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ONE FUND
Our mission as a church is very simple - we are called to make Jesus known and to make disciples.
A vision that is never resourced is only a dream.
Over the next two years, our vision as a church will be understood in 5 simple categories. First of all, we want to continue the ministry that we are currently doing only with more strategy and more efficiency. Secondly, we want to make a deeper impact on the lives of our children and adults by providing a better environment for worship, community, and service. Thirdly, we want to have a greater impact on Birmingham by partnering with the most effective ministries in our area, planting a church downtown, and using media to reach the lost. Fourthly, we want to deepen our commitment to making disciples around the world through increased involvement on the mission field and a new focus on sending our people on long-term mission. Fifthly and lastly, we want to create more possibilities for the future through debt freedom. In order for this vision to become a reality, it needs people like you to become leaders in our church for the Kingdom of Christ, and it needs to be resourced. Even though this vision is manifested in five different categories, it is one vision for one church, and, therefore, we propose that it be resourced by one fund. We are asking the church over the next two years to give 12 million dollars to fuel our collective future and the vision God has given us.
In many churches, budgets are rarely connected to what they actually value, and capital campaigns are almost always connected to projects or buildings. But what if a church had a resourcing plan that was attached to vision and not projects, a resourcing plan that was easy to understand and that everyone could participate in, a resourcing plan that would unify the church, build unstoppable momentum, and make the future vision a reality? Well, I am happy to tell you that such a plan has come to Valleydale - The Make Initiative.
This is the plan. this is the time. this is our mission.
That’s it. And while this mission is very simple, it can manifest itself in a million different ways. So in order to accomplish our mission, there are three things that must be in place: vision, leadership, and resources. The church needs a clear vision as to what making Jesus known and making disciples means for us here and now. The church also needs men and women who are willing to take ownership of that vision and willing to lead in that vision. Finally, the church needs resources to make that vision a reality.
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“Well done, good and faithful servant.� Matthew 25:21
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What we are doing now.. Valleydale has a long history of effective ministry for people of all ages and stages of life. It is our goal to continue this legacy of making disciples that worship God, connect with others in Christian community, and give of their lives in service to the church, community, and world. Here are a few of the great things happening at Valleydale right now‌
Sunday worship (29% increase)
Fall 2013 - 1000 average since mutliplying services Fall 2012 - 777 average over same period
340+ Over 340 baptized since our relocation.
Through 9 months of 2013, Valleydale has already baptized more people than in 2011 and in 2012.
LifeGroups (10% increase) Fall 2013 - 700 average (preschool - adult) Fall 2012 - 637 over same period
Summer MS Tribes averaged 125 Middle School students over 6 weeks
NEW MEMBERS 2013 - year to date - 82 new members, already more than in each of 2011 and 2012
Midweek (19% increase)
Fall 2013 - 310 average (135 adults, 75 students, 100 children/preschool) Fall 2012 - 259
Women’s Weekly Bible studies 135 average
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$ 500,000
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NEW GREAT ENVIRONMENTS
t Children’s Space Development – Another flaw in our current facility plan is that our children’s space is on the opposite side of the building from the pre-school space. This is very inconvenient for parents, and especially for first- time visitors. The Make Initiative proposes to convert the current office space into state-ofthe-art children’s space that will allow for more efficiency in our facility and will provide for more effective disciple-making for our children.
God has blessed Valleydale with incredible facilities that allow us great opportunity for ministry, and we understand that environment can significantly impact our growth as disciples and our mission to make disciples. In order to make the best use of our facility, however, it is necessary that we make a few changes that will help us to maximize our space.
As wonderful as our church facility is, it has a few very fixable flaws. t Youth Space Development – One flaw in our facility is that our students do not have their own space. In order for our student ministry to be all that it can be, our students need a place to call home, a place of their “own.â€? The Make Initiative proposes to develop the current Theater as irresistible student space. t Special Needs Ministry Equipment – We are excited to be launching a Special Needs Ministry at Valleydale, which will require new resources. t %FWFMPQNFOU PG $PòFF 4IPQ BOE 3FTPVSDF $FOUFS t #VUMFS 4UPSBHF #VJMEJOH o 7BMMFZEBMF JT DVSSFOUMZ SFOUJOH TUPSBHF space; a Butler Building will allow on-site storage and will save the fee for storage rental.
t Office Space Relocation – Once the office space is converted into children’s space, the offices will be NPWFE UP TPNF BWBJMBCMF TQBDF CFIJOE 5IF #JH 3PPN This will keep our offices on site.
