Pack Light - Troy Murphy

ENGAGING YOUR BIBLE FOR DAILY LIFE WITHOUT THE WEIGHT OF PERFECTION

TROY MURPHY

Pack

Lite ENGAGING YOUR BIBLE FOR DAILY LIFE WITHOUT THE WEIGHT OF PERFECTION

TROY MURPHY GREEN BAY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Copyright © 2018 by Troy Murphy ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published by LifeTogether.

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

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION®. Copyright© 1996, 2004, and 2007. Used by permission OF Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois. All rights reserved worldwide.

ISBN: 978-1-7325871-2-0 Printed in the United States of America

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contents • Introduction by Troy Murphy

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• Using This Workbook (Read This First)

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• Outline for Each Session

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SESSIONS • SESSION ONE: So, What Is the Bible?

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• SESSION TWO: Why Do We Read the Bible?

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• SESSION THREE: How Do We Read the Bible?

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• SESSION FOUR: The Bible as Lifestyle

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APPENDICES • Frequently Asked Questions

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• Small Group Agreement

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• Small Group Calendar

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• Spiritual Partners

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• Memory Verse Cards (Clip and Review)

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• Prayer and Praise Report

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• Small Group Roster

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SMALL GROUP LEADERS • Hosting an Open House

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• Leading for the First Time

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• Leadership Training

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• Notes

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INTRODUCTION Welcome to Pack Lite, an opportunity to consider, in a relaxed atmosphere, what it actually means to engage the Bible. You’re going to hear and watch some people very much like you express in transparent ways why they read the Bible, what they have gotten from the effort, and how the Bible has come to be a central part of their lives. I can say that it has been a lot of fun to participate in those discussions. And I trust they will spark similar conversations in your group.

Along the way, we are going to dip into the Bible itself during each session and walk through some of the approaches people have used to move from viewing the Bible a certain way to actually allowing the Bible to shape their opinions and feelings about it. We learn by doing.

If you look up our church online and click on the tab about what we believe, this is the first item you will read: We believe the Holy Scriptures to be the inspired Word of God in thought and word. The scriptures are authoritative, infallible and inerrant in the original writings (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12–13).

For clarity, those notations in the parenthesis above are references to different Bible verses that inform and shape what we believe about the Bible. The statement itself is a classic summary of how followers of Jesus have viewed the Scriptures since they were finalized in the first century.

It expresses the way Jesus himself talked about Scripture.

But believing the right way about the Bible is not quite the same as actually reading and knowing the Bible ourselves. We want to make both our faith in Christ and our knowledge of His Word first-hand. It’s time to open our own Bibles and experience the story for ourselves.

Join us in the shadow of a legendary stadium in Green Bay, home of a storied 100-year-old football franchise, as we talk together about engaging the Bible first-hand. We’re packing lite, but our conversation is about life-changing discoveries. Let’s have a great time together!

Here we go.

Troy Murphy

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using

THIS WORKBOOK

(Tools to Help You Have a Great Small Group Experience)

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

2. If you are facilitating/hosting or co-leading a small group, the section Small Group Leaders will give you some experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership.

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

4. Enjoy your Small Group experience.

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

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

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Outline of Each Session A typical group session for the Pack Lite study will include the following sections. Read through this to get a clear idea of how each group meeting will be structured:

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

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

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

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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 watch a short video teaching segment. You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of scripture and discuss the teaching and the text. You won’t focus on accumulating information but on how you should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights from scripture practically and creatively, from your heart as well as your head. Allowing the timeless truths from God’s Word to transform our lives in Christ should be your greatest aim.

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

CREATE A NEW STORY. God wants you to be a part of his kingdom— to weave your story into his. That will mean change. It will require you to go his way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. This is where the Bible’s instructions to “be doers of the word, not just hearers” (James 1:22) comes into play. Many people skip over this aspect of the Christian life because it’s scary, relationally awkward, or simply too much work for their busy schedules. But Jesus wanted all of his disciples to know him personally, carry out his commands, and help outsiders connect with him. This does not 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 curriculum, 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.

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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 which you can use either during the meeting or as homework. Your group may choose to read and prepare before each meeting in order to cover more biblical material.

Or group members can use the additional study section during the week after the meeting. If you prefer not to do study homework, this section will provide you with plenty to discuss within the group. These options allow individuals or the whole group to expand their study while still accommodating those who can’t do homework or are new to your group.

