Weird Part Seven: Weird Life

Christianity is not about becoming what you are not, it’s about becoming who you are in Christ. When you grasp all that Christ has done for you, you will move from aimless living to purpose, blind ambition to clear vision and shameful pursuits to holy living. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever lied? Share your story. Have you ever been inauthentic in your actions and choices as a Christian? Share your story.

Read: Ephesians 4:17-32; Romans 1-2; Colossians 3:1-18

Discuss:

1. How does Paul’s letter to the Ephesians remind us that “it’s not about becoming what we are not, but becoming who we are in Christ”? Have you ever felt like you needed a refresh or restart in your life? Share your story. In what ways does Paul call us to a restart in our spiritual lives through Ephesians 4:17-32? Of all the things that he mentions, which do you struggle with the most?

2. Paul exhorts the Ephesian Christians to “no longer walk the way the rest of the world walks.” Describe how the “world” walks (Ephesians 4:17-19). How do you see these characteristics displayed in our current society? How did you walk this way before Christ?

3. Paul tells them to “take off the former self” and “put on the new self.” Why do we still struggle with our “former self”? How is our mind the place where the battle lines are drawn? How does thinking affect the way you live? How should Ephesians 1-3 affect the way we think about ourselves?

4. In Ephesians 4:25, Paul literally says to “put away the lie.” What are the ways that Christians in our culture live authentically to their calling in Christ? Do you have an anger problem? What does it mean to “not let the sun go down on your anger”?

5. Read 4:25-32. There are seven characteristics of conduct from the old kingdom and three from the new. Go down the list and rate yourself with either: not an issue, kind of an issue, or big issue.

6. What does it mean to not “grieve the Holy Spirit”? What are some ways that you have grieved Prayerfully examine your own life?

Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the willingness to take off the sin that entangles your life and put on the lifestyle that honors God.

Memorize/Meditate: …Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Weird Part Six: Weird Calling

God’s plan for the church has always been to be diverse: different families, education, race, income levels, politics, nationalities, accents, jobs, and even sports teams. But because of Christ, we who are naturally disconnected become unified in purpose to love and serve one another as we express the life-changing gospel to a divided world. Only in the church can our diversity become unity and our unity lead to maturity.   ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Describe your experience growing up (childhood to the teen years; teen years to adulthood). How have you matured over the years? Who helped you in your maturity process?    

Read: Ephesians 4:1-16; John 17; Psalm 68 

Discuss:  

1. In Chapters 1-3, Paul has built a foundation of which he now calls the Ephesians to build upon. He is now calling them to “walk” all that he has just written about. What does it mean to “walk worthy”? How does the word “worthy” indicate balance? What are the things that we spiritually balance as a part of the body of Christ? 

2. Paul described unity in the church. What are the things that cultivate unity? Of the list that Paul gives, which one stands out to you the most? Why? Which one would you say that you struggle with the most? How do common beliefs guard our unity? How does a post-modern culture (you believe whatever you want) hinder true unity?   

3. Paul quotes from Psalm 68 to describe our diversity as believers. What is this Psalm talking about? What are the gifts of grace that God has given to the church? What is your spiritual gift(s)? How have you used these gifts in the church? How do spiritual gifts demonstrate a “worthy walk”?   

4. Paul says that God gave “apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and shepherd to equip the saints for the work of the ministry.” What does it mean to be equipped? Are you equipped for service? What would keep you from taking significant steps to discovering your giftedness and doing all that you can to “do your work” in the church of Christ? What does the text say results when believers are equipped and serving in their giftings (vs. 12-13)? 

5. Sometimes people refer to “new Christians” or “baby Christians” and “mature Christians”. What do these terms mean? What does it mean to be a mature Christian? What hinders Christians from spiritually maturing? Do you see Christians who are “tossed to and fro by the waves…”? Have you ever been “childish” spiritually? Describe your story. 

Pray: Pray that we would be a church unified in our purpose, diverse in our gifting, and growing in our relationship with Christ. 

Memorize/Meditate: Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16 

Weird Part Five: Weird Mysteries

So many of us settle for a life that won’t matter. A life filled with complacent hearts and conflicting passions. But Christ beckons us to more. As we bring Him our weakness and inadequacy, He provides us with the strength, wisdom and opportunity to reach more, serve more, and give more for His glory. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Do you have any distinguishing physical characteristics? How have they become a way that people identify you?

Read: Discuss: Ephesians 3; Colossians 1:24-2:7; 1 Thessalonians 4

Discuss:

1. Paul begins Ephesians 3 with the words “For this reason.” What is the “reason” from chapter 2 that Paul is referencing? What are some of the walls that Jews and Gentiles alike created? What are some of the walls that we create against other people? Where do these “walls” come from?

