Group Leader Notes: December 5–December 11
Group Leader Notes: December 5–December 11
Know: Praise doesn't change our problems, but changes our perspective
Do: Pour out problems to God, get OVER them
Feel: Problems shrink in comparison to the greatness of God
Question to answer/Problem to Solve:
Where do you turn in times of trouble?
Opening:
Psalm 118:8 NLT
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.
Who or what do you take refuge in?
Who do you put your trust in?
How do we get OVER our problems?
Open Dialogue With God
Verify and Clarify- Be honest
Emphasize the Truth
Refocus on the Future
Psalm 102 NLT
A prayer of one overwhelmed with trouble, pouring out problems before the Lord.
Open Dialogue with God
Psalm 102:1-2
Where do you vent problems and frustrations?
Do you go to social media, substances, tv, video games, work?
What's your perspective on how God communicates with you?
-Do you ever feel God is too busy for you?
-Do you feel like God doesn't care or hear you?
Verify and Clarify-Be Honest
Psalm 102:3-11
What are the psalmist's afflictions?
How can you relate to the psalmist's struggles?
Take an honest look at your life and be honest with where you are.
Have you ever been so upset/distraught that you completely lost your appetite?
Emphasize the Truth
Psalm 102:12-17
What changes from verse 11 to verse 12?
Where does the psalmist put the emphasis?
-his problems, circumstances, or on God
Do you believe verse 17 to be true? How do you live like you believe it?
Refocus the Future
Psalm 102:18-28
Do you feel sad, depressed, afflicted?
How do you respond when afflictions come?
How do you think your response will affect future generations?
What story will be told about us in the future?
We fight by reading the word of God, Worshipping Him, and spending time in Prayer
Devotion time (Explain what that is)
Worship (How do you live a lifestyle of worship? Not just through music)
Prayer (Not just submitting your needs to God but speaking with him as a Father)
Group Leader Notes: November 29–December 4
Group Leader Notes: November 29–December 4
Know: Faith in the Lord will overcome all fear!
Do: Activate your faith by making the Lord the center of your life!
Feel: It is possible to walk in faith and not cower in fear!
Question to answer/Problem to solve:
How can we have Certainty in Uncertain times?
How can we have FAITH in the CHAOS?
Opening:
If you could have prayer answered from the Lord, what would it be?
Why don’t you ask?
Read Psalm 118:8 NLT
Read Hebrews 11:1 NLT
Faith - Conviction, confidence, trust, belief, reliance, trustworthiness, and persuasion.
Confidence – “standing under a guaranteed agreement
technical sense of “title deed”.
Assurance – inner conviction focused on God
1. FAITH IS FIRST BELIEVING WHEN I DON'T SEE IT.
2. FAITH IS OBEYING WHEN I DON'T UNDERSTAND IT.
3. FAITH IS TRUSTING IF I DON'T GET IT
FOUR WAYS FAITH OVERCOMES FEAR!
Express who your faith is in. (Psalm 27:1)
Expand your faith (Psalm 27:2-3)
Experience your faith (Psalm 27:4-5)
Enjoy your faith (Psalm 27:6)
Express who your faith is in. (Psalm 27:1)
What three qualities of God does David list in these verse?
What does he mean by each?
How does each relate to David’s Confidence?
Expand your faith (Psalm 27:2-3)
In what way do these verses reflect David’s life experiences?
How can you relate?
Read 2 Kings 6:14-17 NLT
Don’t be afraid!
We have God on our side!
Lift your eyes to Him victory is already yours!
Experience your faith (Psalm 27:4-5)
Does your one thing that you’d ask the Lord for revolve around experiencing Him in a deeper way?
What are you seeking?
How do you react when troubles come?
Enjoy your faith (Psalm 27:6)
Is your response to trouble worship?
