Linda Carlson - The Road To Emmaus

June 30, 2019

The Road to Emmaus, Revisited

Luke 24:13-35

Memory Verse:

Luke 24:26-27 “ ‘Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”

Sermon Theme:

A dimension of our walk with God is Jesus walking with us. Jesus’ presence with us and His living Word have the power to open our eyes so that we recognize who He truly is and experience a new, transformed life.

Scriptures for Reflection: Jesus in the Old Testament

Some of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah that Jesus would likely have referred to on the road to Emmaus are listed here.

Personal or Small Group Challenge: In the New Testament, you can find how these prophecies, made thousands of years before the coming of Jesus Christ, were exactly and precisely fulfilled. Enjoy the discovery!

Prophecies about the Messiah, Jesus.

Genesis 3:15 – the Messiah would be the seed of the woman.

Genesis 12:3 – The Messiah would be the descendant of Abraham, through whom all nations would be blessed.

2 Samuel 7:12-16 – The Messiah would be a descendant of King David.

Daniel 9:24-27 – The Messiah would come according to a timetable.

Isaiah 7:14 – The Messiah would be born of a virgin.

Micah 5:2 – The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

Hosea 11:1 – The Messiah would be called out of Egypt.

 Deuteronomy 18:15-19 – The Messiah would be a prophet like Moses.

Psalm 110:1-4 – The Messiah would be greater than David.

Malachi 4:5-6 – The Messiah would be preceded by Elijah, the prophet.

Malachi 3:1 - The Messiah would be preceded by a messenger.

Isaiah 61:1-2 – The Messiah would do life-affirming, redemptive deeds.

Isaiah 9:1-2 - The Messiah would be the great light.

Isaiah 9:6-7 – The Messiah would be a wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

Psalm 118:25-29 - The Messiah would be acclaimed.

Zechariah 9:9 – the Messiah would come riding on a donkey.

Psalm 118:22-24 - The Messiah would be the rejected cornerstone.

Jeremiah 31:15 – The Messiah would be the subject of a murderous plot

Zechariah 11: 12-13 – The Messiah would be betrayed by 30 pieces of silver.

Psalm 69 – The Messiah would be the righteous sufferer.

Genesis 22: 1-18 – The Messiah would be a willing sacrifice.

Isaiah 53:4-6, 11 – The Messiah would be a suffering servant, bear our sins, and suffer in our place.

Zechariah 12:10 – the Messiah would be pierced.

Number 21: 6-9 - The Messiah would be lifted up.

Exodus 12: 1-51- The Messiah would be the Passover lamb.

Ruth 4:4-9 – The Messiah would be our Kinsman-Redeemer.

Jeremiah 31:31 – The messiah would bring a new covenant.

Psalm 22:1-31 – The Messiah would be forsaken and pierced, but vindicated.

Isaiah 53: 10-11 – The Messiah would not remain dead, but see his seed and prolong his days.

Psalm 16:8-11 The Messiah would be resurrected.

Psalm 2:1-12 – The Messiah would be called God’s Son.

Daniel 7:13-14 – The Messiah would be the Son of Man.

Numbers 24:17 – The Messiah would be the Star coming out of Jacob.

Genesis 49:10 - The Messiah would be the coming one to whom the scepter belongs.

Reflection Questions:

• What questions would you have for Jesus if you took a walk with Him?
  
  

• Have you ever felt like something was keeping you from recognizing Jesus? What was that?
  
  

• Were your “eyes” later opened? If so, what happened?
  
  

• What does the fulfillment of these Messianic prophecies in the person of Jesus mean for your life?
  
  

• Which ones are especially meaningful to you (burn in your heart)? Why?

Application 

You may have a different world view or belief system than the one presented in this story and wonder which is true.  Jesus is not averse to your questions, so ask away.

Or, you may wish to have a conversation with someone who has another world view or belief system than yours. We can learn from Jesus on the Emmaus Road about how to do this.

