November 2013 – Mariners Church Flow Questions

A Prayer Experience For Advent

Advent is the 4-week period of time prior to Christmas where many Christians enter into a season of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Advent simply means “the coming” or “the arrival.” During Advent we anticipate the coming of Jesus and the message of peace that he offers to our broken world.

Our world disappoints us, (friends/family/politicians) but in Advent we are given a promise that there is one who is coming that will not disappoint. Christ is given as God’s full display of love and grace for His creation. In Advent we anticipate the fullness of God’s love coming to earth in a very personal way, in His son.

As we celebrate His coming we are also reminded that He will come again to make all things new for all eternity. Advent reminds us that through our relationship with the coming Christ we are complete, and that one day our world will be made whole when He comes again.

While our culture uses this season to bombard us with messages of consumerism, business and stress God offers us a better way…a way of peace and hope. A way that orientates our hearts on the good news of God’s Kingdom and the salvation that is now available for all who choose to believe and trust in Jesus.

This Prayer Experience is designed to help your Life Group focus on the key components of the Advent season. It is our hope that this experience will serve as a springboard for your group to consider what it could mean to enter into this season differently and ultimately express lives of hope, peace, joy and love. Schedule time with your life group (we recommend 1 – 3 hours) to do this experience together. Find a space where you can be free of distraction and unhindered to focus on God’s spirit through His word and prayer.

This experience follows an Up, In, and Out movement of prayer designed to help guide your time together. During this prayer experience you will be lead to…

Look Up // By focusing first on the greatness and goodness of God.

Go Deeper In // Into God’s truth and what it reveals about who He is, and who He is calling us to become.

Pray Out // That His kingdom would come to transform our hearts and the world around us.

Section 1: Looking Up // (10 – 20 minutes, All together)

All things begin first with God… His glory, majesty and power. Begin by simply looking to Him and acknowledging His worth above all things. Read the following passages one at a time, allowing for space and responsive prayer after each.

Scripture Reading 1: Psalm 34
Silent Reflection and Responsive Group Prayer

Scripture Reading 2: Psalm 145
Silent Reflection and Responsive Group Prayer

Scripture Reading 3: Luke 1:46-46
Silent Reflection ad Responsive Group Prayer

Section 2: Deeper In // (25 – 45 minutes, Individually)

In prayer we are led by the Holy Spirit to look deeper in. Deeper into the truth of His word and deeper into our own hearts as He reveals to us those areas that we have attempted to hide away from His view and the view of others. Take time to allow him to speak by His word and spirit.

1. Read: Don’t give in to the temptation to simply glance over these passages, some of which may be very familiar to you. Take time to read them and in turn allow them to read you. You may find it helpful to read each passage a few times pausing each time before reading and asking God to speak the truth of each word to your heart.

2. Reflect: After reading allow time and space to reflect or ponder in your heart what you have just read. Allow God’s word to become His word to you and illuminate the deep truth of the text by the Holy Spirit.

3. Pray: After you’ve read and reflected on the passage move on to prayer. Through your spoken and written word dedicate the truth of His word to Him in your heart.

4. Contemplate: Then contemplate on the truth of what has been revealed through His word. God speaks… take time, listen, wait and rest in the reality of His presence and the fullness of His love.

Scripture Reading 1: Isaiah 35:1-10, Isaiah 40:1-9, Isaiah 52:7-10
Silent Reflection
Responsive Prayer/Journaling

Scripture Reading 2: Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-21, Luke 4:14-13
Silent Reflection
Responsive Prayer/Journaling

Scripture Reading 3: Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, James 5:7-10
Silent Reflection
Responsive Prayer/Journaling

Section 3: Praying Out // (15 – 30 minutes, All together)

Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:10, “Your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” We live in the tension of two worlds, the age that is now (our world), and the age that is to fully come, but has already begun to breakthrough (the Kingdom of Heaven).

Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom of Heaven is not something or someplace else we wait for but that it is a present reality that we can experience now! This is why we pray for broken things to be made right, for the sick to be healed and for the oppressed in mind, body, and spirit to be set free. The Kingdom has come and it is bringing life! It is with this understanding that we pray for ourselves, others and the world around us.

