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3 We all hunger we thirst we carry an inconsolable longing to live our best life. We want to make a difference. We want to pursue the right things at the right time for the right reasons. In short, we want to live life the way God intended. We are super excited about this new sermon series and small group study Hustle. If we learn to focus our attention on what s good and pursue it with reckless abandon, our lives will never be the same. God is looking for people with hustle people with the innate hunger to build. When we match our hustle with God s priorities, everything changes. Join us as we unlock the keys to living life to the fullest. Download the Study Guide Scan the QR code or visit: 3

4 Why do we have Small Groups? To have a place for every person to make friends to belong. To learn and grow together - to be transformed. To develop leaders and multiply small groups - to make a difference. Small group guidelines 1. We begin and end on time. 2. We share the conversation space. 3. We are committed to confidentiality. Whatever is shared in the group stays in the group. 4. We hold the experiences of others with care, being quick to listen and slow to speak. 5. We desire to personally apply God s Word to our lives in practical ways. 6. We pray for opportunities during the week to invite people to church and to group. Shoreline Life If you are new to Shoreline or have never attended, please register for Shoreline Life at 1pm every Sunday. Pictures We want to see you and your group so please take a group picture and post on your personal social media and About the small group guide The guide s easy-to-follow format encourages discussion, practical application of God s Word, prayer support, and the opportunity to respond to what you have learned. You are welcome to bring your bible or use your bible app in your smartphone. If you are having challenges understanding how to read your bible, please ask someone in your group. 4

5 They will be glad to help you. Look in the table of contents in the front of your bible, or you can do a word search (concordance) in the back of your bible. The bible is our greatest resource on earth. If you need help, please Stacy.McVane@shoreline.net. We are here to help you. Facebook Facebook.com/ShorelineATX (church page) Facebook.com/ShorelineSmallGroups When you re on Facebook, stop by the Shoreline Small Groups page. (Don t forget to Like us!) This is where you can see event reminders, post praise reports, tell how the sermon has impacted you, share your stories, and explain how your small group has affected your life. Each Wednesday we fast and pray as a small group family. The scripture and prayer points are posted on the Shoreline Small Groups Facebook page. Please join us as we fast and pray together. Instagram Follow ShorelineSmallGroups, please post your pictures and Twitter Use the #ShorelineATX hashtag to tweet about your experience with the study. When on Twitter click the #ShorelineATX hashtag to see other tweets about Shoreline. We d love to hear your story because we know it will encourage others. You can your story to Small.Groups@Shoreline.net. 5

6 God s plan for your life and all of mankind Here are scriptures to help you understand: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 We all need salvation and forgiveness of our sins for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 There has to be payment for our sins For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 God took the first step towards us because He loves us But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 We must individually receive God s gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:9,13 We cannot earn salvation, grace or God s love For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 6

7 What if we still make mistakes? Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 Jesus is the way to abundant life and eternal life Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 For Christ suffered once and for all for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18 Prayer Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending Jesus, to die on the cross for me. Jesus, I ask you to come into my heart, I receive you as my Savior, forgive me of my sins, make me brand new, wash me clean, and help me to live for you, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation has come, the old has gone, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 7

8 Session 1: The Word ICEBREAKER What do you like to do for fun, or what would you like to do more often that brings you joy? Key verse All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 The Word of God is a treasure that can help shape, inspire, teach, guide and change us. It is important to understand the uniqueness and wisdom that can be obtained from the Bible. Here are some reasons why this book is so valuable to our lives. 1. The Word became flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ, and reveals the story of God s love to restore mankind back to himself. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. John 1: The Word is spiritual food. Much like food nourishes our bodies, the Bible nourishes our faith. 1 Peter 2:2 describes it as milk. 8

