Beyond Belief Vision Booklet

ART DIRECTION Jonathan Norton, Kari Sagal CONTENT Craig Walter, Jim Ratte, Joe Jensen, Jonathan Norton, Julie Bullock, Klint Bitter, Lisa Ashton, Marc Montanye, Mark Ashton, Nancy Davies, Rachel Bebee, Reid Brown, Robert Alter, Robert Murphy, Terry Carpenter, Wendell Nelson EDITING Rachel Bebee GRAPHIC DESIGN Dillon Wheelock, Kari Sagal, Marie Dufour, Rachel Bebee PHOTOGRAPHY Alex Talmon, Austin Neill, B-Twien Clicks Photography, Braxton Stuntz, Bryan Minear, Craig Walter, Denys Nevozhai, Dương Trần Quốc, Eva Blue, Fré Sonneveld, Hendra Saputra, Jack Ford, Jakob Owens, Jared Erondu, Jessica Logue, Josh Calabrese, Joshua Earle, Ken White, Marie Dufour, Monika Geble, Nicholas Sampson, Nicolai Dürbaum, Samantha Scholl, Scott Webb Published by Christ Community Church, Copyright 2017 404 S 108 Ave, Omaha, NE 68154 402.330.3360 | cccomaha.org

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S 04

A Letter from Pastor Mark

06

Where We’ve Been

10

Growth & Health

11

Next Generation

12

Global & Local Missions

14

CCC Church Plants

16

Our Future

19

One Fund

20

Beyond Our Walls

21

Beyond Our Borders

22

Beyond Ourselves

24

Your Giving Journey

26

Commitment Card Sample

27

Giving Chart

30

Message Notes

36

The Life of David: Series Guide

42

Prayer & Preparation

46

Journey Group Guide

68

Frequently Asked Questions

A

4

C H R I S T

L E T T E R F R O M PA S TO R M A R K

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

For 96 years, Christ Community Church has been making disciples of Jesus for Kingdom impact. We have been seeking the deeper life in Christ and sending missionaries to the least-reached places on the planet. We take our mission seriously.

Over the years, we have seen kids raised to love Jesus, marriages restored, lost people found, lonely people included, pain healed, hospitals built, pastors trained, and love poured out worldwide.

Thousands have trusted Christ and grown to become ambassadors for Jesus in a needy world.

Each generation has sacrificed for the next. Buying property, building buildings, renovating facilities, sending missionaries, developing disciple-making initiatives—all contribute to the incredible ministry that has so impacted each of our lives. We are so grateful for each generation of Kingdom-minded risk-takers that have brought us to where we are today, and seek to emulate them to bless the next generation.

We are now ready to enter into a defining season for our church. It is a season of radical surrender and radical generosity called Beyond Belief.

I pray that it will set us up to thrive for another 96 years of ministry!

Our primary goal is 100% engagement in full surrender to Jesus. We dream of disciples of Jesus moving Beyond Belief to surrender, giving themselves afresh to Christ and His purposes in a way that moves us to a whole new level spiritually as a church. We dream of being recklessly abandoned to Jesus, surrendering control, surrendering our fears and pains, and even surrendering our strengths and dreams to Him. When 100% of thousands of people freshly surrender to Jesus, the Spirit will move in powerful ways to reach the lost, heal the broken, plant churches, release resources, equip missionaries, raise up pastors, and extend compassion to those in need. When we are surrendered, what God can do is Beyond Belief!

We look forward with great anticipation to what God will do in us and through us as we seek Him wholeheartedly. May God simultaneously stretch you and strengthen you as you take the journey Beyond Belief!

Lead Pastor

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

5

WHERE WE’VE BEEN 96 YEARS OF IMPACTING LIVES

Throughout the past 96 years, Christ Community Church has registered some key milestones that represent growth both in numbers and impact on lives at home and around the world.

These significant steps represent a journey that still continues today as we look forward to the coming decades with anticipation to see what God has planned for us collectively and individually.

1921 R. R. Brown invited to hold evangelistic meetings in Omaha

1922

6

Nightly tent meetings held June–September on a vacant lot west of 20th and Douglas

December groundbreaking for original building of the Omaha Gospel Tabernacle

Radio broadcast began and grew to 500,000 listeners across the Midwest

Sacrificial giving by congregation provided funds for missionaries to start work in West Africa

Dr. Brown started the summer Bible & Missionary Conference at Lake Okoboji, Iowa

Before he passed away, Dr. Brown commissioned Reverend Gordon Wishart to lead the congregation

1922

1923

1933

1935

1964

1978 26 acres of land purchased at current site

7

1981 Services began in the new Worship Center in December

1982 Reverend Robert Thune called as Senior Pastor

1986

1989

Name changed from Omaha Gospel Tabernacle to Christ Community Church

Additions began being built in 1989 and were finished in 2001 (Family Life Center, Education Center, and Atrium)

1991

2004

8

CCC began working to combat poverty and bring people to Jesus in Village One

Building to the north renovated to become the Student Center

2006 Lead Pastor Mark Ashton began ministry on Easter Sunday

2006 West Africa Hospital project raised $1 million

CCC rebranded to represent expanding circles of gospel influence, as described in Acts 1:8

2009

2010

CCC began supporting an orphanage and providing Bibles and training in the Far East

Purchased The Porch, which currently houses CityCare Counseling, The Pillar Seminary, and Ministry Innovation Space

2014

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

9

G R O W T H & H E A LT H Although the impact of a church cannot be measured in numbers, it serves as a good gauge for health. When new people are coming and plugged into Journey Groups, it creates a thriving and spiritually nourishing environment.

Since the day we first opened our doors, health—as measured in a few key areas—has always been a goal.

