Called to Testify (South Fork Campus)

Mark 5:1-20

Intro:

From biographical books to reality TV, many people are fascinated by stories about others' lives. What makes us so captivated by learning about other people? What makes for the most interesting stories?


Scripture Discussion & Application:

Read Mark 5:1-5

What stands out to you about this man's condition?

In this story, demons have seized control of this man in his sinful condition and are pushing him to self-destruction. What's an example of a way that sin has proved destructive in your life?

Read Mark 5:6-13

Jesus had the power to free this man from hurting himself and others when no one else could. What's an example of a time in your life when Jesus has freed you from something that was hurting you or others?

The demons beg Jesus not to torment them. Why do you think they say that?
(For leaders: Jesus saves people by breaking the power of evil – sin, Satan and the world – over them. Only when evil is removed and punished are God's people truly free. For followers of Jesus, our evil has been punished on Jesus on the cross. The demons know that Jesus is right to punish them with eternal hell, so they try to buy time by asking that he not do it immediately.)

Read Mark 5:14-17

After being freed by Jesus, this man is radically changed. What are one or two big changes in your life since you've begun a personal relationship with Jesus?

Read Mark 5:18-20

Rather than letting the Gerasene man come with him in the boat, Jesus sends him back to tell people in his country about what Jesus did for him. Why would that have been hard for the man? Why would Jesus tell him to do it?

Why do you think Jesus has decided to spread his message of salvation through witnesses like the Geresene man, you and me instead of through some other means?


Next Steps:

Although we know that as followers of Jesus we should live bold and share our faith and our stories of life change, sometimes we're resistant to do so. What are some things that keep us from living bold?

Sometimes practice helps. Think through your stories of life change though Jesus and practice telling them to friends or family that you're comfortable with. Make a goal to tell one new person one story involving Jesus every week.


How to Pray This Week:

Reflect on how much grace you've received from Jesus. Then spend time in prayer thanking Jesus for the ways that he's found, freed, changed and sent you.

Ask God to embolden you to share Jesus' story through your story regularly. Ask him to help you look for good opportunities and to confidently take them when they occur.


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Happenings

21 Days of Prayer (Launch Service)
January 6th, 5pm at South Fork Campus

This is the kickoff to our yearly 21 days of prayer as a church. What better way to start off our year than by gathering to focus our hearts and minds on prayer as 2019 is beginning. We will worship through singing, corporate prayer, and hearing stories of answered prayers from 2018. This service is designed to help you see how God works through prayer and how you can apply prayer to your life and relationship with God this year. Prayer guides for 21 Days of Prayer will be in seats at the AM and PM services so we can aim or prayers to the same focus each day.

The Change Formula (North Campus)

Mark 10:46-52

Intro:

What were some of the goals you achieved in 2018?

What were some of the resolutions you did not keep?

Do you typically love or hate change?


Scripture Discussion & Application:

The formula for change is: (Dissatisfaction x Vision) + Next Steps > Resistance


Read Mark 10:46-48

Dissatisfaction:

Can you relate (metaphorically) to Bartimaeus' situation in life? How so?

Is there anything going on in your life that makes you cry out to Jesus?

What areas of sin do you need to become really dissatisfied with in order to change?

What will happen if you don't understand how dissatisfying sin is?


Read Mark 10:49-52a

Vision:

Bartimaeus knew exactly what his vision was – to see. Do you have a vision for your life? What is it?

Is there anything you know the Lord has called you to do?

What's been on your 'radar' for quite some time, and you just can't wait any longer to pursue?

We see in verse 52 that Jesus blessed Bartimaeus' request/vision. How can you be sure that God will bless yours?


Read Mark 10:52

Next Steps:

Bartimaeus immediately followed Jesus after receiving his sight. Is there an area in your life where you received a blessing but have stopped pursuing God with?

Why is taking next steps of most importance to your vision?

What do you think your next step in following Jesus is?


Read Mark 10:48

Resistance:

What's keeping you from taking your next steps?

Which one of the following Resistance Factors is prohibiting you the most?
Procrastination, Perfectionism, Other People, Distractions, No Time, Fear, or Environment

What can you do to overcome the resistance keeping you from what God desires for you?


Which part of the Change Formula do you need to focus on most?
Dissatisfaction, Vision, Next Steps, or Resistance?

What change do you believe God wants you to make in 2019?


How to Pray This Week:

Spend some time in prayer, asking God to help everyone overcome the resistance to the change God desires of them.

Pray for anything specific that a group member has mentioned in your discussion.


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Happenings
21 Days of Prayer (Launch Service)
January 6th, 5pm at South Fork Campus
This is the kickoff to our yearly 21 days of prayer as a church. What better way to start off our year than by gathering to focus our hearts and minds on prayer as 2019 is beginning. We will worship through singing, corporate prayer, and hearing stories of answered prayers from 2018. This service is designed to help you see how God works through prayer and how you can apply prayer to your life and relationship with God this year. Prayer guides for 21 Days of Prayer will be in seats at the AM and PM services so we can aim or prayers to the same focus each day.

A Thrill of Hope: Baby Soft Skin

2 Kings 5:1–14

Intro:

When you were a kid, what was one of the things on your Christmas list that you hoped for the most? Did you ever get it?


Scripture Discussion & Application:

Read 2 Kings 5:1–7

Put yourself in Naaman's place. How would you feel knowing that you held a position of power and authority and yet suffered a skin disease you could do nothing about?

Have you ever felt hopeless like that? Frustrated that there was something in your life you could not control or fix? How can those times be beneficial in our relationship with God?

Why are we sometimes disappointed with the way God or other people respond to our requests?

What might out disappointment reveal about our hearts? (See Romans 12:3)

Compare and contrast Naaman and the servant girl.

What do you think this girl must have believed to be true about God in order to tell Naaman how he could be helped?

How do her actions remind you of what Jesus did for us in the gospel?

Let's not forget the fact that this girl was a slave, taken from her home. She could have been bitter about her circumstances, but instead she chose the path of hope. How have you let your current circumstances steal your hope in Jesus?

Read 2 Kings 5:8–14

What does Naaman's response to Elisha (vv. 11–12) reveal about his opinion of himself? How might such an opinion produce disappointment – instead of hope – in our relationship with God?

