When the church gathers, it is participating in an alternative imagination. Walter Brueggemann. Church Disassembled. Small Group Discussion Guide
|
|
- Lucy Marsh
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 When the church gathers, it is participating in an alternative imagination. Walter Brueggemann Church Disassembled Small Group Discussion Guide
2 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 Christian Church [Buckhead]
3 The following excerpt is from Luke Timothy Johnson s book, The Creed: What Christians Believe and Why it Matters. He highlights the truth that church is something we to together, and not alone. The communal and tribal nature of the gathering, seen here in his explanation of the creeds, is what God has designed for our good, particularly in times of doubt and faith confusion. First, we believe says that in the creed we profess the convictions that bind us together as a community. We stand together and recite them in public. The creed in this form is a political statement: we declare that we are the people defined by these words. Second, even as we say we believe, we must acknowledge the different ways each of us actually believes. Each of us understands the statements of the creed in slightly different ways. Each of us holds it with different levels of intensity. Each of us lives by it with different degrees of integrity. On any given Sunday, I must admit that I am not sure how secure my conviction is that there is but one God, or (given my own tendency toward idolatry) how much my life reveals such a conviction. Third, we also acknowledge that no one of us individually believes as much or as well as all of us do communally. The church always believes more and better than any one of its members. Does this mean that we act hypocritically when we say together we believe? Not at all: it is rather that we want to believe as the church believes, that we choose to stand together under these truths, in the hope that our individual I believe someday approaches the strength of the church s we believe. Luke Timothy Johnson The Creed: What Christians Believe and Why it Matters [p.46]
4 Church Disassembled About the Series This group study was written to coincide with the sermon series Church Disassembled given during April The goal of the series was to move through the four main elements of our worship gatherings - singing, teaching, giving, and communion - and to answer the pressing question: Why do we do those things when we re together on Sundays? We think that s a good question that deserves a good answer! Those messages are available for download here: Small Group Discussion Guide Over the next four weeks you and your group will discuss each of the above four Sunday morning church behaviors, learning a little history, theology, practicality, and, if you like, some trivia! About the Set-Up I have tried to build a framework for dialogue and not just Q&A. What you ll find in each session are the following: Links to articles, videos, or blog posts; discussion starters; quotes to process; historical & theological information; scriptural support; and as always, some pointed questions to work through. Each session comes with a front page of information (mostly background, theology, etc.) for you as the leader to use. The second page is the group session. Again, it s a menu! Choose what will work best for your group. Oh, and pay close attention to the session take-aways. Those are the wins! Circle Up, Derek Sweatman
5 Schedule Week One: Song Passage: Psalm 150 Take-Away: We sing to reset our hearts on the greatness of God. Week Two: Word Passage: 2 Timothy 3:16 Take-Away: We hear and learn from the scriptures because they are useful and practical in living the life God imagined for us. Week Three: Coin Passage: Leviticus 19:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:7 Take-Away: We give as an act of partnership with God and His work in the world. Week Four: Table Passage: Mark 14:22-25 Take-Away: We celebrate the communion as reminder that history is going somewhere.
6 Week One Song Psalm 150 Take-Away: We sing to reset our hearts on the greatness of God. Shared Tension: Singing may be the strangest behavior we do on a Sunday morning, especially for anyone who is not yet a follower of Jesus. The lyrics are strange. The music isn t all that familiar. No one likes to sing out loud, particularly around people they don t know. The songs are filled with complicated ideas, imagery, and declarations about God, often ones that aren t agreed upon by everyone in the room. It s no wonder that many people stand and stare rather than stand and sing. Session Notes: Psalm 150 will be your base text for this session. The psalm itself basically says: Sing about the greatness of God, and use a really loud band. Singing is a way to reset our hearts on God s greatness. Sometimes we sing because we know of God s greatness. Sometimes we sing because we need to be reminded of God s greatness. When we sing we re announcing that there is a better and stronger ideal than our own. When we sing we re picking up on that truth, we re rediscovering what it means to be God s people in God s world, and we re rediscovering all of that together, in one voice, as one community.
