Hope full book v3 small by Lifetogether Ministries

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Pathways Faith, Hope, and Love A journey toward intimacy with Christ

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.

BOOK ONE Faith: Seeking Your Life in Christ Together

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. ISBN

Printed in the United States of America

Brett Eastman and Greg Hawkins

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HOPE

CONTENTS

Foreword by First & Last Name Intro by First & Last Name

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How to use this workbook

FOREWORD BY BRETT EASTMAN HAVE YOU EVER FOUND YOURSELF JUST GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS IN LIFE, BUT FEELING DISCONNECTED?

OUTLINE FOR EACH SESSION SESSION ONE: STRENGTHENED

SESSION TWO: ASSURED

SESSION THREE: KNOWN

SESSION FOUR: INFORMED

SESSION FIVE: EXTENDED

SESSION SIX: GIFTED

—THE SUPPORT OF SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIPS

—THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE

—THE INTIMACY OF GOD

—THE WISDOM OF THE BIBLE

—THE JOY OF PRAYER FOR OTHERS

—THE STRENGTH TO SERVE

APPENDICES

Frequently Asked Questions Small Group Agreement Small Group Calendar Spiritual Partners Memory Verse Cards (Clip and Review)

SMALL GROUP LEADERS

Hosting an Open House Leading for the First Time Leadership Training Prayer and Praise Report Small Group Roster P | 5

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Our culture keeps us dialed in and “connected” through technology: we can text, email, instant message. We can connect through social media, phone, video conferencing—or even in person. But sometimes, despite all these opportunities, we can sometimes feel isolated or alone. We could have 200 friends on Facebook but still feel like no one really knows us. More than ever, we need a group of friends who can encourage us, pray for us, love on us. Small groups provide that kind of community. It’s life-changing—and electronic connections can’t compare! This study focuses on connecting—with God and with others. You’ll learn about community, while experiencing it in your group. In this guide, you’ll find four small group lessons you can use with your small group to explore these invitations. You’ll also find some unique daily devotionals, each written as if it were a personal note from Jesus to you. Each will remind you of his deep love for you, and encourage you to grow closer to him as you prepare your heart for Easter. Here at LifeTogether, we believe life change happens in small groups. We’ve created resources that have changed millions of people’s lives, and we’d like to invite you to experience something equally profound. Brett Eastman President and Founder LifeTogether MInistries

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INTRODUCTION BY GREG HAWKINS “I’m interested in God, but I really don’t understand him.” “I’m curious about faith, but religion seems to be about guilt.” “God loves me? What does that mean, exactly?” I’m excited about my relationship with God, but I’m wondering what to do next.” “I believe in Jesus, I go to church, but my faith has kind of stalled out. I’m stuck.” If you’ve ever found yourself saying things like that, you are not alone. Since 2003, I’ve been involved in researching more than half a million church attenders. Most of them admit that they are trying to figure out this thing called faith. What is faith? How do you move forward spiritually? Is there a pathway to follow to find peace and joy?What if you could replace the statements above with radical ideas like: “I’m going deeper in my faith, and the relationship I have with God brings me joy.” “God loves me! I know it. I feel his presence and have peace in my heart.” “God is leading me every day on a great adventure. I never knew life could be this good.” “I really do believe I can do all things with God’s help.” “My faith is really important to me and gives my life meaning.”

USING THIS

WORKBOOK TOOLS TO HELP YOU HAVE A GREAT SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE! 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. 2. If you are facilitating/leading or co-leading a small group, the section Small Group Leaders will give you some hard-learned experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership. 3. Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. If the group responds

Such a life is possible. In our research, we’ve uncovered what helps people move forward along the path toward a life of fulfillment and joy. And the study you hold in your hands is a road map, of sorts, to help you move toward that reality. While every person is on their own journey, there is a path that will move you toward living a life of faith, toward having a deep hope in your soul, toward experiencing love in a whole new way.

to the lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of

The journey begins with faith—what does that mean, to have faith? How do we do that? When we embrace faith, we discover that it gives us hope—the belief that things can be better, that we’re on a journey that will take us in the right direction. If we keep moving forward in hope, we’ll come to find the greatest thing of all—love. God, ultimately, invites us to live a life of love. How? That’s what this three-study series will help us to discover.

4. Enjoy your small group experience.

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.

