The sermon study is currently on break. The next session of sermon-based small groups will be meeting from the week of 1/18 through the week of 3/22. This means that the the first sermon study of the new season will be based on the sermon from the weekend of 1/16-17.
If you have a minute, we would love to hear back from you regarding how the sermon-based small group has been going for you. What worked? What didn't work? How can we make it better for our new session? Please write me at insoo.kim@vineyardcolumbus.org. Thank you!
December 7, 2009
November 24, 2009
Greater Thanks
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Insoo Kim taught that gratitude is one of the hallmarks of what it means to be a Christian. Gratitude is more than just being polite or nice. Gratitude is the active investigation and exploration of one’s life for the purpose of seeing to whom thanks should be given (“reconnaissance”). Gratitude is to recognize the giver behind the gift. The story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus beautifully illustrates the power of gratitude.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. Do you have any favorite Thanksgiving memories you’d like to share?
2. Do you enjoy writing “Thank You” cards?
3. Do you think it is wrong to expect to receive a “Thank You” when you give someone a gift? Briefly explain.
4. Do you personally find it difficult to “want what you already have”?
5. Would people who know you say that you are a grateful person?
6. How much of your prayer life is devoted to thanksgiving?
7. What have you found to be helpful in practicing thanksgiving?
8. In your own words, define “gratitude.”
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Colossians 3:12-17
• According to Paul, what are the essential qualities that should characterize God’s chosen people? (vv. 12-14)
• Which of these qualities would you say characterizes you? Which of these qualities would you say is the most difficult for you to exhibit? Why might that be?
• According to Paul, what is it that binds all these together? (v. 14) Why do you think love is so important?
• Have you ever sung to God “with gratitude in your hearts”? (v. 16) What was that experience like? Briefly explain.
• What do you think it means to do something “in the name of the Lord Jesus”? (v. 17)
• What do you think it means to give thanks to God “through” Jesus? (v. 17)
• Read the beginning of verse 12 again. According to Paul, what is the motivation behind why we should live like this?
• As you reflect upon your life, would you say that you are following the admonition of Paul found in verse 17?
3. In this week’s sermon, Insoo noted that gratitude is the active examination of one’s life for the purpose of seeing to whom thanks should be given (“reconnaissance”). Set aside 10 minutes during your group to practice the spiritual exercise called “The Prayer of Examen.” (see next page)
“The Prayer of Examen” is typically credited to St. Ignatius of Loyola [1491-1556], who encouraged fellow followers of Jesus to engage in the practice for developing a deeper level of spiritual sensitivity and for recognizing and receiving the assistance of the Holy Spirit. In many ways, our brothers and sisters in the Catholic tradition have really modeled for us what a healthy spiritual life can look like. While we do not want to become legalistic in our approach to faith, there is much fruit to be had in cultivating a disciplined spirituality. At the heart of the practice is increasingly becoming aware of God’s presence and the Holy Spirit’s movement throughout your day. “Prayer of Examen” is primarily an exercise in remembering. Here are some hints for this practice:
• Get comfortable and quiet.
• The experience doesn’t need to be a certain length—as little as ten minutes could be sufficient, and you could spend more time on certain portions compared to others.
• It might be helpful to journal your thoughts and recollections or to write out what you notice during your times of prayer.
• Briefly share your experiences with your small group after the exercise.
THE PRAYER OF EXAMEN
The general examination of conscience is a simple form of prayer directed toward developing a spiritual sensitivity to the special ways God approaches, invites and calls. It may be done at the end of each day, though it can be done more frequently as you feel led. The more frequently performed, however, the more natural it becomes and more a way of growing into an ever-closer relationship with God. It can take anywhere between five and fifteen minutes. The important thing is to open yourself to recognizing and responding to God’s movement in your heart.
1. Recognize the presence of God.
Since we are not simply daydreaming or reminiscing, but rather looking for some sense of how the Spirit of God is leading us, it only makes sense to pray for some illumination. The goal is not simply memory but graced understanding.
2. Review the day in thanksgiving.
Note how different this is from looking immediately for your sins. Gratitude is the foundation of our whole relationship with God. Walk through the past 24 hours, from hour to hour, from place to place, from task to task, person to person, thanking the Lord for every gift you encounter. Ask yourself these questions to help: When or where in the past 24 hours did you feel you were cooperating most fully with God’s action in your life? When were you resisting? What habits and life patterns do I notice? When did I feel most alive? Most drained of life? When did I have the greatest sense of belonging? When did I feel most alone? When did I give love? Where did I receive love? When did I feel most fully myself? Least myself? When did I feel most whole? Most fragmented?
3. Review the feelings that surfaced in the replay of the day.
Our feelings, positive and negative, the painful and the pleasing, are clear signals of where the action was during the day. Simply pay attention to any and all of those feelings as they surface (e.g., delight, boredom, fear, anticipation, resentment, anger, etc.).
4. Choose one of those feelings (positive or negative) and pray from it.
Choose the feeling that most caught your attention. The feeling is a sign that something important is going on. Now simply express spontaneously the prayer that surfaces as you attend to the source of the feeling.
