DANGEROUS PRAYERS | WEEK 3
Week 3 Dangerous Prayers
Break My Heart
Key Scriptures
Jeremiah 8:18, 21 NLT
My grief is beyond healing; my heart is broken. ... I hurt with the hurt of my people. I mourn and am overcome with grief.
Romans 9:1-3 NLT
With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.
What are some of your pet peeves? What things annoy you the most?
What are some things you often pray about?
What do you think about asking God to “break your heart”? What feelings does that stir up?
Have you ever experienced God’s blessings as a result of suffering? What happened?
Read Romans 9:1-3.
With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.
Have you ever experienced this sort of brokenness for someone or something else? Describe your experience.
What truly breaks your heart on behalf of God?
What are you going to do about what breaks your heart?
If God hasn’t broken your heart over something, take the step of asking Him to do so this week.
If God has broken your heart over something, ask God to show you your next steps. Then do them!
Dangerous Prayers | Week 2
Week 2: Dangerous Prayers
Speak to Me
Key Scriptures
1 Samuel 3:10
And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”
Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God! …”
Proverbs 3:6
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-21
The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.
2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel.
Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.
6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
11 And the Lord said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. 12 At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from beginning to end. 13 For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God,[a] and he failed to restrain them. 14 Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, ‘The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’”
15 Samuel lay down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the Lord. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, 16 but Eli called him and said, “Samuel, my son.”
Samuel answered, “Here I am.”
17 “What was it he said to you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.”
19 The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. 21 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.
What is your definition of prayer?
Communication involves both speaking and listening.
When was the last time you were completely still before God, listening for His voice?
How does God most often speak to you?
In order to hear God’s voice, we need to be still, be willing, and be ready. Which of those three things do you think you struggle with the most? Why?
What is God showing you right now?
What are you going to do about what God is showing you?
This week, set aside time to listen for the voice of God.
DANGEROUS PRAYERS | WEEK 1
Week 1 Dangerous Prayers
Make Me Bold
Key Scriptures
Acts 4:10
“Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.”
Acts 4:13
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. …
Acts 4:29-31
“And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere …”
Acts 5:18-21
They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!” So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching. …
Acts 5:28-29
“We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”
How comfortable are you with prayer?
If uncomfortable, what makes it uncomfortable for you?
What does it mean to have bold faith?
Read Acts 4:1-31
The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.
5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’[a]
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”
18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.
The Believers Pray
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
“‘Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.[b]’[c]
27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
3. Would you consider yourself to be bold? Have you ever been complimented or confronted for your boldness?
4. What would living boldly look like for you?
5. Has there ever been a time that you have been bold?
6. Think about the people you interact with. What opportunities do you have to be bold in your faith this coming week?
7. How is God calling you to live boldly? Consider this question this week, and then commit to pursuing whatever God sets in front of you.
WINNING THE WAR IN YOUR MIND | WEEK 4
Week 4 Winning the War of Your Mind
Key Scriptures
Philippians 4:6-9
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. … And the God of peace will be with you.
Romans 8:5-6
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So, letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
Big Idea: We can panic or pray when anxiety comes.
Did you have any worries as a kid that seem silly now?
If so, what were they?
Which part of the message was most impactful for you and why?
How often would you say you experience worry now?
What do you do when you’re feeling worried?
Read Philippians 4:6-9
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. … And the God of peace will be with you.
4. What does this verse say to you?
5. Share about a time when you decided to trust God instead of worrying.
What prompted that decision? What kind of impact did it have on you?
6. What’s something you’re worried about now that you have a tough time trusting God with?
Why do you think it’s so hard to trust God with it?
7. Did your thinking about prayer change at all while listening to this message? If so, how? (12 minutes of Prayer a day can physically change your mind.)
Read Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
8. Is it easy or hard for you to go to God confidently with your prayers and worries?
Why do you think that is?
9. Share about a time when you felt like the Holy Spirit prompted you. What happened?
How can you start paying more attention to those promptings?
Closing Thoughts:
Take this week to implement the 12-minute-a-day prayer challenge. Allow God to guide you through your worry and anxiety, and learn to trust him in every situation.
WINNING THE WAR IN YOUR MIND | WEEK 3
Week 3 Winning the War of Your Mind
Key Scripture:
Philippians 1:12-14.
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Big Idea:
Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Do you use filters on your photos on social media? If so, which one is your favorite? If not, why not?
Which part of this message was most impactful for you and why?
