What If - Thomas Road Baptist Church by Lifetogether Ministries

CONTENTS

What . .we were the first church

04 OUR MISSION AND VALUES 05 INTRODUCTION

by Pastor Jonathan Falwell

06 WELCOME

08 USING THIS WORKBOOK 09 OUTLINE FOR EACH SESSION

SESSIONS 10 SESSION ONE

APPENDICES

…His Story Became Our Story?

118 Frequently Asked Questions

28 SESSION TWO

…His Church Became Our Church?

119 Small Group Agreement

46 SESSION THREE

121 Small Group Calendar

…His Mission Became Our Mission?

122 Spiritual Partners

64 SESSION FOUR

123 Memory Verses (Clip and Review)

…His Family Became Our Family?

126 Prayer and Praise Report

80 SESSION FIVE

128 Small Group Roster

…His Neighborhood Became Our Neighborhood?

129 Identifying Your Shape to Serve

98 SESSION SIX

…His World Became Our World?

SMALL GROUP LEADERS 130 Hosting an Open House 131 Leading for the First Time 3

OUR MISSION AND VALUES Like everything we do here at Thomas Road Baptist Church, this resource is about living out our mission: To change our world by developing Christ-followers who love God and love people This mission sets the stage for every ministry, program and activity we develop, support or manage at Thomas Road Baptist Church. We are confident that as we work closely with Christ-followers to love God and love peo-

Lifestyle of Worship: Worship is far more

ple, we will see a revolutionary change in our world. We

than singing. True worship of God is to be

are committed to this God-honoring mission.

reflected in our lifestyle in every moment.

We build upon that mission with six core values. These

We hope this study will help you live out

core values focus our members’ energies on develop-

your faith every day.

ing our church family and working outside the walls of

Connection to community: The study in

our church to minister to a hurting world. Everything

your hands is designed to be done in com-

we do flows out of these core values. This study is no

munity, and will guide you in connecting

exception.

more deeply with one another.

Commitment to Scripture: Each of these lessons will

Heart for Serving: You’ll see that we’ve

have you reading, studying and discussing God’s word.

built opportunities to serve as a group right

It is the truth we build our lives upon, as individuals and

into this study of the book of Acts. Serve

a community.

together as a group!

Culture of Prayer: We strive to make Thomas Road a

Passion for Sharing: Each lesson in this

house of prayer. We are already praying for this study,

study has a group action step that will help

for your groups. We hope that your group will pray to-

you to share your faith, serve others, and

gether, and pray for one another during the week.

grow closer as you do so.

INTRODUCTION BY JONATHAN FALWELL The story of the first church, recorded in the book of Acts, inspires and amazes us. The fiery entrance of the Holy Spirit, the powerful preaching of ordinary, unschooled men, the gifts of men and women, young and old, coming together to fulfill ancient prophecy in such a way that awed and inspired everyone. We read their amazing stories. We believed that God really did the miracles recorded in His Word. We know the Bible is true. But we think, “Too bad that couldn’t happen today.” We couldn’t walk up to a homeless beggar on the street and say, “Silver and gold I have not…” and have him end up dancing beside us. We couldn’t preach and watch 3,000 folks respond by giving their lives to Jesus. Those things happened to the first church, but that can’t really happen anymore. Right? But what if those things could happen? What if our church, like the first church, could turn the world upside down? What if Thomas Road Baptist Church became like the first church? The first church that lived and ministered like the first church in the book of Acts, and the first church since Pentecost that truly understood and believed and embraced God’s power in our lives? This study dares to challenge us to fulfill the potential of our church, of the Church. To ask, “What if…” You’ll notice that every lesson asks us to think about the vision Jesus had for the church, and how we could make that vision our own. Notice that we never ask if His mission could be my mission? The Christian faith is not a solo act—it’s meant to be lived in community. So we will talk about our story, our mission, our neighborhood. And appropriately, we’ll learn these things in the context of community—with one another. If you’re reading this, it means you’ve gathered with a small group to study God’s Word and consider this amazing challenge. I’m delighted and proud of you as a congregation. Together, we’re going to study God’s Word, but also, we’re going to do what it says. As groups, you’ll tell your stories, you’ll love one another—and then, go and serve one another, and serve our community. Together, we can change our church, our neighborhoods, and the world.

Welcome This unique small group curriculum integrates

dig into the Bible but also respond to what you

what you are learning in church on the weekends

watched on the DVD. You’ll have a chance to

with what you’re studying in your small group,

learn together, to discuss and share your own

as well as your individual times with God. It

stories in a way that focuses on practical real-life

provides a taste of small groups for those who

application as you find your story in God’s story.

are new, while still offering a rich and rewarding experience to those who’ve spent years in small

At the end of each session, you’ll find daily

group settings.

devotions that will help you go deeper in your walk with God and each other. You’ll read a

In the context of your small group, you’ll dig

Bible verse or two related to that week’s topic,

deeper into the topics and Scriptures you’ve

then reflect on a question that will prompt you to

heard in the weekend messages. In that faith

pray, journal, and apply God’s Word to your life.

community, you will learn, discuss and grow. On your own, between meetings, you’ll be guided

Our prayer is that you would experience God in

through rich devotional times that again integrate

a fresh way as a result of this study and that your

with what you’re learning and experiencing at

experience in community would inspire and

church and in your group.

enable you to go out and serve your community, make disciples, and change the world.

In addition to the written study, this curriculum includes a DVD with six teaching sessions, one for each lesson. In your discussion, you’ll

USING THIS WORKBOOK Tools to Help You Have a Great Small Group Experience! 1. Notice in the Table of Contents there are

3. Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. If

three sections: (1) Sessions; (2) Appendices;

the group responds to the lesson in an unexpected but

and (3) Small Group Leaders. Familiarize

honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question

yourself with the Appendices. Some of them will

than the next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the

be used in the sessions themselves.

insights included in the Frequently Asked Questions

2. If you are facilitating/leading or co-leading a small group, the section Small Group Leaders will give you some hard-learned experiences of others that will encourage you and help you

pages and the Small Group Leaders section. 4. Enjoy your small group experience. 5. Pray before each sessionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for your group members, for your time together, for wisdom and insights.

avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership.

