How To Survive The End Of The World | Part 4
Sermon 4: Good News Bad News
In this week’s sermon we discovered hell is real, the bad news but so is heaven, the good news.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Luke 16:14-15 & 19-31, Revelation 21:1-4 & 22-27, Ezekiel 33:11 2 Peter 3:9
INTRO: Good News Bad News
This is the last discussion on the Series How to Survive the End of the World. Survival is not just this life but eternity. What you do before you die, determine where you will spend eternity. The bible is very specific as to the outcome of the choice we make to receive Jesus gift of salvation or not. Heaven for those who choose Jesus, the good news and hell for those who don’t the bad news. Politically correct or not Jesus himself said hell was real and he has done everything possible to keep anyone from going there.
Get Started.
Why is heaven so easy to talk about?
Why is hell a subject most people and churches tend to avoid talking about?
What you do before you die, determines where you go when you die.
Read Luke 16:14-16
According to this passage what is the problem(s) Jesus is pointing out to the religious leaders? (Love of money and wealth as a sign of who good one is)
The Bad News
Read Luke 16:24
Have you ever had a medical procedure where you were only allowed to eat ice chips instead of drinking and eating? How did it make you feel?
How much water can a person hold on the end of their finger? Would it provide any relief?
Why did the rich man beg God to send Lazarus? What was his source of torment?
In Hell there is no relief
Read Luke 16:25
Why did he call the rich man Son? (Term of Compassion)
Is this passage suggesting that the more you suffer in this life the better you will be in heaven?
Remember Jesus said it was about the heart. Where was the rich man heart when it came to possessions and riches?
IF God leaves a place –All good leaves with him.
Read Luke 16:26
What does this passage say about the possibility of getting out of Hell?
Some religions speak of another place between heaven and hell. According to this passage how accurate is that?
Hell is a Place of No Escape and no Hope for Salvation
The Good News
Read Revelation 21: 1-4,22-27
What is the contrast between Hell and Heaven? Be specific.
Read Ezekiel 33:11, 1 Peter 3:9
What do these verses tell us about God’s desire for all Human kind?
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?
Do you know where you spend eternity? Your first Step is to be sure that you have begun a relationship with God through Christ. If you haven’t asked Christ to become your personal Savior, forgive your sins and be Lord of your life that is your Next Step.
If we really believe Hell is real, Are you Investing in relationship with other and inviting them in to a relationship with Jesus Christ? If Not your Next Step is to ask God to open your eyes to those who he has for you to invest in and the wisdom to share your story and offer them the hope you have by inviting them into a relationship with God through Christ.
Prayer
Take time to discuss with your Life Group the struggle some of you are facing. Pray that God will continue to remind us and too give each of us peace knowing that God is working for his purpose and we can join Him as the hour of his second coming approaches.
How To Survive The End Of The World | Part 3
Sermon 3: Snapshots of Revelations
In this week’s sermon we discovered the only real hope we have for freedom is the resurrection of Christ.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Revelation 1:1,7-8,12-18, John 5:24, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelations 4:10-11, Revelation 5:11-12, Luke 14:23, Revelation 7:9-10, Revelation 14:6-7, Revelation 16:1, Romans 5:9, Revelation 21:3-4
INTRO: Snapshots of Revelations
Showing SNAPSHOTS is a Brief way to tell a Story pictures of life. Revelation Means: apocalypse which means “Unveiling.” The book of Revelation tells us Some things about: the past, the present and the future. Let’s review and apply what we heard form Pastor Don about Snapshots of Revelation.
Get Started.
What do vision pops into your mind when you hear the word apocalypse?
Have you ever noticed that the book of Revelation is singular and not plural? It is often misquoted revelations?
The Snapshot of an accurate view of Jesus
Read 1 Revelation 1:1-8
Why is the singular revelation so important?
Who is doing the revelation to John?
Too often Jesus get lots in the scorpion beast and serpent of revelation
Read 1 Revelation 1:12-17
How is this representation of Jesus different from what we often think of him?
Does this true picture of Christ bring fear or hope?
We will never discover what He wants us to do until we discover who he is.
Read John 5:24
Why does this verse give us assurance of hope?
Revelation 2:7
In Revelation 2-11,17,29 Revelation3:6,13 &22 he repeats calls us to pay attention.
If Jesus continually says “listen!” do you think what he is saying is important and worth our attention?
What can sometimes drown out our ability to listen and believe God’s Word?
Sometimes we can’t hear God because we aren’t listening.
The Snapshot of Proper Handling of Wealth.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:10 & Revelation 4:10-12
Have you ever been to an event such as a family Christmas, a birthday party or wedding and realized you didn’t bring a gift and you were expected to? How did that make you feel?
How much more terrifying is it to think that, when it comes to the day that we lay down our crowns at the feet of Jesus, to come before him empty handed?
How does that reemphasize the fact that we are managers of our time, talents and treasures today in light of the fact knowing that we will one have an opportunity to honor Christ with the blessings he has given us?
Snapshots of a Pack House
Why do numbers matter to The Fountains? (We Count people, because people count!)
Read Luke 14:23
How are you serving Christ by investing and inviting?
Do you have a specific person you are investing in? Are you taking personal responsibility to crowd heaven? Why or Why Not?
Read Revelation 7:9-10
What is absolutely necessary to go to heaven?
The Snapshot of the Final Proclamation of the Gospel
Read Revelation 14:6-7
If your team is winning a sporting event, you can’t wait for the time clock to run out and if you are losing the opposite is true. Have you ever thought that there is a time clock on the Gospel, that there will come a time when grace is no longer available?
The Snapshot of the Wrath of God
Read Revelation 16:1
Wrath is a noun not a verb
Is God justified in pouring out wrath on the earth? Why? Why not?
Read Romans 5:9
How do sinful fallen people avoid the justice of God?
The Scary thing about the wrath of God is, it destroys those who don’t know Christ for all eternity.