5. Look toward tomorrow.
Think about tomorrow and the next few days, using your appointment calendar if that helps. What kind of feelings surface as you examine the tasks, meetings, and appointments? Are you fearful? Are you excited? Do you feel anxious? As you did in step 3 and 4 above, take those feelings and pray. As you plan for tomorrow, do you need to seek forgiveness? Do you need to thank someone?
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Insoo Kim taught that gratitude is one of the hallmarks of what it means to be a Christian. Gratitude is more than just being polite or nice. Gratitude is the active investigation and exploration of one’s life for the purpose of seeing to whom thanks should be given (“reconnaissance”). Gratitude is to recognize the giver behind the gift. The story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus beautifully illustrates the power of gratitude.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. Do you have any favorite Thanksgiving memories you’d like to share?
2. Do you enjoy writing “Thank You” cards?
3. Do you think it is wrong to expect to receive a “Thank You” when you give someone a gift? Briefly explain.
4. Do you personally find it difficult to “want what you already have”?
5. Would people who know you say that you are a grateful person?
6. How much of your prayer life is devoted to thanksgiving?
7. What have you found to be helpful in practicing thanksgiving?
8. In your own words, define “gratitude.”
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Colossians 3:12-17
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
• According to Paul, what are the essential qualities that should characterize God’s chosen people? (vv. 12-14)
• Which of these qualities would you say characterizes you? Which of these qualities would you say is the most difficult for you to exhibit? Why might that be?
• According to Paul, what is it that binds all these together? (v. 14) Why do you think love is so important?
• Have you ever sung to God “with gratitude in your hearts”? (v. 16) What was that experience like? Briefly explain.
• What do you think it means to do something “in the name of the Lord Jesus”? (v. 17)
• What do you think it means to give thanks to God “through” Jesus? (v. 17)
• Read the beginning of verse 12 again. According to Paul, what is the motivation behind why we should live like this?
• As you reflect upon your life, would you say that you are following the admonition of Paul found in verse 17?
3. In this week’s sermon, Insoo noted that gratitude is the active examination of one’s life for the purpose of seeing to whom thanks should be given (“reconnaissance”). Set aside 10 minutes during your group to practice the spiritual exercise called “The Prayer of Examen.” (see next page)
“The Prayer of Examen” is typically credited to St. Ignatius of Loyola [1491-1556], who encouraged fellow followers of Jesus to engage in the practice for developing a deeper level of spiritual sensitivity and for recognizing and receiving the assistance of the Holy Spirit. In many ways, our brothers and sisters in the Catholic tradition have really modeled for us what a healthy spiritual life can look like. While we do not want to become legalistic in our approach to faith, there is much fruit to be had in cultivating a disciplined spirituality. At the heart of the practice is increasingly becoming aware of God’s presence and the Holy Spirit’s movement throughout your day. “Prayer of Examen” is primarily an exercise in remembering. Here are some hints for this practice:
• Get comfortable and quiet.
• The experience doesn’t need to be a certain length—as little as ten minutes could be sufficient, and you could spend more time on certain portions compared to others.
• It might be helpful to journal your thoughts and recollections or to write out what you notice during your times of prayer.
• Briefly share your experiences with your small group after the exercise.
THE PRAYER OF EXAMEN
The general examination of conscience is a simple form of prayer directed toward developing a spiritual sensitivity to the special ways God approaches, invites and calls. It may be done at the end of each day, though it can be done more frequently as you feel led. The more frequently performed, however, the more natural it becomes and more a way of growing into an ever-closer relationship with God. It can take anywhere between five and fifteen minutes. The important thing is to open yourself to recognizing and responding to God’s movement in your heart.
1. Recognize the presence of God.
Since we are not simply daydreaming or reminiscing, but rather looking for some sense of how the Spirit of God is leading us, it only makes sense to pray for some illumination. The goal is not simply memory but graced understanding.
2. Review the day in thanksgiving.
Note how different this is from looking immediately for your sins. Gratitude is the foundation of our whole relationship with God. Walk through the past 24 hours, from hour to hour, from place to place, from task to task, person to person, thanking the Lord for every gift you encounter. Ask yourself these questions to help: When or where in the past 24 hours did you feel you were cooperating most fully with God’s action in your life? When were you resisting? What habits and life patterns do I notice? When did I feel most alive? Most drained of life? When did I have the greatest sense of belonging? When did I feel most alone? When did I give love? Where did I receive love? When did I feel most fully myself? Least myself? When did I feel most whole? Most fragmented?
3. Review the feelings that surfaced in the replay of the day.
Our feelings, positive and negative, the painful and the pleasing, are clear signals of where the action was during the day. Simply pay attention to any and all of those feelings as they surface (e.g., delight, boredom, fear, anticipation, resentment, anger, etc.).
4. Choose one of those feelings (positive or negative) and pray from it.
Choose the feeling that most caught your attention. The feeling is a sign that something important is going on. Now simply express spontaneously the prayer that surfaces as you attend to the source of the feeling.
