But God

BUT

GOD CHANGES EVERYTHING

HERBERT COOPER SENIOR PASTOR PEOPLES CHURCH

FOREWORD BY CRAIG GROESCHEL

BUT GOD

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Copyright © 2014 by Herbert Cooper Ministries, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ENDORSEMENTS

Published by Influence Resources

Herbert Cooper shares his amazing testimony in BUT GOD. We all face obstacles in life and this book will encourage you as Herbert unpacks how the power of God can change any situation. No matter the challenge, BUT GOD changes everything!

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means -electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise -- except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained by Brett Eastman.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.

Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 and 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Mark Batterson | bestselling author of The Circle Maker and Lead Pastor of National Community Church

Herbert Cooper is a fresh and powerful voice for faith today and it shows in this incredible book. BUT GOD is a must-read that delivers brilliant insight, brimming with hope. This book is meant to be savored personally and shared with others.

Jud Wilhite | Author Pursued, Senior Pastor Central Christian Church

Printed in the United States of America

The one word that describes the book BUT GOD is hope. As Herbert Cooper shares his own story of pain you will discover that the redeeming power of God can change any situation. BUT GOD will encourage you, inspire you and give you biblical perspective on life’s toughest challenges.

Steven Furtick | Lead Pastor, Elevation Church & New York Times best-selling author of Crash the Chatterbox, Greater and Sun Stand Still

BUT GOD could possibly be two of the most powerful words in the Bible. Herbert unpacks how we use those words as a bridge to get from where we are to where God wants to take us. This book will change your life.

Stovall Weems | Lead Pastor, Celebration Church, Jacksonville, FL

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BUT GOD: Changes Everything reveals the essence of our hope in the power of God’s love to transform our lives. With stories from his own life that will crack you up, along with insightful exploration of the Bible’s least likely heroes, Herbert Cooper inspires you to invite God’s healing presence into your hardest struggles and darkest secrets. BUT GOD is a handbook of hope for anyone longing to trust God in every area of their lives.

Herbert Cooper is an amazing testimony of God’s redemption. His life is an example of someone who faced many challenges and has overcome them all. This book will transform how you think about your situation and will equip you with powerful tools and hope that God can turn any obstacle into a victory in your life.

Joe Champion | Senior Pastor, Celebration Church, Austin, TX

Chris Hodges | Senior Pastor, Church of the Highlands, Author of Fresh Air and Four Cups

In BUT GOD, Herbert Cooper unflinchingly tells his own story of pain and redemption. The Gospel is the good news that our struggles are never the end of the story. BUT GOD is the reminder we need that there is always hope.

Greg Surratt | Founding Pastor, Seacoast Church

There is no obstacle or challenge we face in life that a BUT GOD moment can’t overcome. In this book, Herbert Cooper shares how BUT GOD moments transformed his life of brokenness into a life of wholeness. Throughout the pages of this book, you will discover that God can turn any hopeless situation into hope-filled victory. This book is a must read. BUT GOD truly changes everything!

Robert Madu | International Evangelist

We are used to having all the resources we need to solve our problems on our own. But those who truly know God have learned to rejoice when everything looks bleak, when problems look impossible… because these moments are the beginning of a BUT GOD story.

Pastor Herbert lays out the uncomfortable, glorious reality that our #FirstWorldProblems mask a fundamental need for a Savior who will be there in the moments when all hope is lost. This book will confidently lead you into the exhilarating safety of a God who invades, intervenes, and provides on behalf of his children.

Scott Williams | Church Growth/Leadership Consultant and Strategist at Nxt Level Solutions, author of Church Diversity and Go Big, @ScottWilliams

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Endorsements 3 Foreword by Craig Groeschel 7 Introduction by Herbert Cooper 9 Using This Workbook (Read This First) 10 Outline for Each Session 11

SESSION ONE:

We Wander…But God Finds Us

SESSION TWO:

We’re Wounded…But God Heals Us

SESSION THREE:

We Search for Identity…But God Gives Purpose

SESSION FOUR:

We Seek Relationships…But God Gives Us Divine Connections

SESSION FIVE:

We’re Bound…But God Sets Us Free

SESSION SIX:

We See The Impossible…But With God All Things Are Possible

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APPENDICES Frequently Asked Questions 122 Small Group Agreement 124 Small Group Calendar 125 Spiritual Partners 126 Memory Verse Cards (Clip and Review) 127 Small Group Roster 128 Prayer and Praise Report 129

SMALL GROUP LEADERS Hosting an Open House 132 Leading for the First Time 133 Leadership Training 134 Author 137 Notes 138 6

FOREWORD BY CRAIG GROESCHEL It’s amazing how quickly life can take a turn. One moment everything is normal; the next minute everything can change. My family knows this all too well. After my wife, Amy, gave birth to our second child, we were on top of the world.

That was until she began to feel weak and frail, and the right side of her body went completely numb. Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. And we still couldn’t find any answers for the numbness. Panic set in.

If you live long enough, you’ll realize that life can be extremely tough. You might receive a phone call with bad news about someone you love. Or maybe you find out your company is downsizing and you’re likely to lose your job. Maybe your trusted friend betrays you and leaves you wondering how you’ll ever heal.

Chances are good that you might be facing one or more challenges right now. You might be enduring the dire consequences of something you did or said that you regret but can’t change. You could be trying to climb out of a financial hole that seems too deep to ever overcome. You might be licking your wounds, struggling with bitterness after someone misled you, lied to you, or betrayed you. You could be experiencing health issues that have you paralyzed with fear, wondering what will happen to you.

What do you do when you don’t know what to do? So many people try to escape the pain with mindless hours—watching TV, perusing social media in front of a screen, reaching for the dulling effects of alcohol or drugs.

Others get mad, vowing never to risk again. Some are tempted to quit on people, on school, on church, or even quit on God. It’s easy for the excuses to pile up: • I know I need to go to the doctor, BUT I don’t want to face the news.

• I should forgive him, BUT I am still so angry.

• I really need to change, BUT I’ve tried and tried and simply can’t do it.

• I should trust God, BUT I feel better when I take control.

CONTINUED

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If you feel like you’re up against an obstacle too big to overcome, you are going to absolutely love Pastor Herbert Cooper’s life-changing book based on two simple words:

INTRODUCTION

But God.

Welcome to But God…Changes Everything.

When you stop saying, “But I,” and start saying, “But God,” everything changes. And that’s exactly what my good friend Herbert will teach you to do. Honestly, I don’t know anyone better equipped to empower people with this simple, yet game-changing truth.

I am so excited about what you are going to experience over the next six weeks. I am praying that this study, and the people you do it with, will take you on a journey of faith that will strengthen your relationship with Christ and build community.

Without a doubt, Herbert’s story is a “But God” story. And that’s one of the many reasons I love him. With all he endured early in life, he never should have had a strong marriage—but God made it possible. No one would have thought that he’d become a role model for everyone from professional athletes to grade school students, but God made a way. On his own, He would have found it almost impossible to forgive those who hurt him—but what is impossible with people is possible with God. Herbert unquestionably never would have guessed he would become a pastor— but God changed him and opened doors no person could open. And now he’s one of the most effective men of God I know.

The central message of this study is that God can overcome any circumstance in our life. We would be a mess, but God turns our lives around. We would be hopeless, but God gives us hope.

If you’re wondering what happened to my wife and her health concerns, I’m thankful to tell you we had a “But God” moment. After seeing doctor after doctor and taking more tests than we could count, we still didn’t have answers, and Amy’s health continued to decline. One day as Amy was doing her daily devotional, she had a spiritual epiphany and put her whole trust in God. If God healed her, she would trust him. If he didn’t, she would trust him. No matter what, she committed her life, her family, and her future wholly to her Savior.