When you have a long day what do you say…”I can’t wait to get home and _____ (fill in the blank)
BUILDING FAITH THROUGH PRAYER
Responding to God’s call through prayer (Psalm 27:7-8)
Relying on God’s presence through prayer (Psalm 27:9-10)
Resting in to God’s will through prayer (Psalm 27:11-13)
Remaining calm through prayer (Psalm 27:14)
“WORD BASED FAITH PRODUCES FAITH BASED PRAYER”
Pastor Rick Paladin
Responding to God’s call through prayer (Psalm 27:7-8)
Discuss with your group what a prayer time looks like.
Discuss the state of everyone’s prayer life
Relying on God’s presence through prayer (Psalm 27:9-10)
What does it look like to rely on God?
Resting in to God’s will through prayer (Psalm 27:11-13)
Are you able to truly rest in the presence of God?
Remaining calm through prayer (Psalm 27:14)
What does this verse tell us about living a christian life?
Wait = Qavah - strongs 6960 means to wait actively with anticipation, eagerly watching for God to act.
We fight from a place of victory, not for victory.
We fight by reading the word of God, Worshipping Him, and spending time in Prayer
Devotion time (Explain what that is)
Worship (How do you live a lifestyle of worship? Not just through music)
Prayer (Not just submitting your needs to God but speaking with him as a Father)
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO CONQUER FEAR THIS WEEK WITH FAITH?
Group Leader Notes: November 14–21
Group Leader Notes: November 14–21
Know: There is a spiritual war opposing God’s will
Do: Don’t fear, and walk in authority
Feel: God knows your situation and has empowered you to stand
Question to answer/Problem to solve:
How can we have Certainty in Uncertain times? How can we have HOPE in the CHAOS!!!!!
Jesus quoted Psalm 22 – “My God My God why have you abandoned me?”
If you are going to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus, there WILL be a time (not maybe, but definitely), you feel abandoned, “God where are you”.
We can feel that way in our nation. Heard a stat this week, that in 5-7 years there will be more Christians in communist China than the USA.
Jesus other words, “Let this cup pass from me” ; When we feel overwhelmed or backed into a corner or afraid or in a tough spot, God has granted us the outlet of praise, have you ever noted that music changes things?
Psalms – Compilation of Hebrew songs and hymns!
When we leverage Biblical praise, we have the opportunity to: “Invite” the presence of God into our situations (we actually realize that He’s already there and find the comfort and direction we need to discern, diagnose, and defeat overwhelming attacks from without and from within
They demonstrate a WIDE range of human emotion, and glory and honor to God
They communicate theology and the culture of the time
Psalm 2 is a “Royal/Messianic Psalm”
Messianic – relating and pointing to Jesus
Describes the rebellion of “nations” that oppose God and His Anointed as King
Verses 1-3 THE PROBLEM
“Nations” and “Rulers” rebelling against God’s rule and will
In the NT the phrase “rulers” is intrinsically connected to the terms “authorities, principalities, thrones, and dominions” These terms are almost always associated with the activity, role, or presence of spiritual beings (angels/demons) that have influence on, or are directly connected with, earthly “rulers” and “authorities”
Satan the “Ruler of this Age”: John 12:21, 14:30, 16:11; Rom. 8:38; Eph. 3:10; 1 Cor. 2:6, 8; Col. 1:16, 2:15 – cf. Eph. 1:20-21, 2:2; 1 Cor. 15:24
Any nation that is not open to the rule and reign of God is open to demonic rule .
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
In the OT there are 3 very distinct passages that further emphasize the reality that something more than earthly “kings and rulers” are being discuss – Ezekiel 28:1-19, Isaiah 14:9-15, and Daniel 10:10-14
2 Corinthians 4:4 – “the god of this age (satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers…”
Satan “masquerades” as an “angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14), he operates in the shadows, leveraging
Verses 4-6 GOD'S RESPONSE
One of the greatest things about psalms as worship is that they remind us that God is still with us and has a great plan for our future!
