John 11:1-44 // Journey to Easter

Good Friday Services
March 25th at 12p, 3p, 4:30p, 6p, & 7:30p
Before there is the resurrection and new life, there is darkness and death. We want to encourage you and your life group to attend a Good Friday service to feel the heaviness and weight of the cross so that you can also experience the joy, celebration, and new life of Easter in a deeper and more profound way!

Lean In // 5 minutes

What are things that seem to always remain the same in life?

Sample answers:

Sunrise and sunsets
Waves at the ocean and the tides
Monday mornings
The smell of homemade cookies
Communication problems
Getting old
Anticipation of change of seasons
World systems (government, economic, etc.)
Teaching old dogs new tricks
UCLA fans and USC fans not getting along

Leader Note: Transition your group into the Look Down by highlighting how this week’s passage challenges the idea that things don’t change in life.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read John 11:1-44

Leader Note: Before reading the passage, ask the question and encourage group members to take notes and write down observations. This week’s passage is written in story form and is longer than usual. As you read, it may be helpful to break it up into sections (IE- 11:1-16; 17-37; 38-44).

What do the disciples, Mary and Martha learn about preparing for Easter from this passage?

Sample answers:

Jesus promises that death is not the end (v. 4)
God uses even death for His glory (v. 4)
Jesus holds the power over death (v. 11)
Jesus speaks of death in ways we don’t understand (v. 12)
Death causes confusion and questions about God (vv. 20, 32, 37)
Jesus is the resurrection and the life (v. 25)
Where there is death, there is opportunity for resurrection and new life
Jesus promises life to those who believe in Him (vv. 25-26)
God turned a sad and hopeless event into a time of belief and celebration
Jesus’ words have the power of life (vv. 43-44)
Jesus allows us to participate in bringing life to others (vv. 39, 44)
New life points to God’s glory (v. 40)

Look Out // 10 minutes

What does Jesus ask people to do with things that are dead and buried?

Leader Note: This question is designed to get your group thinking about where they have seen the principles of this passage in the world today. Where have they ever seen God show and bring dead things to life in relationships or in areas of people’s lives that have seemed hopeless? What changed and what was the response of those who encountered the change?

Look In // 20 minutes

Where have you given up hope in your life and no longer believe God can show up and bring resurrection power?

Sample answers:

I’ll never get out of debt
I’ll never hear God’s voice
I’ll never get out of this place
My family will never come to know the Lord
My relationship will never be reconciled
I’ll always have this stronghold
I’ll always have this addiction

What would it look like to “roll away the stone” and trust Jesus?

Leader note: In the passage, Jesus’ desire was to bring Lazarus from death to life but he asked others to trust him and roll away the stone. In a similar way, Jesus’ desire is to bring life to our places of death. But, there is a part we play in trusting Jesus and His power and opening up those places that are dead and decaying.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

How do these truths prepare us for Easter?

What if we were ready for Easter, how would we be different and what conversations might we be having with others around us?

Easter Services: March 26th – 3:30p & 5:30p // March27th – 8:15a, 9:45a, & 11:30a Easter Egg Scramble – March 26^th 2p

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

James 1:2-8 // Think Again: You Make The Call Wk 5

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s an adventure you’ve experienced?

Leader Note: Remember this is an all play! You want to create as much energy and interplay in the group as possible here. Some “adventure” examples may include getting lost in a town you’ve never been in or a “thrill seeking” activity. There really is no wrong answer here, encourage and even model broad answers from your own life to get the conversation going.

Transition out of this question by saying something like… “some adventures are unwelcome… we all face them in one form or another. Let’s see what our passage has to say about that.”

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read James 1:2-8 (NLT)

2a. What’s the truth about trials?

Sample answers may include…

They will come your way
They come in many shapes and sizes
They often take us by suprise
They provide us with an opportunity to grow
They test or measure faith (Faith = What we can’t see but believe to be true anyway)
They can produces perseverance, endurance and maturity

2b. How do you show faith in trials?

