Joy-Full: Complete Joy

When Christians live with the confidence that what God started, He will finish, unexplainable joy follows. We can be bold rather than tentative, grateful rather than uncertain, and rejoice rather than be afraid. ~Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever completed a project that you saw through from beginning to end? Share your story. How did you feel when you were finished? What things would you consider were necessary in order to accomplish the project?

Read: Philippians 1; John 15:1-17; Romans 8; Hebrews 12:1-2

Discuss:

1. In what ways have we narrowed the Christian life to a checklist of requirements? How have you experienced this in your spiritual life? How does the gospel go against the productivity mentality? In what ways do we attempt to receive approval from God by productivity for God? Can you think of any Scripture references that run against this mentality?

2. Read Philippians 1:6. Share how your faith in Christ began. How does knowing that God finishes the work He started in you give you confidence and joy in life? Read Hebrews 12:1-2. How did knowing the end bring joy to Christ even when experiencing the cross? How can this type of joy allow you to endure suffering as well?

3. Paul prays for the believers in Philippi. What are some of things that he prays for? How is love deeper than a feeling? What makes love in our world so difficult? Describe how giving love causes you to experience joy? Share an illustration of this truth from your own life.

4. What does “approving what is excellent” look like? In what ways do we settle for good instead of best in our lives? How have you experienced this in your own life?

5. What makes purity so difficult? How is joy affected by our pursuit of purity? What impurities are exemplified in our current culture? How is this causing more unhappiness?

6. What does it look like to bear fruit in the Christian life? In what ways are you bearing fruit right now? How is fruit dependent upon Christ? What places in your life do you want to bear more fruit? How does bearing fruit increase our joy? Take a moment to take a spiritual inventory of your joy.

Pray: Pray that you would become more aware of the work that God is doing in your life right now. Ask God to help you love well, live purely, and bear fruit for His glory.

Memorize/Meditate: And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of J

Joy-Full: Search For Joy

We live in a time where our pursuit of happiness seems elusive. We have become a culture filled with crushing sorrow and increasing frustration. As Christians, we can choose to join the parade of the disappointed, or we can press into the overwhelming joy we receive from knowing Christ. Joy is not based on our pursuits, feelings, or circumstances, but based upon the good news of Christ’s gracious work in our lives. Joy is the unmistakable badge that we belong to God. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Share a moment that you would describe as joyful. What made it so joyful for you?

Read: Philippians 1; Acts 16; John 15-16

Discuss:

1. How is joy an unmistakable badge of Christianity? Have you experienced a sour, gloomy Christian? Have you ever been one? Share an example. How does joy differentiate us from unbelievers? Why should we be the most joyful people on earth?

2. How is the book of Philippians a perfect letter for an anxious, worried season? How often do words like joy and rejoice show up in the letter? Describe the context and experience of Paul that makes this letter even more unique. How could Paul have joy despite being imprisoned?

3. What made Philippi such a great city for the spread of the gospel? Read Acts 16. Describe the three characters that made up the start of the church in Philippi. How did the gospel come to each of them personally and uniquely? Different people need different approaches. How have you seen that in your own journey of faith?

4. Why was Paul imprisoned in Philippi? What do you make of Paul and Silas’ reaction to being imprisoned (Acts 16:25)? How would you have responded? In what ways do we attempt to find joy without Christ? Define biblical joy: How is true joy greater than what we search for, how we feel, and what happens?

5. Read Philippians 1:1-3. How does Paul’s description of “servant” and “saints” give us insight into his joy? How does knowing who we serve and knowing who we are help us live joyfully?

6. What are your greatest stumbling blocks to joy? What are some steps you can take right now to live a joyful life? Ask God to give you the confident assurance that He is in control of every detail of life.

Pray: Pray that God would overwhelm you with His joy (not circumstantial or emotional, but deeply supernatural). Take a moment to praise God in whatever situation you find yourself.

Memorize/Meditate: These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 O

Victimized

Our culture is encouraging us to adopt a victim mentality, a mentality that ultimately changes our perspective on everything that happens in life. It promises freedom but delivers defeat. As Christians, we are called to live with a different mindset…one of a victor not a victim. Not based upon anything we have done, but because our lives are attached to the work of Christ, the biggest victim in history, who died innocently and rose again triumphantly to conqueror sin, death, and hell so that our identity doesn’t have to be in drama, trauma, or circumstance, but in victory. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever experienced a victim mentality or been around someone who has? Share your story.  