He “laughs,” “holds them in derision (scorns/scoffs),” speaks to them in HIS fury,” and “terrifies them in HIS wrath.” This shows supreme confidence and superiority
Verses 7-9 OUR RESPONSE
We have a responsibility and a “role” to play in bringing peace into an “out of control, anti-God” world . God has “anointed” us to accomplish a task in the earth (cf. Rom. 8:19)
Speaking what God has spoken has power in spiritual matters
What brings Hope, Peace, and Confidence? We are “sons and daughters” of the Father in Heaven.
The particular decree here has to do with our position as “sons” by virtue of being “in” the Messianic King, Jesus
Verse 7 - We are Sons and Daughters
Verse 8 - We have authority
Verse 9 - We have authority to break curses and demolish strongholds (II Corinthians 10:3-5)
The first century Church quoted this psalm when they initially faced persecution (Acts 4:23-25)
Verses 10-12 THE EPILOGUE
The “summation” and ultimate end of the matter; God gets the final word – His will has final say
The Psalm that started with concern over events transpiring on the world-stage ends with the believer cautioning the rebellious forces and sharing the Gospel
The psalmist is encouraging those rebelling against the Son/King to honor Him, and put their trust in Him
Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.
In times of uncertainty focus on what is clear.
Politically – God is in control
Financially – God got this
Hurt/offended – God will get me through
Want to hide and isolate, - run to others and get help
We don’t fight for victory, we fight from the place OF victory.
Group Leader Notes: November 7–13
Group Leader Notes: November 7–13
Read:
Luke 9:10-17
Open:
What did you see, hear, and experience, on Sunday night?
What is your expectation of things to happen in years to come at BCC?
How do you unwind at the end of a long day? Eat, read, sleep, TV, other
What are the prerequisites of a miracle?
*Encourage your group to put themselves in the midst of this story, and view it as if they are right there!
Dig:
Why do you think this miracle is the only one besides the resurrection that all the gospels record?
Verse 10 Why do you think Jesus took His disciples away with Him?
Verse 11 How would you have felt once everyone started showing up?
Verse 12-13 What tones of voice do you hear?
How difficult is it for you to "Admit you have a need?"
How do you account for the difference in the way the disciples and Jesus viewed the crowd?
What is the key to activating your faith and walking in obedience? How is obedience tied into miracles?
When did the bread and fish multiply?
How do you believe the disciples responded to the leftovers?
Reflect:
What is the biggest faith challenge in your life?
What does the breeding ground for faith look like?
What miracle are you believing in God for?
How hungry are you for what Jesus has to offer you?
Group Leader Notes: October 3–9
Group Leader Notes: October 3–October 9
Note: You do not need to cover all of the scriptures. Pick what is meaningful and dig into at least one (you can do more), discuss, and reflect. Feel free to look up words and their meanings, and review the context as well.
Key Verses
2 Timothy 2:1-7
John 17:4
Discipleship Mindsets
War
Win
Work
Open
What physical traits have you inherited from your fathers side of the family? Your mothers?
Out of all of your high school friends, who are still your friends today?
Have you had a spiritual parent like Timothy did Paul?
When you think of “Grace,” what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Out of the Core Values of our Church (Gathering, Growing, Giving, and Going), which one are you excelling in and which one are you growing in?
Women share on the OVERFLOW Conference. Take-home points. What stood out to you personally?
Dig and Reflect
Read 2 Timothy 2:1-2
How has counterfeit and consumer entertainment Christianity affected your life?
What does it look like in our world today to be strong and courageous? Why did Paul communicate this to Timothy over 25 times?
Remind your group that 2 Timothy 2:2 is the founding scripture of BCC.
How does this scripture lead us into discipleship relationships?
Split up the two generations: Fire under 50 and Focus over 50, * or you can split them any way you would like. How do you view the other generation? What could you learn from the them? How does each generation need the other?
F.A.T. People
Which of these areas do you personally need to grow in?
Which area do you feel strongest in?