• Recognizing Jesus walking with us and listening to His words is where we must begin before speaking to anyone else about Him.

• We can ask gentle, open-ended questions to understand another’s perspective.

• When we listen to understand, it’s more likely someone will want to know more.

• We can talk about Jesus’ uniqueness and unparalleled life and message with someone who has had time to trust us.

• Only Jesus can open and change minds and hearts, and He does it in His time.

In his book, Jesus Rediscovered, Malcolm Muggeridge retells the story of the Emmaus Road.  He concludes, “On every walk, Christ came to tell us whether to Emmaus or Wimbledon or Timbuktu, there is the same stranger waiting to accompany us along our way, if we want him.”

Do we dare to add our roads and their destinations to this story and look for this stranger on the way, and invite him into our life situations?

Revelation 3:20

Jesus speaking: “ ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.’”

John Lloyd - Growing In Our Walk With Jesus

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus

Colossians 1:9-14

June 23, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  First is our relationship with God. Second is our relationships with other Christians. Third is daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door. Today, we will look at the end goal of what it means to grow in our walk with Jesus.  Our prayer is that we each of us would bear fruit and increase in our knowledge of God. Keep abiding and abounding, PJ

Colossians 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

BLESS:  Begin with prayer, Listen with empathy, Eat with others, Serve with love and Share our story. 

 “The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deeper people.”  Richard Foster

I.               It is God’s will for us to __________ in our walk with Jesus.

Colossians 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

Filled – to put into us as much as we can hold.  Knowledge – to know thoroughly.  Wisdom – Sophia - ability to direct our life toward moral fulfillment.

John 15:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 

What helps:  I Peter 2:2 Pray for a spiritual hunger.  Joshua 1:8 Mediate on the Word of God.  Isaiah 40:31 Let this process continually bring renewal. John 15:5 Stay connected to Jesus.

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

II.            May my walk be _______________ and ______________ to God.

Colossians 1:10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Walk – customary manner, way of life. Fully pleasing – the favor of God

Bearing fruit – to produce a crop.

Ephesians 5:10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

Points of Action:  Hebrews 13:21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Consistent prayer.  Lord, are you pleased with what I am thinking or doing? 

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Invite a trusted friend to walk with you on your journey. Prov. 27:17 Iron sharpens iron…. Eccl.4:9- Two are better than one.

III.           May my __________ help others see Jesus.

Colossians 1:10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Philemon 1:6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 

Colossians 1:11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,

Strengthened with all power – power to protect, power to serve and endure because it brings us in touch with Jesus. 

I Cor.1:24b Jesus Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God.

His glorious might – the one who has power over death (Hebrews 2:14).

All endurance – capacity to bear up under difficult circumstances

Patience with joy – facing provocation or misfortune without losing joy.

Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Giving thanks – expressing gratitude for every blessing. Qualified- to make adequate. Inheritance- given as a rightful possession, what is possessed.

John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (Abiding)

 I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.  (Abounding)

Keep me abiding and abounding!

Communion Verses:  Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Spiritual Growth Questions for June 23, 2019

Opener: Share about a time when you felt the power of God in your walk.

1.   Read I Corinthians 1:18-25.  Circle words that you see as important.  What was Jesus trying to get across to the disciples?  Write the passage in your own words.   What application can you make in your own life?  What things does God want you to change and/or do?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.   Read I Corinthians 1:26-31.  Circle words that you see as important.  What was Jesus trying to get across to the disciples?  Write the passage in your own words.   What application can you make in your own life?  What things does God want you to change and/or do?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.   Read Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, John 15:5-7, Colossians 3:16.  What is each verse teaching us to do?  How could you implement these verses into your life? With whom and how could you share what you are learning? What promises does God make to the person who implements this way of life?   