 Read: John 5; Genesis 3; Psalm 112:7; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58; 1 John 5:4-5 

Discuss:  

1. Describe the difference between a victim and a victim mentality. What is a victim mentality? What does it look like in our culture? How have you noticed a cultural shift to a victim mentality in our society today? Share some examples. 

2. Read Genesis 3. How does the serpent, Satan, encourage the victim mentality? How is blame shifting a sign of a victim mentality?  

3. Read John 5. Describe the situation that Jesus finds at Bethesda. How long had the man been afflicted? Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed. What do you make of the man’s response to Jesus’ question? How does Jesus confront the victim mindset right from the start?  

 4. What makes a victim mentality so dangerous for Christians? In what ways do we carry unhealed pain, distorted perspectives and limited thinking as a result of unwanted circumstances? What do you make of Jesus’ question in John 5:14? What was Jesus saying? What sin do you think Jesus was warning this man of? 

5. Read Romans 8. Read 1 Corinthians 15:57-58. How does the gospel motivate a victor mentality instead of a victim mentality? How was Jesus a victorious victim? What does a victor mentality look like lived out? What are some ways that you can overcome a victim mentality?  

Pray: Take some time to evaluate your thinking and words. Ask God to reveal the areas where you might have a victim mentality. Pray that God would give you a deeper understanding of gospel victory and that you would live in the strength and confidence of your identity in Christ. If there is anyone you need to forgive, ask God to give you the power to forgive and to rest in His just plan.   

Memorize/Meditate: For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5 

The Land Between

Every Christian is walking through the “land between” our salvation and eventual destination. While we are waiting for eternity, we can feel as if we are trudging through the barren landscape of an earthly desert. This place can either leave us feeling lost, lonely and frustrated or it can be fertile ground for our spiritual transformation as we see God’s grace revealed in magnificent ways. Our responses and reactions in this desert can determine whether our journey will be one of deep spiritual growth or one of complaining, discouragement and decline. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever felt stuck in life? Share your story. What made you feel stuck? How did your situation resolve? 

Read: Numbers 11; Exodus 3; Exodus 15-17; Psalm 106; 1 Corinthians 10 

Discuss:  

1. How would you have felt if, like the Israelites, you were delivered from the bondage of Egypt, promised a land flowing with milk and honey, only to be left in a wilderness? How is this Hebrew journey similar to our spiritual journeys? In what ways do you feel stuck here on earth as you await your eternal “promised land”? 

 2. In what ways have you seen the excitement you experienced at the beginning of your faith slowly wane? How did the Hebrews lose the luster of their exodus from Egyptian bondage? What were some of their responses and reactions? How have you experienced these same reactions?   

3. The Hebrews grew hungry in the wilderness; God provided. Describe the “manna” the Hebrews ate in the wilderness. How would you have felt if you ate the same thing every day, every meal? What are the things you complain about? In what ways do we justify grumbling? The Hebrews grumbled repeatedly. As you read Exodus 15-17, what other things did they complain about? 

4. In Numbers 11:11-15, we see that Moses is exhausted and discouraged. In what ways do we experience emotional meltdowns in the “land between”? What are the questions that you ask God repeatedly? How does this reveal the places of potential discouragement or meltdown? 

5. Despite complaining and discouragement, God provides. How did God answer Moses in Numbers 11:16-17? Inventory your life. How have you seen God’s redemptive provision in the midst of your redemptive pain? 

6. How have you experienced growth in your “desert wanderings”? How have you found the “land between” to be a necessary space in your spiritual growth? In what ways is God growing you right now in your desert places? 

Pray: Ask God to make your “land between” fertile ground for spiritual transformation and His grace to be revealed in magnificent ways. Pray that God would give you the strength to endure your “desert wanderings” and to trust God’s process in you. 

 Memorize/Meditate: Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16 

Can I Speak to the Manager: Like it!

We are living in the most advanced age in human history. Technology is beginning to define and dominate culture. It’s persuasive and powerful, useful and necessary. But it comes with a cost. Instead of delighting in Christ, we can crave the digital hunger of validation, distraction, comfort and escape that technology promises to give, only to find ourselves more lonely, more depressed and more uncomfortable. As believers, we must always remember that technology is meant to serve us not rule us.~ Pastor Dave

Open: What do you feel has been the best technological advancement in your lifetime? Why? What do you feel has been the most concerning technological advancement in your lifetime? Why?

Read: Genesis 2; 1 Corinthians 10; Romans 12; 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Discuss:

1. As you ponder the development of technology, what have you been most surprised by? What technology do you spend the most time with? Do you find this profitable or distracting? Why or why not?

