Group Notes | August 28
Plugged In: The Power of Sharing
August 28, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Open:
What type of crisis are you currently facing, or perhaps have faced recently? Can anyone share? Do you have someone who can help you carry the burden and walk this valley of tears with you?
We are currently looking at the need to be deeply “plugged in” to Christ Jesus, walking with Him closely each day. This is very necessary as we face trials and unbearable catastrophes on an almost-daily basis. Let’s look at the need to be walking so closely with Him that we are passionate to share His light to a very dark world.
Discuss:
- Can someone quickly remind the group of the Mission Statement of TRBC? What three passions do we desire our members to have?
One of those areas is the desire to change our world. Let’s look at what is involved.
It takes work
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. What does Paul specifically tell us in verse 11a? If church members gather on Sunday, go through the “Order of Service,” then go home, will change in the world take place? Why or why not?
- You might pray for your neighbor to be saved, but what are some things that must take place along with your prayer?
- Why would Paul say we have a “fearful responsibility?”
It takes commitment
- Read verse 14 again. Why is submission to the power of God completely at odds with the propaganda the world throws at us?
- How are you able to tell when a couple is happy in their marriage? How is that analogous to what people think when they find you call yourself a Christian? How does your lifestyle make you different—if it does?
It takes acceptance
Read verses 16 and 17. Can someone be a “closet” Christian?
- Why is it necessary that others see your life has changed?
It takes HIM
- Read verse 19. Is there any reason for Christ to have died if you could get to heaven through your giving, through good works, or helping meet needs through social media?
It takes YOU
Read verses 20 and 21. As you interact with people during a day, how many times do you actually look into their eyes to see if there’s a need? The eyes, it is said, are the window to the soul. What can their eyes tell you?
- How can you reach your world for Christ?
Close:
This study has been longer than usual, so we won’t take time to break into small groups. Take just a moment to discuss how you can actually carry out the command of Christ to love the world (Matt. 28), love God with everything you are and everything you have, and love your neighbor more than you love yourself. How many actually know your neighbor? Quickly list something each of you are passionate about. Does this passion exist in your relationship with Jesus? This week, ask Him to show you ways to know Him more intimately, love Him more dearly, meet ONE need of ONE neighbor, and start to change your world!
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.”
Focal Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21.
Contemplate: The members of any local body of believers should be passionate about 1) Having a Commitment to Scripture; 2) Having Discipline in a deep Prayer Life; 3) Being Engaged in a Lifestyle of Worship; 4) Being Connected in your Community; 5) Having a Heart for Serving; and 6) Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.