life walking

Adventures in Missing the Point, Matt. 22:14-40

2006-07-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Missing the Point
Matt. 22:14-40

This Sunday Grant did a great job of showing how even the most learned in scripture can miss the point as they tried to trap Jesus with what they thought were clever questions. Sometimes, we get so drawn to the things of this world that we lose sight of what God has called us to. Certainly that was true for the Pharisees and Sadducees. We went from the Pharisees questioning Jesus about paying taxes, to the Sadducees questioning Jesus about the resurrection, to finally the Sadducees and Pharisees gang up on Jesus: "Teacher, Which is the greatest commandment in the law?"

Grant made several interesting points that would be good to just, as he puts it, marinate on. So I encourage you to go to the church website and listen to it again.

At the end Grant challenged us to filter our activities as individuals and as a church body through these two questions:
Does it lead us to a better love of God?
Does it lead us to love others?

In light of these two questions ask your LIFE group to evaluate their past week. Now, challenge them to use this questions as a filter for their activities in the coming week.

Just one more question, is anyone looking at this blog? If so, please post a comment to let me know. Thanks, Keith.

Lazerus, John 11:1-44

2006-06-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Lazerus
John 11:1-44

The climactic miracle of raising Lazerus from the dead was Jesus' public evidence of the truth of His great claim, "I am the Resurrection and the Life."

Jesus did not go immediately. But His delay was not from lack of love, or from fear of the Jews. He waited till the right moment in the Father's plan. Lazarus' sickness would not end in death; that is, in permanent death. Instead Jesus would be glorified in this incident. John 11:4, "....Jesus said, "this sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified throught it."

Both Martha and Mary expressed their belief in Jesus' authority when they stated that Lazerus would not have died if Jesus had been there (John 11:21 and John 11:32). Jesus told Martha that Lazerus would rise again but Martha thought he was talking about the resurrection at the last day. Jesus told Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." Then He asks Martha a very important question, "Do you believe this?" Martha's answer is the incredible truth all believers confess, "Yes, Lord," she told Him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the would."

Some tidbits
1. I am the resurrection and the life. This is the fifth of Jesus' great "I am" revelation.
John 6:28, "I am the bread of life"
John 8:12, "I am the light of the world"
John 10:7, "I am the gate"
John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd"
John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life"

2. The fact that lazarus had been dead for four days is significant, since early rabbinic sources suggest the Jews believed the soul hovered near the body of the deceased for three days.

3. This is one of the few passages that describes the emotions from Jesus. He was deeply moved and He wept. Deeply moved may either be translated "groaned" or more likely "angered." Jesus' weeping differed from that of the people. His quiet shedding of tears differed from their loud wailing.

Questions:
1. What was the purpose of raising Lazerus from the dead?

2. How does this event impact your life today?

3. John 11:27, Have you publically confessed who Jesus is lately?

4. Have you had the opportunity to lead someone to that confession for their first time?

5. Explore the "I am" passages.

6. Why was Jesus angry? (Could it be He was angry because of the people's unbelief or hypocritical wailing. Or was Jesus angry at the tyranny of Satan who had brought sorrow and death to people through sin. )

7. Why did Jesus weep? (Was He weeping over Lazerus death or was He weeping over the tragic consequesces of sin.) Remember, Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazerus from the dead. When was the last time you felt real sorrow because of sin in the world, in your own life?

Humility or Pride, Luke 18:15-27

2006-06-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Humility or Pride, Luke 18:15-27

Luke:18:15-17, this short section was placed here to follow up on the message of the previous parable, Luke 18:9-14 (the pharisee and the tax collector). Jesus had taught that it was necessary to be humble before God. In these verses He compared humility to childlikeness: Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. In these words Jesus was stating that a person must come to Him in humility in order to enter the kingdom. Children come with expectation and excitement. They come realizing that they are not sufficient in themselves. They depend totally on others. If these same attitudes are not present in adults, they can never enter into the kingdom. Humility allows God to exalt the individual, while pride must be disciplined. Even the disciples were guilty of falling into a judgmental spirit, as seen in their attitude toward children.

