Life Center - Dean Curry - Jesus Basics - Print Curriculum by Lifetogether Ministries

RELATIONSHIP

NOT RELIGION

CONTENTS WELCOME 4 INTRODUCTION 6 USING THIS WORKBOOK 8 OUTLINE FOR EACH SESSION 9

Copyright © 2015 by Life Center Tacoma, Tacoma, WA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 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. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. ISBN Printed in the United States of America

SESSION ONE: JESUS INVITES YOU

SESSION TWO: GOD LOVES YOU

SESSION THREE: THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES YOU

SESSION FOUR: SCRIPTURE STRENGTHENS YOU

SESSION FIVE: PRAYER TRANSFORMS YOU

SESSION SIX: COMMUNION CONNECTS YOU

APPENDICES 110 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 112 LIFE GROUP AGREEMENT 115 LIFE GROUP CALENDAR 117 YOUR WEEKLY CHECK-IN 118 MEDITATION VERSE CARDS (CLIP AND REVIEW) 119 PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT 121 LIFE GROUP LEADERS 122 HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE 123 LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME 124 LEADERSHIP TRAINING 101 125 LIFE GROUP ROSTER 127 NOTES 128

JESUS BASICS

Over the next six weeks, you’re going to have the opportunity to learn the basics about what it means to be a Jesus person— while experiencing the joy of growing in community together. Perhaps you’ve asked the questions, “Who am I? Why am I here? What purpose do I serve? And what does Jesus have to do with it?” Well, you’re not alone, as many individuals have asked these same questions in the past. Jesus Basics is meant to provide the answers to some of our most fundamental questions as human beings. But we can’t do it alone. God uses all kinds of ways to communicate with us, but what he uses most is…other people. You weren’t designed to live on your own, but to do life with others.

Welcome

This unique group curriculum provides a taste of a Life Group for those who are new, while still offering a rich and rewarding experience to those who’ve spent years in a group. This study is meant to get you to think, learn, discuss, and grow. You’ll have a chance to learn together, and also discuss and share your own stories in a way that focuses on practical real-life application as you find how your story fits into God’s story. This study consists of six sessions, each focused on a different aspect of what it means to be a Jesus person. At the end of each session, you’ll find daily devotions that will help you connect with Jesus and each other. You’ll read a Bible verse, then read a reflection written as if Jesus were speaking directly to you. You’ll then have a chance to respond.

In addition to the written study, this curriculum includes a DVD with six teaching sessions, one for each lesson. Each week focuses on a different aspect of who Jesus is and how to love and follow Him. In your discussion, you’ll dig into the Scriptures and respond to the teachings. Use this time to share your thoughts, feelings, and stories. Our prayer is that you would learn about Jesus in a fresh way as a result of Jesus Basics. We hope that you will find this study not only a blessing for your personal growth, but will be a tool that you can use to share Jesus with others.

JESUS BASICS

introduction

THERE IS A PROFOUND DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RELIGION AND RELATIONSHIP.

INTRODUCTION The basics sometimes seems like it might be too rudimentary or “beginning” for some people who have been religious for some time. However, what you’ll study in this book is far from being the easy stuff. It is the core stuff that is necessary to build not a religious life but a relationship with Jesus. There is a profound difference between religion and relationship. Many have written on the basics of Jesus, but it is the purpose of this study for Him not to be just an element of your faith, but to be THE central notion that guides your faith. It is first, second, and last about Jesus. About who He was. About what He did. About who He continues to be to every person who calls themselves one of His followers.

Everything else that surrounds Jesus should be questioned—things like denominations, propositions, and other ancillary teachings. The scripture can guide you on these things. Look for where it is written in scripture to verify truth. But these principles about who Jesus is will help you build a foundation, not of what other people say, but what the Scripture says about the “author and finisher” of our faith. Jesus is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. It says He was there when the foundations of the earth were laid and He will be greeting us when we take our last breath on this earth and our next in heaven. This is basic in the most powerful way, not the childish way. Enjoy and let it challenge you, change you and channel you to make a difference.

JESUS BASICS

outline of each session

USING THIS WORKBOOK

TOOLS TO HELP YOU HAVE A GREAT LIFE GROUP EXPERIENCE!

1. Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections:

(1) Sessions; (2) Appendices; and (3) Life 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 Life Group, the

section Life Group Leaders will give you some hard-learned experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective group leadership.

3. Use this workbook as a guide, not a constraint. 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 Life Group Leaders section.

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

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

Enjoy your Life Group experience!

OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION A TYPICAL GROUP SESSION WILL INCLUDE THESE SECTIONS:

WEEKLY MEDITATION VERSES.

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

SHARE YOUR STORY.

The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and His family. You build that connection by sharing your story with a few people who really know you and who earn your trust. This section includes some simple questions to get you talking—letting you share as much or as little of your story as you feel comfortable doing. Each session typically offers you two options. You can get to know your whole group by using the icebreaker question(s), or you can check in with one or two group members for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey.

HEAR GOD’S STORY.

In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to teaching, in order to hear God’s story—and begin to see how His story aligns with yours. When the study directs you to, you’ll pop in the DVD and watch a short teaching segment. You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of Scripture, and discuss both the teaching and the text. You won’t focus on accumulating information but on how you should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights from Scripture practically and creatively, from your heart as well as

JESUS BASICS

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.

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 instructions to “be doers of the Word, not just hearers” (James 1:22) come into play. Many people skip over this aspect 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 worshiping God.

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. Your group may choose to read and prepare ahead of each meeting in order to cover more biblical material. 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

outline of each session

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.

SESSION ONE

JESUS INVITES YOU

MEDITATION VERSE:

JESUS TOLD THEM, “THIS IS THE ONLY WORK GOD WANTS FROM YOU: BELIEVE IN THE ONE HE HAS SENT.”

JOHN 6:29

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A JESUS PERSON? A lot of people try to make it complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. The Bible simply says to believe. But what are we asked to believe? The Bible also says if we confess our sins, Jesus will forgive us. He invites us; not into a religion full of rules, but into a relationship full of grace. However, like any invitation, we have to accept it. If someone invites you to dinner at their house, and you say, “wow, thanks” but don’t show up for dinner—you haven’t actually accepted their invitation.