VOLUNTEERS

10

1558

Average number of people serving

SALVATIONS

190

BAPTISMS

164

Commitments to follow Jesus in 2017 (through September)

Baptisms in 2017 (through September)

ATTENDANCE

3635

JOURNEY GROUPS

1547

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

Average Sunday morning attendance (all ages)

Average number of adults in Journey Groups per month, with an average of 116 groups meeting each month

C H U R C H

N E X T G E N E R AT I O N 525

Average number of kids in Kids Connect each Sunday

326

Average number of kids in Kids Clubs each Wednesday

128

Average number of middle school students in Journey Groups

157

Average number of high school students in Journey Groups

90

Average number of college students at 8:08 each Thursday

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

11

VILLAGE ONE volunteers served in Village One & local missions in 2016

Kids enjoy the annual block party hosted

by CCC & Bridge Church / Since 1991, CCC has worked to combat poverty and bring people to Jesus in Village One

hours served at SIVO 2016

CCC SU PP O RTS 3 1 M I SS I O N A R I E S pastors trained in the Far East

THE FAR EAST

people served on 8 different short-term mission trips around the globe in 2016 A counselor training session for church leaders in the Far East / Since 2010, CCC has provided Bibles & training in the Far East

WEST AFRICA

A mother and her baby at the hospital CCC supports / Since 1933, CCC has worked in West Africa providing Bible training for local pastors, medical care, and animal inoculations (photo by B-Twien Clicks Photography)

babies safely born in the hospital we helped build

Bible schools training & equipping future pastors

CCC I S AC TI V E I N 12 COU NTR I E S Alliance Christians currently in Cuba

CUBA

Alliance churches with 92 budding house churches currently in Cuba A street in Centro Habana / This year, CCC will begin working with pastors and churches in Cuba (photo by Eva Blue)

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

13

CCC CHURCH PLANTS Part of our dream for the future is to continue to plant churches.

Since 1932, CCC has planted over a dozen churches in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.

Fremont

Wahoo

Gretna 14

Bellevue: Bellevue Community Bellevue: New City Church in 2014 Benson: Bhutanese Nepali New Life Church in 2010 Blackstone: Providence Church in 2017 (co-plant with Citylight Midtown) Council Bluffs: Sherwood Community Gretna: Journey Church in 2008 Fremont: Fremont Alliance in 1932 Lincoln: Rosemont Alliance in 1950

Midtown: Citylight Midtown in 2011 Missouri Valley, IA: Grace Community Fellowship North Omaha: Bridge Chapel North in 2016 North Omaha: Mission Church in 2017 Omaha: Coram Deo in 2005 Omaha: Vietnamese Alliance in 1980 Red Oak, IA: Faith Community Church in 1984 Wahoo: Wahoo Community Church

Missouri Valley, IA

Red Oak

15

OUR F UTU R E WE’ RE GOI NG B E YO N D B ELI EF

16

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

P R I M A RY G OA L : 1 0 0 % E N G AG E M E N T We want every single person to surrender more deeply to God and grow in generosity.

We dream that every member of CCC would fully surrender to Christ and makes significant impact for the sake of the Kingdom of God. We dream of kids raised in the power of Jesus, students growing in passion for God, relationships healed, marriages restored, lost people found, lonely people connected, and love poured out worldwide.

We dream of churches planted, pastors raised up, and a citywide collaboration to reach Omaha with the good news of Jesus Christ.

We dream of a new day internationally where the least-reached places are filled with hundreds of freshly trained pastors and hundreds of newly planted churches.

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

17

SECONDARY GOAL: $22 MILLION Over the next two years, we want to raise $22 million so that we can increase our support of local and global missions and improve CCC venues to disciple people and fuel current and future generations to advance God’s Kingdom.

B E YO N D O U R WA L L S $3.8 MILLION Building on our current ministry foundation of $2 million that supports local missions in Village One, church planting, and CCC community ministry, we seek $1.8 million to fund additional local missions and church planting in Omaha, to fund the CCC Church Residency program and various citywide evangelism projects, and to complete Porch renovations.

B E YO N D O U R B O R D E R S $5.7 MILLION Building on our current ministry foundation of $3.9 million that supports training pastors in West Africa, investing in leaders in the Far East, and supporting the Great Commission Fund and CCC global ministry, we seek $1.8 million to support church planting in West Africa and to continue supporting two Bible colleges there, to commission missionaries, to increase Great Commission Fund giving by 25%, and to establish a new partnership with Alliance churches in Cuba.

B E Y O N D O U R S E LV E S $12.5 MILLION Building on our current ministry foundation of $9.1 million that supports CCC local ministry, we seek $3.4 million to renovate the Worship Center, Gym, and disciple-making venues for the next generation of ministry, and provide for needed staff security, safety, and office updates.

18

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

ONE FUND:

ROLLING OUR GIVING INTO ONE The Beyond Belief fund is a “one fund” approach. That means that all of our giving to Christ Community Church, our citywide impact, and all of our missions initiatives—including the Great Commission Fund—will come out of a single bucket. This will enable us to staff and operate the church at full capacity, accomplish building improvements, establish new ministries, send missionaries around the world, and grow the Kingdom exponentially.

When you give to the Beyond Belief fund, you will be giving to our kids ministry and to West Africa and to the Great Commission Fund and to improve the Gym and to raise a generation of residents for ministry and to transform adults through discipleship and to reach Village One… When you give to the Beyond Belief fund, you have the opportunity to impact every critical ministry that CCC is empowering.

In a normal two-year cycle, CCC giving would be about $15 million. We believe through this generosity initiative, God will provide an additional $7 million. Outside our Core Ministry Fund, giving will be split equally between special projects and giving to missions. We have the great joy of being able to create a platform for decades of ministry in Omaha while creating catalytic Kingdom growth for generations to come. Our God is up to something Beyond Belief!

B E YO N D O U R WA LL S $3.8 Million

Continue our investments into our key partners to transform the lives of families and individuals in Village One.

Fill the leadership pipeline with 24 students through the Church Residency Program. They will graduate fully prepared for ministry without further debt.

Finish renovations at The Porch to reach Old Mill with the good news of Jesus by providing a community meeting space and a coffee shop.

Lead 50 Within Reach churches to increase evangelistic intensity, plant 50 churches, and unleash unprecedented compassion on Omaha.

Plant churches throughout the Omaha metro.

20

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

B E YO N D O U R B O R D E R S $5.7 Million

Train pastors and plant 200+

Invest in hundreds of leaders in

churches in West Africa

the Far East to plant churches

in the next 10 years.

and grow disciples.