Faithful - persuaded, loyalty to the faith, fullness of faith, reliable
Define Faithfulness
Able / Available - competent to accomplish
What does it mean, your greatest ability is your availability
Teachable - Cause to learn. You have to be teachable before you become a teacher
How teachable are you from 0-10? (0- not at all, and 10 being very receptive and responsive)
2 Timothy 2:3-4
What can we learn from the example of a soldier? * Refer back to your notes from Sunday.
In what way are we soldiers for Christ?
What is the goal of a soldier?
How can our group help one another not be entangled with the affairs of everyday life?
2 Timothy 2:5
What can we learn from the example of an athlete?
In what way are we like an athlete, and how can we improve?
What are some BCC standards?
2 Timothy 2:6-7
When you think of a farmer, what comes to mind?
Define perseverance
Discipleship Mindsets:
War – Soldier
Win – Athlete
Work – Farmer
All require Perseverance
Reflect:
What is your next step?
What relationship is God asking you to grow?
What are you going to “do” with this conversation?
Prayer:
Pray for discipleship relationships to be formed for those that desire them.
Pray for relationships that already exist to begin pouring into others.
Pray for 2 Timothy 2:2 to constantly be on the forefront of our minds as Christians.
Vision Opportunities
Men’s and Women’s V&F * Give a CLEAR explanation of these and why we do them.
October 16th
Men’s V&F | White Oak Campus and Women’s | North Braddock Campus
Cost $20
Register online or at the Connection Point.
Group Leader Notes: September 26–October 2
Group Leader Notes: September 26–October 2
Note: You do not need to cover all of the scriptures. Pick what is meaningful and dig into at least one (you can do more), discuss, and reflect. Feel free to look up words and their meanings, and review the context as well.
Key Verses
Matthew 16:16-19
Matthew 28:18-20
Ephesians 5:15-17
Going Urgently
Prerequisites:
Perspective
People
Power
Plan
Open
How are you doing on your Next Step for this semester?
Who was the person who introduced you to Jesus?
When was last time you thanked them?
Dig and Reflect
Read Matthew 28:18-20
Read Acts 1:8
What is significant about Jesus’ statement in Matthew 28?
In the moment, how do you think the disciples felt about Jesus’ command?
Prerequisite #1: Perspective that heaven and hell are real
Read Hebrews 9:27
Read Ezekiel 18:23
How could a focus upon the reality of hell help you stay urgent about sharing your faith?
What does it tell you about our God, that He hurts when the wicked die?
Prerequisite #2: People matter to God
Read Luke 19:10
Read Matthew 9:36-37
What do these scriptures tell you about the type of people Jesus sought out?
Jesus had compassion on the hurting. How do you compare?
Prerequisite #3: Power that comes from God
Read Acts 1:4-5, 8
What is significant from this text?
If you believe this is true (spirit empowerment), how could it change your witness (or life)?
Do you know what spiritual gifts God has given you?
Have you heard of spiritual gifts?
If you are baptized in Holy Spirit, what should you expect to happen in your life?
Prerequisite #4: Plan
Do you have people you are consistently praying to reach with the gospel?
What does “serve not sell” mean to you?
B.L.E.S.S.
Begin to pray
Listen to Spirit
Eat together
Serve
Share your faith
Additional Scriptures:
Read Matthew 5:14-17
What is significant about this text?
Can you effectively “be a light” by your own strength?
Read Ephesians 5:15-17
What is significant about this text?
How do you take advantage of opportunities?
Action Steps:
Praying for fresh filling of Holy Spirit.
This is not complicated. If the person has repented of known sin, and asks in faith, God loves to pour out His Spirit. (Luke 11:11-13)
Have them ask for fresh infilling and you agree with them.
Who are you going to B.L.E.S.S?
Consider a time frame to reach out to them. Touch back on this next week.
Vision Opportunities:
OVERFLOW
Ladies to attend
Men to serve the ladies creating an atmosphere of care and honor
VICTORY & FREEDOM (October 16)
This is an opportunity to learn more about Holy Spirit baptism
Group Leader Notes: September 19-25
Group Leader Notes: September 19–25
Note: You do not need to cover all of the scriptures. Pick what is meaningful and dig into at least one (you can do more), discuss, and reflect. Feel free to look up words and their meanings, and review the context as well.