9 Hebrews 5:14 describes it as solid food (like meat). Matthew 4:4 describes it as bread. Psalm 19:10 describes it as honey. 3. The Word is a guide that will give direction to our lives. Your word is lamp unto my feet and light unto my feet. Psalm 119: The Word is a promise that will sustain us and give us security. He has given us his very great and precious promises. 2 Peter 1:4 5. The Word is a sword that we can use as a weapon against the enemy. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 6. The Word is a mirror to help us see things as they really are. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror. James 1:23 Discuss with your group 1. Which one of the six points discussed above stands out to you most in your life right now? Please explain. 2. Where is one of the first places you go for guidance or inspiration? Why do you think it may be difficult to go to the Bible first? 3. Share a promise that you have heard from God s Word that has been a blessing to you and given you hope. 9

10 4. Consistent study of God s Word will help us grow spiritually. What do you do or what can you do to have a consistent time of reading the Bible? Pray now and later 1. Pray that each of us have a desire to read God s Word consistently. 2. Pray that we invite the Holy Spirit to be our teacher while we study God s Word. 3. Pray that we memorize a scripture for your specific situation. 4. Pray for each other s needs. Interact with the teenagers 1. From the list of reasons why the Bible is valuable to us, which one is the easiest for you to understand? Which one is the most difficult to relate to? 2. What do you think keeps you or others from viewing the Bible as valuable? 3. Do you find it easy or difficult to understand the Bible when reading it? 4. How can you make time every day to read the Bible? What sacrifices might you have to make? Interact with the children Objective: To help children understand that God s word provides us wisdom, strength and guidance in life. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 10

11 Preschool Children Questions to ask your toddler: Who wrote the Bible? (many different people, all inspired by God) Is the Bible all true? (Yes!) Who did God write the Bible for? (for me to learn about Him and His love for me) Family Fun Toddlers love story time! Take every opportunity to read Bible stories to your toddler. Find a colorful Bible storybook that will captivate them and capture their attention. Now is the time to develop a lifetime love of the Bible! School Age Children Elements (Lamp, flashlight) Turn on the lamp. How much light does this lamp give us? (a lot of light) Is the light in one place or is it all around us? (all around us) Are you glad for lamps at night? They help us see all around us. We can be sure that we are safe and that we know what is close to us. The Bible says that God s word is a LAMP to our feet. What do you think that means? (It helps us to see the world around us correctly.) Turn on the flashlight. This light gives us very specific light. It only lights up what I point it at. So if I am walking in the woods I can see the branches, roots and problems in my way. The Bible also says that God s word is a LIGHT unto my path. What does that mean? (It lights up the way we are going in so that I can see problems that I should avoid or paths that I can walk.) God s word helps us to understand how God sees things and how He wants us to move around in the world. 11

12 Session 2: Prayer ICEBREAKER Share a time when you really wanted to buy something, but then you were disappointed with it after you bought it. (It could be anything, food, clothes, toys). Key verse If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 Prayer is how we connect with God. The Bible gives us instructions on how to pray. 1. Pray Comprehensively Philippians 4:6 tells us Do not worry about anything, instead pray about everything. 2. Pray Conversationally We should pray using everyday language, remember you are talking to God. 3. Pray Honestly Don t just pray what you feel God wants to hear; you can tell Him anything. He loves you and knows everything anyway. 4. Pray Boldly God is not intimidated but rather loves it when we are bold enough to believe He can change anything. Hebrews 4:16 tells us to come boldly to God. 5. Pray Expectantly Mark 11:24 tells us to believe that you will receive them, and you will have them. 12

13 6. Pray Fervently James 5:16 tells us that The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. He made us right standing with Him so you have access to Him. 7. Pray Persistently Jesus told His disciples in Luke 18:25 to always pray and not give up. 8. Pray Authoritatively (In Jesus name) Jesus instructed us in John 14:14 to ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. 9. Pray Collectively Pray together in agreement with family, friends, your small group according to Matthew 18:19 I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven. We can have peace in knowing that God hears our prayers, and we can have peace as we wait for the answer. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us whatever we ask we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Discuss with your group 1. Share about your understanding of prayer, before you discussed the points listed above. Did anything change for you? Please explain 13

