? Have you invited them to your home group? Have you shared the gospel to any of them? 7 Taken From the Sermon: GOD S PLAN UNFOLDS November 7-8, 2015

14 Celebration and Prayer NAME PRAYER REQUESTS / CELEBRATIONS Take time to pray together for each other s: Walk with Christ Relationships at home Relationships within the Body of Christ Relationships outside of the Body of Christ 8

15 This Week s Story: Elijah and the Prophets of Baal THE HOLY ONE Isaiah 45:18 English Standard Version (ESV) For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): I am the Lord, and there is no other. ABIDING: How is your relationship with God? How is your relationship with family? BEFORE GROUP How is your relationship with church family? How is your relationship with people outside of church? PERSONAL DEVOTIONS: Reserve a daily time with God to know Him and His will through Bible reading, prayer, and reflection. What did God reveal to you in His Word today? Day 1: Ephesians 4:4-6 Intentional Leader Action: Who do I need to call this week (names)? Who am I intentionally praying for this Who needs me to pray with them? Who do I need to have a follow-up conversation with this week from group? Who was absent from group or from service? What s the next step to help them stay connected? Who am I inviting to group? How am I regularly encouraging group members to invite unconnected people? Is my group growing a heart for lost people? Day 2: 1 Timothy 6:16 Day 3: 1 Kings 18:16-40 Day 4: Psalm 25:4-5 Day 5: 1 Kings 8:22-23 Day 6: Exodus 15:1-8 PERSONAL PRAYER: 9 Taken From the Sermon: WHO IS LIKE THE LORD? November 14-15, 2015

16 Week #8 Elijah and the Prophets of Baal GROUP GUIDELINES Help set the tone for your group by going through the group guidelines on page ii. Help everyone have clear expectations of each other and the group time. VISION CAST the purpose of home group. To help everyone grow in their relationship with God and each other. To encourage each other to grow and mature in following Jesus as we are being disciples of Jesus together. The group also works together to reach out to others, helping them have a relationship with Jesus. Go as deep as needed, being mindful of different views and always aiming for unity. Listen carefully to how the members in your group respond to these questions. They will always give you clues to where they are spiritually and what experience they have pressing into the one. OPEN IN PRAYER: HOME GROUP GROUND RULES: VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: Black & White, Dec 4th DURING GROUP Get in the Game, 101, 201 & 302 Discover Your Ministry, Dec 6 th 5pm-8pm Sacred Search & Sacred Marriage Conference, January WARM UP QUESTIONS: Share your favorite bonfire story. In the recent drought, did you yearn for rain or revel in the sunshine? THE BIG IDEA: There is no god like our God BACKGROUND: During the time of the divided kingdom, Elijah, the most famous and dramatic of Israel s prophets, was the contemporary to Ahab, the most evil king of Israel. Ahab did at times display courage, and even humility before God, but he had an indecisive nature and was led into wickedness by his wife, the infamous Jezebel. In an effort to draw Ahab and the Northern tribes out of idolatry and back to the LORD, God sent Elijah to Ahab with an invitation to a show-down; Elijah and the God of Israel against 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah (a Canaanite goddess). The contest would reveal the true God of Israel, the God above all gods. Elijah mocked the efforts of the false prophets by suggesting, among other things, that their god is busy. This was a euphemism. Elijah was suggesting that the reason their god did not answer was that he had gone to a celestial men s room. When Elijah took his turn, God demonstrated that He is powerful, present, and responsive to those who seek him. OUR STORY PASSAGE: 1 Kings 18:17-40 A. TELL THE STORY: B. REBUILD THE STORY: have the group recreate the passage together. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Who was invited to witness the contest between Elijah s God and the prophets of Baal (18:19-20)? What does this suggest about God s purpose for staging this confrontation? 2. What truths about himself and God do you think Elijah was trying to prove when he poured water on the altar three times? 3. What stands out to you from Elijah s prayer (vs )? In what ways could this be a guideline for your own conversation with God? 4. What are you praying for today that can only be accomplished through the power of God? CLOSE IN PRAYER: Taken From the Sermon: WHO IS LIKE THE LORD? November 14-15,

