Gospel Life Church

Isaiah 66:1313 I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child.” Isaiah 49:1515 “Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! Mother’s have a strength in that they don’t leave. We see many father’s who abandon their children but mothers stay.Mother’s have a superpower, they create culture, they shape values, and they form the next generation.Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.Moral Education2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.Far greater than any gift you could be given today mother’s is the gift of seeing your influence worked out in the next generation.1 Timothy 2:1515 But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty. This verse speaks to the essence of a woman’s calling from God and the encouragement to live it out.Deuteronomy 6:4-94 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.TeachIf you teach a mother, you teach a family.If you teach 5 mothers, you teach a neighborhood.Teach your children faith- Not only what your faith consists of but by letting them see you exercise your faith. Let them see you believe when situations seem bleak.Teach your children forgiveness by letting them see you ask forgiveness when needed and by helping them to work through forgiving others.Teach your children unity by not quarreling or having strong disagreements with your husband in front of them. Children interpret this as instability and it affects them more than we realize. Never belittle your husband, their father, for they will see him through your lens. Let them see its possible to work through disagreements without resorting to name-calling, sarcasm, or frustration.Using data representative of parents and children born in the late 1990s in large U.S. cities, a 2011 study analyzed the relationship between parents' relationship quality and their engagement with their young children. It found that, for mothers, the quality of their relationships with the fathers was correlated with their parenting in the first three years of their children's lives, particularly how they engaged with their children: for example, how often they read and told stories, played games, played with toys, and sang songs or rhymes with them. Specifically, the research showed that it was the parents' relationship quality that tended to affect how mothers engage with their young children, rather than the mother–child interaction affecting the parents' relationship. This association diminished over time when the children were preschoolers. 3http://www.familyfacts.org/briefs/44/healthy-mothers-healthy-families-how-mothers-are-crucial-to-the-success-of-the-familyTeach your children problem solving and to take responsibility by helping them work through their struggles instead of trying to remove their struggles. Help them work through their struggles the way the Lord helps you work through yours and in this way learn to gospel your children.Mothers should prepare their children to live in the jungle, not the zoo.Teach your children by making use of the dining room table at dinner whenever possible. Remember this is community group.Create an environment that is safe, where communication happens, where you get into each other’s lives, and work out what it means to be a Christian.Teach your children by having family devotions. Read through Scripture together, missionary biographies, and Christian children’s books. Westminster bookstore.Remember, mothers set the standard for what their sons will look for in their future wife.Let your children see you help a stranger, let them see you read your Bible, let them see you love your husband, let them see you on your knees in prayer, and let them see that your love for them flows from God’s love for you.I DON’T KNOW HOWTitus 2:3–53 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. Ladies, look for other women to pour into.Ladies, look at the lives of other godly women in order to learn new ways of influencing your children for Jesus.Ladies, remember their are plenty of other ladies out there who didn’t have a good mother, or a godly one and they are hungry for you to show them what this looks like.Luke 2:33–3533 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” CONCLUSION:We need godly mothers. No mentor or pastor can ever make up for what godly mothers do. Remember, you are the backbone of our whole society. Its never too late to begin loving your children the way God loves us.Community Group Questions:3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. 1. This text commands ladies not to be heavy drinkers or slanders since these were the sins inherent to the culture of Crete. What would be some of the sins that are common for our culture? So if Paul was writing this letter to Oakland County, which sins would he have listed? How do ladies in our culture bring shame on the word of God?2. How open are the ladies, along with their husbands, to having other ladies train them to be godly women?3. How open are the ladies to helping to train younger ladies?4. In what ways can we at GL be obeying this text? Please be specific.5. What does submission in this text look like? Please describe how you interpret this.6. What does working in the home mean? Please be specific.7. Does the idea of working in the home or being submissive to your husband seem old fashioned or do you find yourself grimacing at this text?8. We talked about ways our ladies can teach their children. Please comment on each of these ways along with whether you agree with them or list ways that we can specifically accomplish this.Teach your children faith- Not only what your faith consists of but by letting them see you exercise your faith. Let them see you believe when situations seem bleak.Teach your children forgiveness by letting them see you ask forgiveness when needed and by helping them to work through forgiving others.Teach your children unity by not quarreling or having strong disagreements with your husband in front of them. Children interpret this as instability and it affects them more than we realize. Never belittle your husband, their father, for they will see him through your lens. Let them see its possible to work through disagreements without resorting to name-calling, sarcasm, or frustration.Teach your children problem solving and to take responsibility by helping them work through their struggles instead of trying to remove their struggles. Help them work through their struggles the way the Lord helps you work through yours and in this way learn to gospel your children.Mothers should prepare their children to live in the jungle, not the zoo.Teach your children by making use of the dining room table at dinner whenever possible. Remember this is community group.Create an environment that is safe, where communication happens, where you get into each other’s lives, and work out what it means to be a Christian.Teach your children by having family devotions. Read through Scripture together, missionary biographies, and Christian children’s books. Westminster bookstore.

