alliancecorevalues
Table of Contents [vi] Alliance Core Values [vii] Leader Instructions [x] Session 1: Alliance Core Values [1] Session 2: Finding Lost People [5] Session 3: Prayer: Our Primary Work [11] Session 4: It s All God s [17] Session 5: God s Word: The Key to All Success [23] Alliance Core Values: An Eight Week Study Leader s Guide Copyright 2011 The Christian and Missionary Alliance All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica Used by permission of Zondervan All rights reserved Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc Used by permission All rights reserved All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other, without prior permission of the publisher The Christian and Missionary Alliance P O Box 35000 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80935-3500 (719) 599-5999 Session 6: Mobilizing Devoted Disciples [29] Session 7: Holy Spirit Empowerment [35] Session 8: Faith-Filled Risks [41] What s at Our Core [47] Supplemental Resource List [48] Printed in the United States of America
alliancecorevalues It goes without saying that there ought to be a close connection between what we believe and the way that we behave In fact, the Bible says very clearly that there is such a connection: As [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV) In the first part of our series, we focused on the Fourfold Gospel Jesus our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King the heart of what we as Alliance people believe In Alliance Core Values, we will look at how those key beliefs shape the way that we live As we journey through this study together, we will look at seven core values each of which is expressed as a declarative statement We will hear from and about individuals whose lives have been dramatically impacted by these values, and we will look at some biblical figures who can serve as role models for each one of us as we seek to drive these values more deeply into our own lives The spiritual DNA of every Christ follower is to glorify God It s what we were created to do The spiritual DNA of the C&MA is to make Christ followers of all people (Matthew 28:18 20) If we and other Great Commission Christians remain true to our call, the whole world every nation, tongue, and tribe will declare the glory of God Then we will see the return of Jesus Christ, our Coming King (Matthew 24:14) What we believe motivates and inspires us to live out the Alliance Core Values seven basic principles that flow out of our passion for Jesus These core values are not as much Alliance as they are the core values that Jesus lived and calls us to live As we draw from His endless reserves of divine empowerment to practice these core values, He enables us to obey His mandate to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19) John F Soper The Christian and Missionary Alliance vi vii
alliancecorevalues Lost people matter to God He wants them found (Luke 19:10) In the formative years of our movement, the Holy Spirit instilled within A B Simpson a passion to reach people who had no knowledge of Jesus Christ in his Jerusalem and around the world That passion still lives in The Alliance today and is our first core value: Lost people matter to God He wants them found Prayer is the primary work of God s people (Philippians 4:6 7) We believe that nothing of lasting value can be done unless it is bathed in prayer His passionate belief that prayer undergirds all ministry compelled Alliance founder A B Simpson to create a prayer league that would focus on the world s evangelization He believed that this Prayer Alliance would prove to be the mightiest force in the spread of missions That force still drives The Alliance today Prayer is the primary work of God s people Everything we have belongs to God We are His stewards (1 Chronicles 29:14) This core value is intrinsic to the nature and structure of The Alliance Scripture encourages us to remember that the amount of money we have or how much we give is secondary to recognizing that everything we have belongs to God We are His stewards Completing the Great Commission will require the mobilization of every fully devoted disciple (Matthew 28:19) In The Christian and Missionary Alliance, the first priority of every minister, congregation, and believer is to work for the evangelization of the world Healthy churches producing healthy disciples who are devoted to reaching lost people will hasten the completion of the Great Commission and the return of Jesus Christ Completing the Great Commission will require the mobilization of every fully devoted disciple Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing (1 Corinthians 2:4 5) The Apostle Paul said, My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit s power, so that your faith might not rest on men s wisdom, but on God s power We believe this is the fiber of our being Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing Achieving God s purposes means taking faith-filled risks This always involves change (Hebrews 11:6) For more than a century, Alliance workers have braved harsh and dangerous territory, at great personal risk, to take the good news of Jesus to a lost world Because of the selfless dedication of Alliance workers who were willing to lay down their lives for the gospel, entire people groups now know Jesus Achieving God s purposes means taking faith-filled risks This always involves change Knowing and obeying God s Word is fundamental to all true success ( Joshua 1:8) The driving force of The Alliance has always been Jesus command from Matthew 28:19 the Great Commission: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit But the next verse is equally important: and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you Knowing and obeying God s Word is fundamental to all true success viii ix