Would you say you tend to have a more positive mindset or a negative one?
How could you start training your mind to look for God in every situation?
Read Philippians 1:12-14
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
What are some ways you could start reframing your circumstances?
Share about a time when you saw Jesus bring meaning and purpose to your pain.
Everyone has a personal struggle they’re facing. What’s yours? How can you look for God in it?
Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
Spend time praying over the struggles everyone’s facing. Ask God not only for comfort but also for eyes to see His goodness, even in the middle of pain.
WINNING THE WAR IN YOUR MIND | WEEK 2
Week 2 Winning the War of Your Mind
Discussion Guide: The Rewire Principles
Big Idea:
We must focus our thoughts on truth and eject any lies we believe from our minds.
Pastor Said," You Move in the direction of your most powerful thought."
As honest as possible, What do you think about most?
Why do you think about that topic so much?
Do you suppose those who don't have a personal relationship with Jesus think about those same things?
Read Romans 12:2a
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Our thoughts are powerful. They change our perspective, impact our decisions, and influence our habits.
Of the thoughts you have, how many of them are actually accurate or truthful?
How have your experiences shaped your thoughts?
How do bad thoughts create bad direction?
What do we do when we become trapped by our thoughts, unable to escape negative and unhealthy thinking?
Read 2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Just because you have a thought does not mean that thought is correct or even rational.
Do you believe everything you hear?
Do you believe everything you think?
How can we capture our thoughts before we release them into the reality of our minds?
Mediation is defined as focused thinking.
Look again at the first question. What do you think about or focus your thoughts on most?
Whatever you consume your mind with will be what you become. Positive or negative.
Read Matthew 6:22-23,
Jesus says, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness."
According to what Jesus says, "How do we guard against or rewire our thinking?"
Closing Thoughts:
Read Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
How do we practically focus our thinking on the kingdom of God?
What is one negative thought or lie you need to take captive?
What is the positive thought or truth you need to replace it with?
Winning The War In Your Mind | Week 1
Week 1: Winning the War in Your Mind
Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
Big Idea: You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.
Read Romans 7:21-23
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.
Think about a time when you struggled with anxiety or toxic thoughts.
What did you learn through that experience?
Is there anything you would like to change about your destination?
What struggle holds you back?
Read Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
2. Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts.
What negative statement do you say about yourself, and how does it affect you?
Who you are today is a result of your thoughts in the past.
Who you become in the future will reflect what you think about today.
3. Based on each bullet point, answer these two questions:
What thoughts from your past have determined who you are today?
What are two new ways you need to start thinking about yourself?
Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. 4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.
4. According to this verse, what is a 'stronghold'? (false/ lie)
5. "You cannot defeat what you cannot define."
What lie is holding you hostage?
What fear keeps you from taking a step of faith?
What wrong thought pattern robs you of living a life of freedom and joy?
6. Describe one instance in which you know or have known that you were a prisoner of a lie. (For example, you crave close relationships but are paralyzed by fear of rejection).
7. If you are having trouble identifying the lies in your life, Pastor gives a 3-step process to realize the lie.
Fill in the blanks below and identify which step is the most challenging for you:
Identify the ____________________
Ask probing ____________________
Pinpoint the ____________________
8. Targeting Jesus when he was hungry, thirsty, and weary, the devil crafted temptations aimed explicitly at these vulnerabilities.
When are you especially vulnerable to listen to the enemy's lies and give in to temptation?
Read Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
9. The Replacement Principle was given in the message to help us rewire or renew the way we think.
Remove: Identify the lie to be removed.
Rewire the lie with Truth. Renew your brain.
Reframe: Considering the Truth changes your perspective of how you look at the past, present, and future.
Rejoice: Revive your soul and reclaim your life.
Declare God's goodness through worship and prayer.
Read 2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life ...
10. What Truth demolishes that stronghold? How can you replace that negative statement with Truth from Scripture?
Closing Thoughts:
11. What's one practical way you can learn to think and act more like Jesus this week?
What is one change you could make this week to secure your mind more?
What part of this message resonated with you?
What can we do this week to put this message into practice?
OWN IT | WEEK 6
Week Six, Own It: Growing People Change
Big Idea: We can temporarily alter our behavior, but Jesus can permanently change our hearts.
Key Verse: John 15: 5
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Why do healthy things grow?
What is the difference between religion and a relationship with God?
How can self-help be detrimental to our lasting change?