14 2. On a scale of 1-5, (1 being not very and 5 being very, ) how honest are you with God when you pray? If you are not a 5, why do you think that may be? Nothing in all creation is hidden from God s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 What are your thoughts after reading this verse? Please be honest. 3. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 What are some benefits with having someone agree with you in prayer? 4. Share a time when God answered your prayer? Pray now and later 1. Pray that our hearts are open to praying consistently. 2. Pray that our first step when making decisions is to go to God and pray. 3. Pray for each other s prayer requests. Interact with the teenagers 1. What is the biggest obstacle that keeps you from praying? (i.e. knowing how to pray, knowing what to say, fear ) 2. Out of the list of instructions on how to pray, which 2 do you think you can commit to do? 3. What is something that you need prayer for? 14

15 Interact with the children Objective: Help kids understand that God wants to have a connection with them and that He is always available. Do not worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Philippians 4:6 Preschool Children Let your kids see you praying! The best way to begin educating your toddler about prayer is to pray in their presence. Look for opportunities to pray in front of them, just as you would seek out instances to teach them about manners, good sportsmanship, or humility. While praying in the morning or before bed is a common and valuable practice, God wants us to come to Him with all things and at any time. Teach your toddler quick, simple prayers, such as: Lord be with me Or Thank you, Father. School Age Children Element Cell Phone How important is it to stay connected. We find it very important to stay connected these days. (Show them your cell phone or their cell phone if they have one) Why do we have these things? They are fun to play with but their purpose is so that we can communicate. If someone wants me they can get me. Is it important that we talk about things sometimes? It is. How much more important is it that we communicate with God? We do not have a cell phone to God but He is listening to us. He wants us to talk to Him. We can know that He hears us because as we pray and speak specifically to Him then we can learn to hear Him as He speaks to us. Prayer is very important. Not just when we are in trouble or afraid but every day. Do you want to hear from your friends every day? God wants to hear from us like that. Every day. (Share with your kids a time that you prayed and sense God s presence or experienced His answer) 15

16 Session 3: Worship ICEBREAKER Who was your favorite singer or band when you were growing up? Key verse Jesus answered, It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only. Luke 4:8 A study recently showed that your focus determines your reality. Some people find good things to focus on, even in the midst of circumstances. Fear, worry and anxiety can be replaced with peace and even joy in abundance. This is true with worship. A worshipper looks for something to praise God about, even in the midst of a bad situation. They don t ignore what is happening, but their focus is on God, who can give strength and fix anything. Paul and Silas were arrested after preaching the gospel in Acts 16. They were severely beaten, chained and thrown into prison. They were in a terrible situation, even though they were doing the right thing. Notice their response and their focus. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25 They could have been complaining and angry, but they chose to take their eyes off the external circumstances and focused on God. We can imagine that it was not easy, but it is truly inspiring to us today. Choose to focus on the big picture. There are so many good things to remember that will help us refocus our attention. 16

17 Here are a few: 1. Jesus died on the cross for all of our sins. 2. God loves us unconditionally - beyond what we deserve. 3. God works all things out for good - if it is not good, then God is not done yet. 4. He has given us his Holy Spirit to empower us and give us wisdom. 5. We have eternity to look forward to forever with God and never separated from Him. Consider these three realities: 1. We are all worshippers the definition of worship is our response to what we value. We all value something in our lives. 2. All misguided worship leads to pain the enemy will try to get us to love something more than God. Everything else will eventually disappoint us. 3. All true worship leads to peace there is no long-lasting peace until it is first found in Jesus Christ. Discuss with your group 1. Understanding that worship is more than singing songs, but rather it is giving our attention and focus to God, What do you do to keep your focus on God during bad or even good circumstances? Would you consider that worship? 2. Read the following Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:

