Doing Life Together

LIFE GROUP STUDY GUIDE

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Published by Northwest Christian Church

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 and 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Printed in the United States of America

THIS STUDY BOOK BELONGS TO:

CONTENTS Welcome 5 Using This Workbook (Read This First) 6 Outline for Each Session 7 SESSIONS Session One: Connecting with Jesus 8 Session Two: Connecting through Service 20 Session Three: Connecting in Community 29 Session Four: Connecting with One Another 39 Session Five: Connecting with Grace and Truth 49 Session Six: Connecting in Love 60 Session Seven: Connecting with the World 70 Session Eight: Thankful for Life Together 79 APPENDICES Frequently Asked Questions 91 Life group Agreement 93 Life group Calendar 95 Prayer and Praise Report 96 LEADERSHIP RESOURCES Leading for the First Time 100 Leadership Training 101 102 Notes 104

WELCOME

Welcome to Doing Life Together. Over the next eight weeks, you’re going to get to experience the joy of life in community.

When God created the world, the only thing He said was “not good” was that a person would be alone. You were designed for community, to do life with others. In the context of community, we connect with one another and with God in life-changing ways.

This unique Life Group curriculum integrates what you are learning in church on the weekends with what you’re studying in your Life Group and with your individual times with God. It provides a taste of small groups for those who are new, while still offering a rich and rewarding experience to those who’ve spent years in small groups.

In the context of your Life Group, you’ll dig deeper into the topics and Scriptures you’ve heard in the weekend messages. In that faith community, you will learn, discuss and grow.

On your own, between meetings, you’ll be guided through rich devotional times that again integrate with what you’re learning and experiencing at church and in your group.

This study consists of eight sessions, each focused on a different aspect of connecting to God and to others. You’ll have a chance to learn together, to discuss and share your own stories in a way that focuses on practical real-life application as you find your story in God’s story.

At the end of each session, you’ll find daily devotions that will help you go deeper in your walk with God and each other. You’ll read a Bible verse, then read a reflection written as if Jesus were speaking directly to you. You’ll then have a chance to respond.

In addition to the written study, this curriculum includes video teaching with eight teaching sessions, one for each lesson. In your discussion, you’ll dig into the Bible but also respond to what you watched on the video. Our prayer is that you would experience God in a fresh way as a result of this study.

Serving Together, DAVID CASE

USING THIS WORKBOOK Tools to help you have a great life group experience!

1. There are three sections in the Table of Contents:

(1) Sessions

(2) Appendices

(3) Life Group Leaders

Familiarize yourself with the Appendices. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

2. If you are facilitating/leading or co-leading a Life Group, the Life Group Leaders section will relate some learned experiences of others that will encourage you, share best practices, and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership.

3. Use this workbook as a guide, not as a rigid handbook. 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 91-92) and the Life Group Leaders section (pages 100-102) .

4. Enjoy your Life Group experience.

5. Read the Outline for our Eight Sessions on the next page so that you understand how each of the sessions will flow.

Life change happens in small groups. In the setting of community, we can obey Jesus’ command to love one another. In this study, you’ll not only read and discuss Biblical texts, but you’ll also think and talk about how to apply what you’ve learned to your everyday life. The goal is not that you’d accumulate knowledge, but that your life would be transformed, and your character will reflect that of Jesus Christ.

OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION

A typical group session for the Doing Life Together study will include the following sections:

INTRODUCTION: Each lesson will open 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.

SHARE YOUR STORY: The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and His family. That connection is built by sharing your story with a few people who really know you and who earn your trust. This section includes some simple questions to get you talking, letting you share as much or as little of your story as you want.

HEAR GOD’S STORY: In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to teaching, in order to hear God’s story, and begin to see how His story aligns with yours. When the study directs you to, you’ll watch a short video teaching segment. You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of Scripture and discuss both the teaching and the text. The focus won’t be on accumulating information but on how we should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights from Scripture practically, creatively, and from your heart as well as your head. At the end of the day, allowing the timeless truths from God’s Word to transform our lives in Christ is our greatest aim.

STUDY NOTES: This is a brief section with additional commentary, background or insights on the passage you’ll study in the Hear God’s Story section.

CREATE A NEW STORY: God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight—but it should happen steadily. By small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. This is where the Bible’s instructions to “be doers of the Word, not just hearers” (James 1:22) comes into play. Many people skip over this aspect of the Christian life because it’s scary,

relationally awkward, or simply too much work for their busy schedules. But Jesus wanted all of His disciples to help outsiders connect with Him, to know Him personally, and to carry out His commands. This doesn’t necessarily mean preaching on street corners. It could mean welcoming a few newcomers into your group, hosting a short-term group in your home, or walking through this study with a friend. In this study, you’ll have an opportunity to go beyond Bible study to Biblical living. This section will also have a question or two that will challenge you to live out your faith by serving others, sharing your faith, and worshiping God.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: Each week on the Daily Devotions pages we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between group meetings—a month’s worth of reflections designed to slow you down and take you deeper with Jesus. This is a chance to slow down, to read just a small portion of Scripture each day and reflect and pray through it. Each day you’ll not only read a verse, but you’ll also read a paragraph written as if it were a personal note to you from Jesus. You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. Use this section to seek God on your own throughout the week. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t get in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s voice of love.

WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES: Each session opens with a Memory Verse that emphasizes an important truth from the session. This is an optional exercise, but we believe that memorizing Scripture can be a vital part of filling our minds with God’s will for our lives. We encourage you to give this important habit a try.

SESSION ONE Connecting With Jesus

Look around at the group of people gathered around you—in a living room, or perhaps a coffee shop. They may look like they’ve got it all together, but the truth is: they are imperfect. They’re great people, each with strengths, but each has flaws. And that is alright. That’s the beauty of community—every gathering is one where people can be accepted for who they are, yet challenged to grow into who they are becoming. The pressure is off—you don’t need to be perfect. We’d rather have you be real.

We are all in need of the grace of God, the healing touch of Jesus in our lives. The amazing thing is, Jesus doesn’t avoid imperfect people—sinners like you and me. Instead, He seeks them out, invites them to the table, or into the living room, and welcomes them. Jesus was known for reaching out to the marginalized, the people labeled by His society as “sinners.” When questioned about this, He said that those far from God needed His love and teaching more than those who already knew all of God’s laws and traditions.

“I AM THE VINE; YOU ARE THE BRANCHES. IF YOU REMAIN IN ME AND I IN YOU, YOU WILL BEAR MUCH FRUIT; APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING.”

JOHN 15:5

SHARE YOUR STORY

EACH OF US HAS A STORY. THE EVENTS OF OUR LIFE—GOOD, BAD, CHALLENGING, OR WONDERFUL—HAVE SHAPED WHO WE ARE. GOD KNOWS YOUR STORY, AND INTENDS TO REDEEM IT—TO USE EVERY STRUGGLE AND EVERY JOY TO ULTIMATELY BRING YOU TO HIMSELF. WHEN WE TELL OUR STORIES, SHARING THEM WITH OTHERS, WE GIVE OTHERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE GOD AT WORK.

When we share our stories, we realize we are not alone—that we have common experiences and thoughts, and that others can understand what we are going through. Your story can encourage someone else and telling it can be a path to freedom for you, and for those you share it with.

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. 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. Then, begin your ti me together by using the notes space provided below to record any key thoughts, questions.

As you begin this first meeting, have everyone introduce themselves, and give a short description of their relationship to NCC (How long you have been attending? This

should only take approx 3 min per person). Ask someone (possibly the host) to write up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group this week.

NOW, BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING.

• What brought you here? What are you hoping to get out of this group?

• Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On page 93 is a Life Group Agreement with the values we’ve found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you choose one or two values—ones you haven’t previously focused on or have room to grow in—to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health.

• If your group is new, welcome newcomers, introduce everyone, and consider having name tags for your first group meeting. We will be “doing life together” for at least the next 8 weeks.

• We’ve come to realize 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 FAQs in the Appendix for additional information about hosting or leading the group.

• The Life Group Calendar on page 95 is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan leaders for your remaining meetings. Don’t pass this up! It will revolutionize your group.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Watch the Video for this session now. Use the Notes space provided to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

HEAR GOD’S STORY

Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced on the video, as well as the Bible passage below.