Sample answers may include…

You consider (look/think again) at the trial and see it as an growing opportunity
Recall past situations where you made it threw the other side
You stick with it, allow the trial to run it’s course, to test you
You ask God for wisdom (note that asking for wisdom is different than asking to be rescued for the trial)
Believe in God’s generosity even when you can’t see it
Place your complete trust in God alone, anchor yourself in Him

Leader Note: Follow up this question by asking the group to identify what it looks like to not show faith in trials. Key in on the following word pictures from the passage; waver, unsettled like a wave, blown and tossed by the wind, divided loyality and unstable in all they do.

Commentary: James explains how believers will face unwelcome and unanticipated trials but it can be considered joy because it is producing something in the believer’s life. As believers embrace or allow the testing of their faith, it produces perseverance or endurance. And, as they let perseverance finish its work or let it have its full effect, then it leads them to maturity. The Greek word is telios, which means the completed life, whole, not lacking anything, and mature.

Leader note: Take time to observe all that the passage has to offer or in other words let the text speak. As you read and study this text, listen for what the group is observing and how it is impacting them. Remember, sit in the text before jumping to the next question.

Look Out // 10 minutes

3a. Imagine a person who wins a 50 million dollar lottery. What does their life look like in 10 years?

Leader Note:Recall or listen back in the message to way Kenton asked these questions by setting it up as a story. If your group heard the message get their thoughts and make room for a fun and honest conversation. Have fun here while aiming the group back to the value of perseverance.

Your group will likely respond in some of the following ways; “they don’t have to work or they can do whatever they want.” When they answer be ready to ask follow up question, i.e. “what does it look like when a person doesn’t work for 10 years, what does it look like when a person isn’t required to be somewhere?”

Draw out some of the following statistics at this point if they are not already made by the group

90% of the time the new family wealth is gone by the third generation
44% of winners spend their entire winnings within five years
99% of people quit their jobs
90% of marriages end in divorce

Or consider these cautionary tales…

Jack Whittaker won $315 million in 2002. He was robbed at a club and granddaughter died under strange circumstance. By 2007, he said his bank accounts were largely empty. He told reporters, “I wish I’d torn that ticket up.”

Evelyn Baseshore of New Jersey who won two payouts totaling more than $5 million in the mid-1980s and was besieged by thieves and hangers on. “Everybody wanted my money,” said the former convenience-store manager. “Everybody had their hand out.”

3b. Imagine a person who wins the lottery and was given the gift of perseverance. What does their life look like in 10 years?

Commentary: Money may offer a temporary fix to some problems but it can not build character and integrity in a person like perseverance. A person who preserves gains wisdom that is independent of external and temporary objects.

Look In // 15 minutes

4a. Describe a time God built perseverance in you?

Commentary: Looking back is a great discipline for building faith in ourselves and others who are currently facing trials.

4b. Where are you looking for a “50 million dollar” solution?

Leader Note: Remember we are using this analogy as a quick fix or easy out to a problem. Other ways to ask this question may include… “Where are you hopeless and looking for an easy out or Where are you overwhelmed and turning to things outside of God for help?”

4c. What would it look to “let perseverance finish it’s work?”

Leader note: Everyone in your group is either currently or will be going through something hard in their life. You, as the leader, have an opportunity to speak truth with grace into their lives: Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If they need help with their perspective of the difficulty, James says we can ask God for wisdom, which means asking God to see it with His eyes.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

5. How can your perseverance inspire faith in others?

Commentary: How many times have you been inspired by another person’s faith to persevere and stick it out? Persevering faith makes people stop and consider Jesus more than any other way!

Key Verse(s): Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:4

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Psalms 103

Note that the questions for this week do not correspond to the weekend message. The passage has been selected from last week’s Daily Message reading plan.

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s something you dreamed about having growing up that you eventually received?

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Psalms 103 (message translation)

What do you learn about being thankful from the passage?

Leader Note: Psalm 103 reads like a laundry list of things for which we would be thankful. Have someone read the passage and ask the rest of your group to record that list.