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

Living a Christ-centered life, in which everything you do is a reflection of Christ, is not only possible—it is the way you are meant to live. This study can help you find the pathway to that kind of life. P | 7

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SESSION ONE

STRENGTHENED THE SUPPORT OF SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIPS

MEMORY VERSE So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. [ COLOSSIANS 2:6-7 ] P | 9

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS, BY DEFINITION, A LIFE TOGETHER WITH OTHERS. IT IS LIVED IN THE CONTEXT OF COMMUNITY. WE ARE A PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST—INTERDEPENDENT AND INTERCONNECTED, AND THAT IS A DISTINCTIVE OF THE LIFE OF FAITH. That doesn’t mean we never spend time alone. In fact, we need oneon-one time with God. This intimacy with Christ fills us, strengthens us. We receive his love, and then are able to share it with others. In a church or small group, we love and are loved. But as our faith grows, we find ourselves hungry for deeper connection. We want people speaking into our lives and we somehow realize we might experience God by loving others. Part of this makes sense. Part of this is a mystery, frankly. How can it be that we are somehow not complete without others? In our journey, we begin to see the value of accountability and encouragement that comes from one-on-one spiritual friendships. Ideally, there are spiritual friendships within a small group as Acommunity SPIRITUALdeepens. FRIENDSHIP IS A RELATIONSHIP FOCUSED ON P | 11

HELPING ONE ANOTHER SEEK GOD AND GROW IN FAITH.

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SPIRITUAL FRIENDS WILL ASK EACH OTHER THE TOUGH QUESTIONS... They encourage one another to stay strong in their faith, will “spur one

SHARE YOUR STORY

another on to good deeds” (see Hebrews 10:24). SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP TAKES COMMUNITY TO A DEEPER LEVEL.

It requires vulnerability about our own struggles. Conversely, it also requires us to focus on another person and their journey. That balance and reciprocal nature

AS YOU BEGIN AT THIS FIRST MEETING...

of this relationship make it both risky and rewarding.

Take time to pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page ???, a sheet of paper, or one of you pass your Study Guide, opened to the Small Group Roster. Have everyone write down their contact information. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group this week. Then, begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

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EACH OF US HAS A STORY. The events of our life—good, bad, challenging or wonderful—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 tell our stories, sharing them with others, we give others the opportunity to see God at work.

WHEN WE SHARE OUR STORIES, WE REALIZE WE ARE NOT ALONE. 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.

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BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER. 1. When you were growing up, who was your best friend? Describe your relationship with this person.

2. Circle the statement that resonate most with your current situation.

3. Where would you place yourself on this spiritual continuum:

a) I feel lonely and disconnected.

a) Not sure I believe in God.

b) I have a lot of acquaintances but not many real friends.

b) I believe in God but am not sure about Jesus.

c) I’m connected with people but don’t always feel I can be myself around them.

c) I recently started a relationship with Jesus.

d) I’ve got just a couple of really close friends who encourage me and are helping me to grow.

d) I feel very close to Jesus and depend on him daily for guidance. e) My relationship with Christ is the most important relationship in my life.

4. In this study, we will be talking about hope over the next six weeks. What gives you hope?

5. What are you hoping to get out of this group? What strengths do you think you bring to this group?

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REFLECT &

REVIEW Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On pages ???-??? 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—ones you haven’t previously focused on or have room to grow in—to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health. If your group is new, welcome newcomers. Introduce everyone—you may even want to have name tags for your first meeting. 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). Look at the FAQs in the Appendix additional information about hosting or leading the group.

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The Small Group Calendar on page ??? is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and leaders for your remaining meetings. Don’t pass this up! It will revolutionize your group.

HEAR

GOD’S STORY

God uses stories to guide

it—changing our attitudes and

us. When we read the true

actions to live as he would live.

stories of Scripture, we learn

Use the following questions to

what God is like, we see His

guide your discussion of the

plan unfolding. And we learn

teaching and stories you just

principles for our own lives.

experienced, and the Bible

How can we become a part of

passage below. You may want

God’s story? By aligning our

to use the study notes on page

stories with His. But not just

?? to guide your reading and

understanding what it means to

discussion.

follow Him, but actually doing

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READ

USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR

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EXPERIENCED, AND THE BIBLE PASSAGE BELOW.

COLOSSIANS

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

DISCUSSION OF THE TEACHING AND STORIES YOU JUST

1. What actions and attitudes would you expect to find in a person who has the “peace of Christ” ruling in their heart? How would that impact community?

