Sunday, June 25, 2017

Summer on the Mount: Communion

Introduction:

Describe a time when you desperately wanted to fit in and what happened.


Read Matthew 7:13–23

Who is Jesus speaking to, and what does He mean when He says, "Enter through the narrow gate"?

What are the "road to destruction" and the "road to life" that Jesus is talking about in this passage?

Read Proverbs 14:12. Why does that road (that leads to destruction) appear to be so right to so many people?

Why is it appealing to be open-minded to the point that everything is acceptable and permissible as long as no one is hurt? How does this philosophy destroy?

How do you answer someone who says, "I don't believe that a loving God would send anyone to hell"?

What is the price for choosing the wrong, or big gate? How can you help motivate others not to make that big mistake?

When we take away essential truths of the faith, and believe what we want, how does this neutralize the Majesty and holiness of Jesus, His teachings, how much we have been forgiven, and cheapen His Gospel?

How do you know which of the two paths you are on?

What type of fruit do you exemplify because your heart has been changed by God?

What happens to the church, neighborhood, rGroup, and relationships when you produce fruit to nourish and impact others?


Move Forward:

How will you bear good fruit in your life this week?

Make a list of people who you know who are on the "broad road" and begin praying every day that God would begin to soften each person's (on your list) heart to the Gospel, and that God would give you the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.

Monday, June 19, 2017

I Just Want To Be Happy: Benefits of Generosity

Vs 14–16 - Share an example of someone that has invested in or generously given to you. What's your response to them?

Who/what have you generously invested in?

Vs 17 - In what sense will the spiritual victories of Paul's ministry be "credited" to his financial spiritual partners? What does this make you realize about your own giving?

How does giving strengthen you? What does it strengthen, increase, or grow? Why are these important?

Why is it so much easier to give when you are aware of others around you, and not just focused on your own self?

How can you literally/practically invest in eternity (store up treasures in heaven) this week?

Vs 18 - In what sense is financial giving a "fragrant offering" and an "acceptable sacrifice"? What can keep financial giving from being seen in this exalted way?

Why does God enrich us financially? What are our responsibilities concerning financial blessings?

How, or in what way, are we tempted to give to the Lord and others only when we believe we can afford to do so? How does our love for God and others help us to overcome this temptation?

Read John 3:16. Did God give out of his abundant supply? (No, He gave his ONLY son.) Why did God give? (God LOVED the world, so He gave.)

The gifts that were given to the Apostle Paul were collective, unified gifts from the church at Philippi. What advantages are there in uniting together to collectively give as a church? What are some ways that you can in unity collectively give as a rGroup?

Examine the reasons why you give, or why we don't give, to the Lord and to others.

What is God showing you about your financial partnership with Him?