Sovereignty

How would you like to be Mary or Joseph at about the time they are notified of the Roman census?

Mary is about nine months pregnant and no matter what Joseph tried to do to make her comfortable on that three day, 60 mile hike to Bethlehem over rugged terrain, it couldn’t have been very enjoyable. Then, to arrive and find that there is no place to stay and end up in the barn, surely must have added insult to injury. And to top it all off, give birth and lay your baby in a feeding trough to keep him away from the hooves of donkeys and goats.

Still feeling “highly favored,” Mary?

We often mistakenly think that only the right things, the comfortable things, the open doors and things that appear ripe for success, are a part of God’s design. When we encounter closed doors, inconveniences, and hardships we wonder what went wrong.

Maybe nothing has gone wrong. Maybe it’s just perfect.

Leader Guide Week of 12-16-07

Small Group Leaders Guide
December 16, 2007

Miracle
Miracles Come At Unexpected Times

Getting Started:

1. Can you tell your group about a miracle you experienced in your life? Have you ever witnessed a miracle?

Going Deeper:

2. Read Luke 1:1-4. Describe some of the ways you think Luke may have “carefully investigated” everything. (DNA testing, finger printing, GSR tests, etc.)

• According to the passage, eyewitnesses were available to interview.
• We learn from the book of Acts and Paul’s writings that Luke spent an extended period of time traveling with Paul. Luke certainly knew Paul, Silas, Timothy, Philip, James, the Jerusalem elders, and many others. He had first hand contact with people who had been discipled by Jesus Himself.
• It is said that the writings of Mark and Matthew were also being circulated at the time Luke was doing his research.

3. How do people normally find out they are going to become parents? In Luke 1:11, Zechariah finds out by divine messenger. What do you think it must have felt like for Zechariah and Elizabeth to have the birth of their son foretold in this way?

4. Do you think Zechariah and Elizabeth were prepared to become parents? After their son was born, how seriously do you think they took their parenting, considering what the angel told them? What might it have been like to grow up with parents like Zechariah and Elizabeth?

5. Read Isaiah 40:3-5 and Luke 1:76-77. Ultimately, John grew up and “prepared the way” for Jesus. John’s parents played a part in “preparing” him. If you are a parent, what are you doing to “prepare the way” for generations to come in your family?

6. Read Luke 1:11-20 and Luke 1:26-38. Contrast Zechariah’s response with Mary’s. What makes them different?

• Zechariah questions the truthfulness of the message, Mary questions the method for fulfilling the message.

7. Why didn’t Zechariah believe the angel? Is there a prayer that you have been lifting to God for a long time and not seen an answer to yet? What advice would Zechariah give you about this situation?

• I think Zechariah was frustrated by what appeared to be futility in his prayer life. There may not have been a more personally important prayer for him. In the culture of that day, if a family did not have children, it was thought that they were under God’s discipline. This would be pretty embarrassing for a priestly family.

8. Read Malachi 4:5-6. The Old Testament ends with this passage about Elijah returning. Compare the verse in Malachi to Luke 1:16-17. What connections do you see between this verse about Elijah and John the Baptist? Is John the Baptist the fulfillment of the prophesy in Malachi?

• Matthew 17:10 The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" 11 Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

Putting it into practice:
1) Is there something in your life that you’ve given up praying for? Renew your prayers with your small group.

Quote Of The Day
The world is not lacking in wonders, but in a sense of wonder.
--G.K. Chesterton

Thankfulness

As you small group leaders know, I also oversee the children's ministry at our church and I love it when I see that a young child “gets it”.

A very proud mom gave this letter to me. Her 9 year old daughter had a school assignment over the Thanksgiving holiday to write a short paper about what she is thankful for.

Check it out!

This thanksgiving I am thankful for two wonderful things! The first thing I’m thankful for is my loving and caring family. Sometimes, my dad takes me and my sister to the park to play teeball. My mom lets me help her cook good things like cake, cookies, and maybe even pies. The second thing I’m thankful for is Jesus! Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. Jesus is the Son of God and I could never live without Him. All in all, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving and I hope you will be thankful for your things two.

Leader Guide Week of 12-9-07

Small Group Leaders Guide
December 9, 2007

It’s The End Of The World As We Know It And I Feel Fine
Heaven, Eternity, and other great stuff

Getting Started:

1. What do you look forward to most about experiencing heaven?

Going Deeper:

2. Read Matthew 6:19-21 and Mark 10:21. What is Jesus referring to when He uses the word, “treasure?”

• To provide context for this question, read Matthew 6:1-18. In this passage, Jesus refers to receiving some rewards in full and other rewards not being received.

3. What are some ways in which you have already stored up treasure in heaven rather than on earth? Are there more ways you could do that in your own life now?


4. Revelation 21:27 says that “nothing impure will ever enter it” and that only “those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” will enter it. What is the “it” that is referred to in that verse?

• Some would say that the “it” is heaven. Read the entire chapter 21. Notice how John describes the “it” in verses 9 through 25.

5. In Revelation 22:3 it says there will no longer be any curse. What curse do you think is being referred to?

• Zechariah 14:11 It will be inhabited; never again will it be destroyed. Jerusalem will be secure.
• Genesis 3:17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat of it.’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.