Key Verses:
Matthew 16:13-18
2 Corinthians 5:10-15
Luke 12:16-21
Matthew 6:19-21
1 Corinthians 13:3
Matthew 25:14-30
Giving Generously:
Open Mind
Open Heart
Open Hands
Opening:
Optional ice breaker to get everyone to share: "share your name and a high point from the past week."
Make sure to welcome any new members who missed last week and cover any ground rules, expectations, and what a connection group is.
Bridge City Church Values:
1. Gathering Faithfully into the family of God
2. Growing Relationally into our full potential
3. Giving Generously of our time, talent, and treasure.
4. Going Urgently into our world.
5. All for the Glory of God
Dig and Reflect:
Matthew 16:18-19
1. What is Jesus’ building? Define what the church is.
2. What are you building? Does it help or hinder what Jesus is building?
2 Corinthians 5:10-15
1. What comes to mind when you read these verses? What feelings does it cause you to have? Fear, joy, urgency...?
2. What ways can we practically live out verse 15 to live for Christ and not for ourselves?
Open Mind
Luke 12:16-21
1. What was wrong with the rich man?
2. What did Jesus say is better to have in the parable?
3. What are we storing up in our lives?
4. How would you like to be remembered?
Open Heart
Matthew 6:19-21
1 Read Corinthians 13:3
1. If you were to look at where you spend your time and money, what would it reveal?
2. What motivates you to give or invest?
3. What do you love? Does your treasure represent that?
Open Hands
Matthew 25:14-30
1.What have we been given?
2. Which of the three servants in the parable do you more closely resemble?
3. What are some aspects/characteristics of God?
4. What would change in your life if you had a more complete perspective of who God is?
5. What brings you great joy? Is being generous with your time, talent, and treasure on that list?
Overflow Women's Conference | October 2 | 8:30am-1pm
Women's Groups - personally invite each woman to attend with a big vision of "why."
Men's Groups – invite men to serve at the Overflow event.
Victory and Freedom
Women and Men will be on the same day, October 16
Personally invite to get registered
Next Steps
1. What are we going to do from here?
2. What is your next step?
3. How can you take a next step in the area of giving and generosity?
Group Leader Notes: September 12-September 19
Group Leader Notes: September 12-September 19
Note: You do not need to cover all of the scriptures. Pick what is meaningful and dig into at least one (you can do more), discuss, and reflect. Feel free to look up words and their meanings, and review the context as well.
Key Verses from Sunday:
Matthew 16:13-18
Hebrews 5:11-14
Philippians 3:12-14
Hebrews 3:12-13
Growing Relationally:
· On Purpose
· In a Process
· With People
Open:
Fill in the blanks: (as for a why when needed for answers given)
Relationships are _______________________.
Connection Group is ______________________.
What are you hoping to gain from and give to this group this semester?
Who is the person that has impacted you personally in your spiritual growth? How did they impact you?
Discuss some next steps each person can take during this semester, share something they are hoping to do, and write it down.
Dig and Reflect
Matthew 16:13-18
What was significant about Peter's profession?
How do you interpret the insight (verse 17), the power 9 (verse 18), and authority (verse 19)?
What is the foundation of Jesus' church?
What are the two biggest weapons of the enemy against Jesus' church?
Disunity and Disconnection
How do these erode the foundation of Jesus' building?
On Purpose
Hebrews 5:11-14
How is your spiritual appetite right now? Is it a snack food, sugars, high protein, all applesauce, and milk?
Define spiritually dull?
How did the writer describe those immature?
Define “maturity” - what does it mean? Can this definition be tied into the Gathering, Growing, Giving, and Going?
What disciplines do you believe God is asking of you to develop to gain some spiritual muscle and maturity?