5. Look toward tomorrow.
Think about tomorrow and the next few days, using your appointment calendar if that helps. What kind of feelings surface as you examine the tasks, meetings, and appointments? Are you fearful? Are you excited? Do you feel anxious? As you did in step 3 and 4 above, take those feelings and pray. As you plan for tomorrow, do you need to seek forgiveness? Do you need to thank someone?
November 20, 2009
Greater Welcome
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Rich taught that one of the most identifiable ways that Jesus changes us is that he gives us welcoming hearts. And central to any understanding of the Kingdom of God is the word “welcome.” God has a special place in his heart for the weak, the poor, the widows and orphans, and for immigrants, who were called in the Old Testament “foreigners” and “aliens.” And as God’s people, we are to practice the welcome of the Kingdom to the least, the last, and the lost.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. Have you ever been in a situation where you knew that you were not welcome because of your race, religion, financial situation, or your education? Briefly share about your experience.
2. What do you think are some barriers that stand in the way of us becoming a more welcoming people?
3. Have you ever personally experienced the welcome of the Kingdom? Briefly share about your experience.
4. In his sermon, Rich shared about the current state of immigration in the United States, and that there are certain people groups who either can not enter the United States at all or who have to wait many years before they are allowed to enter. How does that make you feel?
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Luke 15:1-7:
• Who was gathering around Jesus? (v. 1) Why is this noteworthy?
• How do the Pharisees and the teachers of the law respond to this? (v. 2) Why do you think they would respond in this manner?
• How might the tax collectors and sinners have responded to what the Pharisees and the teachers of the law said?
• Compare and contrast the shepherd in the parable with the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.
• What is the response of the shepherd to finding his lost sheep?
• Is there a “lost sheep” in your life that you have been praying for? If time allows, pray for these people as a small group by name.
3. In this week’s sermon, Rich suggested sharing a meal and extending hospitality to practice the welcome of the Kingdom this holiday season.
• What other ideas can you add to Rich’s suggestions?
• What are some ways that you can become more welcoming and inviting as a small group?
• How might you use your gifts and skills to extend the welcome of the Kingdom to the least, the last, and the lost?
• Can you commit to living out just one of these ideas this holiday season?
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Rich taught that one of the most identifiable ways that Jesus changes us is that he gives us welcoming hearts. And central to any understanding of the Kingdom of God is the word “welcome.” God has a special place in his heart for the weak, the poor, the widows and orphans, and for immigrants, who were called in the Old Testament “foreigners” and “aliens.” And as God’s people, we are to practice the welcome of the Kingdom to the least, the last, and the lost.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. Have you ever been in a situation where you knew that you were not welcome because of your race, religion, financial situation, or your education? Briefly share about your experience.
2. What do you think are some barriers that stand in the way of us becoming a more welcoming people?
3. Have you ever personally experienced the welcome of the Kingdom? Briefly share about your experience.
4. In his sermon, Rich shared about the current state of immigration in the United States, and that there are certain people groups who either can not enter the United States at all or who have to wait many years before they are allowed to enter. How does that make you feel?
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Luke 15:1-7:
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
• Who was gathering around Jesus? (v. 1) Why is this noteworthy?
• How do the Pharisees and the teachers of the law respond to this? (v. 2) Why do you think they would respond in this manner?
• How might the tax collectors and sinners have responded to what the Pharisees and the teachers of the law said?
• Compare and contrast the shepherd in the parable with the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.
• What is the response of the shepherd to finding his lost sheep?
• Is there a “lost sheep” in your life that you have been praying for? If time allows, pray for these people as a small group by name.
3. In this week’s sermon, Rich suggested sharing a meal and extending hospitality to practice the welcome of the Kingdom this holiday season.
• What other ideas can you add to Rich’s suggestions?
• What are some ways that you can become more welcoming and inviting as a small group?
• How might you use your gifts and skills to extend the welcome of the Kingdom to the least, the last, and the lost?
• Can you commit to living out just one of these ideas this holiday season?
November 13, 2009
Greater Treasure
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Rich taught that Jesus always seems to be switching the price tags on everything. Things we consider to be really valuable, Jesus says are worthless. And things we consider to be worthless, Jesus says that these are the things that God really counts as important. We spend our lives pursuing “treasures” that ultimately fail us, but the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl teach us that a relationship with Jesus is the greatest treasure.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. In last week’s study, we talked about taking risks this week to see “greater healing.” Does anyone have a story to share?
2. What is the most valuable thing that you own?
3. As you reflect on the past year, what “treasures” have you been pursuing recently? Is it a new job, a promotion, money, fame, a relationship?
4. If someone in your small group were to evaluate your calendar (how you spend your time) and your checkbook (how you spend your money), what would they say is your priority in life?
5. Why do you think it is so easy for us to get sucked into pursuing false treasures?
6. How is your relationship with Jesus right now? Is it better than it was a year ago, or is it worse? What did you consider in arriving at your answer? Briefly explain.