7 Discussion Guide Before You Begin Take some time to read through the material, make personal notes, watch any clips, and read any articles that have been provided. To do this justice, set aside an hour. Pray for your group prior to the session, asking God to lead and guide your community. TAKE-AWAY: WE SING TO RESET OUR HEARTS ON THE GREATNESS OF GOD. Getting Started What was your first concert? How old were you? What do you remember about that experience? Who is your favorite singer or band? What songwriter seems to speak to you the most? Do you have a favorite movie soundtrack? What do you like about singing on Sundays? What do you not like? Why do you think we do it? How does singing on Sundays benefit you? How does it benefit the whole church community? The Text: Read Psalm 150 What is this psalm asking us to do, and why? Why is it important to announce God s greatness, particularly as a community? What does that do for us? When it is hard for you to sing about the greatness of God? When you ve had a rough week, is the singing portion of the service harder or easier for you? Have you ever walked in on a Sunday feeling low, and then left feeling better? Share! Quotable Except where intolerably adverse circumstances interfere, praise almost seems to be inner health made audible. C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms [p.94] Links Mr. Bean sings in church: A post on what it means to do these things together: dereksweatman.tumblr.com/post/ /stay-together
8 Week Two Word 2 Timothy 3:16 Take-Away: We hear and learn from the scriptures because they are useful and practical in living the life God imagined for us. Shared Tension:The bible is old, it s hard to understand, and for many, it s not fully believable. So when the teacher takes the stage and explains the words of Jesus, there are a lot of things in the room to overcome. Doubt. Misunderstanding. Spiritual injury. Relevance. The list is long. Session Notes: Second Timothy 3:16 is the base text for this session. In the broader passage we Paul was instructing his friend Timothy on how to best lead his church. And when it came to preaching and teaching, his guidance was simple: the scriptures are the very words of God, they are divine (theopneustos), and should be wrestled with accordingly. But they are also useful (ophelimos). They are practical and meant to be applied to everyday. We ll talk about the importance of practical teaching, and the promise that God s word, when put into practice, is useful and relevant to life. And because we do it together on a Sunday, it s an act of tribal participation. We huddle to hear from the same text.
9 Discussion Guide Before You Begin Take some time to read through the material, make personal notes, watch any clips, and read any articles that have been provided. To do this justice, set aside an hour. Pray for your group prior to the session, asking God to lead and guide your community. TAKE-AWAY: WE HEAR AND LEARN FROM THE SCRIPTURES BECAUSE THEY ARE USEFUL AND PRACTICAL TO LIVING THE LIFE GOD HAS IMAGINED FOR US. Getting Started Have you ever fallen asleep during a sermon? If you went to church as a kid, what things did you do to stay awake during the sermon? When did the sermon start becoming interesting to you? At what point in your life did you start getting something out of the sermon? For you, what makes for a good sermon? What makes for a bad one? Are there certain things you hope to get out of the message? The Text: Read 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul, the writer, describes scripture as both divine and useful. If those two things are true, how does that change the way you listen? Is it hard for you to see scripture as useful and practical? How so? On Sunday Derek said, It s important to enter the building on Sundays with a genuine expectation that God will speak. What are your thoughts on that? How have you experienced this in your own life? Have there been Sundays when something spoke directly to you? What is your process for hearing and then doing? In other words, how do you take steps in the direction of what you hear from God? Quotable Yes, the world s a ship on its passage out, and not a voyage complete; and the pulpit is its prow. [Herman Melville, Moby Dick]
10 Week Three Coin Leviticus 19:9-10 & 2 Corinthians 9:7 Take-Away: We give as an act of partnership with God and His work in the world. Shared Tension: No matter how you frame it, teaching on money is not often received well. One of the last things we let go of is our over-dependance on our money. And when this subject comes up in a church setting, there are added tensions, as many people have gone through negative church experiences dealing with money. And yet, all of us are drawn to the good of generosity and what it can do in the lives of others. Discussion Notes: The two primary scriptures for this discussion are Leviticus 19:9-10 and 2 Corinthians 9:7. Both have to do with generosity as a way of meeting the needs of others. When talking about giving, the tithe (10%) is the normal go-to on the subject. However, the tithe in the Old Testament is a very confusing issue. Jewish scholars will tell you that the tithe is one of the biggest mysteries in the Torah. There isn t really any clear consensus on the spiritual behavior of tithing. That being said, what we do know from the scriptures, both old and new testaments, is that giving (generosity) is something God calls us to do in order to help him meet the needs in the areas of greatest concern to him: the poor, and those who are unable to help themselves. As for the local congregation? Well, that seems to be up to the individual person. There is no new testament that requires the believer to tithe to his local congregation. However, giving to your local church is a logical means of supporting its work and mission in the community. In the sermon connected to this discussion, Derek said, If CCB is your church home, then you should support it financially at some level, and on a consistent basis. The rest? Give it to the poor in our city.
11 Discussion Guide Before You Begin Take some time to read through the material, make personal notes, watch any clips, and read any articles that have been provided. To do this justice, set aside an hour. Pray for your group prior to the session, asking God to lead and guide your community. TAKE-AWAY: WE GIVE AS AN ACT OF PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD AND HIS WORK IN THE WORLD. Getting Started Who is the most generous person you know, and why would you say they re generous? Have you ever been guilted into giving to the church? What was that like? How did it happen? How did it make you feel? What s the difference between being told to give and feeling compelled to give? The Text: Leviticus 19:9-10 This passage is about making money. Crops were money back then. Knowing that, what is God instructing the Israelites to do when they make money? How are they to view what they have? What is the main reason God doesn t want them to harvest the whole field? How is the command really an invitation into a partnership with God and his work in the world? Read 2 Corinthians 9:7. Share your thoughts on this one verse. What speaks most directly to you? Is the act of giving something that brings you joy? Quotable And they who are well to do, and willing, give what each thinks fit; and what is collected is deposited with the president, who serves the orphans and widows and those who, through sickness or any other cause, are in want, and those who are in bonds and the strangers sojourning among us, and in a word takes care of all who are in need. [Justin Martyr, C.E. 150, describing the giving portion of a church service.]