Jesus invites everyone, regardless of their background or qualifications. Your past doesn’t matter—Jesus is focused on your future. To be a Jesus follower, you have to accept His invitation to forgive you and lead you. Which means you’ll need to admit to God you’re not perfect, that you’ve missed the mark, that you actually do need His forgiveness. You accept His free, no-strings-attached gift of love and acceptance. You believe that He really does accept you, just as you are. You take that gift, rather than reject it. That’s what it means to believe.

SESSION ONE

JESUS INVITES YOU

SHARE YOUR STORY

EACH OF US HAS A STORY. THE EVENTS OF OUR LIFE— GOOD, BAD, WONDERFUL OR CHALLENGING—HAVE SHAPED WHO WE ARE. JESUS 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 JESUS 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.

INTRODUCTIONS.

Have everyone introduce themselves. As you begin this first meeting, take time to pass around a copy of the Life Group Roster on page 127 or a lined sheet of paper to 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.

SESSION ONE

BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING.

1. What are you hoping to get out of this group? What drew you here?

2. What comes to mind when you hear the word “believe?”

JESUS INVITES YOU

5. 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 for additional information about hosting or leading the group.

6. Use the Life Group Calendar on page 117 to plan who will host

and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and leaders for your remaining meetings. Don’t pass this up! It will revolutionize your group.

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

4. Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On pages 115–116 is a Life 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.

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION NOW.

Use the Study Notes page to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, 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.

SESSION ONE

HEAR GOD’S STORY

GOD USES STORIES TO GUIDE US. WHEN WE READ THE TRUE STORIES OF SCRIPTURE, WE LEARN WHAT GOD IS LIKE, WE SEE HIS PLAN UNFOLDING. AND WE LEARN PRINCIPLES FOR OUR OWN LIVES. HOW CAN WE BECOME A PART OF GOD’S STORY? BY ALIGNING OUR STORIES WITH HIS. BY NOT JUST UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW HIM, BUT ACTUALLY DOING IT—CHANGING OUR ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS TO LIVE AS HE WOULD LIVE. USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR DISCUSSION OF THE TEACHING AND STORIES YOU JUST EXPERIENCED, AND THE BIBLE PASSAGE BELOW. YOU MAY WANT TO USE THE STUDY NOTES ON PAGE 21 TO GUIDE YOUR READING AND DISCUSSION.

JESUS INVITES YOU

READ MATTHEW 22:34-40

But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

SESSION ONE

1. In this conversation recorded in Matthew, Jesus was not tell-

ing the religious leaders something they’d never heard. He was quoting from their sacred text, the Torah (our Old Testament). But He was putting two commands together in a new way. How are loving God and loving others linked? Can you do one without doing the other?

JESUS INVITES YOU

5. How could you suspend your disbelief about Jesus during this study, as we were challenged to do in the video segment?

STUDY NOTES 2. If love is the most important commandment, why do religions have so many rules?

3. In the video, Dean said that the gospel is not a creed, it’s a person. What do you think that means?

4. Is your experience with Jesus more about following rules or having a relationship?

USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

SESSION ONE

JESUS INVITES YOU

CREATE A NEW STORY

Dean said in the video that all Jesus asks is that we believe, that He invites us to be in relationship. What makes that simple request hard to follow? What changes in us when we believe?

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.

2. What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself, as Jesus said in the passage we read? Who are your neighbors?

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 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.

3. Which of your neighbors is most difficult for you to love?

SESSION ONE

4. In the video, Dean said that “religion always pulls the worst out

of people. It makes us more judgmental. It makes us feel worse about ourselves, and worse about the people around us.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

JESUS INVITES YOU

6. This week, how can you nurture your connection with Jesus?

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, we will talk about your progress and challenges.

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

• Choose a Psalm or another favorite verse and read it aloud together. Make it a time of praise and worship, as the words remind you of all God has done for you.

• 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 121.

• Optional: If you’ve got some worship music loaded on your phone or mobile device, bring it to your next meeting to share with the group. Pick one song, and play it, and explain briefly why it’s significant to you.

5. Believing impacts our behavior. While choosing to do the right

thing won’t earn us God’s favor, it is a normal response to God’s love and a relationship with Jesus. Tell how this has played out in your own life. In what ways has it gotten easier to make good choices as you grow in your faith?

CLOSE YOUR MEETING WITH PRAYER.

Thank God for the people in your group. Pray for each person, that they would be open to Jesus in a new way through this study. Also, pray for new people you could invite to join your group next week.

SESSION ONE

JESUS INVITES YOU

READ JOHN 6:28-29

They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” • What does Jesus say is required to be His follower?

• How does believing in Jesus change our attitudes and actions?

READ EPHESIANS 2:8-9

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. • According to this passage, what “saves” people?

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY

IF YOU FEEL GOD NUDGING YOU TO EXPLORE FURTHER,

• What do you think the word “grace” means?

TAKE SOME TIME BETWEEN NOW AND OUR NEXT MEETING TO DIG INTO HIS WORD. EXPLORE THE SCRIPTURE 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.

• What are works? What does this verse tell us about works?

SESSION ONE

READ MARK 1:16-17 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” • What was Jesus inviting these men to do?

• What did Jesus mean when He said to ‘follow me?’

• What does following Jesus look like in your life?

READ MATTHEW 16:13-16 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” • Why did Jesus ask this question?

• If you were to be asked this question, what would your answer be?

JESUS INVITES YOU

DAILY DEVOTIONS USE THESE DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR PERSONAL MEDITATION AND STUDY.

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.

TAKE TIME AS YOUR READ, SAVORING THE WORDS, ASKING GOD TO SPEAK TO YOUR HEART.

Although the readings are short, don’t rush through them. Take time as your read, savoring the words, asking God to speak to your heart. There are six days worth of devotions. On the last day, read back over your responses and let that guide a final time of reflection.

SESSION ONE

DAY 1 • READ: JOHN 10:1:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber!”

RESPOND:

Think of yourself as a sheep. Who or what things are the ‘thieves and robbers’ that can cause you harm?

DAY 2 • READ: JOHN 10:2-3:

“But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

RESPOND:

What sort of relationship between the sheep and the shepherd is described in this verse? What kind of relationship do you have with people who recognize your voice?