Here are some of the observations your group should find in the passage:

The psalmist says we should praise the Lord with our whole heart
We should praise his holy name
Praise with all that I am
Never forget – remember the good things He’s done
He forgives all
He heals all
He redeems us from death
We are crowned with mercy and love
He fills my life with good things
He renews our youth
He gives righteousness and justice to those treated unfairly
He has revealed his character and his deeds
He is compassionate and merciful
Patient and filled with unfailing love (grace)
He will not accuse or remain angry
He does not deal harshly and punish us as we deserve
He doesn’t jus forgive our sins he removes them as far as the east is from the west
He is tender and compassionate like a father to his children
His love remains forever
His salvation extends to generations
Praise him for everything he has created, everything in His Kingdom

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where do you see people living thankful lives? Where don’t you? What are the results of each type of living?

Look In // 20 minutes

Where in your life do you express thankfulness? Where don’t you?

Leader Note: Encourage each person to address both sides of this question. In the areas where they find it difficult to be thankful ask them to identify why they think that is and what they need in order to grow in that area.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would change in you and in the lives of others if you expressed thankfulness in every area of your life?

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Proverbs 1:5-33 // A Word To The Wise

This week’s questions are taken from Kenton Beshore’s book, A Father’s Wisdom. This 5-week flow question based study on the book Proverbs is an excellent option for your group to use in the shortened summer session. A Father’s Wisdom includes a participant guide as well as leader notes and can be purchased in the Global Bookstore.

Lean In // 5 minutes

What is one piece of wise advice you’ve been given that paid off (or didn’t pan out)?

Sample answers may include…

Marriage advice
Job advice
Parenting advice

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Proverbs 1:5-33

What do you learn about the wise?

Sample answers may include…

Listen to the proverbs and become wiser
Those with understanding receive guidance
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge
Listen to mother and father
Will have honor
Turn their backs on sinners
Stay away from traps
Will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm

What do you learn about the unwise?

Sample answers may include…

Despise wisdom and discipline
Insist on being simpleminded
Are mocked
Hate knowledge
Would not come when God called
Paid no attention when God reached out
Rejected the correction God offered
God will laugh at them when they are in trouble and mock when overtaken by disaster
God will not answer when they cry for help
Will search for God, but not find Him
Hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord
Rejected God’s advice
Paid no attention when God corrected them
Eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes
Turn away from God to death, destroyed by their own complacency

Look Out // 15 minutes

Think of a person you know who seems wise and describe his/her life.

Leader Note: Allow 5-7 minutes for these questions. They will get your group to look at those around them that seem to take wise counsel, make wise choices and have lived lives that, although not necessarily charmed, have proven to be successful. Your group may think of parents, bosses, teachers or public figures. You may have group members who think of godly men or women who, although may not be successful as the world defines it, have led rich lives because of biblical wisdom.

Think of a person you know who seems foolish and describe his/her life.

Leader Note: Caution your group to not name names on this question. It is worthwhile to look at lives, whether from our personal life or in the public eye, who seem to have made unwise choices and are therefore paying the consequences.

You may want to lead your group as this may be a difficult question for members to answer. Possibly you know someone who has not been living within their means and paying the price in indebtedness or even bankruptcy, or possibly even someone who relishes in rage and has paid the price of broken relationships. Again, what we want to come out here is the difference between wide and unwise choices in our lives.

Look In // 20 minutes

What is a lesson from the passage that you will apply this week? What will that look like?

Leader Note: Take as much time as necessary to reflect on the passage that describes wise living and let each person choose a verse and explain how that verse will impact his or her choices this week. Some examples of answers could be from verse 5 that says “Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.”

Live It Out // 5 minutes

Who could you impact by living out the truth of the passage?

Prayer: Spend the end of your time together in prayer. First thank God for the gift of wisdom and for the promise He will generously give it when you ask. Pray for one another to hear God’s voice when you need help with making choices.

John 11:1-44 // Have I Got A Surprise For You

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s something you remember wanting so badly as a kid?