Pioneer new work in Cuba

Increase giving to the Great

to train pastors and plant

Commission Fund by 25%

53 new churches by 2020.

to $1 million per year.

G R E AT C O M M I S S I O N F U N D : 2 5 % I N C R E A S E The Christian and Missionary Alliance is committed to taking the best news ever to the leastreached people. We want to go to the hardest to reach places where all the odds are stacked against us. The Great Commission Fund (GCF) finances missionaries who go in secret to dangerous places to introduce people to Christ.

Billions of people in the world have never heard about Jesus. We believe each of them should hear about Jesus for the first time before reached people hear about him for the fiftieth time.

The vast majority of global missions funding goes to people groups in the world that are already reached. The GCF is different. We target people and places who have never heard that they might have the opportunity to believe and receive eternal life through Jesus.

CCC has been a lead giver to this fund for decades. We dream of increasing our giving to record levels of $1 million dollars per year, which is a growth of 25% over recent years. When we give generously, what God can accomplish in the hardest to reach places is Beyond Belief!

B E Y O N D O U R S E LV E S $12.5 Million

One of the greatest ministry tools CCC has is the building God has provided for our ministry right here in Omaha. Visionary people of the past have created a first-class, debt-free property and facility.

Every 20–30 years, great facilities need to be renovated for the emerging generation. Since our last renovation, our venues have seen over 3 million visits and are showing their wear. Each needs to be refreshed and upgraded for the next generation of ministry.

Our dream is to create outstanding facilities where people of all ages, both now and in the upcoming generation, can experience God through worship! CCC’s facilities will have new seating and carpet, a unified look between both venues, and upgraded technology. The Worship Center will be optimized for both the traditional and contemporary services.

The new technology will allow us to stream both the traditional and contemporary services on the Internet every week in a high-quality manner. Through these upgrades, CCC will be able to engage an entirely new audience online with the good news of Jesus in styles that reach multiple audiences.

The Gym will be equipped with new flooring, lights, and technology.

These updates will benefit both the ministry for kids and students that happen throughout the week, as well as worship gatherings on Sundays.

We anticipate there will be millions of worship encounters in the next twenty years that will shape the lives of tens of thousands of people.

An upgraded facility will enable that to happen with maximum impact.

The encounters people have with God will be Beyond Belief!

22

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

Mock-ups of the updated Worship Center (above) and Gym (below). Note: Image shows design intent only.

Reference the construction documents for actual building construction (provided by Ayars & Ayars, Inc).

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

23

YO U R G I V I N G J O U R N E Y GROWING IN GENEROSITY

INITIAL GIVER 2 Corinthians 8:7–15 An Initial Giver is someone who decides to give for the first time, out of a response to God’s Word about giving. This is someone who decides to give something and trust God and the leaders of the Church with this gift.

CONSISTENT GIVER 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 A Consistent Giver is someone who decides to give something and give it consistently to exercise the discipline of giving regularly. Often, someone who decides to make their gift an online recurring gift will be someone who is learning the behavior of consistency. Non-online givers can be consistent givers as well of course; it just requires more discipline.

INTENTIONAL GIVER HOUSE

FOOD

GIVING

Luke 14:28–35 An Intentional Giver is someone who begins to think about their giving in relation to other things on which they spend their money. For example, this type of giver begins asking the question, “Why am I giving more to my cell phone company than I am giving to God? Should I be giving to God more than I give for my car payment each month?” This giver starts to make their giving an intentional choice that reflects how they prioritize and spend their money. This may be the point of intentionality when someone begins to tithe, reflecting intentionally about a certain amount/percentage they want to give to God.

24

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

SURRENDERED GIVER Colossians 1:15–18, 22–23 A Surrendered Giver is someone who recognizes the cost Christ paid on the cross for us and is surrendered to honoring God with 100% of their resources as a result. A Surrendered Giver gives in a way that changes them. Their giving governs their spending/saving, rather than their spending/saving governing their giving. A Surrendered Giver isn’t concerned with what they are giving but more concerned with what they’re not giving and why. They seek to honor God with 100% of what He has given them, whether direct monetary giving or a God-honoring use of an existing resource like a home or a vehicle.

LIFETIME GIVER 1 Timothy 6:6–19 A Lifetime Giver is someone who thinks about the longterm effects of generosity rather than month-to-month generosity or even year-to-year. A Lifetime Giver makes decisions in the short term which have longer term effects as it relates to their generosity capacity. They think of what home they buy, what car they purchase, how much savings they choose to keep, all in relation to their generosity capacity. A Lifetime Giver might be someone who has a lifetime giving goal which governs their larger-ticket decisions. Much like a Surrendered Giver makes a commitment that will govern his/her monthly and annual decisions, a Lifetime Giver makes a lifetime or longer-term giving commitment that governs his/her larger-item purchases like homes, cars, investments, and the like.

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

25

COMMITMENT CARD SAMPLE Below is an example of the commitment card. As you consider your giving, pray and ask God what He would have you give to Beyond Belief. This includes all the giving you would direct toward our Core Ministry Fund, the Great Commission Fund, the Building Fund, and the Benevolence Fund, plus your increased generosity during this season.

HOW TO FILL OUT THE COMMITMENT CARD: 1. Write what you/your family would normally give in a year in Box 1.

2. Write what God would have you give in expanded annual generosity in Box 2.

3. Write the sum of Box 1 + Box 2 in Box 3.

4. Multiply the sum of Box 3 by 2. Write the total in Box 4.

5. Consider any stored resources you/your family have that God might be asking you to surrender. Write that number in box 5.

6. Write the sum of Box 4 + Box 5 in Box 6.

BOX 1

What I/we would normally give in a year (Core Ministry Fund, Great

BOX 2

My/Our expanded annual generosity as part of the Beyond Belief initiative

Commission Fund, Benevolence Fund)

BOX 3 BOX 4 BOX 5

Gifts from my/our stored resources

M Y / O U R T O T A L T W O -- Y E A R BEYOND BELIEF COMMITMENT

$

BOX 6 December 2017–December 2019

26

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

GIVING CHART A TWO-YEAR GUIDE As you pray and discern how God would ask you to give during this time of Beyond Belief, use the gift chart below as a discipleship tool­. Let it be a guide that inspires you and challenges you towards greater generosity for Christ’s Kingdom as we seek to go Beyond Belief for Him.