1. Robert Upshaw challenged us with this question: when was the last time you approached Jesus like a child? Example?

2. In the parable, the pharisee used other people as his standard for measuring righteousness. The tax collector used God as his standard for measuring righteousness. What standard would you say you use?

3. It is so easy for us to justify our actions and at the same time stand in harsh judgment of other. What standard would others say you use?
Look for an opportunity to show God's grace and mercy to someone the same way God extended His grace and mercy toward you.

4. What areas of pride are keeping you from walking in humility? Use this time to confess them and acknowledge your dependence on God?

The transfiguration and healing of the demon-possessed boy, Mark 9:1-29

2006-06-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

The transfiguration and healing of the demon-possessed boy
Mark 9:1-29, also Matt. 17:1-23 and Luke 9:28-43, 2 Pet. 1:16-18

Mark 9:2-13

The term transfiguration comes from the Greek verb metamorpho, from which we get the word "metamorphosis." This means a change in outward appearance in keeping with one's inner nature. This was a revelation of Jesus' glory. The radiance of His glory was evidenced in His face and in His garments that became as white as the light. Jesus' transfiguration allowed what He is by nature to be shown publicly for the first time in His earthly life. For a brief time Jesus' human body was transformed (glorified) and the disciples saw Him as He will be when He returns visibly in power and glory to establish His Kingdom on earth (Rev. 1-14-15).

Why Moses and Elijah? Perhaps these two men and the disciples suggest all the categories of people who will be in Jesus' coming kingdom. The disciples represent individuals who will be present in physical bodies. Moses represents saved individuals who have died or will die. Elijah represents saved individuals who will not experience death, but will be caught up to heaven alive (1 Thes. 4:17). These three groups will be present when Christ institutes His kingdom on earth. Furthermore the Lord will be in His glory as He was at the transfiguration and the kingdom will take place on earth, as this obviously did. The disciples were thus enjoying a foretaste of the kingdom the Lord promised (Matt. 16:28).

1. What do you think God's purpose was in the transfiguration? For Jesus? For Moses and Elijah? For the disciples? What does it mean to us today?

2. Why were Moses and Elijah, of all Old Testament people, present on this occasion?

3. Why do you think Jesus took only Peter, John, and James?

4. In Mark 9:1, A few days before the transfiguration, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power." Do you think Jesus was talking about the transfiguration? Why or why not?

5. God spoke to the disciples, saying, "This is My Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him." "Listen to Him" can be translated as "Be obedient to Him". How have you listened to Jesus this week? In what ways have you obeyed Him? In what ways has He transformed your life?

Mark 9:14-29

From this mountain top experience, Jesus, Peter, James, and John returned to the other disciples. They found them arguing with the teachers of the law. The disciples had been unable to cast out a demon from a boy. The demon was a deaf and dumb spirit. As Grant emphasized Sunday, what a contrast! From a mountain top encounter with God, to the disciples arguing with the teachers of the law. Jesus had given the disciples authority to cast out demons (Mark 6:7), yet they could not cast out this demon. Jesus was clearly frustrated with their lack of belief.

1. The teachers of the law may have questioned Jesus authority, thus causing the disciples to doubt. What do you think the disciples were arguing about? Have you had experiences where you have questioned Jesus' authority and thus hindered your ministry opportunities?

2. The disciples could not heal or cast out the demon of the boy because of their lack of faith as well as the lack of faith of the boy's father (Mark 9:24, "I do believe help me overcome my unbelief!") How is our faith increased?

3. Peter wanted to build three tabernacles where they had experienced God and stay a while. As Peter stated in Mark 9:5, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here." But, Jesus took Peter, James, and John from that mountain top experience to the reality of day to day ministry. While those mountain top experiences are "good", Jesus has work for us to do. Have there been times when you have sought only the mountain top experiences and neglected your earthly ministries?