6. How can Heaven be perfect if all of our loved ones are not there?

• When we arrive in Heaven, we will not have anything to complain about or be saddened by. Revelation 21:4 tells us, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Once we arrive in Heaven, we will be glorified and perfect. Our hearts, attitudes, and thoughts will be completely in agreement with God (1 John 3:2). If some of our loved ones are not in Heaven, we will be in 100% complete agreement that they do not belong there – that they are condemned by their own refusal to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior (John 3:16; John 14:6). It is hard to understand this, but we will not be saddened by the lack of their presence. Our focus should not be on how we can enjoy Heaven without all of our loved ones there, but rather on how we can point our loved ones to faith in Christ – so that they will be there.

7. Suppose you were standing before God right now and He asked you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” What would you say?

• This is an important question. If asked on the street, many would reply; “because I have been a good person.”
• The only way to get into heaven is through Jesus Christ.
• See the blog post below for more thoughts on this question.

8. Will some people receive crowns on the Day of Judgment? Read Revelation 4:10-11 and discuss what it means to lay your crown before the throne.

• 2Timothy 4:8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
• I can't help thinking that there is something special about the timing of their action. First they lay their crowns before the throne. Then they worship.
  

Putting it into practice:

1) In what way do you think you need to be better prepared for heaven? Pray about that in your groups.


Quote Of The Day
The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving. To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it - but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.
--Oliver Wendell Holmes

Question 7

Question #7 on the leader guide says:
Suppose you were standing before God right now and He asked you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” What would you say?

One way to think about this question is to ask it the opposite way. Instead of asking, "Why should God let me into heaven?" you could ask, "What would keep me out of heaven?"

Scripture clearly answers this question:

1Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

1John 3:15 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

If you have lied, you are a liar. If you have had hatred in your heart, you are a murderer. If you have ever taken anything that didn't belong to you, you are a thief.
These are all violations of God’s law. If you are guilty of breaking God’s law, a penalty must be imposed. The only way to be spared from the penalty is by divine pardon.
Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is that pardon. He suffered the penalty for the sins we have committed, thereby making the pardon possible.
If a person places his/her complete faith and trust in Jesus and accepts the pardon of God, that person will be welcomed into heaven.

Leader Guide Week of 12-2-07

Small Group Leaders Guide
December 2, 2007

December 2, 2007
It’s The End Of The World As We Know It And I Feel Fine
Is It Just Me, Or Is It Hot In Here?
Hell, Eternal Punishment and the Devil

Getting Started:

1. Do you think Hell is a place or a state of existence?


Going Deeper:

2. Think about these three words: Mercy, Forgiveness, Justice. Which of the three get applied to believers on the Day of Judgment? Which gets applied to those who reject Christ? What Scripture passages support your answer?


3. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. If salvation is a free gift, why doesn’t God save everyone?

• If God saved everyone, heaven would be compulsory.
• If God saved everyone, free will would have no meaning.
• If God saved everyone, repentance would not be necessary.
• If God saved everyone, faith in Jesus Christ would not be necessary.
• If faith in Christ and repentance aren’t necessary, why is the New Testament littered with calls to repent and place your faith in Jesus Christ?

4. What is the difference between mercy and forgiveness? How are they related to justice?

• When it comes to punishment, mercy is when you receive a punishment that is less than that which you deserve.
• Forgiveness is when you receive none of the punishment that you deserve.
• Justice is when you receive the exact punishment you deserve. No more and no less.
• Mercy and forgiveness cannot exist in the absence of justice. Without justice, the words “forgiveness” and “mercy” have no meaning.

5. What would you say to someone who said: “I don’t care if I go to Hell. I will see all my friends there and we will throw a big party.”

• I’m thinking there will be no parties in Hell. Unless weeping and gnashing your teeth is your idea of a party.
• Hell is a place of punishment not reward.
• Scripture teaches that Hell is a place of torment that goes on night and day, forever and ever. (Revelation 14:11) (Revelation 20:10)

6. Read 1John 4:8. If God is love, how can he send someone to hell?

• God is not just love. He is also just.

7. Does the devil have the power to throw a person in hell?

• Matthew 10:28

8. In 2Peter 2:4 it says that some angels sinned. Can angels repent?


9. What happens in Hell? As you read Scripture, what would you say it teaches about a person’s experience in Hell?


Putting it into practice:

1) Who do you know that needs to hear about the forgiveness that is available in Christ? Pray about that person in your groups.


Quote Of The Day
Am I becoming more and more in love with God as a holy God, or with the conception of an amiable being who says, “Oh, well, sin doesn’t matter much”?
--Oswald Chambers

Small Group Feedback

One of our small group members sent this email to their leader after attending for the first time. I wanted to share this encouragement with all of you!


I really wanted to stay and chat a little more the other night, but I really had to get home and finish up some homework. But, I wanted to let you know about the Bible Study and my thoughts.

First of all, thank you so much for allowing me to come--thinking that it was only a young couples group, which I can see is not the focus--it really is the only one that I can attend due to my crazy "i need to learn to say no" schedule.

Second, I really really enjoyed it. I haven't been to a Bible Study in a long time where I was forced to think about what I was going to say. I actually had to stretch my mind. I love that feeling. It was very refreshing not having to answer the same "churchy" questions in the same "churchy" way. I really enjoyed the challenge of exploring ideas that are both Biblical and different from my own understanding.

Third, I really liked splitting up into groups at the end for prayer--the "guys with guys" and "girls with girls" thing. I think that that is very important and beneficial.

That's all I really had to say, except that you need to keep your phone on in case someone gets lost...***cough cough***... just kidding.