The Snapshot of Peace
Revelation 21:3-4
How does heaven compare to the garden of Eden?
Have you ever thought about all that God has endured out of love for our sake so that one day we can have the relationship with Him that he always desired?
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?
Is Jesus an acquaintance to you or do you live with him daily in your life? Your first Step is to be sure that you have begun a relationship with God through Christ. If you haven’t asked Christ to become your personal Savior, forgive your sins and be Lord of your life that is your Next Step.
Are you so consumed with life that you have become deaf to the voice of God? Not just reading the Bible but walking in daily with your ears tuned in to what the Holy Spirit is saying? Remember God desires to give you what is best for you and he loves us enough to not make us figure it out on our own, but we have to listen to His Direction. Your Next Step is to refocus and began to say no, begin reading and listening to God’s words.
Are you Investing in relationship with other and inviting them into a relationship with Jesus Christ? If Not your Next Step is to ask God to open your eyes to those who he has for you to invest in and the wisdom to share your story and offer them the hope you have by inviting them into a relationship with God through Christ.
Prayer
Take time to discuss with your Life Group the struggle some of you are facing. Pray that God will continue to remind us and too give each of us peace knowing that God is working for his purpose and we can join Him as the hour of his second coming approaches.
How To Survive The End Of The World | Part 2
In this week’s sermon we discovered the only real hope we have for freedom is the resurrection of Christ.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
1 Corinthians 3:10-15, Romans 8:1, James 4:17, Revelation 20:11-12, Revelation 10:13-15, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 10:9
INTRO: Time to Meet your Maker
Many People “Refuse” to Believe in God, because they “Reject” the idea of being accountable to a supreme being. Every Pastor has been a Student Pastor at some point in their ministry. Some of you may recall doing a Judgement Seat skit. We had Heaven – Hell – Demons – Angels – Devil – God. People were sentenced to the right or the left (Heaven or Hell).
When we step into eternity there is Not going to be 1 – Mass General Judgment for All. There are 2 Main Judgments and every one of us are Going to Appear at 1 or the Other.
A Judgment for Christians-Christ followers
A Judgment for Non-Christians or the Unsaved.
Two Separate judgments.
Get Started.
What do you think heaven will look like on the day of Judgment?
The Judgment seat of Christ
Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
What will be judge according to these passages?
If our works don’t pass judgment does this mean, we lose our salvation?
Read Romans 8:1
Why is this verse so key to understanding how Believers will be judged?
Since we won’t be judged on our sin what will be judged?
Why are our motives for doing what is right so important?
What are some wrong motives do the right things?
Do you ever examine your motives for doing what you do?
What is stewardship? What are we as believers called to steward? (Time, Treasures, and Talents)
Read James 4:17
What is this verse saying? How does this verse apply to everyday life?
When you stand before the Lord and He says, “Did you serve me in the local church?”
How did Pastor Don suggest, if we don’t know our gifts, we discover our gifts?
The Great White Throne of Judgment
Read Revelations 2o:11-15
How will those who do not know Christ be judged?
Read Matthew 7:13-14
Pastor Don said that only ½ of 1% of Americans believe that they are going to hell?
What are the 4 types of people that Pastor Don said would be at the White Throne of judgment?
Read Matthew 7:21-23
Why do a lot of people, even some who go to church, believe they will go to heaven?
Read Romans 10:9
What is absolutely necessary to go to heaven?
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?
Your first Step is to be sure that you have begun a relationship with God through Christ. If you haven’t asked Christ to become your personal Savior, forgive your sins and be Lord of your life that is your Next Step.
Why do you do what you do? What motivates you is what you worship. Your Next Step may need to change your motives and begin to live a life of stewardship making God the center of all our motives.
Prayer
Take time to discuss with your Life Group the struggle some of you are facing. Pray that God will continue to remind us and too give each of us peace knowing that God is working for his purpose and we can join Him as the hour of his second coming approaches.
How To Survive The End Of The World | Part 1
Pack Your Bags
In this week’s sermon we discovered the only real hope we have for freedom is the resurrection of Christ.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Matthew 24:32-33 & 36, Matthew 24:1-7 & 9, Matthew 24:23-25, John 14:6 Acts 4:11-12 Matthew 24:12-013
INTRO:
Have you ever been to or been made to sit through one of those study of revelations where they use charts and scary pictures of dragons to try to explain revelations? What was your reaction? Would you do it again?
Read Matthew 24:32-33 & 36
In these three verses what is Jesus telling us about His second coming? What are we to learn from the fig tree?
Key Point 1: When it comes to the second coming of Christ No One Knows!
Read Matthew 24:1-3
What are the 2 questions the disciples asked?
Why do you think Jesus didn’t answer the question about the Temple?
Read Matthew 24:4
Deception is nothing new it has been around since Genesis chapter 3. Who is Jesus talking to in this passage?
So, if Jesus is talking to the church who will be deceived as the end approaches?
Read Matthew 24:5 Matthew 24:23-25
The Pastor explained the deception in the church today as tolerance. What is your definition of tolerance?
What are the dangers of tolerance?
Can you not tolerate someone and still show them the love and grace of Christ? How?
Read John 14:6 & Acts 4:11-12
How can we as Christians claim to be the only true religion?
Key Point 2. The First sign of Jesus return is Deception in the church, also known as tolerance.
Read Matthew 24:6-7
Some of us grew up in a time in were The Us was not involved in a war of foreign soil. What is the first war you can remember in your life time that the US was involved in?
How is that different form today?
The Pastor explained how the word Kingdom is the word Ethos that where we get our word ethnic. Are racial tensions around the world worse? How about racial tension in the US?
Is this a new trend or has racial tension been an issue for some time?
Together try and define the word famine. Have any of you ever experienced a real famine?
What is most people’s familiarity with famine?
In 1980’s there was approximately 120 natural disasters per year. Today there is around 500.