DAILY DEVOTIONS. Each week on the Daily Devotions pages, we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between sessions. 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. Do not be in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

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SESSION 1:

What Is the

Bible?

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path (Psalm 119:105) To a lot of people the word “Bible” sounds just like “Big book.”

And no doubt about it, the Bible has a lot of pages and can be intimidating if you’ve never sat down alone with a copy and tried to make sense of it. The Bible has a reputation— both good and bad—like no other book ever written. In fact, each of us approaches a study like this with some kind of impression about the Bible, positive or negative. So let’s begin with an agreement.

Let’s set aside conclusions we have come to about the Bible and consider together what it is on its own terms and discover firsthand why it might be worth an effort to engage with this book.

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Share Your Story Each of us has a story. The events of our life—good, bad, wonderful or challenging—have shaped who we are. God knows your story and he intends to redeem it—to use every struggle and every joy to ultimately bring you to himself. When we share our stories with others, we give them the opportunity to see God at work.

When we share our stories, we also 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 lead to a path of freedom for you and for your listeners.

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer in which you invite God to provide insight as you study. Pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

Before you start this first meeting, get contact information for every participant. Take time to pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page 82 or a sheet of paper. Someone in the group could also pass around your Study Guide opened to the Small Group Roster. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with group members’ information, then email it to the group.

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Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking: • What brought you here? What do you hope to get out of this group?

• When you get a new toy or an updated electronic device, how many of you actually read all the instructions before turning it on?

What makes you read it first or eventually?

• G. K. Chesterton was once asked, “If you were marooned on a deserted island and only had one book, which book would you choose to have?” He answered, “A boat building manual!” How would you answer that question? What book would you want to have with you on an island? Why? • Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On page 75 is a Small Group Agreement with the values we have found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you choose one or two values—ones you have not previously focused on or have room to grow in—to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health.

• If your group is new, welcome newcomers. Introduce everyone— you may even want to have name tags for your first meeting.

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• We recommend you rotate host homes on a regular basis and let the hosts lead the meeting. Studies show 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.

• The Small Group Calendar on page 77 is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and leaders for your remaining meetings. Don’t skip this important step. It will revolutionize your group.

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Watch

the Video

Use the Notes space provided below to record 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.

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Hear God’s Story

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Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NLT).

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

• What role do we have with God when we follow His Spirit?

• “Abba” means daddy. Jesus is saying that we not only belong to God, but He loves us the way a dad loves his kids. How does this affect your view of God and your relationship with Him? • How are we heirs when we follow God? What blessings do we receive?

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Study notes: Taught the holy Scriptures (v.15). Timothy, whose mother and grandmother were Jewish, learned the Old Testament as a child and was prepared to hear the news that the Savior promised in those ancient books had come to earth—Jesus.

Inspired by God (v.16) literally means God-breathed. The writers of scripture didn’t take dictation (except occasionally, as when we read “This is what God says.”). Nor were they puppet writers. God worked in and through their lives, minds and fingers in such a way that what they wrote is what God wanted written.

Useful (v.16). Many translations of the Bible give the same summary of biblical effects: doctrine, reproof, correction and training in righteousness. Note that the version we used slightly unpacks each of these terms to point us to the practicality of scripture: It’s useful (1) to teach us what is true and (2) to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It (3) corrects us when we are wrong and (4) teaches us to do what is right. Basically, this means that every sentence we read in scripture is there to accomplish one or more of those four basic tasks.

God wrote his book with that purpose in mind.

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Create a new story God wants you to be part of his kingdom—to weave your story into his.

That will mean change—to go his way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By starting with small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way—giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into scripture and challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God. In this section, how will you apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study? Think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

• Now it’s your turn to tackle the question discussed in the group: What is the Bible to you? How did it get that status and are you satisfied to treat God’s word that way?

• How would you answer if someone confronted you with the question: How do you know the Bible is God’s written word?

• Let’s establish a baseline for our group as we go through these sessions. What is one of your main questions about the Bible?

We want to have an atmosphere in the group that allows and encourages all kinds of questions.

• In what ways has the Bible had a positive effect in your life?

• Take a look at the Circles of Life diagram below and write the names of two or three people you know who need to know Christ.

Commit to praying for God’s guidance and an opportunity to share with each of them. Perhaps they would be open to joining the group. Share your lists with the group so you can all be praying for the people you’ve identified.