This unique small group curriculum is meant to be a companion to my book BUT GOD…CHANGES EVERYTHING. It will guide you as you dig into Scripture, talk it through, learn, and live out what you are learning in the context of community. It integrates what you’re studying in your small group, and with your individual times with God. It provides a taste of small groups for those who are new, while still offering a rich and rewarding experience to those who’ve spent years in small groups.

Nothing on the outside changed, but God did something only he could do. Her heart was at peace, and as quickly as her problems had appeared, they were gone. She had been declining physically, but God made her well. I am so thankful that no matter what we face, God can make a way.

You may have any number of legitimate reasons why you won’t make it through what you are facing or achieve what you’ve dreamed, but two words can change everything. No matter how hopeless your situation looks or how discouraged you are, remember…

But God changes everything.

Craig Groeschel

Craig Groeschel 8

This study will, I hope, encourage you to trust God. In the midst of hurt and struggle, we may become discouraged, but God helps us. We’re going to talk about how to have “but God” moments in relationships, in trying to find our purpose and calling, in moments of pain and hurt.

This study consists of six sessions, each focused on a different “but God” truth and experience. You’ll have a chance to learn together, to discuss and share your own stories in a way that focuses on practical real-life application as you find your story in God’s story.

At the end of each session, you’ll find daily devotions that will help you go deeper in your walk with God and each other. You’ll read a Bible verse, then respond to it by journaling your prayers and thoughts.

In addition to the written study, this curriculum includes a DVD with six teaching sessions, one for each lesson. In your discussion, you’ll dig into the Bible but also respond to what you watched on the DVD. My prayer is that you would experience God in a fresh way as a result of this study.

Herbert Cooper

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OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION A typical group session for the “BUT GOD” study will include the following sections. Read through this to get a clear idea of how each group meeting will be structured.

USING THIS WORKBOOK 1

Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections: (1) Sessions; (2) Appendices; and (3) Small Group Leaders. Familiarize yourself with the Appendices. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

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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 avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership.

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Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. If the group responds to the lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question than the next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Frequently Asked Questions pages and the Small Group Leaders section.

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Enjoy your small group experience!

Pray before each session—for your group members, for your time together, and for wisdom and insights.

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WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES. Each session opens with a Memory Verse that emphasizes an important truth from the session. This is an optional exercise, but I believe that memorizing Scripture can be a vital part of filling our minds with God’s will for our lives. I encourage you to give this important habit a try. The verses for our six sessions are also listed in the appendix.

INTRODUCTION. Each lesson opens with a brief thought that will help you prepare for the session and get you thinking about the particular subject you will explore with your group. Make it a practice to read these before the session. You may want to have the group read them aloud.

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, your spiritual partner(s), for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey.

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

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HEAR GOD’S STORY. In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to the 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. I 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 our lives in Christ should be your greatest aim.

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY. If you have time and want to dig deeper into more Bible passages about the topic at hand, we’ve provided additional passages and questions for you to use either during the meeting, or as homework. Your group may choose to read and prepare before each meeting in order to cover more biblical material. Or, group members can use the additional study section during the week after the meeting. If you prefer not to do Study homework, this section will provide you with plenty to discuss within the group. These options allow individuals or the whole group to expand their study while still accommodating those who can’t do homework or are new to your group.

DAILY DEVOTIONS. Each week on the Daily Devotions pages, we provide Scriptures to read and reflect on between sessions—a month’s worth of 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.

STUDY NOTES. This brief section provides additional commentary, background or insights on the passage you’ll study in the Hear God’s Story section.

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. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. This is where the Bible’s instruction to be “doers of the Word, not just hearers” (James 1:22) comes into play.

Many people skip over this aspect of the Christian life because it’s scary, relationally awkward, or simply too much work for their busy schedules.

But Jesus wanted all of His disciples to know Him personally, carry out His commands, and help outsiders connect with Him. This doesn’t necessarily mean preaching on street corners. It could mean welcoming newcomers, hosting a short-term group in your home, or walking through this study with a friend. In this study, you’ll have an opportunity to go beyond Bible study to biblical living. This section will also have a question or two that will challenge you to live out your faith by serving others, sharing your faith, and worshipping God.

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1

SESSION ONE

WE WANDER… BUT

GOD

FINDS US

MEMORY VERSE But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? (Luke 15:4)

If someone is on a journey of faith, and trying to figure out what it means to believe in God, what it means to follow Jesus, what it means to have the Holy Spirit in your heart, we often label that person a “spiritual seeker.” They’re looking for something, seeking a way to God, seeking truth that transforms, seeking a life that is truly life.

But could it be that the most earnest seeker is God? The One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life is also the One who goes seeking and searching for people who are looking for Him (even if they don’t yet realize what they seek). When we wander away, even willfully rebel, He doesn’t give up on us. We get lost, but God finds us. We wander, but God eagerly waits for us to return.

In this study, you’ll have the opportunity to learn in a community, to study God’s Word, and hopefully, to completely dismantle some misunderstandings that you might have about God.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

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

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.

As you begin at this first meeting, pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page 128, or a sheet of paper, so everyone can share their contact information. Have everyone introduce themselves. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group this week.

WATCH NOW DVD SESSION 1 Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the Notes space provided on page 23 to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, read the Bible passage in the Hear God’s Story section aloud. Then have someone read the discussion questions section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

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Where do people get their ideas about what God is like? How do things like family, childhood experiences, and even the media influence people’s perception of God? 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. On pages 124 is a Small Group Agreement with the values we’ve found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you choose one or two values to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health.

• We recommend that you rotate host homes on a regular basis and let the hosts lead the meeting. We’ve come to realize that healthy groups rotate leadership. 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). If you are interested in rotating homes and leaders, look at the FAQs in the Appendix for additional information about hosting or leading the group.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

God uses stories to guide us. When we read the true stories of Scripture, we learn what God is like and we see His plan unfolding. We also 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.

Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the video teaching and the Bible passage below. You may want to use the study notes on page 23 to guide your reading and discussion.

22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look!

All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’

Read Luke 15:11-31 11 Jesus continued: There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

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1

This story is a parable—a story Jesus told to illustrate a point. What question or situation was Jesus responding to by telling this story?

(Hint, look at the beginning of Luke 15 in your Bible.)

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In this story, there are three main characters: the father, the older son, and the younger son. Who or what do you think each of them represents? Which character do you most relate to? Explain.

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In the video Pastor Herbert said, “We wander away from faith, but God, He draws us to himself.” What causes people to wander away from faith? What caused the younger son to wander away from his family?

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How does God draw us to himself?

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Have you ever lived through a “prodigal season” where you wandered from God? (Or perhaps you are in that season right now). If so, what’s one thing you learned from that experience?

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What do you think the father meant when he told the older son “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours”?

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What did the two sons have to do to earn their father’s love? What point was Jesus making about God’s love for his children with this story?

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STUDY NOTES

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

As it would be today, the son’s request was very disrespectful. It was as if he were saying, “I don’t want to have to wait around for you to die, Dad, so just give me my half of your money now.” The culture of Jesus’ day also expected that children would care for their parents in their old age. The younger son not only completely ignores that responsibility, but takes the money and runs. Jesus’ listeners would have been appalled, and assumed that the father would never even consider forgiving such terrible disrespect. In fact, such disloyalty would cause a family to consider such a son to be dead to them.

Father, give me my share of the estate.

In the ancient Middle East, grown men did not run. It was undignified and awkward, something that simply was not done. Imagine this gentleman hiking up his robes and sprinting across the sand to embrace his son—the son who had so disrespected him and squandered his inheritance.