17 Week #8 Elijah and the Prophets of Baal AFTER GROUP After Group: How is my group growing a heart for lost people? Who was absent from group or service? How are our relationships deepening? What needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this Who am I intentionally praying for this Who has God called you to press into? How will you connect with them? How will you press into their life? Where are they in their walk with Christ? How is their relationship with God? How is their relationship with family? How is their relationship with church family? Connecting In Daily Life The 4 Relational Spheres of Life What do I need to debrief with my apprentice this your relationship with Christ? your relationships at home? your relationships in the body of Christ? your relationships outside the body of Christ? What has God been With your spouse? People in your Your neighbors? telling you this Where is the enemy attacking you this How has your time in the word and in prayer been this Devotional? With your children? With your extended family members? What are you intentionally doing to help them and you mature as disciples of Jesus? home group? Others in the church? Conflict to overcome? Team, unity Connect the unconnected Your co-workers? Have you invited them to your home group? Have you shared the gospel to any of them? 11 Taken From the Sermon: WHO IS LIKE THE LORD? November 14-15, 2015

18 Celebration and Prayer NAME PRAYER REQUESTS / CELEBRATIONS Take time to pray together for each other s: Walk with Christ Relationships at home Relationships within the Body of Christ Relationships outside of the Body of Christ 12

19 This Week s Story: The Children of Israel at the Red Sea THE HOLY ONE Isaiah 49:15 English Standard Version (ESV) Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. ABIDING: How is your relationship with God? How is your relationship with family? BEFORE GROUP How is your relationship with church family? How is your relationship with people outside of church? PERSONAL DEVOTIONS: Reserve a daily time with God to know Him and His will through Bible reading, prayer, and reflection. What did God reveal to you in His Word today? Day 1: 2 Samuel 22:1-7 Intentional Leader Action: 13 Who do I need to call this week (names)? Who am I intentionally praying for this Who needs me to pray with them? Who do I need to have a follow-up conversation with this week from group? Who was absent from group or from service? What s the next step to help them stay connected? Who am I inviting to group? How am I regularly encouraging group members to invite unconnected people? Is my group growing a heart for lost people? Day 2: Psalm 34:1-6 Day 3: Romans 11:26-32 Day 4: Psalm 37:34-40 Day 5: 2 Kings 13:1-5 Day 6: Romans 4:17-25 PERSONAL PRAYER: Taken From the Sermon: GOD WILL NOT FORGET YOU November 21-22, 2015

20 Week #9 The Children of Israel at the Red Sea GROUP GUIDELINES Help set the tone for your group by going through the group guidelines on page ii. Help everyone have clear expectations of each other and the group time. VISION CAST the purpose of home group. To help everyone grow in their relationship with God and each other. To encourage each other to grow and mature in following Jesus as we are being disciples of Jesus together. The group also works together to reach out to others, helping them have a relationship with Jesus. Go as deep as needed, being mindful of different views and always aiming for unity. Listen carefully to how the members in your group respond to these questions. They will always give you clues to where they are spiritually and what experience they have pressing into the one. OPEN IN PRAYER: HOME GROUP GROUND RULES: VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: Black & White, Dec 4th DURING GROUP Get in the Game, 101, 201 & 302 Discover Your Ministry, Dec 6 th 5pm-8pm Sacred Search & Sacred Marriage Conference, January WARM UP QUESTIONS: When have you crossed a river, full or dry, on foot and without a bridge? What is your favorite way to celebrate a victory or special achievement? THE BIG IDEA: God is Our Deliverer BACKGROUND: At the end of the book of Genesis, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were not yet a nation of 12 tribes, but a family of 12 brothers and their children. 400 years later, at the beginning of the book of Exodus this extended family had expanded into an ethic group of more than a million souls who were known as Hebrews and ruled as slaves. They had been immersed in Egyptian culture, but through miracles and plagues that defeated Pharaoh and gods of Egypt, God had reminded them of His power and of the land He had promised through the patriarchs. The story of their flight from slavery in Egypt to follow God to the Promised Land can be seen as a metaphor to illustrate leaving behind a life of bondage to sin in order to follow God into a new life of faith. OUR STORY PASSAGE: Exodus 14:10-15:2 A. TELL THE STORY: B. REBUILD THE STORY: have the group recreate the passage together. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What did Moses say to the terrified children of Israel when they saw the Egyptian army approaching? How is this message useful to you today? (vs ) What do you think God was trying to teach them when he brought them to the edge of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army coming to return them to slavery? How do times of crisis help to deepen your own understanding of God, and His power to provide for and protect you? Contrast this with what you learn about God in times of prosperity and peace. How have you celebrated God s victories in your life? (vs. 15:1-2) Take some time as a group to share and celebrate personal stories of God s deliverance and/or provision. Make a point to praise Him during your prayer time together. CLOSE IN PRAYER: Taken From the Sermon: GOD WILL NOT FORGET YOU November 21-22,

