PARTICIPANT GUIDE THE STORY (un)faithful - Glory Days REAL LIFE chapter 7-13 MINISTRIES
THE STORY - TABLE OF CONTENTS (un)faithful: CHAPTER 7-10 [OCT 23-29] CHAPTER 7: JOSHUA - THE BATTLE BEGINS Bible Passages Covered: Joshua 1-2; 6; 8; 10-11; 23-24 BIG IDEA: Joshua is a picture of lower story events empowered by God as He carries out His upper story plan. God pursues a people to belong to Him and a place where they can dwell together. As He created a garden He is providing a promised land for His people. It is essential to listen to God and follow His plan, not head off on our own. It is His power that accomplishes His plan and purposes in the midst of our lives. [OCT 30 - NOV 5] CHAPTER 8: JUDGES - A FEW GOOD MEN... AND WOMEN Bible Passages covered: Judges 2-4; 6-8; 13-16 BIG IDEA: God s plan and ways are good. There are consequences when we live our own way, when we choose in our lower story to ignore His upper story and to follow various other gods. God wants us to rely and depend on Him. The consequences of not following are intended to draw us back to Him. [NOV 6-12] CHAPTER 9: RUTH - THE FAITH OF A FOREIGN WOMAN Bible passages covered: Ruth 1-4 BIG IDEA: God s plan is not for Israel alone. His Upper story includes redeeming the entire Universe. God uses the lower story of Ruth, Boaz and Naomi to display His heart of redemption for all. God is still at work carrying out his plan, even when things seem hopeless and hard. [NOV 13-19] JOSH MCDOWELL EVENT WEEK: Heroic Truth Conference Nov 14 & 15 Friday, November 14th: 6:00-9:00pm & Saturday, November 15th: 8:30am-12:30pm Online Pre-Registration Price: $12 per person At the door: $15 per person Invite a friend! Bring High School Students, Middle School students... maybe even older elementary students. (Sorry, No Childcare available) 2
[NOV 20 - NOV 26] CHAPTER 10: SAMUEL & SAUL - STANDING TALL, FALLING HARD Bible passages Covered: 1 Samuel 1-4; 8-13; 15 BIG IDEA: God wants to reveal His presence and His plan to the world through His people. His upper story involves Him being King over his people. The Israelites in their lower story wrestle with having an earthly king and following God. God calls each person to humble dependent trust in Him in the midst of our lower stories. Glory Days: CHAPTER 11-13 [NOV 27 (Thanksgiving) - DEC 3] CHAPTER 11: YOUNG DAVID - FROM SHEPHERD TO KING Bible passages Covered: 1 Samuel 16-18; 24;31; 2 Samuel 6; 22; 1 Chron.17; Psalm 59, Psalm 18 BIG IDEA: God looks on hearts not appearances as He refines and prepares people for His purposes. In our lower story we do not see things as God sees them from his Upper story. This includes appearances, circumstances and timing. [DEC 4-10] CHAPTER 12: KING DAVID - THE TRIALS OF A KING Bible passages covered: 2 Samuel 11-12; 18-19; 1 Chronicles 22;29; Psalm 23;32;51 BIG IDEA: When we respond to God in our lower story He uses our lives - both the good and bad - to show His presence and character to those around us. In the good and the bad, David shows us God s upper story heart. Through forgiveness relationships are restored even though consequences may remain. [DEC 11-17] CHAPTER 13: SOLOMON - THE KING WHO HAD IT ALL Bible passages covered: 1 Kings 1-8;10-11; 2 Chronicles 5-7; Proverbs 1-3; 6; 20-21 BIG IDEA: How we live our lower story matters. God gives wisdom and grace from His upper story perspective. We need His help to stay strong and finish well. 3
THE PURPOSE OF HOME GROUPS THE PURPOSE OF HOME GROUPS: We exist to reach the world for Jesus, one person at a time. We feel that is best done in small, relational environments, where biblical disciples can be made. Home groups are the primary vehicle by which we carry out the vision and mission of Real Life Ministries. VISION: Reaching the world for Jesus, one person at a time. MISSION: Creating biblical disciples in relational environments. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. - John 15:4 And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. - Matthew 22:37-39 And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. - Matthew 28:18-20 And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. - Acts 2:42-47 The above Scripture is taken from English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. 4
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RELATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: GROUP GUIDELINES Setting some basic group guidelines for how we will honor one another in our group discussions is important. Ground rules give boundaries for people to operate within. They help with the flow and pace of the discussions. They help us value one another. They help people to be more comfortable sharing deep and meaningful things. SAFE GROUP: We will strive to create an environment where everyone can be real, open, and honest with their struggles and victories. CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group. LISTEN: Let s value one another during the discussions by really listening to what is being shared. Try to avoid thinking about how you are going to