Again, Jesus’ listeners would have been shocked and even scandalized—the picture is crazy to the point of being almost ridiculous in their eyes. They might have thought the father very kind if he had simply waited for the son to come to him and to grovel at his feet.

They would have thought he was extremely merciful if he would have granted the son’s request to become a hired hand. They frankly wouldn’t be surprised if the father rejected this son. The father’s actions don’t at all fit what a father in that culture would do if a son like this one came home. But that is precisely Jesus’ point. Grace is lavish to the point of being almost ridiculous.

He ran to his son…

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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 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 also those far from God. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom 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 you’ve learned.

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If you are more of an “older son” type of person—responsible, hard-working, a rule-follower—what do you think Jesus is saying to you through this story?

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Pastor Herbert said, “If you take one step towards God, he will come running after you.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain with a story from your own experience.

This week, how will you nurture your connection with Jesus? Can you commit to spending time in daily prayer and study of God’s Word (use the Daily Devotions section to guide you)? Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

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When he told his own story of coming to believe in Jesus, Pastor Herbert quoted Romans 10:9: “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.” What does this verse mean to you personally?

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Think for a minute about the older son, who experienced jealousy and resentment. Why was he so angry? Tell about a time you felt like the older son.

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Take a look at the Circles of Life diagram below and write the names of two or three people you know whom you could invite to your small group. Think of people who might be spiritually curious but might not yet have a relationship with God. Commit to praying for God’s guidance and an opportunity to have a conversation with each of them. Share your lists with the group so that you can all be praying for the people you’ve identified.

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FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY

FAMILY (immediate or extended)

FAMILIAR

If you feel God nudging you to go deeper, take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into His Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. A great way to gain insight on a passage is to read it in several different translations. You may want to use a Bible app or website to compare translations.

FRIENDS

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

Read Luke 15:1-10 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

FUN

FIRM

(gym, hobbies, hangouts)

(work)

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.

Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

To close your time together, spend some time in prayer. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 129.

In these two stories, which precede the story of the prodigal son, what other things are lost? How is Jesus setting up the story of the lost son? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

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The story of the sheep contains what seems like an exaggeration: would a shepherd really leave ninety-nine sheep to find one? Wouldn’t he risk losing the other sheep when he did so? What point do you think Jesus was trying to make with this story? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

DAILY

DEVOTIONS

In other passages, like John 10, Jesus refers to himself as a good shepherd who leads, protects, and cares for the sheep. Who do the sheep represent in these metaphors and parables? In what ways does Jesus “shepherd” you?

DEVOTIONALS

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Read 1 John 3:1-2 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

What words does this passage use to describe God’s love? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

What keeps you from experiencing the abundance of God’s love? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

What does this passage tell us about our identity—who we are? .................................................................................................................................

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Day 1.

Day 2.

Read Ephesians 2:1-2

Read Ephesians 2:3

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

Respond: Think about a time when you “followed the ways of this world”—in your friendships, your workplace, your finances.

How did that cause spiritual decay or deadness? Is there an area in your life now where you are “following the ways of this world?”

Respond: It’s easy to look down on people who are far from God, especially if we have been walking with God for a long time. What is this verse reminding us about ourselves? How does awareness of our own need for grace affect our ability to extend it to others?

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What promise does it make about our future?

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DEVOTIONALS

Day 3.

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read Ephesians 2:4-5

Read Ephesians 2:6-7

Read Ephesians 2:8-9

Read Ephesians 2:10

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Respond: What does it mean when we say that God is “rich in mercy”? How does this verse connect with the story we read in the lesson about the son “who was dead but is alive again”? How have you been “made alive with Christ”?

30

DEVOTIONALS

Respond: God has raised you up, and wants to show you incomparable riches. Spend some time reading this verse, and worshipping God for his kindness.

Be as specific as you can about the ways in which God has shown you grace.

Respond: According to this verse, what do we need to do to receive God’s grace? Why is it sometimes hard to simply receive a gift?

Respond: Our good works don’t help us to earn grace, but they are an appropriate response to grace.

What works did God create you to do? What steps can you take this week to begin to do those good works He created you to do?

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2

SESSION TWO MEMORY VERSE He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

WE’RE WOUNDED…

BUT

GOD

HEALS US

All of us have experienced pain or disappointment somewhere in life—some more than others, of course. But most of us have been dinged by life. Someone hurts us, lets us down, disappoints us—or even abuses us. We are wounded by the experience of being human. And those wounds can impact us for a long time. They change the way that we relate to others, and can stir up fears in us. They can sometimes even keep us from fully receiving love from God and other people. Yes, we are wounded.

But God can heal us. When the Bible tells us God is love, and that he is kind and loving, it is not talking about mere sentimental feelings. His love is so powerful and perfect; it can bring healing to our wounded hearts.

In fact, when God’s love transforms us, our wounds become a way of understanding and loving others. They help us become healers as well.

This topic is a heavy one. Remember this week that you want to be a good listener, and respect the confidentiality of the group.

What is shared in the group stays in the group.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

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

As we said last week, when we tell our stories, sharing them with others, we give others the opportunity to see God at work. Your story is being shaped, even in this moment, by being a part of this group. In fact, few things can shape us more than community.

WATCH NOW DVD SESSION 2

When we share our stories, we can encourage someone else. We can also learn and be encouraged by the stories and experiences of others. 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.

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the Notes space provided on page 39 to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, read the Bible text for the lesson out loud. Then have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

1

When someone has been hurt, how do they tend to treat other people?

2

What is the hardest thing about forgiving someone who has been unkind to you or hurt you?

Pair up with someone in your group. (Men should partner with men and women with women.) This person will be your spiritual partner for the rest of this study. He or she doesn’t have to be your best friend, but will simply encourage you to complete the goals you set for yourself during this study. Following through on a resolution is tough when you’re on your own. It makes all the difference to have a partner cheering you on.

3

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35

HEAR GOD’S STORY

2

How does refusing to forgive other people impact your relationship with God, according to this passage?

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How can we become a part of God’s story? By aligning our stories with His. By understanding what it means to follow Him. Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced, and the Bible passage below.

This week’s reading is from The Message translation.

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3

In the video, Pastor Herbert said, “After experiencing deep wounds and hurt and pain, the enemy of our soul will tell us we have to live bitter.” How have you seen this play out in your own life, or the life of someone you know?

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4

Read Matthew 6:14-15 (The Message) In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.

1

In the video, Pastor Herbert clarified what forgiveness is not. He noted that it is not saying what happened was “no big deal.” And forgiveness is not the same thing as reconciliation, or restoring the relationship with the person who hurt you. How is forgiveness different from reconciliation?

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In the verses just prior to today’s passage, Jesus taught his disciples to pray, to ask for forgiveness as they forgave others.

How does acknowledging your own sins and mistakes help you to forgive others?

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BUT GOD

37

STUDY NOTES

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

While God loves us unconditionally, He does seem to put conditions on forgiveness. In a way, our unwillingness to forgive others creates a hard-heartedness in us that keeps us from experiencing God’s forgiveness. In order to receive forgiveness, we must be willing to forgive others. As Pastor Herbert said, forgiveness is not the same as saying “it’s no big deal.” It is not the same as reconciliation, or forgetting the offence. Theologian Lew Smedes says forgiveness is not letting the other person off the hook, it’s letting yourself off the hook. It’s taking away that other person’s power to hurt you over and over, each time you remember the offence. Forgiving someone who’s hurt you can open you up to God’s healing. God not only asks us to forgive, but He can give us the power to do so when we can’t forgive on our own.

…You cut yourself off from God’s part.

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BUT GOD

39

CREATE A NEW STORY In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom 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 you’ve learned.

5

Is there someone you need to forgive, or to ask forgiveness from?