21 Week #9 The Children of Israel at the Red Sea AFTER GROUP After Group: How is my group growing a heart for lost people? Who was absent from group or service? How are our relationships deepening? What needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this Who am I intentionally praying for this Who has God called you to press into? How will you connect with them? How will you press into their life? Where are they in their walk with Christ? How is their relationship with God? How is their relationship with family? How is their relationship with church family? Connecting In Daily Life The 4 Relational Spheres of Life What do I need to debrief with my apprentice this your relationship with Christ? your relationships at home? your relationships in the body of Christ? your relationships outside the body of Christ? What has God been With your spouse? People in your Your neighbors? telling you this Where is the enemy attacking you this How has your time in the word and in prayer been this Devotional? With your children? With your extended family members? What are you intentionally doing to help them and you mature as disciples of Jesus? home group? Others in the church? Conflict to overcome? Team, unity Connect the unconnected Your co-workers? Have you invited them to your home group? Have you shared the gospel to any of them? 15 Taken From the Sermon: GOD WILL NOT FORGET YOU November 21-22, 2015

22 Celebration and Prayer NAME PRAYER REQUESTS / CELEBRATIONS Take time to pray together for each other s: Walk with Christ Relationships at home Relationships within the Body of Christ Relationships outside of the Body of Christ 16

23 This Week s Story: The Passion of The Christ THE HOLY ONE Isaiah 53:6 English Standard Version (ESV) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. BEFORE GROUP ABIDING: How is your relationship with God? How is your relationship with family? How is your relationship with church family? How is your relationship with people outside of church? PERSONAL DEVOTIONS: Reserve a daily time with God to know Him and His will through Bible reading, prayer, and reflection. What did God reveal to you in His Word today? Day 1: John 3:16-18 Intentional Leader Action: 17 Who do I need to call this week (names)? Who am I intentionally praying for this Who needs me to pray with them? Who do I need to have a follow-up conversation with this week from group? Who was absent from group or from service? What s the next step to help them stay connected? Who am I inviting to group? How am I regularly encouraging group members to invite unconnected people? Is my group growing a heart for lost people? Day 2: Exodus 12:25-28 Day 3: Hebrews 12:1-2 Day 4: Romans 5:6-11 Day 5: Romans 10:9-12 Day 6: Galatians 2:19-21 PERSONAL PRAYER: Taken From the Sermon: THE SUFFERING SERVANT November 28-29, 2015