2. The Ephesians Christians were experiencing identity-drift. Many were pulling away from their newfound faith in Christ because Paul, the one who brought the gospel to them, was in prison. In what ways do we worry about the future? How can these worries create identity-drift in us? Would you consider your identity in Christ firm or unstable? Why?

3. Paul describes the gospel as a mystery. Do you like mysteries or secrets? Why or why not? How does anticipation build when waiting for a secret to be revealed? In Ephesians 3:6, Paul makes three statements to identify the mystery. What is the mystery? How are each of these statements similar yet different? What would have made this mystery so profound to the Christians in Paul’s day?

4. Describe the “unsearchable riches of Christ.” How is the existence of the church a much higher purpose than we realize? How does the Church show the wisdom of God in a greater way than all of creation? How is the church the catalyst of God perpetuating that wisdom to the world? What are things that hinder this wisdom from being seen?

5. Ephesians 3:14-21 is a prayer. What does Paul pray for? What stands out to you most in this prayer? Which one do you need most in your life right now?

6. God wants to do “abundantly more” than we can ask or think so that Christ gets glory in the church. What is the “more” that God is calling you to in the church for His glory?

Pray: Pray that you would be so aware of “abundantly more” that God might be calling you to in the church for His glory.

Memorize/Meditate: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Weird Part Three: Weird Changes

The most basic need of man is not physical rejuvenation, psychological adjustment, or social improvement…it’s spiritual regeneration. We who are dead need life. Only as we live in the reality of both who we were without Christ and now who we are in Christ, will our lives overflow with God-glorifying works. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a time in your life that you messed up badly but were shown mercy. What had you done? How did the kindness impact you?

Read: Ephesians 2:1-10: Romans 3; Titus 2:11-14

Discuss:

1. Paul paints a vivid picture of our lives before Christ. He calls us “dead.” Describe why this metaphor fits perfectly with the reality of our situation. How would you have described yourself before you trusted Christ? Why do you think so many people identify themselves as “good”? In what ways do you see spiritual death in our culture today?

2. How did you follow the “ways of the world” before Christ? Because of habits you established before Christ, what areas of the world still call to you to follow? What does it mean to be “children of wrath?”

3. Paul follows the description of our sinful state with a huge contrast “But God.” How would you describe in your own words what God has done on our behalf? Why do you think Paul reminded these believers of these truths? What happens in our lives when we forget how sinful we were apart from Christ?

4. “Grace” is mentioned in verses 5, 7, and 8. How would you define grace? Why is grace so difficult for us to grasp? Describe a time when the lavish mercy and grace of God became real to you.

5. Describe the process of our salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). What did God do in this process? What did we do in this process? Why do we have a hard time accepting the fact that good works will not save us? How does this go against the grain of our culture?

6. While good works don’t save us, they are a part of our Christian experience. Describe how works follow faith. What role do works play in the life of a Christian? What good works is God calling you to right now?

Pray: Pray that the gospel would take such a significant place in your life that you would walk in the good, grace-filled, glorifying works that God is calling you to.

Memorize/Meditate: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Weird Part Two: Weird Request

The answer to our search for identity isn’t to try harder, but to comprehend more fully and clearly the completed work of Christ and live with more awareness of that reality day by day. The Christian life is not trying to gain what we don’t have, but living in the fullness of what we already have in Christ. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever experienced a situation where you wish you had more knowledge or insight prior to it occurring? Share the story. How would greater insight have helped you in this experience?

 Read: Ephesians 1:15-23; Colossians 1:9-12; 1 Peter 1; Hebrews 6:19-20

Discuss:

1. How is our Christian identity affected by unknown situations? If our identity is set in Christ, why do so many Christians struggle with anxiety, worry and fear? After describing the amazing blessings of our faith in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14), what does Paul pray for?  

2. In addition to giving thanks, Paul prays that God would give them a “spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Who or what are the sources of wisdom that lead to this knowledge? Paul desires them to see and know three realities. What are they? Of these three, which do you most need to embrace and experience right now?

3. What is the “hope” to which we have been called? How is Biblical hope different than our view of hope?

4. How does the world’s pursuit of identity cause people to feel unworthy instead of secure? What is the “inheritance” to which Paul refers? Is it God? Is it us? How does the knowledge of your inheritance in Christ help build security and prepare you for obedience?  

5. Paul goes on to pray that we will know the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. According to verses 19-23, how has God demonstrated His power? What are the areas in your life where you need more power?

6. Imagine that Paul’s prayer was answered in your life. What might look different? What are you praying about right now in your life?