Read Matthew 24:8
In this verse, what is Jesus telling us about these signs?
Read Matthew 24:9
How are Christians being persecuted around the world? Are Christians being persecuted in the United States?
Read Matthew 24:12-13
What does Jesus say will be the cause of love growing cold? How does “love growing cold” show itself in today’s society?
The statement in verse 13 gives hop to believers in what way? Does it mean that Christians wont suffer or be persecuted?
Read Matthew 24:14
Twelve disciples who had not traveled more than 75 miles from their home heard Jesus say this. How has the gospel spread and how does it continue to spread throughout the whole world?
Read Matthew 24:1-3
According to history was the temple destroyed and every stone separated from the temple?
In 66AD the Jewish nation revolted and Rome. Nero sent Vespasian to place the city under siege.
After 3 ½ years over 600k people had died. In 70AD against orders of Caesar and Vespasian the army set fire to the Temple and it was destroyed. The gold throughput the temple melted and seeped in-between the mortar of the bricks. The Romans soldiers took crowbar like devices and literally moved ever stone off the other to steal the gold.
If the temple was really destroyed as Jesus said can we believe these other signs to be true as well?
KEY POINT: If Jesus said is would to happen, it will happen.
How does knowing these thing affect the way we live our lives?
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?
Your first Step is to sure that you are ready for Jesus to return by have began a relationship with God. If you haven’t asked Christ to become your personal Savior, forgive your sins and be Lord of your life that is your Next Step.
Do you know what you believe and have a clear understanding of your faith in Christ? If not, your Next Step is to attend the Foundations Class to fully understand the relationship God wants with you and for you.
Are you living your life in a bubble? Is your work or family and the everyday grind of life consuming your time? Your next Step is to realize your purpose in God’s kingdom and begin to invest in relationships with others and invite them into a relationship with Christ.
Prayer
Take time to discuss with your Life Group the struggle some of you are facing. Pray that God will continue to remind us and too give each of us peace knowing that God is working for his purpose and we can join Him as the hour of his second coming approaches.
Talking Points | Week 3
INTRODUCTION
The unity and diversity of the early church shocked and intrigued the ancient world. Ours should as well.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.Many times, we attribute someone’s character to their behavior. For instance, what’s your initial opinion of someone if you notice one of these below behaviors?
Late • Lazy • Generous • Opinionated • Educated • Extravagant • Loud
2.In a similar way, people can make character judgments based on how people lean politically. Why do you think people do that?
3.Read Galatians 3:28, where Paul talks about cultural barriers that should be minimized because of Jesus.
What stands out to you?
Are there cultural categories (e.g., gender, political parties, economic classes) that you have difficulty seeing both sides of as having equal value?
4.When it comes to having conversations about politics, would you describe yourself as more unifying or disruptive? What’s something you can do (or stop doing) to approach political conversations in a healthier way?
TO CONSIDER
Christianity achieved the well-nigh impossible. The Christian doctrine elevated the individual soul, placing slave and master and commoner and nobleman alike on the same metaphysical footing, rendering them equal before God and the law. Christianity insisted that even the king was only one among many.
–Jordan Peterson (12 Rules for Life)
Talking Points | Week 2
INTRODUCTION
Our political views are shaped by a number of variables: our backgrounds, education, and personal experiences to name a few. It’s easy to feel like our view is the right one, but the person beside you is more precious to God than your political view.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.When you’re with family, do you discuss politics or avoid it? Would you like to change that one way or the other? Why?
2.Read Galatians 6:2, where Paul summarizes how we can practically fulfill the law of Christ.
What stands out to you?
How can we all follow the law of Christ but still disagree politically?
Do you generally trust that someone who votes differently than you has an informed conscience?
3.Read 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, where Paul talks about his method of influence.
What stands out to you?
How would you rate yourself in trying to empathize and understand someone else’s mindset?
4.Many times our cultural contexts determine our political perspectives. As Rufus Miles said, “Where you stand depends on where you sit.”
How does that thought resonate with you?
Do you really feel you would think different politically if you had a different set of past and current experiences?
5.Read John 17:20–23, where Jesus offers a prayer for future believers.
What stands out to you?
In verse 23, Jesus prays for unity. How does unity differentiate us from the rest of the world?
Is unity something that is natural to people?
NEXT STEP
Some ways forward when it comes to navigating politics in our relationships:
Listen to people who don’t experience the world the way you do.
Learn from others by being a student instead of a critic.
Love people enough to not burn a relational bridge over a political view.
Talking Points | Week 1
INTRODUCTION
Your favorite candidate will win or lose based on how our country votes this November. However, the church will win or lose based on our behavior between now and then.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.On a scale from 1 to 10, how interested are you in politics?
2. When it comes to politics, do you let everyone know where you stand or keep it to yourself? Which way is right?
3.What do you look forward to most—and dread most—about presidential election years?
4.Outside of your workplace, think of the people you interact with most. What percentage of those people think pretty much the same way as you politically?
5.In all honesty, which of these describes you best? Why do you say that?
I evaluate my politics through the filter of my faith.
I create a version of faith that supports my politics.
6.Read John 17:20–23, where Jesus offers a prayer for future believers.
What stands out to you?
In verse 23, Jesus prays for unity. How would you define “unity”?
According to Jesus’s prayer, why is unity so important?
7. How can we disagree politically and yet still love unconditionally?
8.When it comes to politics and moving toward unity, what’s a next step for you?
NEXT STEP
While we will not agree on every political talking point, we must not let politics divide us. For a next step this week think of someone who sits on the other side of the aisle from you. Whether it’s your neighbor, your family member, or that extremely vocal person on Facebook, how can you love them unconditionally this week? Reach out to them, pray with them, encourage them.
My Stupid Mouth
Key Truth:
Our words are to reflect our relationship with Jesus and concern for others over our own desires or political views.
Getting Started:
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words will never hurt me.