Well, I hope your work week is going better than last weeks.

Thoughts on Question 7

Some of Jesus’ most stinging words were reserved for the Pharisees. Jesus used several terms to describe them; Sons of hell, brood of vipers and hypocrites, to name just three.

In fact, the word hypocrite (Greek Hoopacrita which means; actor under an assumed character) was used frequently. (14 times)
Apparently, Jesus thinks being a hypocrite is a bad thing.

I see the servant with the one talent as a hypocrite. He may have acted out the role of a servant of the master but he didn’t live his life according to that identity. This is evident in the way he exercised stewardship over what was entrusted to him and in his mistaken characterization of his master.

The master called the servant wicked and lazy. He then pointed out the hypocrisy of the servant’s behavior by explaining that his actions didn’t match his supposed beliefs. In other words, his actions were not those of a servant. Nor did he behave as someone who truly believed that the master was a hard man, reaping where he did not sow, etc. If he really lived out his belief of what the master was like, he would have put the money on deposit. The servant is a hypocrite and a liar. His actions betray his true identity.

Leader Guide Week of 11-25-07

Small Group Leaders Guide
November 25, 2007

November 25, 2007
It’s The End Of The World As We Know It And I Feel Fine

Getting Started:

1. What’s your investment strategy? Stock market? Bonds? Mutual funds? Large investments with lower risk? Smaller investments with higher risk?

Going Deeper:

2. If you had $8000.00 and you wanted some people to increase its value while you were away, who would you give $5000.00, 2000.00, and 1000.00 to? Why those three?

3. Read Matthew 25:14-30. In this parable, who does the master represent? The journey? The talents? The servants? What is the main point of this parable?

4. What can a person do to discover what God wants him/her to do for His kingdom? What Bible passages help provide an answer?

• Romans chapters 12, 13, 14, up to 15:7 contain a very lengthy list of specific ways God calls us to live out our faith.

5. What, specifically, do you think God has given you that He wants you to invest in His kingdom? How’s it going so far? Which servant in this parable do you resonate with the most?

6. Read Matthew 25:28-30. Do you think the master’s reaction is appropriate? Why or why not? Is the servant being punished for something he did or something he didn’t do? Read James 4:17 and Romans 7:13. How do these verses provide insight to this question?

7. In one word, what is the servant being punished for?

• Unbelief
• Disobedience
• Hypocrisy
• See the blog for more thoughts on this question.

8. What is the message for us, from this parable?

Putting it into practice:

1) Are you satisfied with the return on your investment? Are you satisfied with the investment itself? Pray about this in your groups.

Quote Of The Day

The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become.
--Ben Herbster

Is Eternal Punishment Fair?

One of our small group leaders sent me an email with the following question regarding last week's small group questions. Here it is with my response:

Question #7 talks about whether everlasting punishment in hell is unfair. I may be asking the question a little different, but what do you say to someone who thinks that the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. Meaning, our finite sin here on earth is receiving everlasting punishment in hell. It seems unbalanced or unfair. I looked to the blog for your answer, but I think you were answering something a little different.

Here are a few bullet point thoughts about this question:

• The criminal never gets to choose his punishment. Even in this world.
• We may think the punishment is disproportionate to the crime because we do not realize the severity and utter sinfulness of our deeds. (See Romans 7:13)
  
• In calling the punishment unfair, we appeal to our own sense of fairness as sinful, fallen, imperfect human beings instead of a holy, just, perfect God.
• The duration of punishment never has anything to do with the duration of the crime. It has to do with the severity of the crime. Compare committing fraud or embezzlement for years and years to a single moment of murder.
• If a person sinned once per waking hour from age 18 to age 70, that person would have committed 227,760 sins. Not that the quantity is important. I just thought the math was interesting.
• We under-estimate our sin.
• We under-estimate the impact, severity and magnitude of our sin.
• We under-estimate the holiness and justice of God.
• We over-estimate our own goodness.
• The ultimate and unfortunate irony for many people is that they had every opportunity to gain complete forgiveness and declined.

What’s even more of a mystery than the question of fairness in punishment, is the mystery of the quality and quantity of forgiveness offered to the un-deserving. But I guess no one is complaining about how unfair that is. :)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

The more I think about Thanksgiving, the more sacred the holiday becomes in my mind.
Christmas and Easter are usually the holidays that get the most religious attention, and for good reason. The birth of Jesus marks the presentation of the complete, universal, and final sacrifice, pictured repeatedly for generations, in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, for the sins of mankind. It represents the ultimate and most extravagant gift ever given to such undeserving recipients.
The Resurrection represents the final word and ultimate guarantee of eternal life to all those who believe. It is the validation of God’s acceptance of the sacrifice. On this historical fact the whole of Christian belief hinges.
What would those celebrations amount to in the absence of thanksgiving?

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
--Psalm 30:11-12

Leader Guide Week of 11-18-07

Small Group Leaders Guide
November 18, 2007

It’s The End Of The World As We Know It And I Feel Fine
Making The Final Cut: The Judgment

Getting Started:

1. What’s your favorite “crime” show? (ie: CSI, Perry Mason, Quincy, Law & Order, etc.)

Going Deeper:

2. On the “Day of Judgment”, who gets judged?

• Believers
• Unbelievers
• Angels
• Satan
• The dead
• The living

3. If it’s true that Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of believers, why is it that believers also get judged with unbelievers on the “Day of Judgment”?