6. Read the Outline for Each Session on the next pages so that you understand how the sessions will flow.

Outline of Each Session A typical group session for this study will include the following sections: WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES. Each session opens with a Memory Verse that emphasizes an important truth from the session. This is an optional exercise, but we believe that memorizing Scripture can be a vital part of filling our minds with God’s will for our lives. We encourage you to give this important habit a try. The verses for our six sessions are also listed in the appendix. SHARE YOUR STORY. The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and His family. You build that connection by sharing your story with a few people who really know you and who earn your trust. This section includes some simple questions to get you talking—letting you share as much or as little of your story as you feel comfortable doing. Each session typically offers you two options. You can get to know your whole group by using the icebreaker question(s), or you can check in with one or two group members and/or your spiritual partner(s) for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey. HEAR GOD’S STORY. In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to teaching, in order to hear God’s story—and begin to see how His story aligns with yours. When the study directs you to, you’ll pop in the DVD and watch a short teaching segment. You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of Scripture, and discuss both the teaching and the text. You won’t focus on accumulating information but on how you should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights from Scripture practically and creatively, from your heart as well as your head. At the end of the day, allowing the timeless truths from God’s Word to transform your life in Christ should be your greatest aim. CREATE A NEW STORY. God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change. It will require you to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. This section will challenge you to follow the Bible’s instructions to “be doers of the Word, not just hearers” (James 1:22). You’ll talk about how to apply what you’ve learned, but also, begin to take action. Each Create A New Story section includes a Group Action Step, whether that means sharing your faith stories in the first lesson, planning a service project, or crafting a mission statement in later sessions. You’ll also be guided in this section to spend time in prayer and worship. DAILY DEVOTIONS. Each week on the Daily Devotions pages we provide Scriptures to read and reflect on between sessions—reflections to keep God’s Word near your heart. This provides you with a chance to slow down, read just a small portion of Scripture each day, and reflect and pray through it. You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. Use this section to seek God on your own throughout the week. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t get in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

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Session ONE What If...His Story Became Our Story? What if our church truly understood, believed and embraced God’s power in our lives? What if doing that enabled us to change the world? What if we could turn the world upside down, just as that first church did? How could that happen? Each of our stories must first be changed by Jesus’ story. Jesus came to this earth, as God in the flesh. He did miracles, taught with an authority and wisdom unlike anything people had seen before. He even raised people from the dead! But He was more than just a wise teacher or miracle worker. He was killed on a cross, but then He rose from the dead. He defeated death—in His own body and in us! The world changes one story at a time—beginning right here. What if your story, our story, became Jesus’ story? The story of resurrection power? What if what was once dead in each of us became alive, and became a force to be reckoned with. The Bible says we are witnesses of His resurrection. There is nothing you can’t do in the power of that resurrection. As His witnesses, we can change our world. What if Jesus’ story were our story? That’s what we’re going to talk about this week. 10

Weekly Memory Verse But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

WHAT

AS YOU BEGIN, pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page 128 or a sheet of paper. Have everyone introduce themselves, then write down their contact information. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group during the week.

Each of us has a story. The events of our life—good, bad, wonderful or challenging—have shaped who we are. God knows your story, and He intends to redeem it—to use every struggle and every joy to ultimately bring you to Himself. When we share our stories with others, we give them the opportunity to see God at work. When we share our stories, we realize we are not alone—that we have common experiences and thoughts, and that others can understand what we are going through. Your story can encourage someone else, and telling it can be a path to freedom for you, and for those you share it with. Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

Share Your Story THEN, USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING.

Session 1

QUESTIONS What do you hope to get out of this group? What drew you here?

What strengths do you bring to this group? What do you think you can do for others in the group?

Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. Take time right now to look at the Group Agreement on page 119. Read through it together, and have each member sign their copy of it. This simple agreement assures that everyone clearly understands the values of the group and is committed to what will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health. If your group is new, welcome newcomers. Introduce everyone—you may even want to have nametags for your first meeting. We recommend that you rotate host homes on a regular basis and share the leadership of the meeting. We’ve come to realize that healthy groups invite the participation of all the group members. This helps to develop every member’s ability to shepherd a few people in a safe environment. Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside Him (Mark 6:30–44). Look at the FAQs in the Appendix for additional information about hosting or leading the group. Use the Small Group Calendar on page 121 to plan who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and leaders for your remaining meetings. Don’t pass this up! It will revolutionize your group.

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Hear God’s Story God uses stories to guide us. When we read the true stories of Scripture, we learn what God is like, we see His plan unfolding. And we learn principles for our own lives. How can we become a part of God’s story? By aligning our stories with His. By not just understanding what it means to follow Him, but actually doing it—changing our attitudes and actions to live as He would live.

Read Acts 2:22-36 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ 29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand

35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’[f] 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 14

WATCH NOW: DVD SESSION 1 Watch the DVD for this session now. Then discuss the teaching from Pastor Jonathan, as well as the Bible passage. 15

Session 1

QUESTIONS This passage records part of Peter’s impromptu sermon to a curious crowd. What key parts of Jesus’ story does he share with them? What is his main theme or focus?

When Jesus appeared to the disciples in Acts 1 (See this week’s Memory Verse.), what did He promise them? What assignment did He give them? How does Peter fulfill the assignment and capitalize on the promise in the passage above?

Imagine yourself in the crowd listening to Peter. What questions or thoughts would come to your mind?

Verse 32 says we are all witnesses of His resurrection. What does it mean to be a witness? For example, what does a courtroom witness do?

In speaking to his fellow Jews, Peter quotes the Old Testament twice. Why do you think he did this?

Peter concludes by saying that Jesus was the Messiah. What specific part of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; story proves this to his listeners? According to this passage, what makes Jesus different from other wise teachers,?

Use this space to record your thoughts, questions and ponderings as you watch the video and discuss the Bible passage.

SESSION NOTES

Create A New Story

God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should

When friends ask about your faith, how do you respond? What do you tell them?

happen steadily. By starting with small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way—giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, and challenging us to love not only those around us but

In the video, we heard Pastor Jonathan say we are meant to go out

those far from God.

and reach the world, to let others know how much God loves them.

In this section, talk with the

He challenged us with this question: “What if God could do just as He

group about how you will

promised that He would do with His church?”

apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study.

What did God promise to do with His church? What does God ask us to do in response to that promise?

To close your time together, spend some time worshiping Godâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;praying, singing, reading Scripture. Use the Prayer and Praise report on page 126-127 to keep track of how God answers prayer. 20

Group Action Step Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; story, told by Peter in Acts 2, is one that, as Pastor Jonathan said, God wants to make your story. What is your spiritual story? Take plenty of time with this question, allowing each person about 3-4 minutes to share a summary of their faith story. A simple framework for telling your story is this: A. What your life was like before Jesus; B. What turning point or event brought you to Jesus; C. How your life has changed as a result of knowing Jesus. Listen respectfully, allowing people to be honest. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t judge or give advice, just listen and celebrate what God is doing in each person in your group. Assign one person to be a timekeeper to gently remind each speaker when it is time to wrap up their story.

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DAILY DEVOTIONS

The following section is for you to use individually, in between your group meetings. On your own, you’ll go deeper into this week’s topic. In his teaching, Pastor Jonathan mentioned several verses in Romans that summarize the gospel—the story of Jesus. This week’s devotions will walk us down what is sometimes called “The Romans Road.” Knowing these verses will help you to easily share the gospel. Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Ask God to speak to you through His Word. Notice which word or phrase stands out to you. Think about how the truth of that verse relates to your own faith story. Then take some time to journal your response back to Him. You may even want to memorize one of these verses if it is particularly significant to you.