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$ 500,000 “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem” Act 1:8
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MAKE JESUS KNOWN In Christ we are called to do justice in our community, make Jesus known, and make disciples. We have a great task ahead of us in Birmingham as we move toward bringing restoration in our city and advancing the gospel among the lost. We have partnered with several ministries in our city to bring justice to the oppressed, feed the hungry, and care for the needy. We are also excited to use our city’s media outlets in a new way to engage our city, and we are planning to launch a second campus in Birmingham’s Southside.
Media Ministry in Our City
Satellite Campuses in Birmingham (Southside)
Great Commandment Ministry in Birmingham
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$1,000,000 “…make disciples of all nations” Matthew 28:19
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MAKE DISCIPLES
WorldReach efforts b ega n
in 2 00 5:
The Great Commission is at the very heart of Valleydale. We believe it is the call on the people of God to reach every nation, tribe, and tongue with the good news that God has redeemed us through His Son, Jesus. So we are committed to plant, revitalize, and strengthen churches in our nation and around the world in areas that have the least Gospel access.
Since
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committed to local mission/ministry
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felt call to career missions
4JODF CFHJOOJOH PVS 8PSME3FBDI FòPSUT 7BMMFZEBMF has taken 44 North American mission trips with 751 people participating and 42 international trips with 285 people participating. 7BMMFZEBMF BMTP IBT HJWFO UP 8PSME3FBDI partners and mission work. With pledges this year of 362,079, the total given will exceed $2,100,000!
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committed to short-term missions
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$ 3,150,000 “I am the door.” John 10:9 24
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SEEING THE POSSIBILITIES The future and the potential of Valleydale’s impact in its community and world are unlimited. God has declared that he desires to do “exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think” through His church. However, achieving all that God has called us to be requires that we free up greater amounts of resources for ministry and mission efforts by lightening the burden of debt on our annual budget. As we give and that becomes a reality, we can all see our dreams for Valleydale Church become reality for the glory of God and the sake of His kingdom.
DREAM... In the space provided on this page, take some moments throughout these weeks to write down the possibilities and dreams you see for Valleydale as we move forward during the next two years and beyond.
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THE JOURNEY Over the next five weeks, we’re going to take this journey together. We’re calling it the Make Initiative. It’s the journey for us all to grasp and commit to the vision of Valleydale, which is to make Jesus known and make disciples. It’s what the church is called to do. Over these five weeks, Pastor Jason is going to unpack the five components of the Make Initiative one by one, and the following 18 pages are included here to help you on this journey. Each week is focused on a new component of the Make Initiative and contains:
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Five daily devotionals and prayers, which are designed to prepare your heart for the upcoming Sunday.
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A “small group activity” which can be done either by a family, LifeGroup, some co-workers, or just a group of friends. You may choose to do this activity each week with the same group or with a different one; it’s up to you!
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An outline and questions for LifeGroup dicussions each week. We recommend that you read the main passage and look over the questions in advance.
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A sermon notes page. As you can see, this book is designed for you to use every day during this five-week period. You’ll work through the devotionals on your own during the week and bring this guide on Sunday to worship and to your LifeGroup meeting. Nine godly men and women from our church authored this section, and we are glad to present it to you. It can be a powerful tool for you if you’ll be diligent to walk through it and participate with us.
The leadership of Valleydale is extremely excited about this journey. It’s the Make Initiative. Make Jesus Known. Make Disciples. Psalm 145:12 “to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.”