24 Week #10 The Passion of The Christ GROUP GUIDELINES Help set the tone for your group by going through the group guidelines on page ii. Help everyone have clear expectations of each other and the group time. VISION CAST the purpose of home group. To help everyone grow in their relationship with God and each other. To encourage each other to grow and mature in following Jesus as we are being disciples of Jesus together. The group also works together to reach out to others, helping them have a relationship with Jesus. Go as deep as needed, being mindful of different views and always aiming for unity. Listen carefully to how the members in your group respond to these questions. They will always give you clues to where they are spiritually and what experience they have pressing into the one. OPEN IN PRAYER: HOME GROUP GROUND RULES: VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: Black & White, Dec 4th DURING GROUP Get in the Game, 101, 201 & 302 Discover Your Ministry, Dec 6 th 5pm-8pm Sacred Search & Sacred Marriage Conference, January WARM UP QUESTIONS: Other than your name, what are some titles or nicknames (clean only!) you have had? Share a single brief highlight from Thanksgiving Day. THE BIG IDEA: God s Holy Sacrifice BACKGROUND: Each of the 4 gospels is unique, and like photos of a single event taken from different angles, together they create a panorama of the life and ministry of Jesus. Mark s gospel does not dwell on Jesus family history or career. Instead, this gospel is a dynamic record of the actions and achievements of Jesus as a Savior-King, who conquers demons, disease and death. Mark wrote for Gentile (non-jewish) believers who did not have a deep familiarity with Jewish scriptures and who were, at the time of Nero, facing persecution and martyrdom for their faith. They needed to know that Jesus also suffered, but that after His suffering He triumphed over both suffering and death. The suffering Jesus was also the Son of God (1:1, 11, 14:61), the Son of Man (2:10, 8:31), The Christ (8:29), and the Lord (1:3, 7:28). Mark wrote the story down in order to verify these truths and to provide a way to pass them on to new generations of believers. OUR STORY PASSAGE: Mark 15:1-39 A. TELL THE STORY: B. REBUILD THE STORY: have the group recreate the passage together. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: How many times is the phrase, King of the Jews repeated? Can you think of some reasons it was important that Jesus was given this title as He was being condemned and crucified? Why do you think Jesus refused to drink the sedative (myrrh) that was offered to Him? How is this meaningful for you? What do you think God wanted us to understand when He tore the curtain that hung in front of the holy of holies? How do you enter into the presence of God? Compare the question of Pilate (15:2) with the declaration of the centurion (15:39). What title do you, personally, have for Jesus? CLOSE IN PRAYER: Taken From the Sermon: THE SUFFERING SERVANT November 28-29,

25 Week #10 The Passion of the Christ AFTER GROUP After Group: How is my group growing a heart for lost people? Who was absent from group or service? How are our relationships deepening? What needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this Who am I intentionally praying for this Who has God called you to press into? How will you connect with them? How will you press into their life? Where are they in their walk with Christ? How is their relationship with God? How is their relationship with family? How is their relationship with church family? Connecting In Daily Life The 4 Relational Spheres of Life What do I need to debrief with my apprentice this your relationship with Christ? your relationships at home? your relationships in the body of Christ? your relationships outside the body of Christ? What has God been With your spouse? People in your Your neighbors? telling you this Where is the enemy attacking you this How has your time in the word and in prayer been this Devotional? With your children? With your extended family members? What are you intentionally doing to help them and you mature as disciples of Jesus? home group? Others in the church? Conflict to overcome? Team, unity Connect the unconnected Your co-workers? Have you invited them to your home group? Have you shared the gospel to any of them? 19 Taken From the Sermon: THE SUFFERING SERVANT November 28-29, 2015

26 Celebration and Prayer NAME PRAYER REQUESTS / CELEBRATIONS Take time to pray together for each other s: Walk with Christ Relationships at home Relationships within the Body of Christ Relationships outside of the Body of Christ 20

