Driven by Purpose

Main Thought

God created us intentionally, with unique purpose to fulfill in this life. He gives us unique gifts and abilities to fulfill this purpose. He also uses our life experiences, both good and bad, to shape us for the “good work” laid out for us. We can bring all of these things to God and find purpose in Him. God’s purpose for our individual lives find their place under the banner of His greater purpose. As we make a difference in the lives of others, our stories are bound together like pieces in a puzzle. Together, they paint a picture of God’s love growing and advancing throughout the world.

Main Passages

“I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally (knowing God), your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do (discover purpose), grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers [making a difference]. 

- Ephesians 1:17-18 MSG

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

- Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 ESV

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

- Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. What have others said you are good at or makes you unique? How can you use those to point people to Jesus?

3. In your current season of life, what do you think your purpose is? How has God positioned you to make a difference in the lives of others?

For the Common Good

Main Thought

As Christians, we are to imitate the actions and attitudes of Jesus Christ. Jesus wasn’t motivated by personal benefit when He died on the Cross for our sin. He did it to glorify God the Father - and He did it for the common good. He did it for the benefit of everyone who follows Him; for every member of the “Body of Christ.” The Holy Spirit is moving and active today, which is also for the common good. Are we primarily motivated by personal good, or by the common good of the Body of Christ? God gives us spiritual gifts for the common good. If we aren’t involved, then the Body is incomplete. There are people who need the spiritual gifts that God gave us. Love moves us to serve with excellent effort and an excellent spirit. Then, when we are active as members of God’s Body, we are best-positioned to experience love too.

Main Passages

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

- 1 Corinthians 12:7

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

- 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 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. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

- 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Discussion Questions

1. Who’s someone in the Body of Christ whose spiritual gifts have blessed you? How so?

2. Is there anything stopping you from wholeheartedly loving the Body of Christ in attitude and/or action? 

3. Do you feel that God is calling you to do something for the common good of the Church in this season of your life?

Life Group H.E.A.R. Journal: 1 Corinthians 12

An easy, memorable way to learn how to read and process the Bible is through the H.E.A.R. journaling method. This process helps us read God’s Word with the goal of understanding it and applying it to our lives. The letters in the acronym stand for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. 

Please read the following passages from 1 Corinthians 12, which Pastor Roland featured in his message last week. (Another option for your Life Group: you can complete the Spiritual Gifts test that was handed out as service, and share your results with one another.)

7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

- 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

- 1 Corinthians 12:21-26

Next, do each of the four things listed below:

• Highlight a scripture: Pick one verse (or pick a set of connected or related verses) from 1 Corinthians 12. Highlight this verse or write down the Book, chapter, and verse number.

• Explain the context: By asking some simple questions with the help of God’s Spirit, we can understand the meaning of a passage or verse. What’s happening in the story? Why was this written, and to whom? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? What does God intend to communicate through this text? 

• Apply it to your life: Application is the heart of the process! Answering a series of questions can help us uncover the meaning of these verses to us on a personal level. What is God saying to me? How can this help me? What does this mean today? How would applying this look in my life?

• Respond with action: This is the last part of the H.E.A.R. Journal. Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You can describe how you’ll be different because of what God said to you through His Word. You may indicate what you’re going to do because of what you have learned. You can even respond by writing out a prayer to God.

Share your responses with your group. Pay special to the Apply and Respond steps; that’s where God’s Word comes to life! Let’s encourage each other in God’s Word.

If God is Bigger...

Main Thought

There are big challenges all around us. It’s true now, and it was true for God’s people when the forefathers of our faith walked the earth. One of them was Elijah, the prophet. Our world is very different now; however, Elijah’s life revealed God’s greatness in situations that are similar to ones that we face today. God is bigger than our cultural climate. He’s bigger than any economic recession or our personal needs. God is even bigger than death. God did big things in Elijah’s day, and He still wants to do big things today.

If only we could be like Elijah, right? That’s the thing: we are like Elijah. He was a human being who experienced human emotions, just like we do. But Elijah prayed fervent, passionate, and powerful prayers. He knew that the challenges were big but God was bigger. If we believe that God is bigger, then we will pray bigger prayers. We can come to God in desperate faith, and ask Him to move with the right motives in our hearts. God only answers us after we ask Him.

