Grace-Snellville - Teachings | gfc.tv

The sound of a mighty rushing wind. Small flames of fire dispersing through the upper room. A revival in the streets of Jerusalem that has continued to spread for 2,000 years. Pentecost is this Sunday. And even though its presence on our calendars is much smaller than Christmas and Easter, its meaning is massive. Where would we be without the gift of God’s Spirit to fill our sails and guide our paths? But sometimes, we get stuck in storms that threaten to capsize our course forward. What do we need to know about the winds that seems to blow directly against the direction of God’s calling? In Luke 8, Jesus’ words will help us discover the answer. DOWNLOADS SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: June 4, 2017 Unstuck: Storms and Stories // Scripture: Luke 8:22-23 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes This week we continued our series Unstuck—looking at places in the Gospel where Jesus helped people who were stuck in their lives get unstuck. In Luke 8:22-33, we find two stories joined together that testify to the authority and power of Jesus to calm the chaos and struggle of evil that tries to prevail against us as the people of God in the world. As people on mission, constantly and consistently being called to the “other side of the sea”, there are moments when storms break out in our midst. Through these storms Jesus invites us to allow Him to grow our faith and even find peace in the midst of the storms. THE MAIN THOUGHT  keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion. Who do you call to in your crisis? SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes Picture  (What is the story saying?):How were the disciples stuck in this passage? Where had the disciples been? Where were the disciples going? How did the storm the disciples encountered on their way affect their journey? How was the man in Garasene stuck in this passage? What was the storm in his life? How did Jesus calm his storm? What connection do you see between the two stories being told in this passage? Mirror (Where am I in the story?): Jon talked about three different kinds of storms that we go through in life—what were those different kinds of storms? (storms we create with our own disobedience, storms from living in a broken world, or storms stirred up by evil forces trying to destroy us) How have you encountered these different kinds of storms in your life? How has Jesus calmed these storms? What storms are you going through now? How might Jesus invite you to rest in His peace through this storm? Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): How does this story challenge the way you handle storms in your life? How does this story challenge the way you deal with the storms of those around you in their lives? What would it look like for you to move from identifying with the disciples or the man from Garasene and choose to identify with Jesus in this story? BE IT> – Practice Change UP //Commission This week we sent out our mission team to Kosovo. Take some time to pray for the mission team with your group. Then take a few moments to invite people in your group to think about where and how they are “being sent out” this summer. Commission the group to all the places they might be heading with the mission of Jesus as their foundation. Change IN // Community This summer Grace is providing lots of opportunities for our church to both live with purpose and to play together. We do this because we believe Missional Family is built by doing these two things. Take some time to make a plan to do both purpose and play together as a group.

Throughout the Gospels, many people marveled at the works of Jesus. But only once did Jesus marvel at the faith of a person. In Luke 7, the centurion from Capernaum faced an impossible challenge. One of his closest servants was at the point of death, and there was nothing he could do to fix it on his own. This Memorial Day weekend, we will shall see how the faith of this soldier speaks to us about how Jesus gets us unstuck. Might Jesus marvel at the faith of his people again? DOWNLOADS SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: May 28, 2017 // At the End of Our Authority // Scripture: Luke 7:1-10 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes This week we continued considering active faith that helps get us and keep us unstuck. Throughout the Gospels, many people marveled at the works of Jesus—but only once did Jesus marvel at someone else’s faith. In Luke 7, the centurion from Capernaum faced an impossible challenge. One of his closest servants was at the point of death, and there was nothing he could do to fix it on his own. The faith of this soldier speaks to us about how Jesus gets us unstuck when we reach the end of our own resources and abilities. The centurion’s faith raises the question, “Is it possible to desire the wonders and anointing of Jesus over our own impossible situations without submitting to his wisdom and authority?” This story illustrates that human authority is positional, relational and resourceful, but limited. Jesus’ authority, on the other hand, is spiritual —giving us the opportunity to choose to trust him freely; merciful—showing us the kindness that leads to repentance; and ultimate—tempering his final judgment with unlimited mercy! If we learn to recognize our own limitations and obediently trust in His lordship, might Jesus marvel at the faith of his people again? THE MAIN THOUGHT  keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion. The faith that causes Jesus to marvel comes from confident trust in his unlimited and ultimate authority. SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes Picture  (What is the story saying?): : What caused the people of Nazareth to move from amazement at Jesus’ authority to rage over his application of it? What are the main aspects of human authority? How can our own human authority over situations get stuck? How is the authority of Jesus different? What does it take to develop a healthy relationship between the two? Mirror (Where am I in the story?): How can the Bible be authoritative in my day-to-day life? What is my role to play? Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?) :How can recognition of your own limitations impact the things that feel stuck in your family, community, workplace and world? How can your obedient faith and confident trust in Jesus’ mercy impact the stuck people you come in contact with every day? BE IT> – Practice Change UP //  Group Activity 5 minutes In short phrases, share aspects of Jesus’ spiritual, merciful and ultimate authority from the stories of his life or from your own experience. End this time with prayer in recognition of Jesus as the wonderful, wise, anointed one. Change IN // Life Application Assignment 5 minutes Write down three people who have authority over you and three people over whom you have authority. Are any of those relationships stuck? Identify one way you can submit to Jesus’ authority as you ask him to intervene and heal. Change OUT // Life Application Assignment 5 minutes This week ask God to show you one area in your neighborhood, in the next generation, or in the nations that you feel is stuck.