Gospeling each otherWe use this term and it's how we treat each otherHere is the test, the light produces what is good. Ephesians 5:6-9Sometimes we live on the first quarter mile on the path of destruction and at the end of this long street is the abyss going down to hells flame but we say we are ok bc that is far away from where we live. Look at the things u allow in your life. Look at your patterns of behavior. U might say what's wrong with this or that but does it produce good. Here we come to the definition of insanity. We can be in denial bc we don't see some of these things for the evil they truly are. U say it's not hurting anyone but is it helping anyone. Is it producing what is good?Gospeling each other means we treat each other the way that God treated us in Christ. See Ephesians 4:32-5:1Ephesians 4:30 our identity is not in our sin, it's not part of us or part of our personality. Our identity in Christ gives us freedom to change, to be truly loving. Loving othersLoving others means they feel nourished, they feel connected, they feel strength. Loving others means they can say, "I feel safe showing u my heart, my dreams, my fears."My emotions are my responsibility. My goal to treat u with respect is my responsibility regardless of how I'm treated. Honor means I respect u enough to trust u to make decisions. When I force u, when I control u, when I ignore u, when I merely tolerate you, I am dishonoring u. Do u want to know if u understand the Gospel? Look at how u treat other people. Do u treat them the way that God treated u?Process of Change/ How we stop excusing our sinsWe have to stop denying our offenses and minimizing them.We have to acknowledge our offense was wrong unconditionally. We have to stop justifying it. We have to stop blaming others and we have to be willing to talk in detail about why our offense was wrong without slipping back into defending it. We have to acknowledge that our offense was a choice, not a loss of control. When we sin it's because we gave ourselves permission to do so and chose to let the ur selves go. We need to take responsibility for the results of our offense on others including loss of trust, and we must do this without feeling sorry for ourselves or talking about how hard it is for us. In order to truly repent we must identify the underlying beliefs that have driven out behavior, beliefs like, "I'm entitled" or "I'm not responsible if provoked by another person." We must develop respectful attitudes to replace our sinful attitudes. This means being able to listen to others during conflict, and to embrace the fact that others rights are equal to our own. We must become empathetic towards others and stop exaggerating our grievances against others. We must compliment others and pay attention to their strengths and abilities. We must seek to make amends for any damage we have done and place the needs of others before our own. We must accept the consequences for our actions and stop whining about "poor me". Receiving forgiveness does. It mean the consequences for our actions disappear and we need to allow the Holy Spirit to build character in our lives through the consequences. Micah 7:7-9We need to commit to not repeating our bad behavior regardless of the circumstances. Being good for a while does not give us the right to a period of allowed bad behavior. We must stop having the double standard that says I have higher standards for others and exceptions for myself. We should embrace the double standard that says we have higher standards for ourselves. We need to realize that our struggle against sin is a life long battle so that we should never think we have arrived. Our struggles may take years to work through and we should be in it for the long haul. We must be willing to be accountable for our actions and have a willingness to accept feedback and criticism, and to be honest about when we fail. We have to give up the attitude that says "I'm willing to change some of what I do as long as I do t have to give up all of what I do. We have to stop bargaining with others and saying hints like I will only change if you change too."Remember we are not responsible for managing how others treat us but we are responsible for managing how we treat them. We must be willing to change no matter how much support we get or don't get. We must be accepting of the fact that it may take others longer to forgive us than we would like. Conclusion:Often we don't have a lot of forgiveness for others bc we haven't experienced a lot of forgiveness ourselves bc we have been denying our own sin and so have failed to receive Gods forgiveness. Illustration: the Good StudentChoosing to live in our shame and failing to ask forgiveness cuts us off from the love and acceptance of God. 1. What is gospelling each other? See Ephesians 4:32-5-1. How can we begin using this word in our vocabulary?2. According to 5:9 what does light produce? How can we use this truth when doing a self-analysis of our own behavior?3. Why don't consequences go away if you are sorry for your sin? What texts would you use to show this?4. Which ones from the following list do you struggle with?