• Also consider someone—in this group or outside it—that you can begin going deeper with in an intentional way. This might be your mom or dad, a cousin, an aunt or uncle, a roommate, a college buddy or a neighbor. Choose someone who might be open to “doing life” with you at a deeper level and pray about that opportunity.

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Family

(immediate or extended)

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Familiar

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Friends

(neighbors, kids’ sports .................................................. ............................................... team, school, and so forth)

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Fun

Firm

(gym, hobbies, hangouts)

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(work)

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• This week how will you actually interact with the Bible? Can you commit to spending time in daily prayer or study of God’s word?

(Use the Daily Devotions section to guide you). Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

• Stack your hands just like a sports team does in the huddle and commit to taking a risk and going deeper in your group and in your relationships with each other.

• 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 81.

• Close your meeting with prayer.

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For additional

study

If you feel God nudging you to go deeper, take some time before the next meeting to dig into his word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own and jot 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.

Read Psalm 119:1-8. Containing 176 verses, this Psalm is the longest chapter in the Bible, and it’s all about the Bible. Our memory verse for this session comes later in this chapter, verse 105.

• Make a list of every term used to refer to the scriptures in these verses. What does each term highlight?

• What attitude toward God does the person writing this Psalm have?

• What is the most compelling reason in this Psalm that would cause you to be more diligent in reading God’s Word?

Read 2 Chronicles 17:1-9. Jehoshaphat was a descendant of King David, the greatest king in Old Testament Israel. Not only did he model his life after his ancestor, he made it a point to devote himself to God. • In what different ways did the scriptures play a role in the king’s life and the way he ruled his people?

• Why do you think the plan described in verses 7-9 is necessary?

• What would be the effects in our society if people became more biblically literate and willing to recognize God’s instructions in those pages?

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daily

DEVOTIONS

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Read Psalm 119:10.

Read Matthew 4:4.

Read Psalm 119:105.

I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Respond: Besides knowing “your commands,” what does this verse tell us about our willingness to know God and obey Him?

Respond: Look up the context.

Who was Jesus responding to? What did he mean by quoting this Old Testament verse?

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Respond: Can you find a verse that carries out each of these functions for you?

What passage highlights where you are right now? What verses give you a sense of what’s ahead?

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Read Matthew 5:17-18.

Read Luke 24:27.

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.”

Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond:

Respond: What is the interpretive key to the Old Testament? Who is ultimately the main subject? What difference does this make?

What was Jesus’ view of the Old Testament? How should his assessment affect our attitudes?

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SESSION 2:

Why Do We

Read the

Bible?

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11)

As is the case with any book, casual or inattentive reading of scripture doesn’t do us much good. The very best book on any subject, if it sits unopened and unread in our bookcase, can’t accomplish what it was published to do. And if God took the trouble to write a book for us, we can probably come up with some very good reasons why we should read it.

Let’s join our friends outside the Green Bay stadium again to think about the difference it makes when we finally attend a game in that storied place. We may discover that the same wonder that awaits us when we walk through the entrance ramp into the stands at Lambeau Field is similar to the experience we discover when we read God’s word for ourselves.

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Share Your Story As we said last week, when we share our stories with others, we give them the opportunity to see God at work. Your story is being shaped, even in this moment, by being 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 experience the presence of God as he helps us be brave enough to reveal our thoughts and feelings.

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer in which you invite God to 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.

Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking: • Apart from the Bible, what book have you read that made the biggest impression on you? Why? • What would you say are the hardest and the easiest kinds of literature for you to read?

• 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 24 to help you think of various people you come in contact with on a regular basis; people who need to know Jesus more deeply. Consider ideas for action and make a plan to follow through on one of them this week.

• Pair up with someone in your group. (We suggest that men partner with men and women with women.) This person will be your spiritual partner for the rest of this study. He or she doesn’t have to be your best friend. Instead, this person will simply encourage you to complete the goals you set for yourself during this study. Following through on a resolution is tough on your own; it makes all the difference to have a partner to cheer you on.

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Watch

the Video

Watch the Video for this session now. Use the Notes space provided below to record key thoughts, questions and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the recorded conversation, have someone read the Bible passage and 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.

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Hear God’s Story Read Luke 24:13-35.

That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”

They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” 19 “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. 22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”

25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?”

27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly,

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their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.

• Whether we’re tailgating outside the stadium, walking the road to Emmaus or living our daily lives, what does the scripture passage above tell us about the value of reading the Bible?