Suggested Points Of Prayer

Our loved ones and relatives who do not know Christ
That our hearts would be stirred for the broken and outcast
The sick
Our church community
Our families, friends, neighbors, and for those who are alone
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression

Debrief And Next Steps

Allow time for group discussion after the experience to consider the following questions…

How did God speak to you during the experience?
Was there one particular word or theme that stood out to you?
Where in your life do you need to be reminded of the hope found in Jesus?
How might God be calling you to express hope to those around you this season?
What could it look like for your group to Celebrate Different during the holidays this year?

Celebrate Different 2013

This initiative of Mariners Church has been set up to help groups and individuals find ways to celebrate different during this holiday season. Visit celebratediffernt.org to discover opportunities to give, serve and love in ways that represent thankfulness for all that God has done.

Thanksgiving 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Life Groups Team would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. We are very grateful for all you do as leaders, and encouraging your group to grow in their relationship with Jesus as well as shepherding and caring for them. Your dedication to this ministry is appreciated, and it is because of you, and your life group, we are seeing great advances for God’s Kingdom in our communities.

This week, instead of discussion time focused around the weekend message with flow questions, we are hoping you will take time in a prayer time of thanksgiving, or serve with your group or as a family.

Check out www.celebratedifferent.org for a full list of serving opportunities for your group to engage in during this season.

If you come together for a corporate prayer of thanksgiving you can use the following format:

5-10 MINUTES

Begin by reading Psalms 100

What does thankfulness look like in this passage?

Next move to a time of proclaiming God’s goodness using the following as a guide…

Words of Praise and Worship
Saying the names of God,
Proclaiming out loud who God is
Praising His attributes

20 MINUTES

Where have you seen God’s at work?

Use this time for stories spoken to God highlighting His faithfulness, provision, answering of prayers, deliverance, etc.

20 MINUTES

Where are you praying for God to move?

Either out loud as a group, or individually spend time bringing to God current requests, supplications, needs, etc., and offer them in a manner of thanksgiving, (Heavenly Father, I thank you for reminding me as I seek for financial wisdom and provision, that you are already working on my behalf. Thank you for knowing me, understanding the anxiety and worry I feel and yet you surround me with your peace, please help me Father to relinquish the worry and embrace your peace. Thank you for your Spirit who intercedes when I am at a loss for words. I am grateful for each day you give me, in good times and in challenges, as it is a new day to surrender, to seek you and your will, and to rejoice in your faithfulness.)

Luke 2:1-15 // A Tale of Two Kingdoms: Outsiders Wk 8

Introduction // 5 minutes

When was the last time you were surprised with good news?

Observation // 15 minutes

Read Luke 2:1-15

What does “Good News” look like in this passage?

Leader note: When someone gives an observation, ask them “where do you see that?” and then ask the group, “What does that mean – in our own words?” This will help as you move through the question.

Sample Answers May Include…

News that does away with fear (v10)
Good news for “all people” (v10)
News that results in joy (v10)
Good news looks like the “Savior” the “Messiah” the “Lord” coming to His people (v11)
It looks surprising, not what you would expect (v12)
News that causes praise (v13)
News that brings Glory to God (v14)
News that brings peace on Earth (v14)
It sparks action, compelled the shepherds to find out more (v15)

Understanding // 15 minutes

Where does our world look for “Good News” today?

Commentary: 100 years before Luke wrote his gospel, Caesar Augustus brought an end to almost a century of civil war, and for that reason he was called “Prince of Peace” and “Savior.” His military conquest and imperial achievements where commonly referred to as “Good News.” He also held the titles of “Lord” and “Son of God.” Luke intentionally borrows from these titles to make the point that there are two kingdoms, two ways to live, and two versions of good news that a person must decide between.

Jesus brings us life, peace and salvation. Our world continues to bring conflicting messages that tempt us to find peace and even salvation in things outside of Jesus. Another way to ask this question could be to say… “What are all the Caesar’s in our world today?”

Sample Answers May Include…

The good news of pleasure; I should have whatever makes me happy
The good new of materialism; my possession will bring be peace, security and happiness
The good news of individualism; I exist for myself, I can sustain myself and determine my own destiny
The good news of relativism, I define my own truth
The good news of universalism, there is no one truth

Application // 20 minutes

Where are you tempted to search for “Good News” outside of Jesus?

Leader Note: Remind your group again that by “good news” we are talking about things that we look to for peace, comfort, security and meaning.