Leader Instructions As you prepare, ask trusted friends or family members to pray for you during the eight weeks that you will facilitate Time: Schedule a day, time, and meeting place for the weekly study Plan sessions to last approximately one hour Prepare: Complete the Dig Deeper section and review discussion questions before each session This will equip you to facilitate the discussion and answer questions that arise Distribute the Participant s Guide to attendees prior to the first class Remind participants to bring Bibles to each session Keep a few extras on hand, along with pens or pencils Secure a DVD player that is compatible with the enclosed discs, along with a large television or projection system with audio Have enough chairs for everyone Make sure participants are seated so that they can see, hear, and engage in discussion Participant s Guides: All content from the Participant s Guide is contained in this Leader s Guide Additional copies of the Participant s Guide can be purchased through wwwcma-dnacom Video Segments: Included on Disc 1 are all video segments and supplemental resources for Sessions 1 through 4 Disc 2 contains the video segments and supplemental resources for Sessions 5 through 8 For Sessions 2 through 8, it is recommended that the intro and testimony segments be shown consecutively without pause Supplemental Resources: Articles, video segments, and other resources (see list on page 48) pertaining to Alliance Core Values can be found in the EXTRAS folders on the enclosed discs or downloaded from wwwcma-dnacom The articles can be printed and distributed as session handouts at the leader s discretion Prayer: Incorporating prayer into the sessions is also left to the discretion of the leader In small group settings that are less constricted by time, the leader may choose to initiate an extended time of prayer during which participants can divide into pairs and pray for one another In larger settings where time is limited, the leader may simply choose to lead the group in a corporate prayer x
Session 1: Alliance Core Values As he thinks in his heart, so is he Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) 1
Alliance Core Values Begin the Session Greet participants Ask them to introduce themselves to two other people and find out what brought them to the group and how they can pray for one another in the coming week Pray Ask God to enlighten our understanding before watching the video segments Video Teaching Segment (Disc 1) This session s teaching segment is entitled Alliance Core Values Throughout the segment, key words will appear on the screen These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment 1 There ought to be a close connection between what we believe behave Lost people and the way we 2 matter to God He wants them found Prayer 3 is the primary work of God s people 4 Everything we have belongs to God We are His stewards 5 Knowing and obeying is fundamental to all true success 6 Completing the Great Commission will require the mobilization empowerment God s Word of every fully devoted disciple 7 Without the of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing 8 Achieving God s purposes means taking This always involves change 9 These are not so much C&MA values as they are the values of Group Discussion The following questions are meant to help initiate meaningful dialogue about Alliance Core Values Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion 1 How do you see these values being lived out in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ? 2 How well do you think that we, as a church, are doing in living out these values? 3 Which core value do you find most difficult to apply to your life? 4 What would it look like if our church was collectively living out these values? Close in prayer Invite participants to return for Session 2 Supplemental Resources Additional articles, documents, and video segments can be found on Disc 1 and online at wwwcma-dnacom Look Ahead Jesus Key Memorization Verse: As he thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV) faith-filled risks To prepare for the next session, read Luke 15:1 32 and think about what the parables reveal about God s love for lost people 2 3
Session 2: Finding Lost People Lost people matter to God He wants them found For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost Luke 19:10 5