Why do you think God required Naaman to receive healing by dipping in the Jordan River? What was God trying to teach Naaman?


Next Steps:

What are the biggest sources of disappointment in your life right now? More importantly, how can you place your hope in Jesus?

Who do you know that you wish you could share the message of hope with? What keeps you from doing it? What steps can you take towards having the conversation?


How to Pray This Week:

Spend some time in prayer, asking God to help you find hope and satisfaction in Him alone.

Pray that God would humble us so that we would both seek Him and help those around us seek Him.


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Happenings

Christmas Eve Eve Service
Sunday, December 23rd at 5pm at both campuses.
There is no rWorld for the evening service.
(Sunday morning services are still happening that day as well. Normal schedule for those.)

21 Days of Prayer (Launch Service)
January 6th, 5pm at South Fork Campus
This is the kickoff to our yearly 21 days of prayer as a church. What better way to start off our year than by gathering to focus our hearts and minds on prayer as 2019 is beginning. We will worship through singing, corporate prayer, and hearing stories of answered prayers from 2018. This service is designed to help you see how God works through prayer and how you can apply prayer to your life and relationship with God this year. Prayer guides for 21 Days of Prayer will be in seats at the AM and PM services so we can aim or prayers to the same focus each day.

Flip the Switch: Idol Worshippers

Intro:

Have you ever had this thought: If I don't have ______, I won't be happy? If you're willing to share, what was or is that for you? Or what might you fill the blank with if you asked yourself this question?

Imagine yourself literally bowing down to worship a golden idol. What stands out to you about the emptiness of idols and idol worship?


Scripture Discussion & Application:

1 John 5:18

How does knowing that you're a child of God actually keep you from sinning (placing anything above Him)?

What's the danger in trying to find identity and belonging in anything apart from God? How does that actually hurt us?

1 John 5:19

Why does it seem so natural to seek things of this world for our security and comfort?

What does it look like for a child of God to love life but not to rely on things of this world for security and comfort?

1 John 5:20

When we have a relationship with Jesus, our perspective and understanding of life and our purpose begins to be directed by Him. What happens when we find ourselves looking elsewhere for perspective, understanding and purpose?

1 John 5:21

An idol is anything that take's God's place in our hearts. Have you identified any idols in your life? Grab a piece of paper and a pen, and quickly write out your answers to these questions:

1. What do you value the most?
2. What do you think about the most?
3. What are you seeking the most in life?
4. What do you always have time and money for?
5. What would you sacrifice for?
6. What do you trust in?
7. What are you terrified to lose?
8. What do you desire and dream about?

You may have noticed that some of your answers were actually good things. So how can you turn your focus towards God's heart without abandoning important responsibilities?

Can anyone in the group share of a time that Christ set them free from an idol in their lives? How did Jesus help you? What were you like before and after?


Next Steps:

What needs to change in order to remove idols in your life?

How do you need help to make sure idols don't sneak back into first place?

What's one thing you can start doing this week in order to "guard" or "keep away" from anything that might take God's place in your heart?


How to Pray This Week:

Confess to God that your sinful heart draws you away from Him to other things.

Ask God to give you clear sight and remove the "blinders" that keep you on guard against.

Ask God to forgive you for your spiritual adultery.

Pray for help from worshipping the many good gifts God's given you instead of thanking and worshiping Him for them.


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Happenings

Christmas Eve Eve Service
Sunday, December 23rd at 5pm at both campuses.
There is no rWorld for the evening service.
(Sunday morning services are still happening that day as well. Normal schedule for those.)

Flip the Switch: Overcome the World

1 John 5:1–5


Scripture Discussion & Application

1 John 5:1–2

John says if we love God and believe in Him, then we will love others. Our belief should dictate our behavior. How have you seen your love for God enable you to begin to love those who are 'hard' to love?

In light of that view and God's calling, how will your actions toward people change?

1 John 5:2

Loving God's children is a way to love God and obey Him. Here are some Biblical examples of how to love others. Which ones are easy for you? Which ones are hard?

1. Put them first. (Phil. 2:3)
2. Seek their good. (1 Thess. 5:15)
3. Ask for their forgiveness / forgive them. (Col. 3:13)
4. Listen to them. (James 1:19)
5. Include them. (1 Peter 4:9)
6. Be generous to them. (2 Cor. 9:11)
7. Sacrifice for them. (Jn. 15:13)
8. Encourage them with the gospel. (1 Thess. 5:11)
9. Pray for them. (James 5:16)

1 John 5:3

God has rules and tells us to do things/not do things, but His rules aren't meant to be a hassle for us to follow and obey. Why is it that we see God's commandments as burdensome instead of helpful?

What was it like when you obeyed God in spite of what you wanted and saw it turn out to be for the best?

1 John 5:4–5

If faith is what ensures our victory over the world, what can you do to "feed your faith"?

When/how/where is your faith the strongest?

Where in your day-to-day life do you feel defeated by the world? How can the application of faith help you overcome your battle(s)?

How do you see the connection between faith, love and obedience?


Next Steps

Love God and others. Pick a few of the ways to love others (discussed above) and commit to love others this week by doing those things. Which ones will you do?

Obey God. Identify the area(s) in your life where you know you're disobeying God. Confess your sins to God, turn back towards Him, and ask Him and others to help you obey what He's called you to do. What's one way you will obey this week?

Feed your faith. Choose one of the following ways to feed your faith:
- Gratitude by looking back at all God has done
- Taking another step of faith to keep moving forward
- Give it all to God and depend on Him completely
Which one(s) do you choose to build your faith?


How To Pray This Week

Pray that your group will understand the connection between our faith, love and obedience to God. Ask God to shine a light on areas in which we need to grow towards Him more, and that we will be obedient to what He's called us to do.


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Happenings

Communion
Sunday, November 25th
Use this week as a chance to serve together, host a party and invite new people, or hang out together outside of your usual meeting place. As we church people say, "do life" together.

Christmas Eve Eve Service
Sunday, December 23rd at 5pm at both campuses.
There is no rWorld for the evening service.
(Sunday morning services are still happening that day as well. Normal schedule for those.)

Flip the Switch: Here's What Love Does

1 John 4:7–21

→ Scripture Discussion

What are some ways the world defines love?