GIFTS NEEDED

TWO YEAR GIFT LEVEL

ANNUAL GIFT

MONTHLY GIFT

GIFT LEVEL TOTAL

1

$2,000,000

$1,000,000

$83,333

$2,000,000

2

$1,000,000

$500,000

$41,667

$1,000,000

3

$500,000

$250,000

$20,833

$1,500,000

5

$250,000

$125,000

$10,417

$1,250,000

10

$150,000

$75,000

$6,250

$1,500,000

15

$100,000

$50,000

$4,167

$1,500,000

20

$75,000

$37,500

$3,125

$1,500,000

25

$65,000

$32,500

$2,708

$1,625,000

35

$50,000

$25,000

$2,083

$1,750,000

45

$35,000

$17,500

$1,458

$1,575,000

60

$25,000

$12,500

$1,042

$1,500,000

75

$15,000

$7,500

$625

$1,125,000

85

$10,000

$5,000

$417

$850,000

110

$7,500

$3,750

$313

$825,000

175

$5,000

$2,500

$208

$875,000

Many

$2,500

$1,250

$104

$625,000

TOTAL GIFT GOAL

$22,000,000 G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

27

28

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

M E S S AG E N O T E S A N D JOURNEY GROUP GUIDE

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

29

ME SSAGE NOTE S / WE E K 1 BEYOND VICTORY TO VULNERABILITY 2 SAMUEL 5

30

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

ME SSAGE NOTE S / WE E K 2 BEYOND WORK TO WORSHIP 2 SAMUEL 6:12–23

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

31

ME SSAGE NOTE S / WE E K 3 BEYOND MY KINGDOM TO HIS KINGDOM 2 SAMUEL 7

32

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

ME SSAGE NOTE S / WE E K 4 BEYOND STRENGTH TO SACRIFICE 1 CHRONICLES 21 & 2 SAMUEL 24

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

33

ME SSAGE NOTE S / WE E K 5 BEYOND COMPLACENCY TO COURAGE 2 SAMUEL 20–21

34

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

ME SSAGE NOTE S / WE E K 6 BEYOND LIFE TO LEGACY 1 KINGS 1–3

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

35

DAVID’S

CA ST OF CHAR ACTE RS ABIATHAR He was Ahimelek’s son and a priest of Nob who escaped David after the slaughter at Nob. He served as priest during David’s reign.

ABIGAIL She was Nabal’s wife who offered David provisions after her husband refused. After Nabal died, she became David’s third wife.

ABISHAG She was a Shunammite woman who David’s courtiers recruited to warm him in later years.

ABNER He was Saul’s paternal cousin and principal army commander. He killed David’s nephew, Asahel, in the civil war after Saul died.

ABSALOM He was David and Maacah’s good-looking third son and Tamar’s brother. He plotted for the throne and was a temporary ruler in Jerusalem.

ADONIJAH He was David and Haggith’s good-looking fourth son who attempted a coup that precipitated Solomon’s ascension to the throne.

AGAG He was the King of Amalek whom Saul failed to kill and was executed by Samuel.

AHIMELEK He was a priest of Nob who assisted David in fleeing Saul.

AMASA He was Joab’s maternal cousin and David’s nephew who was appointed army commander in Joab’s place.

AMNON He was David and Ahinoam’s first son who raped his half-sister Tamar.

ASAHEL He was Joab’s brother who was killed by Saul’s army commander at Gibeon.

BARZILLAI

NABAL

He was the Gileadite who gave David provisions after Absalom’s coup d’état.

He was the Calebite who refused to give David provisions in the wilderness.

BATHSHEBA

NATHAN

She was Uriah the Hittite’s wife who became David’s eighth wife and Solomon’s mother.

He was a court prophet who prophesied about the building of the temple and the dynastic rule of David’s family. He also rebuked David over the incident with Bathsheba.

DOEG He was Saul’s chief herdsman who observed David’s encounter with Ahimelek.

SAMUEL

He was the giant Philistine champion who was killed by David.

He was the Ephraimite dedicated by his mother at Shiloh who became a prophet and priest and anointed both Saul and David.

HANNAH

SAUL

She was Samuel’s mother, and she dedicated him to the Sanctuary at Shiloh.

He was the King of Israel who preceded David.

SHIMEI, SON OF GERA

HOPHNI

He was the member of Saul’s tribe who encountered David fleeing Jerusalem after Absalom’s revolt.

GOLIATH OF GATH

He was Eli’s son and a priest at Shiloh.

He and his brother, Phineas, had charge of the Ark of the Lord.

HUSHAI THE ARKITE He was David’s friend who attempted to undermine the revolt by thwarting Ahitophel’s counsel.

SOLOMON He was David and Bathsheba’s son and the heir to David’s throne who ruled from Jerusalem.

TAMAR

He was David’s father.

She was David and Maacah’s daughter and Absalom’s sister. She was raped by her half-brother, Amnon.

JOAB

URIAH THE HITTITE

JESSE

He was David’s nephew and field commander.

JONADAB He was David’s nephew who helped in Amnon’s plot against Tamar.

JONATHAN He was David’s good friend and Saul’s son.

He died with his father and two brothers at the battle of Mt. Gilboa.

MEPHIBOSHETH

He was one of David’s warriors who died in battle when David covered up his adultery with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba.

UZZAH He was killed trying to catch the Ark of the Lord as it fell.

ZADOK He was a priest for David and was part of the pro-David faction during Absalom’s revolt.

He was Jonathan’s crippled son who David rehabilitated and brought back to his court.

MICHAL She was Saul’s younger daughter and one of David’s wives. She showed contempt for David when he brought the Ark of the Lord to Jerusalem.

Source: Alter, Robert. The David Story: A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel.

New York, NY. Norton, 1999. p385-389.