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Philippians 3:7-14:
3. In this week’s sermon, Rich talked about the “Half-Christian,” people who follow Jesus just enough to give them a really uneasy conscience about their whole lives, but they have yet to fully experience the abundant life that Jesus offers. They can’t enjoy the “world” because they feel guilty, but they also haven’t experienced the “power of his resurrection” because they are afraid to fully and wholeheartedly surrender their lives to Jesus.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Rich taught that Jesus always seems to be switching the price tags on everything. Things we consider to be really valuable, Jesus says are worthless. And things we consider to be worthless, Jesus says that these are the things that God really counts as important. We spend our lives pursuing “treasures” that ultimately fail us, but the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl teach us that a relationship with Jesus is the greatest treasure.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. In last week’s study, we talked about taking risks this week to see “greater healing.” Does anyone have a story to share?
2. What is the most valuable thing that you own?
3. As you reflect on the past year, what “treasures” have you been pursuing recently? Is it a new job, a promotion, money, fame, a relationship?
4. If someone in your small group were to evaluate your calendar (how you spend your time) and your checkbook (how you spend your money), what would they say is your priority in life?
5. Why do you think it is so easy for us to get sucked into pursuing false treasures?
6. How is your relationship with Jesus right now? Is it better than it was a year ago, or is it worse? What did you consider in arriving at your answer? Briefly explain.
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Philippians 3:7-14:
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
- For Paul, what is his supreme treasure?
- What is Paul willing to give up in exchange for this treasure?
- Paul says that the beginning point of knowing Christ is righteousness by faith. What do you think “righteousness” means? (verse 9)
- Have you ever tried to pursue a righteousness of your own? Briefly explain.
- What do you think it means to experience the “power of his resurrection”? (verse 10) Have you ever experienced this power?
- What do you think it means to become “like him in his death”? (verse 10)
- What analogy does Paul use to describe his journey of pursuing Jesus?
- As you examine your life in light of this passage, would you say that you are “pressing on toward the goal”? Are you moving closer to the goal or further away?
3. In this week’s sermon, Rich talked about the “Half-Christian,” people who follow Jesus just enough to give them a really uneasy conscience about their whole lives, but they have yet to fully experience the abundant life that Jesus offers. They can’t enjoy the “world” because they feel guilty, but they also haven’t experienced the “power of his resurrection” because they are afraid to fully and wholeheartedly surrender their lives to Jesus.
- Can you share from your personal experience of how you are growing in your ability to surrender more and more of your life to Jesus?
- Is there an area of your life that Jesus may be asking you to surrender to him today? What barriers can you anticipate as you step out in this journey? How might this small group help you in this process?
November 6, 2009
Greater Healing
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, using the story of the man who was healed at the Pool of Bethesda, Rich taught that healing (physical, emotional, spiritual, relational) is the birthright and mark of the Christian church. But somewhere along the way, the message and ministry of healing has fallen by the wayside. How did we get here? What stifles healing? What are the obstacles to the Christian church practicing divine healing? The problem of worldview, technique, complacency, disillusionment, and religious opposition all play a role in stifling healing. And in order for us to recover healing, we must train for it, we must practice, we must risk, and we must spend time with Jesus.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. How has all the talk of swine flu affected you recently? Do you get nervous? Are you indifferent? Why? Briefly explain.
2. Do you know of someone who was mirculously healed?
3. Have you been sick recently? Did you ask someone to pray for you? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever prayed for someone to receive healing? Have you ever personally received healing? Briefly explain.
5. What do you think is the biggest obstacle in your life that keeps you from praying more for healing?
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Mark 5:21-43:
3. In this weekend’s sermon, Rich taught that in order for us to recover healing, we must train for it, we must practice, we must risk, and we must spend time with Jesus.
The Vineyard Prayer Model
1. The Interview. This answers the question: “Where does it hurt?” or “What is wrong?” Or you can start out asking, “What would you like Jesus to do for you?”
2. The Diagnostic Question: This answers the question: “What is the root cause of the problem?” or “Why does this person have this problem?” Different kinds of sicknesses:
5. Post-Prayer Direction:
The following are tips from practical wisdom regarding using the prayer model:
Physical phenomena are sometimes associated with the Holy Spirit’s activity. These phenomena should not be equated with the Holy Spirit; they are an individual’s physiological and emotional responses to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Our attitude should be one of balance and discernment. Examples of phenomena that are sometimes associated with the Holy Spirit’s activity include:
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, using the story of the man who was healed at the Pool of Bethesda, Rich taught that healing (physical, emotional, spiritual, relational) is the birthright and mark of the Christian church. But somewhere along the way, the message and ministry of healing has fallen by the wayside. How did we get here? What stifles healing? What are the obstacles to the Christian church practicing divine healing? The problem of worldview, technique, complacency, disillusionment, and religious opposition all play a role in stifling healing. And in order for us to recover healing, we must train for it, we must practice, we must risk, and we must spend time with Jesus.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. How has all the talk of swine flu affected you recently? Do you get nervous? Are you indifferent? Why? Briefly explain.
2. Do you know of someone who was mirculously healed?
3. Have you been sick recently? Did you ask someone to pray for you? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever prayed for someone to receive healing? Have you ever personally received healing? Briefly explain.