Feeding of the 5000, Matt. 14:13-21

2006-06-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

Feeding of the 5000

Matt. 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-4, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-15

The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand took place in Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew, Peter, and Philip. Bethsaida was a fishing village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus sought to retreat with his disciples. This is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels.

John called it a sign (6:14). In supplying bread for the people, Jesus demonstrated His role as a prophet, for two Old Testament prophets, Moses and Elijah, had been used by God to provide bread miraculously (Exod. 16:11-16 and 2 Kings 4:38, 41).

Jesus Challenged the Twelve to feed the multitude to make them wrestle with the fact that their resources were inadequate and that He alone could meet their needs. The leftovers revealed the gracious abundance of Jesus' provision for the people.

1. Jesus asked the disciples to feed the multitude. The disciples determined that it would be impossible for them to do that with the resources they had. Would Jesus ask the disciples to do something that could not be accomplished? They just need to understand the source of their provision and be obedient. Is there something that Jesus is calling you to do but you have questioned His ability to provide?

2. Give some examples when you have seen God provide in what seemed to be an impossible situation?

3. In Matt. 14:14, Jesus was compelled by compassion to teach and heal the multitudes. Though He may not have felt like it or may have been tired and needed some "alone time", His compassion for others drove Him to action. Is the Holy Spirit prompting you to perform acts of compassion? Have you acted upon that prompting? Why or why not?

Sending of the 12, Mark 6:7-13

2006-06-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

The sending of the 12, Mark 6:7-13 and Matt. 10:1-20

The gospel of Mark is thought to be written by John Mark who accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey and proved to be a less-than-dependable servant. Though he proved to be a reliable servant later. Mark was a companion of Peter, who was one of Jesus' closest friends in His earthly ministry. Therefore, the Gospel of Mark is believed to contain many of the thoughts, teachings, and firsthand impressions of Peter.

The whole gospel of Mark is summed up in a phrase from Mark 10:45: "Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve." From Mark 1:1 to 8:30, the theme of this book is the ministry of the Servant, Christ. From 8:31 to the end of the book, the theme is the ransoming work of the Servant.

In Mark 6:7-13, Mark recounts Jesus' sending of the 12 to preach the message of repentance and that the kingdom of heaven is near (Mark 6:12, Matt. 10:7). He does not send them ill equipped. He gives them authority and instructions.

1. In Matt. 10:1 and Mark 6:7, Jesus gave his apostles authority over evil spirits and the authority to cure every kind of disease and sickness. As the apostles began their ministry, how do you think the evil spirits knew the apostles had authority over them and the people around them knew they had authority to cure sicknesses? Did the apostles have a sealed document, special clothing, a special mark, or maybe a secret handshake?

2. Do we have the same authority today as the apostles had then? If no, why not? If yes, why are we not exercising that authority or seeing demonstrations of that authority more often?

3. Jesus sent the apostles in groups of two. What was the significance in that? Does that provide a model for us today?

4. The apostles were to take no food, money, or extra clothing. What do you think was Jesus' purpose in that instruction? (This was an opportunity for both the givers and receivers)

5. What do you think was Jesus' purpose for sending the aposties on this short ministry trip?Was it to begin the spread of the gospel, to train the apostles while he was still on earth, other thoughts?

Healing the cripple, Mark 3:1-6

2006-05-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

Jesus knew healing the cripple would be another opportunity for an object lesson for the Pharisees concerning the sabbath. See Mark 2:23-28 for the first lesson. He knew all the regulations the Pharisees had placed on the sabbath and now it was time to see if they really understood the purpose of the sabbath. He asked them a question in Mark 3:4, "Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?" Jesus was angered by their silence and was grieved at their hardness of heart.