Last week, we started our new series called “Unstuck.” Jon taught us about Jesus healing the leper and this set up our summer journey: no matter how you may be stuck, and no matter how long you may have been so, Jesus is in the business of setting people free.This week we’ll turn to Luke 5 where we’ll read the story of a few friends who brought a paralyzed man to Jesus. In spite of their obstacles, they persist and get a front-row seat to the miraculous. This story has a lot to say to us today about both faith and friendship. I’m praying that God will release miraculous healing on Sunday for anyone who’s stuck, and that our faith could be on display as we join together for the sake of the hurting in our community. DOWNLOADS SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: May 21, 2017 // Unstuck: Faith and Friendship  // Scripture: Luke 5 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes This week Aaron Keyes continued our series Unstuck—looking at places in the Gospels where Jesus helped people who were stuck in their lives get unstuck. In Luke 5, a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus by his friends. Jesus heals the man both physically and spiritually by strengthening his legs and forgiving his sins. Also present were Pharisees who were unable to be vulnerable, admit their own weakness and brokenness, and missed the power of Jesus in their lives. Using this passage, Aaron focused our congregation on the power of faith formed in community and challenged us to become vulnerable with our weaknesses and brokenness and together form the kind of faith that testifies to God’s faithfulness. THE MAIN THOUGHT  keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion. Faith is often formed and focused in community. SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes Picture  (What is the story saying?): How was the man stuck in Luke 5:17-26? What did this man’s friends do for him? How did his friends help change his predicament? What is the difference between the paralytic’s friends and the Pharisees? How did the Pharisees try to stand in the way of the man’s healing? What was Jesus’ response? Mirror (Where am I in the story?): Where are you paralyzed in your life right now? What keeps you from getting to Jesus? What would it look like for you to be vulnerable with your weakness? What stands in your way of being vulnerable? How can your community leverage their faith for you? What needs are present in your community? How can you leverage your faith for those who are struggling in your community? Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?) : How do we live in “mat management” of our lives instead of becoming vulnerable for our own healing? How can your community become the kind of community that carries each other’s mats? How does hurry keep us from creating this kind of community? BE IT> – Practice Change UP //  Trophy Club In the sermon this week, Aaron mentioned the fact that in Luke 5, the man’s mat changed from a testimony of his brokenness to a trophy of God’s faithfulness. So, take a moment this week to draw out your own trophies and testify about some of your community’s experiences of God’s faithfulness together. Take a few minutes to think through places God has worked in your life. Draw a picture of those things. Then take time to allow each person to hold up the picture of their trophy to God’s faithfulness and testify about the things they have seen God do. Change IN //  Help from Hurry One of the things that stands in the way of “carrying ea...