5. What do you think is the biggest obstacle in your life that keeps you from praying more for healing?
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Mark 5:21-43:
21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ “32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” 35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” 37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
- How are Jairus and the woman in verse 25 different? How are they similar? What are their needs? What are their fears?
- Why do you think Jesus publicly calls the woman out? How does she respond to Jesus’ call?
- Jesus tells the woman, “Daughter, your faith has healed you” in verse 34. What do you think it means to have faith for healing?
- Why do you think that not everyone that we pray for gets healed?
3. In this weekend’s sermon, Rich taught that in order for us to recover healing, we must train for it, we must practice, we must risk, and we must spend time with Jesus.
- Set aside time during group this week to “practice” praying for healing. Take a risk and pray for someone who is in need of physical healing. (You can follow the Vineyard Prayer Model which is found below.)
- What are some practical ways that you (and your small group) can practice “greater healing” this week?
The Vineyard Prayer Model
1. The Interview. This answers the question: “Where does it hurt?” or “What is wrong?” Or you can start out asking, “What would you like Jesus to do for you?”
2. The Diagnostic Question: This answers the question: “What is the root cause of the problem?” or “Why does this person have this problem?” Different kinds of sicknesses:
- Sickness of the spirit: Caused by a person’s own sin.
- Sickness of the body: Caused by disease, accidents, poor health maintenance, psychological stress, or spirit affliction.
- Sickness of the emotions: Caused by being sinned against; may need help with forgiving.
- Sickness of demonic affliction: Caused by demonic spirits harassing or afflicting the person in mind or body.
- Sickness from alienation from relationships: Social brokenness that makes it hard for people to connect with healthy or redemptive relationships.
- Blessing.
- Petition: Join them in asking God for healing.
- Command/speak to the pain or condition.
- Intercession: Pray on their behalf.
- Rebuke the demonic.
5. Post-Prayer Direction:
- Help the person process and digest [what has happened].
- Directive: Make things right with another person; “Go and sin no more.”
- Seek the Lord on one’s own.
- Commit to a church or fellowship group.
- Read specific scriptures: “Read and pray over the following Scriptures….”
- Invite them back for more prayer at another time.
The following are tips from practical wisdom regarding using the prayer model:
- Keep the interview brief.
- Ask for the compassion of Jesus.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to come; wait on Him.
- Pray with your eyes open.
- Don’t pray with too many words.
- Pray with quiet faith.
- Pray with authority.
- Pray believing God will speak to you.
- Pray taking risks.
- Don’t be afraid to fail.
- Ask the person how they are doing and what they are experiencing.
Physical phenomena are sometimes associated with the Holy Spirit’s activity. These phenomena should not be equated with the Holy Spirit; they are an individual’s physiological and emotional responses to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Our attitude should be one of balance and discernment. Examples of phenomena that are sometimes associated with the Holy Spirit’s activity include:
- Shaking.
- Stiffening.
- Change of breathing.
- Rocking, weaving, or acting drunk.
- Laughing or crying.
- Glistening, glowing, or perspiring.
- Heat or coolness.
- Fluttering of eyelids.
- Rippling of skin.
- Falling
October 30, 2009
Greater Compassion
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week's sermon, Mark Batcheck taught from the Parable of the Good Samaritan that all of us draw lines on how far we are willing to let our compassion go; but God wants to expand past our self-imposed boundaries, especially in the face of urgent global challenges. In order for us to demonstrate the same sort of boundless love exemplified by the Good Samaritan, we must have eyes to see, hearts to feel, feet to step closer, and hands to help.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. How would you define "compassion"?
2. Would you consider yourself to be a compassionate person?
3. Did you grow up in a family where generosity was modeled? How has your upbringing influenced your attitude about giving?
4. Have you ever watched the infomercials on TV where these organizations are asking you to give money to feed starving children in Africa? How do these infomercials make you feel? Why?
5. Have you ever experienced "compassion fatigue"? Explain. How do you think one overcomes "compassion fatigue"?
6. In last week's small group gathering, we talked about committing to living out just one idea this week to broaden our "horizon" (e.g. introducing yourself to someone new, inviting someone different than you over for a meal, etc.). Were you able to stick to your commitment? Briefly share your experience.
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week's sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend's message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Luke 1 John 3:16-18:
3. In the sermon, Mark Batcheck said that in order for us to demonstrate the same sort of boundless love as exemplified by the Good Samaritan, we must have eyes to see, hearts to feel, feet to step closer, and hands to help. Take a few minutes and meditate on each of these items, then share your thoughts with the group as openly and honestly as you can.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week's sermon, Mark Batcheck taught from the Parable of the Good Samaritan that all of us draw lines on how far we are willing to let our compassion go; but God wants to expand past our self-imposed boundaries, especially in the face of urgent global challenges. In order for us to demonstrate the same sort of boundless love exemplified by the Good Samaritan, we must have eyes to see, hearts to feel, feet to step closer, and hands to help.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. How would you define "compassion"?
2. Would you consider yourself to be a compassionate person?
3. Did you grow up in a family where generosity was modeled? How has your upbringing influenced your attitude about giving?
4. Have you ever watched the infomercials on TV where these organizations are asking you to give money to feed starving children in Africa? How do these infomercials make you feel? Why?