READ JOHN 15:1-6.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

• Jesus says that He is the true vine. The Message translation says, the real vine. David mentioned that this seems to indicate that there are imitation vines or fake vines. What imitation or fake vines do you see in our world today? How do we know the difference?

• Jesus describes the Father as the gardener who prunes. Has there been a time in your life when a branch was cut off because it did not bear any fruit? Or a time when you were pruned so that you were able to bear even more fruit?

• What does it mean to remain in Jesus?

• Who do you know that needs to be connected to the True Vine?

STUDY NOTES

Vine and Branches: Jesus regularly used examples and metaphors in His teaching that were easy for the people He was talking to understand. When Jesus called Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew, He told them that they would become fishers of men. Simon and Andrew were fishermen, so this metaphor made sense to them. In this session we have talked about Jesus being the vine and us being the branches. Again, this metaphor would make sense to the people because they understood what it took to have a healthy vineyard.

If grape branches are not connected to the vine, the grapes will not get the water and nutrients they need to survive. They will slowly begin to stop bearing fruit, shrivel up, and die. In fact, the Bible doesn’t say that those branches will shrivel and die, it says, “He (God) cuts off every branch in Me (Jesus) that bears no fruit.” (John 15:2a) Later in verse 6, it says, “...such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” This is why we have talked so much about staying connected to the Vine (Jesus).

Pruning for Health: In this passage, another very important part of the metaphor is pruning. I am not a gardener, but everyone I know who is a gardener understands the importance of pruning. If you research the importance of pruning you will discover that pruning encourages new growth, makes it stronger, and prevents damage. Notice what John writes about pruning. “He (God) cuts off every branch in Me (Jesus) that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:2) John never says that God leaves some branches alone because they are doing just fine. God is always either cutting off because something is dead or not producing fruit or He is pruning so that we will bear more fruit.

NOTES: USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

CREATE A NEW STORY

God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom— to weave your story into His. That will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way by giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, and challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God.

IN THIS SECTION, TALK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL APPLY THE WISDOM YOU’VE LEARNED FROM THE TEACHING AND BIBLE STUDY. THEN THINK ABOUT PRACTICAL STEPS YOU CAN TAKE IN THE COMING WEEK TO LIVE OUT WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED.

• What are the benefits of staying connected to the Vine and what problems might you encounter if you disconnect?

• How might reaching out to marginalized or rejected people (the people who need to be connected to the Vine) help you to connect with Jesus?

• What do you need to let go of in order to respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him and to stay connected?

• This week, how will you nurture that connection with Jesus? Can you commit to spending time in daily prayer or study of God’s Word (use the Daily Devotions section to guide you)? Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE CIRCLES OF LIFE DIAGRAM BELOW

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 your lists with the group so you can all be praying for the people you’ve identified.

• Also consider someone—in this group or outside it—that you can begin going deeper with in an intentional way. This might be your mom or dad, a cousin, an aunt or uncle, a roommate, a college buddy, or a neighbor. Choose someone who might be open to “doing life” with you at a deeper level and pray about that opportunity.

• This week how will you interact with the Bible? Can you commit to spending time in daily prayer or study of God’s Word (use the Daily Devotions section to guide you)? Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

• Stack your hands just as a sports team does in the huddle and commit to taking a risk and going deeper in your group and in your relationships with each other.

• Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue.

Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 96.

• Close your meeting with prayer.

A NEW COMMAND I GIVE YOU: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, SO YOU MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

JOHN 13:34

DAILY DEVOTIONS

MONDAY • READ JOHN 6:35

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.”

Reflect: In John 15:1, we read that Jesus made the statement, “I AM the true vine.” This was the last of seven I AM statements that Jesus made about Himself. In today’s passage, we read the first I AM statement: I AM the bread of life. Jesus had just fed the 5,000 and the people followed Him wanting something from Jesus more than Jesus. Jesus makes it clear that He did not come to give them bread, He came to be bread.

Respond: Do you find yourself wanting things from God more than you want God Himself? Are you allowing Jesus to be the Lord of your life as much as He is your Savior?

Reflect: Many people have difficulty knowing which way to go in life. It is not always easy to know which friends to hang out with, or what job we should pursue, or what school we should send our kids to. This is why Jesus tells us that He is the light. He will guide us when darkness comes - and darkness will come. Difficult days will happen. But when we walk with Jesus, we walk in the light.

Respond: Are you currently walking with Jesus in the light? What decisions do you need to give to God?

TUESDAY • READ JOHN 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I AM the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

“Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Reflect: There are thousands of voices in the world trying to lure you away from the gate. They can’t enter the gate, because Jesus, the gatekeeper, is there to

WEDNESDAY • READ JOHN 10:7-10

protect you. Only Jesus can give you the rest you are looking for. Only Jesus is strong enough to keep you safe from thieves and robbers. But entering this door means coming through Christ, denying yourself, and choosing to follow Him.

Respond: What doors do you typically find yourself walking in? Take some time today to rest in Christ. Spend time in His pasture.

Respond: How can you remind yourself daily of the love displayed in the life and death of Jesus? What area of your life needs to be surrendered to the care of the Shepherd?

THURSDAY • READ JOHN 10:11-14

“ I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming he abandons the sheep and runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.”

Reflect: The Shepherd’s sole responsibility is to protect and care for the sheep. He guides the sheep from walking the wrong way, eating the wrong thing or wandering into danger. The shepherd actually protects the sheep from themselves. God’s desire was to not delegate the work of caring for His people to anyone else. So He stepped out of heaven and humbled Himself to take on flesh so we could know and be known by Him. David understood this when he wrote Psalm 23. You can trust the shepherd who gave up His life to guide your daily life.

FRIDAY • READ JOHN 11:25-26

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Reflect: When Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave, He was not only demonstrating that He has the power to resurrect, but that He is the source of resurrection. It is only through Jesus that we have an opportunity to never die. Living a life surrendered to Jesus changes your life today and for eternity.

Respond: Read also John 16:33, Matthew 11:29-30, & Philippians 1:6. What areas of your day-to-day life need to be molded into the life that Jesus called us into? How does the future promise of eternal life change your perspective of your current situation?

(The final I am statement is found in John 14:6)

SESSION TWO Connecting Through Service

FOR YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED TO LIVE IN FREEDOM, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. BUT DON’T USE YOUR FREEDOM TO SATISFY YOUR SINFUL NATURE. INSTEAD, USE YOUR FREEDOM TO SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE.

GALATIANS 5:13

As we grow in our relationship with God, we express that love by serving God—which almost always means serving other people, even people who don’t yet know God. Your group will go deeper and grow closer as you serve one another, and as you serve together in your church or community.

When we connect with Jesus, He invites us to live as He would if He were in our place. We imitate Him—especially when it comes to how we relate to others. We respond by serving as He served—not in a legalistic way, or in an attempt to earn God’s favor (or other people’s admiration). We serve out of love, which overflows when we are filled up by God. And we find that when we serve, we cannot out give God. The satisfaction that comes from serving Him is a joy that draws us even closer to Him.

When we serve one another in the context of community, we strengthen the bonds between us. When we gather as a small group to go and serve outside our group, we experience life as a team—and again, we grow closer together. When our group becomes a place not just to gather but to serve one another in love, we’ll begin to experience community in a whole new way.

SHARE YOUR STORY

OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER. THIS SHOULD BE A BRIEF, SIMPLE PRAYER, IN WHICH YOU INVITE GOD TO BE WITH YOU AS YOU MEET. 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.

Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

• Who is someone you know—at work, in your neighborhood, or at church—who could be described as a “servant leader”?

• Describe a time when you took time to serve others, and ended up feeling like you’d been blessed more than those you set out to help.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Watch the Video for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

HEAR GOD’S STORY

READ PHILIPPIANS 2:1-8 (MSG)

If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if His love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of Himself that He had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, He set aside the privileges of Deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, He stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

• How is loving others a way of serving them? How is serving others a way of loving them?

• Why does God want us to put ourselves aside and help others get ahead? How is this message different from the values of our culture?

• What does this passage tell us about how Jesus thought of Himself?

• What instructions does this give us for cultivating humility?

• What does this passage tell us about service? About our attitude toward serving others?

STUDY NOTES

“...being in a community of the Spirit…” We serve God to show Him how much we love Him—but our service has practical benefits for others as well. In order to serve God, we have to serve people. All of the spiritual gifts listed in the Bible are directed toward others, and are meant to build community and oneness. The beauty of this is that when we serve, we knit together a community that we get to be a part of. Is your small group a “community of the Spirit”? What would move it toward that ideal? This passage tells us that if each of us has a Christ-like attitude, we will experience deep community.