DEVOTIONALS

Day 1

Day 2

READ: ROMANS 3:23-24 [F]or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

READ: ROMANS 6:23

READ: ROMANS 5:8

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

RESPOND: Wages are something you earn. What does it mean that we have earned death? How is a gift different from wages?

RESPOND: According to this verse, what did Christ’s death (and resurrection) demonstrate or show to us? What does this verse say to people who think they need to be good enough to earn God’s love?

RESPOND: What does it mean to fall short? What does it mean to be justified? What promise is implied in these verses?

Day 3

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DEVOTIONALS

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

READ: ROMANS 10:9

READ: ROMANS 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

READ: ROMANS 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

RESPOND: According to this verse, what does faith give us? What do you think it means to stand in grace? How does that change the way you relate to God and to others?

RESPOND: Do you ever wrestle with guilt or shame? What promise does this passage make? What would it look like to be truly set free?

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. RESPOND: Is this declaration a part of your story? Have you made this decision? If not, what’s in your way? If so, how did it change you?

SESSION NOTES

Session Two What If …His Church Became Our Church? We tend to think of church as the place we gather for worship, or perhaps the community of people we gather with. We get excited about great worship services, heartfelt prayer, and encouraging fellowship. In short, we tend to think of church as something similar to what the folks in the upper room experienced. But those men and women didn’t stay in that upper room. Jesus told His followers that when the Holy Spirit came in power, they should not just stay in one place and enjoy Spirit-empowered worship and a wonderful experience of God’s presence. He challenged them to leave that safe, comfortable place. So the first Church went out and shared what they’d experienced in the upper room with everyone in their city, their region, and even further—to the ends of the earth. The Lord had given an assignment and a promise, and they fulfilled the assignment, empowered by the promise. The power of God’s Spirit fuels our passion, but that passion needs to get out of the room and into the streets. That was what it meant to be the first church, and what it means to be His church, even today. 28

Weekly Memory Verse They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe… (Acts 2:42-43)

Share Your Story When we share our stories, we can encourage someone else, and learn. We can experience the presence of God, as He helps us be brave enough to reveal our thoughts and feelings. Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to guide you as you meet, to give you insight and wisdom. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

Then, use the following questions and activities to get people talking.

OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER. What are some ways in which church in America today differs from the church described in the book of Acts? Share one idea, insight or question that came out of your experience at last week’s group, or with the devotions you did between meetings. Pair up with someone in your group. (We suggest that men partner with men and women with women.) This person will be your spiritual partner for the rest of this study—a friend to encourage you to complete the goals you set for yourself during this study, someone who can pray for you and who you can pray for. Take a few moments to talk and pray with your partner. Each of you should answer this question: “In what ways do you want to see God grow your faith in the coming weeks?” Then pray for one another.

Hear God’s Story Read Acts 2:41-47 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

WATCH NOW: DVD SESSION 2 How can we become a part of God’s story? By aligning our stories with His. Watch the DVD for this session now. Discuss the teaching and stories you just experienced, as well as the Bible passage. 31

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REFLECT Discuss these questions with your group. If your group has more than seven people, you may want to split into two groups for discussion to give everyone a chance to share.

What specific spiritual activities did the early church engage in? As Pastor Jonathan noted, how did those things prepare them for sharing the gospel?

What happened when the first disciples moved out of the upper room and into homes in Jerusalem?

Sharing your faith can feel intimidating. What empowered the men and women of early church to boldly proclaim the gospel?

The early church engaged in radical levels of connection, generosity and commitment (see especially vs. 44-46). What appeals to you about how they lived and worshiped? What would you find challenging about living in this way?

Use this space to record your thoughts, questions and ponderings as you watch the video and discuss the Bible passage.

SESSION

NOTES

In this section, talk with your group about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve

Create A New Story

learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

The time in the upper room before Pentecost prepared the first disciples, a group of 120 men and women, to share the gospel. How does your experience in your church or small group—of prayer, study, worship, and community— help prepare you to share the gospel with those outside of your church?

What role did the Holy Spirit play in spreading the gospel from the upper room to the ends of the earth? What role does the Spirit play in your life? Be specific.

In the video, Pastor Jonathan asked, “What if we got so passionate, that we took it out of the room and took it to the streets? … What we are experiencing, we want the world to experience?” What would it look like to take your church experience “to the streets” so that others could experience what you do? What attitudes and actions would you need?

Pastor Jonathan reviewed the Thomas Road mission statement: “To change the world by developing Christ followers who love God and love people.” He reviewed our six core values (Scripture, Prayer, Worship, Community, Serving, Sharing). How does that mission and those values impact the way you live—not just on Sundays, but every day?

Rather than sharing your faith with complete strangers, it’s easier to share with people you already know, people God has placed in your life. Take a look at the Circles of Life diagram below and write the names of two or three people you know who don’t yet know Christ. Commit to praying for them and praying for an opportunity to talk with them about your faith. Share your lists with the group.

FAMILY (immediate or extended)

FRIENDS

FAMILIAR (neighbors, kids’ sports teams, school, and etc...)

FUN

FIRM

(gym, hobbies, hangouts)

(work)

Group Action Step Last week, you shared individual faith stories. Today, take some time to share briefly about how you came to be a part of your church. How did this local church become your church? How has it blessed your life? And what are you doing to stay connected and involved?

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DAILY DEVOTIONS

Use these daily devotions on your own between meetings. Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Ask God to speak to you through His Word. Notice which word or phrase stands out to you. Then take some time to journal your response back to him. You can write whatever’s on your heart. Answer the “respond” question only if it’s helpful. Feel free to go another direction, if you sense God leading you. This week’s devotions are taken from Acts 3 and 4. On the first day, you may want to read all of Acts 3 and 4 in your own Bible to get the context and the “big picture” of the passage. But then walk slowly through the verses selected. Listen to what God wants to say to you through His Word, and respond to Him as you meditate on the truths of Scripture.

DEVOTIONALS

Day 1 READ: ACTS 3:6-8 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. RESPOND: Imagine this scene, which took place at the gate to the temple. Imagine yourself as that man, begging for money, and being given healing. In what area of your life might you be asking for one thing, when what you really need is something else?

Day 2

Day 3

READ: ACTS 4:3-4

READ: ACTS 4:8-10

They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.”

RESPOND: Peter and John faced a difficult situation—a night in jail. But what happened as a result? What situation do you face that seems bleak right now, but might ultimately bring positive results?

RESPOND: Peter speaks boldly, even a bit sarcastically, to the religious leaders, asking if he’s been arrested for showing an act of kindness. But he quickly turns it around to proclaim the gospel. Do you use times when people question you as an opportunity to share the gospel? What can you learn from Peter about how to handle harassment about your faith?

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DEVOTIONALS

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6 READ: ACTS 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

READ: ACTS 4:11

READ: ACTS 4:12

Jesus is “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.”