Explain. (There is no pressure here to share details you don’t feel ready to share. Respect everyone’s right to share as much or as little of their story as they feel comfortable sharing.)

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1

What barriers get in the way of you forgiving others?

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2

We are all wounded. How has God helped heal the wounds of your life?

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3

Have you ever had a time in your life when you “cut yourself off from God’s part” by refusing to forgive? How did that impact you?

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4

In the video, Pastor Herbert said, “Forgiving creates ‘But God’ moments for our own lives.” Tell about a time when forgiving created a “But God” moment in your life.

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BUT GOD

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6

This week, how will you interact with the Bible? Can you commit to spending time in daily prayer or study of God’s Word (use the Daily Devotions section to guide you)? Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

8

Last week, in our Circles of Life exercise, we talked about people who might respond to an invitation to join this small group. How are your relationships progressing with the people you wrote down? Were you able to talk to them? Invite them? Have you continued to pray for them and for the opportunity to invite them? Spend some time this week praying about those you know who might respond to a simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your small group, or even just to have coffee and talk about spiritual matters. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring people to mind that you can pray for.

9

To close your time together, spend some time in prayer. Prayer is not just asking God for things, but also worshipping and telling God how much we love Him. You may want to have everyone share something they are grateful for, or some way that God touched their life this week.

OPTIONAL: If a group member has a worship song on their phone or other device that they find significant, they can play it for the group.

Developing our ability to serve according to the leading of the Holy Spirit takes time and persistence in getting to know our Lord.

So the first step toward serving others is, paradoxically, spending time alone with God: in prayer, in study and reflection on God’s Word. Here are some simple ways to connect with God. Tell the group which one you plan to try this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

• Prayer. Commit to personal prayer and daily connection with God. You may find it helpful to write your prayers in a journal.

• Daily Devotions. The Daily Devotions provided in each session offer an opportunity for reading a short Bible passage six days a week during the course of this study. In our hurry-up world, we often move too quickly through everything—even reading God’s Word! Slow down. Don’t just skim, but take time to read carefully and reflect on God’s Word. Write down your insights on what you read each day. Copy a portion of Scripture on a card and tape it somewhere in your line of sight, such as your car’s dashboard or the kitchen table. Or text it to yourself! Think about it when you sit at red lights, or while you’re eating a meal.

Reflect on what God is saying to you through these words. On the sixth day summarize what God has shown you throughout the week.

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7

• Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 129.

BUT GOD

43

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY If you feel God nudging you to go deeper, take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into His Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. Want to go deeper? Select a few verses and try paraphrasing them: writing them in your own words. If you like, share them with the group the next time you meet.

Read Matthew 18:21-35 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

What do you think prompted Peter’s question about forgiveness? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

Think about the servant who had been forgiven a huge debt. What huge debt have you been forgiven? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

What “debt” do you need to forgive someone else? How does remembering your own debts and how you’ve been forgiven of them help you to forgive others? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

23 Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

26 At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

29 His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

30 But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

32 Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

35 This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.

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BUT GOD

45

Read Colossians 3:12-16 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

DAILY

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

DEVOTIONALS

16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

How does knowing we are “chosen” and “dearly loved” make it easier to clothe ourselves with compassion and kindness?

Day 1.

Day 2.

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Read Psalm 147:1

Read Psalm 147:2

Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel.

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Respond: Why is it “fitting” to praise God? Spend a few moments just singing praises to God right now. (You might want to play a worship song or two and sing along.)

Verse 16 says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly…” What is “the message of Christ?” How can we allow that message to “dwell among” us? What specific actions or attitudes would help us to do that?

Respond: Think about a relationship where you feel like an “exile.” What promise do you find in this verse? What situation do you need God to build you up in? Try reading the verse aloud, substituting your name for the word “Jerusalem.”

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46

DEVOTIONS

BUT GOD

47

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. Because these verses are taken from a longer Psalm, you may want to read the entire Psalm in your Bible. But then walk slowly verse by verse. You may want to look up each day’s verse in other translations. 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

48

DEVOTIONALS

Day 3.

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read Psalm 147:3

Read Psalm 147:4

Read Psalm 147:5

Read Psalm 147:6

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.

Respond: Think about a situation where you have been hurt, abused, or had your heart broken.

Bring that before God, perhaps in your journal. Ask God to heal those heartbreaks, to bind up your wounds. If it’s helpful, imagine God tenderly cleaning and bandaging a physical wound that represents the pain you feel.

Respond: What does this verse tell you about God’s power and capacity to know everything?

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.

Respond: What situation are you facing in which you find yourself doubting God’s power? In which you are tempted to say, “you just don’t understand!” Talk honestly with God about that situation.

What promises does this verse offer about God’s power and understanding?

Respond: How are ‘offering forgiveness’ and ‘humility’ related?

How has God sustained you when you’ve humbled yourself enough to ask for forgiveness, or humbled yourself enough to forgive someone who’s wronged you?

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SESSION THREE

MEMORY VERSE And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

WE SEARCH FOR IDENTITY… BUT

GOD GIVES PURPOSE

When we first meet people, we typically begin a conversation by learning their name, and then we ask, “So what do you do?”

Our identity is typically wrapped up in our work, our tasks, our titles, and our accomplishments.

While there’s nothing wrong with working hard, trying to find our identity in tasks will never satisfy our souls. God wants to give us more that—He wants to give us a meaningful purpose that aligns with His Kingdom. He calls us to join in the work He is doing in the world.

God loves you, and has a dream for your life. He has given you gifts to use for His Kingdom, to fulfill your purpose. He challenges us to discover our gifts and our purpose, and to do all we do in the name of Jesus.

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51

SHARE YOUR STORY

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

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.

WATCH NOW DVD SESSION 3

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.

Last week we talked about how we are wounded but God heals us. This week, we’ll look at how we search for identity, but God gives us purpose.

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the Notes space provided on page 59 to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on.

1

2

3

52

When you hear the word “purpose” what comes to mind?

In our culture, where do people typically find their identity and significance?

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.

(See Share Your Story in Session Two.)

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53

HEAR GOD’S STORY

Read Genesis 50:15-21

Use the following questions to guide your discussion based on the DVD teaching and the Bible passage below.

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

Read Genesis 37:17-28 So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. 18 But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.

19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. 20 “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.”

21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. 22 “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father.

23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— 24 and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it.

25 As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.

26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.

28 So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.

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1

Joseph (you can read his entire story in Genesis 37-51) was a gifted leader, but had his share of struggles. How did Joseph’s perspective on God’s purpose help him through the struggles?

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Joseph had many struggles: he was sold into slavery, falsely accused, thrown in jail. He had people who promised him help but then forgot him. How did these struggles strengthen Joseph’s character? How did he change and grow over time?

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How would knowing God’s purpose for your life help you when you encounter setbacks and struggles?

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4

In the video, Pastor Herbert said, “Our purpose is often connected to the gifts God has given us.” What gifts has God given you?

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God’s purpose for us is to “save many lives.” How did Joseph “save many lives”?

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57

STUDY NOTES

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

Knowing and living out God’s purpose for our lives really comes down to the key question: Do we trust God? Even when things are difficult, do we believe God has our best interests at heart? When we trust God and believe He is on our side, we can endure difficulties and find joy in living out our God-given purpose.

God intended it for good…

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If you do not yet know your spiritual gifts, consider looking online for a spiritual gifts assessment. You may also want to ask the people in your small group to tell you what gifts they notice in you.

Gifts…

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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 happen steadily. By 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, challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

1

In the video, Pastor Herbert said, “God’s purpose for our lives, it’s always wrapped up in the saving of many lives.” What is one way that you can “save lives”?

4

What does it look like to find our identity in Christ? What specific actions or attitudes would you see in someone who finds their identity in Christ?