Gospeling each otherWe use this term and it's how we treat each otherHere is the test, the light produces what is good. Ephesians 5:6-9Sometimes we live on the first quarter mile on the path of destruction and at the end of this long street is the abyss going down to hells flame but we say we are ok bc that is far away from where we live. Look at the things u allow in your life. Look at your patterns of behavior. U might say what's wrong with this or that but does it produce good. Here we come to the definition of insanity. We can be in denial bc we don't see some of these things for the evil they truly are. U say it's not hurting anyone but is it helping anyone. Is it producing what is good?Gospeling each other means we treat each other the way that God treated us in Christ. See Ephesians 4:32-5:1Ephesians 4:30 our identity is not in our sin, it's not part of us or part of our personality. Our identity in Christ gives us freedom to change, to be truly loving. Loving othersLoving others means they feel nourished, they feel connected, they feel strength. Loving others means they can say, "I feel safe showing u my heart, my dreams, my fears."My emotions are my responsibility. My goal to treat u with respect is my responsibility regardless of how I'm treated. Honor means I respect u enough to trust u to make decisions. When I force u, when I control u, when I ignore u, when I merely tolerate you, I am dishonoring u. Do u want to know if u understand the Gospel? Look at how u treat other people. Do u treat them the way that God treated u?Process of Change/ How we stop excusing our sinsWe have to stop denying our offenses and minimizing them.We have to acknowledge our offense was wrong unconditionally. We have to stop justifying it. We have to stop blaming others and we have to be willing to talk in detail about why our offense was wrong without slipping back into defending it. We have to acknowledge that our offense was a choice, not a loss of control. When we sin it's because we gave ourselves permission to do so and chose to let the ur selves go. We need to take responsibility for the results of our offense on others including loss of trust, and we must do this without feeling sorry for ourselves or talking about how hard it is for us. In order to truly repent we must identify the underlying beliefs that have driven out behavior, beliefs like, "I'm entitled" or "I'm not responsible if provoked by another person." We must develop respectful attitudes to replace our sinful attitudes. This means being able to listen to others during conflict, and to embrace the fact that others rights are equal to our own. We must become empathetic towards others and stop exaggerating our grievances against others. We must compliment others and pay attention to their strengths and abilities. We must seek to make amends for any damage we have done and place the needs of others before our own. We must accept the consequences for our actions and stop whining about "poor me". Receiving forgiveness does. It mean the consequences for our actions disappear and we need to allow the Holy Spirit to build character in our lives through the consequences. Micah 7:7-9We need to commit to not repeating our bad behavior regardless of the circumstances. Being good for a while does not give us the right to a period of allowed bad behavior. We must stop having the double standard that says I have higher standards for others and exceptions for myself. We should embrace the double standard that says we have higher standards for ourselves. We need to realize that our struggle against sin is a life long battle so that we should never think we have arrived. Our struggles may take years to work through and we should be in it for the long haul. We must be willing to be accountable for our actions and have a willingness to accept feedback and criticism, and to be honest about when we fail. We have to give up the attitude that says "I'm willing to change some of what I do as long as I do t have to give up all of what I do. We have to stop bargaining with others and saying hints like I will only change if you change too."Remember we are not responsible for managing how others treat us but we are responsible for managing how we treat them. We must be willing to change no matter how much support we get or don't get. We must be accepting of the fact that it may take others longer to forgive us than we would like. Conclusion:Often we don't have a lot of forgiveness for others bc we haven't experienced a lot of forgiveness ourselves bc we have been denying our own sin and so have failed to receive Gods forgiveness. Illustration: the Good StudentChoosing to live in our shame and failing to ask forgiveness cuts us off from the love and acceptance of God. 1. What is gospelling each other? See Ephesians 4:32-5-1. How can we begin using this word in our vocabulary?2. According to 5:9 what does light produce? How can we use this truth when doing a self-analysis of our own behavior?3. Why don't consequences go away if you are sorry for your sin? What texts would you use to show this?4. Which ones from the following list do you struggle with?

Bringing the Future Into the Present: EphesiansSo many of the Old Testament passages prophesied of the coming Messiah and his people and this is happening now in our time and what we find in the Gospels and in Paul's writings is the working out of what this new people will look like. So do we look like that do we look like in live like the people at the New Testament describes? What does it look like for us to be a shining light in Oakland County?Ever been to a Christian concert and stayed in a hotel with mainly Christians? Ever been to Wal-Mart on Black Friday?As citizens of heaven, we are to bring God’s presence everywhere we go. We are to bring the future into the present.Imagine you send an email and literally a trillion emails flood your inbox and it causes a traffic jam because everyone is rushing to your house to help you.When we have everything in the next life, what is left to desire? The desire to serve. So you can see now why Jesus is crafting servants, because thats whats going to work in the future economy. EPHESIANSEphesians 3:10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.The following texts give instructions for how we will display God’s wisdom as a church.Its how we will bring the future into the present.Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.Ephesians 4:17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.Ephesians 4:22–2422 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Thespian, for me to live is Christ.Ephesians 4:25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.Ephesians 4:31–3231 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Do you know why forgiveness is so important? Bc without forgiveness you cannot be restored. Instead you are locked into your bitterness, so how do we bring God’s presence, which is full of forgiveness, when we don’t forgive.?Ephesians 5:1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:8 So live as people of light!Ephesians 5:10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.Ephesians 5:15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,Ephesians 6:10–1810 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. The battle Paul imagines is not aggressive, but it means treating believers with respect, with generosity, and extending forgiveness.CONCLUSION:You are to play a great role in the drama of history and all the world is your stage, and the role you are to play is that of Christ.“Jesus paid it all, leads to “all to Him I owe.”The mission of the church is to live as citizens of heaven in Gospel community through every interaction and in doing this we shine like lights, and through this we bring the future into the present.So how are we doing? Are we shining like lights?To live like a citizen of heaven means investing in other people:1 Thessalonians 2:19After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joyI don’t need a big budget, a fancy building, or expensive music equipment to live out the mission of God, but you know what I do need. I need you. I need the church. I can’t do the mission without Gospel community, so why do American Christians so often treat the church like its optional.Would that we would enter every circumstance, every situation with the intent to live out what it means to be a citizen of heaven without having to be reminded.We want God’s blessing. Perhaps we have been looking in the wrong places for it. I believe to the degree that we live out the mission as the people of God now with the resources each of us has now, that God will bless us so we can do more of what we have already been doing.1a. How would you state the mission of the church?1b. What statement was repeated throughout the sermon to describe the church's mission? Please explain what this statement means.(Answer: The church's mission is to bring the future into the present)2a. How would you state the mission of the church using texts from Ephesians?2b. What is the difference between stating the mission is to give the Gospel vs. the mission is to live out the Gospel? Please explain.3. Which text from Ephesians did we say was the mission statement? (Answer: Ephesians 3:10)4. In what ways does the fact that we are on display for the purpose of displaying God's wisdom determine what our mission should look like?5. In what ways are we displaying God's wisdom as individuals and as a church? What is included in this and please be specific.6. What did we learn from Ephesians 4:22–24? (Answer: that all the world is a stage and we are called to play our part in the greatest story ever told. In the great drama of world history, we are called to play the part of Jesus because we are His body.)7. Why did we say forgiveness as commanded in Ephesians 4:31–32 was so important? What was the principle we stated?(Answer: Forgiveness is the path to restoration. How can we model the forgiveness embedded in the Gospel if we have not been restored ourselves?)8. When we fail to forgive, who is the one who suffers and how does this affect the mission of our church?9. Based on Ephesians 5:10, what should we be developing for ourselves as we grow in our maturity? What question should we be asking regarding questionable activities and what question do we usually ask?(Answer: a code of conduct. What is right with it vs. what is wrong with it?)10. If all people see is our trying to get as close to the line without sinning, what do we often end up displaying? Please explain why this is true.(Answer: hypocrisy)