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Week 1: Make the Mission Continue
Sunday, October 27
Today’s Scripture Matthew 25:14-30
LifeGroup Lesson
Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:2 with emphasis on 11:39 – 12:2
1. The Christian Life (investing our talents) is like a race: t %JTDVTT IPX VTJOH UIF HJGUT (PE HJWFT ZPV DBO CF B TUSVHHMF BOE B HSFBU TBUJTGBDUJPO Icebreaker Question: at the same time. t When it comes to investing what God gives us, is perseverance important? Why? 1. Tell us about the impressions you get from the picture. 2. Battling the tendency to coast: t In Hebrews 12:1 God tells us to lay aside every weight and sin. God has written a grand story. Not only do we t What are some weights that can cause us to coast? see it, but we are also in it. We are a part of the t What are the subtle and not so subtle things that weigh you or the church down? plot. We are standing on the shoulders of the 3. Looking back to the witnesses: characters that came before, us and like them, we t We have seen what faithfulness looks like in the Bible and in our church. will contribute to the story’s climax in exactly the t Why is looking back so important as a motivation for going forward? way that the author intends. Make no mistake, t Give some practical examples of how you live by faith. Give some practical examples Valleydale has been a part of God’s grand narrative of how you see others live by faith. for over 40 years, and we can look to the future 4. Looking up to Jesus: with anticipation as our adventure continues. t He is the foundation of our faith from start to finish. t He has given a perfect model for faith from start to finish. t He is the giver and sustainer of our faith from start to finish. Hebrews 13:21 Bible Study / Discussion: 5. Looking forward to joy: t What are you anticipating in the future? In your story, what does the climax look t .BLF B MJTU PG UIF iUBMFOUTw (PE IBT FOUSVTUFE UP like? What happens to the main characters? the people at Valleydale over the years. t 8IBU BSF XF UP EP XJUI UIF iUBMFOUTw BOE TLJMMT XF have today? t 8IBU USVUI JT +FTVT DPNNVOJDBUJOH JO UIJT parable? How does following this truth affect our relationship with Jesus?
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Sermon Notes Matthew 16: 13-19
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Week 2: Make Great environments Monday, October 28
Tuesday, October 29
Wednesday, October 30
Today’s Scripture: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
Today’s Scripture: “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2
Today’s Scripture: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
In the 1880’s a little girl from a poor family won a contest sponsored by the nation’s largest railroad. The prize was a ride on the most prestigious passenger train as the guest of the railroad’s president. The little girl was having a wonderful time, but when supper came she had no idea what to do with all the china and flatware. The little girl stared at her soup for a moment and then began to eat it by lifting the bowl to her mouth and slurping. Everyone’s attention was drawn to her. The waiter hurried to instruct the girl on the proper way to eat soup, but to the waiter’s astonishment the railroad president had raised his bowl and had begun to slurp. Soon the whole car was filled with the sound of slurping soup. The passengers had realized that the little girl’s experience was more important than proper table manners.
In 1 Kings there’s a story about a widow, her son, and the prophet Elijah. The woman and her son are expecting to starve when Elijah comes and asks her to prepare him bread with the small amount of flour and oil she has left. Elijah declares that the Lord said, “The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry.” She never ran out of either. How did the jar and jug keep getting filled? The Bible doesn’t say exactly how; it only gives God credit for doing it. He could have filled the jars in a miraculous manner, but would it have been any less miraculous or any less the work of God if the jar and jug were filled in more common ways? Could God have used her community, family, and perhaps strangers to fulfill his promise? Have you thought about being the very miracle that points someone to God? We have the opportunity to create an environment at Valleydale where needs are met with everyday miracles.
Thankful Thinking
The context for this scripture is Paul encouraging the church to have unity of mind and purpose. One way he does this is by reminding the church of God’s provision. Paul is encouraging the church to think specifically about those things that by their very nature create a spirit of thanksgiving. The Gospel alone is reason enough for the Christian to be the possessor of a grateful spirit. For us at Valleydale, we have forty years of history filled with examples of truth, honor, justice, love, commendation, excellence, and worthiness. Take a moment and think about these things and give thanks, not only for what has been done, but also for what will be done in the years to come. Prayer: Lord, give me a thankful spirit. Give us a spirit of unity and purpose for our church. May the beauty of the Gospel be felt by everyone who comes in contact with our fellowship.
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Slurping Soup
Prayer: Lord, help me be an example of your love by noticing our guests and being sensitive to any needs our guests may have.
Everyday Miracles
Prayer: Lord, help me see how I can be used to point others to you.
Daily Devotionals Thursday, October 31
Friday, November 1
Small Group Activity
Today’s Scripture: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing IPOPS w 3PNBOT
Today’s Scripture: “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!� Psalm 150:1-2
Take the 5-star challenge! Go with a small group or your family to one of your favorite local “environments,� such as a restaurant, a sporting event or a movie. Each person rate the experience in the following areas using the 5-star system (1=lowest to 5=highest). You may all want to jot down this list before you go.