Motherhood is many things, but perhaps more than anything else it is relationship. But motherhood is relationship unlike any other, rich in nurture and responsibility and compassion and challenge. As I’ve watched Amy be a mom to our daughter Bethany, I’ve witnessed firsthand the beautiful complexity of the role. Or, as I read recently, “Mothers don’t sleep, they just worry with their eyes closed.” But what happens when these most important relationships get stuck? How do we draw near across the distance created by frustration or worry or hurt or apathy? This week at Grace Snellville, we will begin a new series in which we will see Jesus meet people who are not moving forward in various aspects of their lives. Without exception, he offers to help them get Unstuck. This week’s encounter is from Luke 17 and involves a group of people who are stuck in their relationships. Jesus has mercy for each of them, but only one of the ten can receive the whole healing lesson. How will we respond to the mercy and healing Jesus offers to us? DOWNLOADS SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: May 14, 2017 // : Unstuck: Relationships and the Ten Lepers // Scripture: Luke 17:11-19 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes Have you ever felt stuck? Getting stuck is a feeling we all of have from time to time. That’s why this week we started a new series called Unstuck. In this series we are going to follow Jesus throughout the Gospels and see how Jesus helps several people get unstuck in their lives. In Luke 17, Jesus met 10 lepers who were stuck in their relationships. Because they had leprosy, they were isolated and excluded from community. The leprosy had created separation between them and others; it is in this situation the lepers met Jesus. As the lepers cried out for mercy (God’s compassion), Jesus healed them—showing us when it comes to relationships mercy is better than merit. THE MAIN THOUGHT  keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion When it comes to our relationship with God and others—mercy is better than merit. SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes Picture  (What is the story saying?): How were the lepers in Luke 17 stuck in their relationships? How were they stuck in their relationship with God? How were they stuck in their relationship with others? What is the connection between our relationship with God and our relationships with others? Mirror (Where am I in the story?): How were the lepers in Luke 17 stuck in their relationships? How were they stuck in their relationship with God? How were they stuck in their relationship with others? What is the connection between our relationship with God and our relationships with others? Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?) :What is the difference between a relationship of mercy and a relationship of merit? How does God relate to us in mercy instead of merit? What would it look like to live in mercy with the relationships we have been living in merit in? Is mercy the opposite of boundaries? How do boundaries work with mercy? BE IT – Practice Change UP //  Feeling Stuck Take a moment to make two lists. On one list, name as many ways as you can (as a group) where people get stuck in their relationship with God. On the other list, name as many places as you can (as a group) where people get stuck in their relationships with others. After you have listed as many places as you can where people get stuck in their relationship with God and others, ask each person in the group to pick out one item on the lists that most describes the place he or she is stuck right now.

At first glance, the Book of Acts ends abruptly. After nine chapters of buildup to the Apostle Paul’s trial in Rome, the text just… concludes… before any verdict comes in! But is Paul really the one on trial? If we read the conclusion of Acts more closely, we find a very well-known Old Testament text (that is quoted in all four of the Gospels!) spiritually sifting everyone who visits Paul in his home as he waits for his day in court. We too will visit Paul and listen to the final words of the Book of Acts. But how will these words sift us? Will we pass the final test? As we shall see, part of passing is possessing God’s heart—the heart of a pioneer. DOWNLOADS SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: May 7, 2017 // Title: Pioneers // Scripture: Acts 28:17-31 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes At first glance, the Book of Acts ends abruptly. After nine chapters of buildup to the Apostle Paul’s trial in Rome, the text just… concludes… before any verdict comes in! If we read the conclusion of Acts more closely, we find a very well-known Old Testament text (that is quoted in all four of the Gospels!) spiritually sifting everyone who visits Paul in his home as he waits for his day in court. As we read Paul’s words and his words sift us, too, we learn more about God’s heart – the heart of a pioneer. THE MAIN THOUGHT  Keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion When we hear the call of God’s Kingdom, will we follow Jesus or walk away? SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes Picture  (What is the story saying?): What is the Hope of Israel that Paul refers to in verse 20? Mirror (Where am I in the story?) How can the Bible be authoritative in my day-to-day life? What is my role to play? Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?) : As followers of Jesus, we are patriots, but our posture must be open to others who are not from our nation. Jesus is available to everyone! Who is He calling me to be open to? BE IT – Practice Change UP //  Exercise 15 minutes What happens if all the aspects of your life that you look to for your identity or for your source of life all disappear? Think through those things one by one, and imagine that they’re taken away from you. When you are left with only Jesus, see what it is like to view Him as your ultimate and true source of life. Pray through that, asking God to show you what to strip away and how to keep Him as your source of life. Change IN //  Group Activity 5 minutes As a group, pray about who God is asking you to be open to. Who is it on the edges of your circle/sphere of influence that you need to reach out to, in an effort to show them Jesus? How will you take steps to do that? Change OUT //  Life Application Assignment 5 minutes Who did you think of during the “Window” section? Talk together about who the Lord brought to your minds and make a plan for walking together with them toward Jesus CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.

