19.2K
Downloads
345
Episodes
Southside Church of Christ, Lexington, KY
Episodes
Sunday Mar 10, 2024
Sunday Mar 10, 2024
Exodus 19:3-8
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.
FROM THE SERMON:
Israel's pattern of looking back:
Israel's pattern of looking back:
- Slavery was better than death in the desert (14:12)
- We miss Egypt (16:3)
- God brought us here to kill our children (17:3)
Look Back, See God, and Trust Forward.
How to help our perspective:
How to help our perspective:
- Commit to and engage with the church.
- Give it time.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Ice Breaker - what is something you remember with "Rosy Recollection" - the experience of recalling something more positively than you actually experienced it?
2. What do you think is responsible for the Israelites' pattern of longing to return to Egypt?
3. How do you relate to the Israelites in the book of Exodus?
4. Their time in Egypt clearly had a strong effect on the Israelites, causing them to misunderstand God and distorting their values. What might it look like for this to happen to Christians in America? What are our golden calves, and what about American culture that doesn't mesh with following Jesus do we sometimes long for?
5. How can looking back on God's activity help us to trust him going forward? Do you have a moment you look back on as a reminder that God can be trusted?
6. Jeremy shared that one way to help with our perspectives on the past is by being engaged with the Church. How does the community of Christ's body help our perspectives?
1. Ice Breaker - what is something you remember with "Rosy Recollection" - the experience of recalling something more positively than you actually experienced it?
2. What do you think is responsible for the Israelites' pattern of longing to return to Egypt?
3. How do you relate to the Israelites in the book of Exodus?
4. Their time in Egypt clearly had a strong effect on the Israelites, causing them to misunderstand God and distorting their values. What might it look like for this to happen to Christians in America? What are our golden calves, and what about American culture that doesn't mesh with following Jesus do we sometimes long for?
5. How can looking back on God's activity help us to trust him going forward? Do you have a moment you look back on as a reminder that God can be trusted?
6. Jeremy shared that one way to help with our perspectives on the past is by being engaged with the Church. How does the community of Christ's body help our perspectives?
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Psalm 33
1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2 Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. 4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. 6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth - 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 IN him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. (NIV 84)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Ice Breaker - do you have a favorite piece of clothing? Describe it to your group and share about why it is your favorite.
2. How well does praise fit you? Would you say something else in your closet fits you better than praise (ie. fear, pride, doubt)?
3. We praise God because of His character. Read verses 4-5. What stands out to you in these verses about the character of God? Eugene Peterson in the Message writes, "the Earth is drenched in God's affectionate satisfaction." Discuss this phrase with your group.
4. We praise God because He is our Creator. Read verses 6-9. What stands out to you in these verses about God as our Creator? Has recognizing God in creation ever caused you to praise? Share with your group a time when this happened.
5. We praise God because of His concern. Read verses 13-19. What stands out to you in these verses about the concern of God? How have you lately experienced His concern in your life?
6. Praise always leads to hope. Read verses 20-22. How have you seen this to be true in your own life?
1. Ice Breaker - do you have a favorite piece of clothing? Describe it to your group and share about why it is your favorite.
2. How well does praise fit you? Would you say something else in your closet fits you better than praise (ie. fear, pride, doubt)?
3. We praise God because of His character. Read verses 4-5. What stands out to you in these verses about the character of God? Eugene Peterson in the Message writes, "the Earth is drenched in God's affectionate satisfaction." Discuss this phrase with your group.
4. We praise God because He is our Creator. Read verses 6-9. What stands out to you in these verses about God as our Creator? Has recognizing God in creation ever caused you to praise? Share with your group a time when this happened.
5. We praise God because of His concern. Read verses 13-19. What stands out to you in these verses about the concern of God? How have you lately experienced His concern in your life?
6. Praise always leads to hope. Read verses 20-22. How have you seen this to be true in your own life?
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Psalm 32
1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of the summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD" - and you forgave the guilt of my sin. 6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. 7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. 10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! (NIV 84)
FROM THE LESSON
Maskil - the giving of instruction or the giving of advice. Scholars call Psalm 32 the giving of instruction from Psalm 51:13 - "then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will turn back to you."
Blessed - scholars agree this word is better translated today as happy because it is a much more animated and exuberant word than blessed is in today's vocabulary.
Sin - this word has the sense of "missing a target." We can do the right thing for the wrong reason and miss the mark. We can do the right thing with the wrong attitude and miss the mark.
Iniquity - this word comes from a word meaning "to bend or twist something out of its original and proper shape." A good synonym for this word is perversion.