Why is this statement such a lie?
Many of us have unintentionally or intentionally used our words to hurt others.
This also is applicable to what we post on social media.
Why do we feel the need to defend our opinions?
Have you ever changed your mind on your opinion because of a social media post?
Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
How can our words can destroy our influence?
Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
What you say should be filtered through your relationship with Christ and your concern for others. Even if the other person is wrong.
Luke 6:27 - “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”
Luke 6:32-33 - “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!”
Our words and actions reveal our heart.
Colossians 3:1-4
1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
THINK before you speak.
T – is it true.
H – is it helpful.
I – is it inspirational.
N – is it necessary.
K – is it kind.
What would it take to filter your words through your relationship with Christ before sharing with others?
Colossians 3:10-13
10 Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. (our differences are irrelevant!) Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13 Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you.
If you are the offender, try to reconcile.
You can be right in the wrong ways.
Nothing rebuilds relationships like the words “I am sorry.”
I’m sorry is not an admission of wrong but an affirmation of valuing the other person.
Freedom begins when you forgive your offender.
Just as you have been forgiven, we are obligated to forgive those who offended us.
When we hold a grudge, we are destroying relationships.
Colossians 3:13b-15
…Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. (not in total agreement) And always be thankful.
Everyone has the right to be wrong.
As believers, we have the obligation to love and forgive as we have been forgiven.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
RE: Relationship Essentials | Week 4
Big Idea: We have an understanding of our family when we understand our role in God’s family
Getting Started:
Family looks different for everyone. You didn’t get to choose them, but you can’t get rid of them either, so you choose to love them. Some may have good relationships with their family, some may be distant from their family.
· What is your idea of family?
· What are some traits you can think of for your family? (Quiet, loud, spontaneous)
Digging In
The world’s version of family and God’s version of family are very different. The world is based on performance and God’s is based on grace. The beginning of a Grace-filled family is a renewed heart.
· What does it mean to have a renewed heart?
· How does God look at family differently than we look at family?
· What is the difference between loving someone for who they are and loving someone for what they do?
· When we love a family member for who they are instead of what they do, what changes?
Read Romans 8:14-17
These verses explain what it looks like to be a child of God, adopted into His family, and an heir of his.
· What does it take to be a part of God’s family?
· What does it look like to be an heir of God?
· How can our understanding of God’s family help us in how we love our own family?
Navigating family relationships is not always easy. There are some family members who continue to hurt you and there is a way to love them as well.
· How can we love a family member who hurts us well?
· What good would boundaries do within that relationship?
Read Matthew 3:17
This is the way God spoke about Jesus, his one and only son. He affirmed him and provided encouragement because of who he was, never for the miracles he performed.
· How does the way we speak about our family effect them?
· Are you affirming your family in the way God affirmed his son?
· What would happen if you began to?
Next Step
The family you have is not by coincidence. God has placed you in their lives to love them and affirm them. When you do this, without expecting it in return, it has the power to restore and rebuild. Choose to take time this week to affirm the relationships in your family, not because of what they do or can provide, but simply because of who they are.
Relationship Essentials | Release - Week 3
Big Idea:
The method we use to raise our children determines the weight of the challenge and depth of the reward.
Getting Started:
Not everyone reading this is a parent, but all have had a first hand look into the life of a parent. You either are one, hope to someday become one, or had parental figures in your life to watch how they did it. When it comes to parenting, raising your children the way you want them to live is the goal. The thing is, that takes effort and intentionality. Many parents feel as though they have missed the mark or failed and the
What are the top one or two lessons you learned from your parents or parental figures?
What about those qualities stuck with you the most?
Did you learn any traits from your parents because you watched what they did?
Digging In
Read Proverbs 22:6
The goal with children or the next generation is not to control them but to train them.
What is the difference between controlling and training a child?
What different effects would training or controlling a child have on their lives long term?
How can we plan to train a child instead of control their every move?
The best way to train children and the generation coming behind us is not just through the wisdom we share, but the actions we show to prove it.
Why would actions have more weight to them than words?
Are there any examples in your life of wise words that fell flat because a lack of action?
It is so important that we show our children what we want them to do instead of just telling them. For example, if we encourage them to be kind, but all they see is the opposite of that in us, it will be hard for them to understand what kindness really looks like.
One of the biggest goals as a parent is to prevent our kids from making the same mistakes we made, because we know how harsh the consequences can be. However, we often fail to invite our kids into that part of our past out of fear that they will get the wrong idea.
How can sharing our past with our kids or next generation help them?
What parts of your past are hard for you to share with those you hope to train? What is holding you back from sharing?
What is God able to do by us sharing our failures with kids?
Read Deuteronomy 6:5-7
These commandments are the core of what it looks like to train your child. As a parent, your primary relationship must be with God. Before your spouse, before your kids, before anything.
How do we actively place God above our spouse and children?
What are some things that would have to change in your life to make God the priority?
What is the outcome when our relationship with God is the priority of our parenting?
Next Step
Connect with another parent in your life group and discuss some things you plan to do to increase the intentionality of your parenting. Talk about how you can make God number one in your life or ways you plan to be more authentic and vulnerable with your child. Ask them to check in on you and see how it’s going and do the same for the other parent.
If you are not a parent find someone else who isn’t a parent and ask how they plan to teach and train their future children or next generation in their lives. There is a quote that says failing to prepare is preparing to fail. So use this time to prepare ways you want to be intentional with future children in your life.
RE: Relationship Essentials | Part 2
Big Idea:
There are essentials in marriages that we can learn from to redirect all of our relationships towards God.
Getting Started:
Not everyone who is in this room may be married right now. You may be single and thinking of dating, or in a relationship or you’ve been married and have experienced divorce. Don’t think that because marriage was the central element that you are eliminated from this discussion.
If you aren’t married consider how you could grow and prepare for that kind of relationship through some of these questions.
