I Have A Purpose

DISCUSSION GUIDE

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) What did you want to be when growing up and why?

2) Read John 1: 6-8 (ESV). Like John, we are sent by God with a purpose! What does it look like for us to bear witness of the light of Christ in our context?

3) Read John 10:10 (NLT). Even the theif has a purpose!

How do you think we can guard ourselves from the enemies tactics and protect our purpose?

4) Read Psalm 139:1-18 (NLT). What sticks out to you from David’s words in this psalm? How does it change your perception of God?

5) Pastor Nate challenged us to consider these two questions: 1. Who do I say I am?

2. Who does God say I am?

How would you answer these questions now?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Create a way to remind your self of who you are and the purpose you have!

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Romans 8:15-17 (NLT) 1 Corinthians 1:27 (NLT)

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) Growing" our faith is something that we all should do!

Do you find it easy or hard to grow your faith? Why?

2) Read Acts 2:42-47. How can we take part in mirroring this biblical pattern today? What do you think would happen if we did?

3) Pastor Nate mentioned that God sends people into our lives to mold us and shape us. Who has God sent into your life help mold & shape you?

4) Read Ephesians 3:14-19. What would our lives look like if we received what this text talks about?

5) Which of the following practices is your best next step towards spiritual growth?

Invest in Spiritual relationships Expand our relational focus beyond your current stage Be intentional: Put it on the calendar!

BE a friend

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Reflect on Acts 2:42-47, and consider what you can do to grow with others.

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Psalms 111:10 (NLT) 2 Corinthians 10:15 (NLT) Psalms 92:12–14 (NLT)

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) What is your favorite fall activity and how will you plan to do it this fall? Who will you include?

2) Read John 21:1-3, NLT. Peter had many reasons to turn back to fishing: Sense of failure? Disappointment?

Distraction? Fear? Why do you think he went back to fishing ?

3) Read John 21:4-6, NLT. Jesus did the same miracle He did when He called Peter! Has God ever used a situation to bring your attention back to him? What happened?

4) Read John 21:7-17, NLT. Jesus wanted to know if Peter loved him more than his old identity and encouraged him to embrace a new one with others! Who are the people that God is connecting you with for this next season? Why do you think God is doing this?

5) Pastor Nathan said, “We will never grow more than when we are actively serving others”. What are the opportunities the Lord is opening up for you to serve others? How can you share the gifts He has given you to share with others?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Take your next step to: Finding your community Finding a place to serve Follow Jesus and Discovering purpose

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Ephesians 4:16, NLT 1 Peter 4:10-11, NLT

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) What was your favorite job or career ? What made that assignment so memorable?

2) Read Genesis 2:2–3 (NLT). Have you ever considered that work and rest was God’s idea? What are some ways that we can follow God’s example of work and rest?

3) Pastor Nate said, “Your assignment is your garden to cultivate... your work needs to be connect to God’s work”. What might it look like to view your work as a part of your God-given purpose? Why might this be important?

4) Read Psalm 90:12 (NLT). We are to number or value our days! How can you value and own your next work day?

5) Pastor Nate said, “God always sees more in you than you see in yourself.” God has purpose for each of us and it starts with being a daughter or son of God. How can we remind ourselves of this identity each day?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Pray God-given purpose over your assignment

GOING FURTHER Take time to declare this over your life this week: I Have a Purpose Declaration: God’s favor and success over my workplace (school).

God’s blessing over my boss (teachers) and co-workers (peers) That this will be a place of joy, peace and unity.

I declare safety and health for employees and their family members.

That my workplace (school) will value what God values!

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) If you had to pick three people to be around for a one week trip in another country, who would you choose?

Why would you choose them?

2) When it comes to living a purpose-filled life, we have a part and God has a part. Why do you think God chooses to partner with us to build His kingdom?

3) Read Romans 12:6-8 (NLT). God has given each of us a gifts to use for His glory! What are your gifts? How have you used them to serve God and others?

4) Read John 20:21-22 (NLT). Just like the Jesus anointed the apostles, God anoints us with the Holy Spirit! How might the Holy Spirit empower us in our assignments?

5) In moments of stress and frustration, what can do to remember that God is with us? And, why is this important?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Take time everyday this week to remind yourself of your part and God’s part to living a life of purpose!

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Acts 2:16–18 (NLT) Isaiah 61: 18-21 (NLT)

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