Rock Church - Jerry Dirmann - God Swears (youth) - Print Curriculum

GOD SWEARS TO KEEP HIS PROMISES

JERRY DI RMA NN

Copyright 2016 by Jerry Dirmann ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

ISBN #: 978-1-945589-14-0 Printed in the United States of America

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TA BL E OF CON T EN T S Foreword by Jerry Dirmann Introduction by Luke Esslinger Using This Workbook Format of Each Session

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SESSIONS Session One: Session Two: Session Three: Session Four: Session Five: Session Six:

What’s a Covenant?

What Does God Swear?

How Good are the Promises?

Why Did God Swear?

What Must I Do? How Do I Apply The Covenant?

12 26 38 50 62 74

APPENDIX Frequently Asked Questions Small Group Agreement Group Calendar Prayer and Praise Report Small Group Roster Memory Verse Cards

88 90 91 92 93 94

SMALL GROUP LEADERS Hosting an Open House Hosting for the First Time Leadership 101 Host Notes What’s Next

98 99 100 102 103

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FOREWORD JERRY DIRMANN Though Corporate America strategically targets and invests much attention and resources toward the young, the Church consistently underinvests in them.

Compared to the amount of solid biblical teaching and discipleship available for adults, biblically sound discipling resources for youth are scarce.

As someone who has ministered to youth for over 30 years, I can attest to the importance of quality resources. Though we don’t like to admit it, we are competing against the entertainment industry for the hearts and souls of the young. And though we know the gospel of Jesus Christ is the best product available, our delivery systems are often left wanting.

Luke Esslinger, the host of God Swears Youth Table Talk, is the youth pastor of The Rock in Anaheim, California. Not only does he understand the biblical concept of covenant, but he is graced and anointed to minister to youth. Having personally watched and edited each of the sessions, I am thrilled with Luke’s ability both to convey the teachings and to lead the discussions. I have 100% confidence in Luke’s calling, grace and ability to lead our youth toward Jesus, and faith in God’s word.

My hope in creating the youth version of God Swears is that churches, youth pastors, parents and mentors will find it helpful to provoke study and conversation about God’s love and His commitment to His promises. And as a companion to the God Swears Small Group Video Series, this youth version can be used by a church to help mobilize the whole family.

May the Lord empower you to teach and disciple youth to believe God’s amazing promises and covenants.

Jerry Dirmann Senior Pastor The Rock, Anaheim, CA

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INTRODUCTION The word of God impacted me so deeply as a young man, as I heard the Bible taught in such a way that it inspired, challenged and encouraged me to believe that my life could look like what God’s promises say, and that it could resemble the people in the Bible—seeing those who knew the Lord and did not let their present reality determine their faith in the Almighty God gave me hope that this life is not just limited to my human ability.

The words “I promise” are overused and under-deliveredupon in today’s world. Many people, believers in Jesus or not, have been disappointed by the lack of people keeping their word. What we must understand about God is that He is always faithful and He will keep His promises to us. The way God proved to us that He will always come through is by the powerful, yet loving, action of the blood covenant—an action that, once we understand it, convinces us that, without a doubt, God always stays true to His word.

Knowing who our heavenly Father is, believing what He says and putting our entire trust and faith in Him is the only way that we will see the God-level purpose come to pass in our lives. You will be faced with questions like, “Will God show me who I am and His plan for me?” “Does God hear me and really give answers?” “Will God help me overcome struggles in my life?”

Yes! God swears to keep His promises … to YOU!

Luke Esslinger High School Pastor, The Rock Anaheim, CA

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USING THIS WORKBOOK T OOL S T O HEL P YOU H AV E A GRE AT SMALL GROUP E XPERIENCE!

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1.

There are three components to this workbook: (1) Sessions; (2) Appendix; and (3) Small Group Leaders. The Sessions contain the small group study materials and outline. The Appendix contains materials and content that will be useful in the sessions. The Small Group Leaders section has information specific to those leading the group.

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

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Enjoy your Small Group experience.

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

5. Read the format for each session on the next pages so that you understand how the sessions will flow.

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FORMAT OF E ACH SES SION A typical group session for the God Swears study will include the following sections. Read through this to get a clear idea of how each group meeting will be structured:

TITLE OF SESSION AND SCRIPTURE. Each session opens with a verse that emphasizes an important truth from the session. This is an optional exercise, but we believe that memorizing these verses can be a vital part of filling our mind and heart with God’s will for our lives. We encourage you to give this important habit a try. The verses for our six sessions are also listed in the Appendix.