Read Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
2. The pastor said, “Many of us have a relationship with Jesus it just isn’t a healthy one.”
3. If you were God and you were in a relationship with you, would you say it is a healthy relationship?
What determines whether our relationship with God is healthy or not?
Do you find yourself asking from God for your own benefit more than asking him to use you as he wishes?
A relationship based only on what you get is not a healthy one.
Where we focus, be it God’s hand or his heart, determines if we will grow in a healthy way.
Read 1 John 14:15
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
4. According to this verse, what is the foundation of our relationship with God?
Why is being rooted in God’s love so important to looking and sounding more like Jesus?
Read John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
5. Remembering that our relationship with God is just like any other relationship, what are the things we can do to stay connected to God in a healthy way?
Read John 15:9
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
6. What pops out to you in this verse that helps us grow?
Closing Thoughts:
We can temporarily alter our behavior, but Jesus can permanently change our hearts. Growth is not how well we behave but how well we stay connected to God in a healthy relationship. Change doesn’t come from us but how close we hold to Jesus, who loves us most. He loves us the way we are but loves us enough not to keep us there. Growing people Change to look and sound like Jesus.
OWN IT | WEEK 5
Week 5 Own It
Big Idea: Everything you have is not for you, but it is for you to be generous with.
Key Verse:
Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over the new wine
Following Jesus should look and sound like Jesus.
- How’s that working out for you?
What is your first reaction when you hear the church teach on money?
- What do you believe causes that reaction?
Read Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
What do you hear Jesus teaching us in this verse?
Read John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Read James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
What do these verses say to you about God’s generosity to us?
What are some gifts from God that are easily taken for granted?
How can we be generous to others with those gifts?
Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Why is giving back to God by giving to the church important?
Why would TFF offer the 90-day giving challenge?
Application:
God has been generous to us because he loves us. He doesn’t need our money. He only wants our hearts and to be Lord over every area of our lives. When God captures our hearts, generosity should flow from it, not just for the church but for those around us. Generosity is a hallmark of who God is, so it should be a hallmark of those who follow him.
Own It | Week 4
Week 4 Own It: Life Group Discussion
Saved People Serve People
Big Idea:
Jesus came to serve, so should we.
Key Verse: Matthew 20:28
... just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
In the last 4 weeks, you have heard," Following Jesus should look and sound like Jesus."
Has this idea positively or negatively impacted how you think about living out your faith?
Read John 10:10
I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.
2. How do you define a full life?
Does your definition bring fulfillment to other's life or just your own?
3. Is or has your spiritual life ever become a burden?
What do you believe caused it to become that way?
Have you ever considered that you may be living out your spiritual life partially and missing some key components?
Read Matthew 20:25
Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
4. Without naming names, who was the worst boss you ever had?
What were the characteristics of this boss that made them a bad boss?
Read Matthew 20:26-27
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—
5. What is your initial reaction to the words servant and slave?
In the Greek language, in which the original New Testament scripture was written, a servant is defined as one who "executes the commands of another." The word slave is defined as a servant without hope of ever becoming free.
Why do you think Jesus used both of these words to define the path to greatness for His followers?
Read Matthew 20:26-28
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
6. Following Jesus should look and sound like Jesus.
How did Jesus exemplify being a servant and a slave to the world and us individually?
What would followers of Jesus need to do or change to meet this level of servanthood and become a slave to others?
Read Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
7. Clearly, any good works we do are not done to gain access to heaven but rather a byproduct of the fact that we have already, through Jesus, become a member of God's family.
Also, this would mean we are all doing different exact good works.
Read these portions of 1 Corinthians 12:4-12
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them...There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God …Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ."
You heard the pastor say, "Everyone is a 10 at something!" "Everyone has a position to play!" "There are no places of honor in the church, only places of service."
What gifts have you been given to bolster God's work?
How are you serving now, either on the weekend or in the community?
If not, what excuse are you making for yourself not to serve?
Start where you are! Use what you have. Do what you can.
8. During the Last Supper, Jesus was washing the feet of disciples, and here is Peter's reaction.
Read John 13:6-8
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet? Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."
Why did Peter object to Jesus doing slave work?
Why did Jesus answer the way he did?
Closing Thoughts
Following Jesus should look and sound like Jesus.
If you want the full life Jesus promised, you have to follow Jesus' example and do what he did.
It is impossible to follow Jesus and not think about others first.
How can you serve others and the body of Christ, the church?