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION NOW.

2. What does it mean that we are members of one body? Why do you think the Bible uses this metaphor to describe Christian community? (See Daily Devotions section for more on this idea.)

3. We tend to see the word “you” in the Bible and assume it is singular, that these are individual instructions. But read carefully—the “you” in this passage is plural. How does that impact the meaning of this passage?

4. Verse 16 tells us to admonish one another. What does that mean? What does it have to do with singing? How does admonishing one another strengthen the bonds of spiritual friendship?

5. How would a decision to do all things in the name of Jesus impact your experience of community and spiritual friendship?

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CREATE

STUDY NOTES

Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme as a group (if there is time) or on your own between sessions.

A NEW STORY Tax collectors and sinners. Jesus made it a point to reach out to people who were outside the religious subculture of his day—the outcasts of His society. Tax collectors were particularly scorned because they were Jews, but they worked for the oppressive government that occupied the land, the Romans. Tax collectors were notorious for cheating—collecting what Rome demanded, then whatever profit they could add for

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 is

themselves, at the expense of their fellow Jews. Reasonably, the Jews saw them as traitors. While all people are “sinners” (see Romans 3:23), those labeled “tax collectors and sinners” by the Pharisees were those who deliberately ignored the law—people who lived a

a process, and won’t happen overnight—but it should happen steadily. By

lifestyle of sin, such as money-lenders, tax collectors and prostitutes.

small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. We move forward

Mercy, not sacrifice. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day spent much of their time studying and

on our journey. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way: giving us gifts to

Old Testament completely memorized, word for word.

serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, challenging us to love not

discussing the Torah, and how to live it out. They would have had most of what we call the

So when Jesus quotes just a short phrase from Hosea 6, they would immediately recall the

only those around us but those far from God. One of the clear catalysts that

entire passage—just as we might recall a whole pop song when we hear one line from it.

our research shows causes movement is to be a part of a community. We

In Hosea 6, God accuses his people of not truly loving him of unfaithfulness to Him,

grow in faith when we’re loved by others, and have an opportunity to love them as well.

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describing them with words like “footprints of blood,” “evildoers,” “wicked,” and worse. The accusations, delivered by the prophet Hosea, concludes ominously and succinctly: “Israel is defiled.”

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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.

1. Who is your closest friend? Do you talk about spiritual matters with this friend? Explain.

2. Think of your current closest friends. Which of them would you describe as a spiritual friend—someone you can talk honestly with about your spiritual journey? If none seem to fit in that category, which one has the most potential to go deeper?

3. Consider taking this action step: between now and the next meeting, have a conversation with the person you identified in the question above, asking them if they’d be interested in getting together regularly to encourage one another spiritually.

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4. The passage we read earlier has the words “thankful” and “gratitude” in it. Go back and circle those words in your study guide, and look at the context. What are you grateful for? How does gratitude impact your relationships? How does it strengthen your ability to have hope?

This week, how will you nurture your connection with God? 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.progress and challenges.your home or school, somewhere else? In other words, where do you work?

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TO CLOSE

To close your time together, spend some time worshiping God together—praying, singing, reading Scripture.

Have someone use their musical gifts to lead the group in a worship song. Try singing á capela, using a worship CD, or have some one accompany your singing with a musical instrument.

Read a passage of Scripture together, making it a time of praise and worship as the words remind you of all God has done for you. Choose a psalm or other favorite verse.

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 ???.

Close your meeting with prayer.

If you find it helpful, have someone

read the following prayer aloud: Dear God, we are so thankful that we don’t have to life alone. Thank you for the gift of friendship and community. Thanks for making us people who need one another and are built for connection. Help us to love each other well, to encourage one another as we seek you together. Amen.

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ADDITIONAL STUDY SCAN NOW GET EXTRA CONTENT FOR YOUR STUDY.

Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone

If you feel God nudging you to go deeper,

take some time between now and our next

who falls and has no one to help them up.

meeting to dig into His word. Explore the Bible

they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one

passages related to this session’s theme on your

may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands

own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. A great way to gain insight

Also, if two lie down together,

is not quickly broken.

on a passage is to read it in several different translations. You may want to use a Bible app or website to compare translations.

