Altering the Spiritual Landscape One Life at a Time, Bob Marvel

Transcription

1 elcome to the All In spiritual growth campaign. I believe that over the course of the next five weeks God is going to use His Word and His People to impact our lives and our community. If you will sign on to be a part of this adventure and are open to what God has for you, your life will never be the same. I am excited for all of us to embrace this endeavor and experience a deeper level in our relationship with Jesus. Jesus continually invited people, no matter where they were in their spiritual journey, to follow him, to grow and to make a difference; in other words to be All In. In fact he would be so bold as to ask people to leave everything so that they could gain a true, fulfilling, significant and eternal life. This was not just a life that would start in heaven someday after we die, rather a vibrant, dynamic, transformational life right here and now. It might not be the easiest or most comfortable life, there might be times of stretching in our faith or sacrifice but all of it would have a very meaningful purpose. In John 15:8 we read these words from Jesus: This is to my Father s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. This is Jesus desire for each of us and we have identified five discipleship goals that will take us closer to that end. So over the next five weeks we will be learning in our time together each weekend, sharing in our small groups, studying in our personal time and participating in activities that are focused on each of the discipleship goals. The booklet you hold in your hands has tools to reinforce and enhance your learning from the weekend sermon. There are personal reading guides, prayer prompts and action steps for you as an individual, or to use in your family or small group. Together let s go All In. Altering the Spiritual Landscape One Life at a Time, Bob Marvel

2 ALL IN OVERVIEW GATHERING TOGETHER Knowing the importance of meeting together weekly for worship, we encourage you to make weekend services a priority throughout the 5 week campaign. You, your family, and those you are in community with will get the most out of this campaign if you attend one of our worship services each weekend. Following the introduction weekend April 9/10, the message topic and content will coincide with this booklet. The schedule, and topics, are: April 16/17 Connect with God through the Word April 23/24 Commit to the Gathering April 30/May 1 Grow in Community May 7/8 Restore Hope to the Hurting May 14/15 Engage in Relationships PERSONAL READING Each day during the ALL IN campaign, you are invited to participate in the daily reading. This will help you read, reflect, and strengthen your walk with Jesus. To get the most out of your reading, we encourage you to set aside a few minutes each day, preferably free of distractions, to read each passage, reflect, and pray. There will be space between each reading to record your thoughts on each passage. We ask you to consider using the following questions as you read the passage and reflect: 4 5 PRAYER Ultimately, what is the goal of the campaign? Using Paul s plea in Galatians 4:19, Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives (NLT), take moments throughout the day to pray, Jesus, form yourself in me. COMMUNITY We are created to live in community.first in relationship to God, then with one another. Discussing scripture together, encouraging one another to take significant steps in our spiritual journey, and celebrating life change can be some of the benefits of community. Weekly, gather with your small group, family, serve teams, and/or friends and use the material in this booklet to guide your time. ACTION STEPS Being a Christ follower doesn t just include knowing more, but always includes life transformation. With the greater goal of becoming more like Jesus, weekly action steps will be an important part of our 5 weeks, and beyond. You will be hearing more about these steps throughout the course of the campaign, especially on the weekends. We look forward to hearing life transformation stories as a result of participating in these important action steps. Please send your stories to stories@cornwallchurch.com What does the passage tell me about God? (He is first and foremost calling me to Himself, to know Him, and to be transformed by Him) How does the passage speak to me? (God s word helps us see ourselves, struggles and strengths) What does the passage call me to? (God s word is intended to be applied, let His word transform your life, and lead you to become more like Jesus) Our hope is these questions can be a guide for your personal reading, not only throughout the campaign, but beyond.

3 DAILY READING Take a few minutes each day this week to spend time reading and reflecting on the scriptures below. There is a place for you to take notes at the end of this section. Sunday, April 17 Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:1-24 Monday, April 18 Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:25-48 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God might be proficient, equipped for every good work. Tuesday, April 19 Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: Timothy 3:16 Wednesday, April 20 Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:73-96 THE POWER OF 4 EFFECT A key discovery* says that someone who engages scripture 4 or more times a week looks radically different from the life of someone who does not. In fact, the lives of Christians who do not engage with the Bible most days of the week are statistically the same as the lives of non-believers. Thursday, April 21 Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: Friday, April 22 Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: Saturday, April 23 Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: *See more at:

4 READ, TALK & REFLECT IN COMMUNITY With your small group, family, serve team, or friends, read, talk, and discuss the following together. USE THIS AREA TO TAKE NOTES OR JOURNAL ABOUT THIS WEEK S READING. OPENING PRAYER Allow one minute of silence for each person to offer this prayer, Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 CONNECTING WITH GOD THROUGH THE WORD What is one way God spoke to you through your scripture reading this week and the message this weekend? Read: Psalm 19:1-6 In what way does God speak to everyone? What do you think God wants us to know? (vs. 2) Read: Romans 1:20. What qualities of God are revealed through His creation? What is it that God has revealed to you through His creation? Read: Psalm 19:7-11 List the benefits of knowing God s Word/Law? How do you feel most people view God s Word? What images or metaphors are used in this passage to describe the Word s impact? Which description most impacts you? Read: Psalm 119:9-11, 16 What do these verses say to you? Why is the heart such a central, foundational part of knowing and following His Word/Law? ACTION STEPS As a result of the weekend message, your personal reflection and prayer and reading, and our study today, what action steps are you considering? CLOSING PRAYER Use Psalm 19:12-14 as a closing prayer.

