The Unfamiliar Passions of God

Posted by Amber Bruce

This week, special guest speakers Brian Cress from International Justice Mission, Clayton Butler of Agape International Missions, and Micah Bournes are speaking about the Unfamiliar Passions of God for justice.

1.    After hearing the sermon, is there anything new and confusing to you?
As Brian said, the idea of God’s passion for justice is unfamiliar to many of us, although very evident in the Bible. This may also have been a new way of looking at being the light, and a new way of seeing God’s plan for us.

Clayton may have shared some stories that were surprising or shocking. If this is your first time hearing about things like human trafficking, it will take time to process. Consider reading some of the books recommended in question 3.
2.    Use a dictionary to define the words “just” and “justice.” What do you think it means when we add the word “biblical” to justice?
Use dictionary.com or another online resource if you don’t have a hard copy handy. Adding biblical to the term ensures that we make it about more than ourselves (i.e. that was unfair, I was treated unjustly, or justifying ourselves). Biblical justice means that God defines what is just. Ken Wytsma of Kiln College, speaking at the Justice Conference in Portland last February, explained justice with an analogy to truth. He said that justice is to relationships as truth is to reality. It is what is correct and right. God desires us to have just relationships between ourselves and every other person with whom we are connected (and in our global village, that is a lot of people!). That necessarily involves loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Just some of the many Bible passages on justice include:
Job 40:6-8; Ps 9:8; 9:16; 11:7; 33:5; 36:6; 37:6; 45:6; 58:2; 64:6; 101:1; 103:6; 106:3; 112:5; 140:12; Proverbs 18:5; 21:15; 29:7; Isaiah 1:17; 9:7; 30:18; 42:1; 51:4-5; 56:1; 58:6; 59:15; 61:8; Jer 21:12; 22:13; Ezek 34:16; Hos 2:19; 12:6; Amos 5:21-24; Micah 6:8; Zech 7:8-10; Matt 12:18; 23:23; Luke 11:42; Rom 3:22-26; Rev 19:11.
3.    Read Micah 6:8. In order to act justly, we must know what injustices exist in our community and around the world. One way to educate yourself about some issues of injustice is by attending SOLD: The Human Trafficking Experience this week (see soldexp.com for times). What are some other ways you can educate yourself about injustice?
There are some excellent books and documentaries recommended on the SOLD website here. These are about many related injustice issues, not necessarily human trafficking. One book that is recommended, and Brian also recommended, is The Good News About Injustice. This would be an excellent resource for a small group study. The 10th anniversary edition has a study guide included, or it can be purchased separately at www.ijm.org.
4.    God has given us the gift of being able to partner with him in his answer to injustice. He takes our small contributions and does a greater work. In what small way could you have an impact? Consider your skills, gifts, and experiences. Think about ongoing involvement rather than one-time engagement.
Remember the example of the boy who offered his lunch, and Jesus used it to feed 5000 people. Jesus didn’t need to start with a lunch, he could have created food from nothing or anything else. The boy couldn’t have known his small offering would have been used to help so many people. He probably just wanted to give it to Jesus. But Jesus had bigger plans, and allowed the boy to be partner with him in an amazing miracle. He also promised us that with the Holy Spirit, we would do greater things than he did (John 14:12).
So rather than being overwhelmed by the infinite problems in the world, follow the Spirit’s leading to step out and do your small part to join God in his work of bringing justice and healing and redemption to the world. A child gets a unique knowledge of his father when he joins him at work. In a similar way, we get to “go to work with Dad” when we join him in his mission.
As Brian mentioned, we can all use our influence, become educated and educate others, take action, and pray. Clayton reminded us that we have the Word of God and the Spirit of God. We have more hope to change the world than all human powers.

5.    How can the members of your small group help each other engage biblical justice?
Our hope and prayer is that engaging biblical justice would be as normal for us as talking about reading our One Year Bibles. It would be an essential part of our Christian lives. As we do this, we may see the next generation engage the gospel. Kelli shared about several stories of young adult children who had rejected Christianity turn back and embrace it after they saw their parents get involved in orphan care ministry. When they saw the gospel lived out in extending grace, love, and acceptance to the powerless and needy, they could recognize its truth and beauty. That is how God accepts and protects us in Christ, and that gospel love motivates us to rescue, protect, and love others in the same way.

Recall Clayton’s message that time and presence are the most important things we can give.
6.    The ultimate hope for every individual is salvation in Jesus (Acts 4:11-12). But God’s heart is for people, particularly those who are oppressed and facing injustice (Ps 35:10; 140:12). Has God’s heart moved your heart towards the same people? If so, take action. If not, confess your sin and pray for your heart to become more like God’s.
A common response to a message like this is guilt. We know we should care more about the world’s problems, but we really don’t. Take that guilt to God! There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Don’t let guilt or shame or fear paralyze you. Tell him honestly where you are at. If you don’t even truly want to change, tell him. Ask him to simply soften your heart. If you do want to change, ask him to make your heart like his. If you have a heart for the needy and oppressed, ask him to show you what your next step should be.