What practical benefits of having a companion does this passage describe? Have you ever “fallen down” spiritually and had a friend help you back up? What happened? How did your friend help you? What do you think verse 12 is referring to when it mentions “a cord of three strands”? In a spiritual friendship, who or what is that third strand?

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DAY 1: READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12

DAILY DEVOTIONALS

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. REFLECT You, my child, are a part of a community that is my very body. Just as you use your body to walk, talk, and work—my body is the means by which I get things done in the world. When you figure out what part you play, you’ll see where you fit in the puzzle. RESPOND What characteristics of a body make it an apt metaphor for the church or Christian community?

During the week between meetings, keep walking on your journey of faith by reading and reflecting on God’s word.

EACH DAY, READ THE VERSE GIVEN. Take your time. Imagine that Jesus is sitting with you. Then, imagine him saying the words in the “reflect” section to you—reassuring you with his presence and loving you with his words of comfort and strength. After reflecting on Jesus’ words to you, 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. You may want to go another direction and that is exactly what you’re free to do. 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.

As you experience these devotionals and think about

community, think about how Jesus lived his life on earth—and use it as a model for your own. Jesus surrounded himself with people, not just because he wanted to teach them, heal them, etc., but because he desired to share community with them. This is a beautiful and mysterious thing—but one that should bring us great joy.

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DAY 2: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. REFLECT You are unique—different from anyone else. And yet, you have more in common than you realize. My followers, though they come from many backgrounds and circumstances, were all given the same Spirit. That Spirit creates a unity unlike any other. You, in your uniqueness, contribute to the oneness. When you embrace that mystery, you’ll experience RESPOND The word “one” is repeated three times in this verse. What truth is the writer trying to emphasize with this repetition?

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DAY 3: READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:14-15

DAY5: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:19-20

Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.

If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

REFLECT My child, when you began a relationship with me, you became a part of my body—so you’re now in relationship with others. Each of you belongs, each has a role to play. Celebrate the contributions and gifts of others, and engage the gifts I’ve given you. You’ll find you experience a deeper connection and friendships. Let go of jealousy and comparison, and RESPOND What unique contributions do you bring to the “body” of your small group?

REFLECT Friendships within my body are not always easy, but they are always beneficial, my child. You may think you’d be better off alone, but that’s not true. Keep working to be honest and loving, keep building community one friendship at a time, and you’ll come to know just how wonderful it is to be a part of one body, connected by one Spirit. RESPOND Where have you experienced oneness within your community and friendships lately?

DAY 4: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. REFLECT Every person you lock eyes with—including the one you see in the mirror—matters to me, and I’ve got a plan for their life. I’ve put you exactly where I want you, and put others around you to encourage and strengthen you. And I’ve placed you in the body so that you can also strengthen those around you. RESPOND Who needs you to strengthen them today? Whose life has God placed you in, perhaps for a purpose?

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SUMMARY

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MEMORY VERSE What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion; it’s as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up. [ PSALM 119:89-90, MSG ]

ASSURED THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE

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THE MORE YOU TRUST SOMEONE, THE MORE AUTHORITY YOU ARE WILLING TO GIVE THEM. When someone knows what they’re talking about on a specific subject, we sometimes refer to them as “a trusted authority.” Dr. Oz might be considered a “trusted authority” on nutrition and exercise; Stephen Hawking would be a “trusted authority” on quantum physics; Warren Buffet is a “trusted authority” on investing. When someone consistently gives us guidance that works, we trust them. We allow them to have authority—not because they demand it, but because it’s just smart to follow what they say. They’re not going to steer us in the wrong direction. SO TRUST AND AUTHORITY GO TOGETHER. The more you trust someone, the more authority you are willing to give them. That is, you follow their advice, believe they are telling the truth. If you say that you trust someone (or some resource) but then don’t do what they tell you is best, you don’t really trust them at all.

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DO WE TRUST THAT GOD, THROUGH THE BIBLE, IS GIVING US SOUND GUIDANCE? So trust and authority go together. The more you trust someone, the more authority you are willing to give them. That is, you follow their advice, believe they are telling the truth. If you say that you trust someone (or some resource) but then don’t do what they tell you is best, you don’t really trust them at all.

SHARE YOUR STORY

On our journey of faith, we must eventually decide; do we think the Bible is a “trusted authority” on how to love God and build a relationship with him? Is it, even, a “trusted authority” on anything? On how to live? Do we trust that God, through the Bible, is giving us sound guidance? Are we willing to choose to follow its advice, even when it tells us something that might be different from our own gut instincts or desires? In other words, are we willing to see the Bible as the authoritative word on life?