18 As you can see, we have a lot to be thankful for. What stands out to you most from this passage and why? Please explain. 3. Share a time when something good happened to you and you knew it was God blessing you. How did you respond? 4. What do you think you can do this week to worship God in new and creative way? Pray now and later 1. Pray that we are all aware of God s presence in our lives this week and acknowledge Him, no matter where we are. 2. Pray that we choose to worship God and focus on Him first, thank Him in the good days and ask Him for help in the not so good days. 3. Pray for each other s prayer requests in your group. Interact with the teenagers 1. What is your go to artist or song to listen to when you feel down? 2. What is your favorite worship song and why? 3. Are there things in your life that easily pull your focus away from God? What are they? 4. How can you commit to worship God in a new way this week? 18 Interact with the children Objective: Help kids understand what it means to recognize how great God is and give Him thanks for all He has done. Jesus answered, it is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only. Luke 4:8

19 Preschool Children Toddlers love to sing, and they love to worship God! Teach your toddler the importance of worshipping God by singing worship songs with them. Your example is the most important one in their life! Sing this song with your toddler: Jesus loves the little children All the children of the world Red, brown, yellow Black and white They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children Of the world School Age Children Element things that are important to your child (video games, phones, electronics etc) What does it mean to worship something? (To spend time, To give attention, To focus on) What are some things that are easy to worship in our world today? (video games, cell phones, friends) When we worship something then we are recognizing its value to us. Are these things the most valuable to us? When we put God first and worship Him, spend time with Him, listen to Him then He can speak into our life and help us overcome all kinds of things in our lives. Worshiping is something that we do by singing, praying and just spending time with God. 19

20 Session 4: Identity ICEBREAKER What famous person or celebrity would you say looks like you? (Have fun with this one, there is no wrong answer) Key verse Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is new creation: The old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 You can be sure that God is relentless about one thing; He never stops trying to persuade you to see yourself as He sees you. What we believe about our identity determines our destiny and how we behave. Everyone struggles with our identity at times. Consider what Moses told God when He instructed him to go and bring the Israelites out of Egypt and into freedom. But Moses said to God, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? Exodus 3:11 His response if filled with self-doubt and insecurities. Like many of us at times; Moses biggest issue was his identity. Most of us think we know more about ourselves than God does. We may be tempted to base our identity on our hurts, fears, insecurities or failures. Sometimes we may question our identity when: 1. We make mistakes or we sin. 2. We fail at something. 3. We believe negative things others have said about us. 4. We compare ourselves with others. (Social Media doesn t help) 20

21 It is vital that we embrace these truths about our identity. 1. I am created in the image of God. Then God said, Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, Genesis 1:26 While you are not God, you are created in His likeness, to have dominion, authority and be victorious. 2. In Christ I am made brand new. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband s will, but born of God. John 1:12-13 When Jesus died on the cross, it was not only for the forgiveness of our sins, but also to give us a new identity. 3. There has never been, and never will be, anyone just like you. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous, and how well I know it. Psalm 139:14 (MSG) You are unique and one of a kind - created by God Himself - with specific gifts, talents and abilities. Celebrate them! Discuss with your group 1. What do you love most about your new identity as a child of God? Please explain why. 2. Share a time when you may have been tempted to base your iden- 21

22 tity on anything else besides what God says about you. How did you correct your thinking? 3. Ephesians 2:10 says For we are God s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. God not only made you in His image and likeness but also gave us gifts and abilities to serve and do good things. Share something that you have accomplished in your life that you would have never thought you could do. 4. Is there an area of your life in which you struggle, and can potentially try to dictate what you think about yourself? Pray now and later 1. Pray that we learn to identify when we are tempted to think different about ourselves than what God says about us. 2. Pray that we are able to share with someone this week something good that God has done in our lives. 3. Take a moment every day this week and thank God for something new He has done in your life. 4. Pray for each other s prayer requests. Interact with the teenagers 1. Name 3 things that you like about yourself. It can be about your looks or personality or abilities. 2. How do you think comparing yourself to others hurts your identity? 3. Complete this statement, I feel valued when 22