5. Have you ever experienced "compassion fatigue"? Explain. How do you think one overcomes "compassion fatigue"?
6. In last week's small group gathering, we talked about committing to living out just one idea this week to broaden our "horizon" (e.g. introducing yourself to someone new, inviting someone different than you over for a meal, etc.). Were you able to stick to your commitment? Briefly share your experience.
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week's sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend's message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Luke 1 John 3:16-18:
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17 If any one of you has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in you? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
- According to this passage, how do we know what love is?
- What does it mean that "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us"?
- What does it mean for us to "lay down our lives for one another"? (see also John 15:13)
- What do you think it means to have "pity" towards a brother or sister?
- According to verse 17, what is one specific way that we demonstrate that the love of God is in us? (see also James 2:15-17)
- Why is "action" such an important part of love?
3. In the sermon, Mark Batcheck said that in order for us to demonstrate the same sort of boundless love as exemplified by the Good Samaritan, we must have eyes to see, hearts to feel, feet to step closer, and hands to help. Take a few minutes and meditate on each of these items, then share your thoughts with the group as openly and honestly as you can.
- Eyes to See
How has God been opening your eyes recently to see the world as he sees it? - Hearts to Feel
What are some ways that we often numb ourselves so that we do not feel what God feels? Why do we do that? When was the last time your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? - Feet to Step Closer
As you examine your life, are you walking closer to those in need (the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the marginalized, etc.) today than you did a year ago? Or have you been walking farther away? - Hands to Help
We read in 1 John 3:17 that one specific way that we can demonstrate that the love of God is in us is to share our "material possessions." Can you commit to sharing your material possessions with just one person who is in need this week?
October 23, 2009
Greater Horizon
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Andy Saperstein taught from the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well from John 4:1-42. He shared that God’s “horizon” is always greater than ours, and that it is this horizon that defines his plan for all people. In the story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, we see a beautiful example of how to look at the world from God’s horizon. Today, we have the marvelous opportunity to love the modern-day Samaritans (people who look and sound different than us), but we are faced with fears and obstacles: We surrender to social and cultural expectations; we are bogged down by our own habits and routines; we fail to be watchful and attentive to the people and circumstances around us; we fear tainting our image and our doctrinal purity; and we fear growth and change. Opportunities may appear randomly or unexpectedly, but acting upon them is rarely “natural,” and it involves intentionality, inconvenience and vulnerability. Let us lift up our eyes and see who God sees beyond our default community and see the world from God’s horizon.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
2. Do you enjoy meeting new people?
3. Do you speak any foreign languages?
4. Briefly share about an experience where you got to experience another culture.
5. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were an “outsider”? Explain.
6. What are some reasons that it is often easier for us to be around people who are similar to us?
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Luke 10:25-37:
3. At the end of the sermon, Andy challenged the church to take the following steps to help us lift up our eyes and extend our horizon. Take a few minutes during group to read over each of these ideas. Which of these can you see yourself doing? Do you have any other ideas to add to this list? Can you commit to living out just one of these ideas this week?
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Andy Saperstein taught from the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well from John 4:1-42. He shared that God’s “horizon” is always greater than ours, and that it is this horizon that defines his plan for all people. In the story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, we see a beautiful example of how to look at the world from God’s horizon. Today, we have the marvelous opportunity to love the modern-day Samaritans (people who look and sound different than us), but we are faced with fears and obstacles: We surrender to social and cultural expectations; we are bogged down by our own habits and routines; we fail to be watchful and attentive to the people and circumstances around us; we fear tainting our image and our doctrinal purity; and we fear growth and change. Opportunities may appear randomly or unexpectedly, but acting upon them is rarely “natural,” and it involves intentionality, inconvenience and vulnerability. Let us lift up our eyes and see who God sees beyond our default community and see the world from God’s horizon.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
2. Do you enjoy meeting new people?
3. Do you speak any foreign languages?
4. Briefly share about an experience where you got to experience another culture.
5. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were an “outsider”? Explain.
6. What are some reasons that it is often easier for us to be around people who are similar to us?
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read Luke 10:25-37:
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
- What is the first question that the expert in the law asks Jesus? What do you think his motive was in asking this question?
- How does Jesus answer this first question? How does his answer compare with your personal understanding of how one inherits eternal life?
- Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan in response to what question?
- Who are the main characters in the parable? What do we know about them?
- Compare and contrast the Samaritan in this parable with the Samaritan woman in John 4:1-42.
- What can we learn from the words and actions of this good Samaritan?
- How does Jesus define “neighbor” in this passage?
- In light of this passage, have you been a good “neighbor”?
3. At the end of the sermon, Andy challenged the church to take the following steps to help us lift up our eyes and extend our horizon. Take a few minutes during group to read over each of these ideas. Which of these can you see yourself doing? Do you have any other ideas to add to this list? Can you commit to living out just one of these ideas this week?
- Introduce yourself to someone you do not know when you come to church.
- Invite someone outside your natural social circles and/or significantly different than you (in nationality, ethnicity, religion, education, income, values, background) over for a meal.