According to the laws of the sabbath, was Jesus wrong to heal the cripple? What is the purpose of the sabbath? In Mark 2:27-28, Jesus stated, "The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even over the sabbath." (Quote from Zondervan pictorial Bible Dictionary, "Jesus came into conflict with the religious leaders of the Jews especially on two points: His claim to be the Messiah, and on the matter of sabbath observance. The rabbis regarded the sabbath as an end in itself, whereas Jesus taught that the sabbath was made for man's benefit, and that man's needs must take precedence over the law of the sabbath.")
This passage concerning the sabbath allows us to examine other areas in our lives where we may be following the letter of the law but missing the intent of the law. Describe a time when some spiritual area in your life became so legalization that you moved away from the true intent of God's word? What caused that to happen?
Are there areas like that now? Are you placing yourself or others under the bondage of your legalism and driving them away from the truth that you desire them to understand? Or perhaps you are using these legalistic areas to manipulate someone.
You may want to take time with your group to pray. Ask God to reveal any areas where your heart may be hardened to the truth of God. If there are, your group time would a safe place to confess and repent.

Solomon's Dedication

2006-03-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

Keith Bruns is going to be our resident sage!! He's agreed (with lots of pushing!!!) to throw some questions on the table for discussion for us. Here are some of his thoughts for this week:

In Solomon's prayer (1 King 8:54-61), he made 5 requests. What are they? Are they still valid today? Could this be a pattern of prayer you might want to try? Why or why not.

Israel celebrated for 14 days through prayer, sacrifices and thanksgiving. In 1 King 8:66, it says they were joyful in heart for all the good the Lord had done for his servant David and his people Israel. They remembered what God had done in their lives with joy and gladness. What good things has God been doing in your life? We do need to remember.

In 1 King 9:9, it said the Lord appeared to Solomon a second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon. What did Solomon request of God, in 1 King 3:5-15? What was God's response to his request? If you only had one request of God, what would it be?

In 1 King 9:1-9, God appeared to Solomon. What was God's promise? This was a promise with a condition, what was the condition? What idols in your life have hindered you from realizing the promises of God?

Art of Skilfull Living

2006-03-20T12:39:00.000-08:00

Ken Wilson did a great job of overviewing Proverbs for us this weekend.

Some random questions I left with...

What 'sages' am I listening to? Who are my "Bill Gates" and "Yogi Berras"?
What is their advice based on? How much do I really FEAR the Lord? (The Lent Challenge is really changing this in me.)
What are the soundbites/proverbial statements that I'm passing on to my kids? "Clean your room." "Turn off the lights."
What proverbs drive me? Which ones would I want to be a motto of my home?

Next week, I'm going to get to look at Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes. (I know, I know...I get the good ones...) What do those books tell us about Solomon? What do they reveal about his heart?

Keep walking...

Leader Meeting, Wednesday Night

2006-03-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

From the Elders:

We first want to thank you for your service, and commitment to the ministry at Grace.  Know, that your role is crucial to the healthy 
function of Grace.  Again thank you.

Our intent with the meeting is to discuss with you as leaders, where we've been as a body and where we are going from here.

We will order pizzas, so if you plan to attend, please rsvp Kayla by Monday afternoon.  Childcare will also be provided, so include childcare needs in the rsvp as well. If you have any questions please contact one of the elders.

Thanks,
Elders of Grace Church

*Pizza Dinner 6:00-6:30, Discussion 6:45-7:30

Pray for the Greenwoods

2006-03-13T14:46:00.000-08:00

I just left the hospital with David Greenwood. Janet was found to have cancer in her surgery today. I'll try to keep you all posted as more information unfolds. Here's what I do know.

She is recovering from her surgery and other than the cancer, is recovering fine. We are all pretty shocked, this wasn't on the radar screen. She is at Baptist Hospital but I'm not sure if she is taking visitors yet. When I know, you'll know.

Please pray for the Greenwoods.

