Nate Armstrong 4/5/21 Nate Armstrong 4/5/21

Connection Group Leader Notes: April4-10, 2021

Connection Group Leader Notes: April 4–10, 2021

Dear Big Idea Group Leader,

Thank you for your willingness to dig into the Word of God and bring to life the Sunday message. The following outline and questions below are not designed that you need to answer each question, but created to be more of a guide for your journey of discovery! You will still need to look into the text, study, and be ready to take your group of friends to a place where they can know what God is saying, and how they can respond.

Each Group should end with the question, "What are we going to do with what we have learned?"

TEXT
I Corinthians 15:12-58

OPENING
What was your favorite part of Easter, last Sunday?

What did you see, hear, or experience, that tells you we as a church are accomplishing our vision?

How much do you think about the Resurrection of Jesus on a routine, regular basis? Why do you think that is?

DIG
Why are the realities of: We are all in our sins according to Adam? and We are guilty of our sins, without the Resurrection, so paramount to our salvation?

(Tie into the need to be lost before we are found)

Why or why not is it easier to accept that Jesus died for us, easier to believe than he resurrected for us?

In what ways do we want a Saviour/forgiver, but not a Lord/leader?

Evidence that Demands a Verdict:

Jesus was a Real Person - do you have difficulty with this at all? Why or why not?

Review the follows statements about Jesus:

Well known teacher/rabbi.

Supernatural acts.

Publicly Tried and publicly executed.

Buried and guarded.

What are the essential realities of Jesus that we need to adhere to, for saving faith?

Evidence: Why the Jewish leaders didn't launch a search for Jesus' corpse?

Evidence: Why were so many people willing to die for Jesus? What does this tell you about the movement Jesus began? (His followers were all hiding and scared at the crucifixion, and now they are bold)

Evidence: I Corinthians 15:4-6 What does this mean to you?

REFLECT
In what practical and tangible ways has the resurrection of Jesus positively affected your life?

Possible answers:

Victory over past

Freedom to live in your God given destined future.

Joy, Peace, Purpose, and Assurance of Eternal life.

*TIE each of these to the Resurrection of JESUS.

IN what ways do we glorify our own suffering, and not talk about or make the resurrection if we have the main point?

I Corinthians 15:58 - How shall we live in light of this verse?

What should we do, to continue the Evangelistic Fervor at BCC?

Nate Armstrong 3/29/21 Nate Armstrong 3/29/21

Connection Group Leader Notes: March 29–April 3, 2021

Dear Big Idea Group Leader,

Thank you for your willingness to dig into the Word of God and bring to life the Sunday message. The following outline and questions below are not designed that you need to answer each question, but created to be more of a guide for your journey of discovery! You will still need to look into the text, study, and be ready to take your group of friends to a place where they can know what God is saying, and how they can respond.

Each Group should end with the question, "What are we going to do with what we have learned?"

TEXT
Nehemiah 13

OPEN
(you can choose any combination of these questions)

When your parents (or maybe you have said as a parent), clean up your room "or else", what did "or else" mean?

What makes Sunday different from other days of the week?

How successful are you at fulfilling long term commitments? ie. diet changes, exercises, serving on a team.

DIG
What happened in the 10-12 years that Nehemiah left Jerusalem?

Why was there a need for Nehemiah to reinstitute reforms when he returned?

(Review the Reforms: Temple, Financial, Priority, Relationships.

Why do you think Eliashib allowed Tobiah access into the Temple?

Why did Nehemiah act the way he did towards Tobiah?

How can purity be more like a "lifestyle" and not an event?

Talk about how the tension between the church is exclusive, yet inclusive.

What made it necessary for Nehemaih to address the "neglect for God's house"?

What does a heart and culture of generosity look like?

What made sabbath reform necessary?

What priorities need to be adjusted in your life?

Why did Nehemiah go so hard on intermarriage with foreigners? What made this so wicked?

Do you feel like Nehemiah's response to the Relationship Reforms was just?

REFLECT/JUST DO IT

Which of these Reforms are still present in our current society and needs to be addressed?

Which Reform hits you personally and needs addressed in your life? Why?

Whose hair are you more likely to pull out, your own in frustration, Ezra 9:3, or others like Nehemiah 13:25?

What re-commitment of lifestyle is God putting His finger on in your life?