Read 1 John 4:7–10

How does the Bible define it?
(See 1 John 4:9–10 and John 15:13.)

God showed His love for us by sending His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins. What insight does this give us into how God expects us to show love to others?

What happens to our efforts to love each other if those efforts aren't connected to Jesus' love for us?

How willing are you to make loving sacrifices in your relationships with others right now?

What does your willingness to sacrifice for others show about the way you see and define love?

What is the difference between claiming that "God is loving," and that "God is love"? Why is the second more meaningful than the first?

How does God's love for us transform the way we see other people?

When we fail to love others, what does it reveal about our own relationship with God?

Why is it important that we find the definition of love in the cross rather than somewhere else?

What is the danger of defining God's love based on your circumstances rather than the cross?

Is there any situation in your life right now that is causing you to question the love of God? Based on these verses, how would you counter those doubts?

Read 1 John 4:11–21

Does verse 12 indicate that God's love is somehow imperfect or incomplete? Why or why not?

What does it mean that God's love is made complete or perfected when we love one another?
(As we love one another, that love of God becomes visible to those around us through the tangible and sacrificial expressions of love. This is how the love of God is made complete and becomes visible – when we love each other.)

When we love the way God loves, two things happen according to verses 17–21. What are they?


→ Personal Application

When do you find it hard to love?

Who do you find hard to love?

How can we overcome the challenge to love?


→ Next Steps

Love sends. What opportunities do you have to go out of your way for someone this week?

Love sacrifices. How will you give your very best in order to demonstrate the love of God to someone this week?

Love stays. Who needs you to remain with them this week?


→ How To Pray This Week

Pray and thank God that He deals with us in love. Thank Him for defining love through Jesus, and pray that we would love each other in the same practical and tangible ways He has loved us.


→ Happenings

Communion - Sunday, November 25th
Use this week as a chance to serve together, host a party and invite new people, or hang out together outside of your usual meeting place. As we church people say, "do life" together.

Flip the Switch: Three Big Questions

1 John 3:18–24


Scripture Discussion

1. What if you could know you're saved? (vs. 18–19)

How is God's true love seen to be real in a believer?

What are some differences between 'acting' and 'actions' when it comes to our faith?

What is one way in which you've noticed your actions demonstrate your faith?

What has caused you to question whether or not you're really saved?
-  Do you bring your questions to God to answer, or do you try to find them on your own?

2. Why do we feel guilty? (v. 20)

How can guilt keep us away from a deep relationship with God?

But how has conviction pushed you toward a deeper relationship with God?

Why is your conscience not the same thing as the Holy Spirit?

The heart of man has always been a problem. When should we listen to it and when should we stop listening?

3. What's the deal with prayer? (vs. 21–22)

Why would our obedience to God's commands affect our confidence in prayer?

Why don't we get what we prayed for?

How can you get to a point where you know what pleases God and pray for that?

vs. 23–24

Believe in Jesus. Obey God. Love others. How has Jesus changed your life and caused you to obey God and love others?



Next Steps

How can you put God's love that is in you into action this week?

What will you do about the Holy Spirit's conviction in your life?

What is one or two things you will pray for this week because you know it pleases God?

(rGroup Leaders, use this week's discussion to get those who are on the fringes with their faith to talk with you about where they're at, what's holding them back, and what they'd like to do about it.)



How To Pray This Week

Pray for the group to experience a greater level of reassurance in their relationship with God through faith in Christ, and that God would cast away any fear or doubt.



Happenings

Communion - Sunday, November 25th
Use this week as a chance to serve together, host a party and invite new people, or hang out together outside of your usual meeting place. As we church people say, "do life" together.

Flip the Switch: Paternity Test

1 John 3:1–18


Introduction

How is it possible to tell apart believers and unbelievers?


Scripture Discussion


Read verse 10. In this verse, John describes two evidences of children of God:
1. Practice Righteousness
2. Known for Love

Which one of those two is harder for you?

Practice Righteousness:

How do you distinguish between righteousness and self-righteousness?

Why is it easy to fall back into our sinful nature, yet hard to be consistently righteous?

Take the word 'practice' literally. How are you practicing righteousness?

Read verse 9. How does knowing that God's nature abides in you change your approach to sin and lawlessness?

Known for Love:

What are you known for by your family, friends or coworkers?

What drives people in our culture to be loved?

How is love really demonstrated?

To what need of others do you close your heart?

Are children of God able to produce this kind of love on their own? How is it accomplished?

How is engaging in controversies and quarrels with the world unprofitable?

Read James 1:27. What does James teach about religion?

Read Psalm 89:14-15. Why is being born of God an important art of our identity in Christ?


Next Steps

Some in your group may be enslaved to a pattern of sin. This does not necessarily mean they're not Christians, but that they need encouragement and support to help overcome it. This week may be a good time to bring up these matters with individuals in your group and encourage them to seek Christ for deliverance and support. Challenge the group to consider how they can love one another through the process of repentance.

What step will you take this week in order to practice righteousness (Move Forward)?

John provides on very practical way to love one another: meet the material needs of other believers (1 John 3:17-18). This week, as a group, prayerfully consider identifying an individual or family whose material needs you can meet. This is just one example. Feel free to explore other opportunities to love others the way Jesus has loved you.

How will you put love into action (Love Big) this week?

How To Pray This Week

Pray that your group will be encouraged to pursue righteousness and live their life in the light.

Pray that your group will respond in love when the world expresses hatred.

Pray for the group to express sacrificial love toward those in need.


Happenings

Operation Christmas Child: Shoebox Packing Party & Chicken Stew

When/Where: Sat, Nov 3rd at 3pm at REVO North

What: This is a free event (including free chicken stew for attendees), although donations to help cover shoebox shipping costs and desserts will be accepted, and kids are welcome! We’ll enjoy fellowship, pack shoeboxes with items already provided by REVO & donations, and pray for the kids who will receive the boxes.

How to help: In addition to attending, we also still need more volunteers for the event so please email Pastor Barrett (barrett@discoverrevo.com) if you’re interested in serving and he’ll connect with you volunteer leaders to find out how to be involved!