Four types of fruit:

1. Spiritual fruit of Christlike love, John 15:9.          

2. Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith 3. Fruit of spiritual gifts, Ephesians 4:12.                                                   4. Fruit of new disciples, John 15:16.

4.   Read John 15:8-9. What is your strongest area of “fruit” production?  What is your weakest area of “fruit” production? What can you do to improve your weak area? 

John Lloyd - Living Sent As A Father

Irresistible Fathers: Living Sent as a Father

Mark 1:9-13

June 16, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  First is our relationship with God. Second is our relationships with other Christians. Third is daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door. Today, we will focus on how to live sent as fathers and men and our sphere of relational influence.  Help me to be an irresistible father. Pastor John

Mark 1:9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

I Thessalonians 2:8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Big Idea:  Being a treasured son of our heavenly father lays the foundation for irresistible father/influencers.

How can I live sent as an irresistible father/influencer?

I.               Embrace my identity as a ___________ of God.

 Mark 1:9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Matthew 6:31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

Luke 11:13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.

A.    Reject the loudest voices of ____________ identities.

_

Matthew 4:3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Shame - I am not enough.

Guilt - I have not done enough.

Insecurity - My identity is in me: how I look, what I do, or what I have. 

(I John 3:1-2).

B.   Internalize what God’s __________ says about my identity.

 Mark 1:11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Hebrews12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Let your relationship with God deal with the need for man’s approval, appetites and the ambitions, and the from this world.(Matt 4:3, 4:5-6, 4:8-9)

II.             Let my _______________ flow out of your identity not vice versa.

Mark 1:12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

A.    Let __________ pour out deeply because we received it from God.

I Thessalonians 2:8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

Help me to be a vessel to remind my children that they are fiercely loved by God.  Help me to pass onto them the beautiful gifts God has given me.

B.    Let work be a ________ because my Savior is always working in me.

9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.

Help me to train my children in what is true and beautiful!  Prov. 22:6

11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Help me to model and encourage my family to a holy life. 

Live sent by embracing Jesus and being sent to those in our influence.

Live sent by recognizing we are a steward, not an owner.

Live sent by asking the Lord to help us know and understand the love languages of those in our relational network. 

Live sent by encouraging and developing the gifts and talents of our children.

Spiritual Growth Questions for June 16, 2019

Opener:  Describe a father who has impacted your life?  What traits did you admire?

1.    Read Mark 1:9-15.  Go through each verse, observe words, principles.  Consider what these words meant to those who first heard them.  Reflect and discuss how they could be applied in your life.  Repenting and believing is a natural response when the Kingdom breaks through into our lives. Why?

2.   Read Matthew 4:1-11.  Spend time identifying the nature of each temptation.  Why were these words so important to the disciples and early church?  How do we experience these same temptations today? Read I John 2:15-17 for help.  How did Jesus deal with these temptations?  What helps you deal with temptation?

3.   Reflect on Mark 1:11. “You are my beloved son in whom I well pleased.”  How can this truth help build irresistible fathers/influencers?  How does our enemy try and steal our identity? What helps you to remember who you are in Christ? 

4.   Read Hebrews 12:1-3.  Go through each verse, observe words and principles.  Consider what these words meant to those who first heard them.  Reflect and discuss how they could be applied in your life.  How did Jesus deal with shame? 

5.   Read I Thessalonians 2:9-12.  Discuss the characteristics of an irresistible father found in these verses.   What ways have you seen these characteristics passed on that have been effective?  How can you pass them to those around you?

Memory Verses: Mark 1:11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.

Mark 1:15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

John Lloyd - Living Sent At Work

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus:  Living Sent at Work

Colossians 3:22- 4:1

June 9, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  First is our relationship with God. Second is our relationships with other Christians. Third is daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door. Today, we will focus on how to live sent at work or school.  Living sent brings purpose to everything we do.  Living Sent… at Work, Pastor John

Colossians 3:22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. 4:1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

What does our work have to do with our faith and what does our faith have to do with our work? 