27 This Week s Story: Gideon THE HOLY ONE Isaiah 55:9 English Standard Version (ESV) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. BEFORE GROUP ABIDING: How is your relationship with God? How is your relationship with family? How is your relationship with church family? How is your relationship with people outside of church? PERSONAL DEVOTIONS: Reserve a daily time with God to know Him and His will through Bible reading, prayer, and reflection. What did God reveal to you in His Word today? Day 1: Psalm 34:15-17 Intentional Leader Action: 21 Who do I need to call this week (names)? Who am I intentionally praying for this Who needs me to pray with them? Who do I need to have a follow-up conversation with this week from group? Who was absent from group or from service? What s the next step to help them stay connected? Who am I inviting to group? How am I regularly encouraging group members to invite unconnected people? Is my group growing a heart for lost people? Day 2: 2 Samuel 22:1-4 Day 3: Joel 2:25-27 Day 4: Romans 12:1-2 Day 5: Psalm 40:9-11 Day 6: Galatians 5:1-6 PERSONAL PRAYER: Taken From the Sermon: GOD S THOUGHTS AND WAYS December 5-6, 2015

28 Week #11 Gideon GROUP GUIDELINES Help set the tone for your group by going through the group guidelines on page ii. Help everyone have clear expectations of each other and the group time. VISION CAST the purpose of home group. To help everyone grow in their relationship with God and each other. To encourage each other to grow and mature in following Jesus as we are being disciples of Jesus together. The group also works together to reach out to others, helping them have a relationship with Jesus. Go as deep as needed, being mindful of different views and always aiming for unity. Listen carefully to how the members in your group respond to these questions. They will always give you clues to where they are spiritually and what experience they have pressing into the one. OPEN IN PRAYER: HOME GROUP GROUND RULES: VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: DURING GROUP Sacred Search & Sacred Marriage Conference, January WARM UP QUESTIONS: What is the most difficult job you ever held? Describe a task/project that you are proud of? THE BIG IDEA: God s ways are not like our ways. BACKGROUND: The book of Judges presents a series of stories that bridge the long gap between Israel s conquest of Canaan after the Exodus and the anointing of their first king, Saul. The stories contrast God s faithfulness with Israel s apostasy (turning away to worship idols). The real hero of the book of Judges is God Himself, who alone remains faithful to His promises to Abraham and his descendants despite the failings of His people. God provided deliverers---namely the judges---time and again in response to the peoples cries of repentance. One of these judges was a young farmer named Gideon; an unlikely leader with no self confidence and no worldly credentials. Gideon s story illustrates how very different God s ways are from our ways, and that humble and insignificant people can have a vital role in God s plan. OUR STORY PASSAGE: Judges 7:1-25 A. TELL THE STORY: B. REBUILD THE STORY: have the group recreate the passage together. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Why did God reduce Gideon s army to a fraction of its original size? What were some of the things Gideon and his army needed to do? What were the things that only God could do? What do we learn about God s ways? How do you figure out what things you are to actively work on and which things are to be left in God s hands? What are one or two tendencies you have recognized in your life that go contrary to God s ways? Will you be willing to renounce them? CLOSE IN PRAYER: Taken From the Sermon: GOD S THOUGHTS AND WAYS December 5-6,

29 Week #11 Gideon AFTER GROUP After Group: How is my group growing a heart for lost people? Who was absent from group or service? How are our relationships deepening? What needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this Who am I intentionally praying for this Who has God called you to press into? How will you connect with them? How will you press into their life? Where are they in their walk with Christ? How is their relationship with God? How is their relationship with family? How is their relationship with church family? Connecting In Daily Life The 4 Relational Spheres of Life What do I need to debrief with my apprentice this your relationship with Christ? your relationships at home? your relationships in the body of Christ? your relationships outside the body of Christ? What has God been With your spouse? People in your Your neighbors? telling you this Where is the enemy attacking you this How has your time in the word and in prayer been this Devotional? With your children? With your extended family members? What are you intentionally doing to help them and you mature as disciples of Jesus? home group? Others in the church? Conflict to overcome? Team, unity Connect the unconnected Your co-workers? Have you invited them to your home group? Have you shared the gospel to any of them? 23 Taken From the Sermon: GOD S THOUGHTS AND WAYS December 5-6, 2015