12 Week Four Table 1 Corinthians 11:26 Take-Away: We celebrate communion as a reminder that history is going somewhere. Shared Tension: Unless someone has grown up in a church tradition where this was done every Sunday, communion can be a confusing thing for many people. It s mysterious. It s participatory. It s ancient and hidden. It s weird. Discussion Notes: When take the communion, we re announcing our need for God s grace, and we are collectively thanking him for that. Paul s words in 1 Corinthians 11:26 says, For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. Communion is a reminder that history is going somewhere, that we are living between two comings, and that when we eat the bread and drink the cup, we are pointing back to history (this happened) and ahead to the future (this will happen). When you re leading your group through this brief discussion (see below), keep in mind that you re simply scraping the surface of an ancient behavior of the church. Plus, communion will carry varying degrees of significance for the individual depending life s currant status. If there are struggles in one s life, be them health related, work oriented, relationally driven, and so on, communion will carry a sense of forward momentum towards hope and redemption. When life is on point, communion reminds us of God s grace. Communion: I recommend celebrating communion as a group together at the close (or open) of this session.
13 Discussion Guide Before You Begin Take some time to read through the material, make personal notes, watch any clips, and read any articles that have been provided. To do this justice, set aside an hour. Pray for your group prior to the session, asking God to lead and guide your community. TAKE-AWAY: WE CELEBRATE COMMUNION AS A REMINDER THAT HISTORY IS GOING SOMEWHERE. Getting Started When you set personal goals for yourself, how do you keep the end result in front of you? How do you remind yourself of what you re trying to accomplish, particularly when you grow discouraged in your pursuit? What about in your faith? How do you keep moving forward in your faith, particularly when things aren t going so well? The Text: 1 Corinthians 11:26 In this verse Paul states that when we take communion, we re announcing that something happened (history), and that something will happen (future.) Have you ever thought about it this way before? Knowing this, how is taking communion an act of hope? For you, are there any meaningful elements to this ancient practice? What do you think about when you walking to the table, standing in line, and then taking the bread and juice? When do you find yourself needing communion the most? What sorts of life situations make it more meaningful? Quotable Taking Communion every Sunday is a creative act, and it makes no more sense than writing a poem, or, for that matter, reading one. It isn t going to get you anywhere in the world; it s not networking; it has no practical worth. Every creative act, Simone Weil said, is a folly of love. [Nora Gallagher, The Sacred Meal]
1. Notice that in each lesson there are seven sections:
Welcome Greetings! I am so excited that you have chosen to go on this journey through True Worshipers. You have already put yourself in a place to grow closer to God by becoming a True Worshiper in your
More informationPresent Tense. Lent & Easter, Daily Readings & Small Group Discussion Guide
Present Tense Lent & Easter, 2013 Daily Readings & Small Group Discussion Guide Before Abraham was, I Am. JESUS, JOHN 8:58 Christian Church [Buckhead] Present Tense Lent & Easter 2013 So here we go. The
More informationREASONS TO REJOICE. Your Words were found and I ate them, and Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. Jeremiah 15:16 PROVERBS LESSON 2
REASONS TO REJOICE Your Words were found and I ate them, and Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. Jeremiah 15:16 PROVERBS LESSON 2 This week we ll be studying both chapters two and three.
More informationEXODUS PART 2 CHAPTERS 19-40
DOWNLOAD THIS STUDY GUIDE AND THE VIDEO AT JOINTHEBIBLEPROJECT.COM EXODUS PART 2 CHAPTERS 19-40 INTRODUCTION This study guide will be most helpful if you work through it slowly with an open Bible, looking
More informationTHE NEXT SEVEN DAYS. NOW THAT I AM SAVED By Pastor Mike Hayes
THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS NOW THAT I AM SAVED By Pastor Mike Hayes CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy for you. You just made the greatest choice you could ever make. You chose Jesus as your Savior and Lord. I have
More informationCamp Fuego 2014 Checklist for a Godly Man: Job 31. Checklist for a Godly Man: Job 31 A 31-day Bible study
Camp Fuego 2014 Checklist for a Godly Man: Job 31 Checklist for a Godly Man: Job 31 A 31-day Bible study Welcome home from Camp Fuego! Our prayer is that God lit, or renewed, a fire in your heart during
More information40 DAYS OF PRAYER WORK OF EVANGELISM LIFE OF OUR CHURCH FOR THE IN THE DAILY DEVOTIONALS BY THE REV. JIM BRADSHAW
40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR THE WORK OF EVANGELISM IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH DAILY DEVOTIONALS BY THE REV. JIM BRADSHAW HOW TO USE THIS DEVOTIONAL BOOK 1. Open your bible to the selected scripture for the day.
