The Grace of Generosity (Proverbs 11:25)

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SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this message Pastor Rich teaches that generosity should be one of the defining characteristics of life and the goal for every one of us. As Christians being generous not only is good for us, but it is should also define who we are. Oftentimes our generosity is killed by debt, greed, worry, or even fear. But we can become more generous in the face of such generosity killers when we discover a bigger purpose in life and that all of our possessions actually belong to God. Aligning ourselves with such Godly principles allows us to experience both peace and joy. This comes by learning to be open-handed and generous with our giving to His Kingdom, and by giving to those in need.

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 keeping with the themes of this week’s sermon, can anyone describe a noticeable difference in your spirit of generosity before and after you came to know Jesus? Or, can you share about an “event” that helped propel a major change in your spirit or attitude? Please share.
2. Does anyone have a great story of being the recipient of someone else’s great generosity? How did it make you feel?
3. Does anyone have a good “quality control” story – either from your own work experience or your experience as a customer with another company (i.e. restaurant, grocery, etc)? How did you know the product or experience was “bad” or “sub-par”?

INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. In 5 minutes or less. 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 1 John 3:16-23:

16 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 our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone 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 that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
19 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

• Discuss the context of this passage (vs 10-15). John divides the world into which 2 parts? What are the characteristics of each group? What’s the dividing line?
• Why does John introduce this OT story - what’s its meaning? (a. the things in our “hearts”, ultimately leads us toward actions).
• What’s the supreme manifestation of the new life? Why is love, a “life or death” scenario for John? Please share some thoughts.
• Vs16. The love word here is agape love - any idea what that means (a. not romantic love, but intensely practical)? Who is the supreme example? Why does John make self-sacrifice the quality standard? How does this principle make you feel?
• How might this challenge your pre-conceived notions of what it means to love your brother or sister? Have you ever been on the receiving end of self-sacrificial love – please explain?
• Vs17-18 Have you ever had to put your life on-the-line for another person? Most of us probably not – what self-sacrificial scenario is much more likely according to John? Reflect on the word “instinct” – what is it? Does instinct involve choice? John says our instinct in the prior situation, as a lover, should be what? See James 2:15.
• Love for John is only “real” when it’s followed by what? Why do some “other” Christians just pay lip-service to actionable love? How do we live with such hypocrisy (a. if we change what we believe to be true, we won’t feel guilty)? We must live in “truth”.
• Vs19-20 What is John’s litmus test for abiding in Jesus? This is great news, because a “clear conscious”, or “rest”, with God is not about absence of sin, but by the presence of what? Please discuss.
• Do you have a friend who you don’t talk with or see anymore because if you saw them you would have to talk about something uncomfortable? Please explain. Vs21-22 - What does the absence of condemnation with God free us up to do? Now we can have free and open communication with God – what kinds of things can we ask him? Do you think this breeds confidence? Why or why not?
• In the message, worry was a hurdle to being generous (loving) – what do these verses tell you about worry? (John 15:10)
• Vs23 What is the “name” of Jesus Christ (literally his character and person)? Faith is the first step in the family of God, and how should now we live in this new family? This is not just a helpful tip from John, but a command by Jesus - John 13:34, 15:12.

3. Application and Prayer Ministry.

• What are some ways your small group can “practically” love each other?
• How can you build a “generous” spirit into the fabric of your community?
• Are there ways you feel (are) bogged-down by worry, pride, or debt and unable to be free in your agape love? Pray that the Holy Spirit would empower freedom and growth in your life.
• Do you have a cynical edge towards others that prevents you from responding instinctually with generosity or love? Pray that Jesus’ love for you would deeply penetrate any hardness of heart.

Inside the Father’s Photo Album (Romans 3:21-26)

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SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
Pastor Rich opened the sermon by describing that Romans 3 is like looking “…inside The Father’s Photo Album.” Paul makes it clear in the first 3 chapters of Romans that no one, whether religious or irreligious, is free from humanity’s terminal diagnosis - the problem of sin. Sin has permeated everything like a cancer. What is our defense? Where have we fallen short? A significant question was posed - “in what direction are we going - toward or away from Jesus?” Sin can be described in 4 ways; heading in the wrong direction, legal guilt, moral guilt, and an enslaving force. The anecdote was explained through 4 corresponding scenes – a u-turn, a courtroom, a cup, and a slave market. All point to Jesus as the redeeming source and power.

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 ever find it difficult to accept a compliment from someone? Or maybe you’re uncomfortable receiving an unexpected gift? If so, why do you think this is the case?
2. Can you recall a time when someone showed you grace in a situation even though you didn’t deserve it? Describe the experience. Did this have an impact on how you related to others in similar circumstances?
3. Who is the most grace-filled person you know? Why are they like that – what makes them tick? Is it “just their personality”, or the result of life transformation? Please explain.

INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. In 5 minutes or less. 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 3:1-14:

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
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.