“...equal status with God…” Jesus was fully God, and fully human. He did not get sent to earth as some sort of punishment. He did not draw the short straw in some sort of lottery in the Trinity. He willingly chose to come to earth, and willingly gave up all the rights of heaven, because He loved us. His only motivation was love. This passage calls us to the same sort of motive—we don’t serve so others will admire us or even so that they will join our church or small group. Our motive must be the same as Christ’s—love.

NOTES: USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

CREATE A NEW STORY

God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way by giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God.

IN THIS SECTION, TALK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL APPLY THE WISDOM YOU’VE LEARNED IN THIS SESSION.

• What do you find most challenging about the passage we read above?

• What does it mean to “live a selfless, obedient life”? What would change in your small group if everyone did that?

• Did you serve at Serve Day this past week? How was that experience for you?

• Each of you has 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, prayer, organizing an event, research or study of a topic, worship, inviting new people? Have each person share what their gift or passion is, and how they could use it to strengthen and build up the group.

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

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A TOWN BUILT ON A HILL CANNOT BE HIDDEN. NEITHER DO PEOPLE LIGHT A LAMP AND PUT IT UNDER A BOWL. INSTEAD THEY PUT IT ON ITS STAND, AND IT GIVES LIGHT TO EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE.

JOHN 13:35

DAILY DEVOTIONS

MONDAY • READ MATTHEW 5:14-15

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

Reflect: If Jesus were speaking in today’s language, He may say it this way: You are the light of the world, because you are My disciple. Live as I lived, and you can’t help but shine. Your light will help others to see clearly, to understand Me. The light you shine is the light of love.

Give light to people by serving them, by telling them about Me but also demonstrating love in practical, tangible ways. A light is not theoretical, it’s real. Let your love for others be real, and whatever you do, don’t hide it.

Respond: Where are you tempted to put your light “under a bowl”? What does it mean to let your light shine?

Reflect: Let your light shine! I’ve put My spirit in you for this very thing—that you would not hide what is happening to your soul, but rather, let it shine.

Good deeds are not ways to impress Me or others, but ways to show My love to others in very practical ways. Put your love into action—that will give My Father glory, and draw others into relationship with Him.

Respond: Where do you need to let your light shine, perhaps by serving others? Who do you need to love and welcome into your community?

TUESDAY • READ MATTHEW 5:16

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

WEDNESDAY • READ MATTHEW 6:1

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

Reflect: I came to serve, and as My followers, I want you to follow the example I’ve set for you. Doing good to others, practicing righteousness—that’s a given. It’s how My followers behave.

But you don’t have to make a big deal of it. It’s not about being seen, it’s about your heart. When you serve quietly, behind the scenes, you’ll be the one who sees the Father smile.

Respond: Is practicing righteousness a “given” in your life? Why is it sometimes hard to serve anonymously?

THURSDAY • READ MATTHEW 6:2

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”

Reflect: When you give to the poor (and notice I didn’t say “if you give”), just do it without any fanfare. The already downtrodden don’t need to be made to feel worse by you pointing out their shortcomings.

If you’re helping others so that others notice, enjoy the notoriety. Because frankly, that’s the only reward you’re going to get.

Respond: We may not announce our giving with trumpets, but we often do it with our name on a brick or a wall or a list in the church bulletin. Spend some time quietly examining your motives for giving.

FRIDAY • READ MATTHEW 6:3-4

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Reflect: The “needy” are not just starving children or homeless people. Sometimes needs are for food and shelter, sometimes people need the shelter of a loving community.

Reach out to others, but don’t make it a big deal. When you give and no one but Me knows, it draws you closer to Me—as if we share a special secret. Be generous, but quiet about it.

Respond: Have you ever given a gift completely anonymously? Sometime this week, pray and ask God who needs to receive an anonymous gift from you. Then give, without letting anyone know.

SESSION THREE Connecting In Community

THEREFORE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD EACH OTHER UP, JUST AS IN FACT YOU ARE DOING.

I THESSALONIANS 5:11

You were created for community. You are made in the image of God—and God Himself exists in community—as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The Bible encourages us to live connected to God and to one another. The phrase “one another” is found dozens of times and reminds us that community is built not by just thinking about it, but through actions: loving one another, praying for one another, encouraging one another, and so on.

You may wonder—what would that look like? A community that built each other up, cared for one another in every way? The Bible gives us a real-life example of an amazing community in Acts 2. The early church experienced deep fellowship that went beyond common theology or beliefs. They truly cared for each other and met one another’s physical, spiritual and emotional needs. It was a contagious community marked by generosity and joy.

We can learn a lot about how to go deeper in fellowship, how to engage in authentic community, by looking at the early church.

SHARE YOUR STORY

OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER. THIS SHOULD BE A BRIEF, SIMPLE PRAYER IN WHICH YOU INVITE GOD TO BE WITH YOU AS YOU MEET. 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.

Last week we talked about how Christ followers grow best when serving, giving and focusing on others. It’s even better when we choose to serve together. This week, we’ll look at how connecting together played out in the early church, and what we can learn from their example.

• Have you ever been a part of a great community? Maybe it was the neighborhood you grew up in, a sports team you played on, a church you were a part of, even a company you worked for. What made this community a great place for you?

• Have you ever felt left out? How did that experience affect you?

WATCH THE VIDEO

HEAR GOD’S STORY

Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced on the Video and the Bible passage below.

READ ACTS 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

• How does this community differ from your experiences of church? How is it similar?

• How did the people express love to God? With one another? To the Community around them?

• As the church lived this out in real life, what was the response from those within the church? Those within the community?

• What aspect of this type of closeness would you like to see in your life group? In our church?

STUDY NOTES

Fellowship (Acts 2:42). Verse 42 says that the early believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer. The word translated fellowship is the Greek word koinonia, which means “sharing what we have in common.” It implies not only relational closeness and authenticity but intensely practical generosity. Koinonia is the opposite of pleonexia, which is a selfish, grasping spirit. This word is also translated as communion, and even contribution or distribution—all of which give us clues into its rich meaning of not just hanging out together but caring for and providing for one another.

Breaking of bread (Acts 2:42 and 46). The early church shared all things in common, apparently including meals. But many scholars believe that these two mentions in Acts 2 refer to two different types of meals: a breaking of bread or what we call Communion as part of worship to remember Jesus’ breaking of bread at the Last Supper (as He instructed them in Matthew 26, Mark 14 and Luke 22, see also 1 Corinthians 11), and an actual meal that they shared together. Just as today we enjoy fellowship around a dinner table, the early church made a habit of sharing meals. Yet each time they gathered, they made sure to remember Jesus as the reason for their gathering.

The Lord added (Acts 2:47). Notice the focus on the role of God in the community’s life. This becomes a common characteristic of a growing healthy church throughout the rest of the book of Acts where we are shown a persuasive picture of what it means to live with others who follow the way of Jesus.

CREATE A NEW STORY

God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean choosing to change. Choosing to live His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should be happening consistently. By making small, simple choices, we begin to see God change our lives into something new. But this is not a solo journey. We get to walk with one another encouraging, challenging, and praying along the way. And the Holy Spirit moves within all believers giving us the power and desire to love not only those around us, but those far from God.

IN THIS SECTION, TALK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL APPLY THE WISDOM YOU’VE LEARNED IN THIS SESSION.

• Today’s topic is connecting in community. What keeps us from experiencing community and fellowship as close and vibrant as that of the early church?

• Describe a time in your life where someone connected with you by giving you some encouragement. Perhaps it was a rough day at work or a family event. How did that person’s actions help you through that moment?

• What changes could you make in your life this week to connect more fully with this community and really do life together? Perhaps it would be helpful to start a text or email group to stay connected throughout the week.

• Pastor David spoke of a “contagious community” one that people were drawn to. How can NCC live out this value throughout our region?

• Spend some time praying about those you know who might respond to a simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your small group, or even just to have coffee with the hopes of encouraging them. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring people to mind that you can pray for.

• Close your meeting with prayer. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 96-97.

FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE GATHER IN MY NAME, THERE AM I WITH THEM.

MATTHEW 18:20

DAILY DEVOTIONS

MONDAY • READ COLOSSIANS 3:11

“In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.”