JESUS INVITES YOU

DAY 3 • READ: JOHN 10:4-5:

“After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”

RESPOND:

In Jesus’ culture, shepherds took sheep out of the pen to go out and graze—that is, to eat. In what ways does Jesus feed us? In what areas do you need direction from Jesus today?

DAY 4 • READ: JOHN 10:9-10:

“Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

RESPOND:

For you, what does it mean that Jesus is the gate of life?

SESSION ONE

DAY 5 • READ: JOHN 10:11-12:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock.”

RESPOND:

How has Jesus put you before himself? Spend some time thanking Him for his sacrifices for you.

DAY 6 • READ: JOHN 10:14-15:

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.”

RESPOND:

What is your desire to get to know the Shepherd better?

JESUS INVITES YOU

SESSION TWO

GOD LOVES YOU

We enter into this beautiful relationship with God through Jesus, who was the Messiah (meaning ‘savior’). He is one with the Father, which means He is God. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus was not just a good guy or a role model, He was God in the flesh, and He is the means for God’s plan for redemption (and there is no plan B).

MEDITATION VERSE:

JESUS TOLD HIM, “I AM THE WAY,

We need to respond to this love in order to experience it and have it change us. What does that look like? That’s what we will explore in this week’s lesson.

THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE CAN COME TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.”

JOHN 14:6

God’s love is not a distant benevolence. It is an intimate love, based on the fact that He knows everything about you, but loves you anyway. When we are loved unconditionally, we feel a sort of freedom. We are free from having to impress, free from insecurity. We’re forgiven of our mistakes and welcomed into relationship.

“GOD LOVES YOU.” YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD THAT MORE THAN ONCE IN YOUR LIFE. BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

SESSION TWO

SHARE YOUR STORY

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. When we share our stories, we can encourage someone else, and learn. We can experience the presence of God as He helps us to 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. Also, take this time to welcome any new friends that have joined your group.

GOD LOVES YOU

BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING. 1. Our culture uses the word “love” very casually. We love our

friends, we love our spouse, we love certain foods or television shows. While it may mean something different, we use the same word. What happens when we use the word love so casually?

When you were a child, how did you think of God? Did He seem to be a kind father, a harsh disciplinarian, or perhaps absent entirely?

3. Pair up with someone in your group. (We suggest that men

with men and women with women.) This person will be your 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. Briefly look at the ‘Weekly Check In’ sheet in the Appendix together. This is a tool to help you get the most out of this study. Following through on a resolution is tough when you’re on your own. It makes all the difference to have a friend cheering you on.

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION NOW.

SESSION TWO

HEAR GOD’S STORY

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.

GOD LOVES YOU

1. What do you think Jesus meant by saying He was “the Way?” What is He the way to?

2. Jesus told His disciples, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” What do you think Jesus meant?

3. Not every religion says that God loves you. Some

describe Him as angry, judgmental, merely a vague presence, or even non-existent. When you were growing up, what was your view of God?

4. Dean said, “God isn’t trying to punish you.” Respond to this statement. What surprises you about it?

STUDY NOTES READ JOHN 14:6-11 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.

USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

SESSION TWO

GOD LOVES YOU

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.

1. Have you ever thought, or heard someone say, that Jesus

4. Jesus said: “it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his

2. How have you experienced God’s love for you? Tell about a time

5. What does God’s love free us up to do and be?

3. Dean shared the story of how he loved his infant son before his

6. Spend some time praying about those you know

was a wise teacher, but not really God? What is your response to that idea?

you felt close to God, that you felt His love. What happened?

son could even comprehend anything. How is the love he described for his child similar to the love God has for each of us.

work.” (vs. 10) If we are Jesus people and want to live as He did, what implications does this verse have for us? How can we, as Jesus people, have the Father work through us?

who might respond to a simple invitation: to come to a weekly experience, to join your Life Group, or even just to have coffee and talk. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring people to mind that you can pray for.

42 7.

SESSION TWO Take a look at the Circles of Life diagram below and write the names of two or three people you know who need the hope of Jesus in their lives. Commit to praying for God’s guidance and an opportunity to share with each of them. Share your lists with the group so that you can all be praying for the people you’ve identified.

GOD LOVES YOU

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

• Have someone use their musical gifts to lead the group in a worship song. Try playing a worship song, singing a cappella, or have some one accompany your singing with a musical instrument.

• Choose a Psalm or other favorite verse and read it aloud together. Make it a time of praise and worship as the words remind you of all God has done for you.

• 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 in the appendix.

CLOSE YOUR MEETING WITH PRAYER.

Pray for the needs of the group, and/ or pray that each person would receive a deeper understanding of the love of God. You can also pray for God’s love to be made known to others through your life.

SESSION TWO

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY

IF YOU FEEL GOD NUDGING YOU TO GO DEEPER, TAKE SOME TIME BETWEEN NOW AND OUR NEXT MEETING TO DIG INTO SCRIPTURE. EXPLORE THE

GOD LOVES YOU

READ ROMANS 10:9-11

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” • What does this passage tell us we must do to be saved?

BIBLE PASSAGES RELATED TO THIS SESSION’S THEME ON YOUR OWN, JOTTING YOUR REFLECTIONS IN A

• What does this passage say about doing good works?

JOURNAL OR IN THIS STUDY GUIDE. WANT TO GO DEEPER? SELECT A FEW VERSES AND TRY PARAPHRASING THEM:

• What misconceptions about Jesus does this passage challenge?

WRITING THEM IN YOUR OWN WORDS. IF YOU LIKE, SHARE THEM WITH THE GROUP THE NEXT TIME YOU MEET.

READ ROMANS 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. • A wage is something you earn, something you deserve in return for what you have done. In what ways have we “earned” death? • In what ways does making bad or selfish choices ultimately injure us?

READ EPHESIANS 3:18-19

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. • What is the difference between experiencing and understanding the love of Christ?

• How do you need His love to fill you today?

• What’s the difference between a wage and a gift? • Personalize this Scripture into your own prayer to God.

SESSION TWO

GOD LOVES YOU

DAY 2 • READ LUKE 15:14-16:

DAILY DEVOTIONS

Use these daily devotions for personal meditation and study. 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.

“About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.”