Own It | Week 3
Week 3 Own It
You Can’t Do Life Alone
Big Idea: To sound and look Like Jesus, we all need help from others.
Key Verse:
Hebrews 10:24-25
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
What were the different people groups you remember from when you were in middle and high school? (Rednecks, Preppy’s, Stoners)
What was your group, and do you still remember the names of your friends from middle school and high school?
How do these memories remind us that we can’t do life alone?
From the message, what are the ABCs of Life Groups?
Read Matthew 5:17
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Why did Jesus make this statement, and why was it important?
Read Matthew 5:22-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
How does our relationship with others affect our relationship with God?
What challenges you in this verse?
Read Matthew 5:27-29
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Why does God care about what we think?
Read Matthew 5:43-44
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
How does Jesus call us to treat our enemies, and why does it matter?
Read Matthew 7:12
So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Why is this a call to action instead of minding your own business?
Read Matthew 7:24
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Why is it more beneficial to do more?
Why do we need more than a 30-minute message to follow Jesus?
Why was the Sermon on the Mount so revolutionary in understanding our relationship with God and others?
Read Hebrews 10:24-25
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Why do we need each other to follow Jesus individually?
Own It | Week 2
Own It Week 2
Found People, Find People
Key Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20
Big Idea:
As followers of Jesus, our goal is to reach as many people as possible with the good news of Jesus.
Following Jesus should look and sound like Jesus.
-You have heard this statement in both messages so far.
-Does this idea challenge or motivate you?
-What will you continue to do or need to change for this to be true in your life?
If you want to know what Jesus meant by what Jesus said, pay attention to what Jesus did.
Read Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
According to this verse, what are the two steps to Jesus’ process in his purpose?
-Jesus was on a mission to search out all who were lost from God.
-His goal was not to fix them or judge them but to return them to a relationship with their heavenly father.
Read Isaiah 53:6a
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
How does the reminder of where we once were in our relationship with God help us to have a healthy perspective of others who are lost from God?
Read Luke 15:3-7
Then Jesus told them this parable:
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Why would the shepherd leave the 99 to go find the one?
-What does this say about how God sees the lost?
-God doesn’t look down on the lost but looks for the lost.
Read Luke 15:8-10
“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
If you lose something of value, does it lose its value?
-What causes people to lose value to us?
-If those who are lost are valuable to God, how should we value them?
Luke 15:11-32 tells the story of a son who takes his inheritance from his dad before his dad is dead. The son then wastes half of his father’s life earnings on partying and hookers. Eventually, a famine hits the land, and the son finds himself broke and takes the only job he can find feeding pigs. It was a big nope for Jewish people because pigs were considered unclean. Finally, the son realizes that if he went back to his dad’s farm and just became a hired hand, he would be better off, so he goes home.
Read Luke 15:20-24
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
-What would be your reaction if you were the dad?
-This isn’t about his behavior. It’s about our broken relationship being restored.
Following Jesus should look and sound like Jesus.
Read Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
-What does this verse say to you?
-How can you own it?
Found People, Find People
Own It | Week 1
Week 1 Own It!
Big Idea: "Following Jesus should look and sound a lot like Jesus."
Introduction:
Once upon a time, the Church changed the world, not because of what they believed, but because of how they behaved.
That influence over the years has dwindled. Church attendance by adults dropped below the majority in 2020 to 47%, and in May of 2023, only 31% of adults said they attend Church regularly.
What happened?
The top 5 reasons are specifically linked to the behavior of the Church.
Be it a moral failure, judgmental attitude, or treatment of others inside and outside, the Church lost its influence on the masses.
None of the reasons had to do with Jesus.
Like it or not
Bad Christians happen to good people.
Many people object to the behavior of Christians, and that's not something new.
When writing a letter to C.S. Lewis about potentially converting to Christianity, author Sheldon Vanauken wrestled with this exact thing in his book, A Severe Mercy:
"The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians — when they are somber and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug in complacent consecration, when they are narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths. "
How the Church behaves shapes what people believe about Jesus and their heavenly father's opinion of them.
What is the Church?
"Following Jesus should look and sound a lot like Jesus."
How does this statement define the Church?
Read Acts 15:19, The Brother of Jesus said.
"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God."
What are some obstacles the Church may have created that made it difficult for some to come to Jesus or follow Jesus?
-Only when we own the shortcoming of the past can we hold the responsibility to be the Church Jesus intended for us to be.
