Harvest Bible Chapel of Prescott: Weekly Messages - Entries written by Unknown

Last week’s inward focus on our individual lives through a call to holy living transitions this week to our outward relationship with others. Read 1Pe 2:17, 1Jn 4:20-21, Luke 6:43-45. Getting our hearts right with God is a prerequisite for having right relationships with others. It’s a logical sequence and progression. What are some things that you’ve done at home or at work that had a logical sequence of steps (recipe, assembly instructions, etc.)? Did you ever skip a step? If so, what were the results?
Read 1Pe 2:13-14, Rom 13:1-2, 7. Our relationship with society is to respect and obey the governmental structures in place. What ordinances/laws do you find difficult to obey? Why? Note that it is not for our sakes but for the Lord’s. How is the “fame of His name” increased when we are obedient to the law?
Read Gal 1:10, 1Pe 2:15. The phrase “will of God” appears 23 times in the Bible (all in the NT). Those of us who seek His will should take notice when the “will of God” is specifically mentioned. In this verse, the Lord’s will is for us to do good (relationship with others) so that the foolish claims of skeptics will be without merit. What are some stereotypes that Christians are labeled with? Keeping in mind that we are not to be man-pleasers, how would doing good affect the negative stereotypes?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read 1Pe 2:16, 1Co 10:23-24. Just because something is legal doesn’t mean that we have permission to engage in that thing. Although we are to respect and obey the law, we “answer to a higher authority”. What does it say to unbelievers when we abstain from those things that are legally permissible but Biblically prohibited? Does it make a difference if our abstinence is done willingly vs. grudgingly?
Read 1Pe 2:17, Psa 11:7, Rom 12:19, Heb 6:10. Our call to honor everyone conflicts with our self-centered sense of fairness and justice. Was there a time where you felt like you had to avenge a wrong that was done? Did you ever avoid (or consider avoiding) an opportunity to serve or care for someone because you felt that it wasn’t your responsibility?
Giving honor to everyone, even though it may require sacrifice and suffering, is seriously important. Read 1Pe 2:18-21, 1Ti 6:1. If we refuse to honor those in authority over us then we revile (blaspheme in NKJV) the name of God and His teaching! Share a time when you found it difficult to honor someone in authority. Were you able to fulfill that call to honor them?

NAIL IT DOWN

Read 1Pe 22-24. Jesus’ sacrifice illustrates why we must set aside our own sense of fairness. Because by our own standard of fairness, our salvation is unfair. Besides salvation and the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit, what is something that you received (and most cherish) that you didn’t deserve?
Read Mat 27:11-14. In response to accusations, Jesus remained silent. In a sense, He sacrificed an opportunity to defend Himself. Keeping silent and holding back from defending ourselves is perhaps the toughest attack on our sense of fairness. Was there a time when you refrained from responding to an accusation? Did things turn out better or worse because of your silence?
Read 1Sam 15:18-22. Although we are called to sacrifice, there are times when we’re called to simply obey. What are some ways that we can discern when a situation calls for sacrifice? How can we test the motives behind our sacrifice?

“Our relationship with Jesus has everything to do with His sacrifice for us”

Audio

Sacrifice and Suffering for Jesus.mp3

SunSundayMarMarch1st2009 Holy Living...Its All Personal March 1 2009

Posted Sunday, March 01 2009 @ 11 AM by Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

SMALL GROUP STUDY NOTES

The Glorious Battle: A study through the book of 1 Peter

“For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God.
You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” - Leviticus 11:45

BRINGING IT HOME

This week we revisit the call to holy living. Perhaps some of us brushed it off the 1st time. But even if we did receive and are responding to that call, it is good to reevaluate and search deeper. Read 1Pe 2:12, Mat 5:13-16. Did you “clean house” a few weeks ago? If so, how has your relationship with the Lord Jesus changed as a result? If not, has this latest call to holy living convicted you to now start “cleaning house”?
Religion has rules and regulations that can imply by omission that the Lord doesn’t have a position on some things. Read 1Jn 2:15-17. But with our relationship, the choice is clear: what we do shows our love for God or love for the world. Are there things that you think fall in the middle or unsure of where they fall? If so, what are they?
We need to be careful around those who would rather water down the call to be holy than to rise to it. Read Col 2:6-10. There are a variety of church movements that attempt to justify worldly practices that are not God-glorifying. Have you heard or seen any of these? If so, what were they? What are some ways that we can discern what things are acceptable and which are not?