The end of the school year is right around the corner!!! There is lots of excitement for the summer but also some fears that go with it. Some parents are thinking about their seniors graduating and all the planning that goes into parties, having families over, helping your kids stay focused on school, all while still keeping the everyday schedule. Students in school are thrilled to have summer coming, but all the testing right in front of them remains a daunting hurdle. How does a parent do it? How does a student get through it and thrive in it? The mantra that I have seen so successful is the “power of We.” Study groups, family involvement, sharing graduation parties–these are the things that help us all walk through the challenges and joys of the month of May. This Sunday we will be going through the “we” passages in Acts and stories of partnership for the next generation. We hope this will help us thrive during the month of May together. And not only that, but also we hope we can continue to partner with each other so we can know God more and love each other well. Also, life is a lot more fun together, because no one shouts “MEEEE” down a waterslide. They only shout “WEEEE.” DOWNLOADS

This week, we will begin reading the final chapter of the book of Acts together. For the last nine months, Acts has challenged, inspired, changed, and delighted us. But I am most excited to see how God’s Spirit will use this Scripture to launch us toward a greater present-day expression of that first-century adventure. In January, we shared an audacious vision to disciple 1% of our county and the surrounding area. Our hope for this year—the “Dream for ‘17”—is to walk with at least 750 of you toward greater clarity and confidence in your calling from God. Some of you are hearing the call to pastor a parish in your neighborhood. Others aim to partner with schools and parents to reach the next generation. And others will pioneer across cultures and communities to engage people of all nations and ethnicities. Along the way, we have shared tools to guide your reflections, and this Sunday we open three weeks of simple pop-up groups where you can share and process what you’ve been learning. In Acts 28, Paul’s journey to Rome finally reaches its conclusion. But our journey is just beginning. What does it mean to disciple 1%? What does it mean to pastor a parish? And how can each of us join in the surprisingly simple work of changing the world? DOWNLOADS SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: April 23, 2017 // Title: Pastors for Every Parish Scripture:: Acts 28:7-17 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes What does it mean to “live the dream”? All kinds of people in all kinds of places have ideas of what it looks like to live the good life—the life that they and others dream of. But what does it mean to live God’s dream? Living God’s dream is about becoming who God has intended you to be and doing what God has called you to do. This begins to happen as we follow Jesus well. And this is exactly the kind of thing that we are aiming for with our “Dream for 2017.” In this vision, we are calling out our congregation so that we may reach the Neighborhoods, Nations, and Next Generation by becoming Pastors (to reach the neighborhoods), Pioneers (to reach the nations), and Partners (to reach the next generation). This week we saw Paul take responsibility for the Lord and the good of the kingdom in whatever place he found himself. In other words, wherever Paul was, he considered that place his parish. His congregation became simply whatever neighborhood or network in which he found himself. The great news, however, is that this is not something that only Paul did; it is what all believers did. Throughout the book of Acts there are countless stories of unknown people living in this same way. And it is something we can do, too THE MAIN THOUGHT  Keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion A pastor is a simply a shepherd who takes responsibility for whatever place he or she finds himself/herself and chooses to treat it like their parish. SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes Picture  (What is the story saying?)What does it mean to live the dream? Where have you heard that phrase used? What kinds of things come to your mind when someone says he or she is “living the dream”? What do you think it means to live God’s dream with your life? How does following Jesus well play a part of that?

Easter Sunday was a powerful day of celebrating the resurrection, when God’s indestructible life carried Jesus through the grave and out the other side. It’s also a day that we listened to God’s call to us out of death and into that same kind of life, demonstrated with baptisms at sunrise. View photos from the day! DOWNLOADS