Big Idea:  Living sent at work/school means what I do and how I do it matters greatly to God. Make me an irresistible employee/student.

Review:  The following make for a strong walk with Jesus:

1.   Our relationship with God.

Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

2.   Our relationships with others within our community.  

    Matthew 22:39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as

    yourself.                                                      

3.   Our relationships with others outside of our community.  

  Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of                                                   

     the time.

BLESS:

Begin with prayer.

Listen with empathy.

Eat with other.

Serve with love.

Share your story.

How do I become an irresistible employee/student?

I.               Receive the ______________  ___________ of our Savior Jesus.

John 19:30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 17:4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”

Hebrews 10:14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.  (Hebrews 10:12, I John 4:19)

Trusting in Jesus and His finished work changes everything!  Irresistible employees begin by surrendering to an irresistible Savior.

II.            Allow the _________ to influence our attitudes about work/school.

Genesis 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Genesis 3:17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it, ’cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;  (Genesis 3:18-19, Rev. 21:1-2, 22:2)

A recent Gallup Poll revealed the number one thing this world’s five billion working age people want. What the world wants even more than food, shelter, safety, and peace is a good, meaningful job.  Gallup June 9, 2015

God’s Imagination #1: God’s work is restorative from Eden to the New Jerusalem.

God’s Imagination #2: My work is just as much God’s work as is the work of missionaries and pastors.  The secular and sacred must never be seen as separate from the vantage point of a Christian.  

How could God’s kingdom breakthrough in my work? How could I be the  aroma of Christ at my working place? 

Irresistible employee’s mission statement:  Leave people, places and things better than I found them! 

Help me embrace my work as a mission!

III.           Redefine what ______________ looks like in your life and work.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Irresistible employee definition of success:  I want to work in such a way that people are better.  I want to work in such a way that every place I work is better.  I want to make everything I work on better for the glory of Christ.

I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Colossians 3:24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Reflective Questions:  Am I getting better as an employee?  Who can I help this week get better?  What thing could I help make better?  What place could I make better? 

Prayer:  Help me to leave things, people and places better than I found them.  Help me to embrace my work as mission! 

Spiritual Growth Questions for June 9, 2019

Opener:  Describe the best worker/teammate who has worked with you?  What quality did you observe that made them a great worker?

1.   Read Colossians 3:22-4:1. As you read Paul’s last words to the church of Ephesus, what observations do you see in these verses?  What words stand out to you?  Why is Paul saying this and what is he hoping they will do?  Ask God to speak through his Word to your soul.  How does Paul encourage them to live sent?  How could this be applied in your life right now? 

2.   Read Colossians 4:2-6.  Carefully go through each verse: Write down key words and observations in each verse.  What principles are standing out?  Why is Paul saying this and what is he hoping they will do?  How could these verses be applied to a situation in your life right now?   Consider the BLESS approach.  Begin with Prayer, Listen with empathy, Eat with others, Serve in love and Share your Story.  How is Paul essentially using this approach to the Colossians?

3.   Read John 5:17, Hebrews 7:25, John 17:4.  Observe what Jesus is doing or did in each one of these verses.  Discuss how Jesus views his work.  What ramifications are there for us in regards to work if we are made in His image?  Pray about how Jesus could work through you at your work? Spend some time on question 4. 

4.   Consider this definition of success for your work:  Irresistible employee’s mission statement:  Leave people, places and things better than I found them!  Read I Corinthians 15:58.  Spend time thinking how you could apply this specifically to your work.  Who could you help make better?  What things could you work on to improve?  How could you leave your work better than you found it?

What does our work have to do with our faith and what does our faith have to do with our work? 

Extra credit in heaven:  Read Matthew 25:14-30.  Meditate on the parable of talents and reflect on the principle of development. 