respond, or what you are going to say next. PAUSE: Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing the chance to finish and the group the opportunity to consider what was just shared before responding. SILENCE: It is important to allow silence in the group as it provides an opportunity for someone to share and for members in the group to process the topic or question being considered. NO CROSS TALK : Be considerate of others as they are sharing. No side conversations. NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each other. Jesus does that part. Give encouragement; speak truth, and point to Jesus. Don t try to solve or fix each other. NO RESCUING: When people are sharing something deeply personal, there can be a tendency to try to make them feel better about themselves or the situation by providing immediate condolences. This will often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the temptation to rescue people. SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time you share. CONFLICT: We will commit to resolve conflict biblically. When conflict or sin issues between group members arise, we want to make sure that we are honoring God and each other in the way we deal with these issues. The following are a few key Scriptures in this regard (there are many others). If someone sins against you Matthew 18:15-20 Restoring someone in sin Galatians 6:1-5 Forgive a sinner Colossians 3:12-13 Reconciling differences Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 7:1-5 BE SELF-AWARE: Be self-aware of how you are personally effecting the environment through your words, actions, and non-verbal communication. USE I STATEMENTS: It s easy to talk about the issues of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put yourself on the table. Try to use I statements rather than them, the church, us, we, etc. 6
NEW TO THE STORY? If you are just joining us in The Story, please take a moment and read the following three pages to help you get more familiar the The Story curriculum. READ IT, HEAR IT, DISCUSS IT, LIVE IT: Discovering your story in God s story. This year, we, as a church family and body are going to be encountering God s heart and story through the tool The Story. The Story is an abridged, chronological compilation of the main stories in the Bible which show God s redemptive heart and His interaction with people. As a congregation we will all work through God s story together. Imagine the discussions you will get to have as you talk with your family and friends about what God is showing you through His Word. AND you will all have read and heard the same story of God. Just imagine how we will help each other live out the truth the Spirit teaches each of us. There is power and transformation as God s Spirit uses God s word to show God s people who God is and how to relate to Him, each other and the world we live in. Imagine growing together to view what is happening in our lives and world from God s perspective. Imagine understanding better how our own story fits into God s story and what our part is in following Jesus and joining His mission as He changes us. READ the chapter from The Story: Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. Read The Story with your family. We broke it up into a daily reading plan because we want to help each other continue to abide in and follow Jesus daily. If it is helpful to read daily then use it, if it is not helpful then don t, but do READ the chapter and Abide in/follow Jesus daily. (An audio version of The Story is available at amazon.com) HEAR the sermon. HEAR the story at home group. We chose the sections of The Story to hear and discuss at home group that reflect what children and youth will have heard in their programs. We have partnered with the Children s and Family ministry to sync up material to help you as families to read, hear, discuss, and live together. We want to help each other grow in following Jesus and being disciple makers of Jesus. DISCUSS with your Family, Home Group & Friends. DISCUSS with your family. DISCUSS with your home group, your friends. Share with people you work and play with. Look at the story, understand what it shows about God and His plan. Look at your own lives. Compare with what you have thought about life to what God says about life. This is an exciting journey of learning God s upper story, seeing our lower story, and letting how we view the world be changed to reflect more how God views the world. 7