· Is there a couple you know and look up to as a strong, healthy marriage that is headed in the right direction?
· What allows relationships (romantic ones in particular) to head in the right direction?
Digging In
Many of us need to redirect our relationships because we’ve been given the wrong directions by those who have been our examples.
· What is an example of the relationships in your life that have directed you poorly?
· How could there be hope to redirect your relationships from the bad examples you’ve been given?
The pastor on Sunday said, “we must not believe the lie that all relationships are destined to fail, and that we can begin today to head in a new/better direction.”
· What creates this idea that all relationships are destined to fail?
· What is a “new/better direction” that would help save a failing relationship?
Read
The worst thing for your marriage is not even knowing you’re headed in the wrong direction.
· How can we stop and honestly evaluate whether or not our marriage is headed down the right path?
· What are some of the distractions in life you face that can create a bump in your marriage?
o (our routines, focusing on our own journey, our job, flirting with other people, our hobbies, friends)
A wrong direction we’ve bought into is the idea that our spouse or the spouse we’re looking for needs to be our other half. Have you ever said that? Don’t feel guilty is you have. The truth is though, that puts a lot of pressure on your spouse. Now they’re the one that has to complete you. On the flip side, you have to be the other perfect half for them. If anything is wrong with you, now you no longer complete them. It was never meant to be that way.
· If our spouse shouldn’t be our other half, how should we see our spouse?
Craig Groeschel, lead pastor of Life.Church, says marriage should be chasing the 1 with our 2. That life is all about chasing God with our whole hearts and then looking to our side and seeing the person we’ve chosen to do that with.
· How can we re-direct our marriages to chase the 1 (God) with our 2 (spouse).
· If you’re single or dating right now, how should this mindset effect the way you live and view relationships?
Next Step
Married Groups: Now is a great time to take a moment as husbands and wives to evaluate your marriage together. The goal is not to create arguments, but to create a space where you can discuss with one another the state of your marriage and what you believe God wants to do through it.
Single Groups: Because you don’t have someone next to you right now doesn’t mean you never will. The goal of a season of singleness is to intentionally pursue God with your whole hearts and occasionally look around and see if there is someone doing that alongside you. That may lead to someone saying “Hey do you want to pursue God together?” For now, let that end destination leave your mind and think about the journey you would need to take to get there.
RE: Relationship Essentials | Week 1
Big Idea:
You cannot do life alone and find true fulfillment.
Getting Started:
Relationships are very fulfilling and very difficult all at the same time. We have a desire to know people and have people know us but it’s a lot messier than that.
Where do relationships go wrong?
Is it even possible to have healthy relationships?
Relationships don’t come easy to everyone, many introverts feel paralyzed at the thought of approaching someone and beginning a friendship.
How can we break past our tendencies to remain isolated?
Who are some people (in real life, not fictional) that you believe display a real authentic, healthy relationship?
What do you think is the reason for that?
Read Matthew 22:36-40
These two commandments are considered the greatest to Jesus and they point directly to relationships.
What does that say about God’s view on relationships?
Do we do a good job of living out these commandments? Why?
Digging In
Relationships come in so many forms.
With God
Dating/Marriage
Friendship
Parent/child
Co-workers
Church
Hobby
Through our kids
The list goes on.
In every single relationship, the driving force that creates distance is the differences we have. But what if instead of pushing each other away because we’re different, we learned to encourage our differences?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:18-20
If God created us differently, why do we dislike each other’s differences?
What would It look like for us to love one another through our differences?
Can you think of a relationship in your life where someone is completely different than you, but you couldn’t imagine life without them? Share
Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
The pastor on Sunday said that You cannot do life alone and find true fulfillment.
What would you find through a life spent alone?
How do begin, right here, establishing what Ecclesiastes talks about?
Next Step
Being the beginning of the fall life group term, relationships may be new and uncertain. Maybe you’re unsure of what the people sitting next to you are like or maybe you do know exactly what they’re like and that scares you. Either way, God has placed these people in your life for a reason and it’s a great opportunity to grow closer to God and grow closer to one another. Discuss as a group some goals you hope to achieve together during this fall term. This will allow you to look back and celebrate how far God has brought you.
Playlist | In My Blood
Big Idea:
You discover success in your life by what is happening in you, not what happens to you.
Getting Started:
· Listen to “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes for all who did not get to join on Sunday
· What are your initial thoughts when you hear the words in this song?
· Are the things he discusses in the song the majority of what people struggle with or a minority of the struggle?
This series is meant to finds truths within songs to live our lives to, not live by the songs we are singing.
Digging In
Shawn Mendes became a successful artist before he turned 18, many Grammy nominees, along with having 3 top 200 albums, all BEFORE releasing this song.
· First, what is the “Bathroom floor”?
· How could he achieve all that success and still find himself on the bathroom floor?
· This is an extremely clear example of success not working out for a songwriter, but it’s more difficult when we look at the life of a 9-5 regular joe/jane. How can we find ourselves lying on the Bathroom floor?
Often, when we find ourself at this place, we reach out for something to ease our pain; Something to get us through the struggle.
o Shawn said “Just have a drink and you’ll feel better, Just take her home and you’ll feel better. Keep telling me that it gets better, does it ever?”
· How do we supplement our pain?
· What does that supplement do for us while we’re in a place of pain, confusion, or regret?
“medicating symptoms can keep you from the cure”
· If you were to break something on your body, say your wrist, how much good would ice do for it? What about a tylenol or oxycodone?
· These things will absolutely subside the pain, for a moment, but they wont fix what’s actually wrong.
· In terms of those times we find ourselves lying on the bathroom floor, it’s vital to know what the actual cure is. Discuss with the group what that could be.
On Sunday, the pastor spoke about what we perceive to be the cure. What is that? Success
· Why is that only a perception of the cure?
Read Philippians 1:14-16
At a point where he was literally chained, the apostle Paul saw it as a moment to grow his confidence in God and a place to defend the good news.