- Go to places where people different from you shop, eat and congregate (ethnic restaurants, Salvation Army, etc.) and ask God to open your heart to the people you encounter.
- Talk to someone who has served long-term overseas, support someone who serves overseas, or become someone who serves overseas.
- Visit the tables in the lobby and look for specific ways to get involved with work that others have already begun. These tables will be available on the following weekends: 10/24-25 and 10/31-11/1.
October 16, 2009
Greater Justice
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Rich started by asking, “How do we figure out what is right and what is wrong?” When we talk about hot-button issues like torture, surrogate-motherhood, doctor-assisted suicide, abortion, or gambling, we tend to address them at a surface level. But we must go deeper and ask ourselves, “How do we come up with our view of just? What does a just society look like?” Rich then taught from Matthew 25:31-46 that justice has to do with the way that we as individuals, and as a society, relate to people on the fringes. According to Jesus, to be considered a just person, or a just society, we must do something to help the least and the last. A just person tilts towards the poor and toward assisting those in need. A just society tilts towards the immigrant and those who are sick.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read James 2:14-26:
3. Read this quote from the great American author, Mark Twain:
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Rich started by asking, “How do we figure out what is right and what is wrong?” When we talk about hot-button issues like torture, surrogate-motherhood, doctor-assisted suicide, abortion, or gambling, we tend to address them at a surface level. But we must go deeper and ask ourselves, “How do we come up with our view of just? What does a just society look like?” Rich then taught from Matthew 25:31-46 that justice has to do with the way that we as individuals, and as a society, relate to people on the fringes. According to Jesus, to be considered a just person, or a just society, we must do something to help the least and the last. A just person tilts towards the poor and toward assisting those in need. A just society tilts towards the immigrant and those who are sick.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
- What do you think of when you hear the word “justice”?
- Have you ever seen or personally experienced “injustice”? Explain.
- Where do you personally fall on some of the hot-button issues like torture, gambling, or doctor-assisted suicide? How did you come to that conclusion?
- Have you recently interacted with someone who would be considered “marginalized”? Briefly share about your experience.
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read James 2:14-26:
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if people claim to have faith but have no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 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? 17
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"and he was called God's friend. 24 You see that people are justified by what they do and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
- How would you define “faith”?
- How would you define “deeds”?
- What do you think faith without deeds might look like?
- What do you think deeds without faith might look like?
- Why do you think faith without deeds is “dead”?
- Is James contradicting what Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9? Is James preaching “salvation by works”? Explain.
- How does Abraham’s story illustrate faith and deeds?
- How does Rahab’s story illustrate faith and deeds?
- Read verses 15-16 above. Have you ever encountered a situation like this? Explain.
3. Read this quote from the great American author, Mark Twain:
Actions speak louder than words, but not nearly as often.
- What do you think Mark Twain is trying to say here?
- Would you consider yourself a person of words or action?
- How might one become a person who “tilts” in the direction of the poor and the needy?
- Where in your neighborhood do you see a need for justice?
- What are some practical ways that you (and your small group) can begin to live out “greater justice” this week?
October 9, 2009
Greater Hearing
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Rich started by asking the question, “Why is the truth not more obvious?” He answered the question by saying that the problems is not with the message but with our hearing. He also taught that, in order to have kingdom impact, we must not submit to formulas, but instead, we must have faith, we must be patient, and we must be generous. Using the parable in Matthew 13:1-23, Rich taught about the four kinds of hearers: Hardened hearer, superficial hearer, natural hearer, and the good hearer.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. Which of your five senses is the most important to you? Why?
2. Can you share your experience of talking to someone who was not listening to you?
3. Have you even been the person who was not listening? Why were you not listening?
4. How is talking to someone face-to-face different than talking over the phone?
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read John 8:31-47:
What is it that truly distinguishes those who belong to God and those who don’t?
How do we actually hear God’s voice?
Share an example of when you heard God speak to you.
What are we supposed to do when we hear God’s voice?
How is reading the Bible the same or different from hearing God’s voice?
What role does tradition and the church play in hearing God’s voice?
Reflect back on Rich’s sermon. What kind of a hearer are you?
3. Read this quote from Winnie the Pooh:
What are some examples of “fluff” that can get in the way of our hearing from God?What can we learn from Winnie the Pooh in regards to how we share our faith?Set aside 30 minutes this week to sit in silence and just listen to God.If you feel comfortable, you can try this (for 5 minutes) as part of your small group worship time and then talk about the experience.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Rich started by asking the question, “Why is the truth not more obvious?” He answered the question by saying that the problems is not with the message but with our hearing. He also taught that, in order to have kingdom impact, we must not submit to formulas, but instead, we must have faith, we must be patient, and we must be generous. Using the parable in Matthew 13:1-23, Rich taught about the four kinds of hearers: Hardened hearer, superficial hearer, natural hearer, and the good hearer.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
1. Which of your five senses is the most important to you? Why?
2. Can you share your experience of talking to someone who was not listening to you?
3. Have you even been the person who was not listening? Why were you not listening?
4. How is talking to someone face-to-face different than talking over the phone?
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
2. Read John 8:31-47:
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” 34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.” 39 “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham's children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41 You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
What is it that truly distinguishes those who belong to God and those who don’t?