Read Mark 16:15 And he (Jesus) said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
As the Church, all of us have the same instruction from Jesus.
What is your world?
How can you better own the responsibility to show the Gospel to your world?
As a collective body, It begins here.
5. "If we're going to reach the unchurched, underchurched, dechurched, and postchurched with the gospel in a culture that's trending post-Christian, we must rethink our approach."
Read I Corinthians 9:22b
I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means, I might save some.
As the Church, we must marry the message & date the model.
What does the above scripture and statement mean to you?
What are some things you have seen at TFF that show we are changing our approach?
What is something you are doing or can do to change your approach?
What can we as a body do better?
What can you as an individual do better?
6. In 2009 God rekindled that passion for Don Womble, our lead pastor, and others to return to the original idea of Church, and The Fountains Fellowship began.
The purpose: Lead people step by step into a growing relationship with Jesus.
The mission: For the community to know we're here, are happy we're here and are better off because we're here.
We who call ourselves believers are spiritual contributors, not consumers. The Church does not exist for us; we are the Church, and we exist for the world.
7. The Church is a family expecting guests.
How does that shape our attitude toward the weekend services?
8. Once upon a time, the "love one-another" culture of the Church stood in sharp contrast to the "bite and devour one-another" culture of the world.
Imagine a world where people were skeptical of what we believed but envious of how well we treated one another.
9. You, the Church, are God's agent of transformation for the world.
Joining together as an owner with TFF is our opportunity to participate in that transformation.
What steps do you need to take to be a contributor and not just a consumer at the local Church and in your world?
10. How can our influence or lack of influence impact the next generation?
For your children, and your children's children, to know the love of their heavenly father and to connect and stay connected in a relationship with him by following Jesus.
We must leverage all that we have to show them that following Jesus is what’s best for their lives.
So when they go into the world, the world will be better because they are in it.
So that the next generations can participate in God's purpose and the message of love, hope, acceptance, forgiveness, and freedom continues for them and through them.
11. We do not presume that we at TFF are perfect or have it all figured out.
We all have a next step in growing our relationship with God and others.
We are A Gathering of People in progress.
Over the next 5 weeks, we submerse ourselves into the 5 core values of TFF. Our hope is they become ingrained in our hearts and minds.
What is one action you can take this week to begin your next step in becoming a true representation of Jesus in your world?
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 6
The Relationship Question
There's a question you can ask yourself that will bring inescapable clarity to just about every relational decision you'll bump up against. But a word of warning: it's not for the faint of heart
Discussion Questions
Read John 13:33–35 aloud. What key phrases stand out to you and why?
What does love require of me? When you ask yourself that question, what relationship comes to mind? Why?
Questions to ask yourself related to the previous messages in this series:
Am I being honest with myself, really? You’ll never get where you want to be until you’re honest about where you currently are. Is there a specific decision or an area of your life that you've justified your way into? If so, what is it?
What story do I want to tell? Every decision you make is part of your story, so make it a story you are proud to tell. Is there a chapter that it's time to close? Is there a new one that needs to begin?
Is there a tension that deserves my attention? Sometimes things look good on paper, but you know internally that there's a reason to pause and take a second look. What's a time you're glad you hesitated? When did not paying attention to the tension cost you?
What is the wise thing for me to do? A decision can be "not wrong" and "not wise" at the same time. So in light of your past experience, your current circumstances, and your future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for you to do? In what situation do you need to be asking yourself that now?
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.– Proverbs 27:12
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 5
The Maturity Question
It's human nature to snuggle up to the edge of irresponsibility or disaster and stay there as long as possible. But instead of wondering how close we can get before crossing the line, we need to ask ourselves perhaps the most important question we can ever ask.
Discussion Questions
“Our excuses escort us to the threshold of regret and abandon us there with little margin for error.” Does this statement ring true for you? Can you think of an example?
When making a decision, why are we more prone to evaluate options through the filters of legal, moral, ethical, and acceptable than through the filter of wisdom?
Read Ephesians 5:11–16. What key words stand out to you? Why?
Would you commit to asking—not acting on—but simply asking the wisdom question for seven days every time you make a decision? In light of my past experience, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do?
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.– Proverbs 27:12
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 4
The Conscience Question
Sometimes an option we're considering creates tension inside of us. When that happens, it can be tempting to ignore the discomfort or brush by it. But instead ofdoing that, we need to pay close attention to it.