Transgression - this is a strong word that carries with it the meaning of "rebellion." This word indicates that our sins are not simply mistakes but acts of rebellion against God.
Maskil - the giving of instruction or the giving of advice. Scholars call Psalm 32 the giving of instruction from Psalm 51:13 - "then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will turn back to you."
Blessed - scholars agree this word is better translated today as happy because it is a much more animated and exuberant word than blessed is in today's vocabulary.
Sin - this word has the sense of "missing a target." We can do the right thing for the wrong reason and miss the mark. We can do the right thing with the wrong attitude and miss the mark.
Iniquity - this word comes from a word meaning "to bend or twist something out of its original and proper shape." A good synonym for this word is perversion.
Transgression - this is a strong word that carries with it the meaning of "rebellion." This word indicates that our sins are not simply mistakes but acts of rebellion against God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Ice Breaker - what is the best advice you have ever received? Share with your group a piece of advice that you have remembered through the years and in turn shared with many other people.
2. Psalm 32 begins with happiness and it ends with joy. In the very center of the psalm is the forgiveness of sin. The forgiveness of our sins is at the center of true happiness and real joy. How have you found this to be true in your life?
3. Read again verse 5. David's advice is when we mess up, fess up. Discuss the importance of this advice with your group.
4. Discuss the three words used to describe the "messing up" part of David's advice in this psalm: sin, iniquity, and transgression. How do these words help you to better understand how we mess up?
5. Discuss the three words used to describe the "fessing up" part of David's advice in this psalm: acknowledge, uncover, and confess. How do these words help you to better understand how we fess up?
6. Read again verses 1 and 2. Discuss the three images used to describe how we are forgiven by God: lifted up, covered up, and not counted up. How do these images help you to better understand the forgiveness we receive in Jesus Christ?
1. Ice Breaker - what is the best advice you have ever received? Share with your group a piece of advice that you have remembered through the years and in turn shared with many other people.
2. Psalm 32 begins with happiness and it ends with joy. In the very center of the psalm is the forgiveness of sin. The forgiveness of our sins is at the center of true happiness and real joy. How have you found this to be true in your life?
3. Read again verse 5. David's advice is when we mess up, fess up. Discuss the importance of this advice with your group.
4. Discuss the three words used to describe the "messing up" part of David's advice in this psalm: sin, iniquity, and transgression. How do these words help you to better understand how we mess up?
5. Discuss the three words used to describe the "fessing up" part of David's advice in this psalm: acknowledge, uncover, and confess. How do these words help you to better understand how we fess up?
6. Read again verses 1 and 2. Discuss the three images used to describe how we are forgiven by God: lifted up, covered up, and not counted up. How do these images help you to better understand the forgiveness we receive in Jesus Christ?
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Mark 10:17-22
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good - except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" 20 "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (NIV 84)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Jesus talks about money/wealth often. Uncomfortably often. Why do you think this is such a frequent topic of his? How does the frequency of this topic in his teaching impact you?
2. When have you experienced a pivotal moment regarding finances? Describe that moment. How did you respond in that moment? How were you changed by that moment?
3. What do you think the Rich Young Ruler was trying to accomplish in his interaction with Jesus? Why do you think he walked away? Was it more than just "because he had great wealth"?
4. What are your thoughts about offering God a blank check versus a gift card?
5. Jesus' answer to our struggles and temptations centered around wealth is direct, top the point. Give it away. List all of our excuses to justifiably side-step his simple directive.
6. What is your response to this meeting between Jesus and this wealthy young man? How do you relate to this encounter?
1. Jesus talks about money/wealth often. Uncomfortably often. Why do you think this is such a frequent topic of his? How does the frequency of this topic in his teaching impact you?
2. When have you experienced a pivotal moment regarding finances? Describe that moment. How did you respond in that moment? How were you changed by that moment?
3. What do you think the Rich Young Ruler was trying to accomplish in his interaction with Jesus? Why do you think he walked away? Was it more than just "because he had great wealth"?
4. What are your thoughts about offering God a blank check versus a gift card?
5. Jesus' answer to our struggles and temptations centered around wealth is direct, top the point. Give it away. List all of our excuses to justifiably side-step his simple directive.
6. What is your response to this meeting between Jesus and this wealthy young man? How do you relate to this encounter?
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
Romans 12:1-2
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
FROM THE LESSON
God did not give 100% of His Son to only get 50% of me.
Christians are called to be transformed by the Spirit, not conformed to the world.