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

RESPOND: Look up Psalm 118:22. Why would Peter quote this Old Testament verse to the Jewish religious leaders? How do Old Testament prophesies about Jesus impact the credibility of the gospel?

RESPOND: What is your gut reaction to this pivotal verse? What about this verse might be hard for someone who doesn’t know Jesus to accept or understand?

RESPOND: Why were the religious leaders astonished? How had being with Jesus impacted Peter and John? How has being with Jesus impacted you?

SESSION NOTES

What

if his mission became our mission

Session Three What If...His Mission Became Our Mission? Jesus came to this earth to show us the Father, to save all people from their sins by dying for us and defeating death once for all. In Him, the Word became flesh, and death was swallowed up in miraculous resurrection. His mission was to seek and save the lost. It was to turn those lost people into difference makers, to make disciples who would, in turn, make disciples. What if His mission became our mission, as individuals, as small group communities, as a church? He commissioned His first disciples, telling them to go and not only proclaim Him to others, but to teach those people, to develop them into disciples. And His directions to them are also for us. Jesus has asked us to go and make disciples. That’s our mission. How do we do that? By sharing the good news, the gospel, with both our words and our actions. But what does that look like, in practical terms? That’s what we’re going to talk about this week.

Weekly Memory Verse “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

WHAT

SHARE YOUR STORY Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion. Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

Session 3

QUESTIONS When you hear the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;mission,â&#x20AC;? what comes to mind?

Businesses and other organizations often spend considerable time and energy crafting a mission statement. Why do they do that? What benefits does it give them?

Sit with your prayer partner. Share one highlight from your time with God during the past week. How did He speak to you through the Daily Devotions or time in prayer?

What

if his mission became our mission

Hear God’s Story Read Acts 9:1-9 4 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

WATCH NOW: DVD SESSION 3 Watch the DVD for this session now. Then discuss following questions together with your group, and share your response to the teaching you just experienced on the DVD, as well as the Bible passage. 51

Session 3

QUESTIONS What was Saul’s mission when he started on his journey to Damascus (and prior to that)? See Acts 8:1-3

Imagine yourself as one of Saul’s companions in this story—assigned to help him carry out the mission of arresting Christians. What do you see and hear? How does the experience make you feel? What questions come into your mind?

In the video, Pastor Jonathan said that God changed Saul’s mission. What was his new mission? See Acts 9:15-16.

Saul, whose name was changed to Paul, got on board with his new mission right away. Why do you think that happened?

Use this space to record your thoughts, questions and ponderings as you watch the video and discuss the Bible passage.

SESSION NOTES

In this section, talk together with your group about how you will apply the wisdom

Create A New Story

you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out

What mission did Christ give His followers—including us? (See this week’s Memory Verse.)

what you’ve learned. Let’s talk about having a mission, and being on board with God’s mission. In this section, talk with your group about how you will apply and live out what you’ve been

What specific actions have you taken lately to carry out that mission?

learning.

Have you ever pursued a mission that you later realized was not the one God had in mind for you? What happened? What changed?

How have you seen this play out as you try to live out God’s mission for your life? Pastor Jonathan asked us to think about our own mission, saying it would be similar to Paul’s:

YOU are God’s chosen instrument. You will CARRY His NAME to someone.

What is your personal mission? How can you make God’s mission your mission?

You will pay a PRICE.

Group Action Step Spend some time as a group helping one another craft personal mission statements that align with God’s mission. (Allow ample time for this exercise, even if you have to skip other questions.) Think about your own spiritual gifts and passions (see Identifying Your Shape To Serve on p. 129). Consider the causes for which you have a strong passion. Take time to pray for God’s direction. Groups that connect outside of the regular meeting time build stronger bonds and feel a greater sense of purpose. Why not plan a social outing with group members? As a group, brainstorm about ways that you could do something fun together—enjoy a meal or a night out together. Select one person from the group (not the leader or host) to plan this event.

What

if his mission became our mission

What

if his mission became our mission

DAILY DEVOTIONS

As you’ve done in prior weeks, use this section to stay connected with Jesus through your week. Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Ask God to speak to you through His word. Notice which word or phrase stands out to you. Then take some time to journal your response back to Him. You can write whatever’s on your heart. Answer the “respond” question only if it’s helpful. Feel free to go another direction, if you sense God leading you. The goal is not to “get your devotions done,” but to listen prayerfully to what God wants to say to you through His Word, and respond to Him as you meditate on the truths of Scripture.

DEVOTIONALS

Day 1

Day 2

READ: LUKE 10:2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

READ: PSALM 9:11

READ: MATTHEW 10:7

Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done.

As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.”

RESPOND: What is the mission of the “workers” God sends out? How does that align with your mission?

Day 3

RESPOND: What does it mean to proclaim God’s praise “among the nations”? Are there people from different nations living in your city or neighborhood? How could you begin to interact with them and build relationships?

RESPOND: Jesus gave these instructions to His disciples when He sent them out to preach, but He also directed His followers to heal the sick and raise the dead! How can you proclaim that God’s kingdom is near, in your own neighborhood and city? Where is He asking you to “go” to proclaim this truth?

What

if his mission became our mission

DEVOTIONALS

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:20

READ: LUKE 4:18-19

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

READ: JOHN 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

RESPOND: What does an ambassador do? What would it look like to be Christ’s ambassador? How does that fit into your mission?

RESPOND: Jesus, in effect, says that He has come to fulfill this prophecy from Isaiah. How does your personal mission align with Jesus’ stated mission in this verse? Of the things Jesus said He came to do, which (if any) are you doing? In other words, how do your own actions align with Jesus’ mission?

RESPOND: In these words of Jesus, we see another facet of His mission, and in it, our mission. By sharing the gospel, how can we offer people “life to the full”?

SESSION NOTES

Session FOUR What If â&#x20AC;ŚHis Family Became Our Family?

Weekly Memory Verse All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (Acts 4:32)

Our mission as a church is to change the world by developing Christ followers who love God and love people. That might seem a bit daunting. After all, changing the world is a pretty ambitious goal. But the good news is contained in the last part of our mission—we’re becoming people who love others. We don’t just reach out to people far from Christ to love them—although that’s essential. We also love each other within the family of God. Our church is a family, connected and supporting one another. We can do far more together than any of us can do alone. Working together doesn’t accommodate or cover up our weakness—we must never believe that God would rather have us on our own. He designed us to be in community, in a spiritual family. And, in fact, that’s what Jesus did. He gathered a tight-knit group of people to do life with Him, to help carry out His mission. We get so used to calling people our “brothers and sisters” in Christ, we sometimes take the amazing truth behind that label for granted. God has put you in a spiritual family, His family. What an amazing gift, and an empowering truth.

Share Your Story Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief,

Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections

simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as

among group members. Begin your time together by

you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end

using the following questions and activities to get

of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular

people talking.

situation comes up during your discussion.

Sit with your spiritual partner. If your partner is absent or if you are new to the group, join with another pair or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner. If you haven’t established your spiritual partnership yet, do it now. Share one prayer request and one thing you want to thank God for. Spend some time praying about what you’ve shared.