GETTING STARTED TOGETHER. This section includes some simple questions and activities to get you talking—letting you share as much or as little of your story as you feel comfortable.

Each session typically offers you two options. You can get to know your whole group by using the listed activities, or you can check in with just one or two group members for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey.

INTRODUCTION. Each lesson opens with a brief thought that will help you prepare for the session and get you thinking about the particular subject you will explore with your group.

Make it a practice to read these before the session. You may want to read them aloud with your group.

WATCH THE DVD TOGETHER TOGETHER/DISCUSS THE TEACHING TOGETHER. In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to a teaching. When the study directs you to do so, you’ll pop in the DVD and watch a short teaching segment.

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You’ll then have an opportunity to reflect on the teaching and the texts. The focus isn’t on accumulating information, but understanding the truths taught and then applying the insights to your life.

TAKE NEXT STEPS TOGETHER. God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction in a positive way. The Bible says, “Be doers of the word, not just hearers.” (James 1:22) Many people skip over this aspect of the Christian life because it can be intimidating or awkward or simply too much “to do” for their busy schedules. But Jesus wants all of His disciples to know Him personally and to help others connect with Him. This does not necessarily mean that you have to preach on street corners, but it could simply mean welcoming newcomers, hosting a short-term group in your home, or walking through this study with a friend.

Take Next Steps Together will also have a question or two that will challenge you to live out your faith by serving others, sharing about Jesus, and walking with God. You will have opportunities to go beyond Bible study to biblical living.

DAILY DEVOTIONS. Each week on the Daily Devotions pages, you will be provided with scriptures to read and reflect on during the week. This provides you with a chance to slow down, read a small portion of scripture each day, and reflect on what you read. You’ll then have a chance to write your insights in a journal of your choice. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t be in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

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WHAT ’S A COVENANT

Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.

DEU T ERONOMY 7:9

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GE T T ING STA RTED T OGE THER

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Begin your time together by participating in the following questions and activities.

• What is your name? Tell the group a little bit about yourself.

• How did you hear about the group, and what brought you here?

• What do you hope to get out of this group?

INTRODUCTION We’re all familiar with contracts and “terms and conditions,” especially when we rent apartments, start jobs and quit jobs, install software and phone apps, close bank accounts, buy phones, and open credit cards. In fact, sometimes it seems there’s no end to all small print in our lives! Our culture, however, is much less familiar with covenants. A covenant, and especially a blood covenant, is much more binding than a contract, and it can last many generations.

Today we’re going to explore this ancient and biblical practice called covenant, and discover why understanding it can (and should) completely change your life. Through this series, you will discover both the seriousness and reliability of a blood covenant, and that God Himself made some bold promises, and then entered into a blood covenant to convince us that He would keep His promises.

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WATCH THE DVD TOGE THER Use these pages to take notes from the teaching.

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DISCUSS THE TEACHING TOGETHER

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WHAT ARE SOME CON T R AC T S YOU H AV E SIGNED? WHY ARE THOSE CONT R AC T S VA LUA BL E ?

In the teaching, we studied ten common elements of covenant ceremonies found in Scripture, and what each element symbolizes.

TAK E A FE W MINUTES TO REVIEW THESE COVENANT CEREMONY ELEMENTS: Coat Exchange: “All that I am—my authority or influence—I am giving to you.”

Weapon Belt Exchange: “All of my strength—my ability, might and strength —now belongs to you. If someone comes against you, I will come against him.”

Dividing an Animal: “To break or separate from this covenant means death.”

Walk of Blood: “I willingly enter, understand and will remember the seriousness and consequence of this commitment.”

Cutting of the Flesh: “My wrist or hand is cut to draw blood, showing my personal commitment. My covenant counterpart does the same.”

Searing an Oath: “With my right hand raised and my blood flowing down, I swear to keep each term of the covenant. After swearing my oath, I join my wound to that of my covenant partner and, because blood represents life, now my life is your life and yours mine.”

Seal of the Covenant: “My scar from the cut of my wrist or hand marks a permanent covenant.”

Name Exchange: “I share my name with you, and take your name, to communicate that we have become one family, tribe, or nation.”

Covenant Meal (Bread and Wine): “As a symbolic point of contact, I feel your life coming into me, and you feel mine coming into you.”

Memorial: This may be a large pile of stones or perhaps the gift exchange of a reproducing sheep or goat; “These will remind us—and anyone—that we are in covenant.”