30 Celebration and Prayer NAME PRAYER REQUESTS / CELEBRATIONS Take time to pray together for each other s: Walk with Christ Relationships at home Relationships within the Body of Christ Relationships outside of the Body of Christ 24

31 This Week s Story: God Restores His Temple THE HOLY ONE Isaiah 66:18 English Standard Version (ESV) For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory ABIDING: How is your relationship with God? How is your relationship with family? BEFORE GROUP How is your relationship with church family? How is your relationship with people outside of church? PERSONAL DEVOTIONS: Reserve a daily time with God to know Him and His will through Bible reading, prayer, and reflection. What did God reveal to you in His Word today? Day 1: Psalm 51:7-12 Intentional Leader Action: 25 Who do I need to call this week (names)? Who am I intentionally praying for this Who needs me to pray with them? Who do I need to have a follow-up conversation with this week from group? Who was absent from group or from service? What s the next step to help them stay connected? Who am I inviting to group? How am I regularly encouraging group members to invite unconnected people? Is my group growing a heart for lost people? Day 2: Lamentations 5:15-21 Day 3: Galatians 6:1-9 Day 4: 1 Peter 5:5-11 Day 5: Psalm 23:1-6 Day 6: Psalm 80:1-7 PERSONAL PRAYER: Taken From the Sermon: THE FINAL CHAPTER December 12-13, 2015

32 Week #12 God Restores His Temple GROUP GUIDELINES Help set the tone for your group by going through the group guidelines on page ii. Help everyone have clear expectations of each other and the group time. VISION CAST the purpose of home group. To help everyone grow in their relationship with God and each other. To encourage each other to grow and mature in following Jesus as we are being disciples of Jesus together. The group also works together to reach out to others, helping them have a relationship with Jesus. Go as deep as needed, being mindful of different views and always aiming for unity. Listen carefully to how the members in your group respond to these questions. They will always give you clues to where they are spiritually and what experience they have pressing into the one. OPEN IN PRAYER: HOME GROUP GROUND RULES: VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: Small Group Christmas Events DURING GROUP Sacred Search & Sacred Marriage Conference, January WARM UP QUESTIONS: Have you ever attempted a project without ready the instructions first? How did that work out for you? If you were moving to a new country and could only take three non-essentials, what would you take? THE BIG IDEA: God restores his people. BACKGROUND: One hundred forty years before Cyrus issued the decree allowing the Israelites to return to their homeland, Isaiah prophesied that a man named Cyrus would issue such an order (Is. 44:28; 45:1). The book of Ezra tells about the fulfillment of that very specific prophesy. Jerusalem and the magnificent temple built by Solomon had been completely destroyed by the Babylonians and most of the Jews were deported as captives. Babylon was eventually conquered by Persia, and it was the Persian King, Cyrus, who permitted 42,000 pioneering Jews to return, rebuild the city, and restore the temple. The first thing the returnees did was to restore worship; they rebuilt the altar and resumed offering regular sacrifices for sin. Then, in the midst of the rubble and ruin of the city, with singing and tears, they laid a new foundation for a restored temple. OUR STORY PASSAGE: Ezra 1:1-11 and 3:8-13 A. TELL THE STORY: B. REBUILD THE STORY: have the group recreate the passage together. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (Have someone read aloud 2 Chronicles 36:15-21.) What does this passage tell us about God s reasons for allowing the Jews to fall into the hands of the Babylonians, and the limit He placed on their captivity? What things about the character of God do you see in this passage? What impresses you about all the ways God used Cyrus in fulfillment of His earlier promises? How do you think knowledge of God s prophetic word influenced the decision of the remnant to return to a destroyed city? How has knowledge of God s word been useful for guiding decisions you have made? When a remnant of Jews left Persia, what do you think they gave up, and what did they hope to gain by returning to Jerusalem? How has God s work of restoration required you to leave behind comfortable habits or associations? What have you gained in exchange? CLOSE IN PRAYER: Taken From the Sermon: THE FINAL CHAPTER December 12-13,