• How did Jesus describe his connection with the Bible?

• With Jesus’ conversation in mind, what stood out for you from the discussion in the video about reading the Bible?

• Three points were highlighted during the video related to approaching the scriptures: 1. It’s less about making the Bible fit 2018 and more about hearing God speak into today.

2. It’s noting the uncanny diagnosis of today that we find in this ancient document.

3. It’s discovering that the Bible isn’t really all about rules but rather an amazing variety of literature that touches everything about us and our world.

Which of these three points makes the strongest case for you about reading the Bible?

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Study notes: Sadness written across their faces (v.17). One of the marks of the truth of scripture is that it doesn’t sugar-coat situations or paint a rosy picture of its heroes. The resurrection of Jesus wasn’t easy for these disciples to accept. The Bible is full of real people with all their flaws—just like us.

Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets (v.27). Reading the Bible includes the opportunity to meet Jesus in its pages and have him open our eyes.

Didn’t our hearts burn within us (v.32). When we are reading, studying and meditating on scripture, if we are not responding we’re probably not really paying attention.

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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.In this section, how will you apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study? Think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

• The video closed with a personal response: I read the Bible because it reminds me to focus on God; it encourages me by telling me what I don’t know; and it helps me to live. What is your most compelling reason for reading the Bible?

• What was a recent insight or lesson that you learned from scripture?

• How familiar are you with the actual Bible text you read most often? Do you know the translation and anything about the history of that particular Bible?

• When you sit down to read the Bible alone, what is your usual process and expectations?

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• Here are some simple ways to connect with God. Tell the group which ones you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time.

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

• Daily Devotions. The Daily Devotions provided in each session offer an opportunity to read a short Bible passage five days a week during the course of our study. In our hurry-up world, we often move too quickly through everything—even reading God’s word! Slow down. Don’t just skim, but take time to read carefully and reflect on the passage. Write down your insights on what you read each day. Copy a portion of scripture on a card and tape it somewhere in your line of sight, such as your car’s dashboard or the bathroom mirror. Or text it to yourself.

Think about it when you sit at red lights or while you’re eating a meal. Reflect on what God is saying to you through these words. On the sixth day summarize what God has shown you throughout the week.

• 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 81.

• Close your meeting with prayer.Stack your hands just like a sports team does in the huddle and commit to taking a risk and going deeper in your group and in your relationships with each other.

• 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 81.

• Close your meeting with prayer.

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For additional

study

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

Read Acts 8:26-40. The Church was born in an environment filled with people whose lives were influenced by the reading of scripture. People from all over the world gathered in Jerusalem, both Jews and God-fearers who were eager to live for God. Many of them made it a practice of reading the Bible. Philip (not the apostle but the deacon with the same name) was one of the first on-the-road missionaries.

• How much instruction did Philip get before he set out? What more would it take for you to see yourself as living a sent life?

• What was the eunuch doing and what was Philip instructed to do?

Why was Philip’s question a great one to ask?

• Describe how the conversation between the two actually went. In what ways was the eunuch’s participation crucial?

• How ready are you to carry out a conversation about Jesus like this one with a stranger? What do you lack? What are you doing about it?

Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Anticipating the people’s demand for a king once they were settled in the Promised Land, God here lays out several crucial instructions that will make or break the effectiveness of a future king.

• List the basic requirements God laid out for the kings of Israel (there are at least six here).

• Next to each requirement, note at least one reason why God would expect that of His kings?

• How do verses 18-20 apply to this overall lesson on the reasons we should read the Bible? How to they apply to your own approach to the scriptures?

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daily

DEVOTIONS

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Read Jeremiah 15:16.

Read Luke 24: 27.

Read Psalm 119:11.

When I discovered your words, I devoured them.

They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.

Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Respond:

Respond:

What does it mean in your life to devour the Word of God?

Why is it important to realize that the entire Bible actually has to do with Jesus?

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Respond: If you suddenly had no access to a printed or electronic version of the Bible, how much could you reconstruct from memory? What does your answer tell you?

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Read Hebrews 4:12.

Read Psalm 1:2.

For the word of God is alive and powerful.

It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond:

Respond: How does the importance of meditation increase the need to read God’s word?

When have you experienced this kind of surgical effect of scripture in your life?

Why or why not?

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SESSION 3:

How do we

Read the

Bible?