Main Passages

Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”

- 1 Kings 17:1

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

- James 5:17-18

…You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

- James 4:2-3

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. The book of James suggests that we may not receive answers to prayer because we 1) don’t ask God, or 2) ask with selfish motives. Do either of these two things apply to you?

3. What’s one big thing that you’d like to ask God for? Find a partner and pray.

Walking in Freedom

Main Thought

God paid the price to set us free from sin and death by becoming our sacrifice on the cross. But is that all there is to our Christian walk? What happens between now and when we get to heaven? Following Jesus means more than claiming our salvation. It means transformation. The Holy Spirit can helps us become more like Jesus - more loving, kind, graceful, true and so on - as we follow Him. Let’s look to God and how He’s transforming us; if we do that, then we’ll gain a clearer picture of the people we’re becoming in Christ Jesus.

Main Passages

16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

- 1 Corinthians 3:16-20

10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

- Romans 8:10-11

7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

- 2 Timothy 1:7

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. 2 Timothy 1:7 says that God gives us power, love, and self-control. Which of those three things do you need more of in this season of your life?

3. What kind of person do you believe you’re becoming in Jesus? What kind of person do you want to be in Him?

The Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit

Main Thought

Being a follower of Jesus means much more than going to church or trying to live a good life. It means letting the Holy Spirit change you. Transformation happens when we invite Him in and allow Him to defeat other “gods,” or idols and sin, in our lives. After the Holy Spirit defeats them, he gives us the authority to remove them. We remove these things when we recognize them for what they are, confess them to God in repentance, and replace old thoughts and actions with new ones. Prayer and fasting help us find breakthrough, especially in community. God wants us to do more than perform religious duties; He wants to transform us from the inside out.

Main Passages

10 So David was not willing to take the ark of the Lord into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household. 12 And it was told King David, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing.

- 2 Samuel 6:10-12

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

- 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?

2. Why can it be hard for us to allow God to transform us?

3. What’s one thing that God wants to transform in you?

Walk by the Spirit?

Main Thought

“Walk by the Spirit.” It’s a famous phrase, but what does it mean? If we want to walk by the Spirit, then we should also recognize things we need to avoid. Self-righteous actions and attitudes must be renounced. Self-righteousness fills us with arrogance based on our own “goodness.” We should also reject the temptation to rebel against God. There’s a long list of “rebellious” sin, from murder and theft to anger and envy. But these sins all tell the same lie: that there’s greater satisfaction away from God’s presence than there is in God’s presence. These things don’t lead to satisfaction - they lead to destruction! 

We want to experience God’s love, joy, and peace and more. That’s why we should walk by the Spirit! Walking by the Spirit means moving toward God. It refers to the direction of our lives and the steps we take to get there. The left-and-right steps of walking by the Spirit are denying sin and choosing God. We choose God when we choose the Word, prayer, and Life Group. We can choose media that glorifies Him, or silence and reflection to remind us of His presence. This process can feel slow when we’re only focused on the next step - just like walking does. But keep walking by the Spirit. Consistent efforts produces clear results.

Main Passages

“16 But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” 

- Galatians 5:16

24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 

- Galatians 5:24-25

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 

- Galatians 6:9

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above? Why?

2. Which category of sin is a bigger struggle for you right now: self-righteousness or rebellion?

3. What habit can you develop in order to “keep in step with the Spirit” and move closer to God?

Bonding with the Holy Spirit

Main Thought

The Holy Trinity. Three distinct persons, one God. We recognize God the Father and Jesus the Savior; however, the Holy Spirit often doesn't get the same consideration. It may be due to misunderstanding, fear, or unfamiliarity. But we find our true identity by bonding with the Holy Spirit. He was sent to be with us and dwell within us. We can spend time with Him, learn to recognize His voice, and obey Him. By embracing the Holy Spirit and His purpose in our lives, we find our identity in God. God’s power moves through us when we find ourselves in Him.

Main Passages

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

- Romans 8:14-17

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

- John 16:7

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

- Acts 1:8

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?

2. When you think of bonding with the Holy Spirit, what comes to mind? How do you get closer to God?

3. Why do you think it’s important to find identity in God before we can truly do great things for God?

The Holy Spirit in our Journey

Main Thought

Jesus Christ died, rose again, and ascended on high. He left the was the earth - but He didn’t want to leave us empty-handed! Jesus interceded on our behalf, and God the Father sent His Holy Spirit to us. The Holy Spirit is here to help us on our journey through life. It’s the Spirit who helps us to become God’s children. The Holy Spirit also helps us to be empowered witnesses for Jesus. A witness is someone who shares what they’ve experienced; God wants to empower us as we share what we’ve experienced in God with others. The Holy Spirit wants to abide with us, both in our lives and in our ministries, forever.