Leader Note: As a follow up you may want to ask whether the person received what they hoped for, what did it feel like to get that thing, what did it feel like not to receive it?

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Luke 11:1-44

Leader Note: This week’s passage is a very long one. You may want to break it up in the following sections (11:1-16, 11:17-37, 11:38-44), asking the same question below after each section.

What do learn about Jesus from his response to Lazarus’ sickness and death?

Sample answers may include

He was full of faith that Lazarus’s sickness wouldn’t end in death (v.4)
Jesus believed that God would be glorified in this trial (v.4)
Jesus doesn’t rush, he is patient, works on his timetable not ours (v.6-7)
Jesus isn’t afraid to enter into dangerous places (v.8)
Jesus looked forward to healing him so that others would really believe in him (v.14)
Jesus has the power over physical death as well as spiritual/eternal death and life (v.23-26)
Jesus experiences emotion, the death of his friend caused anger and sadness (v.33,35)
Jesus does the impossible even when others doubt (v.39-40)
The words of Jesus give life (v.43)
Jesus invites us to participate in his healing work (v.39,44)

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where have you seen people remain hopeful in a desperate situation?

Where have you seen people lose hope in a desperate situation?

Commentary: Be it sickness, financial hardship, relational stress or praying for a loved one to come to Christ, most of us face situations where our hope and belief for change is challenged. Where have you seen that? What has that looked like in the world around us and in those close to you?

Look In // 20 minutes

Where have you endured in a desperate situation?

Where have you or where are you currently struggling to remain hopeful?

Leader Note: Help guide the individual and the group to identify what things enable them to remain hopeful (i.e. community, God’s word, remembering God’s faithfulness). What could it look like to allow those things to help guide you in present trouble?

Live It Out // 5 minutes

Where might Jesus be calling you to live out hope for others?

Commentary: Jesus involves those around him in this passage to have a hand in the miracle of raising Lazarus to life. He tells them “roll back the stone” and to “unwarp him and let him go.” Where is Jesus inviting you to roll back the stone and unwarp the stench and bondage of death? Jesus does the heavy lifting for us by his work on the cross. Death is already defeated! He calls us to join in with what he has already done.

Pray: Pray for the reality of the Holy Spirit, the comforter, to be near to those who are in the middle of situations that seem hopeless and desperate. Pray for God to be near and for your group to step in with love and courage to hold each person up. Pray for the eyes of your group to be opened to the places where Jesus is inviting them to join in his work or removing the stench of death that still remains in our world.

Happy New Year From The Life Groups Team!

We have many things to celebrate as we begin to make a close on 2013. Our team is incredibly thankful for the ways in which you’ve lead your groups this year to become more like Christ in your care for one another and your communities.

As we begin to look at the new year together we want to make sure you are aware of that the Winter Session of Life Groups officially begins with an all groups on campus launch on January 16th at 6:30 pm in the Community Center. We’ll also be hosting a leader only dinner on the same night at 5:50 pm in 200C.

Find our more are register your group here.

A Prayer Experience For A New Year

Most of your groups will not be meeting this week, however if you do plan on getting together consider leading your group through the following prayer experience.

“Look, I am making all things new!” Jesus gives us this amazing promise in Revelation 21:5. Our God is one who restores, redeems and brings new life and light into places of death and darkness. As we look ahead towards this New Year we can be confident that God is already at work and that He is preparing good works for us (Eph 2:10).

The following prayer experience has been designed for use with your Life Group during this season of new hope and expectation. We believe that God wants to speak as you collectively spend time listening to His voice through prayer.

Get the full experience here

Matthew 25:14-26 // Together: Welcome Home Wk 3

Introduction // 10 minutes

You’ve been given a free ticket to 3 destinations anywhere in the world. Where do you go and why?

Observation // 20 minutes

Read Matthew 25:14-26

What do you learn about the servants who invested what they had been given?

Sample Answers May Include…

They saw the master as generous and trusting
They believed that they would have to answer for what was given
They lived out of thankfulness
They understood that what was given didn’t belong to them
The master counted them as faithful and rewarded them with more responsibilities
They were invited to celebrate with the master

What do you learn about the servant who buried what he had been given?