• Discuss the context of this passage. (Colossians 2) What is Paul referring to when he states that, “you have been raised with Christ”? (v. 1) Is there anything that humanity has done, or can do, to be worthy of the gift of Christ? In light of being raised with Christ, what do you believe our response should be? Discuss and share.
• Contrast and compare a life lived focusing on “things above”, versus a life focused on “earthly things”. (vv.1-2)? Are there personal changes that you have made in order to be more focused on things above? What has been the most challenging part of not focusing on earthly things?
• What does it mean to you to be “hidden with Christ in God”? (v. 3) Would you say that you are regularly aware of this fact? When are you most likely to forget that you’ve been “hidden with Christ”? Do you look forward to Christ’s appearance, and our appearance with him in glory? (v. 4) Discuss and share.
• Why do you think God hates sin? (vv. 5-6) What impact does sin have on you personally, your relationship with God, your relationships with family, and your interactions with unbelievers? What impact has sin had in the world? Discuss and share.
• Are there sin patterns that you once walked in that are no longer a part of your life? (vv. 7-9) What was that process like? How can you encourage one another as you walk out this process in other areas of your lives?
• In verse 10, Paul says that the “new self” is being “renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Can you see signs of this process in your life? Can you see signs of this in the lives of others in your small group? Discuss and share.
• In what ways have you seen the barriers that might divide us from one another torn down by our shared identity in Christ? (v. 11) What does Paul present as the basis for why we should be walking in compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness? (vv. 12-13) Do you think it is possible to “clothe” yourself with these virtues without remembering God’s grace expressed towards yourself? Why or why not?


3. In his sermon, Pastor Rich tells us, “God in Christ says: ‘You don’t have to live this way. I am your Redeemer. I’ve purchased you at the price of my Son’s own blood’.” In Christ, change is possible for us, God accepts us, and is at peace with us. Spend some time praying and meditating on God as our Redeemer.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any areas where you’ve not fully put to death the characteristics of your old life. Ask him to reveal possible barriers to greater freedom in Christ, areas where you are still living enslaved to sin.
• If you struggle with accepting the grace that God has given to you in Christ, with accepting God’s acceptance of you, consider getting prayer.

Paradise Lost...And Found (Romans 5)

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SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In today's society we often find ourselves wondering, "What's wrong with the world?" This question has been asked generation after generation as humanity attempts to return the world to "the way things should be". In this week's sermon, Pastor Rich suggests that we can structure our approach to the Bible by viewing it as the story of God's decision and plan to return the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve back home to His presence, restoring even more than was lost.

God created a perfect world. But, as Paul tells us in Romans 5:12, sin entered the world through the sin of Adam and Eve. Consequently, "every one of God's blessings was reversed." Paradise was lost. Sin turned the blessings of life into curses. Humanity's relationship with God was severed. Our relationships are now marked by competition and rivalry. Our work is the source of anxiety and fear.

However, the story of the Bible is about God restoring what was lost in the garden, and giving us even more. Through Christ, God brings us back into his presence, restores what was lost, and gives us even greater blessings than were lost by Adam and Eve. In Revelation 21 and 22, we are presented with a picture of Heaven as a new earth - a place of healing in the presence of God himself. This is the future for those who live their lives, centered upon Christ.

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 done anything that you regret? What were the consequences?

2. Are there things you have done in the past to assure that you will go to heaven?

3. Share one to three of the greatest gifts you have ever received. What made them great gifts?

INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. In 5 minutes or less, 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 Ephesians 2: 1 - 10 (TNIV)

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do

• Read verse 1 and answer the following questions: Who was dead? What’s the nature of that death? Why were they dead? Who raised them?
• What sort of behavior and lifestyle did Paul propose characterizes their condition before they became Christians? (v.2) Was this indictment limited to the Ephesians? (v. 3).
• What does it mean to “live” in sin? Why not just say we sinned in the past? What added meaning, if any, comes from the statement that we lived in sin? How conscious are you of a before and after “age” in your life?
• What do you think it means to avoid following “the ways of this world?” Are there any “best practices” you use to avoid following the ways of this world? Share.
• Who is the “ruler of the air”? Why do you think he is given this title? How does this title differ from other names given (see Matthew 4:3; John 8:44; John 12:31; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 12:8) In what ways does Paul say he manifests himself? Consider discussing examples of ways this manifestation still occurs today.
• Verse 3 says we were “deserving of his wrath. Who’s wrath are we talking about? What triggers God’s wrath in our lives? How much of these desires and thoughts can you trace back to allowing Satan into your life?
• What is God’s attitude towards those living in sin? (v. 4) What was God willing to do, toward those dead in sin? (v. 5) What does it mean “made us alive with Christ and saved? What is the difference between grace and mercy? (vv. 4-5). Can you have one without the other? Describe a time when you have been the beneficiary of grace, mercy, or both.
• When penitent believers obey the gospel, what does God do? (v. 6) And what is God’s purpose in doing so? (v. 7).
• What does Paul talk about up to this point in Ephesians (v.2:8)? Take some time to summarize.
• How would you define saved? (v. 8) Does everyone mean the same thing when it is used? Give examples of this from your own experience. Paul says that we have been “saved through faith” Faith is the means through which we are saved. Does this mean faith is our contribution to being saved? What does the rest of this verse say about that? Be specific.
• God said this salvation is a ‘gift of God’. (v. 8) What do you think Paul is trying to stir up in our minds?
• For what reason does the Paul say that salvation comes through grace and not by good works? (v.9). Why might God want no one to be able to boast about what He has contributed to salvation?
• According to verse 10, who are we? What does this mean? When did God plan on the design of our new creations in Christ? (v. 10) When was that? God says that He created us in Christ Jesus for good works. What might good works include?
• There might be greater things in the future that God asks us that we feel uncomfortable with doing? How shall we get ready for such times? What truths from Ephesians 2:10 can we use to remind ourselves that we can and should accomplish these things?