Remember that when we want to radically impact others, our lives will be radically impacted as well. Wrestle with God until you are prepared to do that.
Campaign for Marriage: break into gender groups to answer the following questions.
7.    In the sermon this week, we learned about God’s passion for justice that may have been unfamiliar to us. Have you learned anything about your spouse over the last few weeks during the Campaign for Marriage? Have you learned anything about yourself?
8.    Injustice is selfishness taken to its worst extreme. If you are horrified by injustice like human trafficking, take a look at your own selfishness. Do you treat your spouse with the dignity that they deserve as image-bearers of God?
As I have been learning about human trafficking over the past year and a half, I have been confronted with what seems to me to be the worst and most horrifying evil. It has sickened me and torn up my insides. The first six months or so, I was thinking about it almost constantly. The evil was overwhelming. I needed a way to wrap my mind around it and I needed some practical things I could do about it.

As I processed this, I realized that the truth in this question: human traffickers take selfishness to its worst extreme. They put their own power, money, and comfort over the personhood and dignity of others. Then I began to recognize the smaller ways that I am just like them. I began to be appalled at my own selfishness as displayed every day in my attitude, tone, and actions, especially toward my children and husband. Instead of condemning traffickers and sex addicts in pride, I fell down alongside them in humility, confessing that I am just as broken and sinful. There is no good thing in me. Without Christ I am nothing. With Christ I have everything.
9.    Look again at Micah 6:8. Justice needs to be applied at home. Think of practical ways you can act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God in relation to your family this week.
My particular weakness is toward my four small children. Ages 1, 3, 5, and 7, they frequently do childish, foolish, dangerous, frustrating, messy things. God has been teaching me that as I walk in the Spirit, I can be empowered to treat them with love and patience. All. Day. Long. Every day. When I step out of the Spirit into my flesh, I respond with anger, disciplining in self-centered ways rather than for their good. He is teaching me to deny my selfish desires and look only to their good. For me, that is most fully expressed in disciplining only for the sake of their future good – the joy and peace they are missing out on when they disobey Christ – not for my comfort and image when they are well-behaved children, not for order in my home, and not out of a desire to control.

Under Authority – Luke 20:1-26

Posted by Amber Bruce

This week Pastor Dave preaches on biblical authority from Luke 20:1-26.

 
1.    What is the purpose of “The Table”? Are there ways it could be useful for your small group?
Learn more about the Table and sign up here. There are many ways the Table can help us connect both as a body and as small groups, including real-time prayer requests, discussion board, organizing service activities, and keeping calendars.

 
2.    Review together the memory passage for May.
You can find this month’s verse on the Richland Campus blog here.

 
3.    List some of the God‐given authorities in your life. What is their sphere of authority? What does Scripture say your response to them should be? What is your actual response?
Use the table given in your bulletin to answer this question. Add more on a separate paper if you wish. Be sure to note that the sphere of authority not only grants the person authority but also limits their authority. Some Scriptural responses to God-given authority can be found in the following passages:Eph. 5:22; 6:5; Rom. 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14; Eph. 6:1-2; Luke 20:5; Acts 17:11-12; Eph. 6:5-8; Heb. 13:17; Gal. 6:6; I Peter 1:1-2; Matt. 28:18-20; Matt. 17:7; 2 Cor. 10:5.

 
4.    What are some of the consequences of rejecting God’s authority in your life, short‐term? Long‐term?

Pastor Dave described the short-term consequence as “regression,” or going backwards. He said, “The religious leaders had previously rejected John, who was a light who came to prepare the way for The Light. By rejecting John, instead of progressing in their knowledge of God and His plan, that decision led them the wrong way. Instead of seeing more truth, their eyes grew darker. So, when Jesus came, Who was God in the flesh, since they had already rejected the first of God’s authorities, John, they more easily rejected the second, Jesus. And they became blinder and harder still. Sin leads to more sin. Rebellion and rejection lead to more of the same.”

 
The long-term consequence is “removal.” As in the parable of the vineyard in Luke 20:8-19, the renters of the vineyard who continued to reject God’s authority were removed. Warnings like this are used to keep God’s people on track and to bring them back from the regression of temporarily rejecting God’s authority. Hebrews 6:9 puts it well, “Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.” We can cling to the promise that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:6). But those who continually reject God’s authority and never repent show that they do not belong to Him, and they will finally be removed.

5.    What positions of God‐given authority do you have right now? Evaluate how you are handling them: righteously or unrighteously.
Discuss what righteous authority would look like and what unrighteous authority would look like. Jesus is the source of our authority, our example in handling authority, and our enabler to act in authority with righteousness.