Can’t attend? We are also taking pre-orders for Chicken Stew to Go. $10 a quart and money goes to help pay for shipping costs. Have it for Sunday lunch or freeze it for the first snow day. Also make sure to return all filled shoeboxes that you/your family/your rGroup have packed yourselves to REVO by Sunday morning Oct 28 if possible or, at the very latest, by Sunday, Nov 4.

Flip the Switch: 4th Quarter

Read 1 John 2:18–29


Introduction

John begins by again referring to his readers as "children" and issues a warning. What was something your parents warned you about as a child?


Scripture Discussion

v. 18 - Why does John emphasize a sense of urgency ("the last hour is here")? How does this apply to us reading the Word today?

What is an antichrist? Who are they?

v. 19 - Who are these who "went out" and what does that mean? Can they be considered believers? Are we to call people heretics if they stop going to our church? What is the application here for us?

v. 20-21 - What does the Holy Spirit have to do with our understanding of truth and doctrine? How does the Spirit protect us from false teaching? How do you know if someone is a falser teacher or not?

v. 22-23 - What does John call someone who denies that Jesus is the Christ? How can we deal with this strong word in our culture of tolerance today?

Who was the first liar? Why does our enemy use lies as his chief weapon against believers? What makes this effective?

What are some of the lies the enemy uses?

How can we avoid being deceived into believing the enemy's lies?

v 24-25 - What does John mean, "what you have heard from the beginning? When you receive that, what do you have and for how long?

v 28 - What reason does v. 28 give you for having a close relationship with Jesus? Are you ready for Him to come back? Ideally, what would you like the state of your earthly life to be when He returns? What stands in the way of that?


Next Steps

Pay close attention to what friends, pastors, leaders, the media, etc. say about your family, humanity, society, and God. Consider statements and evaluate whether they are wholly true, partly true, or completely false.

Identify people in your life that you can trust to teach and show you the truth. Let them know that you want them to hold you accountable, and that you will do the same for them.

The last hour is here. What next step has God called you to move forward with?


How To Pray This Week

Pray that the Holy Spirit would give you greater discernment to detect and combat false teaching in your daily life.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you remain in fellowship with Christ and be full of courage.

Flip the Switch: Jellyfish or Salmon?

Read 1 John 2:15–17

Scripture Review

What does John mean when he says "do not love the world"? What do you think are some things in the world that we shouldn't love?

How can our love of the world squeeze out our love for God?

What are the three techniques that Satan uses to draw us into loving the world?


Personal Application

1. Lust of the Flesh

What does our culture run hard after when it comes to desires?

What is advertised in our world today that makes people believe that "it" will bring happiness?

What would you say is the "current" flowing in schools and universities? At your workplace? Amongst your friends?

How can a believer choose to "fight against the current" or "take a stand for righteousness?"

2. Lust of the Eyes

How would you describe "lust of the eyes?"

What kind of study do you let your eyes watch? How does that affect your soul?

Are you tempted to get the latest electronics, car, house, etc.? What's the pull?

What stops us from being ruled by our desires?

3. Pride of Life

How do we define worldliness? What makes evil look normal, and godliness look weird?

Our lives ruled by pride either makes us feel superior to some, while making us feel inferior to others. Why is that a bad thing?


Next Steps

What are some practical ways we can combat each of these temptations?

How can you be like a salmon swimming up stream and against the current, and not like a jellyfish that just drifts wherever the current takes it?

What are some safeguards that you can implement in our life and in your home that will keep you from drifting into loving the world?


How To Pray This Week

Pray that as you are tempted by the things of the world this week that you will remember your identity in Christ and claim God's power to fight back against those temptations.

Flip the Switch: The Light Test

Read 1 John 2:3–11

How would you respond to someone who asks, "Why does it matter how I live, if Jesus forgives all my sin and is the atoning sacrifice"?


Scripture Review

Read verse 3. What does John point out is the clear indication in our lives of whether or not we have come to know Jesus?

Read verses 4–5. What's the difference between a liar and someone telling the truth?

Read verse 6. Who should our behavior be modeled after? How did Jesus demonstrate obedience to His Father, and how can you?

Read verse 7–8. In what sense is loving God and obeying him an 'old command' and in what sense is it a 'new command'?

Read verses 9-12. What does it mean to 'be' or 'live' in the light?

Why do you think John emphasizes our love for other Christians as much as he does?

Read verses 1–2. What grace is being offered in this passage?


Personal Application

What would you say about the person who claims to know Jesus but whose life tells another story? How can/do you help someone in this situation?

If someone claims to be in the light but has a terrible relationship with a brother or sister in Christ, what does this indicate? How can/do you help someone in this situation?

What kind of person is this passage calling you to be?

How is Jesus your ultimate example? How do you, personally, look up to and imitate him? Share an example.

How does participating in community (or not) affect your faith?


Next Steps

Which truth from this passage is the most important to you today? What practical way will you apply this truth to your life?

What specific command(s) are challenging to follow? How will you change and obey?

Spend some time with your group to connect outside of your weekly meeting – at someone's home, coffee shop, restaurant, etc. Share your personal stories of your relationship with God.


How To Pray This Week

Confess the areas in your life in which you have been disobeying God. Ask God for forgiveness, and tell Him how you will move forward.

Pray that God would gracefully develop deep and meaningful relationships in your group so that we can live in the light.

Flip the Switch: Let's Get Lit

→ Ice Breaker

How would you answer someone who asked you to describe God?

→ Read 1 John 1:5–2:2

→ Scripture Review

What does it mean in 1:5 that 'God is light?' What does it mean when there is no darkness in Him at all?

1 John 1:5 implies that people believe different things about God than that He is light. What other things do people believe about God?

Why do you think John summarizes the message of God by stating that He is light rather than Him being love?

What's the definition of a liar in 1:6?

Read verse 7. How can one 'live in the light'? What does that mean?

How does John describe the Christian life in 1 John1:9?

Why is repentance such an important part of the Christian life? What are the consequences if we are unwilling to repent? (1 John 1:6–10)

Read 2:1-2. Does Jesus' advocacy encourage you to seek him when you sin? Why or why not?


→ Personal Application

How has knowing God changed your heart and life? How have you and others noticed the difference?

How does your faith in Jesus change your view of sin?