3. Consider these reflection questions as you close out your small group:

• Have you been able to be free, “really free”, from your former life? Are there any areas you’re wrestling with? Possibly think about inviting someone to be an accountability partner for you. Also receive some prayer.
• Do you still struggle seeing salvation purely as a gift? Does the riche of God’s grace sound alien? Invite the Holy Spirit to re-ignite that truth and reality in you.
• God made you and redeemed you for a reason- you’re his handiwork. Have you been living like that’s true? Or have you yet to grasp the ways God wants to use you in this life- do you need your marching orders? Consider asking the Holy Spirit for clarity regarding next steps.

No Condemnation (Romans 8: 1 - 4)

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SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
This week Pastor Rich began a new sermon series entitled, “Amazing Grace.” In Romans 8:1, Paul asserts that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” In the lives of Adam, Abraham, Moses, and David, God gives us a picture of what is required for us to live in covenant agreement with Him. Covenant is the organizing principle of the Bible. When a covenant is broken, a penalty must be paid. However, God has made provision so that we can live with Him, even when we violate His covenant. Christians will never again be under the condemnation and penalty of sin because of the gracious gift of Jesus Christ. He has paid the penalty. This is why we can live with “No Condemnation.”

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. If you had siblings growing up, can you recall a time when you blamed one another for doing something that upset your parents? Describe the situation. What caused you to blame one another rather than accepting responsibility?

2. Have you noticed a tendency to blame others in your life? If so, what impact has this had upon any relationships in your sphere of influence?

3. Has anyone in your family or any of your friends ever been convicted of a crime (please keep their identity anonymous)? Without detailing the crime, how has that person responded (e.g. shame, withdrawal, hiding, blaming others, etc…)

INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. In 5 minutes or less, 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 Genesis 3: 7 - 24 (TNIV)

7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” 11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” 12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” 16 To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” 17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat of it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” 20 Adam named his wife Eve because she would become the mother of all the living. 21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” 23 So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove them out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

• In preparation for Small Group time, leaders are encouraged to read Genesis 2:15 – 3:6.
• What happened as a result of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit? (v.7). Why do you think they covered themselves? Are there examples of persons and/or society continuing to cover their sins today? Discuss.
• Did Adam and Eve recognize God in the garden (v. 8)? How do you know? What was Adam and Eve’s response when they heard God’s presence? (vv. 8 – 10) What was his observation about himself? (v. 10) What was Adam’s action? Did Adam know he was naked before? How do you know? What did God tie this self awareness to? (v.11)
• How did Adam answer when God asked him if he ate from the forbidden tree? What did Eve answer when God asked her why she gave the fruit to Adam?? (v) When was the last time you blamed another for your fault? How can we change such irresponsible behavior?
• Did God exempt anyone from the penalty of sin? What was the penalty for each of them? (vv. 14 – 19). How does this underscore how serious sin is to God? Why should this even matter to us?
• What does “enmity” mean? Describe what this first prophecy found in the Bible, spoken by God Himself, is predicting.
• After giving the penalty for each of them, what did God do next? (v. 21) Why do you think this was necessary? What does this say about God’s love?
• Adam and Eve were banished from the garden and not given access to the tree of life. What significance, if any, is the garden of Eden in the first place? Or the tree of life? Is there any other significance that trees have in the Bible? (Galatians 3:13ff) What does this say about how God deals with the penalty of sin?


3. In the sermon, Pastor Rich shares that in the cases of Adam, Abraham, and Moses God is giving us a picture of what is required to live with Him; trust, love and obedience. When we don’t do this God takes the penalty…

• If there are areas of your life that you’re hiding from God, out of fear, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to begin to trust in his grace.

• Do you feel like you’re living under a “curse?” Do you feel like you can not escape your past? Consider praying for forgiveness, healing, and freedom. As you pray, know that trusting in Christ, and placing your confidence in what Christ has done for you in living a perfect life enables you to forever live outside the ream of God’s condemnation, and that nothing shall separate you from the love of God that is found in Christ Jesus our Lord.