Honoring God

Revere and esteem God's Word

Transformed Lives

GROUP LEADER

Group Leaders,

1. Prayer and Fasting - promotion this week.

2. Easter invites - lead the way.

3. Good Friday Remembrance

Nate Armstrong 3/22/21 Nate Armstrong 3/22/21

Connection Group Leader Notes: March 21-27

Connection Group Leader Notes: March 21-27, 2021

Dear Big Idea Group Leader,

Each Group should end with the question, "What are we going to do with what we have learned?"

Please spend time praying for Easter Sunday Invites, Souls, and Harvest!

Lead the way in invites please!

TEXT
Nehemiah 12:27-47

Optional Verses:
Psalm 51
I Corinthians 3:16-18
II Corinthians 9:7

OPEN
What is your idea of a "musical extravaganza"?

Orchestra? Halftime at super bowl? Parade? etc.

Have you ever been a part of a Dedication Ceremony? Building, Church, Baby/Child, Baptism? What stands out to you? (Celebration. Commitment, etc.)

DIG
Nehemiah 12:27 -

Define Dedication. What do you have more trouble with, being separate from the world, or being separated for use for God?

12:30-31 - Describe this scene in your words? What would you be seeing, hearing, and feeling? Would the local news media be present?

What does Purity mean? How can we keep pure? How does singular focus come into play?

(I Peter 2:9, define the greek word for "peculiar")

12:40 - What do you like best about praise and worship? How does this keep you in the "joy of the Lord as our strength", Nehemiah 8:10b.

Supernatural Joy is available to those that are dedicated.

12:43 - Great Joy - is ours.

Psalm 51:10-14 - describe the verses and tie into, purity, celebration adn
Unpack the statements: When you step out of dedication, we lose our joy. We step; out out purity our joy goes as well. 12:44 - Generosity What ways are the priests and ministers cared for financially? Is there really a joy in giving? Have you ever experienced it?

REFLECT/JUST DO IT
What area of this chapter on Dedication; purity, joy, and generosity, impacted you the most? Why? What is your next step in this action plan?

If there were an area that you know God is asking for a re-up in your dedication and commitment, which one is it?

There ya have it!!!!! Don't hold back on using the Generosity point! It's so key in this week and next week's text.

Nate Armstrong 3/15/21 Nate Armstrong 3/15/21

Connection Group Leader Notes: March 14-20, 2021

Connection Group Leader Notes: March 14–20, 2021

Dear Big Idea Group Leader,

Each Group should end with the question, "What are we going to do with what we have learned?"

TEXT
Nehemiah 8:1-10, 9:1-4

OPEN
Option #1:

Have you ever attended a high school or family reunion?
- How have people changed over the years? What surprised you?
- If you had the opportunity to rewrite what you communicated in your high school yearbook, what would it say now?
- What convictions do you have now, that are different than they were back then?

Option #2:

When you hear the word "revival" what do you think of?
- What do you think revival will look like in 2021?

DIG
What was the occasion of the people gathering in Nehemiah 8:1? (Leviticus 23:24, Numbers 29:1-6)

Why did they gather in the public square and not the temple for this activity?

Ezra first came to Jerusalem in 458 BC for the purpose of teaching the law (see Ezra 7:6-10).
- Why do you suppose it took so long for him to proclaim this truth?
- How do the people respond to the book of the Law? (Verses 3,5,6,9)
- What does Repentance mean to you? (II Corinthians 7:10)
- What are fruits of Repentance? (Mathew 3:8)

Is confession of sin, only to be done privately? Is there ever a time for this to be done with someone else, or even corporately? (James 5:16)

Describe what is happening in Nehemiah 9:1-4. Have you ever experienced this type of response to the Word of God and repentance?
- What is Holiness?
- What is the occasion of this corporate confession?

REFLECT/JUST DO IT

What role does the Bible/Word of God play in your life personally? And in revival?

If God answered all of your prayers in the past week, would your life change? Would your world change?

Read Nehemiah 9:36-38. How do you feel about the need to solemnly promise and record your name on a promise before God?

What areas of your life do you believe God is asking for a renewed commitment?

What is your next step in this process?

KEYS TO REVIVAL

· Reverence for God's Word

· Repentance

· Return to Righteousness

· Renewed Commitment

Nate Armstrong 3/8/21 Nate Armstrong 3/8/21

Connection Group Leader Notes: March 7–13, 2021

Dear Big Idea Group Leader,

Each Group should end with the question, "What are we going to do with what we have learned?"

TEXT
Philippians 1:27
Nehemiah 6:15-16, 7:1-6

OPENING
What is a project that you either did yourself or helped complete, that you were very proud and satisfied with?

What was so special about finishing it?

When you are faced with a difficult task or project, how much time do you spend praying before you start?