Is it possible to have faith in God and continue living in sin? Why or why not?

How does 'walking in the light' encourage you to live your life before God and others?

What is biblical confession? Does this refer to confession that leads to salvation (what gives you the relationship with God) or confession that leads to maintaining your relationship with God? Does it matter?

Do you consider yourself someone who is quick to repent? What causes us to delay repenting?

If you would lead someone to Jesus, what truths in this passage could you point to and use to do it?


→ How To Pray This Week

Pray for everyone in the group to come to a greater understanding of God – that He's light (holy) – and how He desires for us to live by faith in Christ, trusting his cleansing work, not ours.


→ Next Steps

This week's text challenges us to examine whether or not we are walking in the light. Here is a great opportunity to encourage your group to walk in the light with God and one another. Depending on the makeup of your group, you can consider one of the following options:

1. Set aside some time at the end for confession, prayer, and encouragement. You can keep the group together as a whole, or consider breaking up into smaller groups.

2. If you don't have enough time, encourage people to get together outside of group time for confession, prayer and encouragement.

Rebuild: How to Get Anyone to Do Anything

Read Haggai 2:10–19

Intro

Think back through Nathan/Wes' talk about these verses. What stuck out to you?

One question posed on Sunday was, "Why do you obey God?" What was your initial response?


Scripture Review

Three weeks into this series, what are some themes you notice playing out in your life?

Read Haggai 2:12-14. What message is God sending through Haggai? How does it apply today?

Think about verse 14, specifically. How much of what you do is defiled by sin?

Read Haggai 2:15-17. Why do you suppose God reminded them of their former frustrations?

Why is it necessary to notice and think about the frustrations that occur when we do not put Jesus first?

Do you think God's point for the people was for them to make a nice temple? (No.) Then what does God want instead? (He wanted their whole hearts devoted and obedient to Him.)


Personal Application

When you're making the right choices, but life doesn't go your way, how do you respond?

Why do we often think the good in our lives can be used to balance the bad in our lives?

How current are you in your obedience to God? Is there anything on a waiting list?

Is your obedience conditional on the size of the reward God provides?

What hard things are happening to you that could be an opportunity to grow closer to God?

Have you ever identified examples of "blight, mildew and hail" (vs 17) in your daily life? What are some good techniques for identifying them?

What's the difference between a change of action and a change of heart?


Next Steps

What is one thing you're really struggling to trust God with? How could you give that part of your heart to Him?

What step will you take this week to prioritize your love for God?


How To Pray This Week

Pray that you will learn to obey God out of your love for Him. Ask God to teach you to trust, show you how to believe, and strengthen you to obey.

Confess your dirty things to God and ask Him to make them clean.

Rebuild: Finish What You Start

Read Haggai 1:13–2:9

When using this discussion format, please choose the appropriate questions for your own group, and add or edit questions as necessary. You probably will not have time to ask every question below, so choose one or two from each section to keep the flow of the conversation going from ice breakers into scripture review, then personal application, next steps and prayer.


Ice Breakers

What's a big decision you made – one that maybe seemed a little crazy or ambitious, especially to others?

- How hard did you find it to keep going with what you had decided to do, in the face of opposing reactions from others?

- Were there times when it seemed impossible?

- Did you feel that God was present and faithful?

We've all quit on something within 1 month of starting. What's one thing you gave up on within 30 days of starting?


Scripture Review

Read Haggai 1:14. How did the Lord motivate the people to serve? Has He ever done that to you?

Read Haggai 2:4. What is God's promise? Do you find this promise to give you strength?

Why does the Bible stress the need for God's people to be strong and courageous?

Read Haggai 2:5. What is God's promise? How does this help you to not worry?

How might the words, "I am with you" make a big difference in your life?

Read Haggai 2:8-9. What does God say that can bring hope to their building project? (He will provide.) How does this change the way you go about your life?


Personal Application

Which of those encouragements that Haggai gave the people do you find most reassuring?

What personal word of promise, presence or courage do you need from God as you face whatever is in front of you right now?

What is a small step that you need to start being consistent with in order to truly move forward?


Next Steps

Is God stirring up your spirit through something and inviting you to be obedient in an area of your life?

What are some practical ways in which you can help people who are discouraged because their lives are being rocked?


How To Pray This Week

Finish What You Started - Ask God to give you strength to finish what you are discouraged with or have given up on. Ask for his wisdom to understand his promises in your situation.

Help Others - Commit to God that you will help encourage others who are struggling through a big situation in their life. Ask God to show you ways in which He can use you to encourage them.

Rebuild - Build the House

Haggai 1:1-11

Ice Breakers

1. Have you ever helped build or rebuild something? What's the hardest part?

2 - What part of the message/scripture impacted you the most? What point or phrase really stood out to you?


Scripture Review

3 - Read Haggai 1:2. One of the possible reasons why they didn't rebuild the temple was that it was going to take some hard work. What are the things in our lives that are hard, that we know are right/godly/biblical/healthy, but we aren't doing?

4 - The temple was in partial disrepair for a long time. It was partially built but never finished. Is there something in your life that you started, but haven't finished? What is something that God has instructed you to do that you haven't seen to the end?

5 - Read Haggai 1:3-5. The words "paneled houses" in our context could mean "a house with all the amenities." However, God isn't against nice things. What does God say that the problem really is with the situation?

6 - Read Haggai 1:6. What is consistent throughout this verse?


Personal Application

7 - What's your greatest barrier to acting on God's plan for your life?

8 - Has your life ever looked like Haggai 1:6? What have you learned from that period?

9 - God may not be calling you to do someTHING different. He may be calling you to do the same THING but for someONE different. What's the difference in going to work this week with God as your priority vs going to work this week with someone/thing else as the top priority?


Next Steps

10 - What is the biggest area of your life in which you need to rebuild your devotion to God?

11 - Describe what your three steps to laying a foundation – based on Haggai 1:8 – might look like. Just start with 3 small, simple steps so that you can move forward this week.

12 - Have you ever had to lay a new foundation in a specific area of your life before? Ever had to hit the reset button and start over? What worked? How did it turn out?

13 - What are some practical ways you'll make God's work your priority? Write a list, and put it on your fridge.

14 - Do something for someone else or for the church instead of yourself this week. Then, make it a new habit.