Sample Answers May Include…

He saw the master as harsh and unfair
He was motivated by fear and selfishness
He wanted to protect himself
He had a lack of trust in the master
The master calls him called lazy
He loses everything and is left in isolation and darkness

According to this passage, what is the one way to miss out on what God has given you?

Commentary: There are only two types of people in the passage… those that try and those who do not. The only way to fail and miss out on what God has for you is to not try. There is no failing in trying.

Understanding // 15 minutes

Where have you seen a person not live up to their full potential?

Leader Note: This question can be a tricky one to answer as measuring ability and potential can be a both subjective and sensitive discussion. It may be helpful to think in terms of athletic ability or some other kind of skill, like musical ability, that is often associated as a “God given” talent. Also, ensure that this question is answered by looking out in our world and not within the group.

What contributed to that person’s inability to maximize their gifts?

Sample Answers May Include…

Lack of risk taking
Lack of discipline to develop/work hard at that skill
Inability to dream big
To hard on themselves, couldn’t live up to their own expectations
Fear of failure, fear of success

Application // 20 minutes

What treasures have you been given?

How are you using what God has given you?

Where are you “burying” what has been entrusted to you?

Leader Note: Many of us tend to hide the shame or brokenness in our life as something that God heals, but cannot use. The reality is that people learn just as much if not more from our stories of failure and brokenness than from our stories of triumph. Lead your group to see that every aspect of their story is significant and has the ability to impact others for His Kingdom.

Others of us may hold on to what we have been given because we have a false view on stewardship versus ownership. We have been called to steward what we have for God’s glory not our own. All we have and are belong to Him. We are entrusted with what we have, good and bad, not for our sake but for the sake of others.

When we burry our treasures (for whatever reason we do so) we burry the value of our lives. God is not concerned with how much we have and what we keep but with what we do with what we have been given. The value of a life is always measured by how much is given away.

What causes you to hold back on using all that you have given?

Live It Out // 10 minutes

How might God be calling you to use all of who you are to impact those around you?

Prayer: We thank you Lord that you are generous, kind and entrust us with so much. Help us we pray to understand more fully what it means to steward all we have for the purpose of your Kingdom. Free us from fear where it is present. By the power of your Spirit build trust and risk in us where it is lacking. Further develop our passion to share your gospel through the whole of lives as a response of worship for all that you are and all that you have done. We pray these things to you our Father, through the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Luke 18:1-8 // Serious: Welcome Home Wk 2

Introduction // 5 minutes

What habits does your significant other have that drive you crazy?

Leader Note: Use roommates, co-worker, family member or friends those not currently in a relationship.

Observation // 10 minutes

Read Luke 18:1-8

What do you learn about the Judge?

Sample Answers May Include…

He doesn’t know God (v2)
He is compassionless (v2)
He is motivated to action by his own selfish desires (v4)

What do you learn about the widow?

Sample Answers May Include…

She’s in a desperate situation where someone is opposing her (v3)
She has nowhere else to turn for help (v3)
He has power (v3)
People come to him for help (v3)
She is extremely persistent (v3)

Commentary: Widows are identified throughout scripture as hopeless, vulnerable, and poor. They stand in isolation without rights, with no advocate or anyone to provide for them. (Exodus 22:2-24, Isaiah 1:17, 1 Timothy 5:3, James 1:27)

Understanding // 20 minutes

What is the difference between this judge and our God?

Leader Note: The judge has no honor; he is unrighteous and lacks compassion. He appears to be annoyed with her request, has no time for her. He finally acts but only to appease himself. While he has power to “fix” certain things he does so in a disengaged and self-seeking manner. God on the other hand is involved with us. He is compassionate, righteous, kind and full of love. God is more than a “problem fixer.” He is someone that we can trust in. He is quick to act, gracious and just.

Why is it important to understand the difference?