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AS YOU BEGIN AT THIS FIRST MEETING... 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. P | 42

We can experience the presence of God as he helps us be brave enough to reveal our thoughts and feelings.

WHEN WE SHARE OUR STORIES,

we can encourage someone else, and learn.

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3. Pair up with someone in your group. (We suggest that men partner with men and women with women.) This person will be your spiritual partner for the rest of this study. 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. Answer the following question: what made you decide to do this study?

1. When you need advice, to whom do you turn, other than your own gut instincts?

2. In your profession, who is someone who is a trusted authority—someone whose advice and guidance you would not only believe but act upon? Who are the experts in your particular field—whether it is business, law, medicine, parenting, whatever?

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HEAR

GOD’S STORY

READ 2 PETER 1:16-21(NIV)

For we did not follow cleverly devised sto-

ries when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received

Some of us read or believe the Bible with a sort of blind faith. But what happens when we open our eyes? Does it make sense to believe it? Is it true?

honor and glory from God the Father when

Actually, the Bible is highly historically reliable. There is overwhelming evidence in other writings of the time, archeological discoveries, and eyewitness accounts (even of people who were not believers) to substantiate that what is written in the Bible is accurate and true, that the events recorded there really did happen. It records hundreds of prophecies about Jesus alone, all of which were fulfilled in his life (including some he could never have manipulated, including his birthplace and the method by which he would be executed). There is an intellectual and historical basis for believing the Bible is true.

with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves

For many of us, a bigger question is, so what? The question we grapple with is not whether the Bible is true, but whether it is relevant. Did God intend it to be simply a true history of his people, or does it still speak to us today, offer timely and trustworthy wisdom?

the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. We also have the prophetic mes-

sage as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

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USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR DISCUSSION OF THE TEACHING AND STORIES YOU JUST EXPERIENCED, AND THE BIBLE PASSAGE BELOW.

STUDY NOTES

Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme as a group (if there is time) or on your own between sessions.

1. This passage was written by Jesus’ disciple Peter not long after Jesus died. Peter spent three years with Jesus and saw him after the resurrection. What claim does Peter make about himself in verse 16? What does this tell you about the reliability of what he is writing?

2. In Verses 17 and 18, Peter tells in his own words what happened when he and James and John accompanied Jesus to a mountaintop and saw him transfigured. (See also Matthew 17, Mark 9 and Luke 9). If four witnesses all give the same testimony in court, what do we typically conclude about the reliability of their story? If someone is an eyewitness to an event, what do we conclude? What can we conclude about Peter’s testimony?

The Bible was not written all at once, but assembled by a wide variety of authors over a period of 1400 years or more. It is not a novel or a history book but an anthology of writings about God—and yet, it tells a cohesive story. The standards for inclusion in what is called the “canon” of Scripture were strict. Here’s a great group activity for the coming week: have anyone who’d like to, do some research to share with the group. Remind group members that Wikipedia is not infallible, and to look for information from credible sources. You can look at scholarly works, many of which are available online. Check, for example, websites like http://www.apologeticspress.org/ have articles on how we got the Bible and more. There are several books in print with the title “How We Got the Bible.” Via amazon or your local library, take a look at one or two of those books to see what you can learn.

3. What does verse 19 that tell us about the Bible?

4. According to verse 20, would you say that the prophets (Old Testament writers) were writing their own ideas about God, or were given words and ideas from God to write down?

“…carried along by the Holy Spirit..” This phrase is a word picture of what we mean when we say the scriptures were inspired by God. Human authors wrote human words, in a variety of styles and languages, but they were carried along by the Spirit, like wind in the sails of a boat. The wind carries different styles of boats, but the same wind gets them to their destination. The result is that we have Scriptures which are all cohesive and inspired by the same spirit, but delivered via different channels.

5. If the Bible is accurate about other things, can you trust it to be accurate in its advice about how to live your life today?

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

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION NOW.

CREATE

A NEW STORY

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1. Have you ever had someone ask you questions about why you believe the Bible? How do you answer them?

2. If the Bible contains eyewitness accounts, and its testimony is verified by other writers of the time, what does that tell you about its historical accuracy?