Bringing the Future Into the Present: EphesiansSo many of the Old Testament passages prophesied of the coming Messiah and his people and this is happening now in our time and what we find in the Gospels and in Paul's writings is the working out of what this new people will look like. So do we look like that do we look like in live like the people at the New Testament describes? What does it look like for us to be a shining light in Oakland County?Ever been to a Christian concert and stayed in a hotel with mainly Christians? Ever been to Wal-Mart on Black Friday?As citizens of heaven, we are to bring God’s presence everywhere we go. We are to bring the future into the present.Imagine you send an email and literally a trillion emails flood your inbox and it causes a traffic jam because everyone is rushing to your house to help you.When we have everything in the next life, what is left to desire? The desire to serve. So you can see now why Jesus is crafting servants, because thats whats going to work in the future economy. EPHESIANSEphesians 3:10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.The following texts give instructions for how we will display God’s wisdom as a church.Its how we will bring the future into the present.Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.Ephesians 4:17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.Ephesians 4:22–2422 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Thespian, for me to live is Christ.Ephesians 4:25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.Ephesians 4:31–3231 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Do you know why forgiveness is so important? Bc without forgiveness you cannot be restored. Instead you are locked into your bitterness, so how do we bring God’s presence, which is full of forgiveness, when we don’t forgive.?Ephesians 5:1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:8 So live as people of light!Ephesians 5:10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.Ephesians 5:15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,Ephesians 6:10–1810 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. The battle Paul imagines is not aggressive, but it means treating believers with respect, with generosity, and extending forgiveness.CONCLUSION:You are to play a great role in the drama of history and all the world is your stage, and the role you are to play is that of Christ.“Jesus paid it all, leads to “all to Him I owe.”The mission of the church is to live as citizens of heaven in Gospel community through every interaction and in doing this we shine like lights, and through this we bring the future into the present.So how are we doing? Are we shining like lights?To live like a citizen of heaven means investing in other people:1 Thessalonians 2:19After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joyI don’t need a big budget, a fancy building, or expensive music equipment to live out the mission of God, but you know what I do need. I need you. I need the church. I can’t do the mission without Gospel community, so why do American Christians so often treat the church like its optional.Would that we would enter every circumstance, every situation with the intent to live out what it means to be a citizen of heaven without having to be reminded.We want God’s blessing. Perhaps we have been looking in the wrong places for it. I believe to the degree that we live out the mission as the people of God now with the resources each of us has now, that God will bless us so we can do more of what we have already been doing.1a. How would you state the mission of the church?1b. What statement was repeated throughout the sermon to describe the church's mission? Please explain what this statement means.(Answer: The church's mission is to bring the future into the present)2a. How would you state the mission of the church using texts from Ephesians?2b. What is the difference between stating the mission is to give the Gospel vs. the mission is to live out the Gospel? Please explain.3. Which text from Ephesians did we say was the mission statement? (Answer: Ephesians 3:10)4. In what ways does the fact that we are on display for the purpose of displaying God's wisdom determine what our mission should look like?5. In what ways are we displaying God's wisdom as individuals and as a church? What is included in this and please be specific.6. What did we learn from Ephesians 4:22–24? (Answer: that all the world is a stage and we are called to play our part in the greatest story ever told. In the great drama of world history, we are called to play the part of Jesus because we are His body.)7. Why did we say forgiveness as commanded in Ephesians 4:31–32 was so important? What was the principle we stated?(Answer: Forgiveness is the path to restoration. How can we model the forgiveness embedded in the Gospel if we have not been restored ourselves?)8. When we fail to forgive, who is the one who suffers and how does this affect the mission of our church?9. Based on Ephesians 5:10, what should we be developing for ourselves as we grow in our maturity? What question should we be asking regarding questionable activities and what question do we usually ask?(Answer: a code of conduct. What is right with it vs. what is wrong with it?)10. If all people see is our trying to get as close to the line without sinning, what do we often end up displaying? Please explain why this is true.(Answer: hypocrisy)