Wonderful
3FNFNCFS (FPSHF #BJMFZ :PV LOPX (FPSHF UIF man who consistently took action to support the needs of people in his community, even at great personal expense. Because of his unselfish lifelong commitment to his community, at the end of the story those whom he had helped returned the blessing to George and committed their resources to help him during his greatest time of need. George realizes that he has led a wonderful life. Obviously, this story line for the classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life� can also be the story line for the environment we create at Valleydale. People create a loving environment by joyfully putting the needs of others before their own. Prayer: Lord, make me sensitive to the particular needs that I can meet.
An Environment for Praise
Take a moment and read all of Psalm 150. The psalmist gives us a picture of God’s people celebrating His excellent greatness. One of the ways we can praise God is to use the resources He has entrusted to us as a means of communicating His love for people. The Valleydale facility is the physical environment given to our congregation to be used for God’s purposes. Ask yourself, “Are we using it in the best possible way?� What if preschool and children spaces were located in the same area, community space was more inviting, students had an area tailored to their needs, and the environment for worship felt more intimate? Take some time to reflect on how we could use our physical environment as an act of praise. Prayer: Father, may we find true joy in creating an environment intended to bless people we haven’t yet met. I pray that our fellowship will be known for the selfless service we extend to one another.
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Once you’ve had an opportunity to enjoy your time together, discuss your ratings with the group. How did the environment impact your overall experience? Which area was the most important factor encouraging your return to this environment? To share a comment about your group’s experience go to info@valleydale.org. Prayer: Father, grant us insight as to how we can better use our building to create an environment that expresses Your love and our praise.
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LifeGroup Lesson
Week 2: Make Great Environments Sunday, November 3
Things to dream about:
Icebreaker Questions:
1. What could it mean to Valleydale to have dedicated children and youth areas?
Today’s Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21
1. What are some examples of great sports environments? 2. What is an example of a great environment for ministry that you have experienced? What about an environment that was not conducive for ministry?
Bible Study/Discussion: 1. Jesus had compassion on the crowds and met their needs (v.14). t Jesus had just learned of the death of John the Baptist and had withdrawn to be by himself. What are some ways Jesus could have reacted when the crowds pursued him? t How did his healing the sick create an environment for people to hear the truth he had to tell them? 2. Jesus created an environment for the crowds to remain and hear the gospel (v.18-21). t What are some possible reasons why Jesus fed the people instead of sending them home? t What can we learn about creating environments for worship/ ministry from this story? 3. Jesus used his disciples to carry out his plan (v.16,19). t John’s version of this story (John 6:1-14) mentions the boy who gave his five loaves and two fish to Jesus. What do you find significant about how Jesus used a child in this miracle? t Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples to distribute the food instead of handing it out himself?
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2. How could our worship experience be enhanced with the seating or configuration of our worship center? Application: Pray that God would make you aware of how you can help create an environment to make Jesus known and make disciples.
Sermon Notes John 13: 1-15, 34-35
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Week 3: MakE Jesus Known Monday, November 4
Tuesday, November 5
Wednesday, November 6
Today’s Scripture: “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” John 13:8
Today’s Scripture: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:18
Today’s Scripture: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
An Environment of Heart Change
The condition of our hearts is of utmost importance. Jesus came to give us new hearts – hearts of flesh and not of stone, hearts that care about what He cares about. We could not make disciples if He had not made us clean and new. Making great environments at Valleydale is not about our becoming a comfy cozy church for ourselves. It is about making room in our hearts for the people to whom we hope to minister in the future. It is about becoming a hospitable and thoughtful environment that makes Jesus known. Think about how Jesus approached you and cleaned your heart. How will you foster great environments for Christ to move in and change the hearts of others? Prayer: Father, thank you for giving us new, clean hearts. Make room in our hearts for others at Valleydale through new environments.
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Your Former Life
Scripture says that those who do not believe in the name of Jesus – God’s one and only Son - stand condemned already. This means they are spiritually dead, and they need the new life of Jesus in order to live fully and abundantly. Today, reflect on your life before Christ. How has your life changed? How have you been made new and set free from old lifestyle patterns and habits? If you accepted Christ at an early age, think about times when you experienced growth in Christ and the changes as you’ve walked with Him. Prayer: Lord, we are amazed at what you have done in our lives. We thank you and praise you for saving us out of darkness and bringing us into Your light.
New Life
Once we have believed in Christ as God’s son, we too have died. We put behind our old lives, ways of thinking, and desires. Now we allow Christ to rule our actions, our thoughts, and our desires. Because of Christ, his death, and His love for us, we trade our lives for His. The life He lives in us is abundant and full. It is a life where the weary find rest.