Every year at this moment my life comes to a standstill. I try to get my work done but I have to admit I have trouble keeping my concentration. I wish I could say it is because of something deeply spiritual. But the truth is, it’s because this week is a collision of so many things that I look forward to all year long. It’s the culmination of the NCAA Basketball Tournament known as March Madness. It’s the commencement of golf at it’s finest, in a golf tournament known as The Masters. And it’s celebration of a week of rest known as Spring Break, which comes at the end of what is usually a tough first quarter of work. When all these things come together in one week, the anticipation leading up to that week drives me through the cold, dark days of January, because I know there is life and light at the end of the tunnel. So, I’m sitting here on Spring Break typing this week’s email with The Masters golf tournament playing in the background setting just the right ambience to get what work I must get done finished. It’s amazing to me the way these simple celebrations give me so much life. I can literally be happy for hours just sitting in front of the television with a snack in one hand and a cold beverage in the other. And I think it’s because as much as I love the sports and rest, it also is symbolizing to me that the best days of the year are still ahead. It’s time to get the golf clubs and swimsuits back out. The long days of summer that provide enough light to get a round of golf in or head to the pool with the family after work are just around the corner. The sounds of One Shining Moment at the end of the NCAA Tournament, or the intoxicating Masters music playing in the background inaugurate a whole new season of things to come. And the time-tested rituals of watching television and eating more food than I should eat are doing their work in the recesses of my soul. As humans, we need these kinds of celebrations and rituals to wake our lives back up to the things we enjoy most. And as much as they are nice when it comes to sports and Spring Break, they are even more necessary when it comes to our lives spiritually. See, as long as people have been worshipping a God, this worship has been kept alive by Celebrations that help ignite the heart to the things that matter most. Every nation has its Holidays (Holy Days). Every religion has its Feasts and Festivals. And as Christians, this week we enter ours. Far more sacred than The Masters or March Madness, this next week if we will let it do its work has the power to call our lives back to center. For it is in this week, that all of life finds its meaning. Welcome to Holy Week. I look forward to seeing you this week for what we call Palm Sunday, where we begin our march toward the culmination of the Christian calendar we call Easter. We anticipate a fantastic week of celebration together where we stand literally at the cross-section of life and death and awaken again to the grace that stands on the other side. DOWNLOADS

If you’ve ever watched soccer on a Spanish-speaking TV channel, then you probably have heard the characteristic way most Latino commentators announce the scoring of a goal. Needless to say, it’s quite drawwwwwwwwnnnnnnn ooooooouuuuuuuttttttttttttt.Have you ever felt that way about your own personal goals in life? Have you ever set goals and then felt frustrated with how long it takes to accomplish them? The Apostle Paul could certainly relate. We first learn about his dream to preach the Gospel in Rome in Acts 19:21, but it wasn’t until years later that Paul finally boarded a ship to Rome as a lowly prisoner. And, as we shall read together this week, his journey was still far from complete. What can we learn from Paul about moving toward dreams and setting goals? How can we adapt to changing circumstances and delayed timelines? Where can we recover hope for drifting and derelict dreams? And what will sustain us in the dark before the dawn? DOWNLOADS SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: April 2, 2017 // Title: Goal Scripture: Acts 27 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes For us, sometimes the journey to accomplishing a dream is long, and we face many delays. The Apostle Paul could certainly relate. We first learn about his dream to preach the Gospel in Rome in Acts 19:21, but it wasn’t until years later that Paul finally boarded a ship to Rome as a lowly prisoner. What can we learn from Paul about moving toward dreams and setting goals? How can we adapt to changing circumstances and delayed timelines? Where can we recover hope for drifting and derelict dreams? And what will sustain us in the dark before the dawn? THE MAIN THOUGHT  Keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion A dream is your calling applied to real life. SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes Picture  (What is the story saying?):What was Paul’s big dream? What does the sea represent in the Bible? (see Gen. 1:2; Ex 14; Ps 89:9; Jonah 1; Rev. 13) Mirror (Where am I in the story?): How am I balancing leaning into the NOW and at the same time pressing into the NEXT phase of the journey? How can we keep hope alive when we’re in the open sea, between where we started and where we want to be? Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): God’s design for our sea journey is that we go port to port. Who is a port for you? Let that encourage you think about how to be a port for someone around you. BE IT – Practice Change UP // Exercise 5 minutes  There are three ways to maintain hope in the rough seas of the journey: diving into the Word of the Lord, maintaining confidence in God, and continuing to worship Him. Use music or scripture to help you focus on who God is and declare that your hope is anchored in Him. Change IN //  Group Activity 5 minutes On the Dream for ’17 tool from this week, work on the 90-day Goal Worksheet. In each of the three columns, reflect these capitals (resources): spiritual, relational, physical, intellectual, and financial. Take a few minutes to share with the group what you come up with. If you want to learn more, here’s a video of Dave Rhodes teaching about the Five Capitals: https://vimeo.com/118067865 Also, all the Dream for ‘17 tools are here: http://gfc.tv/snellville/2017/02/younique-tools/ Change OUT // Life Application Assignment 5 minutes On the back of the week five tool is the 90-day goal exercise. Pick one of the capitals from the front and use it to set one 90-day goal for you...