Matthew 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Illustration: Seminary ProfessorThis morning we are going to read through Philippians and part of Ephesians in order to determine what Paul’s emphasis is as far as the mission of the church. Philippians 1:9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. To love each other is the active agape that moves people from shame to vulnerability meeting acceptance instead of shame when finally free to confess. It's transparency and vulnerability without rejection, that's the gospel. The gospel is something we live out in how we treat each other. Philippians 1:27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ (cf. 3:20)Ephesians 2:19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.Philippians 3:3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised.Romans 4:13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.Matthew 21:43 I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit.Philippians 2:2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:12 Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Work out your own salvation means to think through what it means to live as citizens of heaven in every situation.Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.1 Corinthians 10:10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. Phil 1:27 “your public behavior must match up to the gospel of the king”Phil 4:5 “Let everyone know how gentle and gracious you are”Philippians 4:2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 1. So, what is the mission of the church and what does it include? (What doesn't it include?)2. What are the ways we as individuals are fulfilling the mission as described through the book of Philippians and Matthew 28:19-20? See Philippians 1:9; 1:27; 2:2-5; 2:12; 2:14-16; 4:2-5; Go through these passages like a Bible Study and look for the ways we are obeying these.3. Go through the same passages and look for the ways we are obeying these passages as a church.4. Sidenote question: Compare Genesis 15:18 and Romans 4:13. What is the difference between these two land promises?5. What is the difference between the mission being to give the Gospel and to live out the Gospel? Please explain.6. Does this mean we don't need to give the Gospel?7. What does it look like to live as a citizen of heaven now in Oakland County?8. What are some things you need to repent of in order to live more like a citizen of heaven? 9. Is it possible to live the Christian life in isolation of the church? What are some ways we try to do so?10. What did we say Paul's crown was?11. Read this passage:1 Thessalonians 2:19After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy.Based on this verse, will you have a crown when you see Jesus?Who will be your crown specifically?Who would you like it to be?

Matthew 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Illustration: Seminary ProfessorThis morning we are going to read through Philippians and part of Ephesians in order to determine what Paul’s emphasis is as far as the mission of the church. Philippians 1:9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. To love each other is the active agape that moves people from shame to vulnerability meeting acceptance instead of shame when finally free to confess. It's transparency and vulnerability without rejection, that's the gospel. The gospel is something we live out in how we treat each other. Philippians 1:27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ (cf. 3:20)Ephesians 2:19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.Philippians 3:3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised.Romans 4:13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.Matthew 21:43 I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit.Philippians 2:2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:12 Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Work out your own salvation means to think through what it means to live as citizens of heaven in every situation.Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.1 Corinthians 10:10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. Phil 1:27 “your public behavior must match up to the gospel of the king”Phil 4:5 “Let everyone know how gentle and gracious you are”Philippians 4:2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 1. So, what is the mission of the church and what does it include? (What doesn't it include?)2. What are the ways we as individuals are fulfilling the mission as described through the book of Philippians and Matthew 28:19-20? See Philippians 1:9; 1:27; 2:2-5; 2:12; 2:14-16; 4:2-5; Go through these passages like a Bible Study and look for the ways we are obeying these.3. Go through the same passages and look for the ways we are obeying these passages as a church.4. Sidenote question: Compare Genesis 15:18 and Romans 4:13. What is the difference between these two land promises?5. What is the difference between the mission being to give the Gospel and to live out the Gospel? Please explain.6. Does this mean we don't need to give the Gospel?7. What does it look like to live as a citizen of heaven now in Oakland County?8. What are some things you need to repent of in order to live more like a citizen of heaven? 9. Is it possible to live the Christian life in isolation of the church? What are some ways we try to do so?10. What did we say Paul's crown was?11. Read this passage:1 Thessalonians 2:19After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy.Based on this verse, will you have a crown when you see Jesus?Who will be your crown specifically?Who would you like it to be?