Today, reflect on your life with Christ. How has it been made new? How is it better? What have you gained by allowing Him to live in you? Prayer: Jesus, thank you for coming to earth and dying so that we may live. Let us always remember with gratitude that you died so we could fully live.
Daily Devotionals Thursday, November 7 Bearing Fruit
Today’s Scripture: “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.â€? John 15:8 This week, we’ve looked at our lives before Christ and our lives after Christ. Because of what Christ has done for us, we should be motivated to give that same great news to others – to make the name of Jesus known to the world around us – to neighbors, friends, children, family. If Christ’s love reigns in us, we will naturally bear the fruit of that love. We will grow and change spiritually. We will become loving, patient, kind, good, faithful, selfcontrolled, gentle, joyful, and peaceful. Through these qualities, we will be different from those apart from Christ, and His fruit in us will draw others to Him. Make a list of those in your life who do not GPMMPX $ISJTU 3FøFDU PO XIBU ZPV BSF EPJOH PS have done to make Jesus known. Prayer: Spirit, help us to be fruitful, multiplying your kingdom for your glory and renown.
Friday, November 8 A City on a Hill
Today’s Scripture: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.� 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.� Matthew 5:14 As Christians, we have been called out of the dark into the light. We don’t just get to make Jesus known and therefore make disciples; we get to influence our culture. Just like the Israelites of the past, we have been set apart as a chosen people. We are set apart so that we can proclaim the excellencies of God! We don’t have to sit back and let the culture dictate who we are or what we believe. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden because its light shines for all to see. Think about how God wants to use Valleydale to proclaim God’s excellencies. Prayer: Father, we pray that we would be culture influencers, bringing Your light to the world.
Small Group Activity Identify 5 major events in your life that make up your story of hope. Some general examples might be: t * HSFX VQ JO B OPO $ISJTUJBO FOWJSPONFOU t * GPVOE $ISJTU UISPVHI B GSJFOE t * TBX (PE T IBOE UISPVHI TVDDFTT BU XPSL t * ESFX DMPTFS UP (PE UISPVHI TVòFSJOH t * FYQFSJFODFE B NBKPS MJGF USBOTJUJPO Looking at your list, identify groups of people that NJHIU SFMBUF UP ZPVS TUPSZ %JTDVTT BOE CSBJOTUPSN each person’s list in your small group to discover who might find hope from your story. Share with the group about one person who has had a profound spiritual impact on your life. Pray and ask God to show you opportunities to encourage others through your experiences. Ask Him for the courage to be obedient to what He shows you. To share a comment about your group’s experience, go to: info@valleydale.org
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LifeGroup Lesson
Week 3: Make Jesus Known Sunday, November 10
Today’s Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16
Icebreaker Questions: 1. What comes to mind when you think of salt? What about when you think of light? 2. What are your immediate areas of impact? In other words, with what people do you have daily or regular interactions?
Bible Study/Discussion:
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3. Jesus next told his disciples they were the light of the world, and as such, they could not be hidden (v.14). t 0OF MBNQ HJWFT MJHIU UP FWFSZPOF JO UIF IPVTF (v.15). What does this tell the believer about how the Christian life is meant to be lived? t 8IBU EJE +FTVT TBZ XBT UIF EFTJSFE FOE SFTVMU of his disciples’ being the light of the world? (v.16)
Things to dream about: 1. How can Valleydale do a better job of enabling its members not to lose their saltiness? 2. Valleydale is literally on a hill. How can we better use our physical location to impact our immediate community? Application: Ponder this question: What am I intentionally doing right now to profoundly impact others? Then pray that God would help you to understand your role as the salt and light of the world. Pray that he would sustain you by his grace to season your community with the salt of the message of the gospel and to allow you to effect conversions in your community through your good testimony and example.
Sermon Notes Acts 1: 1-11
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Week 4: MakE Disciples Monday, November 11
Tuesday, November 12
Wednesday, November 13
Speaking the Truth in Love
Power Supply
Today’s Scripture: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2
Today’s Scripture: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...” Acts 1:8a
Today’s Scripture: “And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8b
Jesus promises that we will receive power. What kind of power? Holy Spirit power! That is the same power that filled Peter (Acts 4:8) and Stephen (Acts 7:54) and enabled them to firmly defend the faith when they were brought before the Sanhedrin. That’s the same Holy Spirit that filled the disciples with joy in the midst of persecution and expulsion from the region (Acts 13:50-52). Take heart Valleydale, for this same power is available to you. If you are a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in you. To be filled with that Spirit is part of the sanctification process which requires “less of me, and more of Him.”