When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies (Jeremiah 15:16)

If you’re like most people, you probably have some kind of mail sorting routine. You toss what looks like junk mail to one side, stack the bills elsewhere and savor the all-too-short stack of personal envelopes. Then you either open the letters in order of importance starting with the most significant or saving it for last. The point being that reading habits have a lot to do with expectations and anticipation. This is especially true when it comes to how we read the Bible.

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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.

Sharing personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

• Tell us a little about one of the best letters you’ve ever gotten.

Who was it from; what was it about; and how did it affect you?

• How would you describe your general approach to reading any book?

• Sit with your spiritual partner. If your partner is absent or you are new to the group, join with another pair or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner. If you haven’t established your spiritual partnership yet, do it now. (See Share Your Story in Session Two on page 31.)

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Watch

the Video

Watch the Video for this session now. Use the Notes space provided below to record key thoughts, questions and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the recorded conversation, have someone read the Bible passage and 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.

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Hear God’s Story

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Read Psalm 19:7-14.

7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. 11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. 12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

• How many different names is the Bible given in these verses? What characteristics or effects of God’s word are given here?

• What clues do verses 10-14 give about the way to approach the scriptures?

• From the video conversation in the shadow of the stadium, what were the main ideas about how to start reading and what to read in the Bible?

• There were also four guidelines given to read the Bible regularly, progressively, openly and humbly. What did each of those terms mean related to Scripture?

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Study notes: Reviving the soul. . . making wise the simple. . . bringing joy to the heart. . . giving insight for living (vs. 7-8). These are noticeable results in the lives of others as well as ours.

Reverence for the Lord is pure (v.9). This interesting break in the sequence of names for scripture points to the attitude of the reader in approaching God’s word.

They are a warning. . . a great reward (v.11). As someone has wisely said, “God never says ‘Don’t’ without meaning, ‘Don’t hurt yourself’.”

Part of the “how to read” answer is “watch for warnings; expect rewards.”

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Create a new story God wants you to be 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.

The Holy Spirit helps us along the way by giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into scripture and challenging us to love those around us and those far from God. In this section talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

• Take a few minutes to share with one another those parts of the Bible that you have found easiest to engage and learn from. Which books have been particularly challenging? Why? • Why is it good not to ignore the questions that rise in your mind as you read scripture?

• What reasons can you think of to explain why God would make his book such a varied collection of styles, approaches, depth and ease of understanding? Are there any parallels you can see in your most important relationships?

• What one idea or approach did you learn in this session that you plan to incorporate in your Bible reading in the future?

• What steps will you take this week to grow in your relationship with God? If you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct your attention to scripture this week. If you’ve been reading God’s word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse. Tell the group which one you plan to try this week and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time.

• 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 81.

• Close your meeting with prayer.

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For additional

study

Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme. Jot down your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. Share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

Read Matthew 7:21-29. This section closes the lengthier collection of Jesus’ teaching that we know as the Sermon on the Mount. Once you have studied Jesus’ last words, you may feel compelled to go back to Matthew 5:1—7:20 to review what he actually said.

• In verses 21-23, who is Jesus speaking to? What is the warning?

• In verses 24-27, both groups Jesus described as people who “hear” his teaching. What does one group lack that makes all the difference?

• What does life throw at both the lives Jesus is talking about?

What in the end really matters?

•

How was Jesus different from the other teachers according to his audience? Is that difference still important today? Why?

Read Deuteronomy 32:44-47. Almost all of the final book of Moses records a lengthy teaching he gave the people of Israel to review all that God had told them and showed them from their time in Egypt, the years in the wilderness and the upcoming possession of the Promised Land.

• What did Moses call this last section of his teaching to the people of Israel? Have you ever been taught that way?

• What does it mean (v. 46) to take something to heart? What was Moses hoping the people would do? What else does he instruct them to practice?

• To summarize everything he has given them, what term does Moses use? In what ways have you experienced this same effect as you have engaged the word of God?

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DEVOTIONS

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Read Luke 24:45.

Read Psalm 33:4.

Read John 3:10-11.

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.

Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony.

Respond: Use this verse to shape a prayer you can offer up each time you open the Bible. Ask God to open your mind as you open his book.

Respond: What two things can we trust about God? How would remembering this affect your willingness to read the Bible on a regular basis?

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Respond: Nicodemus was highly knowledgeable about the Bible. What was he missing? Do you have it?

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Read Jeremiah 15:16.

Read 2 Timothy 3:17.