(They are in David and Annette Edward's LIFE Group.)

The Next Confab

2006-02-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

April 28th, Friday night, 6.30 to 9.30 pm at Grace Church.

The Confab is for Life Group Leaders, Interns, Coaches, and anyone who is interested in becoming a Life Group Leader at Grace.

What's on the agenda? Well right now I'm leaning towards Corky's but that's fluid. (Becky - that means that it could change!:))

Seriously, we looked at Interns in February, we are going to do health assessments! Potential answers to the questions:

How do I get my life group unstuck?
How do I get more sharing?
How do I move our group to more evangelism?
How do you remove red juice stains from white carpet?

If you need childcare - we've got it! Either email me or Renee' so that we know how many workers we need to get.

Now What?

2006-02-15T07:15:00.000-08:00

As narrated by Morgan Freeman:

Every year the human promises to slow down and do less things in the spring...every year the human does more.

That should be the voice over of the American household as it enters Spring. Ball games, Dance recitals, school projects, spring break...you name it - it happens in the spring.

And your Life Group could be causality number 1. Life Groups are normally the thing that first gets lopped off the family calendar. BUT it doesn't have to be.

You could demand signed contracts from your folks to show up every week. I've had limited success with this plan. (Read - NONE.)

But other ideas work tremendously better.

First, take a health assessment of your group. Doesn't have to involve the whole group - but the LGL and Intern...possibly your Coach should sit down and walk through these questions here. You might be miles away from birthing a group. That's not really the point. The point is to figure out where exactly your group is - because that's going to help you figure out what's next.

Second, make the relationships the priority, not the schedules. Instead of Life Group one week - pick a ball game of one of the kids and all show up to cheer and holler at the refs. Or, bring a ref with you to holler at. Keith Sanders is available if you need one.

Third, capitalize on meal times. For some reason, we'll miss alot of things but a meal. So leverage that. One week - crash Wendy's or Subway or whatever is available and eat together.

Fourth, keep trudging through it. Don't cancel hooking up just because somebody or even a majority will be out. Your only limited by your creativity. I about had a revolt in my Life Group by teaching them Mexican Train. But now they like it. Okay...they don't like it but they aren't complaining as much about it.

Keep walking!

I Want It Now

2006-01-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

Rowland really set the table for our life groups this week. Spend some time with 1 Samuel 8-12.

What word or phrase "shimmered" or stuck out.
What did you like best about the passage?
What did you like least?
What did you learn about God?
What did you not understand or find puzzling?
What do you think applies to people today?

What decisions do you see that you've made out of fear? Does fear normally paralyze you or force you to make quick/poor decisions? What lessons might you be missing?

One of the core disciplines we have in a life group is guidance. Remember that? We help each other listen to God. Where do you need help listening? What God moments were started on Sunday morning?

The Heart of a King

2006-01-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

We are about to start a very, very, very long series. Starts this Sunday and goes to Easter. I normally wouldn’t do that or even like that – my ADD kicks in and I just go to complete pieces. I do think however this is going to be a great series.

We will be looking at the leadership style, faults, and successes of 3 Kings – Saul, David, and Solomon. Each came to power in different ways, each led differently, and each one had public images that didn’t necessarily match reality. (More on that later)

What is true for all of them is that they led out of the overflow of their heart. Saul’s tenure was marked by decisions based on fear and self-preservation. David’s tenure was marked by his passion. Solomon’s was a divided heart, perhaps the most tragic of the bunch.

The one neat thing about the series is the Rembrandt did a series of paintings on the kings, so we’ll get to use his work as a backdrop to the series.

Confab on Friday, the 13th

2006-01-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

Next Friday night - the 13th...how do you feel about meeting on a Friday the 13th? Maybe I can counter those feelings by feeding you...and feeding you well!!!

We'll start eating at 6.30 PM, take a break at 7.30. Shut it all down by 9 PM.