How do we actually hear God’s voice?
Share an example of when you heard God speak to you.
What are we supposed to do when we hear God’s voice?
How is reading the Bible the same or different from hearing God’s voice?
What role does tradition and the church play in hearing God’s voice?
Reflect back on Rich’s sermon. What kind of a hearer are you?
3. Read this quote from Winnie the Pooh:
If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.
What are some examples of “fluff” that can get in the way of our hearing from God?What can we learn from Winnie the Pooh in regards to how we share our faith?Set aside 30 minutes this week to sit in silence and just listen to God.If you feel comfortable, you can try this (for 5 minutes) as part of your small group worship time and then talk about the experience.
October 5, 2009
A Note for Small Group Leaders
This weekend marks a special day for Vineyard Columbus as we launch the new sermon-based small groups! So this coming Friday, 10/9, I will be writing the first official sermon-based study guide. Here are a few questions that I've been asked a few times already, so I thought I would answer them here:
HOW DO I GET THE STUDY GUIDES?
About a month ago we did a pilot run of the sermon-based studies to get some initial feedbacks from the leaders. Based on these feedbacks here is how you will be getting the study guides.
1. The main way that you will be getting your study guides is through our new website that we created for the sermon-based small groups. New study guides will be posted on this website every Friday at 5pm. Please bookmark this page.
2. For the first three weeks, we will also be emailing the study guides to the small group leaders. Since not everyone will be familiar with the new site, we wanted to take some proactive steps to help get us off the ground. After these three weeks, you will no longer get the study guides via email, but you will get a reminder email asking you to come to this site to download the study guides. This automatic email list is still being created, so you should be getting detailed instructions on to sign up for this either from me or John McNeal in the next two weeks.
3. For those of you who are familiar with RSS (Really Simple Syndication), you can sign up to get RSS feeds on our new website (on the right side labeled "Subscribe") so that every time there is new content posted on the website, you will see the post on your RSS reader. For more information regarding RSS, check out this website: http://www.google.com/intl/en/googlereader/tour.html
CAN I CHANGE THE STUDY GUIDE FOR MY GROUP?
This study guide exists to help you teach and facilitate discussion in your group. It is not meant to constrict you. Since this study guide is a tool and not a rule, we hope that you will feel free to adapt it to fit your group. You may want to skip some questions and you may even want to add your own questions and illustrations. However, the main thrust of the study should always be the major topics that were covered in the sermon.
CAN I GIVE SOME FEEDBACK?
We really want to hear feedbacks from you, especially in the first few weeks so we can keep learning how to do this together. So as you begin your group, we would love to receive some constructive feedbacks regarding what worked and what didn’t. (Did you like the wording? Were there too many or too few questions? Did it go deep enough? What would you like to see changed? etc.) Please be brutally honest. We really want these new sermon-based small groups to thrive! So, we welcome your feedback and the feedback from those in your small groups. Use the "Feedback" section on the right side of the website to submit your feedback.
HOW DO I GET THE STUDY GUIDES?
About a month ago we did a pilot run of the sermon-based studies to get some initial feedbacks from the leaders. Based on these feedbacks here is how you will be getting the study guides.
1. The main way that you will be getting your study guides is through our new website that we created for the sermon-based small groups. New study guides will be posted on this website every Friday at 5pm. Please bookmark this page.
2. For the first three weeks, we will also be emailing the study guides to the small group leaders. Since not everyone will be familiar with the new site, we wanted to take some proactive steps to help get us off the ground. After these three weeks, you will no longer get the study guides via email, but you will get a reminder email asking you to come to this site to download the study guides. This automatic email list is still being created, so you should be getting detailed instructions on to sign up for this either from me or John McNeal in the next two weeks.
3. For those of you who are familiar with RSS (Really Simple Syndication), you can sign up to get RSS feeds on our new website (on the right side labeled "Subscribe") so that every time there is new content posted on the website, you will see the post on your RSS reader. For more information regarding RSS, check out this website: http://www.google.com/intl/en/googlereader/tour.html
CAN I CHANGE THE STUDY GUIDE FOR MY GROUP?
This study guide exists to help you teach and facilitate discussion in your group. It is not meant to constrict you. Since this study guide is a tool and not a rule, we hope that you will feel free to adapt it to fit your group. You may want to skip some questions and you may even want to add your own questions and illustrations. However, the main thrust of the study should always be the major topics that were covered in the sermon.
CAN I GIVE SOME FEEDBACK?
We really want to hear feedbacks from you, especially in the first few weeks so we can keep learning how to do this together. So as you begin your group, we would love to receive some constructive feedbacks regarding what worked and what didn’t. (Did you like the wording? Were there too many or too few questions? Did it go deep enough? What would you like to see changed? etc.) Please be brutally honest. We really want these new sermon-based small groups to thrive! So, we welcome your feedback and the feedback from those in your small groups. Use the "Feedback" section on the right side of the website to submit your feedback.
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