DIGGING DEEPER

Hopefully by now we all understand WHAT we need to do. But it is helpful to know, WHY. Read Lev 11:45, Mat 22:35-40, John 14:15. First and foremost we are to be holy because Jesus is Lord and has commanded us. What things do you find helpful in reminding you of Jesus’ sovereignty in your life?
“Praise the Lord” and other christianese phrases referring to the Lordship of Jesus Christ have lost their meaning among many. Read Mat 7:21-23, Luke 6:46. Without naming names, do you know anyone who refers to “the Lord” but doesn’t abide in Christ? Have you discussed that with them? How would you approach that subject in truth and love with someone like that?
Turnabout is fair-play. Read 1Jn 2:3-6. There are going to be others who are looking for a reason to dismiss the Gospel. They will observe us to see if we are living as if we believe that Jesus is indeed our Lord. Share a time when you did something that exhibited that Jesus is the Lord of your life. Was it a difficult or easy decision? What was the reaction of those who witnessed it?

NAIL IT DOWN

Even if we know the WHAT and WHY, we can end up struggling with the HOW. How we can be holy. Read Jam 4:6-8. We don’t have to do it on our own. Actually, we’re not supposed to! What are some temptations that might be considered “small” and manageable? How can they easily get out of hand?
Read 2Co 10:3-6. We’re in a spiritual battle. The resurrection power of our Lord Jesus is more than capable of obliterating any and all things that stand in the way of holy living. What does it mean to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ?
Read 1Pe 2:11, 1Co 15:51-57, 1Jn 5:3-5. The significance of the flesh warring against the soul (instead of the soul warring against the flesh) is that through our Lord Christ Jesus we already have the victory. It is the flesh and the enemy that are trying to rob us of that victory that is already ours. How does this truth affect how you will deal with temptation?

“The Lord Jesus is not only potentate (sovereign)…
but He is also provision and protection!”

Audio

Holy Living...Its All Personal.mp3

SunSundayFebFebruary22nd2009 Whats In a Name - Feb 22 2009

Posted Sunday, February 22 2009 @ 8 AM by Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

SMALL GROUP STUDY NOTES

The Glorious Battle: A study through the book of 1 Peter

“for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light”
- Ephesians 5:8

BRINGING IT HOME

The phrase “but now” of 1Pe 2:10 echoes throughout this week’s message as we examined the temporary shift of the names in verse 9 from Israel to the church. Read 1Pe 2:9, Gen 17:5, 32:27-28, John 1:41-42. Names have meanings attached to them. What are some people, places, things, or conditions that have had their names changed? What was the effect of changing the name? What are some reasons for changing a name?
With the honor of a name or title come responsibilities and expectations. Read Deu 10:14-15, Isa 43:20-21, Col 3:12-14. As “a chosen race”, we are equally chosen yet we sometimes feel that “God chose him/her, but He wanted me more!” How does putting on those things in Col 3:12-14 help keep us mindful of our equal position as believers in the kingdom?
Read Exo 19:6, Isa 61:5-6, Rev 1:4-6, 5:9-10. There is a tight connection between our “royal priesthood” and our call to be a “holy nation”. Keeping in mind that these names are specifically for believers, what are some of the challenges that we face in being faithful to those titles? Are there things that are legally permissible but that God prohibits? How do you deal with those things? How do you explain that to unbelievers?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read 1Pe 2:10, Col 3:7-8, Eph 2:12-13. Even the “was lost but now am found” and “was blind but now I see” of Amazing Grace testify to the change of our condition at the point of salvation. “But now” recognizes what was in the past, puts a period on it, and proclaims the new condition and position. Given that our past precedes the “but now”, what are some things that you are doing in service to the Lord that you never thought you would be doing?
Being in the “royal priesthood” and “holy nation” requires the Spiritual balance of “being in the world, not of it” and “being separate in lifestyle but involved with the lost”. Read Mat 5:13-16, 1Jn 2:15-17. How do you know that you have that spiritual balance? What are some warning signs that indicate you aren’t in balance? How do you address an imbalance when it occurs?
Read 1Co 6:19-20, Rom 6:21-22, 2Pe 2:1. “But now” we are the Lord’s. We don’t expect the electronics salesman to have control over what we do with that TV we bought and yet we sometimes feel that we can reserve parts of our lives for ourselves. What are some aspects of our life that we feel we can retain control of?