 
6.    Read Titus 2:11-14. How does the authority given by God preclude our option of considering ourselves victims?
Pastor Dave listed several things to which God gives us the authority to say, “No!” One of those was saying “No!” to being a victim. We know that all things come through God’s authority and that He is working all things together for good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28). Either He has given us authority to make changes in our lives so that we are not in a bad situation, or He has given us grace to live through it as we trust Him to do what is best. Either way, we do not need to give in to a victim mentality.

 
7.    Pastor Dave said that the sphere of authority of the church is to be salt and light in the world. What do you think Bethel is currently doing to accomplish that? How are you participating in Bethel’s mission?

 
Campaign for Marriage: Break into gender groups to discuss the following questions.

 
8.    Read 1 Cor 11:3; Phil 2:5-7 and Eph 5:15-33. Who is Christ in submission to? How can you be equal and still be under another’s authority? Discuss how authority fits into a marriage relationship.
1 Cor 11:3 says that God (the Father) is the head of Christ. Phil 2:5-7 gives us a picture of that submission: though equal with the Father, Christ willingly submits to Him to take on a servant role. In that role, He is not degraded, but rather glorified (Phil 2:8-11)! Ephesians 5:15-33 gives the connection to a marriage relationship. Both the husband and the wife play the “Jesus” role: the wife follows the example of Christ as He submits to His Father; the husband follows the example of Christ as He sacrificially leads the Church.

 
9.    Read Matt 20:25-28. What does it mean to be a servant leader? How does that impact your marriage?
This relates back to the discussion of righteous and unrighteous authority in question 5. Righteously handling authority means handling it like Jesus describes in this passage: not lording it over others, but becoming their servant. What is the difference between the wife’s servant role and the husband’s? Tim Chester, in Gospel-Centered Marriage, puts it like this: “The husband puts his wife’s interests ahead of his own (and her holiness ahead of her happiness);” and” The wife puts the husband’s will ahead of her own (and Christ’s will ahead of her husband’s). There is great freedom in living in submission to Christ, and great joy to be found in living the way He commands.

 
10. Has anything started to change in your marriage as a result of the Campaign for Marriage? Is there anything that you are struggling with? Take time to pray for one another.
For those who are unmarried, have there been any changes in your view of marriage or the way you think about it? If there are stories that would build up the body, please pass them on to Kelli Templeton at kelli.templeton@bethel-church.org.

Justice Weekend 2012

Posted by Amber Bruce

FREE THREE-DAY EVENT!

Featuring speakers from Agape International Missions, International Justice Mission and Shared Hope International

with Special Guest Poet and Musician Micah Bournes

and human trafficking survivor Khurshida Begum

…and the unveiling of SOLD: The Human Trafficking Experience!

View the schedule below for times and registration information.

THURSDAY MAY 10th

• Special preview of SOLD: The Human Trafficking Experience for Bethel attenders and friends

4-9pm, Bethel Gym.

For other SOLD times, visit the website at www.soldexperience.org.

Much more than just an exhibit, SOLD is a multi-sensory experience that will educate you on the shocking reality of human trafficking, both locally and globally. Participants will be immersed into the lives of victims in nine different parts of the world. SOLD challenges participants to respond to human trafficking with justice, mercy and humility (Micah 6:8).

FRIDAY MAY 11th

• Community/Bethel Event

7:00pm, Bethel Fellowship Hall

Clayton Butler, Agape International Missions

“Solution Resolution: Committing to be God’s Answer to Injustice” w/ Special Guest Micah Bournes

Clayton Butler is Director of US Operations for Agape International Missions. Clayton has a heart for victims of human trafficking and is passionately working to see the problem eradicated worldwide. He spent three years in Cambodia sharing the gospel, bringing hope and healing to many young women and families affected by the sex slave industry.
Micah Bournes is a talented poet and musician who grew up in Long Beach, CA. Micah began rapping while attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. From there, he began blending and bending genres as he incorporated spoken word poetry, rhythm and blues, and funk into his music.

SATURDAY MAY 12th 

• City-Wide Men’s Breakfast

8:00am, Bethel Fellowship Hall

Mike Hogan-IJM/Clayton Butler-AIM
Registration REQUIRED. Sign up here.

Mike Hogan is the Northwest Director of Church Mobilization for International Justice Mission. Mike works to engage churches in the biblical call to justice, develop a deeper commitment to justice in churches through partnership with IJM, and to further develop IJM’s Justice Advocate program by working with this group of IJM-trained volunteers to connect with a broader range of local churches in the Pacific Northwest region.

• Community/Bethel Event

6:00pm, Bethel Main Auditorium

Linda Smith, Founder and President, Shared Hope International
w/ Special Guest Micah Bournes

Linda Smith is a leader in the global movement to end sex trafficking of women and children around the world and in the United States. She founded Shared Hope in 1998, and is a former Washington State legislator and a passionate advocate for justice.