LIVE IT. Live The Story by reflecting on what God reveals to you about Himself and your own heart. Reflect on what God is showing you through The Story. Reflect on how that effects relationships in your life. Respond as individuals, families, groups to what God is showing you. Help each other grow and be changed, to live differently, not just know more. Real discipleship happens in relationships. As we are changed by God s Spirit and word we live it out in the midst of relationships and situations. Invite others to join. DEFINITION OF TERMS As we go through The Story there are a few terms that we will be using that would be good for all of us to start with a similar definition. UPPER STORY: The upper story is how God is at work bringing about His plan. God s heart and purpose is to have a people who dwell with Him eternally and proclaim Him to the world as they are in relationship with each other. This is the core of His upper story. LOWER STORY: The lower story is how God s plan is being worked out in human history including the human stories we read in the Bible AND in our own lives. The Bible tells of how His upper story is worked out in the time and space of human history. This lower story gives us guidance and examples as we live our lower story in this slice of history. KNOWING THE UPPER & LOWER STORY: The grand plan and purposes of God to restore relationship with mankind throughout history, helps us put context to the lower story which is filled with details of particular people. These details and particular people, including us, are important, but they fit into a grand upper story. THE STORY BIG IDEA This is a snapshot of how the chapter of The Story and the passages covered play into God upper story and the lower story. DISCUSSION BIG IDEA In each chapter of the Story curriculum a particular life issue has been chosen from the discussion story to focus on. All the questions have been designed to help you and your home group wrestle with this topic. The Head questions help focus on where the story shows it. The Heart questions are intended to allow people to wrestle with their own life and beliefs. The Hand questions encourage people to personally respond in their everyday realities to what they have discovered. 8
THE THREE PARTS: MY PART, THEIR PART, GOD S PART There are three important parts being played out within intentional relationships: My part, their part, and God s part. MY PART: I have a part to play in the relationship between God and myself. I also have a part to play in my relationships with others. THEIR PART: In my relationship with others, the person I m investing in has a part to play. Also, in the relationship between them and God, they have a part to play in that as well. GOD S PART: God is active in all these relationships and His part is really the most important. God is active in my relationship with Him. God is playing a key role in my having a relationship with someone else. God is also active in the lives of others in their relationship with Him and their relationship with others and myself. THE COMPONENTS: HEAD, HEART & HANDS: They re are three main components of the discipleship process: Head, Heart & Hands. HEAD: As you begin to disciple someone, there s a lot they need to know. And as you journey with someone throughout their process of spiritual maturity, you re continually helping them to learn and understand more and more. (Head knowledge) HEART: Learning things on the head level is important, but if it s all about knowledge then we haven t done our part in helping someone mature as a disciple. Head knowledge must move to the heart where someone is actually changed so they can begin to live these things out in their daily lives. HANDS: As those we re discipling grow in their understanding of God and His Word and continue to be changed by God (head to heart), we need to also help them to put what they re learning into practice. This includes serving, ministering, shepherd- 9
07 THE STORY JOSHUA: THE BATTLE BEGINS [OCT 23-29] 10
07 THE STORY JOSHUA: THE BATTLE BEGINS [OCT 23-29] An arrow will be underneath the section of The Story that we will be discussing during our group time. DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. READ IT IT Joshua s Call THE STORY: CHAPTER 7 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Jericho Ai, Shechem, & Gibeon Inheritance Final Words 90-91 91-94 94-97 97-99 99-102 * Bible passages covered in the chapter 7 daily reading plan: Joshua 1-2; 6; 8; 10-11; 23-24 GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: Heroic Truth Conference - Josh McDowell Nov 14,15. FOLLOW UP: What was the story from last week, and what caused you to think about it this week? How did it help you abide in Christ, in your family, with fellow believers or in your world? THE STORY: CHAPTER 7 CHAPTER 7 SUMMARY: Joshua began to lead the Israelites. After sending two spies, the Israelites conquered Jericho by marching and shouting. Everything was destroyed except Rahab and her family who had hid the spies. Defeating Ai was a challenge. A treaty with neighboring Gibeon had to be honored in a battle. After conquering the land each tribe was given land as an inheritance. HEAR IT THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: The Battle of Jericho - Bible passage: Joshua 5:13-6:27 BACKGROUND: Joshua and the Israelites have crossed the Jordan River in a miraculous way. They have celebrated passover and circumcision. This new nation is ready to stop wandering and to follow God s plan in taking the Promised Land. TELL THE STORY: Joshua 5:13-6:27 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 11
HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] LIVE IT DISCUSS IT What stands out to you about the plan God gave Joshua? What do you think Joshua and the Israelites felt as they marched around the city? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] God asked Joshua to fight Jericho in an unconventional way. How do you respond when God asks you to do something that may seem unconventional? When have you fought the right battle the wrong way? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] How do you hear God s voice and plan? What do you need from others to help you hear God s voice and plan? What battle is God asking you to fight? (eg; home, work, play, etc.) How do you equip your children (or those you re discipling) to do battle God s way? CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 8 / Bible Passages: Judges 2-4;6-8;13-16 12
PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 13
08 JUDGES: A FEW GOOD MEN...AND WOMEN THE STORY [OCT 30 - NOV 5] 14
08 JUDGES: A FEW GOOD MEN...AND WOMEN THE STORY [OCT 30 - NOV 5] DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. HEAR IT READ IT IT THE STORY: CHAPTER 8 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Othniel Deborah Gideon Samson Samson 103-105 105-107 107-112 112-116 116-119 * Bible passages covered in the chapter 8 daily reading plan: Judges 2-4; 6-8; 13-16 GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: What are you discovering about God s upper Story? How is it impacting your lower story? THE STORY: CHAPTER 8 CHAPTER 8 SUMMARY: After conquering the land a new generation grew up not knowing the Lord or what He had done so they began to live how they wanted, worshiping what they wanted. God sent raiders to discipline and draw His people back. He also raised up judges to lead them. Each time Israel would return then they would forget again. The judges mentioned in this chapter were Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: Samson and Delilah - Bible passages: Judges 16 BACKGROUND: Judges are men and women God raised up to save His people out of the hands of their enemies. God had compassion on His people when they groaned under oppression and affliction. The affliction came when they forgot God and followed their own way - serving and worshiping other gods. This is the sin cycle that is repeated over and over in the book of Judges. (They follow God, then begin to forget God, follow their own way, then their oppressed by their enemies, they cry out to God, a judge is raised up, then they begin to follow God, then forget...) TELL THE STORY: Judges 16 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 15
HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] How did Samson follow God and in what ways did he not? LIVE IT DISCUSS IT How did Samson s down fall start? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] What are the strongest temptations that you face? What leads you to your certain temptations? How do you fight your temptations? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] What do you do when you are caught in a cycle being far from God? What are some practical steps you can take in light of what you have discovered? CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 9 / Bible Passages: Ruth 1-4 16
PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 17
09 RUTH: THE STORY THE FAITH OF A FOREIGN WOMAN [NOV 6-12] 18
09 RUTH: THE STORY THE FAITH OF A FOREIGN WOMAN [NOV 6-12] DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. HEAR IT READ IT IT Bitter Beginnings 121-123 THE STORY: CHAPTER 9 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Bethlehem & Field 123-124 Threshing Floor 124-126 Town Gate 126-127 Happy End Page 127 * Bible passages covered in the chapter 9 daily reading plan: Ruth 1-4 GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: Josh McDowell and the Heroic Faith Experience - November 14,15 FOLLOW UP: How is what you are discovering in The Story impacting you; as you abide in Christ, or your family, or relationships with fellow believers or the world you are apart of? THE STORY: CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 9 SUMMARY: Naomi, her husband and sons, moved to Moab. There her sons married and then all the men died. Naomi returned to Bethlehem with her daughter in law, Ruth. Ruth gleaned at Boaz s field. He protected and provided for her and Naomi throughout harvest. Ruth asked Boaz to be her kinsman redeemer. He made arrangements so he could marry her and redeem Naomi s family land. Ruth and Boaz s son was Obed, grand father of David. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz - Bible passages: Ruth 1-4 BACKGROUND: A kinsman redeemer: in Israel, land was to stay in the family and tribe it was assigned to under Joshua. It was a part of the tribe s inheritance in the Promised Land. A close relative was to redeem back land that had been lost (See Leviticus 25). If a man died without an heir, a close relative was to marry the widow and provide an heir to carry the man s name and inheritance. (See Deuteronomy 25) TELL THE STORY: Ruth 1-4 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 19
HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] What were the challenges Naomi and Ruth faced? LIVE IT DISCUSS IT Who do you relate to in the story - Ruth, Naomi and Boaz? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] How has God used tough experiences to lead you closer to Him? What can cloud your vision in times of difficulty? God used Boaz s resources and generosity to care for Ruth. How is God s upper story changing your view of your resources? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] How do you seek help in difficult times? What steps can you take to grow in letting God use your resources in His upper story? CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. JOSH MCDOWELL AND THE HEROIC FAITH CONFERENCE: Josh McDowell and the Heroic Faith Conference will be next week. Plan to attend either service or the Heroic Truth conference on Fri & Sat. Attend together as a home group and invite people to come to the conference (bring older grade school, middle & high school students, friends, neighbors, co-workers,etc.). Friday, November 14th: 6:00-9:00 pm & Saturday, November 15th: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Online pre-registration price: $12 per person / at the door: $15 per person (Sorry, No childcare provided) READING FOR NOV 20/23, 2014: The Story: Chapter 10 / Bible Passages: 1 Samuel 1-4;8-13;15 20
PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 21
Heroic Truth [LEADER PREP GUIDE ] Nov 13 & 16 A 2-Day Heroic Truth Experience sermon date HEROIC TRUTH EXPERIENCE DISCUSSION [NOV 13-19] 22
DURING THE WEEK: HEROIC TRUTH EXPERIENCE DISCUSSION [NOV 13-19] Read: Catch up on any reading that you want to, or re-read a portion that was significant to you, or read ahead for next week (Chapter 10) Hear: Plan on attending the Heroic Truth Experience with Josh McDowell Friday, November 14th: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Saturday, November 15th: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Online pre-registration is $12 per person or at the door for $15 per person. Check out http://www.reallifeministries.com/joshmcdowell/ (Sorry, no Childcare provided.) Key topics will include: Truth of the Christian Faith & the Reliability of Scripture, Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Christ, The Deity of Christ, Forming a Biblical Worlview, Living Out Your Faith in Practical Ways: Knowing truth, Defending it, Passing it on. GROUP TIME: Opening prayer Review group guidelines (If necessary) Vision Cast the purpose of home group Announcements DISCUSS: Discuss the sermon and/or the conference Heroic Truth Conference. Share what was meaningful from the time with the McDowell s. LIVE IT: Reflect on what the Holy Spirit is revealing to you, how it impacts everyday life and how He is asking you to respond. Based on what you heard and discussed, what is God showing about Himself, you, your family, your fellow believers, or your part in the world you live in? What do you want to discuss more with your family? CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer. NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 10 / Bible passages Covered: 1 Samuel 1-4; 8-13; 15 23
10 THE STORY SAMUEL & SAUL: STANDING TALL, FALLING HARD [NOV 20-26] 24
10 THE STORY SAMUEL & SAUL: STANDING TALL, FALLING HARD [NOV 20-26] DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. READ IT IT THE STORY: CHAPTER 10 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Hannah Eli & Samuel Samuel Saul starts Saul falls 129-133 133-134 135-138 138-141 141-143 * Bible passages covered in the chapter 10 daily reading plan: 1 Samuel 1-4;8-13;15 GROUP TIME: HEAR IT OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: There is a unique Thanksgiving service this Wednesday, November 26 and there is no service on Thursday, November 27. FOLLOW UP: How did last week s story and discussion impact your week? (Jesus, Home, Church, World) THE STORY: CHAPTER 10 CHAPTER 10 SUMMARY: This chapter covers Samuel and Saul. Samuel was born as a result of the prayers of his mother, Hannah. He was dedicated to the Lord and grew up at the Tabernacle with the priest, Eli. Samuel was the last judge to lead Israel. As he grew old Israel asked for a king. God directed Samuel to anoint Saul. Saul began hesitantly but later became proud and did things his own way. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: Samuel and a King Bible passages: 1 Samuel 8 and 1 Samuel 10:1 BACKGROUND: Samuel is the last judge for Israel. Saul is the first king. TELL THE STORY: 1 Samuel 8 and 1 Samuel 10:1 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 25
HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] How did Samuel respond to the people s desire for a king? LIVE IT DISCUSS IT HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] How have you responded when others make decisions that negatively affect you? When have you taken matters into your own hand or done things your way anyway? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] What steps do you take to adopt God s perspective when you don t agree? When you are impacted by others decisions how do you work to maintain healthy relationships? What does obedience in the midst of disagreement look like in your home, church, work or world? CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 11 / Bible Passages: 1 Samuel 16-18; 24;31; 2 Samuel 6; 22; 1 Chron.17; Psalm 59, Psalm 18 26
PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 27
11 THE STORY YOUNG DAVID: FROM SHEPHERD TO KING [NOV 27 (Thanksgiving) - DEC 3] 28
11 THE STORY YOUNG DAVID: FROM SHEPHERD TO KING [NOV 27 (Thanksgiving) - DEC 3] DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. READ IT IT THE STORY: CHAPTER 11 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Chosen Chased Recognized Crowned Covenant 145-150 150-152 152-155 155-158 158-160 * Bible passages covered in the chapter 11 daily reading plan: 1 Samuel 16-18; 24;31; 2 Samuel 6; 22; 1 Chron.17; Psalm 59, Psalm 18 GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: How did last week s story and discussion impact your week? (Jesus, Home, Church, World) THE STORY: CHAPTER 11 CHAPTER 11 SUMMARY: God began to remove Saul from being king as He raised up, David, the shepherd boy to be king. After being anointed, David served Saul. Saul became jealous of him and chased him. After years of being chased David became king first over part of Israel then over all of Israel. God gave him a covenant promise to have a descendant on an everlasting throne. HEAR IT THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: David & Goliath Bible passages: 1 Samuel 17:1-11; 16-54 BACKGROUND: God had rejected Saul because Saul had become proud and resisted relying on God. God said He would seek a man after His own heart. He sent Samuel to anoint David, the youngest shepherd boy of eight brothers. God saw David s heart not his appearance. The path to fulfill being king would be filled with drama and waiting. TELL THE STORY: 1 Samuel 17:1-11; 16-54 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 29
HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] What made David s perspective of the battle so different than the others? LIVE IT DISCUSS IT What prepared David for this battle? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] What battles are you currently facing? (or have recently faced?) Where does God fit into your battle strategy? What experiences has He given you that build your confidence in Him? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] What helps you build confidence in God? What is your step this week to grow in this area? This week, who can you intentionally share a story with about how God has grown your confidence in Him? (Think of family, friends, co-workers) CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 12 / Bible Passages: 2 Samuel 11-12;18-19; 1 Chronicles 22;29; Psalm 23;32;51 30
PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 31
12 THE STORY KING DAVID: THE TRIALS OF A KING [DEC 4-10] 32
12 THE STORY KING DAVID: THE TRIALS OF A KING [DEC 4-10] DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. READ IT IT THE STORY: CHAPTER 12 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Bathsheba Mercy Absalom Restored Shepherd King 161-163 163-166 166-169 169-171 172-173 * Bible passages covered in the chapter 12 daily reading plan: 2 Samuel 11-12;18-19; 1 Chronicles 22;29; Psalm 23;32;51 GROUP TIME: HEAR IT OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: How did God use last week s story and discussion in your life this week? THE STORY: CHAPTER 12 CHAPTER 12 SUMMARY: David stumbled with Bathsheba. He was confronted and restored with lasting consequences to his family and kingdom. Part of those consequences came from a revolt by his son, Absolom. Through out his life he wrote psalms, authoring over seventy psalms. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: David & Bathsheba Bible passages: 2 Samuel 11:1-16 & 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13 BACKGROUND: David has established his kingdom. He had wanted to build a temple for God but God said that was for his descendant to do. David s role was to be a warrior - king. David was called a man after God s own heart. It is not because he lived a perfect life, but he sought God in both good and bad times. TELL THE STORY: 2 Samuel 11:1-16 & 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 33
HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] How did David respond when he was confronted with his sin? How did David s sin affect the future? LIVE IT DISCUSS IT HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] In what ways do your try to hide your sin from others? How do you respond when your sin is exposed? What holds you back from confessing or confronting? Nathan boldly and loving spoke truth to David. Who has permission to confront you? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] How does this discussion encourage you to grow in dealing with your own sin and brokenness? How can you lead in your relationships to extend forgiveness, to learn to confess, or to confront someone in truth and love? CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 13 / Bible Passages: 1 Kings 1-8;10-11; 2 Chronicles 5-7; Proverbs 1-3; 6; 20-21 34
PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 35
13 SOLOMON: THE KING WHO HAD IT ALL THE STORY [DEC 11-17] 36
13 SOLOMON: THE KING WHO HAD IT ALL THE STORY [DEC 11-17] DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. READ IT IT Solomon s Wisdom 175-178 THE STORY: CHAPTER 13 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Proverbs Proverbs Temple Building Ladies Man 178-181 182-84 185-189 189-192 * Bible passages covered in the chapter 13 daily reading plan: 1 Kings 1-8;10-11; 2 Chronicles 5-7; Proverbs 1-3; 6; 20-21 GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: How are the different spheres of your life being impacted by the Story? (Abiding, home, church, world) THE STORY: CHAPTER 13 CHAPTER 13 SUMMARY: Solomon succeed David as king of Israel. After asking God for wisdom to lead His people, he built the Temple his father had planned. Israel prospered during Solomon s time and became the world power economically. Solomon wrote proverbs and songs. His wisdom and wealth drew attention all across the known world. Solomon s downfall was marrying many foreign women and worshiping their gods instead of worshiping God with an undivided heart. HEAR IT THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: Solomon Asks for Wisdom Bible passages: 1 Kings 3:1-15 BACKGROUND: In this chapter David set his son, Solomon, on the throne before he died. Solomon asked God for wisdom and built the temple his father longed to build. He also wrote thousands of songs and proverbs. His wisdom was known through the world. The Queen of Sheba traveled a long distance to see if it was true. Solomon, though wise, struggled to finish well. TELL THE STORY: 1 Kings 3:1-15 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 37
HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] How does Solomon respond to the situation he is in? What do you find interesting about the interaction between God and Solomon? LIVE IT DISCUSS IT What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] What have you been asking God for? Solomon knew he needed wisdom to lead his people. Where do you need wisdom in your life? You can know the right thing and not do it. What gets in the way of you making the wise choice? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities] What can you do differently to intentionally seek God for wisdom this week? What habits help you make wise choices in your relationships? CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. NEXT WEEK S READING: Christmas season is here! We will take a break from The Story to celebrate Christmas. There will be two special Christmas Eve services. Christmas Eve Dec 23 & Christmas Eve Dec 24. Same Service Two different days. 38 We will resume with The Story - Sunday January 4, 2015 The Story: Chapter 14 / Bible Passages: 1 Kings 12-16
PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 39
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42 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:4-5 (NIV)
CHAPTER SUMMARY THE STORY: CHAPTER 8 SUMMARY OF SAMSON Chapter 13: Chapter 14: Chapter 15: Chapter 16: Birth - miraculous announcement - Nazarite vow given by God intended to be a judge against the Philistines Wedding to a Philistine girl that did not go well Revenge first, for the girl being given to another, then for the girl and father being killed by the Philistines Delilah and resulted in capture and then destroying the enemy THE STORY: CHAPTER 9 SUMMARY OF RUTH Chapter 1: Chapter 2: Chapter 3: Chapter 4: Famine in Israel causes Elimelek to leave Bethlehem taking his wife, Naomi, and two sons to Moab. During the ten year they are there the sons marry Moabite women, Then all three men die leaving three widows. Naomi chooses to return to her homeland, urging her daughter in laws to return to their own families. One does, one does not. Ruth follows her pledging herself to Naomi, her God, her land and her people. Naomi returns feeling empty and bitter. Ruth gleans in the fields to provide for Naomi and herself. The owner of the field, Boaz, takes notice of her, extending her grace, hospitality, protection and provision. Naomi recognizes that Boaz is a close relative and a kinsman redeemer. Naomi seeks to find a home for Ruth, At threshing time she sends Ruth under the cover of night to seek out Boaz. Ruth asks Boaz to be her kinsman redeemer. Boaz says there is a closer one but he will pursue seeing her redeemed. Boaz and the closer kinsman redeemer strike a commitment as to who will redeem Ruth. Boaz will. Boaz and Ruth marry, have a son, Obed, who becomes father of Jesse, the father of David. Naomi is renewed and sustained. 43
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