More informationIN THE BEGINNING: MORE LIFE LEADER LESSON PLAN. Session #1. 5 Min Soul-Winning Testimonies are Embedded in the PowerPoint
IN THE BEGINNING: MORE LIFE Session #1 Lesson #1: Introduction: Celebrating Your Salvation 5 Min Welcome Everyone Start the PowerPoint 5 Min Soul-Winning Testimonies are Embedded in the PowerPoint 30 Min
More informationWhat is the Gospel? By Matt Dabbs
What is the Gospel? By Matt Dabbs http://mattdabbs.com Lesson 1 Gospel Defined Lesson 2 The first sin and the penalty of death Lesson 3 Echoes of hope Lesson 4 Salvation Through Jesus Christ Lesson 5 What
More information1. Most traditional church small group material was written for a Christian
introduction About World Harvest Mission World Harvest never set out to write and publish curriculum. We are a missions agency that has always believed the power and motive for mission is the gospel of
More informationDISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE PREPARED BY RYAN KIMMEL
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE PREPARED BY RYAN KIMMEL VIDEO AVAILABLE INTRODUCTION We Understand. It Would Be Easy to Panic In the introduction, Adam and Ron open us up to the realities of the changing
More informationreconnect prayers presence gifts - service Group Leader s Guide
reconnect prayers presence gifts - service Group Leader s Guide Hyde Park United Methodist 500 W. Platt St. Tampa, FL 33606 813.253.5388 fax 813.251.3145 info@hydeparkumc.org www.hydeparkumc.org reconnect
More informationCornerstone University Chorale East Coast Tour Students Reflections March 2015
Cornerstone University Chorale East Coast Tour Students Reflections March 2015 During this amazing experience I have learned so many things. I have seen changes in me, received revelation from God s word
More informationSermon: Rebecca Newland 31 January 2010 Epiphany Four Jeremiah 1:4-10 Ps. 71:1-6 1Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 4:21-30.
Sermon: Rebecca Newland 31 January 2010 Epiphany Four Jeremiah 1:4-10 Ps. 71:1-6 1Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 4:21-30 Love is the Way I have a hidden and dark secret. I read Georgette Heyer novels. In fact
More informationsoul shaping allowing God to change us
soul shaping allowing God to change us sermon series and small group study question guide winter 2019 soul shaping allowing God to change us sermon series and small group study question guide winter 2019
More informationMeeting Jesus In The Ten Commandments September 9, 2018 Matthew 5:17-20
Meeting Jesus In The Ten Commandments September 9, 2018 Matthew 5:17-20 SI: I ve been trying to figure out something I want to preach on as we move into the fall. I first thought I might park in 1 Corinthians
More informationWe see glimpses of this compelling vision that Peter gives of worship as God s people gathered together in both the Old Testament and New Testament.
1 Introduction: Why do WE come TOGETHER on Sundays for worship? Why not worship from the comfort of our homes, at a time that might be more convenient than a Sunday morning and in a way that would be most
More informationGuidelines for Preparing Your Personal Testimony for Working with Children
Guidelines for Preparing Your Personal Testimony for Working with Children Remember your testimony is important. Listen for opportunities to share it. Keep it short and SIMPLE. Keep it to the point. Give
More informationDiscovering your calling is more than just deciding what you are going to do with your life, it s about who you are going to become.
PARTICIPANTS GUIDE Discovering your calling is more than just deciding what you are going to do with your life, it s about who you are going to become. Many people spend their entire lives searching
More information4: The Early Church. Part V: Understanding the New Testament. The Early Church
Part V: Understanding the New Testament 4: The Early Church Somewhere along the line, it became popular to pursue Jesus while shunning organized religion. We even hear from people who love Jesus but hate
More informationTHE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON
I want to ask you a question, because knowing the answer can change your world. Do you understand how to be right with God? Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that
More informationCrazy kingdom. January 23-24, Loving others like Jesus did can look pretty crazy. Matthew 5:11-12; 5:40-45; 20:26-27, 1 Corinthians 13:4
rd th 3-5 January 23-24, 2016 Matthew 5:11-12; 5:40-45; 20:26-27, 1 Corinthians 13:4 Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large
More informationOn-Mission Class #10 Christ Proclamation Church; Sunday, June 10, 2018; Steve Thiel
I. Welcome Tonight s Goal Lecture and Discussion 1. Teach on the vision here at Christ Proclamation Church 2. Discuss Trevor Joy and Spence Shelton s book, The People of God Next Month We are taking off
More information8 SIMPLE HABITS YOU CAN START RIGHT NOW TO REVIVE YOUR FAITH
8 SIMPLE HABITS YOU CAN START RIGHT NOW TO REVIVE YOUR FAITH Let me start by saying we live in a crazy world where it is easy to begin to lose faith and allow fear to seep into our lives. We may question
More informationOnce Works, Now Fruit
SESSION NINE Once Works, Now Fruit SESSION SUMMARY This session helps us dig into Paul s teaching on grace, works, and personal transformation to obedience in the light of the gospel. We will see that
More informationFebruary fphope.com/highschool
MISSION Your mission is to know, follow, love, and share Jesus together. To make the name of Jesus great and to glorify Him through your lives. You are a disciple of Jesus who practices the way of Jesus
More informationApril. MISSION Your mission is to know, follow, love, and share Jesus together. To make the name of Jesus great and to glorify Him through your lives.