Read Proverbs 27:17 (optional) - how do you sharpen one another?
Ready II Timothy 2:2-7 (optional) dig for you to outline
In a Process
Philippians 3:12-14
Using the imagery of the track race, where does the Apostle Paul picture himself right now?
Define "pressing."
If you were in a race right now, where would you be? Cheering from the sidelines? Starting blocks? Warming up? or Crossing the finish line?
What do you have more trouble with: forgetting the past or reaching into the future?
What prize is Paul after? What prize are you after?
Describe the Next Steps we take at Bridge City Church to grow to maturity?
With People
Hebrews 3:12-13
Define what it means to "turn from God" in verse 12.
What role does the Christian community play in keeping each other true to God?
Discuss the concept of only being one step away from falling into sin and failing morally? (In this discussion, talk about isolation and being disconnected.)
What are some ways this group can put into practice verse 13? How could that help you? What apprehension does it cause?
Overflow Women's Conference
Women's Groups - personally invite each woman to attend with a big vision of "why."
Men's Groups – invite men to serve at the Overflow event.
Just Do It: What are you going to "do" with what we discussed today?
Have a GREAT Group!!!!!!!
Pastor Rick
Connection Group Leader Notes: May 2-8, 2021
Connection Group Leader Notes: May 2-8, 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?"
Brighton Heights
Open
1. Do you tend to be a risk taker, or play it safe? Why? Can you share an example?
Dig
Numbers 32:1-5
1. Can you relate with the tribes of Reuben and Gad?
2. Have you ever bargained with God as they did?
Acts 20:24
1. Paul was so devoted to his assignment. How do you think he was able to do this?
2. “My life is worth nothing to me if I do not fulfill my assignment.”
a) What is your assignment(s) from God?
b) Have you ever felt this spiritual pressure like Paul to be obedient to God?
Acts 18:9-10
1. Though in our culture we do not sense fear for our lives in sharing gospel, we do feel fear of rejection, etc. How do you deal with this?
2. Paul got a prophetic word from God to help him. Why do you think he got this specific encouragement?
You Need a Steady Diet of….who is Jesus? Why do I believe in Jesus? What is my assignment?
1. How important are these to you?
2. Which one do you need the most?
1 Corinthians 9:24
1. Would God say you are running to win today?
2. Do you worry about what God will say to you when He judges your stewardship of your life?
Review
What do you need to change to fulfill your assignment?
Murrysville
Isaiah 43:1
Take some time to share what life was like before you were saved or consider what life would be like if you had not been called to redemption and salvation by the Lord.
What are some names, characteristics, or attributes of God that stand out to you?
What name of God do you need to focus on in this season?
-El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) 7 times Gen 17:1
-El Elyon (The Most High God) 28 times 19x in Psalms
-Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner) Ex 17:15
-Jehovah Raah (The Lord My Shepherd) Psalm 23
-Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals) Ex 15:26
-El Olam (The Everlasting God) The God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient Days Gen 21:33
-Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) Gen 22:14
-Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace) Judges 6:24
In what ways can we accomplish our GOAL this week?
God First
Philippians 1:20-24
Others before self
Philippians 2:2-5
Attitude of Christ
Philippians 2:5-8
Live for eternity
Philippians 1:27
Philippians 2:10-11
Take time to reflect on Philippians 2:10-11
North Braddock
Open
• What are some social or cultural issues that seem to be prominent or prevalent today?
o What are some ideologies, philosophies, opinions, or mindsets that make those issues prominent?
• Pastor Rick has said “There is a battle going on for the soul of Jesus’ Church?” What do you think he means?
o What are some areas of or ramifications from this “battle” that you can see?
o How is it affecting the Church: at large, in BCC, and in general?
Dig
• Who was Balaam?
o A powerful prophet who had relationship with Yahweh (the LORD)
▪ Who is Yahweh?