Nehemiah spent 4 months in prayer and fasting, and the project took 52 days to complete.
What does that communicate to you?

DIG
What made it possible to complete the wall in 52 days after over 100 years being in ruins and destroyed?

What qualifies Hanani for his position?

Discuss the Fear of God and Faithful - make this discussion real and as transparent as possible
How do you know on a daily basis if you have the "fear of God" or not?

What steps does Nehemiah take to secure the city of Jerusalem?

What are we at Bridge City Church, needing to commit to "watch over"?
What prevents you personally from committing? What makes it easy to commit?

What does it mean in 2021 to be "registered" for the work that God has for us?

REFLECT
Finish this statement for you personally, "Bridge City Church is . . .. . ."

In what ways do you believe God is asking you to re-surrender, or re-commit to the vision and direction of Bridge City Church?

What are you going to "do" as a result of this conversation?

Who are people in your sphere of influence, that are far from God, that you are praying for to invite and come to Bridge City Church?

Discuss: Inviting to Easter Sunday.)

ANNUAL REPORT QUESTIONS
What did you see and hear when reading through and listening to the 2020 Annual Report?

Review some significant points that stood out to you.

How do you see the "hand of God" on Bridge City Church when you read the report?

What is your group and your campus believing for in 2021?

Please note: Since this is the first week of Cx Group, it would be a good idea to take some time and share what "Next Steps" each person would like to take over the next 14 weeks.

Just like Nehemiah, we all have 4 months to Pray, Process, and allow the compassion of God to turn into a Commissioning together!

Nate Armstrong 3/1/21 Nate Armstrong 3/1/21

Connection Group Leader Notes: February 28–March 6, 2021

Dear Big Idea Group Leader,

Each Group should end with the question, "What are we going to do with what we have learned?"

TEXT
Nehemiah 5

OPEN
Describe a time when the absence of leadership has created a difficulty in your life

Maybe at work or on a sports team you were a part of. Perhaps in your home growing up

What are some of the areas where you have seen good, strong leadership make a positive impact in your life or the world around you?
- How has the influence of the leadership of BCC positively impacted your life?

DIG
ehemiah stepped into a very dysfunctional and difficult situation

What were some of those specific problems he had to address? (there were 3 mentioned in verses 1-5)
- The people did not have enough food
- The people were mortgaging their fields, vineyards, and houses
- They were selling themselves and their children into slavery, and were powerless to do anything about it
Have you ever been in a situation where you were unable to provide for yourself and/or your family, or you felt powerless to handle the circumstances you were facing?
- How did that feel? What did you do to deal with the situation?
In Nehemiah 5:6-9, Nehemiah had to confront people who weren’t doing the right thing or acting appropriately
- How did Nehemiah respond? What are some things that we could learn from Nehemiah’s response and apply to our lives when dealing with conflict and confrontation?
  - Have you ever had to confront someone for acting out of line? Have you ever had to be confronted by someone because you weren’t acting accordingly?
  - How did you respond? Was it difficult to address the situation or be addressed by someone else?
  - What were the outcomes of the confrontation? (whether you were the one confronted or doing the confronting?)
  - Group Leaders familiar with the “Matthew 18 Principle” (outlined in Matthew 18:15-17) may want to mention or discuss utilizing the approach to confrontation prescribed by Jesus
Nehemiah led by example, challenged others to live the same way, inspired people, and motivated positive change through his example (Read verses 10-19)
- What were some of the things Nehemiah did that were admirable and worth emulating?
  - What are some ways God has used you to inspire people or create positive change in the world around you?
  - How have you ordered your life to lead by example? What are some ways that you could order your life to be a better example to those around you?
  - Remind folks of 1 Peter 2:12, 15 from last week’s message

REFLECT/JUST DO IT

What are some ways God is calling you to be a leader in the church and in the world?

What are some ways that you can better respond to the leadership God has placed in your life (whether in the church or the world)?

Describe some of the ways BCC is meeting the needs of the world around us (Food Bank, Celebrate Recovery, Foreign and Local Missions, Marriage Conference, etc.)
- What are some other possible ways BCC could be a blessing to the communities we are in and the world in general? (DREAM!!! Cast VISION!!!)
How can YOU better serve the mission and vision of the church?
- We exist so that as many people as possible can begin a relationship with God and become fully devoted followers of Jesus
- We connect to God, connect to people, connect people to God (What We Do)
- We Gather, Grow, Give, and Go (How We Do It)

GROUP LEADER

Please personally invite all married/engaged couples to attend the XO Marriage Event on Saturday, March 13 from 9am-1pm. Cost is $40. Childcare is available for children 12 and under.

