JourneyMEN – January 17, 2008
INTRODUCTION – Series – The E.P.I.C. LifeThis past weekend we were called to be Participatory in our faith.
Matthew 4:19“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus began His public ministry with a simple invitation…“Come, follow me,” Arguably the Disciples who heard this call are the ones that Participated at the highest level! The people whose lives were really impacted and changed by God were the ones that understood the EPIC kind of life.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why is it important to God that we participate?
Why is it important to the Church and each other that we participate?
In what ways can I Participate in the community and in the church in order for Jesus to accomplish his mission in the world?
As men, why do we sometimes find it hard to take the step to participate? How can we overcome that?
How can participating keep us passionate about our enthusiasm for God?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?Starting this week, how will you get involved? What will your involvement and participation look like in JourneyMEN in 2008?
CHANGING YOUR MIND Matthew 28:18-20
“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.”
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Simple Part 3, Obey
JourneyMEN – Simple Part 3, Obey
INTRODUCTION
The church often mistakes Christian obedience as the first step in the Christian life. As a result, for many people the Christian faith becomes a rule-based religion. Instead, the Scriptures reveal that Jesus' initial invitation is to follow him. He invites us to follow him until we begin believing that he is indeed who he says he is. This belief that God loves us and has the best in store for us, then, becomes the reason we obey.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What crazy/outrageous acts have you done to express your love for another person?
Which step has been the hardest for you to take: following, believing, or obeying? Why?
Of all the Christian commandments that you have heard, which ones have been the hardest for you to apply in your life?
Read Matthew 7:24-28. What does it mean to have a foundation built on rock? What does it mean to have a foundation built on sand?
When you read this passage, do you hear the parable as a source of comfort, as a warning sign, as an explanation of why life seems out-of-sync, or as some combination of all three?
At the end of the day, it comes down to answering the question: "Who are you going to trust?" Do you trust that Jesus really knows what is best for us, or do you prefer to do things your own way?
THINK ABOUT IT
Has there ever been a time when you regretted obeying Jesus? Has there ever been a time when you regretted disobeying Jesus?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
We can attend church and experience great music and informative sermons, but these things are not life changing. Obedience to Christ makes all the practical difference in the outcome of our lives. What areas of your life do you need to surrender in obedience to Christ?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
INTRODUCTION
The church often mistakes Christian obedience as the first step in the Christian life. As a result, for many people the Christian faith becomes a rule-based religion. Instead, the Scriptures reveal that Jesus' initial invitation is to follow him. He invites us to follow him until we begin believing that he is indeed who he says he is. This belief that God loves us and has the best in store for us, then, becomes the reason we obey.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What crazy/outrageous acts have you done to express your love for another person?
Which step has been the hardest for you to take: following, believing, or obeying? Why?
Of all the Christian commandments that you have heard, which ones have been the hardest for you to apply in your life?
Read Matthew 7:24-28. What does it mean to have a foundation built on rock? What does it mean to have a foundation built on sand?
When you read this passage, do you hear the parable as a source of comfort, as a warning sign, as an explanation of why life seems out-of-sync, or as some combination of all three?
At the end of the day, it comes down to answering the question: "Who are you going to trust?" Do you trust that Jesus really knows what is best for us, or do you prefer to do things your own way?
THINK ABOUT IT
Has there ever been a time when you regretted obeying Jesus? Has there ever been a time when you regretted disobeying Jesus?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
We can attend church and experience great music and informative sermons, but these things are not life changing. Obedience to Christ makes all the practical difference in the outcome of our lives. What areas of your life do you need to surrender in obedience to Christ?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
NO MEETING THIS THURSDAY
DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICT WITH OUR FACILITY WE ARE NOT MEETING THIS THURSDAY.
WE ARE TRYING FOR NEXT THURSDAY.
CO
WE ARE TRYING FOR NEXT THURSDAY.
CO
Monday, November 5, 2007
Thursday's Topic
Simple Part II - BELIEVE
INTRODUCTION
Jesus' initial invitation to his disciples was a simple one: Follow me. He invited them to watch and listen to his interactions with his heavenly Father and with others. In time, however, those who followed Jesus began to discover God's character through Jesus Christ. And in that discovery they found themselves drawn to take a second simple step: Believe. DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
1.) Think about all the advertisements you get for "free offers". Have you ever actually received anything for "free"? What hidden catches/costs have accompanied the free offers you've pursued?
2.) Read Romans 3:21-26. In your words, define "righteousness" (v.22)? What comes to mind about the word "glory" (v.23)?
3.) Do you agree that nobody is perfect? How does that shape your idea of what it means to have fallen short of God's standard?
4.) What attempts have you made in your life to reach God's standard of living? Have those attempts assured you of God's recognition or are you still trying to earn God's favor?