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5

What specific steps will you take this week to cultivate your personal relationship with God? If you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct your attention to Scripture this week. If you’ve been reading God’s Word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse. Tell the group which one you plan to try this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

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2

Just because God has given us a purpose and a dream, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be difficult moments and hard times. How do you typically deal with difficulties?

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When you think about God’s purpose for your life, what are you certain about, and what are you still trying to figure out?

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6

In the first session we asked you to write some names in the Circles of Life diagram. Who did you identify as the people in your life who might be interested in being a part of this group? Consider the following ideas for action and make a plan to follow through on one of them this week.

• This is a wonderful time to welcome a few friends into your group. Which of the people you listed could you invite? It’s possible that you may need to help your friend overcome obstacles to coming to a place where he or she can encounter Jesus. Does your friend need a ride to the group? Help with childcare?

• Consider inviting a friend to attend a weekend church service with you and possibly plan to enjoy a meal together afterward.

This can be a great opportunity to talk with someone about your faith in Jesus.

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• Is there someone who might not be willing or ready to come to your group but who still needs a connection? Would you be willing to have lunch or coffee with that person, catch up on life, and share something you’ve learned from this study? Jesus doesn’t call all of us to lead small groups, but he does call every disciple to spiritually multiply his or her life over time.

• 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.

• Ask everyone to share: “How can we pray for you this week?”

Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 129.

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FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary. If you like, share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

Read Joseph’s full story in Genesis 37, and Genesis 39-51 (You can read two or three chapters per day, or read through the whole story a few times if you have the time.)

How would you describe Joseph at the beginning of the story, when he is telling his brothers about his dreams? How has he changed by the end of the story? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

What sentence about God is repeated throughout the story? (For example, see Gen. 39:2, 21, 23) .................................................................................................................................

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.

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 Proverbs 16:1

Read Proverbs 16:2

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.

People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.

Respond: What contrast does this verse set up? What two things does it compare? What plans are you making right now? Are you considering God’s perspective?

Respond: Spend some time praying and allowing God to examine your motives.

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Have you ever found yourself in situations similar to those Joseph experienced? How did those impact your life? How did they impact your relationship with God?

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DEVOTIONALS

DEVOTIONALS

Day 3.

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read Proverbs 16:3

Read Proverbs 16:4-5

Read Proverbs 16:6-7

Read Proverbs 16:9

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.

Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil. When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

Respond: What does it mean to commit your actions to the Lord? What specific actions is God asking you to commit to him today? What does this verse promise if we do that?

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Respond: How does God feel about people who are proud? In what areas of your life are you tempted to be proud? (If you are proud about your own humility, it’s still pride.)

Respond: What does this verse tell us about who is ultimately in control of our lives? Do you find that reassuring, or confining? What does your answer to that question tell you about your relationship with God?

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Respond: This verse is more descriptive than prescriptive: it tells how life works. How have you seen these principles play out in your own experience? What’s one change you could make to live a life that pleases God?

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4

SESSION FOUR

WE SEEK RELATIONSHIPS…

BUT

GOD GIVES US DIVINE CONNECTIONS

MEMORY VERSE Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

(Proverbs 13:20)

When Jesus began his earthly ministry, he started not with a marketing campaign or even by preaching. He started by gathering a small group of people to walk beside him and share in his ministry. He did life with a group of disciples and friends.

When God created the world, the only thing he said was “not good” was that man was alone. We were made for community, for doing life with companions who can help, encourage, and strengthen us.

We are always seeking out relationships—we’re wired to connect with others. But God wants not just any friend for us, but divine connections. He wants us to be in relationship and community with wise, godly people—people who help us to grow closer to God, who want encourage us, who want the best for us. When we seek wise friends, or as the Bible says, when we walk with the wise, they not only bring joy and companionship into our lives, but help us grow in wisdom and grow closer to God.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

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

WATCH NOW

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.

DVD SESSION 4

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the Notes space provided on page 75 to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on.

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2

3

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Is there someone you know that you would describe as “wise”? What specific traits or examples make you say that?

Describe (briefly) a time when a bad friendship brought you down. Why do people sometimes stay in relationships that are not healthy?

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. (See Share Your Story in Session Two.)

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HEAR GOD’S STORY Use the following questions to guide your discussion based on the DVD teaching and the Bible passage below.

1

In this Bible passage, we see that Paul and Barnabas have a disagreement. Although both were preaching about Jesus, they disagreed enough to part ways. What caused their disagreement?

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2

What criteria did Paul seem to use to choose those who would minister with him? What did he value most?

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Read Acts 15:36-16:5 36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.

Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

1 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

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3

What do you value most when it comes to people who walk with you on your spiritual journey? Do you choose companions that match your values?

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4

In the video, Pastor Herbert told a story about a friend who became negative and gave him bad advice. What is your response to that story? What could you relate to? What (if anything) surprised you about it?

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STUDY NOTES

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

TEACHING NOTES .................................................................................................................................

Paul’s reasons for not wanting to continue working with John Mark may have gone deeper than the fact that Mark had abandoned them in the previous missionary journey. The text may not include all the details of their disagreement. But the fact that this squabble is included in Scripture reminds us of a couple of things: God’s people are indeed people, with flaws and imperfections, who sometimes struggle to forgive one another. It also gives us a good example of healthy conflict, and the importance of sometimes setting firm boundaries. It is not “more Christian” to avoid conflict or just keep the peace at all costs. Sometimes telling the truth is necessary, even if it causes relationships to be strained.

…such a sharp disagreement…

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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 happen steadily. By 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, challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

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5 1

In the video, Pastor Herbert said that sometimes, “we just have to disconnect and pull away from a ‘not God’ relationship, so that we can be all that God has designed and created us to be.” Is there a relationship in your life right now that you know is really a “not God” relationship?

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2

What keeps you in “not God” relationships? Why are they sometimes hard to handle?

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3

In your family of origin, what sort of relationships did you see your parents and other family members engaging in: were they more “not God” relationships, or “but God” divine connections? How did seeing that impact your choices?

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Who is one friend in your life that has potential to be a deeper spiritual friend? What’s one step you could take to develop and deepen that friendship?

In the video, Pastor Herbert talked about how being a part of a church can help you find healthy relationships. Do you agree? Explain.

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6

Each of you in the group has different gifts and abilities, as we’ve discussed in previous sessions. Every small group also has tasks and roles that need to be done. How could you serve this group—perhaps with hospitality, prayer, organizing an event, research or study of a topic, worship, or inviting new people?

Have each person share what their gift or passion is, and how they could use it to strengthen and build up the group.

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FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages, or try reading them in a couple of different translations. If you like, share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

7

Spend some time praying about those you know who might respond to a simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your small group, or even just to have coffee and talk about spiritual matters. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring people to mind that you can pray for.

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8

Groups grow closer when they serve together. How could you as a group serve someone in need? You may want to visit a shut-in from your church, provide a meal for a family who is going through difficulty, or give some other practical help to someone in need.

If nothing comes to mind, spend some time as a group praying and asking God to show you who needs your help. Have two or three group members organize a serving project for the group, and then—do it!

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Read Ephesians 4:1-6 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

What does it mean to live a life worthy of the calling? What calling have we received? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

What does it mean to bear with one another in love? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

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How does bearing with one another in love build Godly relationships? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

What do you think of when you hear the word “unity”? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

How can we “keep the unity of the Spirit”? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

Read John 15:9-17 (NLT) 9 I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves.

Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

Our best example of friendship in the Bible comes from Jesus, who called his disciples, and us, his friends. What did Jesus say friendship should look like? ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

What does Jesus say will result if we stay connected to (or remain in) his love for us? ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

How does knowing and experiencing Jesus’ love help you to love others? ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

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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.