Finding Lost People Before the Session To prepare, review the Dig Deeper section and supplemental articles (p 48) for this session Begin the Session (Disc 1) Greet participants Show Session 2 intro/testimony video segments * Video Testimony: Syna Lao Syna and her husband, Soeuth, have served as church planters in Cambodia since 1995 Syna has a nursing degree, and Soeuth is a graduate of Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary They have two young sons Have participants pair up and share the name of a lost friend or loved one, committing to pray for that person throughout the week Pray Ask God to enlighten our understanding before watching the teaching segments Video Teaching Segment The Session 2 teaching segment focuses on Finding Lost People Throughout this segment, key words will appear on the screen These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment 1 For what is seen is, but what is unseen is eternal mortal life temporary 2 What is is swallowed up by Eternity time 3 is more real and more lasting than 4 Jesus said we will give an account for 5 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men (2 Corinthians 5:11) Key Question: If no one will end up in hell, why did Jesus have to die? Group Discussion every idle word The following questions are meant to help initiate meaningful dialogue about finding lost people Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion 1 What impressed you the most about the stories of Robert Jaffray and Syna Lao? How difficult do you think it would have been to go back to Indonesia? 2 How would the idea of living for eternity change the way we set our priorities? How practical is it to actually live that way? 3 If we are going to share the values and beliefs of Jesus, is it really necessary to believe in a literal hell? Why? 4 How does the fact that Jesus is our judge as well as our Savior change the way you think about things? Key Memorization Verse: For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost (Luke 19:10) Close in prayer Invite participants to return for Session 3 * The intro and testimony segments are intended to be shown consecutively but may be viewed separately by using the DVD menu options 6 7
Finding Lost People Supplemental Resources Additional articles, documents, and video segments can be found on Disc 1 and online at wwwcma-dnacom Dig Deeper Suggest that participants complete this optional Dig Deeper section, and explain that there will be a brief Q&A/review at the opening of Session 3 Read Luke 15:1 32 and answer the following questions: 1 What do verses 1 and 2 tell us about the setting in which these words of Jesus were spoken? How does that help us to understand why He told these stories? 2 In one or two sentences summarize the common theme of all three stories Why do you think that Jesus told these stories one after another? 3 How focused were the main characters in each parable on finding what they had lost? How does reflecting on these stories change the way you think about serving God? 4 How important is the idea of celebration in the Bible? What other celebration passages can you think of? What makes God want to celebrate? 5 How do these stories fit with Jesus purpose statement in Luke 19:10? 6 What adjustments do you need to make this week to live out this core value of Jesus? 8
Session 3: Prayer: Our Primary Work Prayer is the primary work of God s people Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God Philippians 4:6 7 11
Our Primary Work Before the Session To prepare, review the Dig Deeper section and supplemental articles (p 48) for this session Begin the Session (Disc 1) Greet participants Briefly discuss the Dig Deeper section from Session 2 Ask if there are any questions/comments on the study Show Session 3 intro/testimony video segments * Video Testimony: Fred Hartley Fred Hartley is pastor of Lilburn Alliance Church in Lilburn, Georgia Fred is also president of College of Prayer International, with 20,000 students in 63 campuses worldwide Have participants pair up and share examples of answered prayer Have them pray together for personal needs or for lost loved ones Pray Ask God to enlighten our understanding before watching the teaching segments Video Teaching Segment The Session 3 teaching segment is entitled Prayer Our Primary Work Throughout the segment, key words will appear on the screen These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment Lord, teach us to pray 1 The disciples said, (Luke 11:1) 2 The disciples observed that everything Jesus did was prayer and everything He proceeded from His life of 3 While John was, the heavens opened, the dove descended, and the voice of heaven 4 Everything in Jesus life proceeded from His life of prayer with the Father from 5 Every major event in the Book of Acts or happens during a time of prayer 6 The early days of The Alliance were characterized by this same 7 It was the secret to their incredible and Group Discussion praying commitment to prayer production God spoke proceeds from The following questions are meant to help initiate meaningful dialogue about prayer Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion vitality 1 How did the story of E D Whiteside or the testimony of Fred Hartley change the way you think about prayer? * The intro and testimony segments are intended to be shown consecutively but may be viewed separately by using the DVD menu options 2 How important do you think prayer is in the everyday life of most believers? 12 13