• See BLOG post below
  

4. Read Matthew 11:20-24. Why will the judgment be more “unbearable” for Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum?

• The answer is in verse 20. They did not repent.

5. The word, “judgment” can be a legal term. What is the “legal” status of believers before the Day of Judgment? What is the “legal” status of unbelievers before the Day of Judgment?

• John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
• Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

6. Will the punishment of the devil be different than the punishment for unbelievers?

• Matthew 25:41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

7. What would you say to someone who says: “It seems unfair to punish someone eternally in hell just because that person didn’t believe in Jesus.”?

• See BLOG post below
  

8. Read 1Corinthians 3:11-15. This passage refers several times to something a person “builds” or “has built.” What is being referred to by those figures of speech? Practically speaking, what would you suggest to someone who wants to build something that “survives” (verse 14)?

• What Bible passages or parables might help to answer this question?
  

Putting it into practice:

1) What are you building right now that you think is going to survive? Pray about any changes that would need to occur in your life to focus more on building what lasts.

Quote Of The Day

I shall tell you a great secret, my friend. Do not wait for the Last Judgment. It takes place every day.
--Albert Camus

Antidote

Have you ever heard a statement like this one:
“I can’t believe you worship a god that would send someone to hell just because he doesn’t believe in Jesus.”

I think that statement totally misses the point.

Is it true that God sends people to hell for not believing in Jesus?
My answer is yes and no. Here is what I mean:

Usually, the reason people raise this question is because they have heard Christians explain it that way. We often haven’t been careful to communicate exactly what's going on here and why belief in Jesus is so important.

It's because belief in Jesus solves a problem.
The problem itself is what condemns people to hell, and if Jesus doesn't solve the problem then the problem doesn't get solved.
He's the only one capable of dealing with it.

The problem is sin.

Sin is like a disease that infects every single person on the planet.
And it has a 100% mortality rate.

One way of looking at this is to see mankind as desperately, deathly ill. What is the antidote? The antidote is forgiveness. It's available to everyone from the very One whom we have offended--God Himself. He offers forgiveness to the great and the small, to those who are the greatest sinners and the least sinners. Now you have a choice. Take the medicine or don't.

That's the answer to the question. The offer of forgiveness goes out to everyone. The antidote to the deadly disease is available to each and every person. It's up to us to accept it or not. If we don't, we perish, not because we don’t believe in Jesus but because we have refused the forgiveness of God.

Judgment=Condemnation?

When someone hears the word, “judgment”, they sometimes understand it as the word, “condemnation.” In other words, the definition of the word, “condemnation” is applied to the word, “judgment” in the mind of some.

The Day of Judgment is when the deeds, attitudes, thoughts, and words of all people will be judged (evaluated) and exposed for what they are.

In a court of law, there are several stages to a trial. There is the presentation of the case, at which time, the evidence is reviewed and witnesses are brought forward to testify. The judge hears the case and makes a judgment. His judgment leads to a verdict. After judgment and verdict come sentencing or punishment.

So, in this case, judgment is the process by which a verdict is reached. For believers, the verdict is one of “no condemnation” for Jesus had the penalty for sin poured out on Him. (Romans 8:1) For unbelievers the verdict comes back “condemned”. (John 3:17-18)

So, we see that judgment is not another word for condemnation but could result in condemnation.
When someone is on trial, the Day of Judgment can be a good thing if that day produces a “not guilty” verdict!

Tips

One of our small group values is "One Another Prayer"

Here are some tips for living out this value in your small group and ways to change it up a little:

• Break up men and women into separate prayer groups.
• No more than six in a group with an optimal number being three.
• Establish groups within the group. The same group of three pray together every week.
• Encourage members to write their prayer requests on the connecting cards on Sunday mornings so that even more people can be praying for them!
• Hand out connecting cards in your group to record the prayer requests.
  
• Try joining hands, kneeling, standing, laying on hands etc.
• Include silent prayer times.
• Read a Psalm as a prayer. (such as Psalm 66, 93, 98, 100, 105, 111)
• Choose church members to pray for that you would like to invite to your group. Pray for them for a few weeks and then invite them.
• Play music during silent prayer times.
• Fast

Small group meetings should provide an opportunity for members to receive personal prayer and ministry. I suggest setting aside at least 20 minutes at the end of each meeting for sharing and prayer.

What ideas do you have for prayer in small groups?
Share them with the rest of the leaders! Click comments below and leave your suggestions!

Leader Guide week of 11-4-07

Small Group Leaders Guide
November 4, 2007

Small Group Announcements (please announce these to your group).

Harvest Festival was lots of fun. Thanks to all who helped!!

Small Group Study Questions:

November 4, 2007
It’s The End Of The World As We Know It And I Feel Fine
It All Starts With An Earthquake

Getting Started:

1. What’s your favorite end of the world movie?


Going Deeper:

2. Does knowing that Christ could return at any time encourage you or discourage you? Why?

3. Is there something about the way you are living that you would change if you knew for sure that you were living in the “end times”? What would you change?

4. The Bible describes the end times as times of trial. Mark 13:19-20 describes them as days of distress unequalled to anything the world has ever seen. Matthew 24:10 talks about people turning away from the faith, and being deceived. We want to be people who “stand firm to the end” (Matthew 24:13). How does that happen? What promises, truths or commands do we have that help us as we think about standing strong to the end.