How To Pray This Week

15 - "Give careful thought to your ways." That phrase is repeated two times in three verses, and we know that repetition signifies importance in Scripture. So be honest with yourself; "give careful thought to your ways" right now. As the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what areas of your life need to be rebuilt with God as the priority.

16 - Sometimes doing the right thing is hard. Ask God for the strength and discipline this week to prioritize Him, listen and obey, and start the rebuilding process in your life. You're going to need Him to help you stay dedicated and see His plan through until completion!

Are You Kidding Me?! - The Scene Doesn't Say It All

Genesis 50:15–20

Apart from the Bible, what's your favorite story and why?

What makes a great story?

Why do you think so much of the Bible is in story form?

What do you do when your story is not going the way you want it to?

Ever feel like you're stuck? Getting nowhere in your story? What should you do when your story seems to be on pause?

Read verse 19. Are you afraid of anything right now? How do you know if you're in the place God wants you to be in? And if you are there, how does this reassure you?

Read verse 20. Share a time when you faced a hardship and saw God bring something good out of it.

What can you do when you can't find anything good from what's going on in your life?

Discuss the difference between what it looks like to trust in yourself versus trusting in God.

What specific scene in your life do you need to begin trusting God with?

How will you move forward in the story God has for you this week?

Are You Kidding Me?! - Scared Out of My Mind

What "silly" things are you afraid of? (eg. clowns, birds, spiders, germs, etc.)

Read Mark 4:35-41

Which part of this story best describes your life right now?
A. Getting in the boat
B. Middle of the storm
C. Waking Jesus up
D. Amazed by God

When have you felt like God was asleep in the middle of life's storm? How did you deal with that?

What should we expect from God when we find ourselves in a storm?

How would the disciples have responded if they had faith?
(They would not have awakened Him and asked if He cared. They would have trusted His very presence to keep them safe.)

Why is it so hard to have "faith" in the middle of life's hard times?

In what areas of your life are you tempted to respond with fear rather than faith?

What activities have you found to be helpful when you're going through hard times?

Read Mark 6:35-41

What is the most frightening or unbelievable thing you've ever seen?

What does this story reveal about Christ's involvement in our own trials?
(He is both aware of and concerned about our struggles and acts on our behalf. His deliverance reveals to us His supernatural power.)

In verse 36, Jesus says, "Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid." In what situations do you most need to take these words to heart?

Next Steps:

Take courage (move forward in spite of fear) with what God has called you to do. What next step does God want you to take?

Who do you know that is in a storm right now? How can you encourage them and build their faith?

Build your faith this week by spending more time in God's presence. Remove distractions, find your quiet place, and just be alone with God.

Are You Kidding Me?! - After All They Did to Me?!

Genesis 45:1-24

Has anything specific jumped out to you, either in this passage or from the sermon on Sunday?

If you were in Joseph's place, do you think you could have forgiven your brothers for all they did and for all they caused you to go through?

Are there offenses that have been committed against you that are very difficult for you to forgive? What's that process been like?

What typically hinders you from fully forgiving someone else?

Joesph was betrayed by his brothers, his boss' wife and his friends in prison. Instead of becoming bitter, he trusted God. How can you avoid becoming bitter when you are betrayed?

How does your relationship with God effect your ability to forgive others?
(Joseph trusted God's plan and believed in His providence, which allowed him to forgive his brothers.)

How can you use this to help you now and in the future?

Is there a mistake you have made where you've found it difficult to forgive yourself? How can this story help you do something about that?

What did this part of Joseph's story show you about God?

How has this group been a good example of reconciling community?

Next Steps:

Will you choose to forgive? Ask the Lord to show you specific people, perhaps some that you are not aware of, that you need to forgive. Write out a prayer expressing your willingness for God to change your heart toward someone you need to forgive.

Thank God for forgiving you! Remind yourself that the forgiveness we extend to others is very small in comparison with the forgiveness that God extends to us.

Announcements:

If your rGroup is going to take a break from your regular weekly meetings, please let your group know what to expect. When's your last week before the break? Will you get together a couple times in the summer to serve or hang out? When will you start back again? What can you do to stay in touch, refresh, and use the summer to your advantage?

Also, stay tuned for a rGroup Leaders get-together coming up this summer. I don't have a date, time or place established yet, but this will be a great time for all of us.

In the meanwhile, please email me at stephen@discoverrevo.com if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, etc. I enjoy hearing from you.

Are You Kidding Me?! - It's Your Own Fault

Genesis 42–44

This text is about how God used a series of tests to get Joseph's brothers' attention. The brothers never mentioned God, never thought about God, so God allows some things to happen in their lives to get them to focus on Him.

Who's got a funny story about how someone blamed someone else for something they did wrong?

What makes it difficult to accept responsibility for your actions?
(Because no one likes to fail.)

What feelings do people avoid when they constantly blame other people for their actions?
(Guilt, shame, attention, insecurity, etc.)

What does our tendency to blame others reveal about the human heart?
(We're selfish, and would rather someone else face the consequences of our failures.)

Why is it so important to take full responsibility for our sin, failures or shortcomings?
(When you blame others, you give up your power to change.)

God will test us to see if we are actually learning, growing, and moving forward from the things we admitted and took responsibility for. He wants us to grow up! Are there any tests you're in the midst of right now? How are you doing?

God doesn't test us because He doesn't know how weak/strong we are. He tests us because WE don't know how weak/strong we are. Have you ever gone through a test, and then realized how spiritually weak or strong you were? What was that like?

What test does God seem to be giving you over and over again? Why do you think he wants you to retake it?

Testing should make us spiritually stronger (James 1:2, 4). What do you need to do, and what do you need to ask God for help with in order to become stronger and pass your test(s)?
(The only way you're really going to know what you will do is to go through some things and be faithful to God. Stick with things, don't give up and run away, and don't blame everyone else for your problems.)

Next Steps:

Accepting responsibilities can be difficult, but this builds character and confidence, earns respect, and can motivate us to complete our work. What responsibility do you need to accept in order to accomplish the work God has for you?

Moving forward requires faithful actions. What area do you need to be faithful with in order to move forward in your walk with God?