Reflect: God’s church has no boundaries. A phrase we use at NCC is “Everyone’s Welcome,” no matter who you are or what you’ve done.

Respond: How can we be more welcoming to others as we welcome them into a community connected and committed to Jesus?

Respond: What does it mean to clothe yourself with one of these attributes? “Try one on” today and observe what God does through you.

TUESDAY • READ COLOSSIANS 3:12

“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Reflect: You have been “Chosen” by God. This has implications. We have a response to what God has done for us. The Scriptures say that we “must” act.

WEDNESDAY • READ COLOSSIANS 3:13

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Reflect: A second phrase we use at NCC is “Nobody’s Perfect”. Unforgiveness can cause great harm to a relationship, even a church.

Respond: Who is someone you need to forgive? Who is someone you need to ask forgiveness from? Remember, none of us are perfect.?

THURSDAY • READ COLOSSIANS 3:14

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”

Reflect: When someone looks at you, do they see love and compassion or something else? Clothing yourself with love could be as simple as a kind smile, or a polite “thank you”.

Respond: How can you be wearing love as you go through the activities in your life today? Can you make it your goal for love to be seen by everyone you encounter today?

FRIDAY • READ COLOSSIANS 3:15

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

Reflect: Thankfulness and gratitude can be an antidote for fear and anxiety. Focusing on what you’re thankful for can dramatically alter your day for the better. NCC’s third phrase, “Amazing Things Will Happen,” can truly come true when we simply choose to be thankful…and spread thankfulness to others.

Respond: How does your thankful heart give peace to others today?

SESSION FOUR Connecting with One Another

BUT YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES ON YOU; AND YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES IN JERUSALEM, AND IN ALL JUDEA AND SAMARIA, AND TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.

ACTS 1:8

Who doesn’t love a good story? The story of Jesus doesn’t end in the Bible, it continues to trace its way through history and includes all who believe. The truth of Jesus is not only a fulfillment of past promises in Scripture, it’s a life-changing reality in our present moment. The story of the gospel has changed us and given us an amazing story that needs to be told.

SHARE YOUR STORY

AS WE SAID LAST WEEK, WHEN WE TELL OUR STORIES, SHARING THEM WITH OTHERS, WE GIVE OTHERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE GOD AT WORK. YOUR STORY IS BEING SHAPED, EVEN IN THIS MOMENT, BY BEING A PART OF THIS GROUP. IN FACT, FEW THINGS CAN SHAPE US MORE THAN COMMUNITY.

When we share our stories, we can encourage someone else, and learn.

We can experience the presence of God as He helps us be brave enough to reveal our thoughts and feelings.

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to guide you as you meet, to give you insight and wisdom. 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.

• Do you have a “go-to” story? A story that you know is worth telling to any crowd? Maybe you met someone famous, participated in an adventure.. etc.

• What are some characteristics of a great storyteller? Does someone specifically come to mind when you think of “storyteller”?

• Have you ever shared your life story with someone? Describe your experience.

• Have you ever used your story or experience to persuade someone to use a certain brand, product, or tool? What was it? Did you convince them?

WATCH THE VIDEO

HEAR GOD’S STORY

How can we become a part of God’s story? By aligning our stories with His. By understanding what it means to follow Him. Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced, and the Bible passage below.

READ JOHN 9:1-12

As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” After saying this, He spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.“Go,” He told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” “Where is this man?” they asked him. “I don’t know,” he said.

• This man’s story contains a unique encounter with Jesus. What reason did Jesus give to the disciples as to why this man was blind? How might Jesus’ response give purpose to the life of the blind man?

• How did the blind man demonstrate faithfulness? When have you needed to be faithful to God’s direction in your story?

• How could this man’s response to those asking him how he could see inspire you to share your story of faith? Do you regularly give God credit for your life change?

STUDY NOTES

Connecting with those around us, and even the world at large, takes intentionality and sometimes even requires us to be strategic. This doesn’t mean we are to manipulate relationships or actions with evangelism as our only intent. But, we may need to be a little more purposeful in sharing our stories. God is working all around us, and if we are paying attention, we can join Him in His work.

Throughout the life and ministry of Jesus we see Him refer to Himself as a “light” or “light of the world”. Jesus also gives His followers the same purpose and designation. In Matthew 5:13-16, He tells His followers that they are the “light of the world” and calls them to “let your light shine before others”. This is significant because Jesus’ audience was well aware of the importance of light. We might take this for granted each time we flip a switch and the light bulb automatically illuminates.

Back then, light was fleeting. Jesus is not only calling us to action by referring to us as a light in a dark world, He is demonstrating our value to a world that desperately needs to hear our stories.

CREATE A NEW STORY

• The memory verse is Acts 1:8. Read it again if you need to refresh your memory. What is your version of “Jerusalem”, “Judea and Samaria”, and to the “ends of the earth”. Who in your life needs to hear God’s story? Start within your circle of influence and work your way out.

• Connecting others to Jesus shouldn’t be forced but could be strategic. What is one way you can be intentional about sharing how Jesus has impacted you in everyday conversation?

• We are called to be salt and light. When we embrace this calling we will make a difference in this world. How is it possible to share God’s story with your lifestyle rather than words? Share how this has looked in your life.

• Pray for 1 person in your life that needs to hear the story of Jesus.

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

SPENDING TIME ALONE WITH JESUS WILL ENABLE YOU TO BE FILLED SO THAT YOU CAN LOVE OTHERS.

Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Imagine that Jesus is sitting with you. Then, imagine Him saying the words in the “reflect” section to you—reassuring you with His presence and loving you with His words of comfort and strength. After reflecting on Jesus’ words to you, take some time to journal your response back to him. You can write whatever is on your heart. Answer the “respond” question only if it’s helpful. You may want to go another direction and that is exactly what you’re free to do. On the first day, you may want to read over all the verses for the week to get the “big picture” of the passage. But then walk slowly verse by verse, listening to Jesus and responding to him as you meditate on the truths of Scripture and experience his presence.

DAILY DEVOTIONS

MONDAY • READ ACTS 1:8

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Reflect: Remember when I told you that when you face difficulties, I will be with you. My Holy Spirit dwells within you. He will strengthen you and comfort you when you face opposition. I have done a great work in your life so that you can share your story with others.

Respond: Make a short list of your most common fears when attempting to connect with someone else. Read Psalm 59:9-10 in response to those fears.

Reflect: You are so precious to me. I knew exactly what I was doing when I created you. You have all the skills and abilities you need to accomplish what I have planned for you. You have a specific purpose in this life. Put your trust in Me.

Respond: Read Ephesians 2:10. What do you learn about who you are and who God is from this verse?

TUESDAY • READ MATTHEW 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

WEDNESDAY • READ COLOSSIANS 3:13

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Reflect: Do you remember what your life was like before you believed in Me? Do you remember how your life has changed because of our relationship? The work I have done in your life will be a witness to others. Simply share your story about how your life has changed because of Me.

Respond: What is one way you can better prepare yourself to give an answer to the question “Why do you believe in Jesus?”

THURSDAY • MATTHEW 9:37-38

“Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Reflect: All I ask from you is to be willing to work for the harvest. You are not responsible to change anyone’s heart. That is the work I do with My Father. You simply need to share your story. Allow My Spirit to do His work.

Respond: Who are you praying for to come to know Jesus? Review your Circle of Life. If you regularly pray for these people and you pay attention, God will provide you with a natural opportunity to share your story.

FRIDAY • READ ACTS 26:19-23

“So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to His own people and to the Gentiles.”

Reflect: I dramatically changed Paul’s life. But I have also dramatically changed your life. This passage demonstrates Paul’s willingness to share Me with King Agrippa. King Agrippa did not immediately change his heart, but Paul planted a seed. He did his part. My only ask of you is that you do your part.

Respond: If you’ve never done it, on a separate sheet of paper, write out your whole story. How has God changed you from the inside out? What does His forgiveness mean to you?

SESSION FIVE Connecting with Grace and Truth

If we want to go deeper in community, we need to have the courage to be honest: about what’s going on in our lives, and about what’s going on in our group. If we’ve been hurt before, it’s normal to hold back—to not want to tell our story or share our struggles. But when we’re brave enough to be honest, we can experience the healing power of community. When our group knows what’s going on in each other’s lives, we have the opportunity to encourage, pray for and love each other through whatever we may be facing. When God’s love flows through others into our lives, and friends offer practical help with our needs—we experience God in a new way.