5. Read John 1:29. What is the significance of John’s use of the word, “lamb” in this passage?

• Acts 8:32-35
• 1Corinthians 5:7
• 1Peter 1:18
• The lamb reference from John the Baptist refers to the Passover lamb. For that story, read Exodus 12:1-14

6. In the book of Revelation, when we get a snapshot of heaven, Jesus is pictured many times as the Lamb, particularly, the lamb who was slain. Why is it, in heaven, among the heavenly beings, He is remembered as a lamb? What is the significance that the last book of the Bible puts so much emphasis on Christ as the lamb who was slain?

• 5:6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the centre of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
• 5:12 In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!"
• 7:17 For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

7. According to Rev 17:14 Jesus is “Lord of lords and Kings of kings” The book of Revelation also describes Jesus as a mighty warrior. Read Revelations 19:11-16. What images of Christ do you see in this passage?

Putting it into practice:
1) What do you think Jesus most wants us to know about the end times based on what you have read in the Bible? Pray about that in your groups.

Quote Of The Day
One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime.
--Jim Elliot

In Jesus Name

What does someone who holds the position of police officer mean when he says, “Stop in the name of the law”? Does he think that he is the law? Does he think that a person should “stop” because he said so? No, of course not. What the officer means is that he represents the law, speaks for the law, and is operating in the authority of the law. He has been duly sworn in as someone who is trusted with acting on behalf of and consistent with the law of the land. When the officer commands someone to stop, he is engaged in the rightful use of an authority that has been granted to him. The officer is the voice of the law.

What do we mean when we end our prayer by saying “In the name of Jesus, Amen”? Does adding that phrase to the end of our prayer make it more powerful? Is a prayer that ends with those words more likely to be heard and answered? When I looked for an example of a prayer that ended that way from the New Testament, I couldn’t find one. However, I think we should pray in Jesus’ name.

The question is: What does it mean to pray in Jesus’ name?

I think praying in the name of Jesus is a lot like the police officer acting in the name of the law. It’s not about the words themselves. It’s about my position in Christ. It’s not that we have been asked to end all of our prayers with that phrase. Rather, we are to pray as one who has been given authority to do so. Our prayer is to be consistent with His will, His desires and His character. Maybe, instead of ending the prayer with, “In the name of Jesus, Amen,” a better idea could be to start off by saying “Father, I come before you, not in my own power, not in my own righteousness, not in my own capability. I come before you in the authority of Jesus, your Son, who gave me access by faith into this grace in which I now stand because of His blood. I come on the merits of Jesus, not on my own merits.”

I think this point is especially significant and thought provoking as I read through the New Testament and see all of the occasions when we are taught to do or act “in Jesus’ name.”

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
(John 14:14)

Leader Guide Week Of 10-28-07

Small Group Leaders Guide
October 28, 2007

Small Group Study Questions:

October 28, 2007
Can You Hear Me Now?
Getting In On God’s Family Plan

Getting Started:

1. How did you feel the first time you prayed out loud in a group?


Going Deeper:

2. In Luke 11:1-4, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. As you look at the prayer that Jesus shared with them, what stands out to you the most?

• The prayer includes a request for a single day’s provision.
• There is a recognition of personal weakness on the part of the person praying as he asks to be kept from temptation.
• The prayer is for the will of God to be done.
• What stands out to me the most is that the request to have my sins forgiven is connected to the way I forgive those who sin against me.

3. Different types of prayer have different names. For example, when we ask God to act on behalf of someone else, we call that intercessory prayer. What other kinds of prayer can you think of? Which of these do you focus on the most and why?

• Adoration – Thanking God for who He is.
• Thanksgiving – Thanking God for what He has done.
• Petition – Asking God to act on your behalf.
• Confession – Repenting of our sins before God.
• Listening – Taking time to be silent and wait upon the Lord.

4. Read Hebrews 6:11. What does it mean to earnestly seek God? How is this passage related to prayer? Read 1John 5:14-15.

5. What role does our obedience play in receiving answers to our prayers?

6. What does it mean to pray “In Jesus’ Name”?

7. Do you have difficulty praying? Why or why not? What advice would you give someone who finds it hard to pray?

8. Read Jesus’ prayer from John chapter 17 and answer the questions below:

• Jesus has several prayer requests in this passage. Can you list them?
• From His prayer, what obviously does He know about God?
• Who specifically, is Jesus praying for?
• What do you learn about Jesus, prayer, and God from this passage?
• How might knowing what Jesus prayed for help you know how to pray?

Putting it into practice:

1) Make a commitment to prayer and ask your group to provide encouragement and accountability.


Quote Of The Day
I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.
--Abraham Lincoln

Leader Guide Week of October 21st.

Small Group Leaders Guide
October 21, 2007

Small Group Announcements (please announce these to your group).

Harvest Festival passports are on sale now. If purchased on Sunday mornings at the info table, you will save money versus buying them as you arrive at the event. Bring a candy donation and save even more! For information about the Harvest Festival contact Mike Wagner at KidzLife@newlifecommunitychurch.net.

Small Group Study Questions:

October 21, 2007
Can You Hear Me Now?
What To Do When God Seems Silent

Getting Started:

1. Read Psalm 18:6. Does God have ears?



Going Deeper:

2. Look around your small group. If you had to choose someone to sit in a room with, all alone, in total silence, who would you choose and why? What does this say about the relationship you have with that person? How is the quality of your relationship with God important when He seems silent?

• Silence can sometimes be an expression of trust.
• Silence can sometimes be an expression of comfort.