RESPOND:

As the son lost his money, he became desperate. When have you been in a similar situation?

DAY 1 • READ LUKE 15:11-13:

To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.”

RESPOND:

Why do you think the son wanted to leave? In which ways have you acted like this son?

DAY 3 • READ LUKE 15:17-19:

“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’

RESPOND:

What does it mean that he ‘finally came to his senses?’ How had the son’s view of the father changed in this story? In your own words, write out your own confession to God.

SESSION TWO

GOD LOVES YOU

DAY 6 • READ LUKE 15:25-32: DAY 4 • READ LUKE 15:20-21:

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’”

RESPOND:

How is the father’s response different than the son expected? What does this show you about our Heavenly Father?

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’” “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

RESPOND: DAY 5 • READ LUKE 15:22-24:

“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.”

RESPOND:

What is the significance of the gifts the father gave the son? When you come to Jesus, how do you imagine Him responding to you?

Why was the older son angry? What was wrong about his view of his father? Which son do you more relate to? Explain.

SESSION THREE

THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES YOU Who exactly is the Holy Spirit? We can picture God as a loving Father. We follow Jesus and can read in the gospels about a real person who walked the earth and taught, loved, ate, slept, wept, and lived among us. He is fairly easy for us to imagine, to grasp in our minds.

MEDITATION VERSE:

BUT WHEN THE FATHER SENDS THE ADVOCATE AS MY REPRESENTATIVE— THAT IS, THE HOLY SPIRIT—HE WILL TEACH YOU EVERYTHING AND WILL REMIND YOU OF EVERYTHING I HAVE TOLD YOU. JOHN 14:26

The Holy Spirit is much more of a mystery. So we sometimes don’t think much about the Spirit. But ignoring the Spirit can cause us to miss out on all that God has for us as Jesus people. The Spirit comes alongside us, helping us, changing us. The Bible urges us to be transformed. Jesus said people would know us by the “fruit” in our lives. That fruit, of love, joy, patience and more, grows because of the Spirit’s influence in our lives. The Spirit has been called a Friend, Counselor, Advocate, Comforter, and more. But the Spirit’s comfort never leaves room for complacency. When we trust Jesus, He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us and change us into people who are more like Jesus.

...IGNORING THE SPIRIT CAN CAUSE US TO MISS OUT ON ALL THAT GOD HAS FOR US AS JESUS PEOPLE.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we become people who obey God, and find joy in that obedience. We obey because we are loved, and want to love in response—and we are given divine power to love in a new way. When we love in this way, in God’s way, our lives our changed, because we are changed.

SESSION THREE

SHARE YOUR STORY

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion. Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking. Last week we talked about what it means to love others with the love God’s given us. This week, we’ll look at how that played out in the early church, and what we can learn from their example.

THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES YOU

BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING. 1. What do you think most people who don’t know God think of when they hear the words “Holy Spirit”?

2. What is one thing you’d like to change about yourself?

3. What is one way you’ve changed because of your relationship with God?

4. Before watching the DVD, spend a couple of minutes

completing your ‘Weekly Check-In’ with the friend you partnered with last week. (see ‘Weekly Check-In’ in the Appendix). If your friend is absent or if you are new to the group, join with another pair or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner. (See Share Your Story in Session Two.)

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION NOW.

Use the Study Notes space provided on page 55 to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on.

SESSION THREE

THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES YOU

1. In this passage, we read about the contrast between what

HEAR GOD’S STORY

the Spirit produces in our life, and what following our “flesh” produces. How have you seen this in your own life?

2. What do you think it means to “keep in step with the Spirit”? Can you give an example of someone you know who seems to live in this way?

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

3. In the video, Dean shared this quote: “Jesus, plus nothing,

READ GALATIANS 5:22-26

4. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus, and when we trust Jesus,

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

changes everything.” What do you think that means?

we are given 100% of the Holy Spirit. According to this verse, how do things like love, peace, patience (the fruit of the Spirit) begin to show up in our lives?

STUDY NOTES

USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

SESSION THREE

CREATE A NEW STORY

THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES YOU

4. Tell about a time that the Holy Spirit helped you to obey God, even when it was difficult.

5. What specific steps will you take this week to cultivate your

personal relationship with Jesus? 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 and meditating on 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.

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

6. In the last 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 need to meet Jesus? Go back to the Circles of Life diagram on page 42 to help you think of the various people you come in contact with on a regular basis who need to know Jesus. Consider the following ideas for action and make a plan to follow through on one of them this week.

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. Dean contrasted the false promises of “spirits” of alcohol with the

promises of the Holy Spirit. What “promises” do we find in advertising for alcohol? What promises does the Holy Spirit make?

Share one way in which the Holy Spirit has changed you in the last few years.

If you are someone who has not yet become a follower of Jesus, answer this question instead: what is one positive change you might expect to see in your life if you had the Holy Spirit?

• 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 (i.e. needing a ride or childcare) to come to a place where he or she can encounter Jesus. How could you help?

• Consider inviting a friend to attend a weekend experience with you and plan to enjoy a meal together afterward. This can be a great opportunity to talk with someone about your faith in Jesus.

SESSION THREE • Is there someone whom you wouldn’t invite 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 everyone to encourage and share Jesus with others.

THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES YOU

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY TAKE SOME TIME BETWEEN NOW

AND OUR NEXT MEETING TO DIG INTO GOD’S WORD. EXPLORE THE BIBLE

7. 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 something fun to do together, i.e. enjoy a meal or a night out.

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.

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

• Have someone use their musical gifts to lead the group in worship. Try playing a worship song, singing, or have someone 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 121.

• Close your meeting with prayer. Pray for each person in your group to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Pray for the Holy Spirit to use us to impact our community this week.

IF YOU LIKE, SHARE WHAT YOU LEARN WITH THE GROUP THE NEXT TIME YOU MEET.

READ GALATIANS 5:16-26

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

SESSION THREE

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. • This longer passage from Galatians gives more context to the shorter passage we studied together during our group meeting. It contrasts two ways of living: by the Spirit, or by our flesh. Make a list of what the Bible says each of these brings about in our lives.

• Why do you think our “flesh” desires what is contrary to the Spirit?

• How can we “keep in step with the Spirit?” What does the Bible promise us if we do so?

THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES YOU

READ JOHN 16:7-13

“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”

• How has the Holy Spirit guided you into all truth? What do you think that means?

• Why did Jesus give us the Holy Spirit?

• What do you think it means that the Spirit “will prove the world to be in the wrong?”

• What does verse 13 tell us about the Spirit’s connection to Jesus and to God the Father?

SESSION THREE

DAILY DEVOTIONS

As you’ve done in prior weeks, use this section to stay connected with Jesus through your week. Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Ask God to speak to you through His word. Notice which word or phrase stands out to you. Then take some time to journal your response back to Him. You can write whatever’s on your heart. Answer the “respond” question only if it’s helpful. Feel free to go another direction if you sense God leading you. 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.

DAY 1 • READ ROMANS 8:1-2:

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

RESPOND:

How do you know if “you belong to Him?” How has the Spirit brought freedom in your life?

THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES YOU

DAY 2 • READ ROMANS 8:3-4:

The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.

RESPOND:

What did the law of Moses do? How is Jesus greater than the law? What is your tendency: to try to “live by the law” or follow the Spirit?

DAY 3 • READ ROMANS 8:5-6:

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

RESPOND:

What happens when you are “dominated” by your sinful nature? How can you tell when you are “letting the Spirit control your mind?”

SESSION THREE

DAY 4 • READ ROMANS 8:10-11:

And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

RESPOND: Do you believe that the same Spirit that raised Jesus

from the dead lives in you? Pray and ask the Spirit to release His resurrection power in and through today.

THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES YOU

DAY 6 • READ ROMANS 8:14-17:

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

RESPOND:

What have you been “adopted” from? Why must we share in both His glory and His sufferings? What is the cry of your heart towards God?

DAY 5 • READ ROMANS 8:12-14:

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.

RESPOND: What are the urges of the sinful nature? What areas do you need the Spirit to put to death in your life today?

SESSION FOUR

SCRIPTURE STRENGTHENS YOU

If you want to grow strong in your faith, dig into the Scriptures. The truth of Scripture doesn’t just give us information, it nourishes us and transforms our lives. When we receive truth, we begin to live according to that truth. It impacts our attitudes and actions.

MEDITATION VERSE: YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO GUIDE MY FEET AND A LIGHT FOR MY PATH.

PSALM 119:105

The Scriptures tell the story of God’s interaction with humanity. It tells the many ways God tried to get us to connect with His love. So when we read Scripture, we can get to know Jesus better. We can learn how to live as He would if He were in our place.

...WHEN WE READ SCRIPTURE, WE CAN GET TO KNOW JESUS BETTER.

If you’ve ever read something, but then forgot what you read, you know how important it is to do more than simply skim through Scripture. Memorizing and meditating on scripture strengthens us by teaching us who Jesus is and gives us guidance on how to live as Jesus people.

SESSION FOUR

SHARE YOUR 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.

SCRIPTURE STRENGTHENS YOU

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.

1. Growing up, how frequently did you read the

Bible: daily, weekly (at church), on rare occasions (perhaps Christmas or Easter), or never?

2. What facts or words do you find easy to

memorize—perhaps sports statistics, song lyrics, commercial jingles, historical facts, or trivia?

3. Describe a time when you read the Bible and it seemed particularly relevant to your situation.

4. Spend a couple of minutes either as a group or with your

partner sharing one thing you want to thank God for and one prayer request. If your partner is absent or if you are new to the group, join with another friend or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner (See Share Your Story in Session Two.) Spend some time praying about what you’ve shared.

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION NOW. Use the Study Notes page to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, 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.

SESSION FOUR

SCRIPTURE STRENGTHENS YOU

1. What is Scripture able to do, according to this verse?

HEAR GOD’S STORY

USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR DISCUSSION OF THE TEACHING AND STORIES YOU JUST EXPERIENCED ON THE DVD AND THE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE BELOW.

2. What situation are you currently facing that requires wisdom? How does Scripture “make you wise”?

3. In the video, Dean encouraged us to read the Gospels, particularly the words of Jesus. What benefit would come from reading Jesus’ words?

4. Dean said, “If you’ve accepted Jesus, the Word is in you. The

Word in you (the Holy Spirit) is helping you to understand the Word in front of you (the Scriptures).” Tell about a time you experienced this in your own life.

READ 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

STUDY NOTES

USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

SESSION FOUR

SCRIPTURE STRENGTHENS YOU

CREATE A NEW STORY IN THIS SECTION, TALK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL APPLY THE WISDOM YOU’VE LEARNED IN THIS SESSION.

1. Dean shared that people of other faiths refer to Christians as “people of the book.” What does that mean? Does it accurately describe you? Are you a person of the book?

4. Each of you in the group has different gifts and abilities. How

could you serve this group—perhaps with hospitality, organizing an event, worship, teaching, 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.

How does the habit of reading and memorizing Scripture impact your life? What is one step that you can take to “internalize” God’s Word?

5. Spend some time praying about those you know who might 3.

Have you ever had someone try to manipulate or control you by using Scripture? Have you ever tried to do this to someone?

respond to a simple invitation: to come to a weekend experience, to visit your Life Group, or even just to have coffee and talk. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring people to mind that you can pray for.

SESSION FOUR

6. Groups grow closer when they serve together. How could you

as a group serve someone in need? You may want to provide a meal for a family who is going through difficulty, or offer some other practical help. 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 opportunity for the group, and then do it!

SCRIPTURE STRENGTHENS YOU

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 BOOK, WEBSITE, OR APP TO LOOK UP

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

COMMENTARY ON THESE PASSAGES. IF YOU LIKE, SHARE WHAT YOU LEARN WITH THE GROUP THE NEXT TIME YOU MEET.

• Have someone use their musical gifts to lead the group in a worship song. Try playing a worship song, singing a cappella, or have some one accompany your singing with a musical instrument.

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

• Choose a Psalm or other favorite verse and read it aloud together. Make it a time of praise and worship as the words remind you of all God has done for you.

• 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 in the appendix.

• What promise do we find in this passage?

• Close your meeting with prayer. Pray for the people of the group to increase their individual desire grow in the knowledge of the Scriptures. Pray for Jesus to be made known in the lives of those around us.