37

DAV I D ’ S LI F E /

BORN 1040 BC

SAUL BECOMES JEALOUS & TRIES TO KILL DAVID 1 Samuel 18–19

DAVID CAPTURES JERUSALEM; REIGNS IN JERUSALEM / AGE 37 2 Samuel 5

DAVID SERVES SAUL 1 Samuel 16:14–23

DAVID & GOLIATH 1 Samuel 17

DAVID FLEES FROM SAUL / AGE 20 –29

1 Samuel 20–30

DAVID ANOINTED / AGE 15 1 Samuel 16:1–13

38

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

C H U R C H

BATHSHEBA / AGE 48

TEMPLE MATERIALS COLLECTED / AGE 65

2 Samuel 11 & 12

1 Chronicles 28–29

DAVID’S CENSUS / AGE 59 2 Samuel 24:1–9

DAVID BRINGS BACK THE ARK OF THE LORD; DANCES 2 Samuel 6

BIRTH OF SOLOMON / AGE 50 2 Samuel 12:24

DEATH OF DAVID / AGE 69 1 Kings 2:10–11

DAVID’S CONQUESTS / AGE 43–48

2 Samuel 8

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

39

K E Y S I T E S O F D A V I D ' S E A R LY Y E A R S

Gibeah

THE GREAT SEA

Jordan River

Aphek

Mt. Gerzim

Ziph

Valley of Elah (Goliath)

Ashdod Ashkelon

Gaza Gath

Eglon

Ziklag

40

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

Jebus (Jerusalem)

Nob

Bethlehem

Carmel Maon

En Gedi

Hebron

C H U R C H

Dead Sea

Arameans

KEY SITES O F DAV I D ' S CONQUESTS

6

Tyre 3

9

Canaanites

Ammonites 8

2

Jerusalem

4

Philistines

Hebron 5 Moabites

1

Amalekites

7

Edomites

1

Defeated Amalekites 1 Samuel 30:17–18

5

Crushed Moabites 2 Samuel 8:2

2

Defeated fortress of Jebus (Jerusalem) 2 Samuel 5:6–10

6

Defeated three Aramean kingdoms, allied with one 2 Samuel 3:3, 8:3–8, 10:16–19

3

Created alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre 2 Samuel 5:11–12

7

Crushed and incorporated Edom 2 Samuel 8:13–14

4

Eliminated any Philistine threat 2 Samuel 5:17–25

8

Subdued Ammonites 2 Samuel 10, 12:26–31

9

Defeated remaining rebellious Canaanite cities

G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

41

P R AY E R & P R E P A R AT I O N three spiritual practices

by Wendell Nelson

I believe the most valuable gift given to mankind is the presence of God. God takes up residence within us as we turn toward Him and place our trust in Him. Fortunately, we can foster a deeper awareness and connection with God by engaging in spiritual practices. I am going to suggest three spiritual practices to experiment with throughout our generosity campaign season.

AN APPRECIATION EXERCISE Dr. Dallas Willard expressed, “If you are willing to spend 10 minutes a day reflecting on the goodness of God and the blessings He has bestowed on you, it will change your life” (Doctor of Ministry Class, Fuller Seminary, Summer 1999). If one practices appreciation over time, they will naturally conclude that God is good to the core, and this experimental learning has the power to transform our relationship with Him. As we reflect on His steadfast love and faithfulness, we are able to trust Him and believe that He will even bring good in the midst of the chaos of living life in our broken world.

In the spiritual realm, what we focus on tends to become bigger and stronger in us.

An appreciation exercise consists of simply taking 5–10 minutes a day to write down all the things for which you are grateful. These can be a simple as:

»» a beautiful sunset »» the health to get out of bed in the morning »» how the Word of God intersected your life »» a song that connects deeply with your soul Then close with a short prayer of gratitude.

SOAP This exercise helps us engage God through His Word. The Apostle Paul writes, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). The same God who inspired the scriptures illuminates (makes them come alive) them for the believer as God’s Spirit lives within us. Often various texts tend to jump off the page as they intersect our lives. The acrostic SOAP is an exercise that helps us process those divine moments when God is trying to speak to us through His Word.

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S SCRIPTURE

(WRITE OUT THE VERSE)

O OBSERVATIONS

A APPLICATION

P PRAYER

Note an example from my own journal:

S He did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the Lord. (2 Chronicles 12:12) O Humility and failure to seek the Lord are connected in this text. God wants His leaders to seek Him even when He blesses them with success and security. God even allows hardship to foster humility, so leaders will seek Him. God wants an abiding relationship with His people.

A Seek the Lord and remain in a humble place regardless of the redemptive stories that come from the Care Network and CityCare Counseling. Seek Him especially when He blesses us.

P Father, I seek You today for wisdom and favor to lead well today at meeting A, meeting B, meeting C, etc. Give me grace to keep my eyes on You and to foster a “with/rest” connection with You. Surprise me today with Your presence and grace to lead in a manner that delights You. I tend to write out a SOAP at least once a week, only when a text jumps off the page or my heart burns within, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. » cont. on next page

P R AY E R & P R E P A R AT I O N C O N T. WRITE YOUR OWN PSALM Read Psalms 13 & 138 from The Passion Translation as examples. Note the honesty and transparency and how the Psalmist addresses God at the close of the Psalm. As you process with God how to respond to our generosity campaign, write a couple of psalms. These are prayers of ordinary people engaging with God about the things they were struggling with in our broken world. The most important aspects are being as vulnerable and honest with God as you can. I tend to write a psalm every other week, usually when I am struggling with something.

PSALM 13 I’m hurting, Lord—will you forget me forever?

How much longer, Lord?

Will you look the other way when I’m in need?

How much longer must I cling to this constant grief?

I’ve endured this shaking of my soul.

So, how much longer will my enemy have the upper hand?

It’s been long enough!

Take a good look at me, God, and answer me!

Breathe your life into my spirit.

Bring light to my eyes in this pitch-black darkness

or I will sleep the sleep of death.

Don’t let my enemy proclaim, “I’ve prevailed over him.”

For all my adversaries will celebrate when I fall.

Lord, I have always trusted in your kindness, so answer me.

I will yet celebrate with passion and joy

when your salvation lifts me up.

I will sing my song of joy to you, the Most High,

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for in all of this you have strengthened my soul.

My enemies say that I have no Savior,

but I know that I have one in you!

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PSALM 138 I thank you, Lord, and with all the passion of my heart

I worship you in the presence of angels!