Pray: Pray that you would have eyes to see and faith to apply the confident hope, the glorious inheritance, and working power that God has supplied you.

Memorize/Meditate: I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him…Ephesians 1:16-17

Weird Part One: Weird Flex

We are taught from an early age that what we do determines who we are…accomplishment precedes acceptance and achievement precedes approval. But what makes Christianity so unique, so weird, is that identity isn’t determined by anything we do, but by what God has done for us.  ~ Pastor Dave

Open: When someone meets you for the first time, what is one of the first things you share when describing yourself? Occupation? Family? Religion? Athletics? Generation? Hobby? Education? Politics? What are some ways that our identity might be shaped by the approval or disapproval of others?

Read: Acts 1-2; 7-8

Discuss:

1. What faulty pursuits for identity do you see in our current culture? Where does our hunger for purpose and identity come from? How has this season of viruses, injustices and confusion only perpetuated our need for identity?

2. Where did the Ephesians attempt to find their identity? How did their newfound belief in Christ create an internal conflict over their identity? Why do so many Christians struggle with their spiritual identity in Christ? In what ways has your search for identity affected you mentally, emotionally and physically?

3. Ephesians 1:3-14 is one long sentence in the Greek. How do you see the focus on God in these verses? What does that say about the importance of God in defining our identities? Of all the things that God does for us according to these verses, what stands out to you most? Why?

4. Using the statements in Ephesians 1:3-14, explain the role of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in our spiritual lives. How would you explain to a non-Christian what Christ did to accomplish your redemption?

5. What makes the words “election” and “predestination” so scary? How can election/ predestination and free-will be understood complimentary instead of contradictory (notice Ephesians 1:13)? How should the doctrines of election and adoption confirm your spiritual identity?

6. This passage calls us to praise God (notice verses 3 and 14). How does realizing our identity in Christ cause us to set aside faulty pursuits and instead worship God?

Pray: Pray that you would realize all the “spiritual blessings” that God has given you and that you would realize the settled identity you have in Christ.

Memorize/Meditate: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…Ephesians 1:3

We Are the Church

Throughout history God has used seasons of adversity as catalysts for Kingdom expansion. As we look at a world of unknown viruses, horrific injustice, and mass confusion, could God be preparing His church for greater gospel impact? To bring light into darkness, peace into fear, comfort into unrest, unity into division, and the good news of life in a world of death. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever experienced a season that started out one way but ended in another? Share your story.

Read: Acts 1-2; 7-8

Discuss:

1. What would you consider to be the worst moment of your life? Personally, what has been the most difficult part of this unexpected season of coronavirus? How has this crisis affected your faith?

2. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the church is that God’s people gather together. Describe the events in Acts 7 and 8 that caused the church to scatter:

3. While Saul was wreaking havoc on the church, Christians continued to proclaim the gospel. How did God use adversity as a catalyst to further the gospel? How was this the continuation of Jesus’ command in Acts 1:8?

4. What do you make the of the fact that Acts 8:1, 4 describes that the gospel was spreading through ordinary people (8:1 – “except the apostles”)? How has God placed you strategically at this time to share the good news of the gospel? Do you think people are more receptive to the gospel at this moment in time? Why or why not?

5. Acts 8:5-7 describes the work of man named Philip, who went to the city of Samaria to proclaim Christ. Describe the relationship between the Jews and the Samaritans? What were some things that God did through Philip to cause the Samaritans to be receptive? How are we called to proclaim Christ with both “words” and “deeds”?

6. Acts 8:8 concludes that there was “much joy” in the city. How does the church’s presence bring joy to the city? Do you find this true of Crossroads presence in our region? Why or why not?

Pray: Pray that in a season of adversity you would have the eyes to see the gospel opportunities before you.

 Memorize/Meditate: Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word…So there was much joy in that city. Acts 8:4,8

Asking for a Friend: Is This the End of the World?

The end of the world is a topic that fascinates many. As we watch events unfold before us, we often wonder if this just might be the moment. While no one knows precisely when, Scripture teaches us that these signs should serve as continual reminders that we are always living in the last days. They should cause us to live in the immediacy of the end and the urgency of our mission. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever read or watched something about the end of the world or the apocalypse? Share your story.

Read: Matthew 24-26; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Titus 2:11-15; 2 Peter 3; Revelation 20:1-15; 22

Discuss:

1. Why are so many people fascinated with the end times? Why do events like earthquakes, hurricanes and unknown viruses stir our curiosity for the future? How have you observed this in our current season? Why is there so much confusion regarding the end times?