Jesus promises that we will be His witnesses. He doesn’t say, “You could be my witnesses” or “You might be my witnesses” or even “You should be my witnesses.” He simply says “You will.” So the question is not whether we who call ourselves Christians will be witnesses of the Gospel. The question is: “What kind of witness will you be?” So ask yourself, “What kind of witness am I?” Is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) pervasive in your life? Are you living a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1)?
Today’s Scripture reminds us that we should “preach the Word,” which is sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), but to do so “with patience and teaching.” The verse calls us not only to correct and rebuke people, but also to encourage them. Perhaps we should, in the words of C.S. Lewis, encourage those to whom we are witnessing to think of us as patients “with the same disease who just happened to arrive at the hospital a bit before you and only therefore might be able to offer some piece of advice.” Prayer: Father, we know that “speaking the truth in love” can be challenging. Remind us that the Gospel of Christ is the greatest truth, and that sharing it is the greatest act of love.
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Prayer: Father, thank you for giving us the tools to accomplish your mission. Plant this Word in our hearts to remind us that when the task seems daunting and we feel overwhelmed, we are not alone.
The Onus is On Us
Prayer: Father, guide us today, so that our lives reflect the transforming power of the Good News. Help us to reach out to a lost and dying world so desperately in need of you.
Daily Devotionals Thursday, November 14 Harvested Harvesters
Today’s Scripture: “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” Matthew 9:37-38
Friday, November 15
Small Group Activity
Today’s Scripture: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves...” Matthew 10:16a
As a group, choose a country in the world…any country. Now use your smart phone, computer, newspaper, or National Geographic magazine to research that country. Find out about the country’s:
Wolf Bait?
One of the interesting things about these verses is the context, especially as it relates to the brevity of Jesus’ earthly ministry chronicled in the book of Matthew. He calls the first disciples in chapter 4 and calls Matthew in chapter 9. Then (immediately after today’s Scripture), in chapter 10, He sends them out. This bunch of dim-witted, faith-lacking, addlebrained numskulls is now unleashed on the world! When were they trained? What seminary did they attend? Well, the short answer is: nowhere. And the point becomes obvious: the harvesters were coming from the harvest.
Jesus is warning us here that the road we as Christians have been called to travel is not one of comfort and convenience. “Like sheep among wolves”? Would a loving father do that to his children? Well, yes. Not only because it is the best way for a world that rejected the Savior to see how we respond when we too are rejected, but because it’s the only way. Before the beginning of time, before the world came into existence, God foreordained His church, the body of Christ, to take His Gospel to the ends of the earth, and He doesn’t have a Plan B! That’s why Colossians 1:27 says, “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Prayer: Father, forgive us for the excuses we use to comfort ourselves when we fail to be on mission for you. Help us to know that your grace is enough to qualify those you have called.
Prayer: Father, how humbling is the task you have set before us. Lead us, guide us, guard us, direct us, and protect us as we live out this greatest of adventures.
t (FPHSBQIZ t $MJNBUF t 1PMJUJDT t .BKPS SFMJHJPVT CFMJFGT t $VMUVSF Based on what your group has discovered, identify what might be some of the major obstacles to sharing Christ in this country. Now brainstorm with your group how you might overcome some of these obstacles. Conclude your time by praying for your chosen country and asking God to overcome the obstacles that missionaries face there. If you want a good excuse for eating, conclude by going to eat at a local restaurant that best represents your country. Enjoy! To share a comment about your group’s experience go to: info@valleydale.org
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LifeGroup Lesson
Week 4: Make Disciples Sunday, November 17
3. He called His twelve disciples to Him..... These are the names of the twelve apostles.... These twelve Jesus sent out...Matthew 10:1-5
Icebreaker Question: If you could go anywhere in the world on a mission trip, where would you go and what would you like to do?
t 8IBU BSF UIF UXP EJòFSFOU XPSET VTFE GPS UIJT TBNF HSPVQ PG t 8IBU JT UIF EJòFSFODF CFUXFFO B EJTDJQMF BOE BO BQPTUMF -PPL VQ CPUI XPSET JO B dictionary and see if you can find the meaning of the original Greek and Latin words.) t /PX FYQMBJO XIZ UIF XPSET iEJTDJQMFTw BOE iBQPTUMFTw BSF VTFE JO UIJT DPOUFYU BOE in this order. t 8IBU JT UIF PCWJPVT DPODMVTJPO 8IBU EP EJTDJQMFT CFDPNF How are new disciples made?