Live It Out // 10 minutes

What if we believed that the “Good News” of Jesus was enough? How might our lives and the lives of others be impacted?

Commentary: Trust in Jesus alone sets us on an unshakeable foundation that is unmoved by circumstance and independent from our earning and striving. The Good News of God’s Kingdom is eternal unlike the news of our world, which fades and ultimately leads to destruction.

Prayer: Father we thank you for the good news of hope and salvation that you have made available to us through your Son, Jesus. Lord we ask that you would continue to give us the courage to choose to live the story of your Kingdom and Gospel and avoid the temptation to believe that this world could replace in anyway all that we have revived in you. Help us to not only be people who receive your good news but live it out for others to see. In the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus, Amen!

Hi-Dee-Ho-Neighbor // Outsiders Wk 7

Take The Neighbor Challenge

Part of Kenton’s message this weekend was centered on the idea that we, like the people living during Jesus’ earthly ministry, can easily miss out on receiving the revolutionary message of Jesus.

For the people of Jesus’ time that looked like missing out on what He came to do because of their hope for a Messiah Warrior King to come rescue them from their Roman oppressors and establish a new earthly Kingdom. They were so focused on their immediate needs and expectations that they failed to see the bigger picture of Jesus’ mission to redeem all of humanity for all time by defeating the power of sin and death.

People still miss Jesus today. Kenton went on to explain that we often miss one of the most fundamental commands of scripture and Jesus teachings; the command to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Government leaders in the city of Denver were recently asked what they needed from their citizens and churches in order to make their city a better place. Their response was that “churches should work to make a greater number of good neighbors.” The truth is, the way we neighbor says a lot about what we believe about God. Do we live lives of exclusion and privacy or do we allow our routines to be interrupted so that Jesus can be put on display to the people around us?

Spend time this week looking at the follow passages and discuss what it could look like to live out this call to love your neighbors.

How many “famous” neighbors can you name?

Sample Answers May Include…

Kramer (Seinfeld)
Wilson (Home Improvement)
Steve Urkel (Family Matters)
Ned Flanders (The Simpsons)
Eddie Haskel (Leave It To Beaver)

Read

Leviticus 19:8
Proverbs 3:28
Proverbs 14:21
Luke 10:25-27

What does it mean to love your neighbor?

Commentary: We often think about love in terms of a light, warm and fuzzy or even a distant kind of love that settles for thinking good thoughts about a person. Love here looks like willing the good of others as God wills it. Not only do we will the good, we step in to put the goodness of God on display through sacrificial living.

Where have you received or expressed this idea of loving your neighbor in your life?

What obstacles are there to being a loving neighbor?

Sample Answers May Include…

Our electric garages, fence and gates… all these things can serve as modern day motes.
Not enough time
Our necessity for routine and space
Our desire for privacy and security

What steps can you take live out Jesus’ command to love your neighbors?

Leader Note: Reference the “Who’s My Neighbor – Getting to now the people next door” card (see bottom of the page) used during the weekend at this point. Talk about their reactions to this exercise. How did they do? Were they surprised at how many or how little names they could write down? Take time to do this exercise in your group if the majority were unable to do it during a weekend service.

Only about 10% of the population is able to write down 5 names so don’t be too surprised or discouraged. However, this is a great exercise to challenge your group this week with.

Encourage them (and yourself!) to take what for most of us may be the first step in loving our neighbors this week… learning who they are! Use the Who’s My Neighbor Card card as a tool to help your group to engage this exercise. Challenge your group to fill this card in the coming weeks.

How might displaying God’s love in your neighborhood develop your ability to love others outside of your community?

Sample Answers May Include…

It builds our faith, shows us what’s possible
Opens our eyes to the needs of others
Increases our passion for the lost
Develops trust and obienence

Leader Note: Explain to your group that when it comes to loving our neighbors that this is a “both and” conversation. Our neighbors are those in our physical community but Jesus is also clear that our neighbors include those who are least like us (Luke 10:29-37). They are the despised, the outcast, the poor and needy. Our call is to display Christ love to all people at all times wherever God calls us.

Our desire is that we can become these kind of “both and” people not confined to the then and when of displaying God’s love but open and willing to express it in the here and the now.

Download The “Who’s My Neighbor” Card Here

Luke 1:39-55 // The Upside Down Kingdom: Outsiders Wk 6

Introduction // 10 minutes

What is your favorite underdog success story? What do you like about it?