Sometimes, we need to be honest about our disagreements. Honesty isn’t only about telling our story—but it’s carefully working out the way our stories rub and bump against each other.

Any group that goes beyond the surface is going to run into some conflict. But when we deal with that conflict with honesty and grace and kindness, we’ll get to a new level of depth and connection that we can’t experience any other way.

AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US, AND WE HAVE SEEN HIS GLORY, GLORY AS OF THE ONLY SON FROM THE FATHER, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH. JOHN 1:14

SHARE YOUR STORY

OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER. THIS SHOULD BE A BRIEF, SIMPLE PRAYER, IN WHICH YOU INVITE GOD TO BE WITH YOU AS YOU MEET. 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.

Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

Sharing our stories requires us to be honest. But opening up can often bring fear or anxiety. One of the best ways to quell anxiety is through curiosity. When someone is sharing a story, instead of thinking of something to say, think of a question for whoever is sharing that may help the group understand more about their life.

• Perhaps you’ve heard the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes in which swindlers fool a vain emperor into believing they had made a new outfit that could only be seen by smart or brilliant people. For fear of ridicule, none of his subjects had courage enough to tell him this was a farce until

the emperor exposed himself in front of crowds of people in his “new clothes”. Of all people, it was a young child who had the courage to blurt out the truth, “The emperor has no clothes on!” Has fear ever prevented you from telling someone close to you a truth they desperately needed to know? Have you ever had a friend tell you a truth you may have not enjoyed at the moment, yet you needed to hear?

• It can be difficult to balance speaking the truth and speaking the truth in love. Can you share a time when you may or may not have gotten this concept right?

WATCH THE VIDEO

HEAR GOD’S STORY

Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the Bible passage below.

READ EPHESIANS 4:25-32 (MSG)

“What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work. Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Don’t grieve God. Don’t break His heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for Himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”

• This passage has some great guidelines for any community, large or small. Verse 25 says, “When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.” What do you think this means? Have you ever seen this happen?

• What surprises you about verses 26-27? What situation in your life tends to make you feel angry (kids, spouse, work?) What does this verse tell you about dealing with that?

• Sometimes, honesty means saying some difficult things in order to resolve a conflict. How can you resolve conflict but still follow the instructions in verse 29?

• How would forgiving one another quickly (verse 32) help to resolve conflict? How would knowing others are willing to forgive you help you to be honest?

STUDY NOTES

“Go ahead and be angry…” Anger is an emotion that all of us have felt, and in fact, Jesus experienced anger as well. There is nothing wrong with anger, but the problem comes when we deal with it inappropriately. When we become abusive toward others, whether emotionally or physically; when we turn our anger inward and engage in self-destructive behaviors or addictions; these are the places we take a wrong turn, moving away from God. To deny your anger isn’t honest, but when you confess your anger, God can help to resolve and diffuse it.

“Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk…” You may not be a person who curses or swears. But do you cut others down or gossip? Are all your interactions free from negativity or meanness? How about your on-line interactions— your comments on social media? How about when you talk about someone when they’re not around? Do you build others up, even when you’re not with them? How does this sort of talk erode community? One way to “make a clean break” with unwholesome talk is to ask someone else to hold you accountable. Who could help you in this regard?

NOTES: USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

CREATE A NEW STORY

God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight—but it should happen steadily. By small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way: giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God.

IN THIS SECTION, TALK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL APPLY THE WISDOM YOU’VE LEARNED IN THIS SESSION.

• In your relationships outside of this group, how do you go about resolving conflict?

• In the home you grew up in, how was conflict handled? What is one thing you want to do differently than your family did?

• Suppose that you have an issue in your group: one person is dominating the discussions so that others tend to shut down. How could you resolve this situation using the advice in the passage from Ephesians 4 above? How could you “tell your neighbor the truth” and “say only what helps” and “not stay angry”?

• What keeps you from being honest or revealing more of your story in any given situation?

• As Pastor David said, “Truth without grace is mean. And grace without truth is meaningless.” What is one thing that this group could do to make it a place where people feel free to be honest about their struggles, and to be honest about conflict?

Spend some time praying about those you know who might respond to a simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your small group, or even just to have coffee with the hopes of encouraging them. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring people to mind that you can pray for.

Close your meeting in prayer.

LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, SINCE AS MEMBERS OF ONE BODY YOU WERE CALLED TO PEACE. AND BE THANKFUL.

COLOSSIANS 3:15

DAILY DEVOTIONS

MONDAY • READ 1 JOHN 1:5

“Come into the light, into the presence of My Father. There’s no darkness, no sin there, only purity and beauty. Honesty and truth might scare you, but in the end, they bring freedom.”

Reflect: One thing light does: it shows things as they are. You can’t hide what’s going on, so be honest with the Father, He can see it all anyway. Honesty brings freedom—dishonesty can’t fool God. Choose to walk into the light of love.

Respond: What things are you keeping hidden from God and others that you need to bring into the light?

the confusion and darkness of untruth? Live what you have been given: a shared life with Me.

Respond: Do you claim to share your life with Christ? Are you living that out, or stumbling in the dark?

TUESDAY • READ 1 JOHN 1:6

“If we claim that we experience a shared life with Him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth—we’re not living what we claim.”

Reflect: Don’t you see that I want to set you free— free to live consistently. If you say one thing but do another, that’s not truth. You were made for more.

Don’t you know that I love you so much? Nothing you’ve done could change that truth—so why stay in

WEDNESDAY • READ 1 JOHN 1:7

“But if we walk in the light, God Himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin.”

Reflect: I’ve cleansed you, My child, made you clean and whole. You’re walking in the light, in God’s light, and it’s beautiful.

When you live in the light, you are connected to others in that same light. My love for you is something you can experience in community with others. Don’t miss out on it!

Respond: Are you experiencing a shared life with other believers? If you are not, what step can you take to move toward a life that is shared?

THURSDAY

“If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense.”

Reflect: You’re not perfect, My beloved. But I love you perfectly. I don’t expect perfection—in fact, the first step toward letting go of your imperfections is admitting that they are there!

Admit that you are a mess and need Me to set you free by bringing you into the light of My forgiveness and love. And knowing your own flaws will only help you to be patient with the flaws of others—and suddenly, you won’t be so lonely anymore.

Respond: What fears cause you to try to hide your sins or mistakes? How is not being honest about our flaws like claiming we have no sin?

FRIDAY

“On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—He won’t let us down; He’ll be true to Himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing”

Reflect: Honesty. It’s all I want—just admit the struggles, the bad choices, the rebellion (small and hidden as it may be). Confess, and let it go. Turn away, leave that mess and walk into the light. When you’ve admitted your sin and asked for forgiveness, I’m nothing but delighted to completely set you free, wiping your slate clean. I promise.

Respond: Think about a time when you experienced Christ’s forgiveness and cleansing. Thank him for it.

• READ 1 JOHN 1:8 • READ 1 JOHN 1:9

SESSION SIX Connecting in Love

As you’ve quite possibly discovered over the last few weeks, community can be wonderful. Or, it can be terribly messy and even difficult. Typically, it is all of the above. Typically, it is all of the above, but there may be times those bonds are tested. You will have to grapple with a big question: what does it mean to love?

The Bible tells us we’re to love God and love others. Jesus said those were the most important commandments, and in fact, were the foundation of every other law in the Old Testament. All the “one another’s” we’ve discussed in previous lessons—things like being patient with one another, encouraging one another, praying for one another—those are all acts of love.

Love is the foundation, the bottom line. Love is simple, but not easy. It is what takes us from casual connection to deep community. As the Bible says, if we have not love, we’re nothing.

In this lesson, dig in and discover what it means to love, and how you can grow in love.

HEAR, O ISRAEL: THE LORD OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE. LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH. DEUTERONOMY 6:4-5

SHARE YOUR STORY

As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear to encourage or strengthen them. And your listening to others’ stories is an act of love and kindness to them—and could very well help them to grow spiritually. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

• Who is someone you know who seems to really love Jesus? How can you tell? What’s one thing they do that you want to imitate?

• What has God been showing you through these sessions about what it means to live in community?

• Take some time for each person to share about how they’ve done with inviting the people on the Circles of Life (see page 15) to church or your small group. What specific conversations are you praying about for the weeks to come?