Mother's Day: Desperate Housewives

Matthew 15:21-28

v 21-22 - The Gentile woman came to Jesus with her plea the first chance she got. When you're desperate for something from God, how do you typically go about that? For instance, how quickly do you go to God? How often? How long? How desperate do you get with Him? etc.

The woman came to Jesus on behalf of her daughter. Who is someone that you have desperately or constantly gone to God for?

v 23a - This woman was panicked, begging and pleading Jesus to respond, but Jesus was silent. How was Jesus not really ignoring her, but already involved in His work?

v 23b - Jesus' disciples got annoyed with her begging and tried to get her to go away. What kind of obstacles have deterred you from pursuing your faith? How can you overcome them?

v 24 - What happens when God says no to you?

v 25 - This woman shows great persistence in her faith and pursuit of Jesus. What's an area in your life where you need to become more persistent and not give up on pursuing God?

v 26 - Jesus says no to her request again. How can (or do) you worship God when you don't feel "blessed"?

v 27 - She's willing to take the little scraps from Jesus. How far will you go just to see God do one "little" thing in your life?

v 28 - Jesus says, "your faith is great." Describe what you believe it will take for God to say the same about you.

How do you think God is testing your faith right now? (or) What did this story teach you about your faith?

Next Steps:

Read Hebrews 11:6. How can you apply this verse to your life?

Write a brief prayer asking God to nurture in your life the kind of faith and persistence demonstrated by the Gentile woman.

Write down and commit to one step of great (persistent) faith you can take this week.

Are You Kidding Me?! - What's Taking So Long?

Genesis 41:1–46

1. Genesis 41:1 tells us that Joseph has been sitting in prison for two long years since he helped the cupbearer and baker.

• When have you had to wait a really long time for God to move you forward in challenging circumstances?
• How did God move you forward?
• What is the most important thing you've learned about waiting?

2. Training for greater things always takes place in lesser things. We all have dreams and desire for "greater things" in all areas of our lives.

• How are you being faithful today with the "lesser things"?
• What are the smaller platforms and opportunities that you have right now that are preparing you for what's next?

3. When we complain about things in our lives, it often is rooted in areas where we need to grow spiritually.

• What are the big areas in your life that you complain about most often?
• How can you avoid the complaining trap by "waiting well"?
• How would your life be different if you stopped complaining and started looking for ways to be faithful and obedient to God now?

4. Genesis 41:16 shows that despite everything that has happened to Joseph, he is still holding on and trusting in God.

• Is it hard for you to keep trusting God when you have to wait?
• What parts of life end up testing your ability to trust and wait on God the most?

Are You Kidding Me?! - Detour Ahead!

Genesis 39:19 – 40:23

When a detour occurs in your life, how have you generally reacted toward it?

Why does God not take us on a direct route from where we are to where He wants us to be? Share a personal example of how God led you in a "roundabout way" toward a desired goal. What are some important lessons you learned on the path?

Joseph was born into a dysfunctional family, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, sent to jail unjustly, and forgotten by everyone he had helped and served. Have you ever had to bear negative consequences in your life as a result of your commitment to God?

Obviously, Joseph was not where he wanted to be (and not where God told him he would be yet), but while he was in prison, he was given an opportunity with the baker and the cupbearer. What opportunities are in front of you right now in the midst of your detour?

Has there been a time in your life where you were so focused on the final destination of your future that you were missing what God wanted to do in your life right in the present?

Have you ever tried to refuse taking a detour? What happened as a result?

Are you on a detour emotionally, relationally, career-wise, or in another way? Answer these questions concerning your situation:

1. How is this experience developing my relationship with God?
2. What am I learning about myself through the situation?
3. What opportunities do I have now that I otherwise would not have had if I wasn't on this detour?
4. What could God be preparing me for in the future through this experience?

Next Steps:

This week, some of your rGroup members ma have shared some struggles and pains associated with detours they find themselves on. Be sure to spend some time praying for them (and for each other) as a group before you dismiss.

On your own, take some time to identify ways you can improve your relationship with God in the midst of your detours and disappointments.

Are You Kidding Me?! - But I Did the Right Thing!

Genesis 39:1–23

Share a personal story about a time in your life in which it was very easy and seemingly innocent to cheat.

How would you define or explain integrity?
(The word 'integrity' evolved from the Latin adjective 'integer', meaning whole or complete. In this context, integrity is the sense of 'wholeness', and not a fraction. 8/8 is a whole number, 7/8 would be a fraction.)

What does the concept of "whole" and "complete" tell you about integrity?
(Integrity can not be something we have "some" or "most" of the time. It's something we must have "all" of the time. It's our character.)

What do "small" choices and "white lies" have to do with integrity?

What are some of the greatest tests of integrity that men/women/couples/moms/teens (whatever fits your rGroup) face today?

What types of situations test your integrity the most?

Do you think integrity is valued today in society? Why or why not?

How can you specifically follow Joseph's example to run from temptation (sexual temptation or other kinds)?

Was there anything that Joseph did to help him make a decision in response to Potiphar's wife's advances? How can you learn from him?

If it matters, guard it. What "guard rails" are in your life to protect your integrity? What guard rails do you need to add?

What happens to your relationship with God, with others, and with the opportunities God gives you when you refuse to have integrity?

Even though Joseph demonstrated his character of integrity, he still got blamed and thrown in prison. Has integrity ever cost you something?

Why do you think God allowed the situation with "Mrs. Potiphar" to end the way it did, especially in light of God's favor in other areas of Joseph's life?

Everything we do as a child of God and follower of Jesus must be in integrity, truthfulness, and honesty, as we are representing Him who is living in us. What are you tempted to pursue/follow more than Jesus?

Next Steps:

What do you need to confess of and turn away from in order to follow God with integrity?

Think through the steps you need to take to put integrity into action in a specific instance. For example, what can you do to be more consistent and proactive with integrity?

What action step will you take this week to build your character of integrity?

Pray:

God, we need your guidance every single step of the way. Help us to see those times when we have a decision to make about who we are and who we are not. Help us to follow you and not our own desires. And show us the way that we need to walk, talk and think to stay in step with you.

Are You Kidding Me?! - It's Not My Fault!