SUNDAY MAY 13th

• Bethel Church Worship Services

9:00/11:00am, Main Auditorium

Mike Hogan, International Justice Mission “The Unfamiliar Passions of God” w/ Special Guest Micah Bournes

Foyer tables with more information include: IJM, AIM, Shared Hope, Micah Bournes, and FREED (Bethel’s ministry to combat human trafficking)

• iNTERSECT Youth Group

6:30pm, Fellowship Hall

Micah Bournes “Justice: Make a Difference”

Cry Out to Jesus – Luke 18:1-19:10

Posted by Amber Bruce

This week, Pastor Dave Hilliard preaches on the big idea from Luke chapter 18.

1.    When you hear the word “helpless,” what comes to mind?
This is an opener to get everyone talking – so encourage each person to respond. This is also designed to help process the concept that helpless can be a good thing!

 
2.    Quickly summarize the stories from Luke 18. How do the stories of the widow, the babies and the beggar differ from those of the Pharisee and the rich young ruler? What is the big idea of the chapter?
Encourage different group members to each summarize one of the stories in a sentence or two. The widow, babies, and beggar were helpless and dependent on God. The Pharisee and the rich young ruler were self-satisfied and dependent on their works and their stuff. Pastor Dave Hilliard summarized the big idea of the chapter as “Cry out for mercy and joyfully adjust.”

 
3.    Read Luke 18:1. What are some reasons we might “lose heart” or “give up” when we pray? What reason does this parable give us to not lose heart?
“Not lose heart” is the literal translation of that phrase in verse 1. It captures the impact on the spirit more than “give up” (which is the NIV translation) does. It can be easy to lose heart when we don’t see our prayers being answered, when we see things getting worse rather than better, when we feel helpless yet are unwilling to turn to God for help.
Verses 7 and 8 show the difference between our heavenly Father and the unrighteous judge: “He will give justice to them speedily.”  We need to grab hold of the truth of God’s character and hang onto that when we are tempted to lose heart.

 
4.    Pastor Dave Hilliard described the Pharisee and the rich ruler as “self-satisfied.” What did each trust in? Discuss why these are not trustworthy.
The Pharisee and the rich young ruler both trusted in what they had done. The Pharisee pointed out the good things he had done in his prayer to God, justifying himself. The rich young ruler claimed to have obeyed all God’s commands since his childhood. The rich young ruler also trusted in what he had, and went away sad rather than giving it up.

See question 6 for a discussion of how easy it is to trust in these things. Yet these things are not trustworthy. As our memory verse for this month remind us, “what is seen is temporary” and “what is unseen is eternal.” Our jobs, our homes, our 401ks and IRAs – these are all passing away, and many of them sooner than we hope. Yet God is steadfast and eternal. He will always provide. Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear (Matt 6:26). God is able to provide, and he wants to provide for us. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matt 6:33).

 And what we have done is not even worth looking at. All our righteousness is filthy rags (Is 64:6). All those things we’ve done that we think are good and praiseworthy are actually rubbish (Phil 3:3-11). So those are nothing to trust in. It is only by the righteousness of Christ that we can live (see Phil 3 again).

 
 [As an aside: Only the things that come from faith are truly pleasing to God (Heb 11:6). Only by abiding in Christ do we bear true fruit (John 15:5). So if we have done anything good and praiseworthy, it didn't come from us but God.]

 
Break into gender groups to discuss the following questions. Campaign for Marriage: For those who are married, apply the following to your marriage as well.

 
5.    Who have you looked down on, treated as if they didn’t count, judged, or criticized recently (Luke 18:9)?
For those who are married, ask, “Do you do this to your spouse?” It is easy for the one who sees him or herself as the more mature one (which could be both!) to look with contempt at their spouse for their immaturity.

 
6.    Prayerfully consider whether you have become “confident of your own righteousness.” What prevents you from being self-satisfied as you develop knowledge, cultivate good practices, and do good things in the Christian life?

The sins of the Pharisee and the rich young ruler are easy traps to fall into blindly. It is simple to look at characters like these in the Bible and point out their misplaced trust. But it is a much more complicated matter to find out our own. At some point, nearly all of us place our trust in what we have and what we have done. If we suddenly lost our source of income or our home, how secure would we feel? Would we still be confident and satisfied in God? If we had an ongoing sin we couldn’t conquer or a shameful sin in our past, would we be confident to stand before God? Or at a shallower level: if we miss a day of Bible reading, do we still feel blameless and holy before God? Yet that is what we are in Christ.

 
Dave Hilliard pointed out that the gospel and the Christian faith don’t leave much place for exalting yourself in. Ephesians 2:9 says “by grace you have been saved, through faith, so that no one can boast.” What do you have that you did not receive (1 Cor 4:7)? My knowledge, my good habits, my good works – these are all a gift from God, done in His power. In me there is no good thing (Rom 7:18). There is no room left for looking down on others.