Romans 12:7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. 1 Corinthians 16:15–16 15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.Matthew 20:20–2820 Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. 21 “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” 22 But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” 23 Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.” 24 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” If you are a teacher, teach well. This is the ability to take complex subjects and make them easy to understand.8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. Notice those who are down and seek to lift them up through words, notes, etc. - Are able to inspire others to more fully live for God - See potential for good in people and seek to bring it out in them - Can help restore confidence or bring about new confidence in a person - Desire to provide comfort for those who are in mourningIf it is giving, give generously. Characteristics of Those with This Gift:Want to be challenged to give more and respond well to these challengesAre especially moved by the financial plight of the poor and needyHave special concerns (e.g., evangelism, missions, benevolence) that they are very willing to fund above and beyond regular givingDo not hold on tightly to their own possessions or savings, but regularly give them awayAre careful with their spending so that they may give to othersApplication for World/Workplace/Neighborhood SettingsLook for co-workers or neighbors who going through economic hardship and buy them something they needOrganize the collection of funds towards a cause that will resonate with non-ChristiansApplication for Church MinistryBegin with tithing towards your local church and then give above and beyond thisSave additional funds to allow for special givingTeach/participate in financial management ministry such as Financial PeaceApplication for FamilyBegin teaching your children to tithe as little children, explaining why you do thisSave as a family and then use these funds to go and give to the poor and needy something that they needSponsor a child overseas that is in need and have your children give some of their allowance towards this child's monthly support.If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. Take the responsibility seriously. It has to be said with this gift that it wasn’t given so the leader could sit back arrogantly thinking how special they are for being given this gift. Its a call to be a servant. It means you aren’t above taking out the trash and restocking the pencils in the pews.A leader is somebody who gets people to follow. A true leader has a goal and can unite people to get behind it and go with it.And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (mercy, compassion)This gift equips one to respond lovingly and compassionately to those who are suffering or have struggled with sin or the conditions of life. Characteristics of Those with This Gift:- Sensitive, caring and compassionate- Understanding of those who fall into sin, seeking to protect and lift them up- Able to cheerfully minister to sick, homeless, handicapped- Careful not to be judgmental- Regularly enjoy doing small acts of kindnessApplication Application for World/Workplace/Neighborhood Settings- Look for co-workers who are stressed out or facing life and work challenges and seek to encourage them- Be on the lookout for people in the neighborhood, children's friends' parents, etc. who are facing these challenges and be proactive in ministering to themApplication for Church Ministry- Serve in food pantry, clothes closet, homeless, orphans, recovery, and hospital/sick type of ministries- Seek to comfort and lift up those who are going through divorce, bereavement, depression, anxiety, worry, job loss, or have failed in sinPastoral Care/Shepherding—Those gifted in pastoral care and shepherding naturally seek to guide, guard, and nurture people in the Christian faith. It should be noted that one can have the gift of shepherding without being an officially recognized shepherd, just as one can be an evangelist without being a paid preacher. This gift describes the function of shepherding, not an office. An example of leading through shepherding is consistently seeking out those who need Spiritual guidance and helping them follow God (Acts 20:28-31).Spiritual Gifts Passage on Pastoral Care/Shepherding “ . . . some to be pastors” (Eph. 4:11). Characteristics of Those with This Gift:- Have a desire and an ability to help Christians grow to greater maturity in the faith- Enjoy guiding, mentoring and nurturing people- Desire to help people overcome spiritual, emotional, or physical problems in their lives- Want to protect people from harmful influences and help bind up the wounded- Have a following of people who trust them because of their demonstrated care and attention, and who often go to them for counselingApplication- Look for those at work who are struggling with life issues and be a counselor and encourager for them- Offer to pray with those who are hurt, down, or in need- Serve in "discipleship" (greater maturity) type of ministries, such as post-baptismal studies, New Members classes, in-depth Bible studies; also consider serving in prayer and recovery ministries- Look for opportunities to mentor and encourage people- Spend time with people, pray with them, and help them with life issues (marriage, parenting, etc.)- Look for opportunities to help people through emotional and spiritual valleys9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. We don’t treat people life projects.We don’t try to be their Savior.We don’t make them feel indebted to us for helping them.We don’t put up distance between us and them but we truly let them into our lives, which means we put ourselves and our resources at risk.We don’t gossip about them behind their backs.This is why ministry is hard. The person thinks until just helping out of obligation bc you're a Christian but u are really loving them and when they move on it hurts bc u gave yourself to them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. To return evil with evil keeps evil in circulationDo things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. CONCLUSION:It doesn't matter how small we areIt's not about us it's about Jesus and there is nothing stopping us from our mission. Yeah, we don't have the best equipment and facilities fight now but how about we look at this time as the good ol days when we were struggling. StoryIf we only had...We really need...to be able...No we don't. We have everything we need right now.All that other stuff comes under the guise of mission. But we don't need it. Gods power is not constrained by our situation, our limited resources, or our fear. Attraction all vs mission all. If we had a children's program, if we had a day care it would only be so we could do more of what we should already be doing and so the best way we can ask God to bless us and provide for us is to do what we should already be doing now. Servants get a write up in the NT and we wouldn't think of that but isn't that how it's going to be on judgement day. Won't we be shocked to see just how much it's true that the first will be last and vice Versace even though we've been told in advance. We need such and such, No we don't. 1. What did we say was the church's primary mission?2. How important is it to be at church on Sunday's with reference to the mission?3. Why do you go to church on Sunday?4. Is Sunday a time when you find yourself using your gifts? Why or why not?