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Which of these covenant ceremony elements seems most surprising to you, and why?

What question provoked God to make a blood covenant with Abram? Do you sometimes have the same question?

Do you know of any promises in the Bible that God made to you? Do you believe God wants to keep them? Why?

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TA K E NE X T STEPS T OGE THER

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This week, will you commit to spending time in daily prayer and the study of God’s word?

You may use the Daily Devotions section to guide you. Tell the group how you plan to follow through with your Bible reading this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

Also consider someone—in this group or outside it—that you can begin to develop a healthier relationship. This may be your mom or dad, a cousin, an aunt or uncle, a roommate, a college buddy, a coworker or a neighbor. Choose someone who might be open to “doing life” with you at a more personal level, and pray about that opportunity.

Write the names of two or three people you know who need to know Christ. Commit to praying for God’s guidance and an opportunity to share with each of them. Perhaps they would be open to joining the group. Share the names with the group so you can all be praying for the people you’ve identified.

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How can we pray for you this week? Take time to pray for one another. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 92.

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D A I LY D E V O T I O N S

1 2 3 DAY

DAY

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R E A D G E N E S I S 1 7 : 7.

READ HEBREWS 6 :17 (NLT ).

READ HEBREWS 6 :18 (NLT ).

God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind.

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie.

Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.

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This devotional will encourage you in your relationship with the Lord and help you meditate on the truth of God’s covenant. Each day you will find a verse. Read and reflect on each verse. You may choose to write your insights in a journal of your choice. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t be in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

4 5 6 DAY

DAY

DAY

RE A D 2 T IMO T HY 2:13.

RE A D NUMBERS 2 3:19.

If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

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

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WHAT DOES GOD SWEAR?

For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name‌ And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind.

HEBRE W S 6 :13-17 (NLT )

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Begin your time together by participating in the following questions and activities.

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Greet one another and welcome newcomers.

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How did your week go?

• In the last session, you wrote the names of two or three people you know who need to know Christ. Who did you identify as the people in your life who need to meet Jesus?

Go back to the list on page 93 and consider adding the names of others you come into contact with on a regular basis; people who need to know Jesus more deeply.

Consider ideas for action and make a plan to follow through on one of them this week.

INTRODUCTION As children we try to convince others that our promises are real by saying, “Cross my heart and hope to die.” We aren’t really promising that we’ll die if we break the promise, but we use this language to try to make others believe us.

When God makes promises, He doesn’t use these words, of course. But as we’ll see in this session, God takes his promises just as seriously.

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WATCH THE DVD TOGE THER Use these pages to take notes from the teaching.

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DISCUSS THE TEACHING TOGETHER

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What does God swear to keep, and why did He choose to swear (make an oath)?

What aspects of a blood covenant do you see playing out with Jesus on the cross?

Have you ever felt like God’s promises are too good to be true or that you don’t deserve the promises? What have you learned from this session regarding God’s will for you—personally—to receive the promises?

What are some of the promises God has made to you, and which ones in particular do you personally want to receive?

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TA K E NE X T STEPS T OGE THER

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Here are some simple ways to connect with God. Discuss with the group which ones you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time. You may also add other commitments to this list.

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

Daily Devotions. The Daily Devotions provided in each session offer an opportunity to read a short Bible passage five days a week during the course of our study. In our hurryup world, we often move too quickly through everything—even reading God’s word! Slow down. Don’t just skim, but take time to read carefully and reflect on the passage. Write down your insights on what you read each day. Copy a portion of scripture on a card and tape it somewhere in your line of sight, such as your car’s dashboard or the bathroom mirror. Or, text it to yourself! Think about it when you sit at red lights or while you’re eating a meal. Reflect on what God is saying to you through these words. On the sixth day, summarize what God has shown you throughout the week.

Other:

How can we pray for you this week? Take time to pray for one another. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 92.

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D A I LY D E V O T I O N S

1 2 3 DAY

DAY

DAY

R E A D T I T U S 1:1-2 (NLT).

READ 1 CORINTHIANS 11:25.

RE A D HEBRE W S 9:12 .

This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.

In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

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This devotional will encourage you in your relationship with the Lord and help you meditate on the truth of God’s covenant. Each day you will find a verse. Read and reflect on each verse. You may choose to write your insights in a journal of your choice. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t be in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

4 5 6 DAY

DAY

DAY

READ 2 CORINTHIANS 1:20.

READ HEBREWS 11:8-10.