Leader Notes: If the responses seem to be limited to sports scenarios, you might ask a follow up question, such as “What makes you root for the underdog in a movie?”

After you’ve given everyone in the group an opportunity to participate, transition to the next section by saying something like… “Psychologists believe we root for the underdogs because of our sense of fairness, which makes us celebrate the success of the underdog.”

Observation // 20 minutes

Read Luke 1:46-55.

How does the underdog fare in God’s plan in Luke 1:46-55?

Some responses may include:

She is blessed (vs 48)
She is used by God to do great things (vs 49)
She receives mercy (vs 50)
She is not only full but full of good things, such as love, peace, joy (vs 53)

Commentary: The word for blessed in verse 48 is the same word used for blessed or blessing in the Beatitudes.

Leader Note: Read Matthew 5:1-12 with your group or have the group read it to themselves.

How are Jesus’ teachings a reversal of our expectations in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)?

Some responses may be focused on each specific blessing. Instead, ask your group to look at the entire passage as a whole, looking for the broader picture. Some responses may include:

He blesses meekness, humility and righteousness.
He values our hearts
He rewards our humility
He values heavenly rewards rather than earthly treasures.
His rewards do not change our current circumstances, but rather our eternal ones.
He rewards our attitude, hearts and love.
He expects us to pay it forward – to be useful with the blessings/reversal He has given us.

Commentary: The people Jesus would have been addressing in Matthew 5 were the people who were poor in spirit, meek, and those who hungered for Christ. They had learned from being in the world that being a peacekeeper or meek got you killed and there was nothing about being poor in spirit that was rewarding. Jesus challenges the constructs of the system by flipping everything they know and expect on its head. He reverses their position in the world and promises heavenly rewards that the world still does not understand. But He ends with an expectation that they will, in fact, be useful – they will be persecuted because they were in the world doing good deeds in His name.

Even though we root for the underdog (for the nerd to get the girl rather than the wealthy, arrogant bully/for the poor small city team to beat the cocky bigger school), we rarely expect the underdog to win because that would require a reversal of the way the world works. We might want it to be different but we don’t hold our breath. That’s also how the people viewed the Messiah. They expected the Messiah to be a warrior who would defeat their earthly enemies in an earthly battle. They didn’t get that the bigger enemy was the darkness in the world and that Jesus’ fought and defeated a spiritual darkness by flipping the expected result on it’s head – reversing it. He defeated their enemy, only arriving on a donkey not a stallion and defeating the enemy once and for all through sacrificial love and surrender at the cross, not with armor and a sword.

What is Mary’s response to God’s promise to reverse her situation – by blessing her then and in future generations to come? What is Elizabeth’s response to the same?

Leader Note: This is an easy question geared to remind us of Mary’s gratitude, contentment, joy and humility. They should also be able to recall that Elizabeth passed on (or paid forward) the blessing she experienced by becoming pregnant in her old to Mary by blessing her.

Understanding // 10 minutes

Where have you seen the reversal of Jesus evidenced in the world? What does it look like to experience a reversal in a life?

Leader Note: This is not an easy question. Give them time to consider it. It may take an example to get them thinking practically. Mother Teresa is a good example of the reversal of Jesus in action. She was not only humble and meek, but was also generous in her response to the world.

Where do you see gratitude, generosity, repentance and joy in the person who has experienced the reversing power of Jesus?”

Leader tip: Give the group time to consider their response because the application requires us to consider our response to the power of Jesus to reverse our situations.

Application // 25 minutes

Where have you experienced a reversal (been the underdog and succeeded) in your life as a disciple?

Leader Note: Allow space for personal stories at this point. Most of us have had the experience at some level of God’s work in their life – of being the underdog and God coming through for them. Their responses to those situations are important.

What was your response to the reversal described above?

Where do you struggle in paying the blessing forward and where do you do it well? What makes it difficult? When is it easy?

Live It Out // 5 minutes

Who could you impact in your life if your response to the reversals God is orchestrating in your life was to use them to bless someone else?

Prayer: Father we thank you for being so personal that we learn by reversing our identities from lost to found and saved. We pray that You would fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we might pay those blessings forward through generous compassion and love. We pray that you would continue to give us opportunities to experience the world turned on its head, and are grateful that we might be a part of your plans.