Our Primary Work 3 What do you think might change in your life if there was a dramatic improvement in your communication with God through prayer? 4 What are some concrete steps that we could take this week to improve our communication with God? 5 What are the things that most often keep you from making time for prayer? 5 What are the most important things that we can learn about God from this passage of Scripture? 6 What do you believe is the connection between our prayers and the gift of the Holy Spirit? Read what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:26 27 How do those verses add meaning to Jesus words in Luke 11? Key Memorization Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6 7) Close in prayer Invite participants to return for Session 4 Supplemental Resources Additional articles, documents, and video segments can be found on Disc 1 and online at wwwcma-dnacom Dig Deeper Suggest that participants complete this optional Dig Deeper section, and explain that there will be a brief Q&A/review at the opening of Session 4 Read Luke 11:1 13 and answer the following questions: 1 According to the pattern of prayer that Jesus gave to the disciples (we call it the Lord s Prayer), what should we be praying about? How balanced is your prayer life in the areas that Jesus mentions? 2 What is the connection between our willingness to forgive the sins of others and our ability to experience God s forgiveness in our own lives? 3 What do you think is the main idea of the story Jesus tells in verses 5 8? 4 Think about the promise that Jesus makes in verses 9 10 What is the difference between asking, seeking, and knocking? How could this verse change the way that you pray? 14 15
Session 4: It s All God s Everything we have belongs to God We are His stewards Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand 1 Chronicles 29:14 17
It s All God s Before the Session To prepare, review the Dig Deeper section and supplemental articles (p 48) for this session Begin the Session (Disc 1) Greet participants Briefly discuss the Dig Deeper section from Session 3 Ask if there are any questions/comments on the study Show Session 4 intro/testimony video segments * Video Testimony: Sammy Brokopp Sammy Brokopp is the son of Pete and Alice Brokopp, who for many years served as Alliance international workers in Burkina Faso Born in 2004, Sammy has one older sister and is known for being a leader, focused, committed and a whole lot of fun Sammy s dad, Pete, is now the coordinator of strategic development for Envision Ask participants to give examples of how they practice being a good steward for the Lord and how they ve been blessed by following the principles of stewardship Pray Ask God to enlighten our understanding before watching the teaching segments Video Teaching Segment The Session 4 teaching segment is entitled It s All God s Throughout the segment, key words will appear on the screen These words are the answers to the fill-inthe-blank section below Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment 1 Abraham would have said that God was the owner of everything 2 I ll be with what God has given me 3 And he knew that God is a god who 4 Abraham answered, The Lord will (Genesis 22:8) 5 Abraham knew the 6 Modern culture is infected with a disease some have called affluenza 7 and Group Discussion content The following questions are meant to help initiate meaningful dialogue about stewardship Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion must be obeyed provide blessedness of possessing nothing Our money everything belongs to Him 1 Sammy said one of the happiest, most fun things he s done was giving away all he had Share a time you ve given away your time, talents or treasures and experienced deep joy 2 Do you think that it was fair for God to ask Abraham to sacrifice his son? 3 Do you believe that the church in America is infected with the disease Pastor Soper called affluenza? How concerned should we be about that? 4 If we are going to really be God s stewards, what things should we be thinking about in addition to our money? 5 Make a list of two or three things you can do this week to start your journey toward becoming a better steward * The intro and testimony segments are intended to be shown consecutively but may be viewed separately by using the DVD menu options 18 19
It s All God s Key Memorization Verse: But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand (1 Chronicles 29:14) 6 Read what the Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:10 How do those verses add meaning to Jesus words in Matthew 25? Close in prayer Invite participants to return for Session 5 Supplemental Resources Additional articles, documents, and video segments can be found on Disc 1 and online at wwwcma-dnacom Dig Deeper Suggest that participants complete this optional Dig Deeper section, and explain that there will be a brief Q&A/review at the opening of Session 5 Read Matthew 25:14 30 and answer the following questions: 1 In one or two sentences summarize the main point that Jesus made when He taught this parable to the disciples 2 Why do you think that each servant was given a different number of talents? What is the significance of that for us? (NOTE: a talent of silver in New Testament times was the equivalent of about 15 years of the average man s wages) 3 A talent was a preset weight of a precious metal, usually silver The parable is speaking about money, but Jesus almost certainly meant for us to think about more than just our bank accounts What else should we be thinking about as stewards of the Lord s treasure? (NOTE: this parable is the origin of our English word talent ) 4 Think carefully about the response of the servant who hid his talent What does it tell you about his concept of the Master? 5 What practical implications does this parable have for your life as a disciple? What action steps are you prepared to take? 20 21
Session 5: God s Word: The Key to All Success Knowing and obeying God s Word is fundamental to all true success Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it Joshua 1:8 23