3. Discuss a time when God seemed silent in your life. How did you respond? As time has gone by, do you still respond in that way? Why or why not?


4. Read Zechariah 7:13. God said that when they called He would not listen. What made God decide not to listen to them? In the times when God has seemed silent in your life, do you think there may have been similar reasons?


5. Scripture clearly teaches that there are times when God is silent. (1Samuel 3:1, Amos 8:11 for example) Read Hebrews 13:5-6. How does this verse coexist with times where God seems silent?


6. Read Psalm 77:1-9. Have you ever felt this way? Read the rest of the Psalm. What happens to cause the turning point for the author of this Psalm? How might doing what Asaph did in this Psalm help you when God seems silent? Specifically, what would you remember (vs 11)?

• I think the turning point is the first time the word “mused” appears. To muse is to think or ponder. As he began to think about and ponder his questions he also began to remember things about God that helped him answer the questions he was asking. (has His love vanished, will He reject forever, will He never show favor, etc.)
• Asaph went from feelings to faith. His faith was more than feelings. His faith was informed and intellectual also. When he felt the weight of those questions rising up within him, he took captive his thoughts so that he could remember what he knew to be true of God.

7. Jeremiah 29:4-14 describes a time of discipline for God’s people and a time when God may seem silent (see verses 8-9). What is God’s advice to His people while they are going through this disciplinary action? How might this be a practical lesson in your own life when God seems silent?

• God seems to be suggesting that they live in the same way He would want them to live if they were in their own land.
• In the later verses He emphasizes seeking Him.

8. On Sunday we looked at four responses we can have when God seems silent. Which one is the hardest for you? If you added a fifth response, what would it be?

• Don’t read the wrong message into a “no message” situation.
• Don’t return the favor.
• Don’t lose hope.
• Don’t let what you don’t know rob you of what you do know.
• If I added a fifth response, it would be “remember." Remember who God is, what He has done in my life, the promises He has made.

Putting it into practice:

1) What are one or two practical ways you can respond when it seems like God is being silent? How can your small group help? Pray about that in your groups.



Quote Of The Day:
Silence is not absence.

When God Seems Silent

In Scripture, when God is silent, it is often punitive. In other words, God's silence is often a response to the rebellious and disobedient nature of His people.
But not always. As I read Scripture it occurrs to me that there are also times that God is silent as He brings His people through the trials of life. I've seen this most often in the Psalms.
Why do you think, when it seems like we need Him the most, God is silent? I think the answer to this question can also be found in the Psalms. As I read the Psalms, I notice that the authors tend to use God's silence as a time for personal reflection, petition, crying out and seeking Him. I also noticed the sheer determination on the part of the author to recognize God for who He is, praise Him for what He does, and remember Him for what He has done.
It often seems that when we need God most, even in His silence, that is the time He is not only helping us, but even carrying us.
The "Footprints In The Sand" story illustrates this. Of course the story is fictional, but I believe it describes a spiritual truth. In fact, I wonder if this fictional character sensed a certain silence on the part of God during his times of trial. I know I have. Here is the story. I added two Bible verses at the end that I think connect.


Footprints in the sand

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: One belonging to him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it.
"LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."

The LORD replied,
"My precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

"The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as He did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place."
Deuteronomy 1:30-31

"Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron."
Psalm 77:19-20

On Mission Event

What makes Harvest Festival an "On Mission" event?

The Harvest Festival is one of only two events that our church calls “All-Church” events. (The other is the Easter picnic) Because it is an all-church event, we try to create an outreach/inviting component that encourages others in our community to attend. One thing that is different about this year’s Harvest Festival is the intentional nature of this outreach.

Here’s what’s different:

• Intentional Gospel Presentation

This year we have a station where children can come and enjoy a story about a pumpkin! The pumpkin is used as an object lesson to describe how Jesus can come into our “heart”, clean out the slimy gunk and make us clean. The candle in the pumpkin illustrates how His light shines through us.

• Bible Tracts

In addition to candy and small toy prizes at the game stations, we will also be handing out Gospel tracts. These small pamphlets are short, easy to understand, and encourage parents and children to talk about what it says.

• Bible Buddies

This year some of the prizes will consist of trading cards that have Bible buddies from the current Avalanche Ranch Sunday morning KidzLife curriculum. These cards have a picture of the Bible buddy on the card with a Bible verse on the back.

• Information Gathering

This year, when people get photos taken we will be asking them to fill out a form with their address on it so that we can send the photo to them. This will allow us to include an invitation to our church and thank them for coming to the Harvest Festival.

• Gift Basket Raffle

This year we will be raffling gift baskets. In addition to including coffee, gift cards, and other trinkets, we will also be placing Bibles, Purpose Driven Life books and invitations to and information about our church.

• Over 20 people have already signed up to help with some part of this event. However, that’s less than half of what it will take to make this event great. Please pray for the Harvest Festival, the people that have volunteered, and the invitations and flyers that have gone out to the community and consider how you can play a role in making the Harvest a blessing to our members, our kidz, and to those who may hear about Jesus for the first time.

Here are two questions for you as leaders:

• What might make this event even more On Mission?

• What part will you have in making this event more On Mission?

Click "comments" on this blog post and share your ideas with the rest of us!