NAIL IT DOWN

Read Exo 16:1-3, 17:2-3, Num 14:2-3, Psa 96:1-4. We are to praise God for what He has done mostly because we’ll forget if we don’t. It was just a few short months after Israel experienced God’s miraculous deliverance from Egypt that they forgot. What has God done in your life recently that you should praise Him for?
Read Psa 100:1-5. We’re much better at asking the Lord for things that we need than thanking Him after-the-fact. If what we asked for was so important to us, then why do we often fail to thank Him and praise Him when that prayer is answered? What can we do to be more mindful of thanking and praising God?
Read Rom 8:16-17, 11:30, Eph 5:8-10. “But now” we who are believers are children of God, joint heirs with Christ. We will not be subject to God’s judgment and wrath. “But now” we have an ongoing relationship with Him. What specific things can we do to demonstrate to those around us that we have truly received the gift of God’s mercy?

“Note to believers: Live your life as if you received the gift of God’s mercy…because YOU DID!”

Audio

Whats In a Name.mp3

SunSundayFebFebruary15th2009 Cherishing Our Access - Feb 15 2009

Posted Sunday, February 15 2009 @ 8 AM by Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

SMALL GROUP STUDY NOTES

The Glorious Battle: A study through the book of 1 Peter

“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;” - 1Chronicles 16:29

BRINGING IT HOME

This week’s message builds upon our study on church family relationships by adding our individual relationship with the Lord. Read 1Pe 2:4, Heb 4:16. That direct access has been given to us freely. But in the world, extra access exacts an extra cost. What are some ways that people try to gain additional access to people, places, or things? Did you ever pay extra to get a backstage pass, VIP skybox, an autograph of a celebrity, etc? If so, what were the benefits of that additional access?
Read Pro 18:20, Eph 2:18-19. One reason for this access is as an expression of the closeness we have with the Lord, and each other as family. Share a time when you made yourself available to someone in an extraordinary way. Or how someone did that for you. How were they blessed by it? How were you?
Read Rom 5:2, Eph 3:11-12, Heb 11:16. The word “impossible” appears only 11 times in the entire Bible. One thing that is impossible is trying to please God without having faith. Utilizing the access we have to the Lord is an act of faith. When was the last time you boldly & earnestly approached His throne of grace? Was the answer you received the expected one?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read 1Co 3:16, Exo 35:10-20. As New Testament believers, we are the temple of God’s Holy Spirit. Chapters 35 through 40 of Exodus describe in exacting details the wilderness tabernacle and everything in it. There was a plan. Although we don’t have any complicated rituals to perform prior to exercising our access to the Lord, we should, at some level, prepare our hearts. What are some things that you do to get your heart right before approaching Him? How do you keep it from becoming ritualistic?
Read 1Pe 2:9, Rev 5:8, Exo 30:9. As believers one of our priestly duties, is to burn incense in the form of prayer. But not all prayer is acceptable. We are to refrain from burning strange incense (prayer). What are some examples of strange prayer and more importantly what are the elements of God-glorifying prayer?
Read 1Pe 2:6-8. Notice how it doesn’t matter whether one is a believer or not. Jesus is still the “Cornerstone”. How does the concept of Jesus as cornerstone affect how you deal with what is going on in the world and our country today? In contrast, how are non-believers exhibiting the view of Jesus as a “rock of offense”?

NAIL IT DOWN

Even though we have direct access to God and are the temples of His Holy Spirit, we sometimes don’t seek Him. Maybe we justify it by claiming that we’ve asked in the past and didn’t get an answer. Read James 4:1-3. But maybe we didn’t ask for the right thing. Have you ever asked the Lord for something but instead He revealed to you what your true need was? Has there been a time when you were glad that you DIDN’T get what you asked for?
Read Psa 139:23-24. We are very good at fooling ourselves. We can bring a petition to the Lord and then cease seeking Him for a season by claiming to be “waiting on the Lord”. Why is it important to continually seek Him, even when we are waiting?
Read Heb 4:16. Our Lord knew that we would look for any reason, any excuse, to not seek Him. So He removed all of the barriers. We know that the root reason is “self” and everything else is just a lame excuse. What are some ways that we can break that cycle of self?

“The greatest of ‘problem solvers’ can easily be stumped for a solution
when it comes to trying to make time to be with the Lord.”