▪ Why is this name for God more significant than any of the others? (it is His covenant name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3; different from “El” – God, “Elohim” – God/god/gods, “Adoni” – Hebrew word for “Lord” used by Jews so as not to profane or misuse the name Yahweh/LORD)
• Where is his “story” found in the Bible?
o Numbers 22-24
o He is also mentioned, as a negative illustration, in 2 Peter 2:15-16 and Revelation 2:14
▪ (For more context on these New Testament passages about Balaam, feel free to read all of 2 Peter 2 and Revelation 2:12-17
• Why did Balak, king of Moab send for Balaam? (Numbers 22:3-6)
o What was God’s response to Balak’s request for Balaam’s assistance?
▪ How many times does Balak ask Balaam to come?
o Under what circumstances does God change His mind? (see Numbers 23:19 and 1 Samuel 15:28-29)
• What are some of the reasons God may have released Balaam to go?
o God’s permission does NOT mean God has “sanctioned” it
▪ Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean that you should
▪ See 1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23
o God will ultimately give us what we want
▪ God will give those who delight in Him what their heart desires(Psalm 37:4)
▪ And we will also “turn over” those who reject Him to the sinful outcomes of their sinful desires (Romans 1:21-28)
o It was ultimately a part of God’s ultimate plan
▪ God was going to bless Israel one way or another – but Balaam’s decision to NOT obey God’s initial “No” provided an opportunity to make an example out of rebellious Balaam (see 2 Peter 2)
▪ Proverbs 16:4, 1-2, and 25 give insight into how God’s perfect plan is better than, or can still be brought to fruition…in spite of our poor human decisions
Reflect/Just Do It
• Balaam’s donkey did 3 things to try and stop Balaam moving forward. What were they, and how do they reflect ways God tries to “get our attention” and get us “back on track”?
o Redirection – the donkey went off the road into a field
o Pressure and Pain – the donkey pressed Balaam’s leg up against the wall of a vineyard
o Halt of forward progress – the donkey laid down in the middle of a “narrow path”
• How do the areas of the donkey’s “actions” correspond to things God wants us to focus on rather than “going the wrong direction”?
o Field = the Harvest – God wants us focused on souls (see John 4:35; Matthew 9:36-38; Luke 10:2)
o Vineyards = New Wine – God has an “outpouring” of “new wine” that requires a departure from “old wineskins”
o Laying down = Rest (Hebrews 4:11) – God has prepared for us a place of “rest” where we find the strength to accomplish all He has for us
White Oak
Open
Describe a time in your life when you didn’t know what the next step was going to be. How did you handle it?
Dig
Read Proverbs 3:1-6 NLT
How can I find peace? ( Vs. 1-2)
How do I form good relationships? (Vs. 3-4)
How do I find direction for life?
REFLECT JUST DO IT
What are you going to do moving forward?
How are you going to purposefully do the following?
BE with GOD (Joshua 1:9 NLT)
TALK with GOD (Jeremiah 33:3 NLT)
LISTEN to GOD (Luke 11:28 NLT)
THANK GOD (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT)
Connection Group Leader Notes: April 26–May 1, 2021
Connection Group Leader Notes: April 26–May 1, 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
John 14:6, 10:9-10, 17:3
I John 5:11-12
Ephesians 2:1-6
OPEN
What is your "life" factor right now, on a scale from 0-10, 0 - being no life at all, 10-Jesus is bursting inside of you?
What brings you the most alive? When do you feel God's pleasure the most?
DIG
You can use any of the above verses and dig down into the text. So pick at least one and read it together. With the goal of taking apart the greek definition;
ZOE LIFE- of the absolute fullness of life, life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed
Life as God intended and created
Zoe is a present life of grace, and the future life of Glory
Eternal life is not only duration of life, but quality of life
How does this definition change the way you look at life?
How is your life being lived as intended and created by God?
What are some things that you tend to do, to try and numb the pain of life, or substitute for real life?