Main Passages

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.

- John 14:16

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

- John 20:19-21

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

- Acts 1:6-8

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you in last Sunday’s sermon, the Main Thought, or the Main Passages above?

2. What do you think it means to be empowered by God to be a witness? Have you ever experienced God’s empowerment?

3. How can we abide in the Holy Spirit’s presence?

Healthy Soul of Forgiveness

Main Thought

God created us to love Him and to one another. But we live in a fallen world where everyone sins. As a result, forgiving one another is a necessity. We forgive because Jesus forgave us first. Jesus offers forgiveness that is immediate and unconditional. He commands us to do the same. Forgiveness means that we release offenses, allow God to judge, and won’t use past offenses maliciously against the offending party. (It doesn’t mean immediate trust and restored relationship. Forgiveness is immediately given; trust is gradually earned.) If we don’t forgive others, then Jesus withholds forgiveness from us. It reveals that we don’t understand how much God forgave us from, and our relationship with Him becomes strained. Unforgiveness imprisons us. Forgiveness sets us free, while demonstrating the power of the Gospel to all who see it.

Main Passages

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.

28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.

32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

- Matthew 18:23-35 ESV

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

- Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you from last Sunday’s sermon, in the Main Thought, or in the Main Passages above?

2. Reflect on God’s forgiveness toward you. What does it mean to you?

3. Is there a situation in which you need to extend forgiveness to someone else? How might that play out practically for you? (You can be vague regarding names or other specifics, if that’s necessary or wise.)

Freedom in Christ: The Iceberg Principle

Main Thought

Almost everyone comes to Jesus looking for something. We want answers to our questions. We want Him to fix our pain and suffering. But these things are often only “the tip of the iceberg.” About 10-20 percent of an iceberg is visible above the water’s surface, while 80-90 percent lies beneath the surface. In a similar fashion, the Iceberg Principle communicates the idea that 80-90 percent of the issues in our lives actually lie beneath the surface. They’re things that we aren’t aware of, or things that we don’t want to talk about. Jesus wants to get past our surface issues. He wants to dig deeper and deliver us, help us, and sets us free.

Main Passages

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

- John 3:16 NIV

“The thief purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

- John 10:10 NLT

“Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

- John 8:31-32 NLT

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you in last Sunday’s sermon, in the Main Thought, or in the Main passages?

2. Why do you think people have a tendency to only allow Jesus access to “surface issues” in their lives?

3. What would it look like for Jesus to go past the surface in your life? How does He want to heal you or set you free?

Keys to Countering Anxiety

Main Thought

Everyone feels anxious at times. God invites us to bring our anxious feelings to Him, but that’s easier said than done. Feeling anxious can lead to anger, aimless activity, or both. The 12 Disciples probably felt and acted this way when they were trapped in a storm once. Eventually, they turned to Jesus and said: “Do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus DID care that the Disciples were in a dangerous storm. He was in the boat with them!

In a similar way, Jesus is “in our boat.” He faced his own anxiety-inducing situations. He was questioned by the authorities of his day; He was threatened with violence; and, eventually, He died as an innocent man on the Cross. In the face of these situations, Jesus humbly trusted the Father. Our problems can be big - but God is still bigger. Jesus was confident in the Father’s care for Him, and He moved forward with divine assurance. These three keys can help us stand strong in anxious moments too.

Main Passages

36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

- Mark 4:38

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

- 1 Peter 5:6-7

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

- Proverbs 3:5-6

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. Have you battled anxious emotions recently? What happened?

3. What makes it hard for you believe that God cares for you? What helps you remember God’s care for you?

When We're Stuck

Main Thought

Everyone feels “stuck” sometimes. Bad or unexpected things happen. We become disillusioned with our lives or in our relationship with God. We feel helpless, weary, and empty. These seasons of difficulty, sometimes called “Walls” or “Dark Nights of the Soul,” come and go throughout life. We usually can’t do anything to make our seasons of difficulty end sooner, just like we can’t make the heat of the Las Vegas summer end sooner. 