It has been said that “calling” is “the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” At the same time, “calling” is what your phone says while it’s dialing another person, waiting to connect. And therein lies the challenge. Sometimes (and for some of us), calling seems clear and noble and fulfilling. But at other times, our calling feels like we are still waiting to connect as the tone rings. In Acts 26, the Apostle Paul stands trial before King Agrippa to defend the calling for which he lived and for which he had been arrested. As we listen to Paul’s words, I believe God’s Spirit will move us all toward a clearer and more confident sense God’s calling in our lives. DOWNLOADS SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: March 26, 2017 // Title: Calling Scripture: Acts 26 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes Recent polls show that the world, as a whole, is seeking meaningful work, reflecting a yearning for sustained and clear purpose. Most people live their lives with their story, gifting and passion aligned but without direction from God or a true understanding of why Jesus came—ending in misguided passion and catastrophe. In Acts 26, the Apostle Paul stands trial before King Agrippa to defend the calling for which he lived and for which he had been arrested. As we listen to Paul’s words, we can sense God’s Spirit moving us all toward a clearer and more confident sense of God’s calling in our lives. Our story is what we have done. Our gifting is what God has equipped us to do. Our passion is what motivates us to do what we do. The question that remains is: what is the “one thing” that we have been called to and must do? True calling dignifies the daily even as it enhances the eternal. It restores fullness to every aspect of life. As you journey in community and follow Jesus into your true calling, you will discover that He is leading you from feeling distracted and frustrated to being set free to stepping into fulfillment in your true calling. THE MAIN THOUGHT  Keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion Confidence and clarity in our calling shapes how we live and speak as followers of Jesus in the world around us. SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes Picture  (What is the story saying?):What was the problem with Paul’s initial understanding of his story, gifting and passion? What happened to Paul that gave him clarity in his calling? How did a clear understanding of his primary and secondary calling give Paul the confidence to testify before kings and people? What does the calling of God consist of? Who are we called by? Mirror (Where am I in the story?): How have you been striving to find your calling and purpose by losing yourself or making yourself into something? What can you see in your story, gifting and passion that can help prepare you to receive God’s calling? What are the words that God is using as He is calling you? What is the “one thing” God is calling you to be and do? Window  (How does the story change how I see those around me?): How are you living out your calling in your everyday life? What are some specific steps you can take in your family and in your vocation to follow Jesus in your calling? Are there people around you who don’t understand their primary calling to follow Jesus? How is God inviting you to walk with them into a true underst...

It’s the gift that no one wants. No, I’m not talking about the socks and underwear that you use to get for Christmas as a kid before the “good” presents were revealed. I’m not talking about the “dad tie” your kids got you for Father’s Day that kind of embarrasses you to wear. And I’m not even talking about the barely edible breakfast your kid’s made and presented to you for breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day last year. I’m talking about pain. It’s no secret that we live in a world today that tries to avoid pain at all cost. Just take any trip to your local CVS or Walgreens and you will find entire aisles devoted to relieving any twinge of pain we might be having. Have a headache? Pop a Tylenol. Experiencing a little uncomfortable indigestion? Grab a Tums. Have a little swollenness in your left ankle? Take an Advil. And while on many days I’m thankful I have access to these incredibly helpful medicines in my life, I do wonder if the aisles devoted to all this resource might also be telling us something about ourselves and the world we live in. Is it possible that we’ve gotten really good that numbing and avoiding pain in our lives? And what might we be missing out on if that is true? What we might be missing out on is passion. Today when we think about passion we often simply relate it to just another way to talk about the things that excite us. And while this might be helpful in some ways it also undermines true passion in other ones. See, passion is more than an “intense feeling”. In fact, hundreds of years ago what passion actually referred to was intense pain. We call the last week of Jesus’ life where He was tortured and killed the Passion of Christ. Even the word itself comes from the Latin word for suffering. The truth is our greatest passions are often birthed out of our greatest pain. And true passion is what motivates us to keep moving even in the midst of pain. Unfortunately today we’ve dropped the pain piece and in the end the things we most often say we are passionate about are just simply things like golf and gardening. This week we continue our journey through the book of Acts. In the last few week’s we’ve focused on the life of Paul as we’ve watched the life and impact of a man who God used to change the world and asked how God might use us to do the same. Already we have seen how Paul was a man who interpreted his story and lived in his gifting. This week we will see him as a man of passion—pursuing God’s purpose through the pain of his life. It’s this life that demands an answer to this question in our own lives–What are you passionate about? DOWNLOADS  SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: March 19, 2017 // Title: Passion // Scripture: Acts 19:17-38 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes This week we continued our study through the book of Acts. We journeyed once again alongside the life of Paul to see the kinds of things that made him such a force of impact in his world. Already we have seen how Paul was a man who interpreted his story and lived into his gifting. Today, as we looked at Paul’s emotional speech to the Ephesians elders, we saw how Paul was also a man of passion. This passion was birthed from conviction in the midst of pain and became contagious to those around him; the passion combined with his story and gifting to give him a sense of calling. As we seek to become the kinds of people who make an impact in our own world, it is necessary for us to think about how our own story, gifting, and passion will need to be combined as well. In this way, we stop being inoculated with the gospel and instead become people who have the gospel seep out in all we do and say