· How did Paul find contentment in his heart while his hands were in chains?
· How can we, like Paul, keep our focus on proclaiming the Gospel as opposed to trying to fixing our situation?
· How will your purpose redirect your circumstances?
Next Step
There is a joy that the world cannot offer and the world cannot take away. This is only a Joy that comes from God. The way that you remain in that source of joy of to stay close to the one who offers it. Every day for the next week read James 1:2-4 and consider what it requires to have that kind of joy.
Playlist | Counting Stars
Big Idea:
When your Dreams point to God, your future is always secure in Him.
Note to the Leader:
Prayer is the element that holds group together for God. Focus on that and He will guide and bless your group.
Getting Started:
· Everyone knows of a playlist or two that they can open, hit shuffle, and never touch the device again because every song is a good one.
· What would be your go-to playlist?
· This playlist consists of a lifetime of accumulated taste in particular music. We have shaped our minds to know the sound of a song that reminds us of good times and happy memories. In the same way, we need to know the playlist in our heart that God uses to lead us. The values, principles, and steps that are needed to find fulfillment in life. We need to create a playlist worth living by.
When you think of the series title, what do you hope to get out of the next six weeks?
Digging In
As a little kid, your imagination was full of possibilities. You could become anything you wanted to be, a chef, an athlete, a movie star, a singer. We have always had big dreams.
· What did you dream of becoming as a kid? Why did you want to do that?
· Would your life look the same today if your childhood dream came true?
Read Proverbs 13:19
· God cares about our dreams. Is this true or false, why?
According to this verse, what prevents us from achieving a dream?
· Would it be possible for a dream to come true if it is self-centered?
The dreams God takes delight in are dreams that are not self-centered, but others-focused. If to achieve a dream you have in life will require you to push anyone out of the way to achieve it, that is a broken dream.
The pastor said “success doesn’t last beyond the trophy”
Everyone has an ideal “trophy” in mind for their life. It could be to retire by age 50, it could be to be the best Father or Husband, it could be to start up and run your own business. How does the statement above apply to these trophies we hope to achieve?
· Can you think of the trophies in your life? Something that you believe will bring satisfaction if you achieved it.
· If you were to get that trophy, would you actually find the satisfaction you’re seeking in life?
What would you gain? What could you lose?
Let me be clear, wanting to retire early with a pension is not a bad thing, running your business and being a financial success is not a bad thing. We want to encourage you to use your gifts and talents to reach milestones in your life. However, none of those things will be a trophy that will hold its value. Eventually, a retiree needs a hobby. A business owner needs another location, A child goes off to lead their own life. Then what?
· What would be the ultimate trophy in life? The trophy that would always hold its value. Is it attainable?
The last thing the pastor spoke about was having a legacy that leaves an impact longer than us.
· Who are some people who’s legacy has left an impact on your life?
· What was their dream/drive/trophy in life?
What kind of impact did they leave in your life? Did it look anything like the successful trophies we have in front of us now?
Next Step
This week, think of the goals that you have for your future and ask if those plans look to benefit you or those around you. Broken dreams lead down a lonely road. Fulfilling dreams advance the kingdom of God. If your dreams look to further you and no one else, let’s re-evaluate them. Write down your dreams and ask God if they align with His dreams for you. If you aren’t sure if they are self-serving or God-Honoring dreams, ask your spouse or a friend their thoughts.
The Nine | Eight: The Challenger
Big Ideas:
· When we trust God in the process, we can be sure that He will get us there.
· Only when we focus on Him and allow our FAITH to grow will our fear diminish.
Note to the Leader:
Open up group with a time of prayer
Getting Started:
· What have you enjoyed most about this series?
Digging In
Discuss
· This week specifically we focus on the 8: The Challenger, are there any “8’s” in the group?
· What are the strengths of the Eight: Challenger?
Pastor said that challengers are the ones who make us feel uncomfortable
· If you are not an 8 do you agree with this statement, why? – share an example.
· If you are an 8 do you agree with this? share a reason why you do/don’t.
We looked at 3 different 8’s in this message: Saul, Paul same guy, different name – discuss why) and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
8’s Stand Against Injustice and Protect Those Who are Weak
· How does this statement make you feel?
· Have you experienced this as a negative in your experiences with an 8?
Misguided Passion is Dangerous: Read Acts 7:57-58
· We looked at Saul with regards to this, was he wrong even though he felt right? How so?
· How can we help an “unhealthy” 8?
Pastor said, “As Challengers Please Make Sure that you are Battling for God’s Truth and NOT Just Your Version of the Truth.”
· What is the difference between these two types of truth?
· What is the best way for us to know if we are doing this?
Others are Harmed by Our Words and Actions When Our Passions are Misguided
Discuss Proverbs 18:21
Closing Thoughts:
· Discuss Saul’s conversion to Paul.
· What brought about this change? (Encounter with Jesus)
· What does that tell us about how we should live? (Jesus’ mandate to love and serve all people needs to be what drives us)
Read 1 Timothy 6: 12
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for an amazing message about how we can and were actually designed by You to live by Faith. I pray that we allow Who You are – a faithful God – to be lead us and guide us daily. Only then can our passion be in the right places. You are our Way Maker, You are our Miracle Worker and we believe that you can do what no one else can do – bring your love and hope to our nation. You have a way of using the most unlikely people to carry out your amazing plans and we say, “count us in” we trust you Jesus and we are here willing to say YES.
The Nine | Seven: The Enthusiast
Big Ideas:
· God can use you right where you are with all that you have.
Note for leader: Remember the 70/30 rule. Try to have your group speak 70% of the time and you speak 30% so you don’t dominate the conversation!
Getting Started:
· What’s the biggest risk in life you’ve ever taken? What was the feeling like of committing to that risk?
· Is there anything that you’ve ever just picked up and been automatically good at? What is that thing and why do you think it was so easy?