When I discovered your words, I devoured them.

They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.

God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond: What would it mean for you to approach God’s word anticipating joy and a heart delighted by what you discover?

Respond: How would you differentiate preparing from equipping? In what ways is God doing both of these in your life during this study?

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SESSION 4:

The Bible as

Lifestyle Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them (John 13:17) It has become obvious during this study about reading the Bible that the act of reading God’s word is not an end in itself.

We don’t read in order to be able to report that we read it. If we really read the Bible, it won’t let us off that easy. It demands response, reflection and obedience. Reading helps us, as the verse says above, to “know these things,” but we won’t receive God’s blessings unless we get busy “doing them”. Enjoy this final session together.

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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.

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, 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.

• In the last three weeks of this series, what would you say has been an unexpected result as you have considered engaging with the Bible?

• What is one Bible event or story that you would most like to see made into a movie?

• Sit with your spiritual partner. If your partner is absent or if you are new to the group, join with another pair or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner. If you haven’t established your spiritual partnership yet, do it now.

Share one prayer request and one thing you want to thank God for.

Spend some time praying about what you’ve shared. (See Share Your Story in Session Two on page 31.)

• Take some time for each person to share about how they’re doing on the challenge of inviting the people on the Circles of Life to church or your small group. What specific conversations are you praying about for the weeks to come?

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Watch

the Video

Watch the video for this session now. Use the Notes space provided below to record key thoughts, questions and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the recorded conversation, have someone read the Bible passage and 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.

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Hear God’s Story

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Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9.

1 These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, 2 and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. 3 Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

4 Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

• Since we’re talking in this session about establishing spiritual habits for ourselves and those under our roof, how many habitual activities can you find in these verses? Why are they crucial?

• What would you say are the differences between positive and negative habits? In what ways could the word “habit” itself be used positively?

• What were some of the helpful suggestions offered by the group regarding developing a pattern that includes Bible engagement?

• What did the pattern S.O.A.P. mean and what other basic patterns are you aware of that help establish and maintain good spiritual habits?

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Study notes: You and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live (v.2). The primary place of training in Israel was the home. It remains the best place and really unavoidable vehicle for shaping lives (for good or bad). Godly exposure is good training.

Listen, O Israel! (v.4). This is the famous “Shema” passage that all Jewish people know and pray. They have various habits based on this passage. Jesus and the man who questioned him about the greatest commandment agreed that this was the one.

Write them on the doorposts of your house (v.9). Jewish people still fulfill this command literally with little devices called “mezzuzot” that are nailed to doorjambs and contain a small scroll with the words of this passage and other key passages carefully handwritten.

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

• What spiritual habits do you intend to pass on to your children by example and by word of mouth? How many of these are originating in your generation and how many have been passed down to you?

• The group in the video challenged us to adopt a new spiritual habit for at least 30 days. What habit do you sense God wants you to undertake?

• What spiritual habit has God used most effectively in your life to shape and develop you?

• How can the rest of us pray for you regarding one spiritual habit you want to integrate or improve in your relationship with Christ right now?

• As this is the last meeting in this study, take some time to celebrate the work God has done in the lives of group members.

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

• If your group still needs to make decisions about continuing to meet after this session, have that discussion now. Talk about what you will study, who will lead and when you will meet.

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• Review your Small Group Agreement on page 75 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.

• Close by praying for your prayer requests and take a couple of minutes to review the praises you have recorded on the Prayer and Praise Report on page 81. Spend some time thanking God for all he’s done in your group during this study.

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For additional

study

Take some time this week to continue digging into God’s word.

Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own. Jot down your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. Share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

Read John 20:30-31. John’s gospel is significantly different than the other three that we traditionally call the Synoptic Gospels, which emphasizes the parallels between them. John’s purpose was different and his writing came quite some time after the other gospels were in circulation. Here he gives us his guiding purpose in writing.

• What was his purpose?

• When you read the gospel of John, what is your own impression of the sequence and telling of events?

• If someone approached you wanting your advice about where to start reading the Bible, what you would say and why?

Read Psalm 119:97-104. This is not one of David’s psalms. The writer may have been Ezra the scribe. It is a carefully developed song that follows a strict pattern based on the Hebrew alphabet. It is part of the longest chapter in the Bible and has as its main theme the Bible itself.

• In what different ways has exposure to God’s word brought about a difference in the psalmist’s life?

• How does the psalmist feel about engaging with God’s word?