23 Interact with the children Objective: Help kids Understand who they are to God. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: The old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Preschool Children Do you remember the game Simon Says? Change it to Jesus Says. Jesus says, You are forgiven and all the kids take a step forward if it is a true I am statement in Christ. You are purple. If someone steps forward, because that is not an in Christ statement that person is out of the game, and so forth. It is a fun way to have the kids start learning about who they are in Christ. School Age Children Element Mirror Our understanding of who we are will shape our perception of our abilities, our future and our boundaries. It is so important for your kids to see themselves through the eyes that God sees them. The closest thing to that here on earth is how YOU see them. Take a mirror and ask your child to look into it and tell them what they see. (They may say pretty, ugly, hair, eyes) Then tell them that the lens they see themselves through is sometimes not quite the same as they really are. Look at them, really look at them and begin to speak what you see. Youth, energy, beauty, hope, strength, potential. Tell them the things they do that you LOVE. Tell them that is how God sees his children. He loves them no matter what. He doesn t see the failures, the freckles or the hair. He sees his amazing gifted child. Nothing can change His love for us and nothing can change your love for them. 23

24 Session 5: Grace ICEBREAKER What is the first thing you would do if someone gave you one million dollars with no strings attached? Key verse One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: Aren t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us! But the other criminal rebuked him. Don t you fear God, he said, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23:39-43 Grace was the only thing that could save this man, and it is the only thing that can save us. It is powerful and life-changing, we cannot earn it and we don t deserve it; but it is available to everyone. There is hope because of grace. God forgives and makes everything new, no matter what we ve done. When you get to the heart of the gospel, there is no doubt that Christianity is all about grace. It is about God s performance and not ours, His goodness and not ours. We see that grace is a free gift from God given to us, because He loves us. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves by laying down his life as full and final payment for our sins. There is no greater love than that. We do not receive what we deserve for our sins; we receive for- 24

25 giveness, a new identity, his presence with us and a second chance at life. Christianity is the celebration of a God who is scandalously unfair. But the gospel is fair. In some ways, it is the fairest system imaginable. It is fair because 1. Everyone is invited The mission of Jesus was to save sinners. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 2. Everyone gets in the same way Jesus is not just one of many ways. Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 3. Everyone can meet the requirements come as you are and receive. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:14-15 Discuss with your group 1. Share a time when you received the grace of God for something 25

26 you did that was wrong. How could you see it in your life? (ie; from a friend, a scripture, a song, etc.) 2. We can all think of someone who may feel like they don t deserve the grace of God. Why do you think we sometimes struggle with receiving this free gift? 3. How has your life been different since you recognized that Jesus s death on the cross was full and final payment for your sin? 4. Sometimes it may be difficult to forgive ourselves for wrong-doing, and we may struggle with shame or guilt. What do you do to overcome shame or guilt? Pray now and later 1. Pray that we all receive and understand the grace of God in a fresh new way. 2. Pray for someone you know who needs to receive God s grace in their lives. 3. Pray for each other in the group. Interact with the teenagers 1. What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word Grace? 2. Is it easy or hard for you to understand that Jesus died for the whole world, even people that would never chose him? 3. Out of the 3 points of how Grace is fair, which one touches your heart the most and why? Interact with the children Objective: Help kids understand that God gives us grace as a gift. 26

27 For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 Preschool Children Draw the outline picture of a person on a small white board. Make it big and bubbly so you can fit words in the body. Next, talk to your child about different sins they will need some prompting! As you come up with some words together, write them inside the outline of the person. Paraphrase the Ephesians 2:8-9 passage, emphasizing how we are given grace through Jesus death. Make it clear this is a gift offered to anyone who chooses to believe. When you are finished, tell them it is time to wipe away all those sins. Let them wipe away the outline until they are wiped clean again. Hopefully, this is a visual that sticks in their little brains. We don t want our children to think they need to be perfect. Sin is very real, and something that will always be present in our lives something we will always battle. However, through God s grace, we are forgiven and that kind of grace leads us to repentance. School Age Children Element Money (make it appropriate and worth something for your specific child so that they want it and it is a blessing to them) Grace is an amazing thing. God has something to give. Kind of like I have this money (hold a dollar bill) Whose money is this? (it is mine) Is it yours?(no) What can I do with it?(anything I want to) I am giving this to you right now. You do not have to do anything for it. Do you want it? Then take it Now whose is it? (yours) What can you do with it? (anything you want) That is what God does with his grace. His forgiveness. He gives it to us freely. We do not earn it, we just have to accept it. Grace is getting something good that you do not deserve. God gives us grace. 27