Christians are called to be thermostats, not thermometers in the midst of our culture.
God did not give 100% of His Son to only get 50% of me.
Christians are called to be transformed by the Spirit, not conformed to the world.
Christians are called to be thermostats, not thermometers in the midst of our culture.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What portions of yourself or areas of life are the hardest for you to give over to God? Why do you think that is the case for you?
2. In your daily living, what cultural pressures do you personally feel the most tempted to conform to? Why do you think that is?
3. What does it look like for you to be a thermostat in the current environments God has placed you in?
4. After reading and discussing Romans 12:1-2, what do you need to do with what God has shown you?
1. What portions of yourself or areas of life are the hardest for you to give over to God? Why do you think that is the case for you?
2. In your daily living, what cultural pressures do you personally feel the most tempted to conform to? Why do you think that is?
3. What does it look like for you to be a thermostat in the current environments God has placed you in?
4. After reading and discussing Romans 12:1-2, what do you need to do with what God has shown you?
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Psalm 31
1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into my hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. 6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD. 7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. 8 You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. 9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. 10 My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. 11 Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of all my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends - those who see me on the street flee from me. 12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. 13 For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life. 14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." 15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. 17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave. 18 Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. 19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. 20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. 21 Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city, 22 In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. 23 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (NIV 84)
FROM THE LESSON
Shaquille O'Neal has some of the biggest hands in the history of the NBA. His hands are 10.25 inches in length and 12 inches in width.
Jeremiah used the phrase "terror on every side" six times in his writings: Jeremiah 6:25, 20:3, 20:10, 46:5, 49:29, Lamentations 2:22.
The "cross trilogy" in the Psalms is made up of Psalm 22, Psalm 31, and Psalm 69. These three psalms uniquely bring us close to the heart of Jesus when he was on the cross.
The Hebrew word translated as "spirit" in verse 5 literally is the word for breath. Jesus is entrusting his every breath into the hands of His Father.
Wisdom about suffering: "I will never get over this sadness, but I trust the Lord will carry me through it."
Shaquille O'Neal has some of the biggest hands in the history of the NBA. His hands are 10.25 inches in length and 12 inches in width.
Jeremiah used the phrase "terror on every side" six times in his writings: Jeremiah 6:25, 20:3, 20:10, 46:5, 49:29, Lamentations 2:22.
The "cross trilogy" in the Psalms is made up of Psalm 22, Psalm 31, and Psalm 69. These three psalms uniquely bring us close to the heart of Jesus when he was on the cross.
The Hebrew word translated as "spirit" in verse 5 literally is the word for breath. Jesus is entrusting his every breath into the hands of His Father.
Wisdom about suffering: "I will never get over this sadness, but I trust the Lord will carry me through it."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Icebreaker (optional): Use a measuring tape or ruler to see who has the largest hands in your group. Length is measured from the bend of the wrist to the top of the middle finger and width is measured from your outstretched pinky to your outstretched thumb.
2. The Psalms are an incredible resource for the church. This collection of prayers and songs have given us words to say when we don't know what to say; words to pray when we don't know what to pray. Can you think of a time in your life when the psalms have blessed you in this way? Share with your group.
3. The phrase from Psalm 31 that Jeremiah repeats six times in his writings is from verse 13, "terror on every side." Read verses 9 and 10 of Psalm 31. Highlight the words that David used to describe his circumstance. Can you think of a time in your life when you have felt similar to David in these verses, like you are surrounded on every side by suffering? Share with your group.
4. Jesus' final words on the cross are taken from Psalm 31:5, "Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit." How might this prayer specifically minister to someone who is suffering?
5. This bit of wisdom about suffering was shared with me this week, "I will never get over it, but I trust the Lord will get me through it." Discuss this perspective on suffering with your group.
6. The final verse of Psalm 31 in the Message reads, "Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon." I summarized Eugene Peterson's words in this way: "Don't give up. Expect God to show up." How might this message encourage someone in their suffering? Discuss with your group.
1. Icebreaker (optional): Use a measuring tape or ruler to see who has the largest hands in your group. Length is measured from the bend of the wrist to the top of the middle finger and width is measured from your outstretched pinky to your outstretched thumb.
2. The Psalms are an incredible resource for the church. This collection of prayers and songs have given us words to say when we don't know what to say; words to pray when we don't know what to pray. Can you think of a time in your life when the psalms have blessed you in this way? Share with your group.