Audio

Cherishing Our Acces.mp3

SunSundayFebFebruary8th2009 Three Marks of a Disciple - Feb 8 2009

Posted Sunday, February 08 2009 @ 8 AM by Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

SMALL GROUP STUDY NOTES

The Glorious Battle: A study through the book of 1 Peter

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” - Matthew 12:50

BRINGING IT HOME

This week’s focus shifts from the discipline of our Heavenly Father to our relationship with our church family. Read Mat 12:50, Mat 18:20. Every time we gather in Jesus’ name, we have a family reunion and He is there. You have attended gatherings of your biological family. You may have been happy at some relatives’ attendance and another’s absence. Let’s keep it real…do you look forward to attending gatherings of our church family (small group, Sunday service)? Are there days that you are less enthusiastic about it than others? What are some things that you look forward to? What are the elements of resistance?
Read 2Pe 1:5-7, 1Ti 5:1-2, 1Jn 3:14-15. Brotherly love (phileo) only appears 5 times in the NT (compared to 84 for agape love). As 2Pe 1:7 implies, we cannot engage in agape love until we exhibit brotherly love. We are to love our church family. What are some of the big and small things that we can do to show our love for our church family as fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters?
Read Rom 12:9-10. We are to outdo each other in being considerate of others. Do you sometimes have difficulty being on the receiving end of kindness or compliments? If so, why? How can we graciously receive so that the giver is blessed and the Lord is glorified?

DIGGING DEEPER

In biological families, phileo love is the standard, but in our church family agape is where the bar is set. Agape love requires actions. Read John 13:5-10. Agape does what is required, not what is convenient. Share a time when you demonstrated agape love. How was the person blessed and the Lord glorified?
Read Jdg 7:2-3, 6-7, 22. Whether it is Gideon or us today, the Lord is glorified and His power revealed when we are at a natural disadvantage. Because of personal circumstances (social, financial, etc.) you might have felt that you were not able to extend agape love to others. If so, have you considered that perhaps the Lord wants to use you as He used Gideon? If you DO feel able to agape love others, does this challenge you to get more radical in that love?
Read Luke 6:45, James 1:22-25, 2:15-18. Sincere faith and love flow from the heart, to the mouth, to the actions. Considering the lack of integrity in politics, business, and sports, how important is it for believers to demonstration love by their actions? What are the detrimental results of words not matching the actions?

NAIL IT DOWN

Read 1Pe 2:1-2. These verses seem to imply that the behaviors in verse 1 are impediments to a ravenous hunger for God’s Word. Have you experienced this? Are there other things that can stand in the way of that hunger? What is the significance to the fact that the word “all” does not precede hypocrisy & envy in verse 1?
Read Eph 4:11, 2Ti 2:15, 4:2. In our church family, some of us have been chosen to help feed that hunger for God’s Word. The gifting, study, prayer, and delivery are all important steps in the process. We’re not called to, “wing it”. Was there a time where you served the Lord and preparation helped to address a situation that arose? Or in spite of preparation something unexpected happened? How did the Lord use it?
Read Psa 145:9, Lam 3:25, Nah 1:7. It is God’s goodness that should drive us to grow as disciples and serve Him. What has the Lord put on your heart in service to Him? Have you pursued these things in prayer and counsel?

“We should strive to drop the A-bomb (agape) with alarming regularity!”

Audio

Three Marks of a Disciple.mp3

SunSundayFebFebruary1st2009 God's Discipline Saving Us From Further Pain - Feb 1 2009

Posted Sunday, February 01 2009 @ 10 AM by Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

SMALL GROUP STUDY NOTES

The Glorious Battle: A study through the book of 1 Peter

“For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.” - Proverbs 3:12

BRINGING IT HOME

A foundational truth of our relationship with God is that He is our Father. Read Mat 6:31-32, Luke 11:11-13. Through Jesus’ words (and Jesus Himself) a bit of the father’s heart has been revealed to us. Using our earthly experiences to compare and contrast, what are some roles and responsibilities of a father ...and how does our Heavenly Father fulfill them?
Read John 1:12, Rom 8:14-16. If He is our Heavenly Father, then by logical extension we are His children. Let’s “flip the script”. What are some roles and responsibilities of children? How can we as “the children of God” fill those roles and responsibilities? Is there one that you find particularly challenging to fulfill?
Read Jer 29:11, Rom 8:38-39, 1John 3:1. The message of our Heavenly Father’s discipline is an important one. But to keep it in the proper context we need to remember that is all based in His love for us. If you need to be confronted and disciplined about a difficult or awkward issue, would you rather have it done by a total stranger or someone who has demonstrated their love for you? Why?