• In what ways have you discovered the truth that the Bible can be more than a book for you? How has it affected your walk with God?

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daily

DEVOTIONS

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Read John 13:17.

Read Deuteronomy 8:3.

Read Psalm 119:103.

Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them

Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors.

He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

Respond: What are you already doing as a result of this series and how is God blessing you as a result?

Respond: Jesus used this verse to reject a temptation to turn stones into bread. How have you used scripture to resist temptation?

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Respond: Write down two examples of Bible passages that you consider sweeter than honey. Why do you find them sweet?

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Read James 1:22.

Read John 15:7.

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.

Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond:

Respond:

Ask God’s Spirit to help you see cases in which you have heard God’s word but haven’t done what it says. Make it your decision to act.

In what specific ways are you seeking to remain in Christ and have his words remain in you? How is that process affecting you? during this study?

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Appen

Appen Resources to make your Small

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ndices

ndices Group experience even better!

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frequently ASKED QUESTIONS

What do we do on the first night of our group?

Like all fun things in life—have a party! A “get to know you” coffee, dinner or dessert is a great way to launch a new study. You may want to review the Group Agreement (page 75) 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. Another good strategy is to ask church leaders to make an announcement.

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—and if the group gets too small, it could be at risk of shutting down. If you and your group stay open, you’ll be amazed at the people God sends your way. The next person just might become a friend for life. You never know!

How long will this group meet?

Most groups meet weekly for at least their first six weeks, but every other week can work as well. We strongly recommend that the group meet for the first six months on a weekly basis if at all possible. This allows for continuity, and if people miss a meeting they aren’t gone for a whole month.

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At the end of this study, each group member may decide if he or she wants to continue on for another study. Some groups launch relationships for years to come, and others are stepping-stones into another group experience. Either way, enjoy the journey.

Can we do this study on our own?

Absolutely! This may sound crazy, but one of the best ways to do this study is not with a full house but with a few friends. You may choose to gather with another couple who would enjoy some relational time (perhaps going to the movies or having a quiet dinner) and then walking through this study. Jesus will be with you even if there are only two of you (Matthew 18:20).

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What if this group is not working for us?

You’re not alone! This could be the result of a personality conflict, life stage difference, geographical distance, level of spiritual maturity or any number of things. Relax. Pray for God’s direction, and at the end of this six-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 six weeks are up—God might have something to teach you. Also, don’t run from conflict or prejudge people before you have given them a chance. God is still working in your life, too!

Who is the leader?

Most groups have an official leader. But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings. We have discovered that healthy groups rotate hosts/leaders and homes on a regular basis. This model ensures that all members grow, give their unique contribution and develop their gifts. This study guide and the Holy Spirit can keep things on track even when you rotate leaders.

Christ has promised to be in your midst as you gather. Ultimately, God is your leader each step of the way.

How do we handle the childcare needs in our group?

Very carefully. Seriously, this can be a sensitive issue. We suggest that you 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 dialog openly about both the problem and the solution.

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small

GROUP AGREEMENT

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

OUR VALUES Group Attendance To give priority to the group meeting. We will call or email if we will be late or absent.

(Completing the Group Calendar on page 77 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 fellow group members with different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments or “imperfections.� We are all works in progress.

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

Encouragement for Growth To 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 Group Calendar on page 77.)

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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 _______________________________________

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group

CALENDAR

Date

Lesson

Host Home

Dessert/Meal

Leader

Monday, January 15

1

Steve and Laura’s

Joe

Bill

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SPIRITUAL PARTNERS’ CHECK-IN Briefly check in each week and write down your personal plans and progress targets for the next week (or even for the next few weeks).

This could be done before or after the meeting, on the phone, through an e-mail message or even in person from time to time.

Our Plans My Name: Spiritual Partner’s Name: Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Our Progress

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CLIP & REVIEW THE MEMORY VERSES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS PAGE.

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clip

Session 1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

1 John 3:1

Session 2 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11)

Session 3 When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies (Jeremiah 15:16)

Session 4 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them (John 13:17)

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prayer

AND PRAISE REPORT

PRAISE REPORT

SESSION 4

SESSION 3

SESSION 2

SESSION 1

PRAYER REQUEST

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small

GROUP ROSTER

NAME

EMAIL

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PHONE #

NAME

EMAIL

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PHONE #

Small Grou

Key resources to help your leaders

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up Leaders

ship experience be the best it can be.