33 Week #12 God Restores His Temple AFTER GROUP After Group: How is my group growing a heart for lost people? Who was absent from group or service? How are our relationships deepening? What needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this Who am I intentionally praying for this Who has God called you to press into? How will you connect with them? How will you press into their life? Where are they in their walk with Christ? How is their relationship with God? How is their relationship with family? How is their relationship with church family? Connecting In Daily Life The 4 Relational Spheres of Life What do I need to debrief with my apprentice this your relationship with Christ? your relationships at home? your relationships in the body of Christ? your relationships outside the body of Christ? What has God been With your spouse? People in your Your neighbors? telling you this Where is the enemy attacking you this How has your time in the word and in prayer been this Devotional? With your children? With your extended family members? What are you intentionally doing to help them and you mature as disciples of Jesus? home group? Others in the church? Conflict to overcome? Team, unity Connect the unconnected Your co-workers? Have you invited them to your home group? Have you shared the gospel to any of them? 27 Taken From the Sermon: THE FINAL CHAPTER December 12-13, 2015

34 Celebration and Prayer NAME PRAYER REQUESTS / CELEBRATIONS Take time to pray together for each other s: Walk with Christ Relationships at home Relationships within the Body of Christ Relationships outside of the Body of Christ 28

35 THE ONE ANOTHER PASSAGES The following passages are significant in helping us develop healthy relationships as members of the family of God. LOVE one another: John 13:34-35; 15:12; 14:13 Romans 12:10; 13:8; 14:13 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9 1 Peter 1:22 1 John 3:11, 22; 4:7-8, 11-12, 23 2 John 1:5 SERVE one another: Galatians 5:13; 21 Philippians 2:3 1 Peter 4:9; 5:5 ACCEPT one another: Romans 15:7, 14 STRENGTHEN one another: Romans 14:19 HELP one another: Hebrews 3:13; 10:24 ENCOURAGE one another: Romans 14:19; 15:14 Colossians 3:16 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25 CARE for one another: Galatians 6:2 FORGIVE one another: Ephesians 4:32 Colossians 3:13 SUBMIT to one another: Ephesians 4:32 1 Peter 5:5 29 COMMIT to one another: 1 John 3:16 BUILD TRUST with one another: 1 John 1:7 BE DEVOTED to one another: Romans 12:10 BE PATIENT with one another: Ephesians 4:2 Colossians 3:13 BE ACCOUNTABLE to one another: Ephesians 5:21 CONFESS to one another: James 5:16 LIVE IN HARMONY with one another: Romans 12:16 DO NOT BE CONCIETED to one another: Romans 13:8 DO NOT PASS JUDGEMENT to one another: Romans 14:13; 15:7 DO NOT SLANDER one another: James 4:11 INSTRUCT one another: Romans 16:16 GREET one another: Romans 5:14 1 Corinthians 1:10 2 Corinthians 13:12 ADMONISH one another: Romans 5:14 Colossians 3:16 SPUR one another on toward love and good deeds: Hebrews 10:24 MEET WITH one another: Hebrews 10:25 AGREE WITH one another: 1 Corinthians 16:20 BE CONCERNED FOR one another: Hebrews 10:24 BE HUMBLE to one another in love: Ephesians 4:2 BE COMPASSIONATE to one another: Ephesians 4:32 DO NOT BE CONSUMED BY one another: Galatians 5:14-15 DO NOT ANGER one another: Galatians 5:26 DO NOT LIE to one another: Colossians 3:9 DO NOT GRUMBLE to one another: James 5:9 GIVE PREFERENCE TO one another: Romans 12:10 BE AT PEACE WITH one another: Romans 12:18 SING TO one another: Ephesians 5:19 BE OF THE SAME MIND TO one another: Romans 12:16; 15:5 COMFORT one another: 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11 BE KIND TO one another: Ephesians 4:32 LIVE IN PEACE WITH one another: 1 Thessalonians 5:13 CARRY one another s burdens: Galatians 6:2

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