WATCH THE VIDEO

HEAR GOD’S STORY

Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the Bible passage below.

READ MATTHEW 22:34-40

“Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

• Have you ever had someone ask you a question to test you, or to try to start a debate? How did you feel at that moment? How does Jesus handle a potentially contentious question?

• Jesus said that loving God and loving our neighbor should be our top priorities in life. Why do you suppose He chose these two?

• The law expert asked for one “greatest” commandment. Why does Jesus give him two?

• Love has many meanings and connotations in our culture. Practically speaking, how does a person go about loving God?

• Do you think it is possible to love God but not love your neighbor? Explain your answer.

STUDY NOTES

An expert in the law (Matthew 22:35): The man who questioned Jesus may have been a scribe, or a Pharisee. He would have had the Torah, which are the texts that make up the first five books of both the Jewish and Christian Scriptures, committed to memory, word for word. He likely had an opinion about what the “right” answer to his question ought to be. And Jesus quotes those Scriptures. God’s priority has always been love—from the very beginning.

Love the Lord Your God (Matthew 22:37): Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:5, which was not only a beloved text of the Jews, but one that they recited as a prayer twice a day. It was familiar not only to the experts in the law, but to every Jew of Jesus’ day. Neighbor (Matthew 22:39): The Jewish religious leaders were also familiar with the command to love your neighbor (Leviticus 19:18), but often debated with one another (and with Jesus, see Luke 10:29-37) about who the word neighbor referred to. Jesus expanded the definition of neighbor to anyone we cross paths with—even our enemies. Because of our connection with people around the globe, every person is indeed our neighbor.

NOTES: USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

CREATE A NEW STORY

God calls us to do two things that seem relatively easy on the surface, but can be very difficult to accomplish if we aren’t walking in close fellowship with Him. First, God asks us to love Him with all our heart and to not have any other gods before Him. But there tends to be several things in our lives that we place in front of God. Second, God asks us to love others as much as ourselves. It is not hard to love the people who are easy to love, but loving the unlovely, that is a whole different kind of challenge.

THINK ABOUT SPECIFIC STEPS YOU WANT TO TAKE TO LIVE A NEW STORY, TO WALK MORE CLOSELY WITH GOD SO THAT YOU CAN BE A PART OF HIS STORY, ENGAGED IN HIS KINGDOM.

• How do you love God? What specific action steps do you take to love Him?

• Jesus said we should love our neighbors as ourselves. Do you ever find it difficult to love yourself? Explain.

• Who are your neighbors? Make a list: co-workers, people you live near, family, friends, even those you don’t particularly like, even those who mistreat you.

• What are you doing to love each of the people on your list?

• What’s your reaction to the idea that Christianity is really about relationships—loving God and loving people? How does that differ from many people’s perception of Christianity?

• Close your time in prayer. Give thanks for the group and time you’ve had together, and ask God to create ways for others to experience the love you’ve experienced through this group.

JESUS REPLIED: “‘LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREATEST COMMANDMENT. AND THE SECOND IS LIKE IT: ‘LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ ALL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS HANG ON THESE TWO COMMANDMENTS.”

MATTHEW 22:36-40

DAILY DEVOTIONS

MONDAY • READ 1 MATTHEW 5:42

“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

Reflect: The love I am asking you to give to your neighbor is not theoretical, any more than my love for you is simply an idea. I’m asking you to love as I loved you, which means offering tangible, real help.

Loving your neighbor doesn’t mean just thinking warm thoughts toward them (although that might be a good first step). It means being willing to share your possessions. The question becomes, what matters more to you—your possessions, or our relationship?

Respond: Who wants to “borrow from you?” Why is a borrower sometimes difficult to love?

My followers are to be known not for what they hate, but by the way that they love. Let go of hate, which is a bitter poison for your soul.

Respond: Who are your enemies—that is, who do you struggle to love?

TUESDAY • READ MATTHEW 5:43

“You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”

Reflect: Who are your enemies, my child? There may be people who scorn you because of your beliefs, who criticize you. There may be someone you’re competing with at work for a position or promotion. You may even find yourself hating people who disagree with you politically, or who flaunt their immorality.

WEDNESDAY • READ MATTHEW 5:44

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

Reflect: My child, when I was on the cross, I died not just for you, but for all. Even the men who nailed Me to that cross, even the soldiers who beat Me.

I know how hard it is to love your enemies, believe Me. I also understand the motives of those who persecute others, believing they are defending honor or truth. Can you love your enemies? Can you pray for your persecutors, or even your critics? Let Me fill you with love that goes beyond all reason, a love that overcomes evil with good.

Respond: Read also Romans 12:21. Who is someone this verse has inspired you to pray for? Spend some time right now praying for that person.

THURSDAY • READ MATTHEW 5:45

“…that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Reflect: I did not come into this world to condemn it, but to save it. I love all people, and want to draw all people to Myself. Every person is created in the image of God, and they matter to Me.

I have given the gift of life to all people, not just those who follow Me. Of course, I’m hoping they’ll look for the source of those gifts, and find Me. Can you help point the way by loving all, and stepping up proudly to proclaim that you are children of the Father?

Respond: Read also John 3:17. What do you think it means to be “children of your Father in heaven”? What is one action you can take today to glorify your Father and let people know you are His child?

FRIDAY • READ MATTHEW 5:46

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Aren’t even the tax collectors doing that?”

Reflect: My child, I love you. And I am delighted that you love Me back. But almost any human heart will respond to love with love. It’s how I created and designed you.

But when you are in close relationship with Me, I strengthen you to do what you could never do in your human strength alone. I enable and empower you to love those who don’t love you. To initiate love toward the unlovely. Let me help you to rise above, to love as you’ve been loved.

Respond: What would happen to your small group if it became known as a group of people who loved radically, who included people regardless of their flaws?

SESSION SEVEN Connecting with the World

THEREFORE, GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE.

MATTHEW 28:19-20

Some of the last words Jesus left for His disciples gave a clear picture of His heart and mind. We were left with a calling and a mission to go out and connect the lost to the One True Hope. Where are the “lost”? All over the world. Before Jesus ascends into heaven He provides what is commonly referred to as “The Great Co-mission”. This commission is accompanied by a declaration that Jesus has all authority in Heaven and on Earth and a promise that He will be with us until the end of the age.

Most researchers estimate that there are 3 billion people in the world that have not yet given their life to Jesus. Many have yet to hear the Gospel message. We are called to connect with the world and connect the love of Jesus to every tribe, tongue, and nation.

SHARE YOUR STORY

BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING.

• What is one thing that you’ve learned about this group?

• Share a cross cultural experience you’ve had. Maybe it was in a different country, maybe it was in your neighborhood! How did you feel in an environment that was unfamiliar or foreign?

• How have you played a role in connecting the world to Jesus?

WATCH THE VIDEO

HEAR GOD’S STORY

Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching you just experienced in the video, and the Bible passage below.

READ JAMES 2:14-18

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

• Connection with the world means putting your faith in action. Do you know anyone that has shown interest in church because of someone’s faithful actions?

• Paul was writing to a group of people that put too much effort in their works. James wrote to a group of people that under emphasized works and deeds. If they were to write a letter to you or your church, what do you think would need to be emphasized?

• It’s possible to have good deeds but no faith, but not possible to have good faith and no deeds. Have you wrestled with this concept in your faith journey?

STUDY NOTES

Faith and Works: James wrote to Christians from a Jewish background that discovered the glory of salvation by faith. They knew the exhilaration of freedom from works-righteousness. But they then went to the other extreme of thinking that works didn’t matter at all.

Paul vs. James: James did not contradict the Apostle Paul, who insisted that we are saved not of works (Ephesians 2:9). James merely clarifies for us the kind of faith that saves. We are saved by grace through faith, not by works; but saving faith will have works that accompany it. As a saying goes: faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone; it is accompanied by good works.

NOTES: USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

CREATE A NEW STORY

How has God changed your story during this study?

What new things is He asking you to do? What truth has transformed your heart?

Think about specific steps you want to take to live a new story, to walk more closely with God so that you can be a part of His story, engaged in His kingdom.

IN THIS SECTION, TALK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL APPLY THE WISDOM YOU’VE LEARNED IN THIS SESSION.

• What are some practical ways the church can help missionary efforts in foreign countries?