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hosting

AN OPEN HOUSE

If you’re starting a new group, try planning an “open house” before your first formal group meeting. Even if you have only two to four core members, it’s a great way to break the ice and to consider prayerfully who else might be open to joining you over the next few weeks.

You can also use this kick-off meeting to hand out study guides, spend some time getting to know each other, discuss each person’s expectations for the group and briefly pray for each other. A simple meal or good dessert always make a kick-off meeting more fun.

After people introduce themselves, have everyone respond to a few icebreaker questions: • What is your favorite family vacation?

• What is one thing you love about your church/your community?

• What are three things about your life growing up that most people here don’t know?

Next, ask everyone to tell what he or she hopes to get out of the study. You might want to review the Small Group Agreement and talk about each person’s expectations and priorities.

Finally, set an open chair (maybe two) in the center of your group and explain that it represents someone who would enjoy or benefit from this group but who isn’t here yet. Ask people to pray about inviting someone to join the group over the next few weeks. Hand out postcards and have everyone write an invitation or two. Don’t worry about ending up with too many people; you can always have one discussion circle in the living room and another in the dining room after you watch the lesson. Each group could then report prayer requests and progress at the end of the session.

You can skip this kick-off meeting if your time is limited, but you’ll experience a huge benefit if you take the time to connect with each other in this way.

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leading

FOR THE FIRST TIME

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

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

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

• Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Go through the session several times.

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

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

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

• Share with your group what God is doing in your heart. God is searching for those whose hearts are fully his. Share your trials and victories. We promise that people will relate.

• Prayerfully consider whom you would like to pass the baton to next week. It’s only fair. God is ready for the next member of your group to go on the faith journey you just traveled. Make it fun, and expect God to do the rest.

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LEADERSHIP

TRAINING 101 Congratulations! You have responded to the call to help shepherd Jesus’ flock. There are few other tasks in the family of God that surpass the contribution you will be making. As you prepare to lead, whether it is one session or the entire series, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind. We encourage you to read these and review them with each new discussion leader before he or she leads.

1. Remember that you are not alone. God knows everything about you, and he knew that you would be asked to lead your group. Remember that it is common for all good leaders to feel that they are not ready to lead. Moses, Solomon, Jeremiah and Timothy were all reluctant to lead.

God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Whether you are leading for one evening, for several weeks or for a lifetime, you will be blessed as you serve.

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

3. Just be yourself. If you won’t be you, who will? God wants you to use your unique gifts and temperament.

Don’t try to do things exactly like another leader; do them in a way that fits you. Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you make a mistake. Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night!

4. Prepare for your meeting ahead of time. Review the session and the leader’s notes, and write down your responses to each question. Pay special attention to exercises that ask group members to do something other than engage in discussion. These exercises will help your group live what the Bible teaches, not just talk about it. Be sure you understand how an exercise works, and bring any necessary supplies (such as paper and pens) to your meeting. If the exercise employs one of the items in the appendix, be sure to look over that item so you’ll know how it works. Finally, review “Outline for Each Session” so you’ll remember the purpose of each section in the study.

5. Pray for your group members by name. Before you begin your session, go around the room in your mind and pray for each member by name. You may want to review the prayer list at least once a week.

Ask God to use your time together to touch the heart of every person uniquely. Expect God to lead you to whomever he wants you to encourage or challenge in a special way. If you listen, God will surely lead!

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

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

8. 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.

9. Rotate facilitators weekly.

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

10. One final challenge (for new or first-time leaders): Before your first opportunity to lead, look up each of the five passages listed below. Read each one as a devotional exercise to help 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

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God gave us the gift of his word and desires that we read, study and apply it to our daily lives.

In this four-week Pack Lite series, Pastor Troy Murphy and a team from Green Bay Community Church will examine why it’s important to read the Bible and how it can transform your life.

Troy’s engaging teaching style along with group discussions, study guides and videos will provide insight into how the scriptures reveal God’s purpose for your life.

Troy Murphy is the lead pastor at Community Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is also a creative consultant, church planter, NFL chaplain for the Packers, motivational speaker and former U.S. Marine. Troy’s authentic and direct speaking style is a breath of fresh air in a world full of uncertainty, division and chaos. With vulnerability and openness, he challenges the church to reach out and touch a hurting world in desperate need of the hope and love of God. Troy and his wife, Tricia, have four grown daughters and their first son-in-law.

www.gbcc.me