Digging In
Today we discuss the 7: Enthusiast, always looking for adventure, always wanting to be out and about, always finding the best. You want to surround yourself with a 7 because they will make a room come alive. You never have to worry about having a good time because they in fact are the good time. However, if a seven doesn’t know how to stop they can burn themselves and everyone around them out.
Discuss
· Are there any 7: Enthusiasts in the group?
· After reading the description do you agree that you reflect this personality?
· What can make a Seven strong?
King David is actually a 7. His life reflects a constant excitement with adventure such as fighting Goliath and winning. We’re going to look at the moments he became king of Israel though.
Read 2 Samuel 6:14-16
· David’s partying
· Half naked
· Enjoying himself as he brings the Ark of the covenant into Jerusalem.
· What is the ark of the covenant? What is it’s significance?
The pastor said that The Enthusiast reflects God’s joy.
· How do we see David reflect the joy of God in this scene?
· Why is it easier for some people to have joy than others?
· Read James 1:2-3. How can we have this kind of joy in our lives?
The Enthusiast is a master Reframer.
· When you hear the term reframing, what do you think of?
It means they can turn any situation to reflect what they want it to look like. That also means they can avoid truth when they hear it.
· Give some real life examples of ways we all reframe situations in our lives.
· What is a positive and a negative of reframing?
· How do you respond when something is honest but you don’t want to accept it?
· Many times we put off the things that God is trying to reveal in us. What does it take to finally accept something?
Read Philippians 4:12-13
One of the needs for the 7 is to find contentment in all things.
· Paul found contentment in the middle of a jail cell. What was it that allowed him to remain content?
· How do you struggle with discontentment?
· What would life look like to be content with all things?
Closing Prayer
God help me to run to you and not from pain. Help me to develop deep and lasting friendships with people who want to have fun, but can also keep me grounded. Help me to have the tough
conversations that real life requires and remind me to be thankful for what you have done.
The Nine | Six: The Loyalist
Big Ideas:
· When we trust God in the process, we can be sure that He will get us there.
· Only when we focus on Him and allow our FAITH to grow will our fear diminish.
Getting Started:
The Enneagram is an interesting tool to gauge what makes us tick the way we do:
· What have you enjoyed most about this series?
· Do you agree or disagree with your personality test results?
· Do you see value in taking a personality test like this?
Discuss
· This week specifically we focus on the 6: The Loyalist, are there any “6’s” in the group?
· Why would it be important to learn about all 9 numbers instead of just your own?
· What are the strengths of the Six: Loyalist?
· Pastor said that the natural temperament of the loyalist is to “cling to safety”, what do you think about that statement?
· As a 6, or just as a person, what are some ways that you avoid risk and danger?
· What are some ways that doing so has caused you to “miss out” on some things?
Let’s discuss a great story in The Bible about a man named Gideon who had to learn to grow in faith and understand what it meant to conquer his fear in the middle of a crazy situation.
Read Judges 6:1-11, 6:22-23
· Gideon finally has this “ah ha” moment.
· He realized “God is sending me” and that was the shift he needed to move from fear to faith.
· What are some “ah ha” moments that have defined your life?
Pastor said that The Loyalist reflects God’s faithfulness.
· Do you see this as a true statement, how so?
· Are there any “dangers” to being loyal?
Pastor said, “The Loyalist cannot allow fear to control their lives.”
· What are some ways that you have allowed fear to control you?
· Why can it be so easy to “see” risk and danger in everything?
Loyalists are trustworthy and good planners.
· How can such good qualities become some not so good tendencies?
· Example: (only willing to do something IF it is guaranteed in our minds to work out)
Closing Thoughts:
How can 6’s move from FEAR towards FAITH?
· Believe that God is going to DEMONSTRATE His POWER in your WEAKNESS as he DID with Gideon.
· God has Always CHOSEN the LEAST Likely People.
· God has Something GREATER for You…you have to believe this!
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for an amazing message about how we can and were actually designed by You to live by Faith. I pray that we allow Who You are – a faithful God – to be lead us and guide us daily. Only then can our Faith rise, and our fear diminish. You have a way of using the most unlikely people to carry out your amazing plans and we say, “count us in” we trust you Jesus and we are here willing to say YES.
The Nine | Five: The Investigator
Big Ideas:
God has designed you to investigate the life He created in you.
Note to the Leader:
This is a help for you to engage and steer the conversation with your group.
Do your best by asking questions that will spur your group into sharing personal experiences.
You do not have to read every question.
Getting Started:
The Enneagram is an interesting tool to gauge what makes us tick the way we do:
Out of the five we have heard so far, which number do you come in contact with most frequently?
No matter your number, do you see characteristics of all enneagram numbers within you?
How has this improved the way you love those around you?
Discuss
This week specifically we focus on the 5: Investigator’s, are there any “5’s” in the group?
What is it that makes a five tick?
Has there ever been a funny time in your life where you started doing your research and felt like an Investigator? Tell that story.
We don’t ever truly understand God fully and so we need people in our lives that can help us investigate the doubts we have in our mind.
What are the doubts you have about life?
The pastor said that God welcomes our questions, he doesn’t ignore them.
What’s one question you would ask God right now if you could?
What do you think his answer would be?
Read John 20:24
Jesus has been crucified and the grave has been empty. People are proclaiming that he rose from the grave. Thomas, one of the disciples, claims he wont believe it until he see’s it.
What is something you would have to see to believe?
Is this a strong side or a weak side of the 5 being revealed?
How could the disciples around him have encouraged Thomas to have stronger faith that Jesus had resurrected?
The five looks to gain knowledge and knowing the truth
When on a pursuit for the truth, what obstacles could you face?
For any 5’s, what will the result be when the truth is found? Will you be at peace or will you still continue to look for deeper proof?
Will an answer ever be enough for a 5?