MISSION Your mission is to know, follow, love, and share Jesus together. To make the name of Jesus great and to glorify Him through your lives. You are a disciple of Jesus who practices the way of Jesus
More informationTHE DISCIPLES 25 2 THE DISCIPLES 25
THE DISCIPLES 25 What is your plan for discipling a friend or family member that you or someone else has led to Christ? That s a tough question--if you don t have a plan, you ve either not thought through
More informationJournaling in Eating Disorder Recovery
Journaling in Eating Disorder Recovery By Laurie Glass Copyright 2015 Laurie Glass No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the author. This e-book
More informationDISCIPLESHIP MAP. Transforming Discipleship. disciplers. equipstudyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca
DISCIPLESHIP MAP Transforming Discipleship disciplers Discipleship Map for Disciplers I m not writing all this as a neighborhood scold just to make you feel rotten. I m writing as a father to you, my children.
More informationTACKLING CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES ABOUT TORAH! PART TWO
TACKLING CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES ABOUT TORAH! PART TWO By Rabbi/Rabbi/Brother Moshe Yoseph Koniuchowsky Updated12-31-99 We continue our fictional saga of "Pastor Duped" and his First Church of the Misled.
More informationCONTENTS. Article: The Gospel Grid Exercise Handout: Judging Others
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION................................ 1 GOSPEL OVERVIEW............................ 9 Lesson 1 THE GOSPEL GRID.....................13 Article: The Gospel Grid Exercise Handout: Judging
More informationKatherine Hilditch.
Many people live their lives feeling they are trapped in some way. And it's possible to be trapped without even realising it. But God has the solution and He's made freedom possible through Jesus. If you
More informationPOWERLESS. Step One We admitted we were powerless over alcohol [sin] that our lives had become unmanageable.
First Sunday in Lent Matthew 5:1-16 POWERLESS Step One We admitted we were powerless over alcohol [sin] that our lives had become unmanageable. Most of you are not in AA. I am aware that it may annoy you
More informationPraying for the Harvest
Praying for the Harvest 5 Ablaze Living Check-in Facilitator Instructions: Before you get started with the opening activity, have people get in groups of 3-4 for a little check-in time regarding the Ablaze
More informationRehoboth C. ASSOCIATION FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION INC. Operating Rehoboth Christian College. Rehoboth Distinctives
Series Rob Geijsma Rehoboth C ASSOCIATION FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION INC. Operating Rehoboth Christian College Rehoboth Distinctives REHOBOTH DISTINCTIVES PART ONE Not all schools are the same. Even among
More informationMulti-Site Conference The Gospel-Centered Church Dick Kaufmann March 2007
Multi-Site Conference The Gospel-Centered Church Dick Kaufmann March 2007 To get the most out of this please do the following: 1. Mark what you find especially helpful or important with a!. 2. Mark what
More informationCREATING LIVING TRUSTING
CREATING LIVING TRUSTING HEBREWS 10:16 CEB This is the covenant that I will make with them. After these days, says the Lord, I will place my laws in their hearts And write them on their minds. LIVING 2
More informationNewLife. The Christian Life. Study 1. A Private Life. Talking to God. READ: Matthew 6: 5-8, Hebrews 11: 6, James 1: 5-8
BIBLE STUDY COURSE This study sheet belongs to: The Christian Life A Private Life Study 1. Unit C Talking to God READ: Matthew : -8, Hebrews 11:, James 1: -8 KEY VERSE: James : 1 The effective, fervent
More informationBAPTISM CEDARCREEKCHURCH
BAPTISM B I B L E S T U D Y CEDARCREEKCHURCH INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Baptism Bible Study! We hope this resource will not only serve as a Bible study to learn what the Bible says about
More informationFaith & Life Connections
Faith & Life Connections A Daily Devotion & Resource Guide for Your Spiritual Journey From the Sermon-Teaching Ministry of Fairhope UMC Bucket Lists: Vision & Hope - Week of January 22, 2012 Extravagant
More informationJanuary 1, 2012 Help Wanted Northside United Methodist Church Matthew 25:31-46 Rev. Rebecca Mincieli,
January 1, 2012 Help Wanted Northside United Methodist Church Matthew 25:31-46 Rev. Rebecca Mincieli, 508-385-8622 Let me say to you again Happy New Year! And just to start off the new year with some fun
More informationTeen Scene 2Q 2018 Online Activities
Teen Scene 2Q 2018 Online Activities Lesson 1 Taken from page 6. Why is it important to believe that Jesus is alive? If we did not have this belief and hope, the foundation of Christianity would not exist.