5.) What is unique about God's invitation to be in relationship with Him that is different from other types of invitations that we receive?
6.) Attaining a right standing with God is available from God through Christ to all who believe in Jesus - the person. Do you believe who Jesus says he is and what he has done for you?
THINK ABOUT IT
When this message captivates the human heart it impacts our behavior. Forgiven people find it easier to forgive. Loved people find it easier to love. Accepted people find it easier to accept. Sinners who've been forgiven of sin find it easier to abandon their sin.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Have you ever said yes to God and accepted his gift of a right standing with him? Consider praying a prayer that transfers your trust out of your hands and places it into Christ's hands. And if you've already done so, is there anyone in your life with whom you can share this message?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24
INTRODUCTION
Jesus' initial invitation to his disciples was a simple one: Follow me. He invited them to watch and listen to his interactions with his heavenly Father and with others. In time, however, those who followed Jesus began to discover God's character through Jesus Christ. And in that discovery they found themselves drawn to take a second simple step: Believe. DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
1.) Think about all the advertisements you get for "free offers". Have you ever actually received anything for "free"? What hidden catches/costs have accompanied the free offers you've pursued?
2.) Read Romans 3:21-26. In your words, define "righteousness" (v.22)? What comes to mind about the word "glory" (v.23)?
3.) Do you agree that nobody is perfect? How does that shape your idea of what it means to have fallen short of God's standard?
4.) What attempts have you made in your life to reach God's standard of living? Have those attempts assured you of God's recognition or are you still trying to earn God's favor?
5.) What is unique about God's invitation to be in relationship with Him that is different from other types of invitations that we receive?
6.) Attaining a right standing with God is available from God through Christ to all who believe in Jesus - the person. Do you believe who Jesus says he is and what he has done for you?
THINK ABOUT IT
When this message captivates the human heart it impacts our behavior. Forgiven people find it easier to forgive. Loved people find it easier to love. Accepted people find it easier to accept. Sinners who've been forgiven of sin find it easier to abandon their sin.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Have you ever said yes to God and accepted his gift of a right standing with him? Consider praying a prayer that transfers your trust out of your hands and places it into Christ's hands. And if you've already done so, is there anyone in your life with whom you can share this message?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Simple Part 1 - FOLLOW
FOLLOW {ANDY STANLEY}
INTRODUCTION:
There is a common misconception that the church is a gathering place for saintly, perfect people. Moreover, some think that being a Christian means observing a set of rules or commandments. The reality is that the Christian life is about a relationship with Jesus Christ. And at the heart of that relationship is an invitation that Jesus extends to people from all experiences of life: "Follow me."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1.) Read Matthew 9:9-13. What did the general public think of tax collectors like Matthew?
2.) How have certain experiences in your life prevented you from developing relationships with other people? Can you imagine anything that might disqualify you from having a relationship with God?
3.) n this passage, Jesus seems to be comfortable in the company of tax collectors and sinners, while the Pharisees express considerable outrage. What standards did Jesus have for choosing his relationships?
4.) What does it mean to be "healthy" and "sick" as described in verse 12? Would you describe yourself as healthy or sick?
5.) How does following Jesus make you less critical and more gracious towards others?
6.) Are you willing to follow Jesus? What does it look like to follow Jesus in your life?
THINK ABOUT IT:
Jesus extends his invitation to people who know something is wrong but aren't sure what to do about it. He invites people who know they are not all they ought to be. He didn't ask Matthew to clean up his act before following him; and Jesus doesn't ask that of us. In time, within the context of his relationship with Jesus, Matthew would experience incredible life transformation. But Jesus' initial request and his request from there on out is simply, "Follow me." Will you follow Jesus Christ?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Begin tomorrow morning with this prayer, "Lord, today I want to follow you."
CHANGING YOUR MIND:
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9
INTRODUCTION:
There is a common misconception that the church is a gathering place for saintly, perfect people. Moreover, some think that being a Christian means observing a set of rules or commandments. The reality is that the Christian life is about a relationship with Jesus Christ. And at the heart of that relationship is an invitation that Jesus extends to people from all experiences of life: "Follow me."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1.) Read Matthew 9:9-13. What did the general public think of tax collectors like Matthew?
2.) How have certain experiences in your life prevented you from developing relationships with other people? Can you imagine anything that might disqualify you from having a relationship with God?
3.) n this passage, Jesus seems to be comfortable in the company of tax collectors and sinners, while the Pharisees express considerable outrage. What standards did Jesus have for choosing his relationships?
4.) What does it mean to be "healthy" and "sick" as described in verse 12? Would you describe yourself as healthy or sick?
5.) How does following Jesus make you less critical and more gracious towards others?