The Key to All Success Before the Session To prepare, review the Dig Deeper section and supplemental articles (p 48) for this session Begin the Session (Disc 2) Greet participants Briefly discuss the Dig Deeper section from Session 4 Ask if there are any questions/comments on the study Show Session 5 intro/testimony video segments * Video Testimony: Derwin Gray Derwin, a former NFL player, is pastor of a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community called Transformation Church (C&MA) in Indian Land, South Carolina He also serves as president of One Heart at a Time Ministries Derwin and his wife, Vicky, have two children Have participants pair up and give suggestions of how to gain a better understanding of God s Word Also, have them talk about the challenges of obeying God s Word Pray Ask God to enlighten our understanding before watching the teaching segments Video Teaching Segment The Session 5 teaching segment is entitled God s Word: The Key to All Success Throughout the segment, key words will appear on the screen These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment 1 Three times God tells Joshua to be courageous and strong * The intro and testimony segments are intended to be shown consecutively but may be viewed separately by using the DVD menu options 2 God said, I will not you or you ( Joshua 1:5) 3 Because of God s, Joshua will have 4 God told Joshua, Everything I have promised is contingent upon your Book of the Law ( Joshua 1:8) 5 Don t let it depart from your mouth about it, to do everything that is written in the about it on it day and night; 6 To the extent that we and the Word of God, we will be and 7 This psalm is meant to help us understand the things that God s Word will do for us if we it it and if we 8 I have Your Word in my (Psalm 119:11) forsake leave divine presence good success faithfulness meditate think obey blessed obey hidden heart successful that I might not sin against You 9 Your word is a to my feet, and a light know lamp know talk for my path (Psalm 119:105) 24 25
The Key to All Success 10 I run in the path of your, for you have set my heart free (Psalm 119:32) 11 You can experience the and blessing Group Discussion commands presence of God all the time The following questions are meant to help initiate meaningful dialogue about knowing and obeying God s Word Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion 1 Talk about the decision John Willfinger made when the Japanese army came to Dutch Borneo Do you think that he made the right choice? 2 Share about a time when you had to consciously choose whether or not you were going to obey the Word of God What happened as a result of your choice? 3 What actions do we need to take to elevate our commitment to knowing God s Word? 4 Share a passage of Scripture that you have memorized and talk about how God has used that Scripture in your life How important do you think it is to regularly memorize verses from the Bible? Key Memorization Verse: Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it ( Joshua 1:8) Dig Deeper Suggest that participants complete this optional Dig Deeper section, and explain that there will be a brief Q&A/review at the opening of Session 6 Read Psalm 119:1 32 and answer the following questions: 1 How many different words and phrases does the psalmist use to describe the Word of God in these verses? 2 Make a list of the different things that the Word of God can do for us Which of those things do you need the most right now? 3 Verses one and two begin with the word blessed What do you think that word really means? 4 Think about verse 32 How does it change the way that most people think about God s law? 5 Put the following three phrases in what you believe to be the proper order and explain your reasoning: Love the Word Learn the Word Live the Word 6 Memorize Psalm 119:11 Close in prayer Invite participants to return for Session 6 Supplemental Resources Additional articles, documents, and video segments can be found on Disc 2 and online at wwwcma-dnacom 26 27
Session 6: Mobilizing Devoted Disciples Completing the Great Commission will require the mobilization of every fully devoted disciple Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Matthew 28:19 29
Mobilizing Disciples Before the Session To prepare, review the Dig Deeper section and supplemental articles (p 48) for this session Begin the Session (Disc 2) Greet participants Briefly discuss the Dig Deeper section from Session 5 Ask if there are any questions/comments on the study Show Session 6 intro/testimony video segment * Video Testimony: Jason Ostrander Jason serves as director for the Alliance Youth Office for the US C&MA He is a national conference speaker and film documentarian He and his wife, Calu, have two sons Ask participants to share how they believe God is calling them to help complete the Great Commission Pray Ask God to enlighten our understanding before watching the teaching segments Video Teaching Segment The Session 6 teaching segment is entitled Mobilizing Devoted Disciples Throughout the segment, key words will appear on the screen These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment prefers weak despised 1 God to use ordinary people the and the lowly, the, * The intro and testimony segments are intended to be shown consecutively but may be viewed separately by using the DVD menu options 2 He uses people like Moses and ones like Samuel 3 God uses to accomplish His 4 God asks Moses,? (See Exodus 4:2) 5 There was a moment when the staff that belonged to became the staff that belonged to 6 God the thing that was in their hands, and He young it and it an extraordinary way 7 God is going to use very ordinary people to accomplish the task of Group Discussion old ordinary people extraordinary work Moses God took blessed used What s in your hand completing the Great Commission The following questions are meant to help initiate meaningful dialogue about mobilizing devoted disciples Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion 1 What new ideas did you glean from the story of Sophie the Scrubwoman or the testimony of Jason Ostrander? 2 Why does God have such a strong preference for using ordinary people to accomplish His work? 3 What do you have in your hand that God could use to change the lives of other people? 30 31