28 Session 6: Faith ICEBREAKER What is your favorite day of the week and why? Key verse Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 If you think about it, we all have faith. We may put our faith in different things like - ourselves, our abilities, our experiences, other people, etc. The object of our faith really matters. It may determine the level of peace, confidence, hope or even perseverance in our lives. All the things we have learned in this study so far may be perceived as only great information, unless we apply our faith to see them at work in our lives in a practical way. Your faith may be small, but if it is placed in God, it can be a powerful force that can alter the course of your life. And you will experience the joy of having a relationship with God, who is good and faithful. Have faith in God, Jesus answered. I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, Go, throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24 Faith can be developed in several ways: It is important to be in an environment that will encourage and nurture your faith in God.

29 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 2. Relationships are also key to growing in our faith. Have someone agree with you as you pray and believe God. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 3. Knowing that nothing is impossible or too difficult for God can also help our faith. Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 4. Remembering that God has been faithful and never changes will empower us to believe and have faith. If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 5. Faith in God inspires us to action. It becomes alive when we see our faith lived out and we are not just waiting around on God to do something. Genuine faith in God bears fruit. In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 29

30 Faith compels us to: Serve and use our gifts to make a difference in our world Give of our resources, knowing that God is our provider Worship God and give Him all the credit for the good in our lives Dream big dreams, knowing that God is able to do anything Discuss with your group 1. Share a time when you saw your faith in God grow. What helped you? 2. Share a time when faith in God compelled you to do something that you knew was a result of your faith. 3. Is there something in our life that seems impossible to you, but you need prayer to have faith that God can meet your need? Please share Pray now and later 1. Pray that you will find creative ways to develop your faith this week. 2. Pray for anyone that you know who may need to put their faith in God. 3. Pray for each other in your group, especially for those who need God to do something that may seem impossible. Interact with the teenagers 1. What does the word hope mean to you? What about the word faith? 2. Of the scriptures listed above, which one speaks to you the most? 30

31 3. What is one impossible situation in your life that you need prayer for? 4. How can you commit to daily build your faith? Interact with the children Objective: Understand that faith is believing in God to the point that it changes the way we think and act. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Preschool Children Use Teaching Moments: Children are believers of what they see and hear. Helping our children understand that God gives us the opportunity to believe in Him and trust Him beyond the circumstances is important. Helping a toddler understand that what they are seeing and feeling can be very real but God has a plan that He is working separately. Children really need to see faith modeled for them. If they are raised in an environment that puts trust in God s hands then they can easily translate the observation to a personal trust in God. Help your toddler learn to have faith beyond what they see and feel by trusting in God. School Age Children Element Blindfold, chair Talk to your child about faith and that it means to trust so much that you are willing to set aside your personal concerns and desires to follow or do something else. Blind fold them and ask them if they trust you, that you would not hurt them of let them hurt themselves. Turn them a couple of times to disorient them then quietly put a chair behind them. Ask them again if they trust you. Tell them that you are going to give them an instruction and they should do it immediately. Don t think about it. Don t feel around just do it. Are you ready? SIT DOWN Let them process they may sit quickly, they may hesitate, they may be too scared. 31

32 32 Discuss with them the feelings and thoughts that are needed to do something that you are not sure about. If you do not trust or have faith then it is really difficult or impossible to take the risk. The reality is that I would never hurt you and provided a safe place for you to sit. God is always taking care of us and we can trust Him with our life.