DIGGING DEEPER

As we examine our relationship with God, we see that it is by His sovereignty that we have a relationship with Him. Read Rom 5:8-10. It was His decision in spite of our condition. Have you ever purposed to be kind to someone in spite of their treatment of you? If so, what impact did it have on that person? On you?
The Lord disciplines us to get us back on the path of righteousness. Read Rom 8:1, 1Jn 1:9. And like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, He is eagerly waiting for us to return to Him. Have you been reluctant to return to Him after a time of discipline? If so, what was the reason for the delay? What finally brought you to return? If not, what might be some reasons/excuses for not immediately running back to the Father?
Read Heb 12:6-9. The believer’s reward judgment and unbelievers’ great white throne judgment might seem far away and disconnected from day-to-day life. But the discipline in these verses is in the immediate here-and-now. In addition to correction, how has your relationship with our Heavenly Father changed as a result of the divine discipline you have received?

NAIL IT DOWN

Read Rom 8:16-17. In these last days there is a “cotton candy theology” spreading that claims it is possible to live a life that is smooth sailing and free of discipline. We know that is clearly unbiblical. What are some reasons why there are Christians who are embracing this false doctrine?
As thinking beings we find it easier to obey when we understand the reasons behind the command. Understanding is not a prerequisite for obedience, nor is it for discipline. But our Heavenly Father is kind and has graciously explained why discipline is necessary. Read Heb 12:10. Does knowing that He desires for us to share His holiness make it easier to receive His discipline?
Read Job 5:17-19. When our Heavenly Father disciplines us, He continues to protect us and doesn’t leave us in a broken state. When we “get it” He is faithful to restore us. That restoration brought with it peace. Share a time that the Lord restored you after a time of discipline. Were you able to see how He protected you through it all?

“I want to be like my (Heavenly) Dad when I grow up!”

Audio

Gods Disciplin Saving Us From Futher Pain.mp3

SunSundayJanJanuary25th2009 My Secret Thought Life - Jan 25, 2009

Posted Sunday, January 25 2009 @ 8 AM by Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

SMALL GROUP STUDY NOTES

The Glorious Battle: A study through the book of 1 Peter

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those
who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22

BRINGING IT HOME

Read Mark 12:30, 1Pe 1:13, 1Jn 2:16. In 1Pe 1:13 we are instructed to take 3 specific actions: “prepare your minds for action” (to defend our minds against the lust of the eyes), “be sober” (to defend our bodies against lust of the flesh), and “set your hope fully on the grace” (to defend our spirits against the pride of life). These are pre-emptive actions. Have you ever just waited to deal with an issue when it arose? Why? If so, how did it work out?
The redemption of our bodies and spirits are solely the Lord’s work. Read Mat 16:20-23, Phi 1:6. In contrast, the redemption of our minds involves our response to God’s work. We have the responsibility to set our minds on things of God or of man. What are some things that appear to be neither “things of God” nor “things of man”? How do you make that determination?
We all have the ability to “compartmentalize” and think and act differently depending upon the situation. We can build isolated “worlds” for church, work, and leisure. Read Mat 5:13-14. But just as salt flavors all food, and light illuminates everything it is cast on, so too are we supposed to be. How comfortable would you be if your church “world” collided with your leisure “world” (or work world)? How can you prepare for “when worlds collide”?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read 2Ti 4:1-2, 1Ti 6:17-19, 1Pe 3:15. We are repeatedly exhorted to be prepared, to be ready. One reason is so that we can respond swiftly and correctly. Did you ever have to react to something that you weren’t prepared for? How would having prepared for it change your response?
We are exhorted to be prepared for the Lord’s return. Read Mat 25:13, 1Th 5:1-2, Rev 16:15, 2Pe 3:3-4. We need to: be prepared to answer those scoffers, guard our own hearts against doubt, and be diligently attending to the work of the Lord. What are some ways you personally can be better prepared for the Lord’s return?
Read 1Pe 1:15-16, Phi 4:8. Another way to be prepared is to be holy. We are directly commanded to be holy… not sound holy, not appear holy, but BE holy. Being sober is a prerequisite to being holy. Although there are things that can be ingested that affect the clarity of one’s mind, they are not the only things. What are some things, people, or places that can cloud one’s thinking?