Have members or your group, look up the following verses and discuss how each one of these bring "life" to you each personally:
Victory over my past, Ephesians 2:4-5
Freedom to live in my God given future, John 5:24
Joy beyond circumstances, Hebrews 12:2
Peace in the midst of storms, Psalm 62:2
Purpose in the midst of a chaotic world, Acts 20:24
The Assurance of Eternal Life, I John 5:13
What is your "assignment" from God? (Have each member share), Are you living in your God given assignment?
What does Galatians 6:8 look like in real time in real life?
Look at the progression in the Romans 12:-12, from (bios) offering your body to God, not being conformed, and being renewed in our mind, (psuche) and how it leads to knowing God's will.
REFLECT/JUST DO IT
What activities should I add and remove to my week to increase the life factor?
What are we each going to do this week, in response to this discussion?
How has the series caused you to see Jesus as the only Way, Truth, and Life?
Pray for an infilling of the life of the Holy Spirit!
Connection Group Leader Notes: April 18–24, 2021
Connection Group Leader Notes: April 18–24, 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?"
Please spend time praying for Easter Sunday Invites, Souls, and Harvest!
Lead the way in invites please!
TEXT
John 14:6-13
John 1:14
John 17:17
John 8:1-8 * Good text for Truth and Grace
OPEN
When did you cross the bridge and become a follower of Jesus?
What changed in your life?
What stage are you in out of the following:
Believer - Christian - Follower - Disciple
DIG
John 14:6-13
What tone of voice do you imagine Jesus speaking with in verses 9-14.
It seems as though the disciples ask a lot of questions to Jesus. What questions would you have asked him if you were walking with Him?
What makes you personally have faith in Jesus? (Person, Words, Works, other)
Describe the Tennis Courts illustration, and give examples of each one.
Doctrine/Personal Conviction/Experience or Feelings/Community Standards
John 1:14
What is your definition of truth and grace?
Truth - fact, reality, opposite of an illusion
Grace - empowered to become, God's Riches at Christ's Expense
Talk about the following statements, which one do you personally lean towards?
Truth without grace is mean and leads to legalism.
Grace without truth is meaningless and leads to emotionalism.
John 8:1-8
How is this situation a trap for Jesus?
How does the response of Jesus to the women, exemplify, "truth and grace"?
How does the way Jesus handles this situation, help you face some of the sins you struggle with?
When Jesus accepted his women, did it free her from her sin, or reinforce her bad behavior?
REFLECT/JUST DO IT
How should we treat people who are in adultery, fornication, gay couples, heterosexual couples living together when they come to church? Keep attending? Want to become members?
Is there a truth in the Bible that you are having trouble believing?
John 8:31-32 How have you personally experienced the freeing power of the truth and grace in your life?
What TRUTH in the Word of God is God speaking to you?
What are we going to DO with what we just discussed?
HAVE A GREAT AND AWESOME GROUP!
Connection Group Leader Notes: April 11-17, 2021
Connection Group Leader Notes: April 11–17, 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
John 14:1-8
OPEN
Can you remember a time when you got lost? What happened?
What is your favorite room in your house and why?
How do you feel about your faith journey right now?
DIG
What comfort does Jeus offer His disciples?
Look at Peter's question in 13:36, Thomas' in 14:5, Philip's in 14:8, and Judas' in 14:22, what problems are the disciples struggling with? How are they similar or different from your struggles?
How have you ever been like Thomas in the way he responds in 14:5?
Matthew 7:13-14
How has being a follower of Jesus, been like a narrow way to you?
What do the two different ways represent to you? What ways have you experienced life and destruction in your choices?
Acts 9:1-2 Review the scriptures for "the way".
What are clear evidences of being on The Way?
What does it mean to be living lives evident of the nature, character, and purpose of Jesus?
Would you be considered part of "the way"? Why or why not?
REFLECT/JUST DO IT
If Jesus is the only way, do you feel you are on a bumpy dead-end street, or on a four-lane highway right now? Why?
How important is the fact that Jesus is the only way to your faith? Why?
In what ways is Jesus as the only way, inclusive and exclusive?