Heaven’s mighty ones will hear my voice

as I sing my loving praise to you!

I bow down before your divine presence

and bring you my deepest worship

as I experience your tender love and your living truth.

For the promises of your Word and the fame of your name

have been magnified above all else!

At the very moment I called out to you, you answered me!

You strengthened me deep within my soul

and breathed fresh courage into me.

One day all the kings of the earth

will rise to give you strength when they hear the living words

that I have heard you speak.

They too will sing of your wonderful ways

for your ineffable glory is so great!

For though you are lofty and exalted

you stoop to embrace the lowly.

Yet you keep your distance from those filled with pride.

Through your mighty power I can walk through any devastation

and you will keep me alive, reviving me.

Your power set me free from the hatred of my enemies.

You keep every promise you’ve ever made to me!

Since your love for me is so constant and endless,

I ask you, Lord, to finish every good thing you’ve begun in me!

B E YO N D B E LI E F / L E S S O N 1 beyond Victory to Vulnerability DISCUSSION FROM SCRIPTURE Read the Scripture passages in each week’s lesson and discuss the questions as a group. Group members are encouraged to journal their answers first in the lines provided before discussing together as a group, so that all can be engaged in the discussion.

1. Share with one another a time when you climbed a hill or mountain. What were you thinking/feeling at the mid-point of the climb and in reaching the top?

VIEW BEYOND BELIEF VIDEO 1 AT CCCOMAHA.ORG/JGL Let’s remember to pray for one another as we continue to encourage and strengthen our church family during this season of growth.

Psalms 120–137 are traditionally thought to be songs that the Israelites would repeat on their annual pilgrimage to the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem was a holy place to the Israelites because it was where the temple or presence of God resided. These psalms are called songs of ascent or degrees. Some theologians note we can clearly see the writer lifting us up by degrees as the phrases take our thoughts higher with each step.

Imagine the excitement as people of all ages near the end of their journey and the city of Jerusalem comes into view.

PSALMS 121–122 Read Psalm 121 2. How many times is the phrase “watches over” used? In what ways does the Lord watch over His people?

3. The Israelites suffered many difficulties, yet they looked to the Lord as their helper, keeper, and protector. How is the Lord your keeper (v. 7) in life’s easy and difficult circumstances?

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Read Psalm 122 4. What brings David joy in this hymn and how does he pray for Jerusalem?

5. Where do we see evidence of the Lord giving our church and city the blessings of peace, security, and prosperity?

Jerusalem means “city of peace,� yet it has been a place of strife and discord for hundreds of years. The hymn prays for peace within the city, for security and prosperity. Jerusalem cannot provide peace, only the Lord can bring true peace and security.

B E Y O N D B E L I E F / L E S S O N 1 C O N T. beyond Victory to Vulnerability 6. In the video, Scott mentioned “the vulnerability of trust.” How does trusting someone make you vulnerable? Can you share some examples?

7. How does the Lord’s character in Psalms 121–122 increase your ability to trust in Him completely? Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to do this?

Please share if you feel comfortable.

PRAYER Break up into pairs and pray over specific areas in your life where you would like to grow in trusting the Lord. Take time to confess areas of misplaced trust and redirect your attention to God. Feel free to pick a verse out of the Psalms you just read and pray them for each other.

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HOW IS THE LORD YOUR KEEPER IN LIFE’S EASY AND DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES?

B E YO N D B E LI E F / L E S S O N 2 beyond Work to Worship 1. Joyful celebration: recall a time when you celebrated unaware of what others would think.

VIEW BEYOND BELIEF VIDEO 2 AT CCCOMAHA.ORG/JGL 2. Pastor Scott recalls the story in 2 Samuel 6 of David dancing before the Lord as they bring the ark to Jerusalem. He points out that David does not have “god in a box” theology. What do you think “god in a box” theology means?

3. When have you experienced this form of thinking or believing?

4. When David dances before the Lord, he is worshiping freely—“with all his might.”

What would it mean to give our all in worship to God?

5. Where in your life would you like to reflect the freedom to worship as David?

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Read Psalm 65 6. David is recalling God’s great gifts to his people.

»» Verses 1–4 / A commitment to praise for His goodness in forgiving sin so His people can enjoy good things in fellowship with Him

»» Verses 5–8 / God’s awesome deeds in delivering Israel »» Verses 9–13 / God blesses the land with all good things in answer to Israel’s prayer How can this hymn be a model for giving God praise for His goodness in our lives?

7. What can we learn from David about the role of praise and worship in our spiritual formation?

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B E Y O N D B E L I E F / L E S S O N 2 C O N T. beyond Work to Worship

WHAT ARE YOU HOLDING BACK THAT GOD WANTS YOU TO RELINQUISH?

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8. Go to the Giving Journey page in your notebook (24–25). Read the journey together. There are 5 steps on the journey described as the following: Initial Giver, Consistent Giver, Intentional Giver, Surrendered Giver, and Lifetime Giver.

We are all on a giving journey and each step of this journey causes us to grow deeper in our dependence on God and His goodness. If comfortable, share with the group where you feel you find yourself on this journey or possibly a step of this journey that really challenges you. Do you have a story to share of a time when God prompted you to give unexpectedly or beyond what you thought was possible?

PRAYER Beyond Belief is a time to journey with God in prayer and deeper commitment to God in the area of generosity. What are you holding back that God wants you to relinquish? Spend time praying for one another as we ask God to move our hearts towards greater generosity.

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B E YO N D B E LI E F / L E S S O N 3 beyond my kingdom to his kingdom VIEW BEYOND BELIEF VIDEO 3 AT CCCOMAHA.ORG/JGL Read Psalm 110 1. Share your favorite story or movie that involves a kingly figure.

2. What is the role of a king? List the different ways God is the ultimate King in Psalm 110.

3. Scott noted that this is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament. In Acts 2:34–38, on the day of Pentecost, Peter recites verse 1 to the people. How were the people affected by the declaration that Jesus is King? How has the realization that Jesus reigns as King affected your life?