DAILY

DEVOTIONS

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 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.

Respond: What are some specific words you could say to a friend or family member to build them up?

Sometime today, say those words.

Notice how the other person responds. Write in your journal about what you notice.

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Respond: Who cares for you in the Lord? (Perhaps it’s a small group leader, mentor, pastor or friend.)

Take time today to send a text or email, thanking that person.

Or speak to them in person and acknowledge how they have loved and cared for you.

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DEVOTIONALS

Day 3.

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:13

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Respond: Paying back wrong for wrong is what our human nature wants to do—to seek revenge when we’ve been hurt. Think of a situation where you have been wronged. What does this verse say you should do about that?

Respond: These short instructions are very challenging. While there are times we naturally want to rejoice, pray, or give thanks, it’s hard to do it all the time. Spend some time praying about a specific situation where you are finding it hard to rejoice or give thanks. Ask God to help you to transform your attitude and actions.

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Respond: What is one thing you could do to live in greater peace with others—in your small group, family, or even your workplace?

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DEVOTIONALS

Respond: Of these instructions, which is hardest for you to do?

Spend some time praying for guidance about who you need to encourage, help, or be patient with. Then, reach out to that person.

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SESSION FIVE

WE’RE BOUND...

MEMORY VERSE 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.

(Luke 4:18-19)

BUT

GOD

Have you ever felt trapped? Stuck? Bound up by something that you can’t really control?

If so, you’re not alone. Even if you are a follower of Jesus, you can still find yourself stuck and bound up by sin. Christians are not perfect—and like anyone, they can become stuck in addictions, unhealthy habits, or sinful patterns. But that doesn’t mean we have to settle for living a life that is mired in sin and pain. We struggle, but God sets us free.

Jesus came not just to set us free from the consequences of sin in the next life—to take us to heaven someday. He came to set us free now, so that we can live a life of meaning, purpose and freedom right now, today. The first step is to be honest about where you are bound, and ask Him to set you free.

SETS US FREE BUT GOD

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SHARE YOUR STORY

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

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 “stupid questions,” where you listen without criticizing one another.

WATCH NOW DVD SESSION 5

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the Notes space provided on page 93 to jot down any questions or thoughts that you want to remember or share with the group during your discussion.

1

2

3

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Most of us have been impacted by addiction—our own or someone else’s. Why do you think our culture of consumption and materialism is so prone to addiction?

Describe a time when you felt “free.”

What does that word mean to you, and what does it feel like to be free?

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.)

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HEAR GOD’S STORY

1

How would you describe Bartimaeus? From this brief glimpse, how would you describe his personality and character?

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Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching from the DVD and the Bible passage below.

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2

What do you think his story is meant to teach us about how to approach Jesus in prayer?

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3

Read Mark 10:46-52 (NLT) 46 Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. 47 When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

What surprises you about the question Jesus asks in verse 51?

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48 “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.

But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49 When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”

So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” 50 Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

4

Pastor Herbert said, “God’s power can invade your life and set you free from any struggle, any addiction, any bondage that you’re dealing with.” What is your response to this idea? Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

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52 And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

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STUDY NOTES

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

TEACHING NOTES .................................................................................................................................

The name Timaeus means “honor.” Mark likely includes this detail to bring a certain irony to his story: the blind beggar in the dust, the lowest in society, the man others treat with scorn, is the one who is the “son of honor” and who gives Jesus honor by naming him as Messiah (“son of David”). He is ultimately honored by Jesus with a word of healing. He continues to honor Jesus by following Him (unlike some other people who are healed in the Gospels and go on their own way).

Son of Timaeus…

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Just a few verses before this story, we read of James and John requesting to be honored in Jesus’ coming kingdom. Jesus asks them the same question He later asks Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:36) The parallelism highlights the irony: a blind man has better “insight” into who Jesus is and what He’s about. James and John are blinded by their own ambition and misunderstanding about God’s Kingdom; Bartimaeus names Jesus as Messiah and asks not for power or position but mercy and healing. He responds by following Jesus, not trying to attain power or position. (Read Mark 10:3545 to see the context.)

What do you want me to do for you?

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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 happen steadily. By 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, challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

4

Imagine that you are having a face-to-face conversation with Jesus, and he asks you the same question He asked Bartimaeus. “What do you want me to do for you?” How would you respond?

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5

Pastor Herbert said that freedom comes from confessing our sins to one another. Take some time to talk about your struggles with one another, and to pray for one another.

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1

6 In the video, we heard Pastor Herbert say that if we want to get free from bondage, we need to be like Bartimaeus. We must be urgent, desperate, and keep calling out to God. What is your response to this idea? What situation in your life feels urgent and desperate?

Spend some time praying about those you know who might respond to a simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your small group, or even just to have coffee and talk about spiritual matters. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring people to mind that you can pray for.

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2

In what areas of your life do you need to be set free?

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3

When we are bound, or stuck, in unhealthy patterns of thought or behavior, what happens to us spiritually? What happens to our ability to love and serve others?

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FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. If you like, share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

Read James 5:13-18

7

Next week is our last session. Talk as a group about your future plans. Do you want to continue to meet, and work your way through another study? Do you want to expand the group? If you’d like to continue, who will lead? Have group members bring suggestions about what to study to your next meeting.

8

A strong group is made up of people who are all being filled up

by God, so that they are empowered to love one another. What specific steps will you take this week to connect with God privately, so that he can “fill you up”? If you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct your attention to Scripture this week. If you’ve been reading God’s Word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse. Tell the group which one you plan to try this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

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To close your time together, ask everyone to share: “How can we pray for you this week?” Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 129.

13 Is anyone among you in trouble?

Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

This passage reminds us of the importance of prayer in all circumstances.

What are some different types of prayer that it mentions? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

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We tend to think of prayer as something we do individually, or something that our pastor does while we listen at church. How often do you gather with others to pray together? What does this passage say would be the benefits of doing that? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

Do you have a trusted friend that you can confess your struggles to— someone who feels safe? Seek out that person this week and have a conversation that will move you toward freedom. ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

Read Galatians 5:13-26 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

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What does it mean to live by the flesh? By the Spirit? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

Have you ever used your freedom to be self-indulgent? Was that ultimately satisfying? Did you hurt yourself or others in the process? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

Make a list of the fruit of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit that are listed in this passage. Which of these lists do you want to describe your life and character? ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

Ask God to work in your life to set you free and produce the fruit of the Spirit in you. ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

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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.

DAILY

DEVOTIONS

DEVOTIONALS

Day 1.

Day 2.

Read Romans 6:12

Read Romans 6:13

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

Respond: What do you think of when you hear the word “reign”?

What reigns in your life? Are you allowing God to reign, or your own desires? ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................

Respond: What are some specific spiritual practices you can engage in that will help you to “offer yourself to God”? What “part of yourself” do you find yourself holding back from God? ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................

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DEVOTIONALS

Day 3.

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read Romans 6:14

Read Romans 6:15

Read Romans 6:16

Read Romans 6:17-18

For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!

Respond: What does it mean to be under grace, rather than the law? How has legalism or rule-keeping impacted your relationship with God?

Respond: This verse warns us against taking grace for granted, or taking advantage of God’s mercy. Have you ever been tempted to do this? Spend some time praying, asking God to show you where you need to grow, where you need to move toward freedom.

Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

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Respond: Have you ever felt like a slave to an addiction, sin, or unhealthy pattern like worry or fear? What is one step you could take to become free?

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Respond: What does it mean to be a slave to righteousness?

Would you say that accurately describes you right now? What would need to change in order for that to be true of you?

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6

SESSION SIX

WE SEE THE IMPOSSIBLE...

BUT WITH

GOD

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

SHARE YOUR STORY MEMORY VERSE May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

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.