God At Work

Hi Leaders,

I traveled to Mexico last Saturday with our Mexico outreach team and wanted to tell you about someone I met there.
In the photo, you probably recognize Dave Bourbinay and his son, Jonah. Between them is a young girl named Lupita. Here is her story:


Lupita was found going from truck stop to truck stop in Baja California when she was 7 years old. She was brought to the Casa Hogar orphanage by the authorities. This is the orphanage that we help support as a church.

Devon and Cindy Dickinson, former members of New Life Community Church, began to work with Casa Hogar in 1998; around the same time Lupita arrived there. Devon had a friend who was in medical school at the time and thought it would be a great idea to bring him down to Mexico to perform some minor health check ups. When he got to Lupita, he noticed she had a heart "murmur" of sorts. He believed it to be unique enough that it warranted further investigation. Mexican physicians confirmed that Lupita had a hole in her heart.

Lupita, being extremely young, said that she remembered having surgery at an earlier age, but couldn't provide any more information than that. Devon and his friend were able to get travel papers for Lupita to be seen by a heart specialist at Loma Linda University.
Her condition was so serious that the doctor said he couldn't explain why she was still living and breathing. The good news was that Lupita's serious condition was operable. The bad news was that, even with Loma Linda's kindness and generosity, the surgery would still cost around $50,000.

A group of concerned members from our church sprang into action and started to "shop" heart surgery rates. God provided.
The pediatric heart specialist team at Cedars Sinai was able to provide the surgery for $20,000. The funds were raised and Lupita had the surgery.

As a testament to the toughness of this young girl, she had open-heart surgery on a Wednesday and was released on a Sunday evening .........that's one tough 12 year old!

During the next year and a half, Lupita stayed with different NLCC families while commuting back and forth from the orphanage in Mexico so she could see her doctors for follow up.

Lupita just celebrated her Quincenerra Fiesta for a Mexican girl's 16th birthday. She has a strong faith in our Lord and has personal, first hand experience of His grace and healing. She has made strong ties to friends on both sides of the border.

God truly provided “New Life” to this young girl. Lupita's story is awesome and inspirational, but not rare. Each one of the 90+ children and adolescents at the orphanage have unique and amazing stories to share.

I would like to encourage you all to share in this ministry. I know that, for me personally, it was a blessing to be able to travel there and see what God is doing through our church and others like us.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:27

Leader Guide week of October 14th.

Small Group Leaders Guide
October 14, 2007

Small Group Announcements (please announce these to your group).



Small Group Study Questions:

October 14, 2007
Can You Hear Me Now?
Getting Started:

1. What cell phone company do you use? Do you get good coverage or not?

2. Can you think of a time that God used circumstances (e.g. open doors, or closed doors, etc) to guide you or teach you?

Going Deeper:

3. In the Bible, what are some of the different ways that God speaks?

• Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
• Exodus 3:4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!"
• Psalm 89:19 Once you spoke in a vision,
• Psalm 99:7
• Isaiah 20:2
• Hebrews 1:1-2

4. Which of those do you most depend on, and why?


5. Hypothetically, if a Christian wanted to marry a non-Christian, should the Christian pray about it? Why or why not? What would be the best way for a person to “hear” God’s voice regarding such a question?

• Most Christians would agree on the clear teaching of scripture that believers should not marry unbelievers.
• Is it possible that God would direct a Christian to violate His own clear teaching in Scripture? Would God make a special exception for a person who was sincerely desiring to commit a biblically sinful act for a really good reason?
• If these questions sound a bit silly, they should! God will never contradict Himself or His Word.
• God uses the sinful acts of people to accomplish His will. He does not cause the sinful acts of people to accomplish His will.
• Fortunately, we have God’s answers to many questions in writing. We call it the Bible. Prayer is vital, important, and Biblical, but it is no substitute for Bible study.

6. In Numbers 22 God used circumstances (an uncooperative donkey) to get Balaam’s attention. Can you think of stories in the Bible where God used events to direct someone or get their attention?


7. Is it possible to read too much into life’s events? For example, if I stubbed my toe in the shower today, does that mean God was trying to teach me something through that circumstance? What would the danger be in “over-spiritualizing” every event or circumstance in a person’s life? How do you find the right balance?


8. Read Numbers 22:5-20. In verse 12 God said, “Do not go with them” Why do you think Balaam went a second time to God to ask permission for something he already knew the answer for? Read Numbers 22:15-17.


9. In verse 20 God tells Balaam to “go with them”. Why do you think God changed His mind? Is this an example of God contradicting Himself?

• We should remember what the purpose of the journey was. Balak wanted Balaam to speak a curse against the Israelites. In verses 12 and 35 God tells Balaam to speak only what He tells him to speak.
• The journey with the donkey and the conversation that takes place along the road could be a teaching that when God opposes something, the proper response is to turn away as the donkey did. God seems to be telling Balaam that even his donkey knows this truth. God’s anger seems to be directed toward Balaam’s disobedience to the answer that God gave the first time.

10. Read verse 22. What do you think it was that God was “very angry” about, so much so that He was ready to kill Balaam?


Putting it into practice:

1) In light of the different ways that God speaks, what is one action you can take to “increase coverage”?

2) Specifically, what can you do to be more receptive to when God might be speaking to you through the events of life?





Quote Of The Day
Never confuse the will of the majority with the will of God.
--Charles Colson





My Comments (for small group leaders and co-leaders)

Don’t forget to check out the small group leader blog at newlifegroups.blogspot.com
Feel free to offer comments and suggestions by clicking the comments on the blog post.
I look forward to hearing from you!