Mobilizing Disciples 4 Share the story of how God used an ordinary person to change your life or the life of someone you know 5 Make a list of several people you know who do not have a personal relationship with God Begin to pray that God will give you opportunities to bless them in a practical way Key Memorization Verse: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19) Close in prayer Invite participants to return for Session 7 Supplemental Resources Additional articles, documents, and video segments can be found on Disc 2 and online at wwwcma-dnacom Dig Deeper Suggest that participants complete this optional Dig Deeper section, and explain that there will be a brief Q&A/review at the opening of Session 7 Read Matthew 28:16 20 and Acts 1:1 11 and answer the following questions: 1 To whom were the words of Jesus spoken in these passages? Do you believe that the Great Commission applies to us as well as to the disciples? Why or why not? 2 On what basis does Jesus give this commandment? Why is that important? 3 What will be the primary job of the disciples? (Look for the main verb) How are we to do that job? 4 How do the verses in Matthew 28 help us to define what a disciple really is? 5 What do you think it means to be a witness for Jesus? (NOTE: the Greek word for witness is martyr ) 6 What promises does Jesus give to the ones who carry out this command? 32
Session 7: Holy Spirit Empowerment Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit s power, so that your faith might not rest on men s wisdom, but on God s power 1 Corinthians 2:4 5 35
Holy Spirit Empowerment Before the Session To prepare, review the Dig Deeper section and supplemental articles (p 48) for this session Begin the Session (Disc 2) Greet participants Briefly discuss the Dig Deeper section from Session 6 Ask if there are any questions/comments on the study Show Session 7 intro/testimony video segments * Video Testimony: Ron Walborn Ron is dean of Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, New York His wife, Wanda, is director for Spiritual Formation at Nyack College They have four children Ask participants to share something they were able to accomplish through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit Pray Ask God to enlighten our understanding before watching the teaching segments Video Teaching Segment The Session 6 teaching segment is entitled Holy Spirit Empowerment Throughout the segment, key words will appear on the screen These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment Holy Spirit 1 It is only by the of God that we can do the things He calls us to do and experience the of His life fullness * The intro and testimony segments are intended to be shown consecutively but may be viewed separately by using the DVD menu options 2 Peter was filled with 3 Occasionally, Peter s got in the way, even though he wanted to do the right thing 4 For I have the to do what is good, but I cannot, Paul wrote (Romans 7:18) 5 Peter was and, but he lost all his old self-confidence 6 He and the other disciples have been 7 Jesus told them to until they had been with power from on high 8 They would be given the and the to do everything necessary to 9 The disciples were empowered, emboldened, and given everything we need for (2 Peter 1:3) and 10 [By the Holy Spirit] the disciples were enabled to of Jesus desire carry it out forgiven restored filled wisdom finish His work life live preach pray trust good intentions pride wait power righteously, boldly, mightily, and transformed godliness God to do impossible things for the glory 36 37
Holy Spirit Empowerment 11 The Bible clearly teaches that everyone who is a disciple of Jesus is by the Holy Spirit 12 A better translation of that verse might be 13 We pray to declare that we are on Him and ask Him to our lives and hearts with His 14 In reality, discipleship is all about our lives under the control of God as we completely indwelt Group Discussion keep on being filled utterly dependent align surrender to the Holy Spirit The following questions are meant to help initiate meaningful dialogue about the Holy Spirit s empowerment Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion 1 Both Peter in the biblical account and Dr Walborn on the video could point to a very definite time when they first experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit Do you think that is significant? 