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 for strength and encouragement. Listening to others’ stories can be 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.

Last week we read the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man who was given sight. In many ways, all of us are like him—blind. We may be blind to spiritual truth, blind to our own faults, blind to the needs of others.

But God gives us sight—if we boldly ask Him to heal us. He fills us with vision. We see how He has rescued us, healed us. Our lives could have gone a completely different direction, but God stepped in and saved us by His grace. He’s turned an impossible situation around and given us hope that defies the odds.

Bartimaeus responded to the gift of sight by following Jesus.

Wouldn’t we want to the same? When we do, we’ll experience a life of hope, in which all things are possible. What an amazing gift. In this, our final session, we’re going to talk about how God can do the impossible, and how that can change our lives.

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

1

2

3

4

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What has surprised you most about this group?

What did God teach you over the last six weeks?

WATCH NOW DVD SESSION 6

Play the teaching segment from the DVD now. Jot down any questions or thoughts that you want to remember or share with the group during your discussion.

Do you know someone that has a surprising amount of hope? Why do you think they are hopeful?

Take time in this final session to connect with your spiritual partner. What has God been showing you through these sessions? Where have you had a “but God” moment? 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 relationship outside your Bible study group.

Take some time for each person to share about how they’ve done with inviting the people on the Circles of Life to church or your small group.

What specific conversations are you praying about for the weeks to come?

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HEAR GOD’S STORY Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching you just experienced in the video, and the Bible passage below.

3

Pastor Herbert reminded us that God is a God of hope. In what ways has God given you hope? Where do you need more hope in your life?

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4

What situations are you facing right now that feel impossible, or hopeless? How can God restore your hope?

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Read Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

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5

This passage contrasts hope with shame. How does shame cause people to feel hopeless? How can we be free from shame, according to this passage?

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Verses 1 and 2 list some things that we have. What are they? (Hint: Look for the word “have” to see what God has given us.)

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2

This week, we are talking about hope. According to this passage, how does hope grow in us?

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STUDY NOTES

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

When we think of justifying our actions, we may think of making excuses, or building a case that explains why we are justified or excused from blame. God justifies us not because of what we’ve done, but because of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. We are justified not by keeping the rules or paying penance, but by God’s grace.

Justified…

TEACHING NOTES ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

We tend to spend a lot of time trying to avoid suffering. This verse is not recommending that we seek out suffering—usually life can provide that without our having to look for it. But we need not be afraid to suffer occasionally, especially for doing what is right. Our character is built and formed into the image of Christ when we are willing to endure difficulties that life throws our way. Hope is the end result of suffering, when we allow God to rescue us and give us His hope.

Suffering…

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CREATE A NEW STORY How has God changed your story during this six-week study? What new things is He asking you to do? What truth has transformed your heart?

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.

1

Verse 3 in our reading outlines a progression that leads to hope. It often begins with suffering—as it did in Pastor Herbert’s childhood.

How has suffering taught you to persevere, strengthened your character, and given you hope?

4

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. Everyone share some step of growth that you have noticed in another member. (In other words, no one will talk about themselves, but 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. Try to frame your observations in terms of “but God” moments.

5

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.

6

Review your Small Group Agreement on page 124 and evaluate how well you met your goals. Discuss any changes you want to make as you move forward. If you plan to continue meeting, and your group starts a new study, this is a great time to take on a new role or change roles of service in your group. What new role will you take on? If you are uncertain, maybe your group members have some ideas for you. Remember you aren’t making a lifetime commitment to the new role; it will only be for a few weeks. Maybe someone would like to share a role with you if you don’t feel ready to serve solo.

7

Close by praying for your prayer requests and take a couple of minutes to review the praises you have recorded over the past five weeks on the Prayer and Praise Report on page 129. Spend some time just worshipping God and thanking Him for all He’s done in your group during this study.

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2

Pastor Herbert said, “God can turn around any situation. He can.

You can’t do it, but God can.” What situation in your life do you need God to turn around? What is one step you can take to invite God into that situation?

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3

In the video, Pastor Herbert said things like, “I should be in jail, but God… I should be an unfaithful husband, but God…” What is your story? Fill in the blank: I should be ______________, but God___________.” How has God changed your story?

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FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY This is our last week, but still take some time to dig into God’s Word.

Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. Even if your group is ending, try to make a habit of studying God’s Word during the week.

Read Romans 8:22-27 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. What does it mean to hope for things we don’t yet have? ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

Verse 26 says the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Where are you feeling weak and need God’s Spirit to help you? ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

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DAILY

Continue on in your journey. In this last week, begin to pray about your next step. Where has life been hard, but God has given you hope?

DEVOTIONS

Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Walk slowly verse by verse, listening to God and responding to him as you meditate on the truths of Scripture and experience His presence.

DEVOTIONALS

Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

Day 4.

Read Psalm 39:7

Read Psalm 39:8

Read Psalm 39:9

Read Psalm 39:10

But now, Lord, what do I look for?

My hope is in you.

Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.

Respond: Can you honestly say to God, “my hope is in you”? What barriers still remain? Ask God to gently dismantle anything that is blocking you from trusting Him.

Respond: What transgressions do you need to confess, and be set free from?

I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.

Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

Respond: Have you ever blamed God for your problems, as this Psalmist is doing?

Respond: Have you ever felt you were being punished by God, as this Psalmist does? Do you think God hurts us, or lets us suffer the consequences of our bad decisions?

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APPENDICES

DEVOTIONALS

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read Psalm 39:11

Read Psalm 39:12

When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth—surely everyone is but a breath.

Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping.

Respond: Sometimes when we pull away from God, He allows us the freedom to do it—and it can feel like He has left us, forgotten us, or rebuked us. Are there areas where have you pulled away from God, then blamed Him for abandoning you? What are they?

Respond: When we repent, God hears us. What are you crying out to God about? Invite Him to be with you in your weeping. ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................

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APPENDICES Resources to help make your small group experience even better!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What do we do on the first night of our group?

Like all fun things in life—have a party! A “get to know you” coffee, dinner, or dessert is a great way to launch a new study. You may want to review the Group Agreement (pages 124) and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join you. 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, your family, the gym, and so forth. Then have each group member invite several of the people on his or her list.

No matter how you find members, it’s vital that you stay on the lookout for new people to join your group. All groups tend to go through healthy attrition—the result of moves, empowering 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?

Most groups meet weekly for at least their first 6 weeks, but every other week can work as well. We strongly recommend that the group meet for the first six months on a weekly basis if at all 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 may decide if he or she wants to continue on for another 6-week 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 this study is not with a full house but with a few friends. You may choose to gather with another couple who would enjoy some relational time (perhaps 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).

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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 6-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another.

You don’t typically buy the first car you look at or marry the first person you date, and the same goes with a group. However, don’t bail out before the 6 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 your life, 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. This study guide and the Holy Spirit can keep things on track even when you rotate leaders. Christ has promised to be in your midst as you gather. Ultimately, God is your leader each step of the way.

How do we handle the childcare needs in our group?

Very carefully. Seriously, this can be a sensitive issue. We suggest that you openly brainstorm solutions as a group. 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 watch the kids in a different part of the house. This way, parents don’t have to be away from their children all evening when their children 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 solution is to decide that you need to have a night to invest in your spiritual lives individually or as a couple and to make your own arrangements for childcare. No matter what decision the group makes, the best approach is to dialogue openly about both the problem and the solution.

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APPENDICES

SMALL GROUP AGREEMENT OUR PURPOSE To provide a predictable environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

OUR VALUES

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

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

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

APPENDICES

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 don’t forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ministry projects.