Leader Guide week of October 7th

Small Group Leaders Guide
October 7, 2007

Small Group Announcements (please announce these to your group).

Here is an easy way to get started serving in a behind the scenes way. We need someone who is willing to come to the church and pick up the bulletins, then take them home and fold them in half. Please let Laurie know if you can help by calling 736-5433 or email her at Laurie@newlifecommunitychurch.net

Small Group Study Questions:

October 7, 2007
Can You Hear Me Now?
Getting Started:

1. Have you ever felt that you “heard” God? Describe what that was like.

Going Deeper:

2. God first began speaking audibly to Samuel in chapter 3, verse 4. What would you say Samuel’s relationship with God was like before this happened?

3. Verse 7 makes an interesting comment, that Samuel “did not yet know the Lord” What do you think is meant by that? What does it mean to “know the Lord”? What does it mean for us today to know to the Lord?

4. Read the rest of verse 7. What is the relationship between knowing the Lord and having the word of the Lord revealed to you? What “word of the LORD” is this verse speaking of? The Bible? Prophecy? A general knowledge of God? Do we need the word of God revealed to us?

• 1Corinthians 1:18
• 1Corinthians 2:14
• John 6:44
• Anyone who can read a book can read the Bible. However, it is the Sprit that causes the message of the cross to have salvific impact on the reader/hearer.

5. In reading verses 4-8, you see Samuel go through three round trips to Eli. Why do you think God allowed Samuel to go through a learning process. Why didn’t God just stop Samuel the first time He ran to Eli, and let Samuel know that is was God speaking to him?

6. Read 1Samuel 3:10-18. How did Samuel feel after hearing from God? How did he act on that feeling? Have you ever felt afraid to act on something God “told” you?

7. Learning is often an intentional act. What are some steps you could take to learn to “hear” God more/better? What points from the Sunday message were most relevant for you regarding this question?

• Check out the blog for a few thoughts I have on this subject. Newlifegroups.blogspot.com

8. How could a person know whether a thought, feeling, voice, teaching, prompting, etc. is from God? Read Acts 17:11 and 2Timothy 2:15. How do these verses help you to answer this question?

9. What would you say the difference is between hearing and listening? How is this related to our study?


Putting it into practice:

1) If you find it hard to “hear” God, pray about that in your group.
2) Commit to one action that you think will best help you to “hear” from God.


Quote Of The Day
The first step to wisdom is silence; the second is listening.


My Comments (for small group leaders and co-leaders)

Don’t forget to check out the small group leader blog at newlifegroups.blogspot.com
Feel free to offer comments and suggestions by clicking the comments on the blog post.
I look forward to hearing from you!

Thoughts on Hearing from God

Our motives for wanting to hear directly from God may offer a clue as to why we have difficulty hearing Him. Do we want a direct word because we are unwilling to stop and read the Scriptures for guidance? Sadly, this is often true. Will we not seek wise counsel from others? Would hearing directly from God make us feel important or spiritual?
According to James 4:3, motives are important when making requests of God.

Here’s a good question: Are we obeying what we have already heard from God? Imagine your son or spouse asking you, "What do you want me to do today?" You reply, "Mow the lawn." They walk away, thrilled that you answered them, but they do not mow the lawn. This scenario repeats day in and day out. Would you bother giving them additional directions to plant a flowerbed when the lawn is knee-deep and still growing?

Bible study is a great place to begin listening for God's voice. During your Bible study time, pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth as you read. Don’t be afraid to mull over a passage of Scripture over and over. Don’t be in a hurry to move on. This may sound weird but I think we sometimes forget that we need to use our eyes to listen to God. Much of what God wants to say to us He has said. It's in the pages of Scripture.

Regular reading of the Bible enables us to better understand how God operates and what He expects of us. This familiarity with Him and His principles will increase our ability to "hear" Him and to discern if something is "of Him". Always compare what you believe may be a word from God with Scripture, for God will not contradict Himself.

Hearing God requires that we go about our days actively listening for His voice. Too often we send up a prayer requesting God to speak to us about a given situation and when He does, we don’t even notice. We were too busy, going too fast, listening to and thinking about too many other things.

We want God's voice to break through our busy, high speed, high tech lives but God's voice is often still and small.

Slow down, breathe a little, clear your mind. Find a place where you can be still and know that He is God.

Study Habits Part II

As promised, here are a few of my thoughts regarding my previous blog post about study habits and our small group model.

Our small group model makes Mike Hannah a better teacher. If small group members are focused on the Sunday messages, taking notes and getting prepared to discuss what they’re learning, this would create a better learning outcome for that person. Because you know you’re going to discuss it later, you may be motivated to take better notes.

Our small group model invites new members to small groups. New people might not know what to expect from a small group. What are the questions like? Are they hard? Are they easy? Do I have to be a seminary graduate? Every Sunday they see the questions and therefore know what to expect when they show up at small group.

Our model allows someone who knows nothing about the Bible to be able to show up at a small group and have something to contribute. Often, the Sunday morning message is the only prep a small group member gets before he shows up at the group.

Our model encourages people who miss a Sunday to find the CD or podcast and listen to the message. No one needs to come to their group completely unprepared, even if they missed the Sunday service.

Our model consistently reinforces the importance of small groups at our church. Every Sunday, when people look at the message outline, they are immediately reminded that small groups are getting together to dig deeper because the small group questions are on the back of that outline.