Last Sunday at 8:30 a.m., our worship team was gathered for our regular planning and prayer meeting before the services when I looked at them and said, “I think we need to call an audible.” Several recent tragedies, including the unexpected death of our own Brad Stanley, who was an amazing husband and father to nine children, seemed to be casting a heavy shadow over our congregation. Immediately, the team agreed to postpone what we had planned and focus on making space for lament. God showed up in a powerful way. This week, we will return to our journey with the Apostle Paul through the last third of the Book of Acts. As we continue to seek confidence and clarity in our calling, we will consider how God’s supernatural gifts worked through Paul to bring life to a world in darkness. We will pray that God would similarly exercise his power through us. And for me, awareness of life’s fragility has only increased my sense of urgency that this week’s gatherings are significant. I hope you can join us as we remember that God’s gifts are given to make a dent in darkness. DOWNLOADS  SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: March 12, 2017 // Title: Gifting  // Scripture: Acts 19:1-20 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes As we make our way toward the end of the book of Acts, we are beginning to shift our eyes from simply reading the incredible stories of the early church to becoming the church that God is calling us to be in our own day and time. So, following the journey of Paul this week and for the next few weeks, we are going to be making our own journey through five places of emphasis: Story, Gifting, Passion, Call, and Goal. This week Jon talked to us about gifting. Through our gifting, God’s extraordinary power is manifested in our ordinary lives. It’s how He uses us to be a grace to the world. And while we often only imagine gifting is for others or only to be used inside the walls of the church, gifting is what helps us become the church that is God’s gift to the world. THE MAIN THOUGHT  Keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion Use your gift to be a gift to the world. SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes Picture  (What is the story saying?):What are the three ways to think about spiritual gifts that Jon mentioned in his sermon? [An event (v.6), a talent (v.9) and supernatural power (v.12)] How do we see Paul living with supernatural power in this passage? What gifts does Paul mention in Ephesians 4:11-12 that are given to believers? (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, Teacher) What does each of these gifts look like? How would you describe someone with each of these gifts? [see this week’s handout tool] Mirror (Where am I in the story?): Have you taken the gifting survey from fivefoldsurvey.com? What were your results? How might looking at your results help you step into God’s gifting in your life? How can your results function as a name and not a label for you? What is the one big insight you gained about your gifting this week? Window  (How does the story change how I see those around me?): How can your gifting help you be a gift to the world? What extraordinary things do you want to see God use you to do where you live, work and play? How does God’s gifting you help you make these extraordinary things happen? BE IT – Practice Change UP // Spring Forward Exercise This past week we all participated in Spring Forward. It’s a moment where even though we are still living in winter,