• What do you think it means to be “blessed?”

SESSION FOUR

• How would you describe a person who is “like a tree planted by streams of water”? What do you picture? What is their characterlike?

• What makes them prosper?

• Who is someone you know who appears to be this sort of person?

• What would it take for you to be this sort of person?

READ PSALM 119:43-48

Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope. I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. I will speak to kings about your laws, and I will not be ashamed. How I delight in your commands! How I love them! I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees. • What promises do you find in this passage?

• What does it mean to hope it God’s law?

• To delight in His commands?

• How can you meditate on God’s decrees?

SCRIPTURE STRENGTHENS YOU

DAILY DEVOTIONS

Use these daily devotions to go deeper into this week’s topic. Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Ask the Spirit 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 the Spirit say to you through His Word, and respond to Him as you meditate on the truths of Scripture.

DAY 1 • READ PSALM 119:33 :

Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I will keep them to the end.

RESPOND:

Where do we find God’s “decrees”? Spend a few moments quieting your heart, then praying this verse as a prayer. Where are you struggling to keep them?

SESSION FOUR

SCRIPTURE STRENGTHENS YOU

DAY 2 • READ PSALM 119:34:

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.

RESPOND:

What gets in the way of sustained obedience to God’s direction in your life?

DAY 5 • READ PSALM 119:37:

Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

RESPOND: DAY 3 • READ PSALM 119:35:

What ‘worthless things’ clutter up your relationship with God? Pray for God’s words to strengthen your life today.

Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

RESPOND:

In what ways is God’s road a “path to happiness?” Why do you think some people don’t see it that way?

DAY 6 • READ PSALM 119:38:

Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.

DAY 4 • READ PSALM 119:36:

Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!

RESPOND:

You may not think of getting rich as a temptation for you—but if you made a list of stuff you wish you had, what would it include? What does your list tell you about what you are “eager” towards?

RESPOND:

What promises do you need to remember and ask God to fulfill in your life? Write down a few that He’s made, and kept, in the past.

SESSION FIVE

PRAYER TRANSFORMS YOU

People of all different faiths pray—and prayer means different things to different people. For many, it is a ritual, which may have meaning—or may not. But for Jesus people, prayer is a conversation—a dialogue with God. Any relationship is strengthened and built by communicating with the other person, spending time with them. Prayer is simply spending time in conversation with God.

MEDITATION VERSE:

DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING; INSTEAD, PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING. TELL GOD WHAT YOU NEED, AND THANK HIM FOR ALL HE HAS DONE. PHILIPPIANS 4:6

PRAYER IS SIMPLY SPENDING TIME IN CONVERSATION WITH GOD.

Jesus himself taught us that prayer does not need to be formal or rehearsed. It doesn’t necessarily need to happen only at certain times, locations, or facing any specific direction. Rather, He told us to begin with simply addressing God as Father, or even, Daddy. We can fearlessly and comfortably talk with God whenever we want, and we can be confident that He hears us. Prayer is a basic practice for anyone who wants to get to know Jesus and build a relationship with Him. How does that happen? That is what this session is all about.

SESSION FIVE

PRAYER TRANSFORMS YOU

SHARE YOUR STORY

TELLING OUR PERSONAL STORIES BUILDS DEEPER CONNECTIONS AMONG GROUP MEMBERS. OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER. THIS SHOULD BE A BRIEF, SIMPLE PRAYER, IN WHICH YOU ACKNOWLEDGE GOD’S PRESENCE. 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.

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, ALL QUESTIONS ARE VALID, AND YOU LISTEN WITHOUT CRITICIZING ONE ANOTHER.

2. What do you think are some common misperceptions people

1. When did you first learn to pray? Were you a child, adoles-

3. How has this study or group impacted your personal relationship

cent, or adult? How did your first encounters with prayer help or hinder your spiritual growth?

have about prayer?

with Jesus?

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION NOW.

Use the Study Notes page to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on.

SESSION FIVE

PRAYER TRANSFORMS YOU

1. What caused Jesus disciples to ask Him to teach them to pray?

HEAR GOD’S STORY

USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR DISCUSSION OF THE TEACHING FROM THE DVD AND THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

READ LUKE 11:1-4

Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.”

Imagine yourself in the story: What do you think they saw, heard, and felt?

In this passage, Jesus taught His disciples a prayer we now call The Lord’s Prayer. In other places of scripture, Jesus taught specifically against prayer that was mindless repetition of rote words (see Matthew 6:8), but some people do that exact thing with The Lord’s Prayer. While there is nothing wrong with using pre-written prayers, (for example, praying the Psalms is a great spiritual exercise), what happens when prayers become rote and ritualistic?

3. What does verse four tell us about forgiveness? Will God for-

give us if we refuse to forgive others? (You may want to look up the context of this verse in your Bible to learn more.)

4. What are the benefits of forgiveness?

STUDY NOTES

USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

SESSION FIVE

CREATE A NEW STORY

PRAYER TRANSFORMS YOU

3. Dean summarized the point of this passage by saying, “What really matters is find a quiet place, don’t do it for other people’s benefit, and just start to pray.” What barriers get in the way of you praying? Where is a quiet place you could use to pray?

GOD WANTS YOU TO BE A PART OF HIS KINGDOM— TO WEAVE YOUR STORY INTO HIS. THAT WILL MEAN CHANGE—TO FOLLOW HIS LEAD RATHER THAN GOING YOUR OWN WAY. THIS WON’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT— BUT IT SHOULD HAPPEN STEADILY. BY SMALL, SIMPLE CHOICES, WE BEGIN TO CHANGE OUR DIRECTION. THE

4. Do you ever feel like God is far away or distant? How might reaching out toward Him in prayer change that?

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.

5. Dean said that prayer is our way of ‘inviting God’ into our life. He quoted James 4:2 (KJV), which states that ‘you have not because you ask not.’ What areas or people around us do we need to invite God into?

1. Why do you think Jesus taught his disciples to pray for “daily bread,” not weekly bread or monthly bread?

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

2. In the video, Dean said, “Prayer is not an obligation, but an intimate conversation that transforms our heart and life.” What longings or questions does this stir in your heart?