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

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

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COVENANT LOVE

Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises…

2 PE TER 1:4 (NIV84)

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GE T T ING STA RTED T OGE THER

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Begin your time together by participating in the following questions and activities.

•

Greet one another and welcome newcomers.

• Briefly discuss with your group how the understanding of covenant has already changed your outlook on life.

INTRODUCTION We all make promises to other people. Maybe you promised your parents to be in by curfew, you promised a coach to train on the weekend, or you promised your friend to pick him up before school. Hopefully we have integrity and we keep the promises we make to others, but our promises are always limited. After all, you can’t promise to offer salvation, give someone eternal life, or rescue other people from sin! Only God can make these kinds of promises.

As we’ve studied the last few weeks, God went to incredible lengths to make a blood covenant with us, and to fulfill it in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of this everlasting covenant, we can have faith in God’s “forever and ever” promises—promises to give us abundant life here on earth and in eternal life in heaven.

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WATCH THE DVD TOGE THER Use these pages to take notes from the teaching.

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DISCUSS THE TEACHING TOGETHER

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In this session, we studied both the problems we face and the promises of God. What is a particular problem we face that stood out to you, and why is God’s promise so good?

Why is salvation such an exceedingly great and precious promise?

Do you believe God has a plan for your life, and if so, do you know what that plan may be? If not, what can you do to find out God’s plan for your life?

What is a specific promise that stood out to you in this session, and why?

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TA K E NE X T STEPS T OGE THER

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What steps will you take this week to grow in your relationship with God?

If you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct your attention to certain scriptures this week. If you’ve been reading God’s word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse.

Tell the group which one you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time.

Do you have any praise reports to share with the group?

How can we pray for you this week? Take time to pray for one another. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 92.

If you need to commit—or recommit—your life to Jesus, you can do so right now. Pray this prayer and mean it in your heart.

“Dear God, thank You for tugging at my heart today. You have been trying to get my attention because you love me. I confess to You that I have sinned and I need forgiveness.

I believe in You and Your Son Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead and that He is alive today. I confess today that Jesus is Lord. I give my life to Him. I want to receive all the exceedingly great and precious promises. I choose this day to live for You. I know I’m not perfect and I may make mistakes, but I know that you love me and will help me become the person you have called me to be. I love You. From this moment forward, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

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D A I LY D E V O T I O N S

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DAY

DAY

DAY

READ PSALM 89:34.

RE AD 1 JOHN 2:25.

R E A D L U K E 1 8 : 2 7.

My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.

And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.

But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

This devotional will encourage you in your relationship with the Lord and help you meditate on the truth of God’s covenant. Each day you will find a verse. Read and reflect on each verse. You may choose to write your insights in a journal of your choice. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t be in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

4 5 6 DAY

DAY

DAY

RE AD 1 JOHN 1:9.

READ ROMANS 8:32.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

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

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4 WHY DID GOD SWEAR?

‘The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love…

NUMBERS 1 4 :18 (NLT )

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GE T T ING STA RTED T OGE THER

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Begin your time together by participating in the following questions and activities.

•

Greet one another and welcome newcomers.

• From last week’s session, how has the understanding of covenant love impacted your understanding of God’s heart toward you in a positive way this week?

• Take some time to give an update on the names listed on page 93. How have you been taking the opportunities to engage with them on a personal level? If you have not done so yet, you may want to invite them to attend your group or church.

INTRODUCTION Admit it … at some point you’ve stayed up way too late watching infomercials. You’ve seen the ads for the knives that can cut through tin cans or the blankets you can wear. You’ve seen the amazing meat roaster, the hanger that can hold anything, the products that can clear every skin problem or shape every physique. Perhaps you’ve been so impressed by one of these products that you’ve even ordered one, only to finally get your treasure in the mail and realize it’s much less impressive in person. These products usually seem too good to be true— because they are.

Today we’re going to explore something else that seems so wonderful, so unexpected and so amazing that it’s hard to believe. Together we’ll discover that God swore a covenant with us not because we are worthy or deserving, but simply because He loves us and longs to be in relationship with us. When we really understand this love, it changes everything! God’s lovingkindness for us is so good—and completely true.

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WATCH THE DVD TOGE THER Use these pages to take notes from the teaching.

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DISCUSS THE TEACHING TOGETHER

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Have you ever made a commitment or promise to someone purely because of a genuine care for his or her wellbeing or enjoyment?

What are some of the differences between what society defines as “love” and what God defines as “love”?

In what ways has God demonstrated His love toward you?