Closing
God is not afraid of your investigation of Him. He welcomes your questions and wants to guide you through the answers. Whenever you don’t get a complete answer, take it as a lead to learn something new about God and investigate His character more.
The Nine | Four: The Individualist
Big Ideas:
· When you understand how God created you, you can grow in your love for those around you.
· Only when you make yourself available to God will your ability be enough.
Note to the Leader:
This is a help for you to engage and steer the conversation with your group.
Do your best by asking questions that will spur your group into sharing personal experiences.
You do not have to read every question.
Getting Started:
The Enneagram is an interesting tool to gauge what makes us tick the way we do:
· What have you enjoyed most about this series so far?
· Do you agree or disagree with your personality test results?
· Do you see value in taking a personality test like this?
Discuss
· This week specifically we focus on the 4: Individualist, are there any “4’s” in the group?
· Why would it be important to learn about all 9 numbers instead of just your own?
· What are the strengths of the Four: Individualist?
· Pastor said that being “basic” is a 4’s fear: why would being “basic” be bad?
Read 1 Samuel 18:6-9
The song that does Saul in.
· Comparison is not of God. Looking at this scripture how is this evident?
Read 1 Samuel 18:10-11
· The pastor said that “Comparison STEALS our IDENTITY”, how have you struggled with comparison?
· How does comparison affect us?
In 1 Samuel 13:11-13
· Saul went rouge and didn’t wait for the Prophet Samuel; he offered a sacrifice to God for the community.
· This was not what God asked Saul to do. Saul let his feelings/fear of “these people are getting mad and are going to leave” drive him to ignore God’s way.
· How can our feelings misguide us?
· How have you allowed your feelings to drown out the voice of God?
The pastor asked the question, “Have you ever convinced yourself you did something right even though you knew it was wrong?”
· How do we shift our focus away from feelings and towards Jesus?
· How can we keep our past mistakes from defining us?
FIVE Things to Remember:
· Stop Comparing yourself with others…
· Accept Your identity in Christ
· Leave Your past in the past
· Receive the forgiveness and covering of Jesus
· Listen to God’s voice
· Your PAST does NOT Disqualify you from the GRACE of God.
Closing Prayer
Each week there is a specific prayer geared for the number we are looking at. Here is the prayer for the Four: Individualist.
Lord, I pray we all run OUR race, in OUR lane, – the one You designed specifically for us – because You have given us grace in that lane. At times, the Four Individualist, struggles with comparison, with allowing their past to define them, and letting their feelings run them: today we pray that cycle ends. Today I pray the Four Individualist allows You, Jesus, to be the loudest voice in their heads and in their hearts; that they may run after you and all that you have for them. In Jesus' name, amen.
The Nine | Three: The Achiever
Big Idea:
It’s not just about who you are, It’s about the best version God has created you to be.
Note to the Leader:
This is a help for you to engage and guide the conversation with you group.
Do your best to make this story come to life by asking questions that will spur your group into seeing this play out in real time.
You do not have to read every question; they are just there if you need them to move the main idea forward.
Getting Started:
Read Romans 12:4-5
Being different just means we’re all fulfilling different parts of the same equation.
· This week specifically we focus on the 3: Achiever, are there any “3s” in the group?
· What are the strengths/weaknesses of the Three: Achiever?
Note: This is a great opportunity to invite your group to take the test if they haven’t already. Just download EnneaApp and click “Find your results”.
Digging In
This week’s biblical character who reflects a 3 is Jacob.
Read about Jacob in Genesis 25:21-26
· Who is Jacob?
· What is the significance of Jacobs story in the bible?
· When Jacob grabs the heel of Esau, how does this reflect the tendencies of the 3?
Jacobs goal was always to be ahead because he was driven.
· Would you say you’re a driven person? If yes, what drives you?
· What would the world look like without driven and ambitious people?
· Is there ever a point where being too ambitious and driven is an issue?
o If yes, what is that point?
Read summary of Jacob stealing the birthright
One day Jacob is in the kitchen, making some homemade chili. He’s cooking and his brother Esau comes in and says, “I’m starving to death, I’m sick, I’m going to faint. Please give me something to eat, I beg you.” Jacob said, “Sure, for your birthright.” Taking from his brother all his rights of inheritance from being the first born. Jacob deceived his own flesh and blood to get ahead in life.
· The pastor said “Our drive should lead us to a person, not a place or position”
· What was meant by this?
· Has there been a time where you had your sights set on a title or a position? Did you do anything to get ahead? Explain your situation.
· How can being driven towards a position be wrong?
The key motivation of an Achiever is to feel worthy
· What are some ways we try to find our worth and value?
· A three can feel left out and doubted when they are not recognized for their success. Has there been a time where you did not fully feel recognized after you achieved something?
The weakness of an Achiever is that they deceive.
Don’t get defensive just yet! One of the biggest ways we deceive is by deceiving ourselves. We put on masks and a façade that tells everyone that we’re great and we’re okay when we’re actually a mess.
· The pastor said that God wont bless who you pretend to be.
· Why do we deceive ourselves?
· To the 3’s in the group: What is one way you deceive yourself?
Another way we deceive is through our motives. They aren’t always with the other persons best interest in mind but our own.
· Think about a time where your motives were not pure. What was the result?
· What are things that we can do to check our motives?
Next Step:
The big questions for the 3 is Do you know who you are? And Do you know whose you are?
Your identity is not in your successes or your achievements, but in living your life fully how God intended it to be. You have big dreams of which you have the ability to achieve, the only thing standing in your way is you.
· How can you get out of your own way to achieve something new this week?
Closing Prayer
Each week there is a specific prayer geared for the number we are looking at. Here is the prayer for the Three: Achiever
Prayer for the Achiever:
“God help me to find success in you and in you alone.
Help me to strive for obedience as I seek you.
I cast aside personal ambition and success so that I
can be fully focused on you and your plan for my life.
Amen.”