11.25.07
Posted in Small Group Plans at 8:00 am by Bob
“The Final Straw”
Small Group Plan
November 25, 2007
Dear Small Group Leader,
The guiding vision for Prestoncrest is “Passion for God … Compassion for People.” It is a vision that comes straight from the heart of Jesus since He said that all moral values and ethical principles depend upon these two (Matthew 22:37-40).
In principle we believe this. But in practice … sometimes it’s just easier to love a perfect God than to love a very imperfect person.
But nevertheless, God puts these two concepts together over and over in scripture, as He does through the prophet Ezekiel.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· Remember the three monkeys covering their eyes, ears and mouth, so they would “see no evil” “hear no evil” and “say no evil”?
· Is this approach to life always a good idea? Explain.
· What issues in life do you think people should see, hear and speak up about?
· If you had to pick a monkey, which would you be? Explain.
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
Hurting God
Ezekiel 8:3-17
1 In the sixth year, in the sixth month on the fifth day, while I was sitting in my house and the elders of Judah were sitting before me, the hand of the Sovereign LORD came upon me there. 2 I looked, and I saw a figure like that of a man. From what appeared to be his waist down he was like fire, and from there up his appearance was as bright as glowing metal. 3 He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. The Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and in visions of God he took me to Jerusalem, to the entrance to the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes to jealousy stood. 4 And there before me was the glory of the God of Israel, as in the vision I had seen in the plain. 5 Then he said to me, “Son of man, look toward the north.” So I looked, and in the entrance north of the gate of the altar I saw this idol of jealousy. 6 And he said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing — the utterly detestable things the house of Israel is doing here, things that will drive me far from my sanctuary? But you will see things that are even more detestable.” 7 Then he brought me to the entrance to the court. I looked, and I saw a hole in the wall. 8 He said to me, “Son of man, now dig into the wall.” So I dug into the wall and saw a doorway there. 9 And he said to me, “Go in and see the wicked and detestable things they are doing here.” 10 So I went in and looked, and I saw portrayed all over the walls all kinds of crawling things and detestable animals and all the idols of the house of Israel. 11 In front of them stood seventy elders of the house of Israel, and Jaazaniah son of Shaphan was standing among them. Each had a censer in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising. 12 He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? They say, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’” 13 Again, he said, “You will see them doing things that are even more detestable.” 14 Then he brought me to the entrance to the north gate of the house of the LORD, and I saw women sitting there, mourning for Tammuz. 15 He said to me, “Do you see this, son of man? You will see things that are even more detestable than this.” 16 He then brought me into the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men. With their backs toward the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east, they were bowing down to the sun in the east. 17 He said to me, “Have you seen this, son of man? Is it a trivial matter for the house of Judah to do the detestable things they are doing here? Must they also fill the land with violence and continually provoke me to anger?
· Count how many times the word “detestable” is mentioned in Chapter 8.
· Why so many times? How would you define “detestable”?
· In each vision Ezekiel is shown a deeper part of the Temple. What about each vision is “more detestable” than the last part?
· The “idol” that makes God jealous keeps showing up in the story. Why does it make Him jealous? Why is it a serious matter to put something else in God’s place?
· The turning point in the story is verse 17.
· How would you answer God’s question, “Is it a trivial matter … to do the detestable things they are doing here?” Just how important is our relationship with God, our Passion for God”?
· What is God feeling when says, “Must they also fill the land with violence?” Just how important is our relationship with humanity, our Compassion for People”?
· What does it mean for God to put violence in a league with idolatry?
· Why does it hurt God when people hurt people?
Exciting God
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude of sins
Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort
to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
· Why does it excite God when we live together in unity?
· What are we learning about God when we cover someone’s sin with our love?
· Why would someone choose the pain of disharmony over a “pleasant” unity?
· Why would Peter say that a sin covering love should be shown “above all”?
· To “make every effort” sounds like work. Why is the work worth it?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· What modern idols are most often put in God’s place today?
· How have we forgotten or misunderstood God when we replace Him?
· What blessings are stripping out of our lives when we replace God?
· Of the two, “Passion for God” or “Compassion for People” which takes the most work for you? Explain.
· How can our Passion for God empower us to have Compassion for People?
Close by asking God to rekindle our vision – Passion / Compassion.
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11.18.07
Posted in Small Group Plans at 8:00 am by Bob
“Learning To Get Up”
Small Group Plan
November 18, 2007
Dear Small Group Leader,
Sometimes parents will remind their son or daughter, as they leave the house for an evening out, “Remember who you are?” In other words, take your ethics with you. Don’t forget your core values. But, what are my core values? What ethical standards do I live by?
Jesus teaches us that when we really know who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going, then we will know what to do.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· Growing up what were special meals in your family – Thanksgiving? Birthdays? Christmas dinners? Why were they special?