More informationThe Journey to Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts:
The Journey to Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: There are different kinds of gifts, but they all come from the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts are God s gift to believers. You do not have to work for them,
More informationfacebook: Go Christian Church - Pretoria East
0 It should never be our intention to simply perform a religious task or duty for the sake of the duty. Fasting may be one of the most misunderstood precepts of the church. 1. WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT FASTING
More informationContents Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12
Contents Introduction...v Chapter 1 e Wretched Man Syndrome...1 Chapter 2 Truth # 1 God Is All and in All...11 Chapter 3 Truth # 2 I Am a Vessel...23 Chapter 4 Truth # 3 I No Longer Live...33 Chapter 5
More informationA Life with JESUS JESUS. Author: Aaron Lee. A one month journey for those beginning a life with Christ.
A Life with JESUS JESUS Author: Aaron Lee A one month journey for those beginning a life with Christ. Week 1: A New Beginning Day 1: Something New If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe
More informationCOMMUNITY MINISTRIES SURVEY
COMMUNITY MINISTRIES SURVEY In what community ministries are you currently involved? What community ministries have you been involved with in the past that are not listed above? All together, how many
More informationCRIMINAL A LIFE NIGHT ON THE PERSECUTED CHRIST
GOAL LIFE NIGHT OVERVIEW CRIMINAL A LIFE NIGHT ON THE PERSECUTED CHRIST The goal of Criminal is to present teenagers with the image of Jesus as a condemned criminal and challenges them to recognize that
More informationSMALL GROUPS. MANAGING GOD S MONEY Book Study / Author: Randy Alcorn
SMALL GROUPS CORE CONVICTIONS CURRICULUM Growth MANAGING GOD S MONEY Book Study / Author: Randy Alcorn WEEK 1 / Introduction and Chapter 1 ICEBREAKER: If you could only spend $10 or less on a meal at any
More informationTogether, open your Bibles and read from Acts 8:26-40 then watch Session 1. What stood out to you the most from this past weekend service?
SESSION 1 IMMERSE CONVERSATION STARTER If you had to eat the same meal every day for the rest of your life what would it be? DIGGING DEEPER Together, open your Bibles and read from Acts 8:26-40 then watch
More informationBible Study Old Testament
Bible Study Old Testament Sampler Bible Study Student Handbook The centerpiece of the Colaborate Bible Study curriculum is the student handbook. Each handbook contains fifteen lessons with each lesson
More informationWe re so excited that your child has indicated that they would like to be
CONTENTS Introduction Preparation for Parents Suggestions for Conversations CONVERSATIONS CONVERSATION 1 Salvation & Baptism CONVERSATION 2 Remember & Celebrate CONVERSATION 3 Making Passionate Disciples
More informationMitzvot & Tzadaka. by Michael Rudolph Message Delivered to Ohev Yisrael December 5, 2009
Mitzvot & Tzadaka by Michael Rudolph Message Delivered to Ohev Yisrael December 5, 2009 Today, I want to introduce you to a uniquely Jewish approach to the Scriptures that you may not know about, and through
More informationERWIN RAPHAEL MCMANUS SOUL CRAVINGS
ERWIN RAPHAEL MCMANUS THE EXPERIENCE 5 PART powertochange.org 2010 Power to Change SESSION ONE WE ARE ALL SOJOURNERS 1 WE ARE ALL SOJOURNERS FACILITATOR S OPENING COMMENTS Welcome to Soul Cravings: The
More informationIT REALLY IS A WONDERFUL LIFE 1 JOHN 5:11-13
1 IT REALLY IS A WONDERFUL LIFE 1 JOHN 5:11-13 On these four Sundays of Advent preceding Christmas Day itself, I want to use some classic Christmas movies to illustrate some major, biblical truths of the
More informationGOD S WAY TO DEBT FREEDOM
GOD S WAY TO DEBT FREEDOM If you re like most people you ve already tried to get out of debt yourself but you weren t successful or it didn t last. Maybe you ve experienced debt-induced fear and depression
More informationThe Resurrection is Central to the Faith
SPECIAL SESSION The Resurrection is Central to the Faith SESSION SUMMARY Jesus resurrection points both backward and forward His followers. It points back to what Jesus has done in history through His
More informationBIBLICAL STUDIES & THEOLOGY COHORT, 2014 OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY PRAXIS & FOOD
BIBLICAL STUDIES & THEOLOGY COHORT, 2014 OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY PRAXIS & FOOD FROM THE DIRECTOR Are you wanting to dig deeper into the Bible, either the Old Testament or the New? Do you wonder
More informationSlowing Down to Go Fast by Pastor Jeff Marshall Matthew 6:16-18 January 24, 2010 Osceola United Methodist Church
1 Slowing Down to Go Fast by Pastor Jeff Marshall Matthew 6:16-18 January 24, 2010 Osceola United Methodist Church How many of you made a list of things you want to accomplish in 2010? If you were to make