5 DAILY READING Take a few minutes each day this week to spend time reading and reflecting on the scriptures below. There is a place for you to take notes at the end of this section. Sunday, April 24 Scripture Reading: Psalm 100 Monday, April 25 Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 12:14-21 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness. Tuesday, April 26 Scripture Reading: John 17:20-23 Psalm 84:10 Wednesday, April 27 Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 Thursday, April 28 Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:17-21 At home, in my own house, there is no warmth or vigor in me, but in the church when the multitude is gathered together, a fire is kindled in my heart and it breaks its way through. -Martin Luther Friday, April 29 Scripture Reading: I Chronicles 29: 10-15, 20 Saturday, April 30 Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-3, 5-6, 8-10

6 READ, TALK & REFLECT IN COMMUNITY With your small group, family, serve team, or friends, read, talk, and discuss the following together. USE THIS AREA TO TAKE NOTES OR JOURNAL ABOUT THIS WEEK S READING. OPENING PRAYER Lord Jesus, we welcome you here. You ve promised that where two or three gather for a kingdom purpose, you re there. Please guide our discussion, open our eyes, and energize us for your work. Spirit of God please teach us what s on your mind, Amen. CONNECTING WITH GOD THROUGH THE WORD What is one way God spoke to you through your scripture reading this week and the message this weekend? Read: Hebrews 10:19-25 From this passage, what has Jesus done for us? As a result, why is it important that we meet together? How have you been impacted by the gatherings you ve been a part of? Read: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6 Why did the people gather as one man in the square? What was the result of their gathering? How does their story inspire and inform our reasons to meet together, and impact your coming to weekend services? Read: Revelation 4:11 What glimpse did John, the writer of Revelation, have of the ultimate gathering in heaven? Who is the only object worthy of our worship? What does it reveal to us about eternity? How is our gathering here a taste of heaven? ACTION STEPS As a result of the weekend message, your personal reflection and prayer and reading, and our study today, what action steps are you considering? CLOSING PRAYER Thank you Father for revealing yourself when we come to worship. You truly inhabit the praises of your people. Use our weekend services to create a wider awe in everyone who comes, an awe that draws us closer in reverence, joy and praise. Amen.

7 DAILY READING Take a few minutes each day this week to spend time reading and reflecting on the scriptures below. There is a place for you to take notes at the end of this section. Sunday, May 1 Scripture Reading Ephesians 4:14-16 Monday, May 2 Scripture Reading I Corinthians 12:21-27 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Tuesday, May 3 Scripture Reading Romans 12:4-5, 9-16 Wednesday, May 4 Scripture Reading Galatians 6:1-5, 10 Thursday, May 5 Scripture Reading I John 4:7-12 I want a community who will challenge me to become who I already am: one in whom Christ dwells and delights, a light to the world, salt to the earth, the aroma of Christ to a dying world. I want a community who reminds me of who I am and will watch over me with love which means offering both comfort and warning so that I might live a life worthy of my calling. Friday, May 6 Scripture Reading I Peter 2:9-10 Saturday, May 7 Scripture Reading John 15: James Bryan Smith

8 READ, TALK & REFLECT IN COMMUNITY With your small group, family, serve team, or friends, read, talk, and discuss the following together. USE THIS AREA TO TAKE NOTES OR JOURNAL ABOUT THIS WEEK S READING. OPENING PRAYER Lord Jesus, we welcome you here. Please open our eyes to see what you want our group to become. Speak to us we pray, Amen. CONNECTING WITH GOD THROUGH THE WORD What is one way God spoke to you through your scripture reading this week and the message this weekend? Read: Romans 12:9-16 What action words does Paul use in this passage? Why do you feel he uses such a strong, direct approach? What might be one practical step you could take as a result of these commands? What would be the most difficult command for you to fulfill, and why? Read: Acts 2:42-47 What characteristics were reflected in this early Christian community? How did this impact their community? And those outside their community? Considering our Northwest culture, which characteristic(s) do you feel would most impact your group, and those outside your group? ACTION STEPS As a result of the weekend message, your personal reflection and prayer and reading, and our study today, what action steps are you considering? CLOSING PRAYER Lord, help us to see the people around us for who they are, our family, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, in the family of God. May the care we show each other be guided by a desire to honor you and care for each other. In Christ s name, Amen.