· Who would you choose as the most influential “servant” in your personal life experience? Why?
· When you think of housework, what is your most dreaded job? Explain.
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
When Jesus Got Up
John 13:2-5
2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
· What are some of your initial thoughts when you picture washing dirty feet?
· Why did Jesus do this?
· How did the lessons from this experience compliment the overall lesson of Jesus’ life?
· “Jesus knew” (Vs. 3) “so he got up” (Vs. 4). How does knowing lead to serving?
When We Get Up
John 13:12-17
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Once you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
· How does Jesus challenge the disciples’ picture of leadership?
· When he asks, “Do you understand?” do they? Explain.
· How would the disciples be “blessed” (Vs. 17) by serving?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
John 13:1
Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
· Why is foot washing called “the full extent of his love”?
· How can simple service illustrate the meaning of the cross?
· We live in a time of shoes and socks, so what would be our equivalent to washing feet?
· What is most likely to keep you from simple service?
· What is most likely to get through to you, touching your servant heart?
Close by asking God for the power of gratitude.
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11.11.07
Posted in Small Group Plans at 8:00 am by Bob
“Where Do We GROW From Here?”
Small Group Plan
November 11, 2007
Dear Small Group Leader,
Which plant best describes your spiritual life right now: the aimless Tumbleweed that I saw as a young boy growing up in west Texas, the strong Live Oak that I climbed as a teenager on the gulf coast of Texas, or the brittle Bradford Pear that splintered in my front yard three weeks ago?
Some plants can handle the wind better than others. Some Christians can handle the difficulties of life better than others. What makes the difference? I think Jesus gives the answer in his final words to His disciples.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· What did you grow up thinking it meant for a Christian to be “fruitful”?
· How has your view of “fruitful” changed?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
The Vine
John 15:1, 4-5
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener … 4 No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches.
· Count how many times the “Father” is mentioned in Chapter 14.
· Why is Jesus focusing on the Father in His teaching now?
The Branches
John 15:4-10
4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
· Since we are the branches, how important is our connection with the vine?
· What do the branches receive from the vine?
· The term “remain” occurs forty times in John’s gospel and it means to “stay” “dwell on” “endure.” Why do the disciples need this?
· What forces and circumstances in life will challenge this connection?
The Fruit
John 15:2-8, 16
2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples … 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.
· What is the spiritual value of “pruning” a Christian’s life?
· How might this happen? What would the pruning look like? How would it feel?
· Why do we so easily jump to the conclusion that “fruit” describes people who are converted?
· What else could “fruit” be in this context?
· Why can’t we bear fruit by ourselves (Vs. 4)?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· Have you ever felt God’s pruning in your life? Explain.
· As a branch how would you describe your connection to Jesus, the Vine?
· How would you describe the fruit in your life – ripe, spoiled, barren? Explain.
Close by asking God to make us a fruitful church.
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11.04.07
Posted in Small Group Plans at 8:00 am by Bob
“When We Walk His Talk”
Ancient Future Faith
Small Group Plan
November 4, 2007
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· Has your faith ever brought you or someone you know trouble? Explain.
· Why do some people abandon their faith in time of trouble?
· Why do others become stronger in time of trouble?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
The Faith
Acts 22:6-13
6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ 8 “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. 10 “‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. “‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ 11 My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. 12 “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him.
2 Corinthians 12:9
He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
· Given Paul’s past (Acts 8:3, 9:1), describe what went through his head in this moment of insight (Acts 22:8).
· What kind of suspicion did Paul probably receive from other Christians?
· Describe Ananias’ fear as he visits Saul (Paul)?
· What changed in Paul (attitudes, emotions, purpose)?
The Trouble
2 Corinthians 10:10
For Some Say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.”
2 Corinthians 11:15
5 But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.” 6 I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
· Why were Paul’s opponents trying to undermine him?
· Why was Paul sarcastic about the “super-apostles” (11:15)?
· What purpose can suffering serve?
The Response
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3 We Do Not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons We Fight with are Not the weapons of the world … 5 We Take Captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:12
We have conducted ourselves … in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so Not According To Worldly Wisdom but according to God’s grace.
2 Corinthians 5:16
From now on we regard No One From A Worldly Point Of View.
· What are the “weapons” of the world?
· What does a spiritual attack look like?
· What are our weapons?
· What would the world call “wise” and how is God’s “point of view” different?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· “Service” – How has the religion of Jesus survived centuries of attack?
· “Commitment” – How can we maintain our faith when attacked?
· “Confidence” – How can a spiritual attack produce a stronger faith?
· “Humility” – In what sense can weakness be called strength?
Close by asking God for a faith that will not only survive attack, but will grow through it.
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