More informationWhat does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? In this
What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? In this eight-session small group experience, Brad Bell uses the simple but very intentional life of Jesus Christ to illustrate what authentic spiritual growth
More information1. LEADER PREPARATION
TIME OUT! PAUSING OUR LIVES TO GROW WITH JESUS Week 2: The Benefits of Scripture Memorization This includes: 1. Leader Preparation 2. Lesson Guide 1. LEADER PREPARATION LESSON OVERVIEW The human brain
More informationLove for Enemies Romans 12:14-21
Love for Enemies Romans 12:14-21 In Romans 12:2 Paul challenged us to be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds ; as we learn new patterns of thinking our lives are transformed. Over time we become
More informationTHE GOSPEL-CENTERED LIFE PARTICIPANT S GUIDE
LESSON 5 REPENTANCE BIG IDEA This lesson deals with repentance. In our culture, this usually sounds like a bad thing like getting called into the boss s office on Friday afternoon. Far from being bad or
More informationHayley DiMarco. What to do when friends turn mean
What to do when friends turn mean Hayley DiMarco O 2010 by Hungry Planet Published by Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287 www.revellbooks.com Printed
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 informationwhich includes the whole Eastside they
Mark 12:41-44 Believe Stewardship 1 Rev. Brian North November 4 th, 2018 Today we are looking at a topic that is everyone s favorite topic to discuss: Money, and what to do with it. Isn t that one of the
More informationA Study Guide. Forever His
A Study Guide for the book by Marvin Moore Introduction Welcome to this series of study guides for the book by Marvin Moore. We hope you are blessed spiritually as you read the book and reflect on the
More informationSIX-WEEK SMALL GROUP GUIDE
APPENDIX A SIX-WEEK SMALL GROUP GUIDE HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE The goal of The Simplest Way to Change the World is not necessarily to get you into a group, but to help you walk with others as you seek to
More information#blessed 6 WEEK SERIES
#blessed 6 WEEK SERIES Contents 02 04 06 08 10 12 16 #Blessed Introduction Week #1 Heart Matter Week #2 Test? What Test?! Week #3 First Place Week #4 Root of Evil Week #5 Am I Generous? Week #6 Q&A #BLESSED
More informationActs 2: The Jesus Community
Acts 2:40-47 The Jesus Community Introduction: What does the Christian Community look like? Acts 2:42-47 is a description of the life of the early church - what it looks like to be a Christian. Or we could
More informationJune 28-29, Treating Others Like Jesus. John 15:12-13; Mark 8:34 Adventure Bible (p. 1187, 1106) Love like Jesus loved.
rd 3 5 June 28-29, 2014 John 15:12-13; Mark 8:34 Adventure Bible (p. 1187, 1106) Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. th Treating
More informationWe are looking at what the Scriptures teach us about coming to the Communion Table to meet with Jesus.
July 7, 2013 Meditation for Communion Matthew 26:26 28 and Matthew 6:14, 15 Introduction: We are looking at what the Scriptures teach us about coming to the Communion Table to meet with Jesus. The Scriptures
More informationKNOW YOUR CHURCH HISTORY (1) The Early Church (AD70-312) - Growth
KNOW YOUR CHURCH HISTORY (1) The Early Church (AD70-312) - Growth A. Introduction 1. What is church history? Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore
More informationWeek Three January 20, 2019 Revealing the Gospel with Our Lips
CHARACTER MATTERS Week Three January 20, 2019 Revealing the Gospel with Our Lips GETTING READY Before your group meets next time, spend some time alone in God s Word reading through this week s texts.
More informationForever His. November 26 Romans 8:18-10:21
Forever His November 26 Romans 8:18-10:21 BiAY.org s Day 330 35 Days to Go Paul s letter to the Romans is the most precise and profound explanation of the Gospel in the New Testament. He made clear the
More informationAslan Academy. Aslan Moments THIS MONTH S FOCUS ON GRATITUDE
ISSUE 2.11 Aslan Academy HELPING PARENTS DISCIPLE THEIR CHILDREN For this month s Dawn Treader, our ship arrives bearing gifts: gifts of gratitude. How do we give back to the One Who gives us everything?
More informationSmall Group Guide. Week of March 5, 2017 Sermon Subject: Believe and Repent Week 6 of Never Go Back
Small Group Guide Week of March 5, 2017 Sermon Subject: Believe and Repent Week 6 of Never Go Back Small Group Leader Instructions: Before the Group Meeting 1) Spend time engaging the Passages for Study
More informationThe Parable of the Sower
Sunday, January 17, 2016 The Parable of the Sower Mark 4:1-34 Mark 4:27b Jesus tells the parable of the sower to a crowd beside the sea. Jesus followers sometimes struggled to understand the parables.