 
There are two things the Bible tells us to boast in: 1) The things that show my weakness (2 Cor 11:30); and 2) the cross of our Lord Jesus (Gal 6:14).

 
Now let’s relate this to marriage. As we grow in our knowledge, good habits, and good works in our marriage, it is important to also grow in grace. Maybe you just attended the Love and Respect conference and you are trying hard to put the things you learned into practice. But your spouse doesn’t seem to be doing his or her part. Enter judgment, bitterness, and contempt. How can you put the truths above into action in that scenario? Use a real life situation if someone in your group is willing to share one.

 
7.    When have you experienced repentance and joyful adjustment?
Repentance is truly a gift (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25).  It is painful to admit the truth of our sin and helplessness, but the joy of forgiveness and grace that are found in Christ far outweighs the pain!
For this who are married, have you experience repentance and joyful adjustment in your marriage relationship?

 
8.    When have you cried out to God in your helplessness?  What is something current you need to cry out to God about? Take time to pray for one another.

Lost Things – Luke 15:1-32

Posted by Amber Bruce

1.    After hearing the sermon, is anything new or confusing to you?
2.    Read Luke 15:1-2; 11-32 and answer the following questions:

a.    Who does the prodigal son represent?
The “sinners” – tax collectors, prostitutes, etc.

b.    What is the sin of the prodigal son?
There are many angles you could take, or names you could give to his sin. The main ones are probably selfishness and a misunderstanding or blindness to what would truly make him happy (i.e. staying with his father).

c.    What does the prodigal son do to be reconciled with his father?
He returns to him and repents.

d.    Who does the older son represent?
The Pharisees and teachers of the law.

e.    What is the sin of the older son?
Pride, self-righteousness.

f.    What does the older son need to do to be reconciled with his father (see v. 28ff)?
Return into the house and join the party (repent).

g.    What is the father’s attitude towards each (the lost)?
The father loved each of them, treated them graciously, and made great efforts to be reconciled with them.

 
3.    What is the “bottom line” reason for the muttering of the Pharisees and teachers of the law? What did they believe about God? What did they believe about their own sinfulness? How can you get wrapped up in the same sin?
They believed Jesus’ behavior (eating with sinners and welcoming them) was contrary to God’s way. They believed they were the righteous and holy people God would associate with. Nancy Leigh DeMoss, in her book Brokenness, looks at this parable and finds proud people and broken people. There is a synopsis of chapter 6 that helps you evaluate whether you are a proud or broken person.You can download it here.

 
4.    What does God want your heart to be towards the lost? What do you think he expects you to do? What helps you to have the right heart towards the lost?
Love them, long for them to be reconciled with God, seek them out. We cannot have that heart toward the lost until we have experienced it toward ourselves first. The grace of God first fills us, then overflows into grace and love for others. First John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.” This is talking specifically about loving other Christians, our “brothers,” but the application extends to the “lost brothers.”

 
Campaign for Marriage Focus
Break into gender groups to discuss the following questions:

 
5.    If you attended the Love and Respect conference, what were some principles that really impressed you? How will you apply those to your marriage or future marriage?
If some stories come up of marriages being equipped or enlightened,of break-throughs, or of positive change from the conference or any aspect of the Campaign for Marriage, please share them with Kelli Templeton at kelli.templeton@bethel-church.org.

 
6.    Read the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. Look at these reversed beatitudes from the beginning of the sermon and identify why each is a lie:

• Happy are the assertive, the up-front, the strong, those who look out for themselves.
  This is the opposite of  “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

• Happy are the winners of conflicts.
• This is the opposite of “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

• Happy are those with a healthy self-concept, those with adequate self-esteem, who live fulfilled actualized lifestyles.
• This is the opposite of “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

• Happy are those who are content with their lot in life, comfortable with their world, their choices and their personal integrity.
• This is the opposite of “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

 
How could these lies be detrimental in a marriage relationship?
Spend some time talking about how each of the above statements is a lie. Some in your group may need convincing. You might want to take them to passages like Phil 2:1-11 and James 4:1-10 to expand on those concepts.

 
These lies can be detrimental in any relationship. But marriage is particularly vulnerable to them because it is such an intimate relationship. When spouses live out these lies, they are arrogant, always contending for their rights and their way, unwilling to see their own faults or to change, looking for ways their spouse can meet their needs and help them be fulfilled rather than looking for ways to meet their spouses’ needs. These can kill a marriage.

 
7.    Pastor Dave gave four behaviors of the older son/Pharisees that are experienced in marriage as well: anger, accusing/hurtful words, joylessness, and lovelessness.

 
For married people: How do you handle these in your marriage? How does your response compare to the father’s in the parable? How can knowing the Father and His character help you?
The father in the parable gave no rebuke when the lost son repented. He simple welcomed him and forgave him. Knowing the Father and His character can help you respond that way to your spouse. You can take all your hurts and frustrations to God and receive from Him grace to pour out on your spouse.