Every family has its struggles and flaws, but what is one strength you see in your family?

Sometimes people will describe a close friend as someone who is “like family.” Who is someone in your life who is not related by blood, but you’d describe as being “like family”? What makes them fit this description?

SESSION NOTES

What

if his family became our family

Hear God’s Story Read Acts 10:23-35 23 The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” 27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” 30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” 34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.

WATCH NOW: DVD SESSION 4 Watch the DVD for this session now. Then discuss the teaching along with the Bible passage. You may want to look up and read the entire chapter of Acts 10 to understand the context of this story better.

Session 4

QUESTIONS

Cornelius was a Roman soldier—a Gentile. What cultural and religious barriers did Peter have to cross to even talk to him, let alone visit his home (vs. 28)?

Pastor Jonathan noted that the people gathered in Cornelius’ house gave us a picture of the new family of God. What did that picture look like?

While you likely don’t follow Old Testament laws about purity which Peter refers to, do you ever think of certain people as unclean or undesirable? Explain.

What does Peter mean when he says that God does not show favoritism (vs. 34)? What situations in life tempt you to show favoritism?

Use this space to record your thoughts, questions and ponderings as you watch the video and discuss the Bible passage.

SESSION NOTES

God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That

Create A New Story

will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight—but it should happen steadily. By small,

What does our “family” look like here at Thomas Road? Is it open to all kinds of people? Are all welcome? And inside the family, is there love, unity, sharing?

simple choices, we begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way: giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God.

What hinders unity in our church (or any church)?

In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

What is one way that we, as a church family, could become more like God’s family as described in the Bible?

Pastor Jonathan challenged us to remember that the person sitting next to you in this meeting is a family member in Christ. He told us, â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are family. Lock arms with that person. Allow the message of Jesus Christ to change everything.â&#x20AC;? What would that look like for your group? What would change in your group if you truly became family to one another? In what ways is your small group a spiritual family? What would make you closer and stronger as a family?

What is God leading you to pray for? (A person, a situation, a dream?) Often when we pray for the needs of others we may find that God is prodding us to be a part of the answer to that prayer.

In the second session, you wrote some names in the Circles of Life diagram. Are you continuing to pray for those people? What answers to prayer have you seen? Perhaps there is a person or family on your list who would be a worthy recipient of your group mission. Ask God to guide you.

Group Action Step Spend some time as a group praying and asking God to show you your mission as a group, as a spiritual family. The idea is to serve together as a family, and in so doing, help others outside the group to feel like they’re loved and cared for like family. A great way to pray about your group mission is to take a prayer walk. Walk through your neighborhood, praying for people you know, and even those you don’t. Ask one or two people in the group to organize this walk. If your group lives in different areas, pick one neighborhood to walk through, praying together. Keep your eyes open to see the needs of the people around you. Prayer includes listening—let God speak to you as a group, and see if he might be leading you, as a group, to address some specific needs that you see. After your prayer walk, craft a group mission statement that tells whom you’ll serve and how you’ll carry it out. Based on the needs you saw and the people God led you to pray for, decide how you will help. Think longer term than just a one-time serve: perhaps you’ll “adopt” a classroom in an under-resourced school, or work together to support a missionary family. Pray and ask God to lead you, then make concrete plans that include your mission as a group, and how you plan to carry that out.

There are two more sessions in this study. It’s not too soon to think about whether your group will continue after you complete this study. Think and pray about it—you don’t have to decide just yet.

What

if his mission became our mission

DAILY DEVOTIONS

Use these daily devotions to go deeper into this week’s topic. Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Ask God to speak to you through His word. Notice which word or phrase stands out to you. Then take some time to journal your response back to him. You can write whatever’s on your heart. Answer the “respond” question only if it’s helpful. Feel free to go another direction, if you sense God leading you. On the first day, you may want to read over all the verses for the week to get the “big picture” of the passage. But then walk slowly verse by verse. Listen to what God wants to say to you through His Word, and respond to Him as you meditate on the truths of Scripture.

DEVOTIONALS

Day 1

Day 2

READ: PHILIPPIANS 3:17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

READ: ACTS 16:40

READ: GALATIANS 4:28

After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.

RESPOND: Like an older sibling or a parent, Paul exhorts the church to follow his example, and reminds them that they are a spiritual family. Who are you serving as a spiritual parent or older sibling? Who do you look to within your spiritual family for encouragement and example?

Day 3

RESPOND: The phrase “brothers and sisters” appears 128 times in the New Testament. What does this tell us? This verse says Paul and Silas encouraged the brothers and sisters. How can you encourage those in your spiritual family?

RESPOND: You may want to go and read all of Galatians 4 to understand the context. What does this verse tell us about our connection with one another and our connection to God? What promise is the Apostle Paul writing about in this verse?

What

if his mission became our mission

DEVOTIONALS

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

READ: PSALM 68:5-6

READ: 1 THESSALONIANS 4:9-10

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing;

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more…

READ: HEBREWS 2:10-11 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.

RESPOND: What promises do we find in this passage? Do we, like Jesus, welcome the fatherless, the widows, the lonely? How would doing so make His family our family?

RESPOND: According to this verse, what is one of the highest values of God’s family? (Hint: what word is repeated several times?) What is its defining characteristic? How are you doing with living out that value?

RESPOND: Who is “the one who makes people holy”? Who are “those who are made holy”? Spend some time meditating on this verse, and then write a prayer of gratitude in your journal. Thank God specifically for the gift of being in His family.

SESSION NOTES

Session Five

What If...His Neighborhood Became Our Neighborhood? “Who is my neighbor?” a man asked Jesus, in response to Jesus’ instruction to love. To answer, Jesus told a story about an unlikely cross-cultural encounter, in which a person his audience expected to hate became the hero and offered neighborly mercy and love. Then, he commanded us to do the same. To love indiscriminately. God has placed our church in Central Virginia for a reason. This area is home to more than 250,000 people, and by most estimates, half of them do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior. How will they find Jesus? It will begin with us, when we extend neighborly mercy and love to those who may be different from us in many ways. They may not live right next door, but they certainly live close enough that we can reach out to them in love. Jesus moved into our neighborhood, so to speak. He came to be among us, to show us the Father’s love. He invites us to go among those who don’t yet know the Father’s love, to reach out to them. How can we do that? Who is our neighbor? That’s what we’re going to wrestle with in this session.

Weekly Memory Verse The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. (John 1:14, MSG)

WHAT

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion. Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking. Sharing our stories requires us to be honest. We can help one another to be honest and open by creating a safe place: be sure that your group is one where confidentiality is respected, where there are no such thing as â&#x20AC;&#x153;stupid questions,â&#x20AC;? where you listen without criticizing one another.

Share Your Story

Session 5

QUESTIONS In our culture, what barriers get in the way of us even knowing our neighbors, let alone loving them?