We are able to adapt to our current season and prepare for the coming seasons. But it’s God who changes the seasons. We can deepen our trust in God as we wait on Him to change things. Meanwhile, God uses our Walls and Dark Nights to change us. He uses our trials like a loving fire that purifies our character and strengthens our souls. If we pause at our Walls, reflect on what God’s doing in us, and participate with Him, then we’ll leave our worst moments as better versions of ourselves.

Main Passages

Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. 2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. 3 I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.

- Psalm 69:1-3

13 But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. 14 Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. 15 Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me.

- Psalm 69:13-15

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

- James 1:2-4

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. Have you ever faced your own “wall” or “dark night of the soul”? What happened?

3. Has God ever used your trials to transform you for the better, or could He be doing that right now? How can we participate with Him in the process?

How to be Yourself

Culture is obsessed with the idea of finding one’s self. Christians believe that God created mankind - but it goes even further than that. God created each of us as unique individuals with unique identities. Instead of creating our own identities, we are meant to receive our identities as a gift from God. Every part of who we are - our emotions, our personalities, our passions - make the most sense in Him.

Instead, we often try to create our identities with the help of different “masks.” We mask ourselves with performance, or the things we can do; with possessions, or the things that we have; and with popularity, or the way others think of us. All of these things are insufficient to provide identity because they’re subject to change. If we recognize our masks and remove them, then God can reveal our identities. He helps us see who we’re made to be, and teaches us to be ourselves.

Main Passages

“And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”

- Luke 4:2-3

5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”

- Luke 4:5-7

9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here…

- Luke 4:9-12

21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

- Luke 3:21-22

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. Which one of the three masks - performance, possessions, or popularity - have you struggled with most recently?

3. How can God help us become the best versions of ourselves?

The Promise of Power

Main Thought

Jesus promised us power through the presence of God’s Holy Spirit. It’s encouraging to know that we have access to power that comes from God’s presence! But this power is for a purpose. We are to be witnesses for God, both through our words and our actions. God’s power can operate through us to have a profound impact on the world around us. This power comes with a price though. Sacrifice releases God’s power. We can sacrifice things like our time to spend it with God; food, in order to fast and pray; even sin, in order to be nearer to God. The greater the sacrifice, the greater the power that is released.

Main Passages

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

- Acts 1:4-5

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

- Acts 1:8-9

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

- Ephesians 4:30-32

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. What do you think it means to walk with the Holy Spirit?

3. What’s one thing you can give up in order to experience more of God’s Spirit in your life?

The Proven Power of the Cross

Main Thought:

The cross is perhaps the most prominent symbol of Christianity. It’s image is iconic to us today. It was just as iconic in ancient times. When a cross was visible, death was inevitable and unfortunately, it was too well known. Jesus was far from the only person who would perish on a cross. As a matter of fact, thousands upon thousands of others perished in the same way. The process of crucifixion would be perfected by the Romans and was considered to be one of the most brutal and shameful ways to die. So if it was so common, what made Jesus death on the cross different from the thousands of others who died the same way? The answer is found in Jesus purpose. His death was part of a divine plan to save humanity. When Jesus died on the cross, supernatural power needed to be released. The bible says that the earth shook, rocks split, tombs broke open and the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom! That’s some serious power! But it didn’t stop there. The power of the cross continued when Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. His resurrected life is proof that this power is unceasing. Jesus death and resurrection comes with a purpose. That we would experience his life changing power, that our changed lives would reveal God’s message, and His power would manifest among others.

Main Texts:

5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. - Matthew 28:5-8

9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.

12 Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. - Mark 16:9

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18

Discussion Questions:

1. What stands out to you the most from the main thought or the main texts?

2. Have you experienced the power of Jesus? Briefly share one specific area of your life that His power has brought a significant change.

3. Our changed lives are meant to be proof of God’s continuous power. Do you think others recognize God’s work in your life? In what ways can you reveal more of God to others?

Responses of the Humble King

Main Thought

Betrayal. An abandonment or violation of trust by someone close to you. A husband betrayed by his wife. An employee passed over for a promotion by an employer who had promised it. A secret between friends brought to light for all to see. A promise made to a child so easily broken by a parent. Jesus experienced betrayal in a much more intense way in by Judas, by his disciples and the crowds of people who were thought to be loyal to him. We often respond to betrayal with hurt, anger or by dwelling on the circumstances. Jesus responded differently. Through his example, we have a model of how to handle situations of betrayal should they come our way.