Memory Verses: John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

John Lloyd - Living Sent

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus:  Living Sent

John 20:19-21

June 2, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  First is our relationship with God. Second is our relationships with other Christians. Third is daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door. Today, we will focus on how to live, as being sent, by reaching out to others both within and without our relational network.  Living sent…. Pastor John

John 20:19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Memory Verse: 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”  (Also read Matthew 22:37-39).

Big Idea:  Growing in our walk with Jesus means we live as one who has been sent.  Living sent leads me to pour out what I have received into others both within and outside of my relational network.

Review:  The following make for a strong walk with Jesus:

1.   Our relationship with God, Matthew 22:37.

2.   Our relationships with others within our community,  Matthew 22:39.

3.   Our relationships with others outside of our community.  

BLESS:  Begin with prayer, Listen with empathy, Eat with others, Serve with love and Share your story.

I.              To live as being sent, we must receive the _______ who was sent.

John 1: 12 But to all who did receive (welcome) him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Believe- is written78 times in John’s writings, three English words to capture the meaning:  believe, trust and faith.  Biblical faith or trust is not primarily something we do, but someone in whom we put our trust.

“If you do not see a gift held out to you, or if you see it but do not accept it as real, you won’t stretch out your hand to take it. Believing in Jesus involves seeing Him presented as God’s Son, accepting that description as real, and simply stretching out your hand to accept God’s gift of eternal life. You then become what you were not: a child of God.”  Larry Richards

John 13:20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

John 20:19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 

Romans 5:5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.  (I John 3:1-2)

“When you know that you are beloved by God, you can enter into the sufferings and problems of others letting them know that they are loved.”

Take Away Principle: We can only give out of what we have received.

The more we have received the more we can give!

II.             Living sent sees God in the ________________ of life.

Acts 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.

Psalm 139:1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!     2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

John 20:21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 

Take away principle:  We need to bloom where we are planted.  God has placed me where He wants me to grow and minister. 

III.           Living sent means voluntary displacement and ________ mobility.

John 21:18 “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”

Everything inside me is wired for upward mobility except the Holy Spirit has wired us for downward mobility.  God wants me to pour out what has been poured into my soul. 

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 

Two tools needed: God’s compassion and gratitude

John 20:21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 

How can you be of service right where you are?  What is your ministry to others?  Where are you to spend your time?  Go to the place where people are in pain but go with others who have received grace and compassion.

Living sent brings great health to our walk with God!

Spiritual Growth Questions for June 2, 2019

Opener:  Describe the most missional person you have ever met.  What stood out to you as you spent time with them?

1.   Read John 20:19-31.  Make as many observations as you can about this text and its key words and principles.  What stands out to you about Jesus’ interaction with Thomas?  How did the disciples apply their experience with Jesus?  Where did Thomas end up serving God?  What is this passage teaching us about living sent? 

2.   Read Acts 20:31-39.  As you read Paul’s last words to the church of Ephesus, what observations do you see in these verses?  What words stand out to you?  Why is Paul saying this and what is he hoping they will do?  Ask God to speak through his Word to your soul.  Where could this be applied in your life right now?  How does Paul encourage them to live sent?

3.   Read Acts 17:22-32.  As you read Paul’s address to the people of Athens, what words and principles stand out to you?  What was the response from the group?  How can what Paul did here help us with our approach to people in our relational network?  What can we learn from Paul about living sent?

4.   Consider the BLESS approach.  Begin with Prayer, Listen with empathy, Eat with others, Serve in love and Share your Story.  Ask God for one person you could minister to in this way.  Share with a friend for prayer and support.  Spend time praying for whoever God puts on your heart.  How can this approach help us to live sent?

5.    Where is a place of pain that you could go to bring God’s love to those suffering?   Who could you take with you to minister together?  Make a specific time to do this and share what happens with a friend or your small group.   

Memory Verse:  John 20:21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 

John Lloyd - Building Community

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus

Ephesians 4:11-16, 29-32

May 26, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  First is our relationship with God. Second is our relationships with other Christians. Third is daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door. Today, we will focus on how to be community builders in our relationships.