Who are some of your neighbors who don’t actually live on your block—such as co-workers, fellow students, other parents of children on your child’s soccer team, etc. Brainstorm together a list of where we find our “neighbors.”

Sit with your spiritual partner. If your partner is absent or if you are new to the group, join with another pair or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner. If you haven’t established your spiritual partnership yet, do it now. Answer this question: how has being in this group impacted your personal relationship with God? (See Share Your Story in Session Two.)

What

if his neighborhood became our neighborhood

Hear God’s Story Read Acts 6:1-7 1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

WATCH NOW: DVD SESSION 5 Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching from the DVD and the Bible passage.

Session 5

QUESTIONS This passage describes a problem in the early church. What was the problem? How did the leaders of the early church solve this problem?

The men listed in verse 5 were all Greek. Why was delegating this problem to them a particularly effective strategy?

What needs do you see in your neighborhood that you wish â&#x20AC;&#x153;the churchâ&#x20AC;? would do something about?

In the video, Pastor Jonathan challenged us to think about how we can continue Thomas Roadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to reach Central Virginia with the gospel. What are some very practical ways we might begin to do that? What are some practical needs that we could begin to meet (just as the early church met the needs of the Greek widows)?

God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That

Create A New Story

will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight—but it should happen steadily. By small, simple choices, we begin to

What needs do you see in your neighborhood? What can you do, as an individual, a family or a group, to meet those needs, as Pastor Jonathan challenged us to do?

change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way: giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God.

The Bible passage we read clearly shows the church leaders delegating ministry tasks to lay people. Share your thoughts on Pastor Jonathan’s statement that “the church is us. It’s people who see the need and meet the need.” If that’s true, what next steps do we as individuals and as a group need to take?

Group Action Step The approaching holidays bring lots of opportunities to serve and meet needs in your neighborhood or city. As a group, talk about ways you could reach out to meet needs in real ways. You might, for example, want to meet physical needs by providing meals for people or by collecting blankets and gloves to distribute to people who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have them. You may want to meet emotional and relational needs by doing something like a Christmas cookie exchange or preThanksgiving party in your neighborhood, intentionally inviting those you know are lonely or disconnected. Talk about actual needs and practical ways your group could do something to meet those needs. (In our upcoming Christmas Cares campaign, there will be plenty of options for your group to consider. Plan now to get involved as a group.)

What

if his neighborhood became our neighborhood

What

if his neighborhood became our neighborhood

DAILY DEVOTIONS As you’ve done in previous weeks, use this tool to stay connected with Christ. Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. You may even want to imagine that Jesus is sitting with you, speaking to you. Then, take some time to journal your response back to Him. You can write whatever’s on your heart. Answer the “respond” question only if it’s helpful. On the first day, you may want to read over all the verses for the week to get the “big picture” of the passage. But then walk slowly verse by verse, listening to Jesus and responding to Him as you meditate on the truths of Scripture and experience His presence.

DEVOTIONALS

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

READ: 1 JOHN 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

READ: 1 JOHN 3:17

READ: 1 JOHN 3:18

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

RESPOND: What does it mean to lay down your life for others? What does it mean to lay aside your agenda for others?

RESPOND: Identify some brothers and sisters in need who you have seen. Do you sometimes arrange you life so you can avoid “seeing” people in need?

RESPOND: What does it mean to love with actions and in truth? What sort of actions would you take in order to love your neighbors? Notice the pronoun “us.” Who will you join together with as you reach out to love others?

What

if his neighborhood became our neighborhood

DEVOTIONALS

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6 READ: 1 JOHN 3:23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

READ: 1 JOHN 3:19-20

READ: 1 JOHN 3:21-22

This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.

RESPOND: Needs can overwhelm us and even make us feel guilty for not doing more. What reassurance does this verse give us? (That reassurance doesn’t let us off the hook when it comes to loving our neighbor!) What does this verse teach us about our motives for serving?

RESPOND: Have you ever seen a need and felt helpless about meeting it? What promise does this verse give us? How does God’s generosity, as talked about in this verse, impact your own?

RESPOND: Spend some time praying about who God is specifically calling you to love—someone in your neighborhood or city? How can you love them with actions and truth?

SESSION NOTES

Session SIX What if...His World Became Our World? The book of Acts tells how the first church grew and spread—from just 120 people in an upper room to thousands across the Roman empire, the entire known world at that time. In the same way, Thomas Road Baptist Church, which began as a small group of people meeting in the Donald Duck Bottling Company building in 1956, has grown and spread the Gospel all over the World. While we have an amazing history, we aren’t done yet. In fact, we’ve barely scratched the surface of our potential. Like the first church, we’ve got a mission to share the Gospel and make disciples “to the ends of the earth.” What would that look like today? That’s what we’re going to think about and discuss in this final session of our study.

Weekly Memory Verse For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:5-6)

Share Your Story Open your group with prayer. As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear to encourage or strengthen them. And your listening to others’ stories is an act of love and kindness to them—and could very well help them to grow spiritually.

Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

What has surprised you most about this group? Where did God meet you over the last six weeks?

OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER.

Connect with your spiritual partner. What has God been showing you through these sessions about what it means to make God’s story our story? Check in with each other about the progress you have made in your spiritual growth during this study. Make plans about whether you will continue in your mentoring relationship outside your Bible study group.

100

Take some time for each person to share about how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done with inviting the people on the Circles of Life to church or your small group. What specific faith conversations with people in these circles are you praying about for the weeks to come?

101

What

if his world became our world

Hear God’s Story Read Acts 11:19-24 19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

102

WATCH NOW: DVD SESSION 6 Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching you just experienced in the video, as well as the Bible passage.

103

Session 6

QUESTIONS In verses 21 and 24, we see two of the times when a “great number of people” came to know Jesus. We also see in this passage phrases like “the Lord’s hand was with them,” “what the grace of God had done,” and “full of the Holy Spirit.” Underline those phrases in the text. What is the connection between great numbers of people coming to Christ and the phrases you’ve underlined? What does that tell you about sharing your faith?

According to verse 19, the initial spread of the gospel was sparked by persecution. What does that tell you about how we should view persecution of the church today? How does our response to persecution impact whether or not it will help the church to grow?

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Pastor Jonathan asked us, “What would have happened if they’d never left the upper room? What if they remained happy right where they were?” What do you think would have happened if the first disciples had never left the upper room?

Pastor Jonathan reminded us of how the early church fulfilled the mission Jesus had given them to take the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth:

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The gospel spread... The gospel spread... Throughout Jerusalem [2:41, 4:4, 5:14, 5:28, 6:17] To the surrounding towns [5:16] To Judea, Samaria, Galilee [8:1-4, 25, 40, 9:31] To Damascus [9:1] To the Gentiles [10-11] To Antioch [11:19] To the world [13-28] Look up some of the verses he mentioned in this overview. What common thread or themes do you see in these passages?