3. If the Bible is historically accurate, what implications does that have for us today? Is it a reliable source of truth?

4. How would considering the Bible to be a “trusted authority” in your life impact your relationship with God?

5. The passage we read earlier has the words “thankful” and “gratitude” in it. Go back and circle those words in your study guide, and look at the context. What are you grateful for? How does gratitude impact your relationships? How does it strengthen your ability to have hope?

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Take a look at the Circles of Life diagram below and write the names of two or three people you would describe as spiritually curious, or spiritual explorers. Commit to praying for God’s guidance and an opportunity to have a conversation with them. Share your lists with the group so that you can all be praying for the people you’ve identified.

TO CLOSE

To close your time together, spend some time worshiping God together—praying, singing, reading Scripture.

Have someone use their musical gifts to lead the group in a worship song. Try singing á capela, using a worship CD, or have some one accompany your singing with a musical instrument.

A life of faith includes serving others, not to win brownie points but because it helps us to grow. But the first step toward serving others is, paradoxically, spending time alone with God: in prayer, in studying and reflecting on God’s Word. Here are some simple ways to connect with God. Tell the group which one you plan to try this

Read a passage of Scripture together, making it a time of praise and worship as the words remind you of all God has done for you. Choose a psalm or other favorite verse.

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 ???.

Close your meeting with prayer.

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.

Memorizing. Taking one Bible verse from this lesson and committing it to memory can be an exciting spiritual step. You’ll be surprised when the verse comes to mind at just the right time. You’ll find that you can use it to guide you when you pray or even just think. Try it, and share what happens with the group at your next meeting.

Daily Devotions. The Daily Devotions provided in each session offer an opportunity for reading a short Bible passage five 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 sticky note and put it somewhere you’ll see it, 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. P | 55

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ADDITIONAL STUDY If you feel God nudging you to go deeper, take

Read Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG) ”Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.”

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,

SCAN NOW GET EXTRA CONTENT FOR YOUR STUDY.

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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

What do you think it means to trust God? How do you trust him with “everything”—including the things that matter to you: your family, your career, your health, and so on? How do you “listen for God’s voice”? How does reading the Bible help you to “hear” from God?

the group the next time you meet.

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS

DAY2: READ PSALM 25:3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. REFLECT Trusting me is the path to life. And you can’t trust what I say unless you know what I say— and it’s all there, written for you in my word. Don’t try to deceive others, and don’t deceive yourself! Truth will set you free, my child. Seek truth, truth you can really trust, and you’ll find me. RESPOND

Continue on your journey toward understanding and experiencing a life of faith. Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Imagine that Jesus is sitting with you. Then, imagine him saying the words in the “reflect” section to you—reassuring you with his presence and loving you with his words of comfort and strength. After reflecting on Jesus’ words to you, 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. You may want to go another direction and that is exactly what you’re free to do. DAY 1: READ: PSALM 25:1-2 (NLT) I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. REFLECT Do not be afraid. You can trust me to protect you, to keep you strong and free from disgrace. I’m here to hold you up. Trusting me means trusting my word: reading and hearing truth, and living it out. The way to avoid disgrace is to let my word guide you. RESPOND Use the words of this Psalm as a prayer. Are you willing to trust God? What barriers get in the way of trusting him?

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How are trusting God and trusting the Bible connected?

DAY 3: READ: PSALM 25:4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.

REFLECT Are you at a crossroads, wondering which way to go? Do you need direction for your life? I’m happy to be your guide, pointing you in the right direction. Bring your questions to me, your struggles. I’ll show you the path, and better yet, I’ll walk it with you. Look to my word for guidance in how to live, how to walk with me. RESPOND Are you currently facing a big life decision? Use this verse as a prayer, asking God to show you the path. Then, spend some time just being quiet, listening for any thoughts or impressions that come. Write them in your journal, then test them against what the Bible says. God won’t contradict himself.

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DAY4: READ: PSALM 25:5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. REFLECT People choose to put their hope in all kinds of different things: their career, or success, or even being in the right social crowd, dating the right person. Some even put their hope in winning the lottery or some other scam. RESPOND What do you think it means, practically speaking, to put your hope in God? What’s one thing you can do to actually do that this week?