Romans 12:7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. 1 Corinthians 16:15–16 15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.Matthew 20:20–2820 Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. 21 “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” 22 But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” 23 Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.” 24 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” If you are a teacher, teach well. This is the ability to take complex subjects and make them easy to understand.8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. Notice those who are down and seek to lift them up through words, notes, etc. - Are able to inspire others to more fully live for God - See potential for good in people and seek to bring it out in them - Can help restore confidence or bring about new confidence in a person - Desire to provide comfort for those who are in mourningIf it is giving, give generously. Characteristics of Those with This Gift:Want to be challenged to give more and respond well to these challengesAre especially moved by the financial plight of the poor and needyHave special concerns (e.g., evangelism, missions, benevolence) that they are very willing to fund above and beyond regular givingDo not hold on tightly to their own possessions or savings, but regularly give them awayAre careful with their spending so that they may give to othersApplication for World/Workplace/Neighborhood SettingsLook for co-workers or neighbors who going through economic hardship and buy them something they needOrganize the collection of funds towards a cause that will resonate with non-ChristiansApplication for Church MinistryBegin with tithing towards your local church and then give above and beyond thisSave additional funds to allow for special givingTeach/participate in financial management ministry such as Financial PeaceApplication for FamilyBegin teaching your children to tithe as little children, explaining why you do thisSave as a family and then use these funds to go and give to the poor and needy something that they needSponsor a child overseas that is in need and have your children give some of their allowance towards this child's monthly support.If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. Take the responsibility seriously. It has to be said with this gift that it wasn’t given so the leader could sit back arrogantly thinking how special they are for being given this gift. Its a call to be a servant. It means you aren’t above taking out the trash and restocking the pencils in the pews.A leader is somebody who gets people to follow. A true leader has a goal and can unite people to get behind it and go with it.And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (mercy, compassion)This gift equips one to respond lovingly and compassionately to those who are suffering or have struggled with sin or the conditions of life. Characteristics of Those with This Gift:- Sensitive, caring and compassionate- Understanding of those who fall into sin, seeking to protect and lift them up- Able to cheerfully minister to sick, homeless, handicapped- Careful not to be judgmental- Regularly enjoy doing small acts of kindnessApplication Application for World/Workplace/Neighborhood Settings- Look for co-workers who are stressed out or facing life and work challenges and seek to encourage them- Be on the lookout for people in the neighborhood, children's friends' parents, etc. who are facing these challenges and be proactive in ministering to themApplication for Church Ministry- Serve in food pantry, clothes closet, homeless, orphans, recovery, and hospital/sick type of ministries- Seek to comfort and lift up those who are going through divorce, bereavement, depression, anxiety, worry, job loss, or have failed in sinPastoral Care/Shepherding—Those gifted in pastoral care and shepherding naturally seek to guide, guard, and nurture people in the Christian faith. It should be noted that one can have the gift of shepherding without being an officially recognized shepherd, just as one can be an evangelist without being a paid preacher. This gift describes the function of shepherding, not an office. An example of leading through shepherding is consistently seeking out those who need Spiritual guidance and helping them follow God (Acts 20:28-31).Spiritual Gifts Passage on Pastoral Care/Shepherding “ . . . some to be pastors” (Eph. 4:11). Characteristics of Those with This Gift:- Have a desire and an ability to help Christians grow to greater maturity in the faith- Enjoy guiding, mentoring and nurturing people- Desire to help people overcome spiritual, emotional, or physical problems in their lives- Want to protect people from harmful influences and help bind up the wounded- Have a following of people who trust them because of their demonstrated care and attention, and who often go to them for counselingApplication- Look for those at work who are struggling with life issues and be a counselor and encourager for them- Offer to pray with those who are hurt, down, or in need- Serve in "discipleship" (greater maturity) type of ministries, such as post-baptismal studies, New Members classes, in-depth Bible studies; also consider serving in prayer and recovery ministries- Look for opportunities to mentor and encourage people- Spend time with people, pray with them, and help them with life issues (marriage, parenting, etc.)- Look for opportunities to help people through emotional and spiritual valleys9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. We don’t treat people life projects.We don’t try to be their Savior.We don’t make them feel indebted to us for helping them.We don’t put up distance between us and them but we truly let them into our lives, which means we put ourselves and our resources at risk.We don’t gossip about them behind their backs.This is why ministry is hard. The person thinks until just helping out of obligation bc you're a Christian but u are really loving them and when they move on it hurts bc u gave yourself to them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. To return evil with evil keeps evil in circulationDo things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. CONCLUSION:It doesn't matter how small we areIt's not about us it's about Jesus and there is nothing stopping us from our mission. Yeah, we don't have the best equipment and facilities fight now but how about we look at this time as the good ol days when we were struggling. StoryIf we only had...We really need...to be able...No we don't. We have everything we need right now.All that other stuff comes under the guise of mission. But we don't need it. Gods power is not constrained by our situation, our limited resources, or our fear. Attraction all vs mission all. If we had a children's program, if we had a day care it would only be so we could do more of what we should already be doing and so the best way we can ask God to bless us and provide for us is to do what we should already be doing now. Servants get a write up in the NT and we wouldn't think of that but isn't that how it's going to be on judgement day. Won't we be shocked to see just how much it's true that the first will be last and vice Versace even though we've been told in advance. We need such and such, No we don't. 1. What did we say was the church's primary mission?2. How important is it to be at church on Sunday's with reference to the mission?3. Why do you go to church on Sunday?4. Is Sunday a time when you find yourself using your gifts? Why or why not?

1. What are some ways Christians are tempted to remain in their old way of thinking, worldly thinking, as mentioned in Romans 12:2? Please list some examples.2. What did we say was the primary strategy for transforming our thinking? Please share some testimonies from your own life. How has your thinking changed since becoming a Christian?3. What are some of the excuses that you use to not use your gifts? Please be specific.4. Why does Paul warn us in verse 3 with reference to the use of our gifts, meaning, what is the relationship between thinking too highly of ourselves and the use of our gifts? How does one affect the other?5. What does the "we all belong to each other" mentioned in verse 5 mean to you? 6 How are we doing at GL as far as living out this truth? How can you help our church live out this truth? 7. Do you think CG helps us live this out? 8. Please think about the members of your CG and take the time to specifically encourage each other about how you have seen them use their gifts? Tell each other what you are good at, build each other up.9. Is there anyone in the CG who has no idea what their gifts might be? If so, do any of the other members have an idea what it might be?10. For those who know what their gifts are, please share them with the other members of the group.11. Getting into brainstorm mode, what are some ways you might further use the gifts God has given you? Be prepared to hear from other members of the CG on this.

1. What are some ways Christians are tempted to remain in their old way of thinking, worldly thinking, as mentioned in Romans 12:2? Please list some examples.2. What did we say was the primary strategy for transforming our thinking? Please share some testimonies from your own life. How has your thinking changed since becoming a Christian?3. What are some of the excuses that you use to not use your gifts? Please be specific.4. Why does Paul warn us in verse 3 with reference to the use of our gifts, meaning, what is the relationship between thinking too highly of ourselves and the use of our gifts? How does one affect the other?5. What does the "we all belong to each other" mentioned in verse 5 mean to you? 6 How are we doing at GL as far as living out this truth? How can you help our church live out this truth? 7. Do you think CG helps us live this out? 8. Please think about the members of your CG and take the time to specifically encourage each other about how you have seen them use their gifts? Tell each other what you are good at, build each other up.9. Is there anyone in the CG who has no idea what their gifts might be? If so, do any of the other members have an idea what it might be?10. For those who know what their gifts are, please share them with the other members of the group.11. Getting into brainstorm mode, what are some ways you might further use the gifts God has given you? Be prepared to hear from other members of the CG on this.