 
For single people: Have you seen these same behaviors negatively impact other relationships (family, siblings, roommates, dating, etc.)? How do you think knowing the Father and His character could help a relationship deal with these?
Knowing the Father and His character helps us in all our relationships to respond to others with grace and forgiveness. First, we receive grace and forgiveness for our own sin. Then we can go to God with our pain and frustration from the hurts that others cause us. Finally, we can forgive the offender so that when we try to reconcile we can offer full and free forgiveness without rebuke or bitterness.

Direction Correction – Luke 14:25-35

Posted by Amber Bruce

This week Pastor Dave teaches on the cost of discipleship from Luke 14:25-35.

1.    Do you know any stories of marriages that have been miraculously restored? Disciples who had wandered away but have come back?
This is meant to be an encouraging beginning. Stories of God’s power can be inspiring, faith-building, hope-filling, and life-giving. As a leader, take time before group to think of one or two examples to share in case others are reluctant to share or cannot think of any.

 
2.    Read Luke 14:25-35.  Discuss the following questions:
a.    What were some of the reasons the crowds were traveling with Jesus?
Some were probably tagging along to see if he would do more miracles, others because they heard he could provide food. Some may have been eager to hear more teaching. Some were probably just traveling along because they were also headed to Jerusalem for the Passover. Some were following him because he had transformed their lives in some way (healing, casting out demons, spiritual transformation).

 
b.    What does Jesus mean when he says to hate others?
“Hate” in this context is a  Semitic expression that means “love less.” He doesn’t literally mean to hate these people (as is clear from the commands to love others). He means that the love you have for your family and friends should pale in comparison to the love you have for him. Relatively speaking, it looks like hatred. If there is  a choice between showing love to Jesus and showing love to another, the choice should be Jesus every time.

 
c.    What does it mean to hate one’s own life?
If we are true followers of Jesus, then we cannot permit our “life”: our desires, our priorities, our wants, our will, or any other aspect of our “self-life” to take precedence over our following Jesus. All other things and relationships are lower in priority, and those which attempt to thwart our following of him are “hated.”

 
d.    What is the symbolism of “carrying the cross”?
Carrying the cross refers to the suffering and shame and death which will come our way a a result of our faithful connection to Jesus. Disciples must be willing to take up the troubles that come their way as a direct results of their following Jesus.

 
e.    What are the two great endeavors that Jesus gives as pictures of discipleship?
Building a tower. Leading an army into war.

 
f.    How do those illustrate discipleship?
Building a tower is a huge undertaking. The primary consideration is: “Do I have enough resources to get this done?” We have to estimate the cost and determine whether we are willing to spend that much. Discipleship is a total commitment. We have to be willing to give all we are and have. Building a tower can have significant rewards. Discipleship has eternal rewards.
Leading an army into battle is a dangerous mission against an enemy. Discipleship is a dangerous mission against the spiritual enemies: the world, the flesh, and demons. Jesus likens discipleship to fighting a war with the odds against us. We have to have confidence in our Commander that he can win this war even when it looks impossible.

 
g.    What are some of the uses of salt?
Pastor Dave gave three uses of salt that he see emphasized in Scripture: 1) its ability to inhibit or prevent corruption; 2) its ability to bring or accent flavor; and 3) its ability to make people thirsty.
h.    What does salt represent in this context?
In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls his disciples the “salt of the world.” In this context, he is again talking about his disciples.
3.    Look up the Scriptures in the following chart and write a short summary of the truths they represent.

Break into gender groups to discuss the following questions:
4.    Which lies (in the chart or others) have you believed about following Jesus? Are there any lies you are struggling with now?
There is a difference between the  truth we acknowledge intellectually and the truth we believe in our hearts and act upon. It is important that we keep preaching the truth to ourselves, and forcing ourselves to act upon it.

 
5.    Which lies (in the chart or others) have you believed about marriage? Are there any lies you are struggling with now?
Some other common lies about marriage in our culture include: marriage is all about “being in love”;  infidelity and promiscuity are glamorous; marriage is just a “piece of paper”; my marriage and my views on marriage are my own business – they don’t affect other people. See the recent post on the Richland Campus blog for a quick summary of the truth with which to combat these lies.

 
6.    Why would someone want to be a disciple (See Matt 19:29; John 8:31-32; 2 Cor 4:16-18; 1 John 4:19)? Can you think of other reasons? What are the strongest reasons for you?
Eternal rewards (Matt 19:29); truth and freedom (John 8:31-32); eternal glory beyond comparison to the momentary troubles of today (2 Cor 4:16-18); being compelled by his love for us and his love in us (1 John 4:19).

 
7.    Why would someone want to be married (See Gen 2:18; Prov 5:18-19; Prov 18:22; Eccl 4:9-11; Song of Solomon 5:16)? Can you think of other reasons? What are the strongest reasons for you?
To give and receive companionship (Gen 2:18; Eccl 4:11); to enjoy the gift of sex in its best context (Prov 5:18-19; SS 5:16); because it is a gracious gift from the Lord (Prov 18:22); to work and minister together (Eccl 4:9); to help each other grow (Eccl 4:10).