4. God’s people (verse 3) are described as troops displaying youthful energy, springing up with a willingness to join Jesus as He comes to judge the wicked with righteousness. Share a recent experience when you were ready and willing to engage in the battle over things that are wrong in our neighborhood, city, and world.

5. Verses 5 & 6 describe the coming victory when Jesus appears in glory. It is in this final appearance that all wrongs are made right and He wins the battle. Do you have a dream of where Christ’s impact will be felt as you join Him in His Kingdom work?

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM OF WHERE CHRIST’S IMPACT WILL BE FELT AS YOU JOIN HIM IN HIS KINGDOM WORK?

6. The symbolism of Jesus pausing to take a drink of refreshment in verse 7 depicts how capable He is of completing the mission. With Jesus as your King, when demonstrating generosity that’s possibly beyond human reason and belief, how secure are you?

PRAYER In our video lesson today, Scott asked, “Have you enthroned Jesus as your King?”

What part of your kingdom do you need to surrender to Jesus? Pair up and pray for each other’s request. Then close by reading Revelation 5:9–13 and expressing that Jesus alone is worthy of all praise because He is the true King.

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B E YO N D B E LI E F / L E S S O N 4 beyond Strength to sacrifice VIEW BEYOND BELIEF VIDEO 4 AT CCCOMAHA.ORG/JGL 1. What is something you fear?

Read 1 Samuel 13:1–15 2. According to Mosaic Law (Numbers 18:5–7), Saul had put himself in place of Samuel as the priest to his people. God had separated the roles of priest and king. Not only was Saul risking his own life, but also the lives of those around him by doing what only Samuel should have done. Knowing this, why do you think Saul acted the way he did?

3. When Saul was faced with stressful situations, he responded in fear. Why do you think Saul operates out of fear?

4. Fear is often underneath our desire to control people or situations. What is an area of your life that you struggle with wanting to control?

5. Part of the aim of the Beyond Belief initiative is to place our trust in God instead of ourselves. Where do you see yourself trusting in your own control instead of trusting God as it relates to your generosity?

6. When you compare Saul’s sins in 1 Samuel 13 to David’s sins as king, the consequences seem unfair on the surface. Saul lost his kingship, while David was considered a man after God’s own heart. What is the difference between the two and how they responded to their own sin?

7. James 5:16 says that confessing our sin starts the process of our healing. What’s our reaction when confronted by sin? Why is it difficult to confess our sins to one another, even though we know the healing that can come as a result?

8. What might have happened had Saul repented? We can only speculate, but we see God respond with grace toward David when he repented. Do you feel there is something you need to repent from as it relates to control or fear in the area of giving and generosity? How might God be challenging you in this Beyond Belief season to release that control to Him and allow faith to overcome fear?

PRAYER When we do not deal with our fear, we are being driven by other things instead of God. In the New Testament, Paul warns Timothy not to have a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). Take time to share what you shouldn’t fear anymore, and then pray for each other to trust God with what has been shared.

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B E YO N D B E LI E F / L E S S O N 5 beyond complacency to courage VIEW BEYOND BELIEF VIDEO 5 AT CCCOMAHA.ORG/JGL Read 2 Samuel 23:8–17 1. Looking at the mighty men’s feats, which one impresses you the most? What do you think motivated them to go to such courageous extremes?

2. Likewise, let’s turn our attention to Jesus. What motivated Jesus to endure the cross and lay down His life for us (1 John 3:16)? When Jesus was with His apostles the night before He was crucified, He implored them to remain in His love and love others (John 15:9–17). Why does God ask us to love more than anything else?

3. In the video, Scott said, “We want to have everything neatly contained, safely ensconced, with no risks, only rewards. That is not how this world works, and it is not how God’s Kingdom works.” What is a risk you’ve had to take while loving and following God?

4. Scott also said the Church in America had grown soft. Do you agree? What are ways you see this? How can we be bold and courageous today, as the Church, in a way that honors the principle teaching of God to love?

HOW DO YOU FEEL GOD CALLING YOU TO BE BOLD BEYOND BELIEF?

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B E Y O N D B E L I E F / L E S S O N 5 C O N T. beyond complacency to courage 5. Read Acts 4:13–22. How are the early church disciples able to be so bold and courageous? What motivates them?

6. For many of us, our contexts are quite different than those of the early church.

Still, we face overt and subtle challenges to our faith. As Scott said, “You must be prepared not merely to pretend boldness but actually to be bold for Christ.”

This is in fact the heart of the Beyond Belief initiative. How do you feel God calling you to be bold beyond belief in this season? What will this mean for your generosity and how it will change you?

NO RESERVE. NO RETREAT. NO REGRETS.

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7. The idea of “No reserve. No retreat. No regrets.� can look different from person to person. What is preventing you from your next steps in fully surrendering to God in all areas of your life? How can your Journey Group be praying for you and encouraging you in this?

PRAYER What is the next step God is asking you to take? Is there something you own God is asking you to surrender to Him? Take a minute to reflect and listen to the Holy Spirit.

Then, please share with the group and pray for each other individually to take these next steps in our faith journey.

EXERCISE & REFLECTION To do at home prior to commitment Sunday

List out the financial commitments you currently have—those that go beyond a one-time payment but that do have a time duration to them. Examples would be a home mortgage, a lease agreement, a car loan, a cell phone contract, your child’s tuition for school, your own tuition for school, etc. _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Now write out the commitment you are planning to make for the Beyond Belief initiative.

Where does it fall in the priority of these other commitments? Do you need to change or modify one or more of these other commitments in order to be able to fulfill your Beyond Belief commitment? What if you wanted to raise your Beyond Belief commitment? What would that require? Is there a financial commitment you currently have that appears to be prioritized above your ability to make a truly surrendered giving commitment to help move God’s mission forward and go Beyond Belief? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

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If someone who didn’t know you looked at your financial commitments, what would they say you value? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Would that statement be true about you? Or is there something that needs to be modified? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ If you keep this commitment over the next two years, what type of spiritual growth can you see happening in you? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ How will you leverage this change to influence your children, your co-workers, your friends, your family, and others in your circles of influence to live their lives more closely with Jesus and express more love? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ ���������������������������������������������������������������������� Pray over your commitment as you prepare to surrender your card on Commitment Sunday.