DAY 5: READ: PSALM 25:6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. REFLECT When I look at you, my child, I overflow with love and compassion for you. I know life is hard, but if you’ll walk with me, trusting me, you’ll discover strength for the journey. My compassion for you has always been, and always will be. Open yourself to it, look for my love, share your burdens with me. You’ll find that I am and always have been trustworthy. RESPOND How does reflecting on the history of God’s compassion give you hope for the present and the future?

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SUMMARY

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SESSION THREE

MEMORY VERSE See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! [ 1 JOHN 3:1, NIV ]

KNOWN

THE INTIMACY OF GOD

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THERE’S SOMETHING BOTH WONDERFUL AND SLIGHTLY DISCONCERTING ABOUT HAVING A FRIEND WHO HAS KNOWN YOU A LONG TIME.

THEY KNOW YOUR STORY—ALL THE GOOD AND BAD OF IT. IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO “SPIN” YOUR STORY OR MAINTAIN AN IMAGE WITH A LONGTIME FRIEND—THEY’LL SEE RIGHT THROUGH IT. But close friends, because they know who you were when you were younger and more foolish, can also celebrate with you as you take steps to grow up, to become a better person, to move forward in your career or even in your faith. They can celebrate your journey because they’ve seen so much of it. You can relax with them because you feel secure in their love for you. God has known you since before you were born. There’s nothing he doesn’t know about you. In fact, because he created you, he knows you better than you know yourself. And, perhaps astonishingly, he loves you anyway. Not just in an obligatory way—he’s in love with you. He earnestly desires deeper connection and relationship with you. His love is not limited or rationed. It’s abundant, it is “lavished” upon us without limit. And all we need to do is open our hearts to Areceive SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP IS A RELATIONSHIP FOCUSED ON it. P | 67

HELPING ONE ANOTHER SEEK GOD AND GROW IN FAITH.

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WHAT ON EARTH WOULD THAT LOOK LIKE?...

SHARE YOUR STORY

THE GOOD NEWS IS, WE DON’T HAVE TO FIGURE IT ALL OUT. WE CAN JUST LET GOD LOVE US, AND OPEN OUR HEARTS TO RESPONDING TO THAT LOVE, ONE DAY AT A TIME.SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP TAKES COMMUNITY TO A DEEPER LEVEL.

We can spend some time in prayer, just reflecting on the amazing truth of his love for us. Just as intimacy with a friend or a spouse is built over time, through conversations and shared experiences, so our connection with God will grow if we simply spend time with him. We can begin to truly experience God as a

OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER.

deeply personal, intimate friend.

This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you take a few moments to focus your attention on God and your group—perhaps asking him to help you be kind and respectful of one another, and to help you grow in wisdom as you learn together. 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

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EACH OF US HAS A STORY. 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.

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BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER. 1. When you were a kid, where did you imagine God “lived”? Was he at church, up in heaven, in your heart, right beside you? How has God “moved” as you’ve learned more about him?

2. 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.)

3.Who is someone who knows you well? How did they get to know you? (In other words, what specific activities or conversations help people know each other)?

Answer this question: in your time with God this week (specifically in reading your Bible or praying), how did God surprise you? Did you experience any “ah-ha” moments? Talk about what happened.

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REFLECT &

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HEAR

GOD’S STORY

God uses stories to guide

it—changing our attitudes and

us. When we read the true

actions to live as he would live.

stories of Scripture, we learn

Use the following questions to

what God is like, we see His

guide your discussion of the

plan unfolding. And we learn

teaching and stories you just

principles for our own lives.

experienced, and the Bible

How can we become a part of

passage below. You may want

God’s story? By aligning our

to use the study notes on page

stories with His. But not just

?? to guide your reading and

understanding what it means to

discussion.

follow Him, but actually doing

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READ

USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR

JOHN

DISCUSSION OF THE TEACHING AND STORIES YOU JUST

15:11-15 (MSG)

EXPERIENCED, AND THE BIBLE PASSAGE BELOW.

1. In this passage, Jesus says that what he wants for us is joy. When one person wants joy for another, what does that tell you about the relationship?

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

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION NOW.

2. Loving others is not an easy thing to do. Why do you think Jesus said we should do that?

3. Do you see Jesus as a personal friend? If so, describe that friendship. If not, what gets in the way of that for you?

4. How does knowing God loves you motivate you to love other people?

5. What appeals to you about having Jesus as a friend? What scares you or makes you hesitate as you think about the idea of friendship with him? What expectations do friends have of one another?

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