Leader Note: If we view God as a (this) judge we may conclude that He doesn’t have time for us and that He only answers our request when He has something to gain by it. We may also come to believe that God can be persuaded by our hopeless begging versus our prayers that our full of faith. This judge is distant and is viewed as someone that we get something out of while our God is near and is someone we come to know. God is not a means to an end for us. He is our creator and sustainer and He desires to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:7-11).

What do we have in common with the widow? What’s different?

Leader Note: We are both helpless and incapable of rescuing ourselves. We need the saving power of someone to intervene and make us whole. Lead your group to see that the most crucial difference is in whom we cry out to for help! We do not have a bad judge and we are not alone. We have a loving Father who is not annoyed by our cries but draws near to us with His loving kindness. God, although moved by our faith and persistence, does not ask us to beg or make deals. He asks us to prayer to Him, to let go of worry and trust in His peace, which will guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-8).

Application // 25 minutes

What in your life are you currently concerned about?

Where are you turning to with that concern?

How might you be more persistent or serious in seeking God’s help?

Leader Note: Lead your group to see that God has called us all to a persistent, faith filled relationship of prayer (Luke 11:8-13).

What happens when we pray?

Sample Answers May Include…

Shifts our perspective
Teaches us more abut surrender
Aligns our hearts with God’s heart
Gain more insight into what I am praying about
Teaches us to hear God’s voice
Gives us hope
Builds relationship
Calls to remembrance the ways we’ve seen God work
Prayer gives peace
Keeps us from temptation
Extends God’s power to us
Right sizes God and right sizes our problems

Live It Out // 10 minutes

How might your increased relationship with God in prayer affect those around you?

Prayer: Father we thank you that we are no longer widows or orphans but have become your sons and daughters. We thank you that you are not far off but are near and intimately involved in each of our lives. Help us by your spirit to prayer to you wither greater faith, power and consistency. Teach us to be concerned about the things hat you are concerned about and help us to grow in our dependence on you when we face the difficulties of this life. Be with us, guide us and have your way in us we pray… Amen.

2 Timothy 2:1-8,13-14 // Get In The Game: Welcome Home Wk 1

Introduction // 5 minutes

What most excites you about fall?

Leader Note: This question is designed to get everyone talking and engaged early in the discussion. Make sure that you leave time for everyone to play here as it will be that much easier to keep them involved in the rest of the discussion.

Observation // 15 minutes

Read 2 Timothy 2:1-8,13-14

Commentary: Written by Paul while in prison during the final years of his life and ministry, this letter or his “final words” serves as an encouragement to young Timothy to stand firm in the faith and walk into God’s calling with confidence, courage and boldness.

What are the things Paul encourages Timothy to walk in?

His genuine faith (v5)
His heritage of faith (v5)
Remember his calling and gifts (v6)
Live out his calling with boldness (v8)
Hold on to the teachings of the faith (v13)
Live through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (v14)
To guard truth (v14)

What warnings does he give?

To actively steward and grow in his gifts (v6)
To combat fear with power, love and self-discipline (v7)
To be prepared for suffering (v8)

Understanding // 15 minutes

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a mentor relationship? Describe that relationship.

Commentary: Be it a coach, teacher or parent many of us have had people in our lives that have helped shape us. A great mentor speaks encouragement with love and offers wisdom that comes from experience.

Application // 25 minutes

Commentary: Paul’s overarching statement to Timothy is this… Do Not Be Afraid! Don’t be afraid because you have been called. You are equipped and empowered to live out your God designed purpose. Don’t be afraid because God will strengthen you, even in the face of suffering. Paul reminds Timothy that with God’s spirit he already has all that he needs. He calls him to remember. Remember what God has done. Remember who He is and who He has called you to be.

Does fear hold you back in living out you purpose? If so, how?

Leader Note: Fear works it way into our lives in many ways. For some of us it is masked in our need to control, or in our resistance to forgive others. Fear could look like holding on to the pass and avoiding jumping into new things. If given way, fear has the potential to rob us from community and stifle our effectiveness for God’s kingdom.

What things do you need to be reminded of in living out your purpose?