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34 Session 7: Sin ICEBREAKER What house chore is your least favorite? Key verse I do not understand what I do; for I don t do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate. Romans 5:17 The truth is - we all have a problem, a sin problem. Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned The word sin simply means to miss the mark. Whether we choose to admit it or not, we all have make mistakes and fall short, we ve missed the mark. For example, we may have committed: 1) behavioral sin like habits, etc., 2) relational sins like gossip, selfishness, 3) sins of commission things we do, 4) sins of omission things we should do, but don t. The good news is that there is a remedy for sin that is available for all of us. First, let s look at some characteristics of sin. 1. Sin is attractive Hebrews 11 tells us that Moses chose to be mistreated rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. If it wasn t attractive, we would not have a struggle with it at times. Sin promises things that it cannot deliver. 2. Sin is destructive sin is never constructive, it actually causes pain and sorrow. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death Nothing good can come from sin and there are always consequences that we may regret later in life. 3. Sin is forgivable Jesus went to the cross and paid for our sins, so that we would be free from guilt, shame and condemnation. Sin separated us from God, but Jesus paid the price with his life to 34

35 bridge the gap. 4. Sin can be defeated Only Jesus can give us the victory - we cannot overcome sin on our own. We don t have to live bound to sin. Paul said in Romans 7: LB So you see how it is: my new life tells me to do right, but the old nature that is still inside me loves to sin. Oh, what a terrible predicament I m in! Thank God! It has been done by Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set me free. Consider these scriptures: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9...But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:26 What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record. Psalm 32:1-2 LB No matter how deep the stain of your sin is, I can take it out and make it clean as freshly fallen show. Isaiah 1:18 LB Discuss with your group 1. How do you usually become aware that you have missed the mark? 2. Sometimes we have to deal with shame or guilt from our sins. Share a time when you felt bad about doing something wrong. What did you do about it? 3. How will your life be different knowing that you are truly forgiven 35

36 of your sins, and you can walk in freedom? 4. What can you do to remind yourself about God s grace and forgiveness? Pray now and later 1. Pray that we are quick to take responsibility when we sin. 2. Pray that we allow God to heal our hearts from any guilt or shame from the past. 3. Pray that God would give us strength to resist temptation. 4. Pray for each other s prayer requests in your group. Interact with the teenagers 1. Re-read Romans 5:17. What does that verse mean to you? Can you relate to it? 2. How does the definition missing the mark make you feel? And how do you usually know that you have sinned or missed the mark? 3. God promises to forgive our sins, but sometimes the hardest part is forgiving ourselves. What is a practical way you can let go of your past sin? Interact with the children Objective: Help kids understand Understanding that Sin separates us from God but that God has provided a remedy. 36 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

37 Preschool Children Paraphrase this Scripture by saying, God wants us to make good choices. The Bible says to ask God to help you and He will help you make good choices. Let s ask God to help us make good choices all the time! As you observe your toddler playing with other children, affirm their good choices by saying things like, God helped you choose to share your toys or God helped you choose to put away your toys when I asked you to. School Age Children Element glass of water, food color, bleach To a glass of water add a few drops of food coloring as you talk about sins that can separate us from God. (Let the color move into the water then ask.) How can we get the sin out now? It seems to be a part of who we are. Tell your child that we have a problem that won t go away by itself. (Pour the bleach into the colored water) explain that when we allow Jesus into our heart He takes our sin away. (As you let it sit the color will clear and the water will be clean) (add a couple more drops of food color) Now we still can sin from time to time but God has provided forgiveness for ALL our sin. 37

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40 Locations Shoreline North Campus Burnet Rd. Austin, TX Shoreline South Campus 2008 Brandt Rd. Austin, TX Shoreline East Outreach Saturday outreach service for the homeless 502 Brushy St. Austin, TX Facebook /ShorelineATX Instagram /ShorelineChurch /ShorelineSmallGroups 40