• Pastor David referenced a passage of scripture in which Jesus immediately felt “compassion” on an entire crowd that He had never met. Is compassion a muscle that we can strengthen? Or are some just born with more compassion than others? If it’s something we can strengthen, how will you go about doing that?

• When you look at the challenges in the world that we live in, what stirs up compassion in your heart?

• As we think through what it looks like to live out the Great Commission we all might have a different next step. This week take some time to research an organization that is fighting the challenge that stirs up compassion within you. Learn what they do and how they help fight for God’s way of living. Is there a way you can help them? NCC has identified ministry partners around the globe and offers opportunities to visit these friends and partners. If you’re not sure where to start, that would be a great first step.

• Close by praying for your prayer requests and take a couple of minutes to review the praises you have recorded.

CONTINUE ON IN YOUR JOURNEY, LEARNING HOW TO RESPOND TO JESUS’ CALLS TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR.

Begin to pray about your next step in engaging in authentic community.

On the first day, you may want to read over all the verses for the week to get the “big picture” of the passage. But then walk slowly verse by verse, listening to Jesus and responding to him as you meditate on the truths of Scripture and experience His presence.

DAILY DEVOTIONS

MONDAY • READ 2 TIMOTHY 1:6-7

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline.”

Reflect: Paul is writing this to Timothy, but if he were writing this to you and told you that within you is a gift of God, what would be your reaction? Are you confident in your gifting? Or would you be surprised and curious as to what that is? The truth that the Spirit of God gives us power, love, and self discipline is true for all of us.

Respond: Make a list of how God might have gifted you and commissioned you for His good works. Any surprises? How can you use these gifts to connect the world to Jesus?

if we’re not first following Jesus. This devotional is a great way to start “taking up our cross” each day. What do you notice within yourself when you choose to follow Jesus first? What sort of characteristics do you notice when you go without first letting Jesus lead?

Respond: What rhythms in your life do you aspire to that will help prioritize Jesus? How are you doing in this season of life?

TUESDAY • READ MATTHEW 16:24-25

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it.”

Reflect: Sometimes it might seem like the work that Jesus has commissioned us with depends on us alone. But the truth is, the work that we do will feel empty

WEDNESDAY • READ MARK 10:45

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Reflect: Jesus served those that were far from Him and those that were close to Him. He healed strangers who were sick and paralyzed and washed the feet of His friends. Humbly serving those closest to you is part of what we are called to. Who in your inner circle are you serving?

Respond: We all need different things from different people. The better you know someone the better you know how you can help fill a need. Think about those closest to you in this life. What do they need from you? Think about the times you’ve served them well, and think about the moments that you’ve failed to take on

the responsibility to serve your spouse, friend, family member. Read Mark 10:45 again and identify the purpose of Jesus’ life.

THURSDAY • READ MATTHEW 11:28-30

“Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Reflect: Why is this passage of scripture important in a week in which we focused on God’s call to serve the world and those closest to us? WE NEED REST. More precisely, we need to rest in Jesus. Sleep is good, but nothing is better than resting in the presence and grace of our Father. Living out our faith is a big responsibility but God has not put a great burden on you, simply trust and follow.

Respond: How would you rate your ability to rest, find margin, seek Jesus in the stillness and calmness? “Calm” might seem like an unfamiliar and foreign concept depending on the season of life you are in. How can you seek those small moments in your everyday life?

FRIDAY • READ COLOSSIANS 3:17

“Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

Reflect: Have you considered the idea that you are a “representative” of Jesus? An “ambassador” of heaven on this earth? Oftentimes an ambassador or representative is in foreign territory, representing from afar. Pastor David said, “He came as a missionary from Heaven, so that He might make us missionaries for Heaven.” What would change in your life if you consider yourself a missionary from heaven while here on the 99 Corridor?

Respond: It’s easy to recognize the moments that our actions or words don’t represent Jesus well. But what is one thought pattern you can instill that might help you become a better representative of Jesus. One place to start is by considering the second part of the verse, “give thanks”. How does gratitude and being a good representative of Jesus interact?

SESSION EIGHT Thankful for Life Together

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.

PSALM 118:1

This is a week of celebration and thanksgiving. The Bible is filled with examples of how we are to live changed lives, lives that celebrate and give thanks to God for what He has done for us. King David, the Apostle Paul, and the disciples are all examples of people who lived a life full of gratitude for what God has done. We should not only be thankful during certain times in our lives, we are called to live a life of gratitude. We are to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Colossians 3:17, Philippians 4:4, Psalm 9:1-2, Psalm 136). Thankfulness is not an act, it is a lifestyle. It is not something we do, it is who we are.

SHARE YOUR STORY

As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear to encourage or strengthen them. And your listening to others’ stories is an act of love and kindness to them— and could very well help them to grow spiritually. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

• What has surprised you most about this group? Where did God meet you over the last eight weeks?

• What have you learned or experienced during the last eight weeks that you are thankful for?

• How do you strive to live a life of thankfulness?

WATCH THE VIDEO

HEAR GOD’S STORY

Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the Bible passage below.

READ MATTHEW 26:17-18, 26-28

“On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to make preparations for You to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with My disciples at your house.’” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.” Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

• There were, and still are, many different celebrations in Jewish culture. What are the celebrations in your life that are the most meaningful for you?

• When you are celebrating this event, does Jesus play a role in your celebration?

• Jesus created a new celebration by introducing communion to His disciples as a way of remembering what Jesus was about to do for mankind on the cross. When you take communion, do you view it as a celebration? Why or why not?

• Share a few things that you are most thankful for from the past year.

STUDY NOTES

Psalm 100 - A psalm for giving grateful praise

“Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

1 CHRONICLES 16:8-36

Take time to read this passage.

King David had brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. He assembled the Levites to carry the ark and as musicians to “make a joyful sound with musical instruments.” The words of these verses are how David instructed the Levites to give praise to the Lord.

As you read it, listen to the words carefully. Let the words of praise flow through you to God. Give yourself time to praise the Lord as you read these words.

NOTES: USE THIS SPACE TO RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS AND PONDERINGS AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO AND DISCUSS THE BIBLE PASSAGE.

CREATE A NEW STORY

How has God changed your story during this eight-week study? What new things is He asking you to do? What truth has transformed your heart? Think about specific steps you want to take to live a new story, to walk more closely with God so that you can be a part of His story, engaged in his kingdom.

IN THIS SECTION, TALK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL APPLY THE WISDOM YOU’VE LEARNED IN THIS SESSION.

• As you walk forward in your relationship with God, what will you do differently as a result of what you’ve experienced in this group?

• How has experiencing community in this group helped you to love God and love others?

• As this is the last meeting in this study, take some time to celebrate the work God has done in the lives of group members. Have each person in the group share some step of growth that they have noticed in another

member. (In other words, no one will talk about themselves, but affirm others in the group). Make sure that each person gets affirmed and noticed and celebrated—whether the steps they’ve made are large or small.

• If your group still needs to make decisions about continuing to meet after this session, have that discussion now. Talk about the next study, who will lead, and where and when you will meet.

• Close by praying for your prayer requests and take a couple of minutes to review the praises you have recorded over the past seven weeks on the Prayer and Praise Report on page 96-97. Spend some time just worshiping God and thanking Him for all He’s done in your group during this study.

THIS WEEK OUR DEVOTIONS WILL FOCUS ON FIVE DAYS OF CELEBRATING JESUS.

We trust that these devotions have been helpful and meaningful for you as you take steps to strengthen your relationship with God.

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER. PSALM 118:1

DAILY DEVOTIONS

MONDAY • READ ACTS 4:13

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ”

Reflect: Many of us believe that we need a certain skill set to tell people about Jesus. But in reality, all we need is a desire to see Jesus celebrated in our lives and in the lives of people who don’t know Him yet. Peter and John are described as “unschooled” and “ordinary” men. But because they passionately believed that Jesus was alive, they would speak boldly to anyone who would listen to them. Notice the last phrase in this verse, “they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” This is an amazing example of how Jesus changes lives.

Respond: Peter and John were not qualified experts, but they were more devoted than afraid. What does courageous confidence look like in your life? Are you more concerned that you may be rejected or that people will die not knowing Jesus? How is sharing your story celebrating Jesus?

TUESDAY • READ 2 CORINTHIANS 5:20-21

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Reflect: Being an ambassador means we not only tell people about what Jesus did for us on the cross, but also what He has done for us personally. When we are honest about our walk with Christ, we can share how we face suffering and heartache with hope, because we know the trials of this world won’t last forever. Be genuine. Don’t worry about covering anything up. Instead, boldly speak about what God has done for you. Sharing your story is the best way you can share Jesus with the world.