NAIL IT DOWN

The first step in preparation is to “clean house”… to remove those things that are not of the Lord. Read 2Ki 23:1-3. King Josiah himself read all of scripture to all of Israel. Their response was to commit their lives to the Lord. Why was it important for the king to “lead by example”? It started with the reading of Scripture. What does that say about being regularly in His Word?
Time and time again we see that words are not enough. They must be followed by actions. Read 2Ki 23:4-7,12,19. They systematically and completely destroyed every object that was not of the Lord. Are there any things (big or small) in your life that are not glorifying to God and should be destroyed?
Read 2Ki 23:20, 24. This cleaning wasn’t just confined to objects, but to people as well. Are there people in your life that are hindering your growth in the Lord? If so, what is preventing you from severing contact with them? If in the past, how did separating yourself from them free you to grow?

“Conviction by God’s Holy Spirit is actually an encouragement for those who
love the Lord and desire to live a life that is pleasing to Him.”

Audio

My Secret Thought life.mp3

SunSundayJanJanuary18th2009 A Faith that's in Living Color - Jan 18 2009

Posted Sunday, January 18 2009 @ 11 AM by Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

SMALL GROUP STUDY NOTES

The Glorious Battle: A study through the book of 1 Peter

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10b

BRINGING IT HOME

Celebrating communion as we did this past Sunday is first and foremost an act of remembrance of what Jesus has done. But there is also an element of anticipation. Read Mat 26:29; John 14:2, 14:28-29. Jesus expressed anticipation for our future home. We learned a little bit about what to expect in Heaven. What is one thing that you are particularly looking forward to (anticipating) in Heaven? Why?
We are commanded to regularly encourage one another about Heaven. Read 1Co 2:9-10; Rev 3:20-21. One reward of living a victorious life in Christ is to sit on Jesus’ throne (if only momentarily) with Him. That’s “Major League” encouragement! Share with the group a time in your life that you have been encouraged to do something. Who encouraged you? Why was encouragement needed?
Read Rom 8:23, Phi 3:20. As children, our parents worked to reduce the eagerness in our anticipation. But as children of the King we’re to embrace and share an eager anticipation. What are some ways that we can recapture that child-like excitement and enthusiasm and direct it Heavenward? How can we guard against taking that eagerness too far and into impatience?

DIGGING DEEPER

Last week we examined the roles of God’s sovereignty and our responsibility. This theme is carried over with the concept that God in His sovereignty has prepared a place, a future home for us. Our responsibility is to be fully-engaged in everyday life. Read Mat 5:13-16. In a small or large way, how have you recently demonstrated being fully-engaged in everyday life as either salt or light? What was the effect on those around you?
Being fully-engaged in everyday life includes trials. Read 1Pe 1:6, James 1:2-4. The powerful truth in these verses is that trials are brought into our lives because they are necessary. That means that there was no other way to accomplish what the Lord needed done in our lives. What was something that was accomplished in your life as a result of the last trial you experienced? Did you think that there was a “better” way to get that done?
Read Rom 12:9-15. While it is important to bear one another’s burden and to mourn with those who mourn, we can sometimes neglect those times of rejoicing. The enemy might even cause us to feel “guilty” about having something to rejoice in. Do you have a reason to rejoice, a reason to be joyful? If so, what is it? Take a moment as a group, to praise the Lord for what He has done!

NAIL IT DOWN

We learned about the joyless “safe zone”. We are drawn to that which is known and comfortable… even if it is miserable. Read Rom15:4-6. But we don’t need that “safe zone”. God’s Word, God Himself, provides us with comfort. Knowing this, why do we sometimes run to that “safe zone” rather than to the Lord and His word?
Read Acts 15:28-29, Mat 11:30. The joyless “safe zone” requires a lot of extraneous hard work to maintain it. In contrast, the Lord only requires what is essential. What are some non-essential burdens that a believer might carry?
Read Eph 4:15-16, 1Co12:12. The main characteristics of the joyless “safe zone” are isolation and independence. What are the benefits of Christian fellowship and interdependence? What does this interdependence say to non-believers about the Gospel?

“Let’s rejoice in the knowledge that we are real people with real issues
with access to a real God with real power who has real answers.”

Audio