Is it hard for you to accept or to believe that God loves you with such unconditional love? Why or why not?

How does knowing and remembering God’s unconditional love become a game changer for you?

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TA K E NE X T STEPS T OGE THER

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You have different gifts and abilities. And every small group has tasks and roles that need to be done. How could you serve this group—perhaps with hospitality or prayer, organizing an event, leading worship or inviting new people?

Spend some time this week praying for people you know might respond to a simple invitation to come to a church service, join your small group, or even to have coffee and talk about personal or spiritual matters. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people you can pray for.

Do you have any praise reports to share with the group?

How can we pray for you this week? Take time to pray for one another. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 92.

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D A I LY D E V O T I O N S

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DAY

DAY

DAY

RE A D P S A L M 3 2:10.

RE A D MIC A H 7:18 (NLT).

RE A D P S A L M 10 3:9-10.

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.

He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

This devotional will encourage you in your relationship with the Lord and help you meditate on the truth of God’s covenant. Each day you will find a verse. Read and reflect on each verse. You may choose to write your insights in a journal of your choice. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t be in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

4 5 6 DAY

DAY

DAY

READ PSALM 10 3:17-18.

READ ROMANS 8:38-39.

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

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WHAT MUST I DO?

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

MARK 9:23

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GE T T ING STA RTED T OGE THER

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Begin your time together by participating in the following questions and activities.

•

Greet one another and welcome newcomers.

• Last week, you were encouraged to pray and look for opportunities to invite others to join your group or a church service, or even to have coffee and talk about personal or spiritual matters. Give an update on how this went and what steps you may be taking to make this happen.

INTRODUCTION When you were younger, you waited FOREVER for the last day of school. It also took a MILLION YEARS for Christmas. It seemed like your birthday would NEVER come. It’s hard to be patient while waiting for the good things. Unfortunately, it can feel the same way when you’re older. But now, instead of waiting impatiently to receive presents or get out of school, you’re waiting and hoping for more significant things, such as answered prayer, personal growth, a dream to become reality.

Today we’ll look at Abraham’s life to learn more about what it really means to believe God even when it looks like the promise is not coming to pass.

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WATCH THE DVD TOGE THER Use these pages to take notes from the teaching.

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DISCUSS THE TEACHING TOGETHER

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Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve the promises? What have you learned from this session that will help you not fall into that way of thinking?

What must you do to simply receive the promises of God?

The Bible says that Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. What did Abraham believe and what was the result?

Are you convinced that God is able to perform what He has promised? In what area of life do you need to have faith and patience?

How will you build your faith to receive the promises of God?

Share briefly about a time when God has answered a specific prayer in your life.

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TA K E NE X T STEPS T OGE THER

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Groups grow closer when they serve together. How could your group serve someone in need? You may want to visit a shut-in from your church, provide a meal for a family who is going through difficulty, or give practical help to someone in need. Perhaps you can discuss some areas of ministry involvement at your church. Spend some time praying as a group and asking God to show you how you and your group can serve others. You may want to consider organizing a serving opportunity as a group.

A strong group is made up of people who are being filled up with the love of Jesus so that they can be empowered to love one another. What specific steps will you take this week to connect with God privately so that He can continue to fill you up with His love?

If you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct your attention to regular Bible reading this week. If you’ve been reading God’s word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse and journaling consistently.

Tell the group which one you plan to try this week. Then at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

Do you have any testimonies or praise reports to share with the group?

How can we pray for you this week? Take time to pray for one another. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 92.

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D A I LY D E V O T I O N S

1 2 3 DAY

DAY

DAY

READ HEBREWS 10:35-36 (NLT).

RE AD G AL AT IANS 6:9.

R E A D R O M A N S 1 0 : 1 7.

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord.

Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

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This devotional will encourage you in your relationship with the Lord and help you meditate on the truth of God’s covenant. Each day you will find a verse. Read and reflect on each verse. You may choose to write your insights in a journal of your choice. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t be in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

4 5 6 DAY

DAY

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R E A D M A R K 1 1: 2 2 -2 4 .

READ EPHESIANS 2:8-9.

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

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

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H O W D O I A P P LY THE COVENANT

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ…

2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 (NIV84)

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GE T T ING STA RTED T OGE THER

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Begin your time together by participating in the following questions and activities.

•

Greet one another and welcome newcomers.

• Since beginning this study, how has the understanding of God’s covenant made an impact in your life?

INTRODUCTION It’s one thing to know in your mind that something is true; it’s another thing to know it in your heart. This week we’ll close our study by reviewing some of the many promises God has made to us and consider how we can apply them to our lives.