Is evolution a fact? How does the fine-tuning of the universe affect my view? How do we explain the rapid rise of Christianity given that there were many witnesses and an empty tomb when the New Testament began to be circulated? Were the people back then just more superstitious than our modern sensibilities today?1. What were your overall impressions of the Easter Egg Hunt? How do you think our church did coming together to make this happen? 2. Do you think it was worth the effort?3. What positive and negative responses did you hear at the event?4. Do you think we should continue to do this event? If so, how can we make it better and more productive?5. How has/is the meaning of Easter making a difference in your life?6. How bold are you in sharing the resurrection with the people in your life? 7. Who do you need to begin praying for and sharing your faith with this year, or who would you like to see become a Christian?8. How can the other members in your CG help make this happen?9. As we approach the warmer months, what are some group activities you can begin to plan to reach out to the community, your neighborhoods, and the people in your life? Please be creative. Think of things we have not done before and things we have done but that could be done better. Please spend some time brainstorming here. Something we have done in the past is have nieghborhood BBQ's. Is this something your CG could do you have a better idea?10. The worship Sunday was amazing and it was good to see a full house. Who are some people you could invite to church in the weeks ahead.11. Please spend time praying for the people that need the Gospel, for people that will be invited to church, and for the Holy Spirit to lead in your CG hosting some outreach events.

Is evolution a fact? How does the fine-tuning of the universe affect my view? How do we explain the rapid rise of Christianity given that there were many witnesses and an empty tomb when the New Testament began to be circulated? Were the people back then just more superstitious than our modern sensibilities today?1. What were your overall impressions of the Easter Egg Hunt? How do you think our church did coming together to make this happen? 2. Do you think it was worth the effort?3. What positive and negative responses did you hear at the event?4. Do you think we should continue to do this event? If so, how can we make it better and more productive?5. How has/is the meaning of Easter making a difference in your life?6. How bold are you in sharing the resurrection with the people in your life? 7. Who do you need to begin praying for and sharing your faith with this year, or who would you like to see become a Christian?8. How can the other members in your CG help make this happen?9. As we approach the warmer months, what are some group activities you can begin to plan to reach out to the community, your neighborhoods, and the people in your life? Please be creative. Think of things we have not done before and things we have done but that could be done better. Please spend some time brainstorming here. Something we have done in the past is have nieghborhood BBQ's. Is this something your CG could do you have a better idea?10. The worship Sunday was amazing and it was good to see a full house. Who are some people you could invite to church in the weeks ahead.11. Please spend time praying for the people that need the Gospel, for people that will be invited to church, and for the Holy Spirit to lead in your CG hosting some outreach events.

Luke 12: 4-5v4. Dear Friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body, they cannot do anymore to you after that.v5. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you, and then throw you into hell. Yes, he is the one to fear.Q1 – Are there any areas in your life that you are holding back because you’re afraid? Why? Chronicles 14:12v12. The Lord defeated the Ethiopians in the presence of Asa and his Army.Q2 – Has God ever showed up in the midst of a great struggle in your life? Please share. Chronicles 2 15: 12-13v12. It says they all entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, God.v13. They agreed that anyone who refused to seek the Lord, the God of Israel would be put to death, whether young, old, man or woman.Q3 – Do you agree with making and agreeing to a covenant with God in your church? How do you feel about being put to death for not following that covenant? Do you think that was extreme? Q4 – Why do you think Asa had a change of heart at the end of his reign, and did not go to God for help in 2 Chronicles: 16?Q5 – Have you ever had struggles that you didn’t give to God?Q6 – Do you make time for God on a daily basis? If not, are you ready to give him your best? If you don’t know where to start, please ask your CG Leader. Exodus 3: 2-5Moses hears from God at the burning bush.Q7 – Why do you think God had him take of his sandals?Q8 – Do you think it’s important to approach God with reverence? Why or why not?Q9 – Do you use the bible as a check & balance for your life? Example Rev 21: 7-8

Luke 12: 4-5v4. Dear Friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body, they cannot do anymore to you after that.v5. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you, and then throw you into hell. Yes, he is the one to fear.Q1 – Are there any areas in your life that you are holding back because you’re afraid? Why? Chronicles 14:12v12. The Lord defeated the Ethiopians in the presence of Asa and his Army.Q2 – Has God ever showed up in the midst of a great struggle in your life? Please share. Chronicles 2 15: 12-13v12. It says they all entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, God.v13. They agreed that anyone who refused to seek the Lord, the God of Israel would be put to death, whether young, old, man or woman.Q3 – Do you agree with making and agreeing to a covenant with God in your church? How do you feel about being put to death for not following that covenant? Do you think that was extreme? Q4 – Why do you think Asa had a change of heart at the end of his reign, and did not go to God for help in 2 Chronicles: 16?Q5 – Have you ever had struggles that you didn’t give to God?Q6 – Do you make time for God on a daily basis? If not, are you ready to give him your best? If you don’t know where to start, please ask your CG Leader. Exodus 3: 2-5Moses hears from God at the burning bush.Q7 – Why do you think God had him take of his sandals?Q8 – Do you think it’s important to approach God with reverence? Why or why not?Q9 – Do you use the bible as a check & balance for your life? Example Rev 21: 7-8