Ephesians 4:11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds  and teachers,  12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,  to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:29-32)

Big Idea:  Community Builders build community by committing to the whole process of building community.

pseudo-community, chaos, humility, real community

I.              God gives ____________ to his children to build community.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds  and teachers,  12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

I Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

Mission Friends:  God uses believers in community with Him to build community for those without Him.

John 17:20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Ephesians 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

I Corinthians 4:7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

Reflective Question:  God, what have you placed in my hand that I can use to build community?  What obstacles do I need to remove?

II.            Community building will always include _______ and __________.

pseudo-community, chaos, humility, true community

Ephesians 4:14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Philippians 2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.  Philippians 4:1

A.   Show me how to ____________ every person in my community.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Goal:  Help me to speak words that make souls stronger.  Help me to put courage in your soul. 

B.    Help me to ____________ words that build community.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Words like these: You matter.  You are the image of God.  You are loved at your best, and you are loved at your worst.  You are uniquely gifted. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  You are God’s child, the bride of Jesus, the vessel of the Holy Spirit, and an heir of the kingdom.  I see potential in you.  I value you.  I need you.  I respect you.  Will you forgive me? I forgive you.  I like you.  I love you.   

Ephesians 4:15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.

III.           Community building creates a culture where gifts are discerned, _________________ and mobilized for the building of community.

Ephesians 4:16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Psalm 78:4)

Psalm 78:6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;

John 17:23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Ephesians 4: 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

It takes a community to reach a community!

Community building for God is worth it.

Spiritual Growth Questions for May 26, 2019

Opener:  Share a time when God used a conflict or a difference to help bring you in closer community.

1.   Read Ephesians 4:11-16.  Make as many observations as you can about this text, its key words and principles.  How do you think the Ephesian church applied these words?   How could you act on what is being said in this text? 

2.   Read Ephesians 4:25-32.  What observations do you see in these verses?  What words stand out to you?  Why is Paul saying this and what is he hoping they will do?  Ask God to speak through his Word to your soul.  Where could this be applied in your life right now? 

3.   Consider the phases in building community: pseudo-community, chaos, humility and true community.  Discuss the chaos phase and how should we as believers navigate through it? 

4.   Read Philippians 2:1-5. What was Paul’s goal for this community?  What specifically did he tell them to do to be community builders? Read Philippians 2:6-9.  What did Jesus do to build community? 

5.   Read the words below and ask God to give you one person you could reach out to this week that needs to hear them.   Share your plan with a friend who can pray for you.

Words like these:  You matter.  You are the image of God.  You are loved at your best, and you are loved at your worst.  You are uniquely gifted. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  You are God’s child, the bride of Jesus, the vessel of the Holy Spirit, and an heir of the kingdom.  I see potential in you.  I value you.  I need you.  I respect you.  Will you forgive me? I forgive you.  I like you.  I love you. 

                             Extra Credit in Heaven Question

Read John 17:9-26.What part of this prayer stands out to you?Spend some time praying this prayer for yourself, for our church, for our city and for our world.

Community Message - Mead, Degerness, Rogers

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus

Community

May 19, 2019

Mead, Degerness, Rogers

I.          Hospitality

A.        Christian hospitality looks different than secular hospitality

Deuteronomy 10:19 Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. (Romans 12)

Matthew 25:34-39 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

B.        Applied Hospitality

 

II.         Fellowship

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

“One man is nobody; nor will poring upon a book in a corner accomplish a man as the reading and studying of men will. Wise and profitable discourse sharpens men's wits; and those that have ever so much knowledge may by conference have something added to them.” - Matthew Henry

A.        Fellowship with one another builds us up

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

1 Corinthians 12:26

26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Making and growing disciples happens in community

Acts 2:44-47

 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

III.        Isolation

Genesis 2:18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Proverbs 18:1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.