Group Service Opportunity!

Posted by Amber Bruce

Here is a great opportunity to serve as a group to bring justice to the oppressed in the name of Jesus. SOLD: The Human Trafficking Experience debuts May 9th at Bethel Church in the Gynmasium. We need groups of 7 volunteers to take four-hour shifts, handing out mp3 players and headphones, selling books, and generally being available. The shifts will be evenings and weekends from May 9-20, and some flexible times during weekdays for school and media groups.

Required training is offered Mon 4/30 and Wed 5/2 at 7pm and Sat 5/5 at 2pm. Training will be 1.5-2 hours long. Only one session is required. Volunteers get to preview the experience before opening day!

If you or your group are interested in volunteering, please contact Jessica MacFarlan at celticross89@yahoo.com to sign up!

How to Inherit Eternal Life – Luke 10:25-37

Posted by Amber Bruce

This week, Pastor Dave preaches on how to inherit eternal life from Luke 10:25-37.

Before discussion, take time to share about how you were able to share the message of Christ’s resurrection with anyone this week. Be sure to ask specifically about any one your group members have been praying for.

1. Take time to practice the April memory verse, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Remember to use some of the creative ideas you came up with in January.

2. Share any new insights or questions you have from the sermon.
This is a good opportunity for each person to have a chance to talk.

3. Pastor Dave defined eternal life as “a new kind of life, given by God to those who believe in His Son. This life begins here on earth, can be developed by us through what we do here, and extends into eternity.” Match the following verses with the statements below: Mark 10:29-30;Luke 10:25-28; John 6:47; Romans 2:6-7; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 1 Timothy 6:12; 1 John 5:13

A present possession received here and
now by faith.                                                                John 6:47; 1 John 5:13

A present possession to be developed and
grown by love and good deeds.                               Luke 10:25-28; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 1 Timothy 6:12

A future inheritance given in the next life as
a reward for faithful deeds done in this life.        Mark 10:29-30; Romans 2:6-7; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

4. As a group, recall the three principles of “How to have a great ______.” Using the verses from question 2, answer (a) and (b) about “how to have a great eternal life.”

a. How do you get one?
From John 6:47 and 1 John 5:13, we see that you get eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ. Be sure to help your group understand what the Bible means by “believing.” It is more than an intellectual assent. Rather, it is a deep trust and confidence in who Jesus is and what he has done for us.

b. How do you make it great?
From Luke 10:25-28 we see that it is by loving God with our whole beings and loving others as ourselves that we can have a great eternal life. In 1 Timothy 6:12, we see that it is a fight and struggle to live that way.

c. How do you do that? (See Philippians 2:12-13; 4:13; 2 Corinthians 9:8.)
As Pastor Dave expressed it in the final point, God shovels in as we shovel out. – and he’s got a bigger shovel! Philippians 2:12-13 highlights this principle: we can live the way God wants because God is working in us to want it and to do it. Philippians 4:13 goes on to emphasize the strength that is found in Christ, who enables us to do all he requires of us. And 2 Corinthians 9:8 revels in the abundant grace that leads us to abundant good works.

Bonus: Can you think of any other verses that help to answer these questions?
Nope, I’m not helping you cheat.;-) This is for you to explore on your own.

5. Read Luke 10:30-37. Match the following statements with the type of person who says it (healer, dealer, stealer) and the character in the parable (robber, priest/Levite, Samaritan):

a. “What’s yours is mine.”
Stealer – the robbers/bandits

b. “What’s mine is mine.”
Dealer – priest and Levite

c. “What’s mine is yours.”
Healer – Samaritan

Break into gender groups to discuss the following questions:

6. Download the chart of “Healers, Dealers, and Stealers.”  Use it to evaluate yourself. What one or two areas of life do you need to work on? What are some practical steps you can take to work on it? How can you help each other as a group?

7. In preparation for the Campaign for Marriage:

a. If you are married, share what you are struggling with in your marriage.

b. If you are unmarried, share what you are struggling with in your singleness.

c. Pray for your hearts to be open to what the Lord reveals in the next few weeks.

“Healers, Dealers and Stealers”

Posted by Dave Stone

Download chart here  PDF

A Farming Partnership – Luke 8:4-15

Posted by Amber Bruce

This week Pastor Dave teaches from Luke 8:4-15.

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1.    How are you going to prepare for Easter this week?
 There are many opportunities both within your family and with events at the Richland campus. Make plans to attend the Good Friday service in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30p and 7p (childcare provided for up to age 4 at the 5:30 service), and to participate in the day of fasting and prayer for marriages on Saturday. You can join Pastor Dave and many others to pray for marriages and the Easter service on Saturday at 8:30pm in the auditorium of the Richland campus.