Who's it for? If you lead a life group (student or adult), if you are interning (student or adult), if you are a coach (student or adult), or if you are remotely interested in becoming an intern...then the Confab is for you.

Childcare? IF you will email me BEFORE WEDNESDAY, the 11th, we will provide childcare up at the church.

Cost? A Friday night. That's it. We've got the meal and the childcare.

Topic? Everything interns. What do they do? How do I get them? How can I be one? What's the point? How do I release them to lead their own group? What do they eat?

Drop a comment or email to let me know you are coming.

Church Wide Fast

2005-12-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

The Elders would like to invite you to join them for a 48-hour fast starting December 29th, Thursday evening and ending December 31st, Saturday evening at the New Year's Eve Service.

As 2006 approaches, we would like the body to fast and pray for Grace church. To pray for unity, clarity, and provision. Pray for our search process for a student pastor and a teaching pastor. We will end the fast with communion at our New Year's Eve service, 6 PM.

It would be awesome if you could inform your Life Group of this.

Sacrifice & Truth

2005-12-18T07:33:00.000-08:00

There was so much more I really wanted to unpack in greater detail - like Aslan's breath bringing the stone creatures back to life after his resurrection. His battle was with the White Witch, only he could destroy her, noboby else.

Another story line I'd love to pursue one day is Lewis' understanding of Atonement. In LWW, he 'supposes' one them - the Ransom theory. Are there others? In what contexts in the scriptures are the different theories used and explained?

Since the Law hasn't been around forever, how did those born before it 'accomplish righteousness?' In other words, how was their sin covered? (Check out Romans 5 & 6 for some help.) Has that changed? If so, how?

In Narnia, Aslan tells the children there is no need to discuss the past. How do react to that? How come? Could (should) that happen in the 'real world?' Would that have been easy or hard for you why?

There's one question that has left some serious wounds in me over these last two weeks. We've looked at the hero who uses sacrifice and truth. We've looked at the villian who uses treachery and deceit. Which tools do I use the most? I'm not always real proud of my answer to that question.

Aslan gives Peter two plans for battle - in case he is not able to help Peter. Why? Is this Lewis supposing that Jesus, in his humanity had to trust the Father through death and had no assurance that he would come back to life?

Next week we will look at our role (the children) in the Christmas story. See ya' Christmas morning.

Treachery and Deceit

2005-12-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

Audio

Bullies use intimidation. Manipulators use deceit. And when we use those tools - guess who's tools we are using? Ouch...painful reminder isn't it?

How often have I parented with those two tools? Treated a co-worker that way?

Other Not-S0-Random Questions:

What's your Turkish Delight? What distracts you?
What kind of hero do you think can overcome this?

Although people may use these tools of the enemey - that doesn't mean that they are the enemy. Look at Edmund and the redemption process for him. How do you normally view people who hurt or betray you? Could you forgive?

Next week - the Hero.

January 29th - Chili Cook-Off

2005-12-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

The Women's Ministry will do a chili-cook off on January 29th, after church. The purpose is to raise money for their retreat but that's not all.

We also want to use it as an opportunity for new folks to get plugged in at Grace. We want to provide a relaxed, fun atmosphere for new folks to meet our Life Group Leaders and Ministry Leaders. We want to give them a chance to put a face with a name with a ministry.

So - bring the family and use this opportunity for new folks to join you in your ministry or Life Group.

To sign up to cook chili - drop an email to Linda Edwards. (Or leave a comment here, and I will get it to her.)

The Gospel Story In Warm Clothes

2005-12-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

What a great intro to Narnia by Jim Wilson. If you haven't read the Chronicles, this would be a great time to do it!

You can download the sermon here or subscribe to Grace's Podcast via iTunes here.

Some random questions you can walk through this week with your lifegroup...