More informationThe Myths Of Transformation
I. Scripture is clear that God has a plan for us. He has a plan; a purpose. Jeremiah 29:11-13 A. This plan is that we grow up into Christ 1. Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will
More informationAsk a parent of young children to lead the congregation in the following responsive reading. Responsive Reading
How Will They Hear? This year s theme How will they Hear? is a call for us to tell the good news to children and all ages. This Sunday is the perfect opportunity to challenge and inspire the whole church
More informationStewardship: Motives of the Heart #8 - page 1 of 6
Stewardship: Motives of the Heart The Impact of Tithing Lesson #8 for February 24, 2018 Scriptures: Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 3:8-9; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14; Romans 3:19-24. 1. This lesson will focus on the purpose
More informationPurchase Your Streaming License Today At TheFaithPlaybook.com
Purchase Your Streaming License Today At TheFaithPlaybook.com WHAT IS THE FAITH PLAYBOOK? The Faith Playbook provides you with exclusive video content that you can use to encourage Christians in their
More informationLIFE TOGETHER. The Life Group Experience. A 4-week Study
LIFE TOGETHER The Life Group Experience A 4-week Study Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this. Dietrich Bonhoeffer INTRODUCTION
More informationOvershadowed by the Holy Spirit. Brendan Mc Crossan
Overshadowed by the Holy Spirit Brendan Mc Crossan Growing up into our spirit! Most Christians believe that they had been given a baby spirit when they got born again and that they had to learn to grow
More informationLIVING ON PURPOSE Week 4: Discovering Your Gifts 1. LEADER PREPARATION
LIVING ON PURPOSE Week 4: Discovering Your Gifts This includes: 1. Leader Preparation 2. Lesson Guide 1. LEADER PREPARATION LESSON OVERVIEW The lesson focuses on being a servant. Two disciples with their
More informationTEACHER NOTES GODLY SEXUALITY SESSION 3: WISE BOUNDARIES. Wise Boundaries:
Wise Boundaries: Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV) 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the
More informationWords and Deeds: Waiting on the Lord By Jason Huff April 15, 2018 Psalm 130:5-8; James 5:7-8; Acts 1:13-26
Words and Deeds: Waiting on the Lord By Jason Huff April 15, 2018 Psalm 130:5-8; James 5:7-8; Acts 1:13-26 Our final Scripture reading today comes from Acts 1:13-26. May God add His richest blessing on
More informationEpisode 14: Know What You Want. I m Emily P. Freeman and welcome to The Next Right Thing. You re listening to Episode 14.
Episode 14: Know What You Want I m Emily P. Freeman and welcome to The Next Right Thing. You re listening to Episode 14. It s a question you may not be used to asking yourself, one you may even think is
More informationRev. Jude Geiger Adulthood uufh.org 3/26/17
A few days ago I was chatting with a colleague who was lamenting the pain he was feeling from a likely pinched nerve. He basically asked, is this how you know you ve turned 30? I told him that I knew I
More informationMatthew 25: I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.
Matthew 25: 31-46 31 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people
More informationRESPOND. (PMcA) Ask the Lord to reveal His heart to you through the scriptures regarding giving.
Monday Read: Malachi 3:6-12 REFLECT One of the most controversial issues in the church is money. The church only wants your money is often the accusation that is levelled at the church. It is true that
More informationPraying the Psalms. The psalms in the life of the early fathers
Praying the Psalms Praying the psalms is a worship that can be traced back as early as the start of the Christian faith and it was a continuation and extension of the worship of the Jews. The first Christian
More informationCHRISTIAN DOCTRINE LESSON 8: SAVED BY GRACE NOT BY WORKS
Essentials for Spiritual Leadership Study Guide CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE LESSON 8: SAVED BY GRACE NOT BY WORKS INTRODUCTION This lesson is part of a Discipleship Essentials module titled. This series of lessons
More informationIt s about me! Week 4
Week 4 It s about me! It s about me! Discover the joy of living as a faithful steward. Made in God s image, we each are called to give generously. As we focus on the lordship of Christ, it is easier to
More informationAddiction The Spiritual Perspective I am no more a slave to sin
Addiction The Spiritual Perspective I am no more a slave to sin PURPOSE: Understand that temptations, such as addiction, can be overcome by standing firm in faith. ADDICTION Webster s Dictionary defines
More informationLGBTQ Issues: A Third Way Approach
LGBTQ Issues: A Third Way Approach UPDATED 2018 Introduction... 2 Summary of Beliefs Concerning LGBTQ Issues:... 3 Being a Third Way Church... 5 A Message to the Christian Community... 7 A Message to the
More informationPRETEENS 5TH & 6TH GRADE FALL 2013 LEADER GUIDE WATCH OUT! GETTING ALONG
PRETEENS 5TH & 6TH GRADE FALL 2013 LEADER GUIDE WATCH OUT! GETTING ALONG A note from Cindy Williams, Coordinator for DisciplePoints Who has the greatest influence in building the moral foundations and
More informationIt Just Happened. Ruth 2: There was a relative of Naomi s husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz.
That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Philippians 3:10. It Just Happened Ruth 2:1-13 1. There was a relative of Naomi
More informationFrom noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.
1 First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC January 24, 2016 What Does Hell Have to Do With Salvation? Matthew 27:45-54 Rev. Katelyn Gordon From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in
More information