6.) Are you willing to follow Jesus? What does it look like to follow Jesus in your life?
THINK ABOUT IT:
Jesus extends his invitation to people who know something is wrong but aren't sure what to do about it. He invites people who know they are not all they ought to be. He didn't ask Matthew to clean up his act before following him; and Jesus doesn't ask that of us. In time, within the context of his relationship with Jesus, Matthew would experience incredible life transformation. But Jesus' initial request and his request from there on out is simply, "Follow me." Will you follow Jesus Christ?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Begin tomorrow morning with this prayer, "Lord, today I want to follow you."
CHANGING YOUR MIND:
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Are you Available?
INTRODUCTION
What kind of person does God use? As you read through the Bible it becomes clear that God doesn't usually use the smartest or the most sophisticated person. He doesn't often use someone who has all the answers or who knows what he is doing. In fact, when I read the Bible and see the people God used I can’t help help but think, how does God get anything done? But as we examine the story of Moses it will become clear the one characteristic that God does use, and how He can leverage this quality in you. When you think about the people God used, they have one very important commonality with us…they raised their hand one day and said, “I’m available.” I’m not necessarily capable, trained or sure things are going to go well, but if there is a gap, put me in coach as long as you are coming with me.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read Exodus 3:1-11. Why do people tend to think that God can't use them? What are the excuses they give for not making themselves available?
God says He has seen the plight of his people. Well, it’s been 400 years. God is always late from our perspective and on time from his. (Like how our kids think we are late all the time.) Moses must be thinking, this is very encouraging, why are you telling me this? What does this have to do with me? Then God says GO. “Wait God, let’s go back to verse 8. I heard you tell me you were going to go, which is awesome, so I think you should go.”
2. Read Exodus 3:12-14. What does God give to those who make themselves available (i.e. "I will be with you," v. 12)?
3. When have you felt God use you?
4. How have you felt God use this COMMUNITY in your life? How have you seen God use this COMMUNITY in the lives of others?
5. What does it take (time, talents and resources) to make these aspects of COMMUNITY happen?
6. In what volunteer capacity do you plan to make yourself available for God to use this coming year?
THINK ABOUT IT
What are the consequences of saying no…not being available? Think about all that Moses would have missed out on?
Imagine a year from now…what impact will we have made on our community or church? What things are you imagining? What will it take to make this happen? Make a list of the results that you expect to see a year from now in both your life and in the lives of others. How will things be different?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Seriously consider your level of involvement and investment into the community. If you are too busy to be involved, you’re too busy. You have to be available!
CHANGING YOUR MIND
And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain. " Exodus 3:12
What kind of person does God use? As you read through the Bible it becomes clear that God doesn't usually use the smartest or the most sophisticated person. He doesn't often use someone who has all the answers or who knows what he is doing. In fact, when I read the Bible and see the people God used I can’t help help but think, how does God get anything done? But as we examine the story of Moses it will become clear the one characteristic that God does use, and how He can leverage this quality in you. When you think about the people God used, they have one very important commonality with us…they raised their hand one day and said, “I’m available.” I’m not necessarily capable, trained or sure things are going to go well, but if there is a gap, put me in coach as long as you are coming with me.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read Exodus 3:1-11. Why do people tend to think that God can't use them? What are the excuses they give for not making themselves available?
God says He has seen the plight of his people. Well, it’s been 400 years. God is always late from our perspective and on time from his. (Like how our kids think we are late all the time.) Moses must be thinking, this is very encouraging, why are you telling me this? What does this have to do with me? Then God says GO. “Wait God, let’s go back to verse 8. I heard you tell me you were going to go, which is awesome, so I think you should go.”
2. Read Exodus 3:12-14. What does God give to those who make themselves available (i.e. "I will be with you," v. 12)?
3. When have you felt God use you?
4. How have you felt God use this COMMUNITY in your life? How have you seen God use this COMMUNITY in the lives of others?
5. What does it take (time, talents and resources) to make these aspects of COMMUNITY happen?
6. In what volunteer capacity do you plan to make yourself available for God to use this coming year?
THINK ABOUT IT
What are the consequences of saying no…not being available? Think about all that Moses would have missed out on?
Imagine a year from now…what impact will we have made on our community or church? What things are you imagining? What will it take to make this happen? Make a list of the results that you expect to see a year from now in both your life and in the lives of others. How will things be different?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Seriously consider your level of involvement and investment into the community. If you are too busy to be involved, you’re too busy. You have to be available!
CHANGING YOUR MIND
And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain. " Exodus 3:12
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
No Meeting this Week!
Due to a scheduling conflict with the Grange, JourneyMen will not be meeting this Thursday and will reconvene next Thursday, October 11.
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