Wise Judgement = Tuwshiyah – all wisdom, sound knowledge, or

abiding success (which is the result of wisdom)

2 Timothy 4:4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

IV.       Purpose in Community

There’s a reason why we don’t instantly make our way into heaven the minute we receive salvation. Because God has purpose for us.

Philippians 1:20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.

A.        For it is in giving when we receive the most.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Romans 14:7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.

All we do is for the glory of God.

“He who loves his life will lose it but he who forsakes his life for my sake will find it.” – Jesus

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John Lloyd - Prayer

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus

Selected Scriptures

May 5, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  Our relationship with God is first. Our relationships with other Christians are second. Our daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door is third. Hope you can join us as we explore how to be a fruitful follower of Jesus.

Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

2 Thessalonians 1:11To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power

Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

 “Prayer—secret, fervent, believing prayer—lies at the root of all personal godliness.”  William Carey Missionary to India

Big Idea:  Prayer changes me!

“Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us.  If we are unwilling to change, we will abandon prayer as a noticeable characteristic of our lives.”  Richard Foster

How can we do this as well?  How can we live this way in the restlessness of our current society?  How can I make space for God in my life?

I.              Praying is ______________ out to God.

Psalm 61:1 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;  2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is overwhelmed.  Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,

Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.

Psalm 77:1-2 I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. 2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. Psalm 86:1

I John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Expressing our feelings and fears to God is an avenue for us to experience his unconditional love.  Prayer changes me!

II.            Praying is a continual ______________________ with God.

I Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Prayer versus prayerfulness

2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord,

2 Thessalonians 1:11To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,  Romans 1:9

Take Away:  Present your whole thoughts to God both good and bad.  Ask him for help!  Cry out to Him. It is not so much what we think but who are we presenting our thoughts to.  God knows our minds and hearts without anything being hidden. 

William Temple noted that coincidences occurred much more frequently when he prayed.

Prayer changes how I handle people and situations.

Prayer is how God changes me!

III.          Prayer is ____________________ and __________________.

I Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Luke 18:13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

I Kings 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 

Question is not should I pray, but when should I pray.

Matthew 6:6. Go to your private room, shut the door, and so pray to the Father who is in that secret place.

Jesus chose to climb a mountain, enter a garden, depart to the desert, or rest in a boat on the water to pray and listen to God.  Choose a place!

What do we do while prayer? 

Be with Jesus

Find a focus: gospel text for the day, sing a psalm or pick a verse of scripture and read it slowly. 

Expect distractions: smile at them, let them pass, return to your focus.

Write down things to be thankful for. 

Write down prayer requests and prayers. 

Give praise to God for answered prayers.

Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.      Prayer Changes ME!

What time, place and focus for prayer will you commit to this week?

Spiritual Growth Questions for May 5, 2019

Opener:  Share about an experience of answered prayer.

1.   Read Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22.  Why should prayer be not just asking, but listening?  Why is it so hard to make time to listen to God?

2.   Read Psalm 22:1-2, 77:1-2 and Psalm 139:1-4.  Observe and circle key words in these verses.   What did these verses mean to the original audience?  Paraphrase them in your own words.  What is the psalmist teaching us about expressing our real thoughts to God?  How can it help us to know that God wants us to express these thoughts to Him through prayer? 

3.   What parts of your life are you tempted to hide from God? What thoughts could you offer to God right now?  Stop and take a moment and offer them to God as a conversational prayer.

4.   Read Luke 18:9-14.  Observe and circle key words in these verses.   What did these verses mean to the original audience?  Paraphrase them in your own words.  How could this passage be applied to your life?  How can it be applied to those you minister to?

5.   Read Matthew 6:5-14.  Observe and circle key words in these verses.   What did these verses mean to the original audience?  Paraphrase them in your own words.  How could this passage be applied to your life?  How can it be applied to those you minister to?