Today’s Scripture: Matthew 9:35-37 and Matthew 10:1-8
Bible Study/Discussion: 1.Jesus demonstrated going, teaching, and preaching the Gospel (good news) in power to lost and helpless people. Matthew 9:35-36 t 8IFSF EJE )F HP t 8IBU XBT )JT NFTTBHF 3FNFNCFS UIJT XBT CFGPSF )JT EFBUI BOE SFTVSSFDUJPO t 8IBU EP ZPV UIJOL )F NFBOU t 8IBU XBT )JT NPUJWBUJPO JO HPJOH BOE TIBSJOH UIJT HPPE OFXT 2. He explained to His disciples that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. He told them to pray and ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field. Matthew 9:37-38 t 8IBU JT CFJOH IBSWFTUFE 8IPTF IBSWFTU BOE ĂśFME JT JU t 8IBU EP ZPV UIJOL )F NFBOU XIFO )F TBJE UIF IBSWFTU JT QMFOUJGVM %PFT UIJT NFBO JU JT FBTZ TBGF PS QSPĂśUBCMF 3FBE .BUUIFX GPS TPNF DMVFT
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Things to dream about: What would it look like for Valleydale to have a plan to strategically take the Gospel to the ends of the earth...to those who have never heard, to those who have heard but need love and compassion demonstrated, to those who believe a lie - a false gospel, to those who believe but need resources to help reach their own people? Which of these HSPVQT UVHT BU ZPVS IFBSU UIF NPTU %PFT UIBU HJWF ZPV B HMJNQTF PG XIFSF ZPV NJHIU fit in to the strategy? Application: Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His field. Pray for your own willingness to be a messenger of the Gospel as you grow in your personal discipleship. Practice explaining what the Gospel is in a short concise statement so ZPV DBO CF QSFQBSFE UP VTF JU JO ZPVS ĂśFME 6TF $PMPTTJBOT BT B HVJEF
Sermon Notes Matthew 28: 1-20
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Week 5: Make More Possibilities Monday, November 18
Tuesday, November 19
Wednesday, November 20
Today’s Scripture: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations‌ teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you.â€? Matthew 28:19a,20
Today’s Scripture: “Call to me and I will answer you, and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.� Jeremiah 33:3
Today’s Scripture: “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,� declares the -03% i +FSFNJBI B
Daisy
Once upon a time there was a young family: a dad, a mom and a 1-year-old child who obeyed this verse and went. They sold their house, furniture, and cars. Then there was the issue of their dog, the NBO T CFTU GSJFOE %BJTZ 4IF IBE CFFO XJUI IJN since his single days. She helped him welcome a OFX CSJEF BOE B CBCZ UP UIF GBNJMZ %BJTZ DPVME not make this family trip. God provided an incredible new home for %BJTZ CVU UIJT QJDUVSF TQFBLT WPMVNFT 5IFZ HBWF up their beloved possession for strangers they had never met to make Him known and make disciples. What have I given? What am I willing to give? His call on you will be unique. Will you too be obedient to His call? Prayer: Lord, give me an obedient heart to give up any “Daisy� in my life because Your Kingdom is greater.
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Call to Me
Scripture allows us to ask God big questions and expect to hear from Him. He created us to be in relationship with Him. One of the keys to a relationship is communication. We may often talk to God, but His word clearly shows that He talks to His people too. You may or may not hear Him physically, but you can hear Him spiritually. He tells us that we can call to Him, and He will answer us! One of our greatest power sources is praying scripture to God. As you consider how God may want to use your gifts, talents, resources, or time, call to Him and ask. Watching and wait expectantly for His answer. Prayer: Lord, I desire to hear from you about how I can best be used for your Kingdom plan. Give me ears to hear your answer. Thank you.
How do I?
“How do I hear God?� One way of positioning our hearts to hear from God is to seek after Him and pray. God does not desire to hide Himself and His will from us. He wants to be found by us. His word tells us to call out to Him and to pray. Then we are to seek. If something were lost, we would likely stop what we were doing and begin to search diligently to find it. Put a little “stop� in your day and search for God in scripture, prayer, teachings, or by listening to others whom He may put in your path. Prayer: Lord, show me how to seek you today. According to your word, show Yourself to me.