3. The phrase from Psalm 31 that Jeremiah repeats six times in his writings is from verse 13, "terror on every side." Read verses 9 and 10 of Psalm 31. Highlight the words that David used to describe his circumstance. Can you think of a time in your life when you have felt similar to David in these verses, like you are surrounded on every side by suffering? Share with your group.
4. Jesus' final words on the cross are taken from Psalm 31:5, "Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit." How might this prayer specifically minister to someone who is suffering?
5. This bit of wisdom about suffering was shared with me this week, "I will never get over it, but I trust the Lord will get me through it." Discuss this perspective on suffering with your group.
6. The final verse of Psalm 31 in the Message reads, "Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon." I summarized Eugene Peterson's words in this way: "Don't give up. Expect God to show up." How might this message encourage someone in their suffering? Discuss with your group.
Sunday Jan 28, 2024
Sunday Jan 28, 2024
Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. (NIV 84)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Read Luke 7:19; Jesus saw the importance of eating with others, especially non believers, what has changed for our society that we no longer make that a priority?
- Recall a time where a meal had more meaning than just food, who did you share it with, and why was it significant?
- Do you see your table as a place for evangelism, why or why not?
- How many meals a week do you spend alone or distracted?
- What are some obstacles in your life that are keeping you from making the most of your meals? How can you overcome them?
Sunday Jan 21, 2024
Sunday Jan 21, 2024
Philippians 3:3-14
3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh - 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I considered them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV 84)
FROM THE LESSON
1 I know who I am - confident in our purpose/mission of sharing the gospel
2 I know whom I serve - confident in Christ and his power, and not in the flesh
3 I know where I am going - confident in our eternal future and not clinging to the world
1 I know who I am - confident in our purpose/mission of sharing the gospel
2 I know whom I serve - confident in Christ and his power, and not in the flesh
3 I know where I am going - confident in our eternal future and not clinging to the world
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Ice breaker: What is one time that you were extremely confident about something and ended up being totally wrong (and maybe were a little bit embarrassed in the end)?
2 I know who I am: Do you see "The Great Commission" (Matthew 28:18-20) as your purpose or mission in life? How can you be more intentional in living it out as such? Who are some people that you can begin to focus on reaching right now where God has currently positioned you? What are some ways you can broaden your circle to reach others you don't yet know?
3 I know whom I serve: In Philippians, we see Paul's ability to be content and have confidence regardless of his circumstances. What circumstances are hardest for you to be content in? What circumstances do you find your faith tested the most in? Is there anything about your current circumstance that you need to find contentment in?
4 I know whom I serve: Read Philippians 4:6-7. In moments when your faith is tested, do you tend to find your strength in yourself or in Christ? (Hint: Typically, what is your first response? To fix it on your own or to take it to God in prayer?)
5 I know where I am going: Read Philippians 3:7-14. What are some earthly comforts or possessions (or other distractions) that might keep you from pursuing your purpose relentlessly? How can you learn to "forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead?"
1 Ice breaker: What is one time that you were extremely confident about something and ended up being totally wrong (and maybe were a little bit embarrassed in the end)?
2 I know who I am: Do you see "The Great Commission" (Matthew 28:18-20) as your purpose or mission in life? How can you be more intentional in living it out as such? Who are some people that you can begin to focus on reaching right now where God has currently positioned you? What are some ways you can broaden your circle to reach others you don't yet know?
3 I know whom I serve: In Philippians, we see Paul's ability to be content and have confidence regardless of his circumstances. What circumstances are hardest for you to be content in? What circumstances do you find your faith tested the most in? Is there anything about your current circumstance that you need to find contentment in?
4 I know whom I serve: Read Philippians 4:6-7. In moments when your faith is tested, do you tend to find your strength in yourself or in Christ? (Hint: Typically, what is your first response? To fix it on your own or to take it to God in prayer?)
5 I know where I am going: Read Philippians 3:7-14. What are some earthly comforts or possessions (or other distractions) that might keep you from pursuing your purpose relentlessly? How can you learn to "forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead?"
GROUP PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
- Pray for God to help you remain focused on His purpose and mission in your life
- Pray for God to open your eyes to people that you can share faith and to give you the courage and power through His spirit to do it
- Pray for help trusting in God in all circumstances, and letting Him be the first one you go to in times of trouble
- Pray for confidence in your eternal future and for God to remove any distractions that keep you from being focused on that ultimate prize
- Thank God for those he has placed in your life that have been faithful examples and encouragements in your faith journey
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Psalm 30
1 I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. 2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. 3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit. 4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name. 5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. 6 When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." 7 O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. 8 To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy; 9 "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? 10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help." 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. (NIV 84)
FROM THE LESSON
Four ways to understand the ups and downs in our lives:
1 Good occurs with the bad
2 Good outweighs the bad
3 Good originates from the bad
4 Good overcomes the bad
David uses three D's to describe his situation in life:
1 You lifted me out of the depths (verse 1)
2 When you hid your face, I was dismayed (verse 7)
3 What gain is there in my destruction (verse 9)
Understanding the character of God:
His anger is always appropriate but His favor is forever (verse 5).