Discussion Questions
Do you have a name for your internal warning system?
Have you ever been really close to pressing GO on a big decision, but at the last minute bailed for no other reason than something about it just didn't seem right? Did more information surface after you hit PAUSE?
In what ways does our memory verse (below) support the habit of paying attention to the tension?
Is there a tension that deserves your attention? What is it?
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.– Proverbs 27:12
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 3
The Legacy Question
Your life is more than random, disconnected events. It’s a story being written. Whether it’s a thoughtful response or an emotionally fueled reaction, we write the stories of our lives one decision at a time.
Discussion Questions
Can you identify a decision in the past that served as the beginning of a new and better chapter in the story of your life? What decision introduced a chapter you would rather forget?
What was the catalyst for those decisions?
Read Genesis 39:1–10. What stands out to you about how Joseph handled this situation?
Do you know anyone whose story, through no fault of their own,set them up to write a story characterized by bitterness and resentment, but they decided their story in a healthy direction?
Think of an area of your life where the decisions you are making now could significantly impact your next five years. Would you say you are currently making decisions that will likely create the story you want to tell? Explain.
Is there a potentially catastrophic decision tempting you now? Are you willing to find someone to help you steer clear of it?
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.– Proverbs 27:12
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 2
The Integrity Question
The easiest person to deceive is the person in the mirror. But when we do the hard work of being honest with ourselves, we’re on our way to not selling ourselves on a potential regret.
Discussion Questions
Read Jeremiah 17:9. What stands out to you? How does it make you feel?
When was the last time you “sold yourself” in order to justify a purchase?
If a sales associate in a retail establishment said to you the kinds of things you say to yourself (when selling yourself), how would you respond?
Where do you struggle the most telling yourself the truth? What are your go-to justifications?
Jesus said that knowing the truth will set us free (John 8:32). But acknowledging what's true can be terrifying. Is it possible that the fear of what you might discover about yourself by being honest with yourself is an obstacle to the freedom you desire?
In what current circumstance do you need to ask: Am I being honest with myself... really?
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.—Proverbs 27:12
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 1
Deciding Our Way Forward
We never know what or who hangs in the balance of the decisions we make. But we do know that our decisions determine the direction and quality of our life.
Discussion Questions
Do you know someone who’s a good decision-maker? What makes you think that about them? Would you consider yourself a good decision-maker? Would other people consider you a good decision-maker?
Can you think of a decision you regret that could have been avoided if you had either asked more questions or seriously considered questions someone else asked you?
What makes the salesperson in your head so convincing? Why do you know better but don't decide better?
Read Proverbs 27:12.
•What stands out to you?
•Have you ever “seen trouble coming” but kept moving in that direction anyway?
•Have you “seen trouble coming” and taken refuge? What made the difference?
Tough as Nails | Week 3
Our Once Upon a Time
INTRODUCTION
Once upon a time . . . Jesus stood against the injustice of an empire and the hypocrisy of the temple. He introduced God as the father. He taught his followers to love their enemies and forgive everyone. Jesus never wrote a word or traveled farther than he could walk. But he taught a way of thinking, believing, and behaving that, though it was foreign and seemingly impractical, changed the world forever. Jesus isn’t finished changing the world. He calls on each of us to stand against injustice, love our enemies, turn the other cheek, and follow him.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you enjoy election season, or do you meet it with apathy or dread? Why do you respond the way you do?
2. During the message, Pastor said, “There was once a version of Christianity that was awe-inspiring.”What would it take for Christianity to be awe-inspiring in our culture?
3. Read Acts 4:12. Does this passage offend or disturb you? Why or why not?
4. What are some things you fear? How does that fear undermine your ability to follow Jesus?
5. Read Acts 4:24–33. During the message, Pastor said, “We pray little prayers. Perhaps that’s why so little happens.” Respond to that statement. Do you agree? Why or why not?
6. In what areas of your life do you need to pray more boldly and with greater confidence in God? What is one thing you can do this week to change the focus of your prayers? How can this group support you?
MOVING FORWARD
As a nation trembles in fear, looking to the government for salvation, as rhetoric gets nastier and more dangerous, people take sides. Compassion wanes. Racial divides increase. But there are those who have no fear. They’re informed but not worried. The worse things get, the better they get. They are Democrats, Republicans, Independents, but above all, they are Christians. What will our Once Upon a Time... story be?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Acts 4:12
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”