SESSION NOTES

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Create A New Story Think about specific steps you want to take to live a new story, to walk more closely with God so that you can be a part of His story, engaged in His kingdom.

In the video, Pastor Jonathan challenged us to get out of the upper room. “What if you decide, yes, God has a plan for me. God wants to do something in my life that will change our world. What must we do? What is it that we must decide we’re going to be passionate about?”

How do you respond to these challenging questions? What are you passionate about?

What keeps you from leaving the “upper room” of church to share your faith? What is one step you can take to courageously share the gospel in the coming week?

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Pastor Jonathan said, “The ends of the earth can never be found within the walls of our church.” He noted that the ends of the earth might mean somewhere across the globe, or around the corner. In what ways are those nearby places “the ends of the earth”? What would you need to do, specifically, to take the gospel to those places?

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Group Action Step As a group, you’ve crafted mission statements and made plans to serve your community. How will you, as a group, take the gospel to the ends of the earth? Take some time in this last meeting to talk about how you as a group could continue on the mission of taking the gospel everywhere. Write down specific actions and goals about getting involved in global missions. You may want to take out a world map and pick a country or region to pray for. Perhaps you’ll decide to sponsor a missionary family or a child through Compassion International or World Vision. You may decide to engage in our upcoming Christmas Cares campaign as a group, or in reaching out to other places in central Virginia.

If your group still needs to make decisions about continuing to meet after this session, have that discussion now. Talk about what you will study, who will lead, and where and when you will meet. As this is the last meeting in this study, take some time to celebrate the work God has done in the lives of group members. Have each person in the group share some step of growth that they have noticed in another member. (In other words, no one will talk about themselves. Instead, affirm others in the group). Make sure that each person gets affirmed and noticed and celebrated—whether the steps they’ve made are large or small. Before you close, review the prayers and praises you have recorded over the past five weeks on the Prayer and Praise Report on page 126. How has God answered prayer or moved in the lives of your group members? Spend some time just worshipping God and thanking Him for all He’s done in your group during this study. 110

SESSION

NOTES

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What

if his world became our world

DAILY DEVOTIONS

Continue on in your journey. In this last week, begin to pray about your next step in growing closer to Jesus. How will you continue the habit of daily reading youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve cultivated during this study? Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Walk slowly verse by verse, listening to Jesus and responding to Him as you meditate on the truths of Scripture and experience His presence.

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DEVOTIONALS

Day 1 READ: ACTS 28:14 There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. RESPOND: About 30 years after Pentecost, Paul and his companions made it to the capital of the empire—a place of great influence. Though the church grew quickly, it took time and effort. Paul had to persevere. Where is God asking you to persevere as you share the truth of the gospel?

Day 2

Day 3

READ: ACTS 28:15-16

READ: ACTS 28:17-18

The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.

RESPOND: Paul was placed under house arrest. But it was from that house in Rome that he wrote much of the New Testament. What perceived hindrances in your life might God use for good, if you continue to obey and trust Him?

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RESPOND: Why do you think Paul wanted to talk with the Jewish leaders? (What was Paul’s background?) How did being arrested and persecuted help Paul to change the world? How does his story help you think differently about challenges in your life?

What

if his world became our world

DEVOTIONALS

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

READ: ACTS 28:23-24

READ: ACTS 28:28

They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.

“Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

READ: ACTS 28:30-31 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

RESPOND: As God’s chosen people, the Jews might have been offended by this statement from Paul. The Gentiles were outsiders. Who do you see as an outsider?

RESPOND: If even the Apostle Paul could not convince people to believe in Jesus, what does that tell you about your efforts to witness about Jesus? How can you follow Paul’s example? Who is God calling you to invite into conversation, as Paul invited the Jews into conversation?

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RESPOND: What did you need to do to proclaim the kingdom of God with boldness? What is one way you will do that this week? Pray for God’s direction and the courage to follow it.

SESSION NOTES

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APPENDICES GROUP RESOURCES FROM

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FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

WHAT DO WE DO ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF OUR GROUP? Whatever you want! A “get to know you” coffee, dinner, or dessert is a great way to launch a new study. It will also help people feel comfortable and welcome. You may want to review the Group Agreement (page 119) and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join. But most importantly, have fun before your study time begins. WHERE DO WE FIND NEW MEMBERS FOR OUR GROUP? This can be troubling, especially for new groups that have only a few people or for existing groups that lose a few people along the way. We encourage you to pray with your group and then brainstorm a list of people from work, church, your neighborhood, your children’s school, family, the gym, etc.. Then have each group member invite some of the people on his or her list. No matter how you find members, try to stay on the lookout for new people to join your group. All groups tend to go through healthy attrition–the result of moves, releasing new leaders, ministry opportunities, and so forth–and if the group gets too small, it could be at risk of shutting down. If you and your group stay open, you’ll be amazed at the people God sends your way. The next person just might become a friend for life. You never know! HOW LONG WILL THIS GROUP MEET? It’s totally up to the group. Most groups meet weekly, but every other week may work as well. We strongly recommend that the group meet for the first six weeks on a weekly basis if possible. This allows for continuity, and if people miss a meeting they aren’t gone for a whole month. At the end of this study, each group member will decide if he or she wants to continue on for another study. Some groups launch relationships for years to come, and others are stepping-stones into another group experience. Either way, enjoy the journey. CAN WE DO THIS STUDY ON OUR OWN? Absolutely! This may sound crazy but one of the best ways to do a study is not with a full house but with a few friends. You may choose to gather with one other couple who would enjoy going to the movies or having a quiet dinner and then walking through this study. Jesus will be with you even if there are only two of you (Matthew 18:20).

WHAT IF THIS GROUP IS NOT WORKING FOR US? You’re not alone! This could be the result of a personality conflict, life stage difference, geographical distance, level of spiritual maturity, or any number of things. Relax. Pray for God’s direction, and at the end of this six-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another. You don’t buy the first car you test drive or marry the first person you date, and the same goes with a group. Don’t bail out before the six weeks are up–God might have something to teach you. Also, don’t run from conflict or prejudge people before you have given them a chance. God is still working in you too! WHO IS THE LEADER? Most groups have an official leader. But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings. We have discovered that healthy groups rotate hosts/leaders and homes on a regular basis. This model ensures that all members grow, give their unique contribution, and develop their gifts. Christ has promised to be in your midst as you gather, which means that ultimately, God is your leader each step of the way. That should give your group (and whoever may be leading each week) confidence. HOW DO WE HANDLE THE CHILD CARE NEEDS IN OUR GROUP? Very carefully, as this can be a sensitive issue. We suggest that the group spend some time openly brainstorming solutions. You may try one option that works for a while and then adjust over time. Our favorite approach is for adults to meet in the living room or dining room, and to share the cost of a babysitter (or two) who can be with the kids in a different part of the house. That way, parents don’t have to be away from their children all evening when they are too young to be left at home. A second option is to use one home for the kids and a second home (close by or a phone call away) for the adults. A third idea is to rotate the responsibility of providing a lesson or care for the children either in the same home or in another home nearby. This can be an incredible blessing for kids. Finally, the most common idea is to make your own arrangements for child care. No matter what decision the group makes, the best approach is to talk openly about both the problem and the solution.