What is your favorite story/movie? Why?
What deeper/higher truth does it 'cloth'?
What in that story convicts you? Challenges you?
What heroe are you most in love with or wish you could be?
What villians scare you to death?
What parallels do you see with your favorite story to the gospel?

Paul Shackleford, Engage the Culture

2005-11-27T14:22:00.000-08:00

What a great capstone to our Missions Month! Shack really did an outstanding job challenging us. Here is the sermon to download, here it is for iTunes.

My notes from Shack's sermon:

In order for God to do what He wants to do in us and through us, He needs to know we love Him. He asks questions like "Do you love me" to reveal the answer to US, not Him.

Compassion and humility are essential qualities for those who engage the King's flock.

Relationship is the key to ongoing "fruitful" involvement...and relationships take TIME.

Engaging means to go beyond providing basic needs and plan for ongoing involvement.

God's reward for a job well done will likely be more hungry sheep.

Don't expect anything more from Jesus than the humbling opportunity to show your love for Him in the way He ordains you have the best opportunity to do so.

Paul's "Something To Think About"

Is your life proof of your willingness to suffer OR evidence of your love for a gracious God? Do you truly love Jesus?
Is your love for Jesus sufficient motive for commitment to engage OR do you need/expect other forms of motivation?
Are you willing to alter your lifestyle to change someone else's? Is eternity really more important to you than ________ ?
What is the position of your hand - a closed fist or an open palm? What are you holding on to?

Responding to Jesus and engaging the culture means...

Putting your love for Him first
Putting your love for Him in action
Putting in some time.

Gary Hutchinson

2005-11-20T13:33:00.000-08:00

Gary's talk centered around two passages of scripture, Matthew 16 - where Jesus says that He will build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail - and Matthew 9 - where Jesus says whatever measure of faith you have it will be done to you.

Gary said that Jesus is building his church but whether or not we will be a part of that story is up to our faith.

Faith gives us perspective and takes risks.

If you could go and be a part of any one of the stories Gary talked about - which one would you pick? Why?
What dreams do you have that you are not pursuing?
What risks do you think God is calling us out to take?
Where or how do you think God has called you to join in missions?

Winter Turbo Group

2005-11-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

Next week we will finish our first Turbo Group. Give a shout to Keith & Becky Lloyd, Nathan & Lisa Tumlinson, or Chuck & Kathy Eckerson if you want to hear from someone who went through it as to how it was.

The Winter Turbo Group cranks up on Decemeber 4th and we'll meet through February 19th. Below is the "syllabus" if you will:

Week 1: Why are we here?
Week 2: Inner Disciplines, I
Week 3: Inner Disciplines II
Week 4: Community (LIFE Group) Disciplines
Week 5: Leading a Group
Week 6: Leading a Meeting
Week 7: Interns
Week 8: Holy Moments
Week 9: Birthing a Group
Week 10: Coaching

I need to know by November 30th who is coming and who is going to need childcare. I promise you it will change how you lead your group and how you view Life Groups! In a good way!

Narnia Series Overview

2005-11-14T15:36:00.000-08:00

December 9th, Narnia will be released in theatres across the country. It is THE MOVIE of the Christmas season (well, King Kong is coming out too but to do a sermon series on that was going to be really, really, really, hard). Mainly because the same folks that did the effects for Lord of the Rings are doing them for Narnia.

Here is the flow of how we're going to unpack the series. If you haven't read the book - now would be a great time to do it! It is a fantastic story and your kids are going to love it!

Dec 4th - Jim Wilson

Past Watchful Dragons
Audio

Dec 11th - Grant English

The White Witch who uses treachery and deceit
Audio

Dec 18th - Grant English

Aslan who uses sacrifice & truth
Audio

Dec 25th - Grant English

Children who are given relationship & reign
Audio

UPDATE: The Gospel Story in Warm Clothes, Week of Dec 4th
UPDATE: Treachery and Deceit, Week of Dec 11th
UPDATE: Sacrifice and Truth, Week of Dec 18th