Respond: Pray that God would give you opportunities to share your story. Who do you know that needs to know Jesus (review your Circle of Life)? What is keeping you from sharing your story?

WEDNESDAY • READ ACTS 13:47-48

“For this is what the Lord has commanded us:”I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.”

Reflect: As He did for Paul and Barnabas, God has commissioned us as His messengers to shine the gospel wherever we go. The gospel is not meant to lie dormant in our lives, but to be shared so the people around us can experience the grace and hope of Christ.

Respond: Make a list of the different places you encounter non-Christians. Think of ways you can weave your story, the things God has done in your life, into the conversations that occur in those places.

THURSDAY • READ COLOSSIANS 4:5-6

“Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Reflect: In response to our critics, many Christians think we should argue aggressively to communicate our perspective. Yet, in this passage, when Paul said our speech ought to be “seasoned with salt,” he pointed to a different approach. Gracious speech isn’t argumentative, it means giving an answer that makes sense in the context of that person’s life. Grace is the greatest defense of our faith.

Respond: As Christians, our actions reflect Christ. So in all things, including our speech, we should reflect God’s love and grace. When you feel the need to defend your faith, remember that Jesus taught us that grace (our actions towards others) is more powerful than rhetoric (our words). In what circumstances do you feel you need to defend your faith or defend Jesus? What role does grace play in those circumstances?

FRIDAY • READ LUKE 5:31-32

“Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Reflect: God is not calling believers to an isolated life of holiness. Instead, we can live a life that associates with the “sick” and shares the Good News with people who haven’t heard of Jesus. When we examine who Jesus was, we discover that He regularly spent time with the “wrong type” of people. If we want to be like Jesus, we shouldn’t be afraid to do the same thing.

Respond: It is important to remember that we are called to share our story, not change people’s hearts. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. How does understanding your role versus the role of the Holy Spirit change your perspective? Do you have, or are you creating, any relationships with non-believers? What might be preventing you from doing so?

APPENDICES

GREAT RESOURCES TO HELP MAKE YOUR LIFE GROUP EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER!

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• SMALL GROUP AGREEMENT

• OUR PURPOSE

• OUR VALUES

• OUR EXPECTATIONS

• SMALL GROUP CALENDAR

• PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISE REPORTS

• LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME

• LEADERSHIP 101

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DO WE DO ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF OUR GROUP?

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 Group Agreement (page 93) 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?

Many of our group leaders will be provided names of people from NCC who are wanting to join a Life Group. But we also encourage each group to be invitational and think about other people they know who may enjoy being in a Life Group. This may be people from work, church, a neighbor, the gym, and so forth.

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, it could be at risk of shutting down. If you and your group stay open, 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?

It’s totally up to the group–once you come to the end of this 8-week study. We are asking that groups meet weekly for at least their first 8 weeks. Then groups can decide what they want to do moving forward. We hope that each group will consider continuing to meet for the next several message series.

At the end of this study, each group member may decide if he or she wants to continue 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.

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. You may choose to gather with one other couple who would enjoy going to the movies or having a quiet dinner and then walking through this study. Jesus will be with you even if there are only two of you (Matthew 18:20).

WHAT IF THIS GROUP IS NOT WORKING FOR US?

You’re not alone! This could be the result of a personality conflict, 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 8-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another. You don’t buy the first car you look at or marry the first person you date, and the same goes with a group. Don’t bail out before the 8 weeks are up–God might have something to teach you. Also, don’t run from conflict or prejudge people before you have given them a chance. God is still working in you too!

WHO IS THE LEADER?

Most groups have an official leader. But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings. We have discovered that healthy groups rotate 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.

HOW DO WE HANDLE THE CHILDCARE NEEDS IN OUR GROUP?

Very carefully. Seriously, this can be a sensitive issue. We suggest that you empower the group to openly brainstorm solutions. You may try one option that works for a while and then adjust over time. Our favorite approach is for adults to meet in the living room or dining room, and to share the cost of a babysitter (or two) who can be with the kids in a different part of the house. In this way, parents don’t have to be away from their children all evening when their children are too young to be left at home. A second option is to use one home for the kids and a second home (close by or a phone call away) for the adults. A third idea is to rotate the responsibility of providing a lesson or care for the children either in the same home or in another home nearby. This can be an incredible blessing for kids. Finally, the most common idea is to decide that you need to have a night to invest in your spiritual lives individually or as a couple, and to make your own arrangements for childcare. No matter what decision the group makes, the best approach is to dialogue openly about both the problem and the solution.

LIFE GROUP AGREEMENT

OUR PURPOSE

• To provide a safe environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

OUR VALUES

Group Attendance

• To give priority to the group meeting. We will call or email if we will be late or absent. (Completing the Group Calendar on page 95 will minimize this issue.)

Safe Environment

• 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

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

Confidentiality

• To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group, and to avoid sharing improper information about those outside the group.

Encouragement for Growth

• To be not just takers but givers of life. We want to spiritually multiply our life by serving others with our God-given gifts.

Shared Ownership

• To remember that every member is a minister and to ensure that each attender will share a small team role or responsibility over time.

Rotating Hosts and Homes

• To encourage different people to rotate the responsibility of facilitating each meeting. (See the Group Calendar on page 95.)

OUR EXPECTATIONS

• Refreshments/mealtimes

• Childcare

• When we will meet (day of week)

• 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

• Notes:

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 don’t forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ministry projects. DATE

LEADER SNACK / DESERT SPECIAL NOTES October 2 Example Joe Paul & Melissa Serve Day - Oct 8

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SESSION

HOST NAME: ADDRESS:

PRAYER REQUESTS

SESSION 8 SESSION 7 SESSION 6 SESSION 5 SESSION 4 SESSION 3 SESSION 2 SESSION 1 96

PRAISE REPORTS

LEADERSHIP RESOURCES

TAKING

THE LEAD AND EMBRACING LIFE TOGETHER 99

LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME

TEN COMMON LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES. WELCOME TO LIFE OUT IN FRONT!

• Sweaty palms are a healthy sign. The Bible says God is gracious to the humble. Remember Who is in control; the time to worry is when you’re not worried. Those who are soft in heart (and sweaty palmed) are those whom God is sure to speak through.

• 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.

• Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Go through the session several times. Be sure to use the video. Listen to the teaching segment and Leadership Lifter. 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.

• Ask for feedback so you can grow. Perhaps in an email or on cards handed out at the study, have everyone write down three things you did well and one thing you could improve on. Don’t get defensive, but show an openness to learn and grow.

• Use on-line resources. Go to www.lifetogether.com and listen to Brett Eastman share the weekly Leadership Lifter and download any additional notes or ideas for your session. You may also want to subscribe to the DOING LIFE TOGETHER Newsletter and LLT Newsletter. Both can be obtained for free by signing up at www.lifetogether.com/subscribe.

• Prayerfully consider launching a new group. This doesn’t need to happen overnight, but God’s heart is for this to happen 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. We promise that people will relate.

• Prayerfully consider whom you would like to pass the baton to next week. It’s only fair. God is ready for the next member of your group to go on the faith journey you just traveled. Make it fun, and expect God to do the rest.

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LEADER TRAINING 101

TOP TEN IDEAS FOR NEW LEADERS

Congratulations! You have responded to the call to help shepherd Jesus’ flock. There are a 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.

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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 - they all were 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, you will be blessed as you serve.

• 4. Prepare for your meeting ahead of time. Review the session and the leader’s notes, and write down your responses to each question. Pay special attention to exercises that ask group members to do something other than engage in discussion.

• 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 be surprised at the response.

These exercises will help your group live what the Bible teaches, not just talk about it. Be sure you understand how an exercise works, and bring any necessary supplies (such as paper and pens) to your meeting. If the exercise employs one of the items in the appendix, be sure to look over that item so you’ll know how it works. Finally, review “Outline for Each Session” so you’ll remember the purpose of each section in the study.

• 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!

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• 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!

• 6. When you ask a question, be patient. Someone will eventually respond. Sometimes

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people need a moment or two of silence to think about the question, and 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 8. Break up into small groups each week, or they won’t stay. 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 Hear God’s Story or the Change Your Story 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

• 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 equip yourself with 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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