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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SESSION FIVE

To close your time together, spend some time worshiping God as a group by praying, singing, or reading Scripture. • Have someone use their musical gifts to lead the group in a worship song. Either play a worship song, sing a cappella, or have someone accompany 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 another 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 121.

PRAYER TRANSFORMS YOU

• Close your meeting with prayer. Your group can either take time to pray for each person individually or as a group. Pray for the Holy Spirit to transform you and the people in your group. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring people to mind that you can pray for.

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.

LEADER’S NOTE:

Next week, in the final session, your group will have the opportunity to celebrate communion together. Assign one person in the group to bring the communion elements, and another to lead the communion itself. Read through next week’s lesson to prepare, and have your volunteers do the same.

SESSION FIVE

READ PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. • We often believe we can only “rejoice” when we’re feeling good because things are going our way. What does this verse have to say about that?

• What does it mean to pray and present requests to God “with thanksgiving?”

PRAYER TRANSFORMS YOU

READ MATTHEW 6:5-8

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” • What mistakes does this passage warn us about when it comes to prayer?

• What promises does this passage make?

• Why do you think Jesus told us to pray in secret?

SESSION FIVE

DAILY DEVOTIONS

As you’ve done in previous weeks, use these devotions as a tool to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus. 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.

PRAYER TRANSFORMS YOU

DAY 2 • READ JAMES 5:14 :

Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.

RESPOND:

Even if you physically healthy, is there an area of your life that feels like you are “sick” or not in optimal health. Who could you invite to pray for you about this?

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. Each day, as you go through your day, meditate on the truths of Scripture you’ve read.

DAY 1 • READ JAMES 5:13:

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.

RESPOND:

This verse shows two contrasting aspects of prayer. Do you tend to pray more when you are in trouble or when you are happy? Why?

DAY 3 • READ JAMES 5:15:

Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.

RESPOND:

This verse is talking not just about our own prayers for ourselves, but prayers for others. Who needs to have you pray on their behalf?

SESSION FIVE

PRAYER TRANSFORMS YOU

DAY 4 • READ JAMES 5:16A:

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

RESPOND:

Sometimes it feels much safer to just confess our mistakes to God. But this verse says we are to confess to other people? Who is someone you feel safe enough that would be willing to hear your confession and pray for you?

DAY 5 • READ JAMES 5:16B:

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

RESPOND:

What promise do we find in this verse? Do you feel like your prayer life is powerful and effective? Journal about this idea.

DAY 6 • READ JAMES 5:17-18:

Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

RESPOND:

Read the story of Elijah in the Old Testament (see 1 Kings 17-18). What do you notice? Ask God to speak to you through this story about praying with faith.

SESSION SIX

COMMUNION CONNECTS YOU

MEDITATION VERSE:

HE TOOK SOME BREAD AND GAVE THANKS TO GOD FOR IT. THEN HE BROKE IT IN PIECES AND GAVE IT TO THE DISCIPLES, SAYING, “THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH IS GIVEN FOR YOU. DO THIS TO REMEMBER ME.”

LUKE 22:19

When the early church gathered in homes, they often shared what we would call communion, a simple meal of bread and wine that symbolized Jesus’s sacrifice on their behalf. It was often called the “Love Feast” because of the love that His sacrifice showed us.

BREAD AND WINE SYMBOLIZE JESUS’S SACRIFICE.

In this last session, we’re going to talk about how communion connects us to one another, and to God. We’ll discover how the elements show us about what Jesus is, and what He is not. We’ll conclude by actually participating in communion together.

SESSION SIX

COMMUNION CONNECTS YOU

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

2. How did you view the practice of communion when you were growing up? Was it something you were aware of, or focused on? Explain. How has your view changed as an adult?

SHARE YOUR STORY

AS WE HAVE SAID IN PREVIOUS LESSONS, SHARING OUR PERSONAL STORIES BUILDS DEEPER CONNECTIONS AMONG GROUP MEMBERS. YOUR STORY MAY BE EXACTLY WHAT ANOTHER PERSON NEEDS TO HEAR TO ENCOURAGE OR STRENGTHEN THEM. AND YOUR LISTENING TO OTHERS’ STORIES IS AN ACT OF LOVE AND KINDNESS TO THEM—AND COULD VERY WELL HELP THEM TO GROW SPIRITUALLY. BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING.

3. Take time in this final session to connect with the friend you

OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER.

This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to guide you and give you wisdom and insight 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.

have been partnering with. Discuss with each other- what has God been showing you through these sessions about what it means to live in community? Check in with each other about the progress you have made in your spiritual growth during this study. Make plans about connecting with each other outside of your Jesus Basics group.

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

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION NOW.

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SESSION SIX

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.

COMMUNION CONNECTS YOU

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1. In this passage, Jesus talks about a “new covenant.” What do you know about the “old covenant”? How was it different from this—what made the new covenant new?

2. In the video, Dean explained that the bread symbolizes what Jesus is not: He’s not sinful, He’s not like us. What are some specific ways Jesus is not like you?

3. The wine, Jesus said, represents His blood, which was a symbol of forgiveness. How does Jesus’ blood bring forgiveness?

4. Dean noted that the wine also shows us what Jesus is, His characteristics. What are some of the things he mentioned? Which of these is most significant to you?

STUDY NOTES READ MATTHEW 26:26-29

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant[a] between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”

USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

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SESSION SIX

CREATE A NEW STORY OVER THE LAST SIX WEEKS, YOU’VE NOT ONLY STUDIED

COMMUNION CONNECTS YOU

103

How has Jesus changed your story during this six-week study? What new things is He asking you to do?

What does communion mean to you personally? How does it impact your connection with Jesus?

SOME BASIC TRUTHS ABOUT JESUS, YOU’VE GOTTEN TO KNOW HIM BETTER—AND HOPEFULLY GOTTEN TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER BETTER AS WELL. BUT THIS STUDY IS NOT MEANT TO JUST PROVIDE INFORMATION, BUT TRANSFORMATION— OF YOUR LIFE, YOUR HEART, AND YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS.

3. As this is the last meeting in this study, take some time to

celebrate what Jesus has done in the lives of group members. Have each person in the group share some step of growth that they have noticed in another member. (In other words, no one will talk about themselves, but affirm others in the group). Make sure that each person gets affirmed, noticed, and celebrated—whether the steps they’ve made are large or small.