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SMALL GROUP AGREEMENT

OUR PURPOSE

TO PROVIDE A PREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENT WHERE PARTICIPANTS EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

OUR VALUES GROUP ATTENDANCE

To give priority to the group meeting. We will call or email if we will be late or absent. (Completing the Group Calendar on page 121 will minimize this issue.)

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

To help create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved. (Please, no quick answers, snap judgments, or simple fixes.)

RESPECT DIFFERENCES

To be gentle and gracious to people with different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or “imperfections” in fellow group members. We are all works in progress.

CONFIDENTIALITY

To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group, and to avoid sharing improper information about those outside the group.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR GROWTH

To remember that every member is a minister and to ensure that each attender will share a small team role or responsibility over time.

SHARED OWNERSHIP

To encourage different people to host the group in their homes and to rotate the responsibility of facilitating each meeting. (See the Group Calendar on page 121.)

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OUR

EXPECTATIONS • Refreshments/mealtimes ________________________________________________ • Child care______________________________________________________________ • When we will meet (day of week)_________________________________________ • Where we will meet (place)_______________________________________________ • We will begin at (time) ______________ and end at ______________ • We will do our best to have some or all of us attend a worship service together _______________________________________________________________________ Our primary worship service time will be___________________________________ • Date of this agreement__________________________________________________ • Date we will review this agreement again__________________________________ • Who (other than the leader) will review this agreement at the end of this study _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

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SMALL GROUP

CALENDAR Planning and calendaring can help ensure the greatest participation at every meeting. At the end of each meeting, review this calendar. Be sure to include a regular rotation of host homes and leaders, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ministry projects. Go to www.lifetogether.com for an electronic copy of this form and other ideas for your group to do together.

DATE

LESSON

Monday, January 15

HOST HOME

DESSERT/ MEAL

LEADER

Steve and Lauraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House

Joe

Bill

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SPIRITUAL PARTNERS’

CHECK-IN

Briefly check in each week and write down your personal plans and progress targets for the next week (or even for the next few weeks). This could be done before or after the meeting, on the phone, via e-mail or text, or even in person from time to time.

OUR PLANS

My Name: Spiritual Partner’s Name:

OUR PROGRESS

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MEMORY

VERSES SESSION 1

SESSION 4

WHAT IF…HIS STORY BECAME OUR STORY?

WHAT IF …HIS FAMILY BECAME OUR FAMILY?

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one

on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and

claimed that any of their possessions was their own,

in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

but they shared everything they had. (Acts 4:32)

(Acts 1:8)

SESSION 5

SESSION 2

WHAT IF…HIS NEIGHBORHOOD BECAME OUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

WHAT IF …HIS CHURCH BECAME OUR CHURCH?

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and

the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own

to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son,

Everyone was filled with awe… (Acts 2:42-43)

Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. (John 1:14, MSG)

SESSION 6

SESSION 3

WHAT IF …HIS WORLD BECAME OUR WORLD?

WHAT IF…HIS MISSION BECAME OUR MISSION?

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing

Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For

them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the

God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made

Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have

his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the

commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the

knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

(2 Corinthians 4:5-6)

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125

PRAYER

REQUESTS

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PRAISE

REPORT

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SMALL GROUP

ROSTER Name

Name

Phone

Name

Phone

Name

Phone

Name

Phone

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IDENTIFYING YOUR SHAPE

TO SERVE

#1 Gifts Profile Worksheet Below youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see a list of gifts, interests, experiences, temperaments, and strengths. Check all that apply to you.

God has prepared you for something great

God equips us each with powerful ministry tools. Discovering yours will help you find your place as a vital minister to your small group. Below are two tools to help you identify your shape for ministry. Use the first tool to begin the process. Use your results to complete the second. Afterwards, talk about the results with your group leader and fellow members. Together you can figure out how you can best minister to your group and grow.

Gifts

Experiences

Preaching (1 Cor. 14:3) Evangelism (Acts 8:26-40) Discernment (1 John 4:1) Apostle (Rom. 15:20) Teaching (Eph. 4:12-13) Encouragement (Acts 14:22) Wisdom (1 Cor. 2:1, 6-16) Missions (1 Cor. 9:19-23, Acts 13: 2-3) Service (Acts 6:1-7, 1 Cor. 12:28) Mercy (Rom. 12:8) Hospitality (1 Pe. 4:9-10) Pastoring (1 Pe. 5:2-4) Giving (2 Cor. 8:1-7) Intercession (Col. 1:9-12) Leadership (Heb. 13:7, 17) Administration (1 Cor. 14:40) Faith (Rom. 4:18-21)

Think about the following experiences in your life:

Entertaining Recruiting Planning Evaluating Managing Researching Artistic/Graphics Interviewing Counseling Teaching Writing/Editing Promoting Repairing

Spiritual Painful Education Vocational Ministry

Temperament

Feeding Recall Mechanical Operating Resourceful Counting/Classifying Public Relations Welcoming Composing Landscaping Arts & Crafts Decorating Musical Ministry

Extroverted Introverted Routine Variety Self-controlled Self-expressive Cooperative Competitive

#2 Discovering Your Shape Gifts (Spiritual)

What Do You Know?

What Do Others See?

Interests Passion Familiar Experiences Temperament Strengths (Talents)

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What Could Be Next?

Key resources to help your leadership experience be the best it can be.

HOSTING AN

OPEN HOUSE

If you’re starting a new group, try planning an “open house” before your first formal group meeting. Even if you have only two to four core members, it’s a great way to

SMALL GROUP LEADERS HELPS

break the ice and to consider prayerfully who else might be open to joining you over the next few weeks. You can also use this kick-off meeting to hand out study guides, spend some time getting to know each other, discuss each person’s expectations for the group and briefly pray for each other. A simple meal or good desserts always make a kick-off meeting more fun. After people introduce themselves and share how they ended up being at the meeting (you can play a game to see who has the wildest story!), have everyone respond to a few icebreaker questions: • What is your favorite family vacation? • What is one thing you love about your church/our community? • What are three things about your life growing up that most people here don’t know? Next, ask everyone to tell what he or she hopes to get out of the study. You might want to review the Small Group Agreement and talk about each person’s expectations and priorities. Finally, set an open chair (maybe two) in the center of your group and explain that it represents someone who would enjoy or benefit from this group but who isn’t here yet. Ask people to pray about inviting someone to join the group over the next few weeks. Hand out postcards and have everyone write an invitation or two. Don’t worry about ending up with too many people; you can always have one discussion circle in the living room and another in the dining room after you watch the lesson. Each group could then report prayer requests and progress at the end of the session. You can skip this kick-off meeting if your time is limited, but you’ll experience a huge benefit if you take the time to connect with each other in this way. 130