Main Passages

 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. - Isaiah 53:3-7

47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant[g] of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled. - Matthew 26:47-56

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think of or what feeling arise when you hear the word betrayal?

2. Have you or someone you love ever experienced some sort of betrayal? If you feel comfortable, briefly describe what happened and the initial response to the situation

3. How will Jesus’ responses to betrayal help you handle similar situations of your own?

Triumphal Entry

Main thought

A red carpet is traditionally used to mark the route taken by VIP’s like heads of state, celebrities or other guests of honor as they arrive at formal events. The event is usually accompanied by a lot of fanfare and attention. Jesus experienced this type of treatment a week before his death and resurrection as he entered Jerusalem on a donkey. The purpose of Jesus entry into Jerusalem was  to publicly proclaim that he was the king and messiah prophesied about in the Old Testament. The multitudes of people hailed him as their king laying their garments down along the path as he entered (Their version of a red carpet). Unfortunately, their praise was short lived when Jesus failed to meet their expectations. The people wanted a king to free them from Roman oppression but Jesus came for very different reasons. Jesus kingdom is not one of military might, but a kingdom of servanthood. Jesus doesn’t rule by force, but by love, grace, mercy and sacrifice. Jesus wants to make a triumphal entry into our hearts so that, as we follow him, we can exhibit those same qualities so that the world can see the true king living and reigning in triumph within us. 

Main Texts

8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. 9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” 11 And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. - Mark 11:8-11

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man - Acts 17:24

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you from the main thought and texts from above?

2. Have you invited Jesus to rule and reign in your life? If so, what does your life tell others about Jesus living in you?

3. What areas of your life need the rulership and lordship of Jesus?

Going Back to Go Forward

Main Thought

In life, sometimes we find ourselves going the wrong direction. Maybe you made a bad decision or followed some bad advice. Maybe it wasn’t your fault and you’re in a bad situation because of somebody else’s choices and now you’re off course. The good news is you’re not stuck!. You can change course by making a decision to follow God. It starts with something called “repentance” which literally means to turn or change direction. But Once we change direction we must continue walking in that direction by living a life of repentance. If we do this we will arrive at the destination God intended for us. 

Main Passages:

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, - Romans 5:12-20                                      

“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. - Deuteronomy 28:1-2

15 “But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you. Deuteronomy 28:15

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. - Galations 3:13-14

Discussion Questions:

1. What stands out to you from the main thought or passages above?

2. Describe one or two positive actions or attitudes that you feel you inherited from your parents. If you feel comfortable, discuss any negative ones.

3. Do you feel like your life is going in the right direction? Is there an area of your life that you feel is stuck or going in circles? If so, is there someone you trust that you can speak to for help?

Don't Quit, Find your Grit

Main Thought

You may not want to hear this but all christians suffer. Either you have, you are, or you will. But God doesn’t randomly allow us to experience tough seasons. Sometimes God leads us to them and through them because he has a purpose in them. Most of us are familiar with the term, IQ or Intelligence Quotient. It indicates a person’s mental ability. A less familiar term is something called AQ or Adversity Quotient. AQ measures how effectively one responds to adversity and their ability to continue to work through it. When it comes to success in life, scientists and psychologists agree that AQ is more important than IQ. A more simple description of AQ would be GRIT, which is the ability to persevere over a long period of time without giving up. You won’t find the word grit in the Bible. But God’s word describes grit in other ways like, endurance and steadfastness. The bible informs us that “in this world there will be trouble” (John 16:33). Therefore, we need grit to make it through the tough seasons of life. The good news is grit can be developed. But grit alone is not enough. We also need God’s grace which is enough when grit runs out. When we encounter difficult times the Bible encourages us to endure and persevere because there is a reward which comes in the form of changed lives. First yours and eventually others.

Main Passages:

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.  8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
- 2 Timothy 2:1-10

Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
- 2 Timothy 2:1-10

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
- Galations 6:9

38 Then he (Jesus) said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
- Matthew 26:38-39

Discussion Questions:

1. On a scale of 1-5, when you experience difficult times, what would you say is your “GRIT” level? (1 = You give up easily and 5 = You’re the king of the grind) Briefly explain your answer. 

2. During difficult times, do you typically rely on your own effort or do you typically ask God for help? Why?

3. How will this week’s topic change the way approach difficult seasons of life moving forward?