2 Tell about a person that you know (or have read about) who was truly filled with the Holy Spirit What was it about that person s life that made such a strong impression upon you? 3 If you were asked to help an individual who had decided to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, what would you tell them to do? 4 What are the main obstacles to the filling of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Close in prayer Invite participants to return for Session 8 Supplemental Resources Additional articles, documents, and video segments can be found on Disc 2 and online at wwwcma-dnacom Dig Deeper Key Memorization Verse: My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit s power so that your faith might not rest on men s wisdom, but on God s power (1 Corinthians 2:4 5) Suggest that participants complete this optional Dig Deeper section, and explain that there will be a brief Q&A/review at the opening of Session 8 Read John 14:15 30 and answer the following questions: 1 What words does Jesus use to describe the person and work of the Holy Spirit? 2 According to Jesus, how will the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the disciples be similar to His own? How will it be different? 3 Compare verses 17, 20, and 23 How would you describe the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? 4 Now read John 15:1 11 (NOTE: this word picture is sandwiched between two passages teaching about the ministry of the Holy Spirit) Most Bible students would say that this analogy is Jesus picture of what a life lived in the fullness of the Holy Spirit looks like Assuming this is the case, what does this passage teach about how to be filled with the Holy Spirit? 5 If we abide in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, what are the main benefits we can expect from that relationship? 38 39
Session 8: Faith-Filled Risks Achieving God s purposes means taking faith-filled risks This always involves change 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 41
Faith-Filled Risks Before the Session To prepare, review the Dig Deeper section and supplemental articles (p 48) for this session Begin the Session (Disc 2) Greet participants Briefly discuss the Dig Deeper section from Session 7 Ask if there are any questions/comments on the study Show Session 8 intro/testimony video segments * Video Testimony: Sami Dagher Sami Dagher is founder of the Alliance national churches in Lebanon and Baghdad, as well as a Bible school in the Nuba Mountains, Sudan Currently, he is vice president of the Alliance national churches in Syria and Lebanon Have participants share an example of a faith-filled risk that they may have taken in obedience to God s call and the change that occurred in their lives because of that risk Pray Ask God to enlighten our understanding before watching the teaching segments Video Teaching Segment The Session 8 teaching segment is entitled Faith-Filled Risks Throughout the segment, key words will appear on the screen These words are the answers to the fill-in-the-blank section below Participants may choose to fill in these blanks as they watch the segment or wait until it is over to do so Assure them that you will review the answers (below, in blue) after the segment 1 The history of redemption is full of people who took a risk chose to trust and God * The intro and testimony segments are intended to be shown consecutively but may be viewed separately by using the DVD menu options 2 They became the by which God the course of history 3 Even new believers will have the opportunity to take of trust 4 Shiphrah and Puah were not trying to change the 5 Most faith-filled risks will be the product of They were just going to because we are living our 6 When we have passionately these values, we have been an changed faith-filled risks world work Group Discussion instruments everyday activities normal lives lived out extraordinary movement The following questions are meant to help initiate meaningful dialogue about faith-filled risks Use any that you feel would help participants gain a more comprehensive understanding about this topic Feel free to develop your own questions to guide this discussion of God 1 Reflect on the experience of Sami Dagher and of the midwives of the Book of Exodus What can they teach us about the nature of faith? 2 Tell us about a time when you or someone you know took a faith-filled risk What happened? What did you learn from the experience? 3 In what area of your life might God be asking you to trust Him and take a faithfilled risk right now? 4 Which of the seven core values are you the most comfortable with right now? Which one seems to be the most challenging? 42 43
Faith-Filled Risks Key Memorization Verse: 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) Thank participants for their commitment and contribution to this study Supplemental Resources Additional articles, documents, and video segments can be found on Disc 2 and online at wwwcma-dnacom Dig Deeper Suggest that participants complete this optional Dig Deeper section, and explain that there will be a brief Q&A/review at the opening of Session 7 Read Hebrews 11:1 19 and answer the following questions: 1 What kinds of faith-filled risks did the people mentioned in this passage take? 2 According to verses 13 16, what perspective is necessary to cultivate if we are to live by faith successfully? 3 How is Abraham a good example to us of taking risks based upon trust in God? How much did Abraham know about God before he began to walk with Him? 44