9 DAILY READING Take a few minutes each day this week to spend time reading and reflecting on the scriptures below. There is a place for you to take notes at the end of this section. Sunday, May 8 Scripture Reading Micah 6:8 Monday, May 9 Scripture Reading Isaiah 58:6-12; 61:1-3 Tuesday, May 10 Scripture Reading James 1:27 Formal religion only takes us so far for it is both safe and doable. Love, however, knows no limits, takes costly risks, and looks for ways to give more. - Carolyn Custis James Wednesday, May 11 Scripture Reading Ezekiel 16:49-50 Thursday, May 12 Scripture Reading Galatians 2:10; 6:10 Friday, May 13 Scripture Reading II Corinthians 8: 1-5; 9-12 You see, idealism detached from action is just a dream. But idealism allied with pragmatism, with rolling up your sleeves and making the world bend a bit, is very exciting. It s very real. It s very strong. Saturday, May 14 Scripture Reading Ephesians 4:28 - Bono

10 READ, TALK & REFLECT IN COMMUNITY With your small group, family, serve team, or friends, read, talk, and discuss the following together. USE THIS AREA TO TAKE NOTES OR JOURNAL ABOUT THIS WEEK S READING. OPENING PRAYER Father, come and guide our group. Show us your heart for people in pain, people in need and what our role as a group might be in serving them. We welcome you here. In Christ s name, Amen. CONNECTING WITH GOD THROUGH THE WORD What is one way God spoke to you through your scripture reading this week and the message this weekend? Read: Luke 4:14-22 What is the setting of this passage? What does Jesus proclaim about Himself? What does Jesus say He came to do? Who is Jesus target audience? Read: Luke 5:17-26 What is the setting of the passage? What is the condition of the man in need? Describe the qualities demonstrated by his friends? What is surprising about Jesus response to the man? How does that highlight Jesus ability to see needs beyond the obvious? Read: Luke 10:25-37 Who does Jesus share this parable with? What were the qualities demonstrated by the Samaritan in the parable towards the man in need? In contrast, what were the qualities demonstrated by the other two? What makes this parable remarkable? Share a time you were on the receiving end of generosity from another. How does this passage speak to you and to your group as a whole? ACTION STEPS As a result of the weekend message, your personal reflection and prayer and reading, and our study today, what action steps are you considering? CLOSING PRAYER Thanks for letting us be together. Open our group s heart and our eyes to friends and strangers, who need your love and presence. Make connecting with them natural for us and them. Help us when you nudge us individually, and as a group, to step out and get involved. In the name of the Great Physician we pray, Amen.

11 DAILY READING Take a few minutes each day this week to spend time reading and reflecting on the scriptures below. There is a place for you to take notes at the end of this section. Sunday, May 15 Scripture Reading John 4:7-42 Monday, May 16 Scripture Reading I Peter 3:15-16 And I ve always said that I don t respect people that don t proselytize. I don t respect that at all. If you believe that there s a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, or whatever and you think that, Well, it s not really worth tellin em this, because it would make it socially awkward, how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? I mean, if I believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you and you didn t believe it that truck was bearing down on you there s a certain point where I tackle you, and this is more important than that. - Penn Jillette of Penn and Teller Tuesday, May 17 Scripture Reading Acts 8:26-39 Wednesday, May 18 Scripture Reading Matthew 28:18-20 Thursday, May 19 Scripture Reading Luke 8:26-39 Friday, May 20 Scripture Reading John 1:43-49 The key is to put on the mind of Christ and to see others as he sees them: treasures. Saturday, May 21 Scripture Reading Titus 3:1-8 - James Bryan Smith

12 READ, TALK & REFLECT IN COMMUNITY With your small group, family, serve team, or friends, read, talk, and discuss the following together. CLOSING PRAYER Dear Lord Jesus, grant us your heart, Dear Holy Spirit, grant us your words, Dear Heavenly Father, grant us divine appointments to show and to tell others your great good news and do so in ways they can understand. Give our whole church family a new boldness to tell as well as show the gospel. In Jesus name, Amen. USE THIS AREA TO TAKE NOTES OR JOURNAL ABOUT THIS WEEK S READING. OPENING PRAYER Thanks for letting us get together. Be our teacher as we open your word. Be our coach as we discern your will. We welcome you here tonight dear God, in Christ s name, amen. CONNECTING WITH GOD THROUGH THE WORD What is one way God spoke to you through your scripture reading this week and the message this weekend? Read: Acts 26:1-31 Who is Paul addressing in this passage? What is this person s position? What are the main points in Paul s response? Make a general outline. What impresses you about Paul s story? How does Paul present not only his own story, but the gospel? What is Agrippa s response? (vs. 28) And Paul s response to Agrippa? (29) Read: Luke 8:26-39 Who does Jesus and the disciples encounter on the other side of the lake? What is this man s condition? (i.e. physical, social, personal, identity) Why does Jesus ask for the man s name? (vs. 30) Doesn t he already know the man s name? How was this man transformed by Jesus? Why did Jesus turn down the man s desire to go with Him? (vs. 38) What did Jesus encourage him to do instead? How has Jesus transformed your life? (it doesn t have to be as drastic as this man, but transformation in any form is powerful) How can you use your transformation story in sharing with others, especially those in your relational circles? YOUR STORY Take some time this week to craft your 30 second story, describing how Jesus has changed your life. Share your story with another believer, then look for opportunities to share with others. ACTION STEPS As a result of the weekend message, your personal reflection and prayer and reading, and our study today, what action steps are you considering?

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