Assignment:  What time, place and focus for prayer will you commit to this week?  Share your plan with a friend.

John Lloyd - Abiding With God

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus

Matthew 22:37-39

April 28, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  First is our relationship with God. Second is our relationships with other Christians. Third is daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door. Hope you can join us for the next six weeks as we explore how to be a fruitful follower of Jesus.

Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Psalm 42:1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

“The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deeper people.”  Richard Foster

“Discipleship means living a fully human life in this world in union with Jesus Christ and His people, growing in conformity to His image, and helping others to know and become like Jesus.”  Mike Wilkins

I.               Strong relationships with God begin with ______________.

Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Psalm 42:1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  Psalm 63:1

Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Reflective questions:  What is it that is ruling my life?  Is the ruler of my life keeping you from God?  How is my walk with God? 

John 4:14 “But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.  The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

A.   _____________ from destructive habits does not come by willpower.

Colossians 2:23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. Colossians 2:21-22

Romans 7:23 But I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

“As soon as you resist mentally any undesirable or unwanted circumstance, you thereby endow it with more power- power which it will use against you and you will have depleted your own resources to at exact extent.”  Fox

“As long as we think we can save ourselves by our own willpower, we will only make the evil in us stronger than ever.”  Heini Arnold

Declaration:  God I cannot save myself! I need your Spirit’s help in my life!  I will put my life in a place where God can change me from the inside out.

B.   Place my life in the soil of Jesus by ________________ in Christ.

Romans 5:17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”   (Hebrews 12:15) “Being bitter is a harder path than being filled with grace and joy.” 

Commitment: Placing myself in God’s soil will allow Him to work His life and deliverance in my soul.

II.             Learn to detach from this world and ________ to God’s kingdom.

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Psalm 1:2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.  3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Some suggestions:  1. Slow down 2. Conviction of its importance. 3. Quiet place, no distractions.   4. Start with 5 to 10 minutes. 5. Read Luke 2:19 take one Scripture treasure it… ponder it in your heart.  6. Write down the scripture and try it for 3 times one day… Live with your chosen text for the day.  Murmur it. Memorize it. Pray it. Say it. Share it.

Reflective question:  What is it that keeps me from strengthening my relationship with Jesus?   Repent and believe….  Call it out, call upon!

“Only to sit and think of God, Oh what a joy it is!

To think the thought, to breathe the name Earth has no higher bliss.”  Frederick Faber

Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Spiritual Growth Questions for April 28, 2019

Opener: Describe a time of spiritual growth in your life?  What stands out as causes of this growth.

1.   Read John 15:1-5 three times slowly.  Circle words you see as important.  What was Jesus trying to get across to the disciples?  Write the passage in your own words.   What application can you make in your own life?  What things does God want you to change or do?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.   Read the following Scriptures and note what they teach about discipleship:  Luke 2:52 __________________________________

Luke 6:40_____________________________________________

Galatians 4:19 _________________________________________

2 Corinthians 3:18 ______________________________________

Romans 8:29 __________________________________________

From these passages, what is God’s plan or goal for your life?

3.   Eastern meditation is an attempt to empty the mind.  Christian meditation is an attempt to empty the mind in order to fill it.  Two ideas are radically different.  It’s not just detachment, but attachment.  Read the following Scriptures and discuss the value of meditating on the Word of God.

Read Psalm 1:2, 63:6, 119:148, Joshua 1:8. Discuss what each verse says about meditating upon God’s Word.  What steps can you take to strengthen your walk with God?  Ask a friend to pray with you.

Four types of fruit: 

1. Spiritual fruit of Christlike love: John 15:9.          

2. Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith

3. Fruit of spiritual gift: Ephesians 4:12.

4. Fruit of new disciples: John 15:16.

4.   Read John 15:8-9. What is your strongest area of “fruit” production?  What is your weakest area of “fruit” production? What can you do to improve your weak area?