Daily Devotionals Thursday, November 21
Friday, November 22
Today’s Scripture: “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe the he exists and that he rewards those who seek Him.� Hebrews 11:6
Today’s Scripture: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.� Luke 12:32
Believe Me
Believe Me! Many of us have believed God for eternal salvation but have trouble believing Him in the details of our lives. When we seek God and call to Him, He will begin to reveal Himself and His plans to us. Then we must choose to believe Him‌ not just to believe IN Him, but to BELIEVE Him. If God has begun to reveal Himself to you, thank Him! The Sovereign God of the universe is showing Himself to you! That is no small thing. Now, in faith, respond to Him. If you lack faith, ask for it. He will give it to you freely for it is pleasing to Him! Prayer: God, give me the faith to believe You are who You say You are and You can do what You say You can do. Forgive my unbelief and increase my faith. Thank you!
We Got This!
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto the "ODJFOU 0G %BZT 8IBU B HJGU UIBU XF IBWF CFFO given to be chosen by the King of all Kings to be a part of His Kingdom. He has given us authority and power to do His work on earth. Yet, He knew in our flesh we would be fearful. How gentle our King JT UP UFMM VT i%PO U CF BGSBJEw 7BMMFZEBMF )JT HSFBU desire is to give us His Kingdom! Where His praises ring the enemy flees. If you find yourself fearful, praise Him aloud and remember He is giving us the Kingdom! You do not stand alone. You stand with your brothers and sisters in Christ, and we all stand with the King! Prayer: Lord, thank you that you know me so well and have chosen to include me and my family at Valleydale to accomplish the work for your Kingdom. May we be found faithful. Amen.
Small Group Activity Sweet Dreams: Spend some time with your group having doughnuts, coffee, or dessert and dream together about the following: 1. If you had $10,000 and one month’s time to spend it, where would you personally go and what would you personally do? 2. If you had $10,000 and one month’s time to spend it, who would you want to help and how would you help them? 3FDPOTJEFS RVFTUJPO )PX DPVME ZPV CFTU invest this $10,000 to make the greatest impact for the Kingdom of God? It is time to start giving our gifts a purpose. Your gifts may not be financial. What are some specific areas of your life (time, talents, gifts, resources) that you can leverage to their full capacity for His Kingdom? Spend some time together as a group praying that God would reveal how He would have you leverage your resources for Him. Pray that you would clearly hear from Him and step out in faith to obey. To share a comment about your group’s experience go to: info@valleydale.org
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LifeGroup Lesson
Week 5: Make More Possibilities
Sunday, November 24
Today’s Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24 Icebreaker Questions: 1. When you think about what your treasures are on earth, what things come to mind? What things come to mind when you think about heavenly/eternal treasures? 2. Can you think of a time when you had your heart set on an “earthly” treasure and you were disappointed when you finally got it because it didn’t live up to your expectations? 3. Conversely, can you identify times/situations in your life when you clearly knew that your investments of effort and finances were impacting the kingdom of God (which is both ever-present and eternal) and it gave you great fulfillment/joy?
t %P ZPV UIJOL UIBU UIF )PMZ 4QJSJU T MJHIU XJMM CF evident to others if the character trend of your life is to be stingy?
Bible Study/Discussion:
Application/ Personal Reflection:
3. You cannot serve both God and the pursuit of wealth. t 4IBSF BCPVU TPNFPOF ZPV LOPX XIP JT WFSZ generous even though he or she doesn’t have a lot of possessions or a large income.
1. How can we best fight the consumerism/ materialism bombarding us in our affluent culture? How much is enough for us, and what would the benefits be of living more simply? t 8IBU JT +FTVT UFMMJOH VT BCPVU FBSUIMZ USFBTVSFT 2. What are some practical ways I can be more 2. Generosity results in bringing light, while stinginess results in generous with my time, talents, and finances? Take time this week to seriously examine your darkness. (vv.22-23) giving in all these areas and ask yourself if you are t 5IFTF WFSTFT NBZ TFFN UP ZPV BO PEE JOUFSKFDUJPO JO UIF NJEEMF truly giving your best to God. of Jesus’ challenge on making eternal investments. What does Jesus mean by the word picture that the “eye is the lamp of the body”? 1. You will pursue whatever you deem to be the most important treasures in life. (vv.19-21)
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Sermon Notes John 10: 1-11
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Notes
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