2. There are many dangers and benefits to technology. Can you list some of the dangers of technology and describe which ones stand out the most to you? Describe the dangers that you observe personally in your day most often. What about the benefits of technology, which ones do you enjoy the most?

3. Describe the context of 1 Corinthians 10. Paul describes a believer’s freedom but also encourages careful consideration. What makes technology so difficult to manage? How does technology cause us to “seek our own good?”

4. How does technology hinder deep, honest connection with others? In what ways has technology harmed relationships and community? Have you ever had a relationship affected by the use of technology? Share your story. In what ways does technology offer false validation and decreased reflection?

5. How can technology be used for God’s glory? Can you think of any examples where technology enhanced gospel impact? 6. How has technology affected your spiritual life? What are some practical steps that you can take right now to make you and your family’s use of technology healthier? Take some time to put a plan in place to take these necessary steps.

Pray: Ask God to reveal to you His perspective of your use of technology. Take time to reflect on your boundaries with technology. Pray that God would give you the strength to set clear and healthy boundaries.

Memorize/Meditate: “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Can I speak to the Manager? Are You Serious?

We live in an emotionally charged culture ready to explode into a myriad of reactions. At the core of these emotions are runaway fears. Deep seated fears over what has happened, is happening or could happen without someone or something intervening. As a result, we attempt to take control only to find ourselves with more questions and a larger mess. At the heart of these emotions is a cry for something to bring us peace. True peace doesn’t arrive in the absence of these emotions, but with a greater surrender to Christ’s presence in the midst of them. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been so overwhelmed with emotion, whether positive or negative, that it poured out of you in reaction? Share your story.

Read: John 13-16; John 20; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4

Discuss:

1. Everyone has emotions. In our current culture, emotions are running high. Why do you think there are so many unfiltered emotions in society today? What emotions do you think are most prevalent today? What emotions do you see most in your life? Describe how emotions cause us to take matters into our own hands.

2. Describe the connection between emotions and fear. How have you seen fear elevate into unhealthy emotions? Can you list some biblical characters that exemplify unhealthy emotions because of runaway fears?

3. How do our emotions reveal a deeper cry for peace? In what ways do you see a longing for peace in society today? Describe the context of John 14. Why was Jesus telling his disciples to not let their hearts be troubled? What would your reaction have been after hearing this?

4. As part of Jesus’ last words, He offers them peace. Define peace (Shalom). What do you make of Jesus’ tenderness and care in His offer of peace, while knowing He was going to be on a cross in less than 24 hours? Jesus says that His peace will be different than the world’s. Describe the difference between the world’s peace and Christ’s peace.

5. How did the disciples demonstrate runaway fears and negative emotions as they experienced Jesus’ arrest and death? Read John 20. Even after His resurrection, Jesus graciously reminds them of His peace. In what ways does peace begin with a mindset? Read Philippians 4:7. How does peace guard our minds? How should this help us overcome negative emotions?

6. Do you agree with this statement “emotions can demonstrate either our steadied faith or our runaway fears”? Why or why not? What are some specific steps you can take to stop negative emotions?

Pray: Ask God to give you an awareness of your runaway emotions. Confess the emotions that have caused improper reactions. Pray that God would give you a greater awareness of His peace and that you would submit your emotions to Him.

Memorize/Meditate: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Baptism

Baptism is more than a mere symbol, tradition, or rite. Baptism is the first step of admittance that following Jesus Christ matters above all else. It’s saying that Christ’s act of saving me is now worthy of my obedience. No loopholes, no cutting corners, obedience is God’s love language… and baptism, instead of being a deterrent, is a demonstration of faith acting in obedience. ~Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a time when the enormity of a decision caused you to take a bold, unexpected step.

Read: Acts 8; Isaiah 53; Matthew 28:16-20; Romans 6:1-14

Discuss:

1. Describe the historical context of Acts 8. As you read Acts 8, what makes God’s movement of Philip from Samaria to Gaza so intriguing? List some differences between Samaria and Gaza? What does this say about God’s plan to bring salvation to specific people at specific times? Describe the uniqueness of your journey with Christ?

2. Describe the situation facing the Ethiopian Eunuch (why was he a eunuch and what was his task?): Why do you believe he was traveling to Jerusalem? Why would he have left disappointed? Why would he have been reading Isaiah 56?

3. Upon hearing the gospel of Jesus, why does the eunuch ask about baptism? What does this tell us about the expectation of baptism in the first century? What Old Testament examples give us pictures of the New Testament perspective of Baptism? Throughout the New Testament there is clear emphasis on baptism. What does the word baptizo mean? Why is baptism so important in the life of a believer? What does baptism represent? In what ways does baptism paint a picture of the work of Christ for us?