THINK ABOUT SPECIFIC STEPS YOU WANT TO TAKE TO LIVE A NEW STORY, TO WALK MORE CLOSELY WITH JESUS SO THAT YOU CAN BE A PART OF HIS STORY, ENGAGED IN HIS KINGDOM, AS A RESULT OF THIS STUDY.

4. If your group still needs to make decisions about continu-

ing 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.

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COMMUNION CONNECTS YOU

105

5. Review your Life Group Agreement on pages 115–116 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.

6. Close by taking time to celebrate communion together as a

group. Before you begin, you might want to take a couple of minutes to review the praises and answered prayers you have recorded over the past five weeks on the Prayer and Praise Report in the appendix. Spend some time just worshipping God and thanking Him for all He’s done in your group during this study, as a way of preparing your heart for communion. Then, share communion together. A great passage to guide you is 1 Corinthians 11: 23-29, which is in the next section of your study guide. Have one person read it, pausing to distribute the bread after verse 24, and the cup after verse 25.

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-29

For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again. So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself.

• How does celebrating communion “proclaim the Lord’s death?”

• Why would it be important to do that?

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COMMUNION CONNECTS YOU

107

DAY 1 • READ HEBREWS 8:6:

But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.

RESPOND:

What is the difference between the new covenant and the old covenant? Why is the new covenant better?

DAY 2 • READ HEBREWS 8:7-8

DAILY DEVOTIONS

Continue on in your journey. In this last week, begin to pray about your next step in growing closer to Jesus. Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Pray as you read, asking God to speak to you as you meditate on the truths of Scripture.

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah.

RESPOND:

A covenant is an agreement between two people. The old covenant was between God and his people (Israel and Judah). Why did God need to make a new and different covenant?

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COMMUNION CONNECTS YOU

DAY 3 • READ HEBREWS 8:9:

DAY 5 • READ HEBREWS 8:11-12:

RESPOND:

DAY 4 • READ HEBREWS 8:10:

DAY 6 • READ HEBREWS 8:13:

“This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them,” says the LORD.

God was faithful to the covenant, but His people were not. In what ways do you tend to be like the children of Israel, struggle to remain faithful?

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the LORD: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

RESPOND:

What longings does God express in this verse? What surprises you about the idea of God longing for you?

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“And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the LORD.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

What promises does this verse make? (You may want to look at the entire passage that the writer of Hebrews is quoting here, which is found in Jeremiah 31).

When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.

RESPOND:

Why is the old covenant obsolete? How was Christ’s sacrifice on the cross different from the old covenant’s system of sacrifices of animals?

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APPENDICES RESOURCES TO MAKE YOUR LIFE GROUP EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER!

APPENDICES

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APPENDICES HOW LONG WILL THIS GROUP MEET?

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 115–116) 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, family, the gym, and so forth. Then have each group member invite several of the people on his or her list. The best strategy is a personal invitation. 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, releasing new leaders, ministry opportunities, and so forth. If you and your group continue to stay open to new people, you’ll be amazed at who God sends your way. The next person just might become a friend for life. You never know!

Most groups meet weekly for at least their first 6 weeks. Some groups might want to meet every other week, but we have found it hard to build momentum when your group is first forming. We strongly recommend that the group meet 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, or even host a group of your own! Some groups launch relationships for years to come, and others are stepping stones into another group experience. Either way, trust that the Holy Spirit will lead you and 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 combining some relational time (perhaps going out to dinner, etc.) with going 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 facilitating 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. Jesus 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 empower the group to openly brainstorm solutions. You may try one option that works for a while and then adjust over time. Our favorite approach is for adults to meet in the living room or dining room and to share the cost of a babysitter (or two) who can 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.

APPENDICES

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LIFE GROUP AGREEMENT OUR PURPOSE

To provide a predictable environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

OUR VALUES

• Group Attendance To give priority to the group meeting. We will call or email if we will be late or absent. (Completing the Group Calendar on page 117 will minimize this issue.) • Safe Environment To help create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved. (Please, no quick answers, snap judgments, or simple fixes.) • Respect Differences To be gentle and gracious to people with different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or “imperfections” in fellow group members. We are all works in progress. • Confidentiality To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group, and to avoid sharing improper information about those outside the group.

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• Encouragement for Growth To be not just takers but givers of life. We want to spiritually multiply our life by serving others with our God-given gifts. • Shared Ownership To remember that every member is a minister and to ensure that each attender will share a small team role or responsibility over time. • Rotating Hosts/Leaders and Homes To encourage different people to host the group in their homes and to rotate the responsibility of facilitating each meeting. (See the Life Group Calendar on page 117.)

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

APPENDICES

LIFE GROUP CALENDAR

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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.

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YOUR WEEKLY CHECK-IN

Briefly check in each week and write down your personal plans and progress targets for the next week (or even for the next few weeks). This could be done before or after the meeting, on the phone, through an e-mail message, or even in person from time to time. Your Name: Your Friend’s Name:

APPENDICES

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MEDITATION VERSE CARDS CLIP AND REVIEW SESSION ONE Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” - John 6:29

SESSION TWO Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” -John 14:6

SESSION THREE But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. - John 14:26

SESSION FOUR Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. - Psalm 119:105

SESSION FIVE Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. - Philippians 4:6

SESSION SIX He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” - Luke 22:19

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PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT

CLIP AND REVIEW THE MEDITATION VERSES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS PAGE.

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HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE

LIFE GROUP LEADERS KEY RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE BE THE BEST IT CAN BE.

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 Community 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

LEADERSHIP TRAINING 101

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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.

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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.

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.

TEN COMMON LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES. WELCOME TO LIFE OUT IN FRONT!

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

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Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Go through the session several times. If you are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment. Go to www.lifetogether.com and download pertinent files. 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.

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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. Use online resources. Go to www.lifetogether.com and download any additional notes or ideas for your session. You may also want to subscribe to the Doing Life Together newsletter and LLT Newsletter. Both can be obtained for free by signing up at www.lifetogether.com/subscribe.

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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.

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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.

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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.

TOP TEN IDEAS FOR NEW LEADERS

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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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.

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.

Break up into smaller 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.

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 Community 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 yourself develop 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

APPENDICES

LIFE GROUP ROSTER

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NOTES