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WATCH THE DVD TOGE THER Use these pages to take notes from the teaching.

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DISCUSS THE TEACHING TOGETHER

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What has surprised you most about this series?

What has been one of the most impacting truths you learned in this series, and why?

Is there a particular promise that stood out to you, and why? How do you intend to build your faith to receive the promise?

Now that the series is coming to an end, what steps do you plan to take to continue your journey with the Lord?

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TA K E NE X T STEPS T OGE THER

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Last week, your group was encouraged to consider opportunities to help someone in need.

For example, visiting a shut-in from your church, providing a meal for a family who is going through difficulty, giving practical help to someone in need, or serving in ministry at your church. Review this with your group and give an update on your progress.

Commit to the final week of Daily Devotions for this series.

As this is the last meeting in this study, take some time to celebrate the work God has done in the lives of one another. Share with one another how you have grown in your relationship with the Lord since participating in this study. Please also share a word of encouragement regarding another member of the group. Make sure each person gets affirmed and noticed and celebrated.

How can we pray for you this week? Take time to pray for one another. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 92.

If you would like to commit—or recommit—your life to Jesus, you can do so right now. Pray this prayer and mean it in your heart.

“Dear God, thank You for tugging at my heart today. You have been trying to get my attention because you love me. I confess to You that I have sinned and I need forgiveness.

I believe in You and Your Son Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead and that He is alive today. I confess today that Jesus is Lord. I give my life to Him. I want to receive all the exceedingly great and precious promises. I choose this day to live for You. I know I’m not perfect and I may make mistakes, but I know that you love me and will help me become the person you have called me to be. I love You. From this moment forward, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

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D A I LY D E V O T I O N S

1 2 3 DAY

DAY

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RE A D P S A L M 5 0:15.

READ EZEKIEL 3 6 : 2 6 - 2 7.

R E A D R O M A N S 8 :1-2 .

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

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This devotional will encourage you in your relationship with the Lord and help you meditate on the truth of God’s covenant. Each day you will find a verse. Read and reflect on each verse. You may choose to write your insights in a journal of your choice. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t be in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

4 5 6 DAY

DAY

DAY

READ ISAIAH 40:29.

READ 2 CORINTHIANS 5 : 1 7.

He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

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

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APPENDIX

RESOURCES TO MAKE YOUR SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER!

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

FAQs

Like all fun things in life—have a party! A “get to know you” coffee, dinner, or dessert is a great way to launch a new study. You may want to review the Small Group Agreement (page 90) and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join you. But most importantly, have fun before your study time begins.

Where do we find new members for our group?

We encourage you to pray with your group and to have each person brainstorm a list of people from work, church, your neighborhood, your childrens school, family, the gym and so forth. Then have each group member invite several of the people on his or her list.

No matter how you find members, it’s vital that you stay on the lookout for new people to join your group. All groups tend to go through healthy attrition—the result of moves, releasing new leaders, ministry opportunities, and so forth—and if the group gets too small, continue to meet; you’ll be amazed at the people God sends your way. The next person just might become a friend for life. You never know!

How long will this group meet?

Most groups meet weekly for at least their first six weeks. It is recommend that the group meet for the first six months on a weekly basis if at all possible. This allows for continuity, and if people miss a meeting.

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

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Can we do this study on our own?

Absolutely! This may sound crazy, but one of the best ways to do this study is not with a full house but with a few friends. Jesus will be with you even if there are only two or three of you (Matthew 18:20).

What if this group is not the best fit for me?

You’re not alone! This could be the result of a many things, life stage difference, geographical distance, level of spiritual maturity or any number of things. Relax.

Pray for God’s direction, and at the end of this six-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another.

You don’t typically buy the first car you look at or marry the first person you date, and the same goes with a group. However, don’t bail out before the six weeks are up—God might have something to teach you through this group as well as use you to be a blessing to others.

Who is the host?

Each Group has a host. But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings. We have discovered that healthy groups rotate hosts/leaders on a regular basis. This model ensures that all members grow, give their unique contribution, and develop their gifts. This study guide and the Holy Spirit can keep things on track even when you rotate leaders. Christ has promised to be in your midst as you gather. Ultimately, God is your leader each step of the way.

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SMALL GROUP AGREEMENT OUR P URP O S E: To provide a predictable environment where participants can experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

OUR VA LUES: We commit to the following:

GROUP AT TENDANCE

We give priority to the group meeting. We call or email if we will be late or absent.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

We encourage others with our words and to do our best to help create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved.