Prayer is the most important thing in this whole process, and prayer is what gives us the heart of Jesus within us.

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B E YO N D B E LI E F / L E S S O N 6 beyond life to legacy VIEW BEYOND BELIEF VIDEO 6 AT CCCOMAHA.ORG/JGL 1. Take a moment and write down as many ways that God has been generous to you since the Beyond Belief study started (You may want to refer to your gratitude journal for ideas). Please share a few with the group.

2. What sermon or Journey Group lesson in the Beyond Belief series has impacted you the most? Share about this impact as deeply as you are able.

3. Scott referenced Matthew 7:7–11 to demonstrate God’s generous nature in answering prayer. Asking, seeking, and knocking imply perseverance. Why is persevering in prayer important to God? What do you see as the benefits to not give up in your asking, seeking, and knocking? Jesus promised that the Father would answer with good gifts. Have you ever struggled with believing whether or not the Father’s gifts were good? Please share.

Read Romans 8:31–39 together 4. W here do you find evidence of God’s outlandish generosity in these verses?

Which gifts mean the most to you?

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5. P aul presented God’s sacrificial love as evidence that God is for us and willing to give us all things. How do you experience God’s unconditional gift of love?

6. Recall a few of the promises in the passage. How is a promise from God an act of generosity?

7. As we move forward with our Beyond Belief commitments, how can remembering the truths of these specific passages keep us encouraged and steadfast in the journey?

PRAYER Pick one thing that came to mind from questions 1 & 2. Take some time as a group to thank God for what He has done throughout the series.

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We’r e all about making disciples of Jesus for Kingdom impact.

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Lead Pastor Mark Ashton preaches in the Worship Center on a Sunday morning

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Worship leaders Jed Logue and Jessica Reade lead the congregation in worship during an Access service in the Gym

CCC volunteer Jocelyn Medrano baptizes student Cassidy Cielocha at Baptism on the Green in September 2017

Steve Yost leads the choir and orchestra in a Sunday morning Traditions service in the Worship Center G O B E Y O N D B E L I E F . O R G

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F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S Q: IF WE ARE COMMITTING TO BEYOND BELIEF, HOW DOES THIS CHANGE MY TITHE AND ANY OF MY “OVER AND ABOVE” GIVING?

All tithing and over and above giving is rolled into a single, powerful funding

engine. During this two-year period, every contribution to God through Beyond

Belief is a contribution to expand God’s mission here at CCC. This means that

our Core Ministry Fund, our mission work locally and globally, and our campus

renovations will all be fueled through the Beyond Belief initiative. Every single

dollar given within the next two years will fuel this life-changing mission!

Q: WHAT ARE YOU ASKING ME TO DO?

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First and foremost, we are asking you to pray and seek God’s leading on what He

is asking of you. Prepare your heart to hear Him, and then listen to what He says.

Engage in a Journey Group during this season, if you haven’t already. Spend time

in personal reflection with God in the Beyond Belief workbook. Have great conver-

sations with your spouse, your family, or others who are on this same journey as you.

Pray over what God would have you experience in this season. We are asking that

you make a sacrificial commitment to gospel-centered generosity—whatever it is

that God leads you to do. Follow His leading.

Finally, we ask that you prepare to be amazed. It is an awesome God we serve.

He is moving in huge ways, and we anticipate an unprecedented impact from

our collective Beyond Belief commitments—something only God can do.

Please mark your calendar for Commitment Sunday on November 12 and prepare

to experience a life-changing morning that will forever be remembered as a defining

moment for our church and for our own faith.

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Q: ARE THERE ADDITIONAL WAYS BESIDES CASH THAT I CAN GIVE MORE TOWARDS BEYOND BELIEF?

Be creative as you explore ways you and your family can give towards the

Beyond Belief initiative. You might have some stocks, property, or even some

stored resources that God has blessed you with and just might be calling you to

give. Please let us know if you need assistance with facilitating gifts of property

or stock, and we would be happy to help you. You can contact Doni Gregory

at donig@cccomaha.org to make a gift of this type.

Q: HOW LONG IS MY COMMITMENT?

We are asking that everyone make a two-year commitment, from December 2017

through December 2019. The fulfillment period for your commitment will begin with

our First Big Give on Sunday, December 3, 2017, and will culminate in December 2019.

Q: WHAT IF I AM SEVERELY IN DEBT RIGHT NOW? AM I STILL SUPPOSED TO GIVE?

If you are someone currently seeking to make payments to pay off debt right now,

we commend you for making progress on that, and you should continue to do so.

We would be happy to help you in this journey and/or to get you signed up for an

upcoming Financial Peace University class. Please contact us if you would like to

learn more about Financial Peace University or if you would like to speak with a

financial counselor. We would be honored to help.

Q: WHAT IF I HAVE NEVER GIVEN TO CCC BEFORE? The Beyond Belief generosity campaign was crafted specifically with you in mind.

Beyond Belief is a “one fund” generosity initiative, meaning that it is different from

a traditional capital campaign where you are called to give an extra gift above and

beyond your normal giving, thus creating two steps for people who aren’t yet giving.

Beyond Belief is a call to sacrificial, gospel-centered generosity for absolutely

everyone. If you have never given before, this is your chance to get in the game

with a committed sacrifice.

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Q: WHAT IF I AM NEW AROUND HERE?

Beyond Belief is about the vision for our church and our personal discipleship in

giving as followers of Jesus. We believe that the local church is the most compelling

mission to give towards, and we would love for you to make CCC your home and

join us in Beyond Belief. If you are ready for it, this is a perfect time for you to put a

stake in the ground and make this your church. We want you to join in on this

adventure of living out the mission God has for us.

Q: WHAT IF I HAVEN’T BEEN BAPTIZED YET?

We encourage you to take the next step in your spiritual journey and get baptized!

Find out more about baptism and upcoming baptism dates by visiting the Next Steps

area in the Atrium on Sundays or online at cccomaha.org/baptism.

I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS! For your first stop, visit our Beyond Belief website at gobeyondbelief.org.

The website will have more info about this generosity campaign. Beyond that, do not hesitate to reach out to any of our staff or Governing Board members.

Our doors and hearts are open!

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