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2.    Read Luke 8:4-15 and answer the following review questions:
a.    To whom was Jesus speaking in the parable? To whom was the explanation given?
The parable was to the crowds. The explanation was to the disciples.

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b.    What are the four soil conditions and the spiritual parallels for each?
Hard ground – hard heart that doesn’t listen; the Word of God is quickly snatched away.
Rocky soil – shallow acceptance of the Word of God, but there are pieces of the heart where God’s Word doesn’t penetrate.
Thorny/weedy soil – God’s Word takes root, but is competing with hostile values and beliefs.
Good soil – God’s Word is genuinely accepted, takes root, and is patiently/perseveringly obeyed.

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c.    What is the seed?
The Word of God. This doesn’t have to do with initial salvation only, but every part of the Word of God throughout our whole Christian life.

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d.    This parable is traditionally called “The Parable of the Sower.” Why is “The Parable of the Soils” a better name?
The sower is the major actor in the parable, but the focus is on the types of soils. The major lesson is on the best way to receive the Word of God.

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3.    Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-9. What are the “materials” the Lord provides in our farming partnership?
The Lord provides the land (persons) and the seed (the Word of God). Most importantly, He provides the growth. There is nothing we can do to make ourselves and others grow, just like there is nothing a farmer can do to make his crops grow. We can water and weed and prepare the soil, but only God can change a person.

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4.    Identify the spiritual fruit in the following verses: Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9; Colossians 1:10. Can you think of others?
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, righteousness, truth, good works, Others might include: godly attitudes, transformed lives, peace, justice, walking by faith, speaking the gospel, living the gospel.

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5.    To glorify God means to point out some attribute or characteristic of God. Read Romans 8:6; Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Peter 4:10-11. How can we bear fruit in a way that glorifies God?
    Pastor Dave pointed out that God’s goal is fruit, and that good fruit glorifies God. That means that good fruit points to the goodness, majesty, and beauty of God. It can only do that if it is fruit that He produced. We can’t produce the fruit on our own. These verses make it clear that God-glorifying fruit is produced when we are walking by the Spirit, living in the Spirit, serving in the strength that God provides. It is produced in a posture of humility and dependence upon Him.

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6.    What have you learned to do to move your heart toward being soft and clean? What moves it toward unhealthy soil conditions (hard, shallow, divided)?
 This is a good place to share experiences. Those who are more mature should make a point of thinking of some things that they have done to keep their hearts soft and clean. Hearing practical experiences like this can be life-giving to your group and its members in many ways. It can also be helpful both to define and articulate the things that move your own heart towards unhealthy conditions, and to hear the things that others come up with. Defining a danger is the first step to avoiding it.
    Frequent confession and heart-felt worship are things that help my heart move toward being soft and clean. Indulging in selfishness and/or laziness becomes a downward spiral for me as my heart gets harder and harder and my loyalties become more and more divided. The longer I let it go on, the more painful it is to repent and clean up the consequences.

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7.    Diagnose the soil of your heart by measuring your response to the following verses (hard, shallow, divided, or good/fruitful):
a.    Matthew 6:19-20
b.    Ephesians 4:31-32
c.    Philippians 2:14
Some examples of each type of response:
Hard response: Indifference. “That doesn’t apply to me.” or “I don’t have a problem with that.”
Shallow response: “Sure, I’ll do that.” – But then not following through.
Divided response: “I want to do that, but…” or “I try to do that, but…”
Good/fruitful response: “God is so faithful. I can see how He has been changing me in that area. I’m not where I want to be yet. There are ups and downs, but I keep repenting and drawing closer to Him.” or… Genuine conviction and commitment: “I have really failed in that area. I’m going to pray for God’s help to address it, and I’m going to start this week.” The difference between this and the shallow response can only be seen over a longer period of time.

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8.    Pastor Dave gave us seven responsibilities as a way to prepare the soil of our hearts. Which ones do you need to give more attention to?
 These are:
    1. Monitor your heart. (Know the signs when your heart is right and when your heart is becoming hard, shallow, or divided. Then act quickly when the warning signs are present.)
    2. Keep your heart exposed to constant seeding (the Word of God).
    3. Expose your heart to other good things.
    4. Stay out of situations in which the week seeds are abundant.
    5. Keep the birds shooed off your land.
    6. Deal immediately with weeds and rocks when they are small.
    7. Deal drastically with the bigger issues.

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9.    Is there at least one person the Lord has placed in your life as someone in whose life you are supposed to plant and water good things to bring about fruit? If there is someone who is outside of the church, consider inviting them to the Easter service.
10.    Campaign for Marriage prayer: One application of Colossians 1:10 can be for marriages. Pray that our marriages would be honoring and pleasing to the Lord, increasing in the knowledge of God. Pray for the hearts of those in the marriage-based small groups to be soft and clean (Luke 8:15), bearing good fruit.