(Please, no quick answers, snap judgments, or simple fixes.)

RESPECT DIFFERENCES

We are gentle and gracious to fellow group members with different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or “imperfections.� We are all works in progress.

CONFIDENTIALITY

We keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group, and avoid sharing information about group members with those outside the group.

SERVE TOGETHER

We serve each other with our God given gifts and recognize that each person has a part to play. We encourage every member to share in a small team role or responsibility over time.

SHARED OWNERSHIP

We encourage different people to host the group and to rotate the responsibility of facilitating some of the meetings. (Ref the Group Calendar on page 91.)

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OUR GROUP E XPEC TAT IONS:

Refreshments/mealtimes:

When we will meet (day of week) :

GROUP CALENDAR Planning and calendaring can help ensure the greatest participation at every meeting. At the end of each meeting, review this calendar. Be sure to include a regular rotation of leaders, and keep in mind birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ministry projects.

DATE

LESSON/ EVENT

HOST/LEADER

LOCATION

REFRESHMENTS

Monday Jan 15

1

Steve and Laura’s

Joe

Bill

Where we will meet (place):

We will begin at (time):

and end at:

We will do our best to have some or all of us attend a worship service together. Our primary worship service time will be:

Date of this agreement :

Date we will review this agreement again:

Who (other than the leader) will review this agreement at the end of this study:

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PRAYER & PRAISE REPORT .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................

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SMALL GROUP ROSTER NAME

A D D R ES S

PH O N E #

EM A I L

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MEMORY VERSES SESSION ONE

SESSION TWO

Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.

For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name…

Deuteronomy 7:9

SESSION THREE Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises…

2 Peter 1:4 (NIV84)

And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind.

Hebrews 6:13, 17 (NLT)

SESSION FOUR ‘The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love…

Numbers 14:18 (NLT)

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SESSION FIVE

SESSION SIX

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ…

Mark 9:23

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV84)

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SMALL GROUP LEADERS KEY RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE BE THE BEST IT CAN BE.

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HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE If you’re starting a new group, try planning an “open house” before your first formal group meeting. Even if you have only two to four core members, it’s a great way to break the ice and to consider prayerfully who else might be open to joining you over the next few weeks. You can also use this kick-off meeting to hand out study guides, spend some time getting to know each other, discuss each person’s expectations for the group and briefly pray for each other. A simple meal or good desserts always make a kick-off meeting more fun.

After people introduce themselves and share how they ended up being at the meeting (you can play a game to see who has the wildest story!), have everyone respond to a few icebreaker questions:

• • •

What is your favorite family vacation?

What is one thing you love about your church or community?

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

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

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

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

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HOST FOR THE FIRST TIME It’s okay to be a little nervous. You may be unsure of what to expect, but you’re going to do great!

Remember that God gives grace to the humble. Take a minute to pray, and ask God to help you as you host – and even in the face of the unknown, remember to have fun. Your group won’t be worried about you doing everything perfectly, and you shouldn’t either. So as you host, enjoy your group, and have fun!

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

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

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

Share with your group what God is doing in your heart. God is searching for those whose hearts are fully His. Share your trials and victories. As you share you might be surprised how much people relate.

Prayerfully consider whom you would like to pass the baton to next week. God is ready for the next member of your group to go on the faith journey you just traveled. Consider asking someone else to lead the next group meeting.

Prepare. Go through the session in advance. If you are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment and Host Insight. Consider writing in a journal or fasting for a day to prepare yourself for what God wants to do. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.

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LEADERSHIP 101 Congratulations!

You have responded to the call to help shepherd Jesus’ flock. There are few other tasks in the family of God that surpass the contribution you will be making.

As you prepare to lead, whether it is one session or the entire series, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind.

We encourage you to read these and review them with each new discussion leader before he or she leads.

5. Pray for your group members by name.

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

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

1. Remember that you are not alone.

God knows everything about you, and He knew that you would be asked to lead your group. Remember that it is common for all good leaders to feel that they are not ready to lead. Moses, Solomon, Jeremiah and Timothy were all reluctant to lead. God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Whether you are leading for one evening, for several weeks, or for a lifetime. God will be with you, and you will be blessed as you serve.

6. When you ask a question, be patient.

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

If you give them a safe setting, they will blossom over time.