2. Prophecy makes up a huge portion of the Bible. There are 1,800 Old Testament and 300 New Testament references to the return of Christ. Why does the Bible give so much detail about Christ’s second coming? What are some of the different theological viewpoints regarding the end times?

3. When Jesus was asked about the end, He didn’t focus merely on the “when” and the “what” as much as the “so what.” What did Jesus list as warnings of the end times? In what ways have you seen fallacies and falsehoods rise? Describe how some of the disturbing events we experience are like birth pains pointing us to the end:

4. Before Jesus returns, there are key events that must take place. What are some of those events? In Matthew 24:29-31, Jesus gives a clear description of His second coming. Describe this event; In what ways is this moment filled with both justice and redemption?

5. How should the end times both wake us up and encourage us? What are the areas that need to “wake up” in your life? In what ways during this season have you observed God’s gospel purposes being accomplished?

Pray: Pray that you would live in the immediacy of the end and urgency of the mission. Read: Discuss:

Memorize/Meditate: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…Titus 2:11-13

Asking for a Friend: If I Disagree with Someone Can I Still Love Them?

We live in a society obsessed with tolerance, yet our culture is mostly intolerant. Tolerance, by definition, means that we show respect and dignity to people that we disagree with. This is what makes Christianity so unique; we can disagree with people and love them at the same time. We, of all people, should be the most tolerant as we reflect the gospel that beautifully balances truth and love. ~Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been in a situation where you disagreed with someone but still showed genuine love? Share your story. Have you ever had someone demonstrate intolerance toward you?

Read: Romans 12; Matthew 25:23; Luke 10:25-37; John 14; 1 Corinthians 13

Discuss:

1. How would you define tolerance? Over the past few decades, how has the definition of tolerance changed? To what do you attribute these changes? How is the current cultural definition of tolerance self-contradictory and logically incompatible? How have you observed this new definition expressed in our culture? Give some examples.

2. Give some examples of tolerance from the ministry of Jesus. Was Jesus ever intolerant? Share some examples from the gospels. When Jesus disagreed with someone, was He empty of love and honor? How does Christian tolerance delicately balance grace and truth?

3. In Romans 12, Paul instructs us to “let love be genuine; abhor what is evil; and hold fast to what is good.” Describe what it looks like to reflect these truths. What are some examples of things that we should hate? How is love demonstrated in both hating what is evil and holding fast to good? How can intolerance sometimes be loving and tolerance sometimes be hurtful? List some things that you have too easily tolerated.

4. God calls us to hate evil, while at the same time warning us against being agents of wrath. What does it look like to love people that we disagree with, while at the same time leave them in the hands of God’s judgment? Have you ever had to do this? Share the story.

5. Besides Christianity, there is no model of people in our world who hold unapologetically to truth and yet treat people with kindness and honor. Have you ever experienced a moment where godly tolerance or godly intolerance lead to gospel impact?

Pray: Pray that you would reflect the delicate balance of grace and truth. Pray that you would hate evil, hold fast to what is good, and love everyone with honor and kindness.

Memorize/Meditate: Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:9-10

Asking for a Friend: How to Spiritually Thrive in Isolation

In a time of intense isolation and astonishing closures, we must continually remind ourselves that in Christ we have access to the God who reigns overall. So, in those moments where isolation seems to fog your thinking, don’t pull away. Instead, press in with confidence, hold onto hope and stir each other toward mission. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever had a question you wanted to ask but were afraid to? What is the question? Why are you hesitant to ask? 

Read: Hebrews 10:19-25

Discuss:

1. What emotions have you experienced during this season of isolation and closure? What do you miss most? What, if any bad habits have you picked up during this season?

2. How can isolation cause faith to spiral? Do you see a rise in isolationism (a world not needing relationship and community)? How have previous distractions become the new normal? Have you seen any of these in your own life? Can you name some Biblical characters that experienced seasons of isolation?

 3. What does it mean that we have access to enter the most holy place (Hebrews 10:19)? How did Jesus grant us access? In what ways are you—and are you not—taking advantage of the access you now have to draw near to God in this season? What are the ways you would want to draw near more?

 4. How do seasons of isolation reveal the sincerity of our faith? What has this experience revealed about your faith? What are the tangible ways you sense that God may want you to grow in your commitment to the life of faith? What is the sin that entangles you most? What are you doing right now to deal with your sin?

5. What does it look like to hold onto hope? How does your “hope source” determine your stability? What does it mean to “stir up” (irritate) one another to love and good works?” Who are the people in your life that you’re stirring toward mission?

Pray: Pray that in this season you would not drift. Pray that you would enjoy the access you have with God. That your confidence in Christ would grow, your faith would flourish, and that God would give you more opportunities to live on mission.

Memorize/Meditate: Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23