Share with your group why are you going? What are you believing for your marriage?

Please also personally invite all members of your group to attend the GROW Foundations Class on Sunday evenings beginning on March 7 from 6-8pm at the North Braddock Campus. Give a CLEAR “WHY” we are doing this training and equipping. “We are really looking forward to this opportunity to grow together in our understanding of the Bible, prayer, church, relationships, worship, and so much more! Our heart behind this class is that each person will have a basic understanding of the vision of Bridge City Church and that we would see people getting connected and taking their next steps to grow and mature as fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.”

Nate Armstrong 2/22/21 Nate Armstrong 2/22/21

Connection Group Leader Notes: February 7-13, 2021

Connection Group Leader Notes: February 21–27, 2021

Dear Big Idea Group Leader,

Each Group should end with the question, "What are we going to do with what we have learned?"

TEXT
Nehemiah 4 & 6:1-14

OPEN
Describe a time when you faced a great deal of adversity and/or opposition.

How did it make you feel? What do you think was the cause of the adversity?

How do you typically deal with adversity and resistance?
- Push through? Get angry? Withdraw? Complain? Give up?
Martin Luther King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others”
- What are some ways that you have personally witnessed this, or modeled this, in your own life?

DIG
Nehemiah was faced with many challenges in Nehemiah 4 and 6.

What were some of those specific challenges from the text? (you may have to re-read chapters 4 and 6)
- His enemies taunted him (vv. 4:2-3)
  - Have you ever had to endure taunts or people mocking you when you stepped out to do something great for God? (“great” could include simply becoming a follower of Jesus)
- His enemies plotted against him (vv. 4:7-8)
  - Have you ever had to endure people plotting against you to hold you back?
- The people he was leading/working with began to get worn out and had low morale (vv. 4:10-12)
  - Have you ever led or been a part of a team that was overworked and lost motivation?
  - What was it like working in that environment?
  - How did you contribute to changing (or maintaining) the “atmosphere”?
- The enemy tried to convince him to stop working by threatening to slander his character and motives to the King of Persia (v. 6:5-9)
  - How have you dealt with perceived attacks against your character? How did it make you feel? (remind people of the power of 1 Peter 2:12, 15)
What were some of the things Nehemiah had going for him?
- He and the people “had a mind to work” (v. 4:6)
  - Discuss a time when you have seen diligence pay off in your life or in someone else’s life
- Vibrant Prayer Life (vv. 4:4-5, 9; 6:9b, 14)
  - Name a time when you have seen God move on your behalf in prayer, or give you the strength to “keep going” simply by seeking Him and spending time in His presence
- He was strategic and had great resolve (vv. 4:13-23)
- He was inspirational
  - Have you ever worked with or been around someone that inspired you to go beyond what you thought you could do?
  - How did that feel? What were the “end results”?
- He knew who he was (v. 6:11)
  - Discuss a time when knowing who you are in Christ has enabled you to overcome or face adversity
On Sunday, there were 4 areas where the enemy tries to challenge us through opposition. What were they? (Calling, Courage, Conviction, Character)
- Discuss moments in your life where you have had to face the enemy’s challenges in these areas in your life. How did you respond?
- What are some ways that you can respond better or work to become more “rooted” in these areas in order to withstand the devil’s attacks? (groups and teams; V&F; Grow Foundations; etc.)

REFLECT/JUST DO IT

At BCC, we exist to help people “begin” and “become.” Some of the ways we do that is by providing great opportunities to know who God is, figure out His plan for our life, and take our Next Steps with Him.

Next Steps (teams and “calling”); Connection Groups; Discipleship classes; one-on-one and group relationships; Personal Ministry Time (PMT)

Before you leave today, write down (Commit!!!) at least one opportunity/area that you are going to strive to grow in and share it with your Connection Group leader so that they can help keep you accountable.

GROUP LEADER

Please personally invite all married/engaged couples to attend the XO Marriage Event on Saturday, March 13 from 9am-1pm. Cost is $40. Childcare is available for children 12 and under.

Share with your group why are you going? What are you believing for your marriage?

Nate Armstrong 2/15/21 Nate Armstrong 2/15/21

Connection Group Leader Notes: February 7-13, 2021

Connection Group Leader Notes: February 14–20, 2021

Dear Big Idea Group Leader,

Each Group should end with the question, "What are we going to do with what we have learned?"