Leader Note: Like Timothy we often need to be reminded first that God has a calling or a purpose for our lives. We may also need to be reminded that we are to live out that calling in the power of God’s spirit and not our own. We experience more of that power as we root ourselves in discipline to a greater connection with God’s spirit.

Where is God calling you to live with greater boldness?

How might you experience suffering as result of living more boldly?

Leader Note: With greater boldness comes increased power and freedom. It also has the potential to bring moments of suffering. Timothy could look at Paul and see this. He could also see that through suffering Paul came to know Christ in a richer way.

Suffering may look very different for each of us. Very often it is connected with our fear. God calls us to meet that fear head on with His power. That process may bring suffering but ultimately reveals more of God’s kingdom to us and through us.

Live It Out // 10 minutes

How can your group collectively embrace this “bold” living?

Prayer: Pray that your group will be reminded of the ways that God has already worked in their lives. Pray that they will be able to recall how He has, and continues to equip them for what he Has called them in to. Ask God’s spirit to fill them with a fresh power and love to combat whatever fears they may be facing; and prayer for greater discipline to stay connected in their walk with God’s spirit.

Make Labor Day, “Neighbor” Day!

A note from Pastor Kyle…

“What if we took this week, the last week of summer, and used it as a unique opportunity to reach out and love our neighbors? For some of us, it may mean introducing ourselves to the people on our street, in our workplace, or at school–people we see routinely, but perhaps have never engaged in conversation. What if we took the time to not only learn more about who they are, but find out more about their stories? What if we invite some neighbors into our existing plans for the weekend? Throw one last BBQ, picnic, beach or street party? For some of us, it may mean reaching out to those we were once close to, but have now drifted away. Neighbor Day gives a beautiful reason to initiate a conversation that’s long overdue, one that might allow for healing and restoration to begin. Just tell them your pastor had this crazy idea called “Neighbor Day,” where we all love and serve (maybe even meet our neighbors. And what if it’s not for just one weekend…but is instead a launching pad for a spirit and posture that moves with us through the entire fall season?

I believe people in our communities, in our lives, are desperate for a hope that transcends the circumstances of this world– a hope that provides a way through the confusion and emptiness this world can create. I believe they are longing for the grace and truth found in the gospel of Jesus. It’s a truth that is most profoundly on display in the people of Jesus – YOU! I believe that God has given you unique relationships for Him to be seen in and through your life. I’m praying you can see the opportunities He’s providing and that you have the courage and trust in the Holy Spirit to lean into them with the freedom and confidence that God is at work!

So, let’s make Neighbor Day real in our lives and in OC. This is a great season when people naturally recalibrate the rhythms of their life, creating the perfect opportunity to invite someone to church. I can’t wait to hear about all the stories from the parties, the conversations, the relationships being built, and ultimately the life transformation that takes place because we all decided to meet, love and serve our neighbors!”

Here are a few questions to consider with group this week…

Summer Recap

How did you find rest this summer? How did you experience God in that rest?
What’s the most fearless thing you did this summer?
Where did you see God at work this summer?
How did God speak to you?
What are the ways you learned to trust Him more this summer?

Looking Ahead

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:16-20

These familiar words of Jesus remind us of our call to live as sent people on mission whose lives point to the work and power of our Savior. Jesus sends us as His Kingdom representatives in the power of spirit with all the authority in heaven. He is saying here that I have power, I am in control and in that power and authority I commission you. Commissioned for what? Well, first we are commissioned to go. And then as we go, or in our going, meaning in the normal rhythms of life (where you work and play) make disciples and cause others to follow as a result of how you go/live.

This call has never changed. These words are just as true today for us as they were as Jesus spoke them to His disciples. In light of this call consider these questions with your group.

What if anything, prevents you from sharing your faith?
Who is God calling you to share your story, the gospel story, with?
How can you become more intentional about sharing your faith with others?
In what new ways may God be calling you to use your gifts for His Kingdom?
What are things your group can do to embody the call to “go” and “make” disciples?