4. In what ways does baptism act as a first step into the plan and purpose of God for believers? What does tradition tell us about the Ethiopian Eunuch? How does baptism represent that first bold step of many steps in the journey? What makes Christians so hesitant to take faith-filled steps? What are some courageous, faith-filled steps you have taken recently?

Pray: If you know Christ but have not been baptized, pray that God would help you take this first courageous step of obedience. If you have been baptized, pray for the faithfulness to take the bold steps God may be asking you to take at this moment in your journey.

Memorize/Meditate: you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3-4

Can I Speak to the Manager: Give Me Some

Open: Have you ever experienced generosity? Share your story. How did it make you feel? How did it encourage your faith?

Read: 2 Corinthians 8-9; Psalm 24:1; Ecclesiastes 5; Matthew 6; Luke 12; 1 Timothy 6:10

Discuss:

1. Why do you think discussions surrounding generosity and giving in the church make us so nervous? What misunderstanding and assumptions do we have about generosity and giving that make us fearful of the topic? How do most Americans view money? How has this infiltrated the church?

2. How does our misunderstanding about ownership and greed affect our generosity? What is the difference between giving and generosity? In what ways are we as Americans great at giving but not very generous?

3. In what ways does Divine ownership (God as the owner of everything) help free us to be generous? Describe the Old Testament concept of “tithing” (10%). How is generosity the greater command of the New Testament? In what ways is a tithe meant to be the basis of giving and generosity the faith of giving? Describe the Biblical concept of sowing and reaping. What keeps us from sowing bountifully?

4. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul describes to the Corinthian Christians that God loves a cheerful giver. What does this mean? Would you consider your giving “cheerful”?

5. How does generosity bring greater contentment in our lives? How have you seen contentment grow a heart of generosity in your own life? Where are you lacking contentment?

6. How does generosity multiply gospel impact in your life personally? How is ministry expanded through your generosity? How would you rate your generosity?

Pray: Take a moment to thank God for all the ways He has been generous to you. Ask God to grow your generosity. Pray that God would show you specific ministry areas in the church in which your generosity could help further.

Memorize/Meditate: The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Can I Speak to the Manager: Words

Can I Speak to the Manager? Kiliing Time

Time is the most basic commodity of life. It is perishable yet irreplaceable. It was the first thing that God created and one of the most important things that God has called us to manage. The quality, joy, and impact of our lives are directly related to how wisely we use the time we have. So, in a culture with unbearable pressure at an unsustainable pace, we must constantly evaluate how we spend our time. What captures our time will control our lives. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever experienced a moment that served as a “wake up call” in your life? Share your story.

Read: Romans 12-13; Psalm 39; Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 5:15-17

Discuss:

1. What does “God is the owner…We are the managers” mean? What makes stewardship so difficult? What outside forces distract us from godly stewardship?

2. Would you consider yourself a good time manager? Why or why not? Do you feel overloaded or maxed out? What specifically makes you feel this way? Are there any areas of your life where you are being lazy? Why is that? In what ways are time and commitment uniquely intertwined? What are some of the wrong commitments that many people have? What happens when we live without margin/space to reflect on our time?

3. In Romans 13, Paul references Jesus’ summary of the Old Testament law to love your God and your neighbor (13:9-10). He follows this with the statement “you know the time.” What does this statement mean? What is the difference between “chronos” and “kairos”?  Paul uses the word “kairos” in Romans 13:11. What time is he talking about? When Paul says that our “salvation is nearer to us now” what is he referring to? In what ways do you see it nearer now than ever before? What are some ways that we need to “wake up” in life?

 4. How does staying busy put our souls at risk? Do you agree that “hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life”? Why or why not? What are some ways we can fight busyness? How has the church been affected by frenetic pace and busy schedules? Do you consider our culture of busyness profitable? Why or why not?

5. In Romans 13:12-14, Paul uses language like “wake up,” “take off,” “walk,” and “put on.” Describe what each of these things look like practically in life. What things do you need to “take off” and “put on” in your life? What do you need to stop doing? What do you need to start doing? Take a moment to write a plan as to how you will do these things.

Pray: Take a moment to inventory how you spend your time. Ask God to reveal the areas in your life where you might be wasting time or filling time with unnecessary things. Pray that God would empower you to be a good manager of your time. Put a plan in place to set aside “time-wasters” and add “mission-builders.”

Memorize/Meditate: Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12