TEXT
Nehemiah 2:9-20 & Nehemiah 3

OPEN
Describe a time when you witnessed an accident or natural disaster first hand and it moved and affected you. What was it like?

Describe a time where you had a “near life experience” when you almost stepped into faith, but didn’t quite follow through. How did it make you feel? What would you do if you were able to experience it over again?

DIG
Describe what you think the 900 mile/3 month journey was like for Nehemiah from Susa to Jerusalem?

What do you think Nehemiah did during his first 3 days in Jerusalem?

Why did Nehemiah inspect the walls at night? Define: “inspected.”

Define the names of: Sanballat, Tobiah, and Nehemiah. Describe how each name has an origin, and how the city/region that they grew up, could have affected who they really were. Do you define yourself more as a son/daughter of God or more as a Pittsburgher/American? Describe some attributes of our region, city, and country that are contrary to being a fully devoted follower of Jesus.

What are some areas of your life where you have just accepted that things are as good as they get? Contrast this with what God is actually saying?

Nehemiah gave a different perspective. In what areas of your life have you benefited from getting someone else’s perspective? In what area of your life, do you really need to get someone else’s perspective?

What three points does Nehemiah make to rally the troops? Which one is most convincing?

Review Chapter 3, pulling out the points covered in Sunday’s message. Contrast the leaders from Nehemiah 3:5. What “could have” been their reasoning?

REFLECT/JUST DO IT

Describe Bridge City Church:

What are we building?

What have you seen, heard, or experienced that shows you that we are accomplishing our mission and vision?
Mission
We Gather to Grow. We Give and We Go.

Vision
We exist so that as many people as possible will begin a relationship with God and become fully devoted followers of Jesus.

What does it mean to you to be a part of a team and in a group?

Are you really “cooperating” with and in the vision of our church? Why? What’s one action step you could take to get in the flow with the vision of Bridge City Church?

GROUP LEADER

Please personally invite all married/engaged couples to attend the XO Marriage Event on Saturday, March 13 from 9am-1pm. Cost is $40. Childcare is available for children 12 and under.

Share with your group why are you going? What are you believing for your marriage?

Nate Armstrong 2/8/21 Nate Armstrong 2/8/21

Connection Group Leader Notes: February 7-13, 2021

Dear Big Idea Group Leader,

Each Group should end with the question, "What are we going to do with what we have learned?"

TEXT
Nehemiah 1:1-2:8

OPENING
Where is "home" to you?

Describe a time when you were "homesick"? What were you homesick for?

Have you ever returned to your hometown and a store, restaurant, or favorite place was torn down and not there anymore? How did it make you feel?

What makes you sad, mad, and glad?

Read Nehemiah 1:1-4
Why did Nehemiah grieve about the news of Jerusalem?

Why were the walls so significant to the Jewish people and Jerusalem? Why shouldn't they have just been happy with the Temple being completed and leave it at that?

When you are faced with a crisis, what is your first response? Compare that to Nehemiah's response. How vital was prayer and fasting to Nehemiah?

Read the prayer verses, Nehemiah 1:5-11
How important is the image of God to your prayer life?

Why did Nehemiah need to Repent? Why did he need to identify with the problem?

What promises of God was Nehemiah Reminding himself of?

What promises are you personally standing on from God's Word.

What prayer are you personally praying, and Ready for God to use you to respond?

Describe how you picture Nehemiah’s job? Should he risk going to the king or just keep his mouth shut and keep his pension? (Which would you do?)

What was the secret of Nehemiah's success?

Read Nehemiah 2:1-8
How surprised are you at the king's response?

Have you ever experienced that kind of Godly favor in your life?

Have you ever had a "near life experience" but came up short. How did you feel because of the lack?

REFLECT, BRING IT HOME
* Be careful not to allow this to become a negative fault finding time.

How would you describe the Church (big C Church) today?

How do you view yourself in a relationship with God's church? Bridge City Church?

Are you going to complain, blame, and remain the same? OR bring change? How?

How grieved are you about the condition of Jesus' Church?

In order to see the walls of the church built up, I will _______.

NEXT STEPS
What is one area that we can pray for Bridge City Church today/tonight?

What are you going to pray that God allows you to DO, to bring healing, and repair the walls of Jesus' Church?

What are you going to "DO" as a result of this awesome, over the top study?

Please note: Since this is the first week of Cx Group, it would be a good idea to take some time and share what "Next Steps" each person would like to take over the next 14 weeks.

Just like Nehemiah, we all have 4 months to Pray, Process, and allow the compassion of God to turn into a Commissioning together!