2. Don’t try to do it alone.

Pray right now for God to help you build a healthy leadership team. If you can enlist a co-leader to help you lead the group, you will find your experience to be much richer. This is your chance to involve as many people as you can in building a healthy group. All you have to do is call and ask people to help. You’ll probably be surprised at the response.

3. Just be yourself.

If you won’t be you, who will? God wants you to use your unique gifts and temperament. Don’t try to do things exactly like another leader; do them in a way that fits you! Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you make a mistake.

Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night!

4. Prepare for your meeting ahead of time.

Watch the Host Insight Video, review the Host Notes and watch the lesson and prepare your answers for each question. This preparation will help you lead an effective meeting and discussion time.

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7. Provide transitions between questions.

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

Be sure to thank the person who reads aloud.

8. Use small groups.

If your group has more than seven people, we strongly encourage you to have the group gather sometimes in discussion circles of three or four people during the Discuss the Teaching Together sections of the study. With a greater opportunity to talk in a small circle, people will connect more with the study, apply more quickly what they’re learning and ultimately get more out of it. A small circle also encourages a quiet person to participate and tends to minimize the effects of a more vocal or dominant member. It can also help people feel more loved in your group. When you gather again at the end of the section, you can have one person summarize the highlights from each circle.

Small circles are also helpful during prayer time. People who are unaccustomed to praying aloud will feel more comfortable trying it with just two or three others. Also, prayer requests won’t take as much time, so circles will have more time to actually pray. When you gather back with the whole group, you can have one person from each circle briefly update everyone on the prayer requests. People are more willing to pray in small circles if they know that the whole group will hear all the prayer requests.

9. Rotate facilitators weekly.

At the end of each meeting, ask the group who should lead the following week. Let the group help select your weekly facilitator. You may be perfectly capable of leading each time, but you will help others grow in their faith and gifts if you give them opportunities to lead.

You can use the Small Group Calendar to fill in the names of all meeting leaders at once if you prefer.

10. One final challenge (for new or first time leaders): Before your first opportunity to lead, look up each of the five passages listed below. Read each one as a devotional exercise to help yourself develop a shepherd’s heart. Trust us on this one. If you do this, you will be more than ready for your first meeting.

Matthew 9:36 1 Peter 5:2-4 Psalm 23 Ezekiel 34:11-16 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11-12

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

Encourage your group to attend church. Regular attendance in church can be a vital key to their spiritual growth.

For closing prayer, ask “How can we pray for you?”

Invite everyone to share, but don’t force participation.

SES SION 1: If the group is new, welcome and greet everyone.

Introduce yourself by sharing your name and little bit about yourself. Have others do the same. Nametags may be a great idea for your first meeting.

Turn to page 93 and take time to pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster or the group leader’s workbook and write down your information. If everyone in the group is comfortable, you may ask someone to make copies or type up the list so that the group can stay in touch with one another.

On page 90 there is a Small Group Agreement with values that are useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you and your group choose one or two values to emphasize during this study.

Take a few minutes to plan hosts and refreshment volunteers for your remaining meetings. Don’t skip this important step! It will revolutionize your group.

We recommend you rotate hosts on a regular basis and let others lead the meeting. Studies show that healthy groups rotate leadership. This helps to develop every member’s ability to shepherd a few people in a safe environment. Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside Him (Mark 6:30-44). Look at the 102

FAQs for additional information about hosting the group.

The Small Group Calendar on page 91 is a useful tool for planning.

SESSION 4: This is a good time for your group to begin discussing what you will do when you finish this series.

Take a few minutes to talk to your group this week and refer to page 103 for some suggestions for what you can do next. You can find great resources at GodSwears.com

SESSION 6: If your group has not made a decision about continuing to meet after this series, have that discussion this week. Talk about what you will study, who will lead, and when you will meet.

We strongly encourage your group to continue meeting.

AFTER GOD SWEARS...

WH AT ’S NEX T As you probably realize from your time with your small group, meeting together with other people and learning from the word of God is a wonderful and impactful practice. Talk with your group about continuing to meet after this series.

We recommend you consider and discuss the following options: OPERATION SOLID LIVES (OSL) – LEVEL 1 OSL is a combination of specific disciplines that create a clear path to dramatic life change. This proven discipleship system will provide all you need to be filled with the word of God, limit distractions, grow and experience freedom together with your group!

START A NEW SERIES There are many small group series available. These series vary in topic and can be very beneficial your group.

You can find more information about these next steps and resources at:

GodSwears.com P.O. Box 4970 Anaheim, CA 92803 Info@GodSwears.com

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