Group Notes | June 26

We’ve Come This Far by Faith: Now What? 60th Anniversary Service
June 26, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Imagine a photograph of you taken a few years ago in a then-familiar setting, and mentally place it beside one from your present-day situation. Can you share what might go through your mind? Would there be awe, amazement, or maybe confusion, regret?

Over one hundred years ago Dwight Moody said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man wholly consecrated to Him.” Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr., was such a man, and today we celebrate and reflect on the incredible vision he believed his God could accomplish through him. More than sixty years ago, he fervently sought God’s guidance, wisdom and direction for his life; through prayer and extraordinary faith, he built a church and university to spread the gospel throughout his community, country and the world. Now it is the mission of the many members of Thomas Road Baptist Church to continue the great work of seeing the world reached for Jesus Christ. By faith and prayer, we will move forward with this remarkable work!

 

Discuss:

  1. Read Isaiah 51:1. It is good to recall our lives before salvation, and reflect on the amazing grace that saved us. Can anyone share their testimony?
  2. We don’t want to keep a backward focus. Read Philippians 3:13. What can happen if we dwell too long on the past?
  3. Read Jeremiah 29:11—a verse that inspires hope and promise to believers. Will someone share how it brings meaning to your life?
  4. Read Romans 10:14. How can anyone be effective without a vision? Do you think this was a cornerstone for Dr. Falwell’s prayers?
  5. What was the foundation upon which his life was built? Read Acts 2:42. How do you think this verse has played out in the life of growing this church?
  6. What is the three-fold statement of faith for our church? Can you list some ways in which these are fulfilled?
  7. Read Acts 20:18-21. From what you know of Dr. Falwell, how closely did this verse parallel with his life? What kind of legacy did he leave?
  8. What are some visions you have for your personal opportunity for growth within the church?
  9. How are you prepared to take part in the coming years, actively being a participant rather than passively being a spectator? What kind of legacy are you leaving to those who know you?

 

Close:

From the small room at a Bible College where Dr. Falwell prayed by the hour for God’s hand to be on his life, he developed a vision for a church which became an incredible reality. If he could see today’s harvest from that original cluster of thirty-five individuals who longed for a church, and those who desired to have an education built on Biblical principles, he would no doubt be humbled and stunned that God used him to build His kingdom on earth. As you break into small groups, discuss ways you can further the outreach that can affect the world. Remember the recent sermon, how, by 300 A.D., the twelve disciples had increased to over 10,000,000 Christians. Today’s church should be able to impact the entire world exponentially just as the early church did. Pray as you leave that Jesus would give you a personal vision of hope and a future of how you can change your area of influence and help you be extremely aware of the legacy you are leaving your family and friends.

Memory Verse: Mark 11:24: “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

 

/by