We know how to celebrate together, but the question on our hearts today is, “Do we know how to lament together?” We can be angry at God about tragedies, but how do we walk through these hard times as a community? In Mark 3, we see that on the other side of lament is God’s presence, His perspective, and ultimately healing and restoration. DOWNLOADS SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: March 5, 2017 // Title: : Do we know how to lament together? // Scripture: Ephesians 4:26; Psalm 73; Mark 3:1-6 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes This was a significant weekend for our church family: students were at the Advance retreat, and we hosted a Jesus and the Qur’an training here, both things to celebrate. But our hearts are breaking because not only did Patti Simmons suffer a freak accident this week, one that has left her facing an arduous recovery, but the Stanley family lost their husband and father yesterday. We know how to celebrate together, but the question on our hearts today is, “Do we know how to lament together?” We can be angry at God about these tragedies, but how do we walk through these hard times as a community? In Mark 3, we see that on the other side of lament is God’s presence, His perspective, and ultimately healing and restoration. THE MAIN THOUGHT  keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion Lament is giving our anger and frustration to God. The outcome of that is healing and restoration. SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes Picture  (What is the story saying): What does Paul mean when he says to be angry, but do not sin? What does it literally mean when it says- don’t be angry when the sun goes down? Or what could he be warning us about? How does Psalm 73 deal with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the hard times that the righteous have? What does Asaph do with the frustration he feels about it? Mirror (Where am I in the story?): When we feel angry, it makes us feel powerful. How does anger shield the tender places of your heart? How can anger also be a devastating force or lead to sin? What happens if we let anger linger too long? What does it look like when you take your lament into the sanctuary of God? Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): When you read Psalm 73 about the prosperity of the wicked, do you see that in your own context? How would the example of Asaph help you see the bigger story than you can see right now? BE IT – Practice Change UP // Exercise  15 minutes Recognize that you stand in the sanctuary of God, and He is present with you. Spend one minute in silence, asking Him to reveal to you how He is meeting you right where you are. Be aware of any words or pictures He brings to your mind. Bring Him your lament, sense His presence, and ask Him to show you His perspective. Change IN // Group Activity  5 minutes Create space to share with each other times in your lives when you couldn’t see God’s goodness but then later you did. Use these stories to encourage each other to trust that God is not only great but He is good – even when we can’t see it, yet. Change OUT //Life Application Assignment 5 minutes Who around you is lamenting right now? How can you reach out to them this week? Life is short: take advantage of every interaction with others. Live intentionally! CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week

An old joke begins with the question: “What’s the difference between ignorance and apathy?” The answer is: “I don’t know, and I don’t care.” As the book of Acts progresses, a pattern emerges that highlights a major difference between the Apostle Paul and many of his Jewish brothers and sisters. As Paul goes from city to city, the Jews in the synagogue increasingly reject the good news about Jesus. Even though both Paul and the Jews grew up sharing the same story about God and life and faith, something happened in Paul’s life that opened a new door into godly adventure and wholeheartedness. This week, we will begin a new miniseries through the final chapters of Acts as Paul’s story, gifting, passions, calling, and goals converge. I believe that by the end of this journey, we will face the opportunity—like Paul—to embrace the adventure and wholeheartedness God intends for us all. So what’s the difference between Paul and so many of the Jews? We need to know, and we need to care. DOWNLOADS SEE IT // BE IT (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE) DATE: February 26, 2017 // Title: Story // Scripture: Acts 18:1–6; 21:37–22:22 ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out. SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes This week, we began a new miniseries through the final chapters of Acts as Paul’s story, gifting, passions, calling, and goals converge. By the end of this journey, we will face the opportunity—like Paul—to embrace the adventure and wholeheartedness God intends for us all as we reinterpret our lives in the light of Jesus. As the book of Acts progresses, a pattern emerges that highlights a major difference between the Apostle Paul and many of his Jewish brothers and sisters. As Paul goes from city to city on his last missionary journey, the Jews in the synagogues increasingly reject the good news about Jesus. Even though both Paul and the Jews grew up sharing the same story about God and life and faith, something happened in Paul’s life that opened a new door into wholeheartedness, clarity, and godly adventure. The difference between Paul and the Jews was the fact that Paul had processed and interpreted his life story in the light of his personal encounter with Jesus. The stability and clarity of his identity and calling gave him the courage to boldly articulate his story as interpreted and sustained by Jesus. Seeing our stories in light of Jesus instead of simply experiencing them, releases us from cycles of brokenness and sets us free from the bondage of our past. Jesus redeems and reinterprets our stories and empowers us to fulfill our destiny in him   THE MAIN THOUGHT  keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion Crystal clear clarity of purpose comes from our willingness to reinterpret our stories in the light of Jesus. SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes Picture  (What is the story saying): How was Paul’s story received by his people, the Jews? What caused Paul to reinterpret his story? What were the hinge moments in Paul’s story? How did the key chapters in his life story define his identity and calling? Mirror (Where am I in the story?): Have you ever stepped back and reinterpreted your story in the light of Jesus? What are the high points in your story? What are the low points? How can Jesus reinterpret what you have hidden in your invisible bag? Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): How can reinterpreting your story in the light of Jesus bring redemption to your darkest moments? What parts of your story have resourced you for fulfilling your call? Who will you share your story with this week? BE IT – Practice