Date

Lesson

Host Home

Dessert/Meal Leader

Monday, January 15

1

Steve and Laura’s House

Joe

Bill

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

Rotating Hosts/ To encourage different people to host the group Leaders and in their homes and to rotate the responsibility of Homes facilitating each meeting. (See the Group Calendar to the right.)

OUR EXPECTATIONS Refreshments/mealtimes _____________________________________________ Childcare ___________________________________________________________ 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 ___________________________________________________________________ 124

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APPENDICES

SPIRITUAL PARTNER CHECK-IN

MEMORY VERSES

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, through an e-mail message or even in person from time to time.

SESSION ONE:

MY NAME:

SPIRITUAL PARTNER’S NAME:

WEEK 6

WEEK 5

WEEK 4

WEEK 3

WEEK 2

WEEK 1

OUR PLANS

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OUR PROGRESS

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

(Romans 5:8)

SESSION TWO:

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

(Psalm 147:3)

SESSION THREE:

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

(Colossians 3:17)

SESSION FOUR:

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

(Proverbs 13:20)

SESSION FIVE:

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.

(Luke 4:18-19)

SESSION SIX:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 15:13)

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APPENDICES

SMALL GROUP ROSTER

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APPENDICES

PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT Session One Prayer Requests

Session One Praise Reports

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Session Two Praise Reports

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Session Three Praise Reports

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APPENDICES

PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT Session Four Prayer Requests

Session Four Praise Reports

__________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Session Five Prayer Requests

Session Five Praise Reports

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Session Six Prayer Requests

Session Six Praise Reports

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SMALL GROUP LEADERS HELP Key resources to help your leadership experience be the best it can be.

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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 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.

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LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME Sweaty palms are a healthy sign.

The Bible says God is gracious to the humble. Remember who is in control; the time to worry is when you’re not worried. Those who are soft in heart (and sweaty palmed) are those whom God is sure to speak through.

Seek support.

Ask your leader, co-leader, or close friend to pray for you and prepare with you before the session. Walking through the study will help you anticipate potentially difficult questions and discussion topics.

Bring your uniqueness to the study.

Lean into who you are and how God wants you to uniquely lead the study.

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

Go through the session several times. If you are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment and Leadership Lifter. Consider writing in a journal or fasting for a day to prepare yourself for what God wants to do. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.

Ask for feedback so you can grow.

Perhaps in an email or on cards handed out at the study, have everyone write down three things you did well and one thing you could improve on. Don’t get defensive. Instead, show an openness to learn and grow.

Prayerfully consider launching a new group.

This doesn’t need to happen overnight, but God’s heart is for this to take place over time. Not all Christians are called to be leaders or teachers, but we are all called to be “shepherds” of a few someday.

Share with your group what God is doing in your heart.

God is searching for those whose hearts are fully His. Share your trials and victories. We promise that people will relate.

Prayerfully consider whom you would like to pass the baton to next week.

It’s only fair. God is ready for the next member of your group to go on the faith journey you just traveled. Make it fun, and expect God to do the rest.

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LEADERSHIP TRAINING 101 Congratulations! You have responded to the call to help shepherd Jesus’ flock. There are few other tasks in the family of God that surpass the contribution you will be making.

As you prepare to lead, whether it is one session or the entire series, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind. We encourage you to read these and review them with each new discussion leader before he or she leads.

1. Remember that you are not alone. God knows everything about you, and He knew that you would be asked to lead your group. Remember that it is common for all good leaders to feel that they are not ready to lead. Moses, Solomon, Jeremiah and Timothy were all reluctant to lead. God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Whether you are leading for one evening, for several weeks, or for a lifetime, you will be blessed as you serve.

2. Don’t try to do it alone. Pray right now for God to help you build a healthy leadership team. If you can enlist a co-leader to help you lead the group, you will find your experience to be much richer. This is your chance to involve as many people as you can in building a healthy group. All you have to do is call and ask people to help. You’ll probably be surprised at the response.

4. Prepare for your meeting ahead of time. Review the session and the leader’s notes, and write down your responses to each question. Pay special attention to exercises that ask group members to do something other than engage in discussion.

These exercises will help your group live what the Bible teaches, not just talk about it. Be sure you understand how an exercise works, and bring any necessary supplies (such as paper and pens) to your meeting. If the exercise employs one of the items in the appendix, be sure to look over that item so you’ll know how it works. Finally, review “Outline for Each Session” so you’ll remember the purpose of each section in the study.

5. Pray for your group members by name. Before you begin your session, go around the room in your mind and pray for each member by name. You may want to review the prayer list at least once a week. Ask God to use your time together to touch the heart of every person uniquely. Expect God to lead you to whomever He wants you to encourage or challenge in a special way. If you listen, God will surely lead!

6. When you ask a question, be patient. Someone will eventually respond.

Sometimes people need a moment or two of silence to think about the question. Keep in mind, if silence doesn’t bother you, it won’t bother anyone else. After someone responds, affirm the response with a simple “thanks” or “good job.” Then ask, “How about somebody else?” or “Would someone who hasn’t shared like to add anything?” Be sensitive to new people or reluctant members who aren’t ready to say, pray or do anything. If you give them a safe setting, they will blossom over time.

7. Provide transitions between questions. When guiding the discussion, always read aloud the transitional paragraphs and the questions. Ask the group if anyone would like to read the paragraph or Bible passage. Don’t call on anyone, but ask for a volunteer, and then be patient until someone begins. Be sure to thank the person who reads aloud.

3. Just be yourself. If you won’t be you, who will? God wants you to use your unique gifts and temperament. Don’t try to do things exactly like another leader; do them in a way that fits you! Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you make a mistake. Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night!

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8. Break up into small groups each week or they won’t stay. If your group has more than seven people, we strongly encourage you to have the group gather sometimes in discussion circles of three or four people during the Hear God’s Story or Change Your Story sections of the study. With a greater opportunity to talk in a small circle, people will connect more with the study, apply more quickly what they’re learning and ultimately get more out of it. A small circle also encourages a quiet person to participate and tends to minimize the effects of a more vocal or dominant member. It can also help people feel more loved in your group. When you gather again at the end of the section, you can have one person summarize the highlights from each circle. Small circles are also helpful during prayer time. People who are unaccustomed to praying aloud will feel more comfortable trying it with just two or three others. Also, prayer requests won’t take as much time, so circles will have more time to actually pray. When you gather back with the whole group, you can have one person from each circle briefly update everyone on the prayer requests. People are more willing to pray in small circles if they know that the whole group will hear all the prayer requests.

9. Rotate facilitators weekly. At the end of each meeting, ask the group who should lead the following week. Let the group help select your weekly facilitator. You may be perfectly capable of leading each time, but you will help others grow in their faith and gifts if you give them opportunities to lead. You can use the Small Group Calendar to fill in the names of all meeting leaders at once if you prefer.

10. One final challenge. (for new or first time leaders): Before your first opportunity to lead, look up each of the five passages listed below. Read each one as a devotional exercise to help equip yourself with a shepherd’s heart. Trust us on this one. If you do this, you will be more than ready for your first meeting.

Matthew 9:36 1 Peter 5:2-4 Psalm 23 Ezekiel 34:11-16 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11-12

AUTHOR HERBERT COOPER Herbert Cooper is the senior pastor of People’s Church, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, multi-site church in Oklahoma City.

As a football scholarship athlete and full-time student, Herbert preached at revivals and youth camps across America. When he graduated from Evangel University in Springfield, MO, in 1997, he launched a full-time evangelistic ministry and married his college sweetheart, Tiffany.

Herbert has preached the gospel in almost every state in America and around the world in the Ukraine, Malawi, and Uganda. The Coopers live in the Oklahoma City metro area with their four children.

Twitter: @herbertcooper Instagram: herbert.cooper

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