Having a Sleepover with Sorrow:
Literally, weeping is personified in this psalm as one who comes to spend the night with us (verse 5).
Four ways to understand the ups and downs in our lives:
1 Good occurs with the bad
2 Good outweighs the bad
3 Good originates from the bad
4 Good overcomes the bad
David uses three D's to describe his situation in life:
1 You lifted me out of the depths (verse 1)
2 When you hid your face, I was dismayed (verse 7)
3 What gain is there in my destruction (verse 9)
Understanding the character of God:
His anger is always appropriate but His favor is forever (verse 5).
Having a Sleepover with Sorrow:
Literally, weeping is personified in this psalm as one who comes to spend the night with us (verse 5).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Ice breaker: what has been your relationship with roller coasters? Do you have any good roller coaster stories to share with the group?
2 The lesson looked at four ways for us to think about the ups and downs in our lives. The first way is that good occurs with the bad. We recognize that we live in a beautiful but broken world. David describes his life with these words: depths, dismayed, and destruction. Can you recall a situation or a season in your life when you felt this way? How does it help to recognize that good occurs with the bad?
3 The second way is that good outweighs the bad. Read again verse 5a. "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime." When you think about God, which one outweighs the other in your mind, His anger or His favor? Discuss this as it pertains to the character of God. Now, when you step back and look at your lifetime, does the good outweigh the bad? How does this way help you think about the ups and downs in your life?
4 The third way is that there is good that originates from bad. Qualities like perseverance, patience, endurance, toughness, strength of character, hope, empathy and compassion are all good qualities that come from bad situations. Can you think of any other good qualities like these? How does this way help you think about the ups and downs in your life?
5 Read again verse 11 and 12. The final way is that good overcomes the bad. It is the good news of the gospel. The one who is good overcomes all that is bad. Jesus overcomes every sin. Jesus overcomes all evil. Jesus overcomes sorrow and suffering. Jesus even overcomes death. How does knowing Jesus change the way you deal with the ups and downs of life?
1 Ice breaker: what has been your relationship with roller coasters? Do you have any good roller coaster stories to share with the group?
2 The lesson looked at four ways for us to think about the ups and downs in our lives. The first way is that good occurs with the bad. We recognize that we live in a beautiful but broken world. David describes his life with these words: depths, dismayed, and destruction. Can you recall a situation or a season in your life when you felt this way? How does it help to recognize that good occurs with the bad?
3 The second way is that good outweighs the bad. Read again verse 5a. "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime." When you think about God, which one outweighs the other in your mind, His anger or His favor? Discuss this as it pertains to the character of God. Now, when you step back and look at your lifetime, does the good outweigh the bad? How does this way help you think about the ups and downs in your life?
4 The third way is that there is good that originates from bad. Qualities like perseverance, patience, endurance, toughness, strength of character, hope, empathy and compassion are all good qualities that come from bad situations. Can you think of any other good qualities like these? How does this way help you think about the ups and downs in your life?
5 Read again verse 11 and 12. The final way is that good overcomes the bad. It is the good news of the gospel. The one who is good overcomes all that is bad. Jesus overcomes every sin. Jesus overcomes all evil. Jesus overcomes sorrow and suffering. Jesus even overcomes death. How does knowing Jesus change the way you deal with the ups and downs of life?
Sunday Jan 07, 2024
Sunday Jan 07, 2024
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV 84)
DAY OF PRAYER
Four Areas of Prayer for Southside based on the Great Commission:
1 Respond to the Mission of Jesus - go and make disciples
2 Participate in the Life of Jesus - baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
3 Obey the Teachings of Jesus - teach them to obey everything I have commanded you
4 Trust in the Presence of Jesus - and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age
Four Areas of Prayer for Southside based on the Great Commission:
1 Respond to the Mission of Jesus - go and make disciples
2 Participate in the Life of Jesus - baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
3 Obey the Teachings of Jesus - teach them to obey everything I have commanded you
4 Trust in the Presence of Jesus - and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age