What s at Our Core? Passion for Christ and a love for lost souls that s the heart of The Christian and Missionary Alliance! Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends More than a century after its founding, The Christian and Missionary Alliance remains characterized by (a) a steadfast fidelity to God s Word and its authority, (b) a constant testimony of Jesus Christ as God s Son and our Savior, and (c) a Holy Spirit inspired passion for evangelizing the nations in His Name Jack Hayford, King s University and International Foursquare Churches Over the years I have enjoyed fellowship with Alliance missionaries around the world and support their endeavors to reach a lost world for Christ Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association With its network of churches both domestically and internationally, the C&MA has the potential to be one of the most significant influences of the 21st century Church when it comes to both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment Clive Calver, World Relief The Alliance has been one of the most powerful mission organizations in the world I have served alongside Alliance workers on every continent and have a profound respect for the way they work with national churches Ravi Zacharias, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries To learn more about Alliance Core Values and, visit wwwcma-dnacom To learn more about The Christian and Missionary Alliance, visit wwwcmallianceorg 47
Supplemental Resources The following files can be found in the EXTRAS folders on the enclosed DVDs In the SESSION 1 Folder (Disc 1): S1_VIDTEpdf (document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 1 In the SESSION 2 Folder (Disc 1): S2_LPMpdf (article) Lost People Matter by John Soper (alife) S2_TAFHpdf (article) Turn Around and Face the Harvest by John Soper (alife) S2_VIDINpdf (document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 2 S2_VIDTEpdf (document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 2 In the SESSION 3 Folder (Disc 1): S3_LTCTpdf (article) Living the Call Together by Dennis Whalen (alife) S3_AMPpdf (article) A Modest Proposal by John Soper (alife) S3_THFpdf (article) The Herrnhut Factor by John Soper (alife) S3_VIDINpdf (document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 3 S3_VIDTEpdf (document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 3 In the SESSION 4 Folder (Disc 1): S4_WIYHpdf (article) What s in Your Hand? by John Soper (alife) S4_NTBDApdf (article) Nothing to be Depressed About by C&MA Archives (alife) S4_OWTOpdf (article) Out With the Old by Richard Borg (alife) S4_VIDINpdf (document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 4 S4_VIDTEpdf (document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 4 In the SESSION 5 Folder (Disc 2): S5_TAOpdf (article) Trust and Obey by John Soper (alife) S5_ASPpdf (article) A Simple Path by John Soper (alife) S5_VIDINpdf (document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 5 S5_VIDTEpdf (document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 5 In the SESSION 6 Folder (Disc 2): S6_YSTpdf (article) You Show Them by John Soper (alife) S6_AURpdf (article) An Unfinished Reformation by John Soper (alife) S6_VIDINpdf (document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 6 S6_VIDTEpdf (document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 6 In the SESSION 7 Folder (Disc 2): S7_AFMpdf (article) Apart from Me by John Soper (alife) S7_RRRpdf (article) Remember, Repent, Return by Gary Benedict (alife) S7_KSWSpdf (article) Keep in Step with the Spirit by John Soper (alife) S7_TRYRpdf (article) The Rich Young Ruler Revisited by Mark Barnard (alife) S7_VIDINpdf (document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 7 S7_VIDTEpdf (document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 7 In the SESSION 8 Folder (Disc 2): S8_JOTEpdf (article) Jumping Off the Edge by Bob Fetherlin (alife) S8_TSCpdf (article) The Street Church by Antonio Fernandez (alife) S8_PTpdf (article) Praying Through by John Soper (alife) S8_VIDINpdf (document) Transcript of Video Intro Session 8 S8_VIDTEpdf (document) Transcript of Video Teaching Session 8 In the CV POSTERS Folder (Disc 1 & 2): TX_LOSTpdf Lost People Poster (Text version) TX_PRAYpdf Prayer Poster (Text version) TX_STEWpdf Stewardship Poster (Text version) TX_WORDpdf God s Word Poster (Text version) TX_MOBLpdf Mobilization Poster (Text version) TX_SPIRpdf Holy Spirit Empowerment Poster (Text version) TX_RISKpdf Faith-Filled Risks Poster (Text version) GR_LOSTpdf Lost People Poster (Graphic version) GR_PRAYpdf Prayer Poster (Graphic version) GR_STEWpdf Stewardship Poster (Graphic version) GR_WORDpdf God s Word Poster (Graphic version) GR_MOBLpdf Mobilization Poster (Graphic version) GR_SPIRpdf Holy Spirit Empowerment Poster (Graphic version) GR_RISKpdf Faith-Filled Risks Poster (Graphic version) HR_LOSTpdf Lost People Poster (Heritage version) HR_PRAYpdf Prayer Poster (Heritage version) HR_STEWpdf Stewardship Poster (Heritage version) HR_WORDpdf God s Word Poster (Heritage version) HR_MOBLpdf Mobilization Poster (Heritage version) HR_SPIRpdf Holy Spirit Empowerment Poster (Heritage version) HR_RISKpdf Faith-Filled Risks Poster (Heritage version) In the MISC Folder (Disc 1 & 2): CVBKMRKpdf Print-ready artwork for the Alliance Core Values bookmark CVTMPLppt PowerPoint projection templates for each of the seven Alliance Core Values CVVIDEOwmv Brief video segment introducing the seven Alliance Core Values for promotional use in your church or group CVVIDEOmp4 Brief video segment introducing the seven Alliance Core Values for promotional use in your church or group Supplemental video segments can be found in the EXTRAS folders on Discs 1 and 2 or at wwwcma-dnacom 48 49