Genesis 37:18–35

Being a Christian does not mean we will not face extreme hardships in life. According to these verses (18-35), how does what's happening to Joseph remind you of what happened to Jesus?
• Joseph was hated by his brothers. Jesus was hated by his own.
• Joseph's brother's conspired against him. The Jews of Jesus' day conspired against Jesus
• Joseph was stripped of his coat. Jesus was stripped of His clothing.
• Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver. Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

What is a time you took the blame for something you did not do or when someone took the fall for you?

Without looking it up online, what is your definition of the word 'blame'?
('to assign responsibility for a fault of wrong')

Joseph's brothers were quick to devise a plan that would help them "get away with" their actions. What makes it difficult to accept responsibility for your actions?

Part of giving blame is that you also then accept innocence. This can lead to hypocrisy in our lives. What is the danger of a Christian hypocrite to others? What is the danger of a Christian hypocrite to themselves?

What feelings do people avoid when they constantly blame other people for their actions?

What role does pain or discomfort play in the issue of blame?
(Blame is pushing away pain and discomfort. We blame when we're uncomfortable, experiencing pain, when we're vulnerable, angry, hurt, in shame, and grieving. There's nothing productive about blame.)

In your opinion, does stubbornness reflect an open or closed mind? Does it matter? Why or why not?

Joseph might have wondered where God was while being thrown in a pit and sold as a slave. However, we can see God in the small details. Share a real example of how to look for God's hand in times of trouble. How does this help you trust God more?

Why can't blame and trusting God co-exist?

Why is it comforting to know God can fulfill His will despite our rock-bottom circumstances?

Next Steps:

• What responsibility have you pushed on someone else that you need to take on yourself?

• What would it look or feel like to release the blame you've put on yourself, and ask God to forgive you?

• Is there a circumstance in your life that you are unhappy with and blame God? How might you experience His love and grace in that?

• What difficulty are you facing that you will trust God to control?

Are You Kidding Me?! - Living the Dream

Genesis 37:1–14

Joseph had a dream from God about what his life's calling would be.

A phrase you may have heard before is, "I'm doing what God put me on this Earth to do" or "I was made to _______." People often equate their passions, profession, or skills to God's will and purpose for their lives. Do you have a "dream" (AKA purpose, calling, destiny) for your life?

How do you know it's from God and not just a desire of yours? How can you tell the difference between a God-dream and man's dreams?

(Let anyone answer, discuss and brainstorm. You don't have to have the "right" answer yet.)

Many times, people believe that since they are a Christian, that means that God will bless their business, their family, their decisions, and their finances out of obligation. They believe that God will (or at least should) bless the dreams of Christians. Is that really what the Bible says God will do? Explain.

Here are 4 ways that the dream from Joseph helps us to see what a dream (calling, purpose, destiny) from God looks like:

#1 - A dream from God will always bring glory to God. A dream of yours usually only focuses around making YOU look better.

What's a calling you have that is meant to bring glory to God?

What is a dream you are pursuing that has left God's purpose out of it?

(Joseph's dream was about elevating Joseph to a position of power because God wanted a powerful person to proclaim to the people the truth about God. Joseph's elevation wasn't about him at all, but about God giving him a platform designed to give God glory.)

#2 - A dream from God benefits others. A dream of yours is focused on benefiting you and your life. God may bless you in the process, but it's not designed to simply be for you.

What's one of your personal missions that is centered around the benefit of others?

What dream of yours needs to be readjusted so that it includes others?

(Joseph was elevated so that people would be provided for during a famine, so that Pharaoh could tie the success to God through Joseph, and so that many people would know God. It wasn't about giving Joseph money and power just for his sake.)

#3 - A dream from God won't go away (it will resonate and even intensify over time). A dream of yours changes with your stage of life, circumstances, economy, and surroundings.

What passion has God put in your heart that has never gone away? And what are you doing with it?

What's a temporal pursuit that you know is from yourself and will fade away soon? What are you going to do about it?

(Joseph's dream came to him multiple times. It wasn't a one-and-done.)

#4 - A dream from God will be completed by God. God will do the work, make the way, provide the means, and work in people's hearts. A dream of yours means it's all up to you. God doesn't promise to bless OUR dreams, He promises to bless HIS dream for our life.

How have you seen God provide you with everything necessary to complete His dream for your life?

(There is no way that Joseph could have orchestrated his story. Because his purpose was given by God, God took care of all the details. If it's God's will, it's God's bill.)

Next Steps:

So, how does your "dream" line up? Is it a persona desire, or is it your purpose and destiny from God? Remember, there's nothing wrong with personal desires. We just need to make sure we don't miss the purpose that God has for our lives because we are busy chasing our version of a dream for our lives.

What do you need to confess to God and repent of? What do you need to ask God's help for? What's one step you can take towards God's dream this week?

Easter Sunday 2018

Luke 24:13–31

Read Luke 24:13-16

Why, of all the disciples to visit on this first day of His resurrection, would Jesus come alongside these two discouraged believers, and for it to be recorded for us?
(This could be a lesson for strong believers to take time, and come alongside those who are weak in their faith, building them up and encouraging one another by explaining the scriptures that our God is never far from us, even when we are low in faith.)

Why do you think the men did not recognize Jesus? How do we not recognize Jesus today?

Read Luke 24:17-24

How did the men "miss" Jesus in verse 21? How do we miss Jesus today? How do we miss the gospel today?

How does the reality of Christ fuel our mission?

What helps you recognize that it is Jesus who is walking alongside you when you are discouraged or confused?

If Jesus were to walk a few miles with you today, what would you talk with Him about?

Read Luke 24:24-31

What value do you see in Jesus doing a Bible study with them instead of just telling them who He was?

Why do you think Jesus disappeared once they recognized Him?
(We are to walk by faith and not by sight - 2 Corinthians 5:7. His disciples had been relying on His visible presence, some of them for three years now, but now it is time to lean on His invisible presence.)

Does God want our faith to be built on experience alone? What is the relationship between faith and truth?

If an unbeliever asked you, "What practical difference does Jesus make in your life?", what would you tell them?

Next Step / Prayer:

Jesus, I invite your presence and ask you to walk beside me in what I am going through. Help me to recognize that you are with me. Reveal yourself to me, and make me aware of your master plan for my life.

Easter 2018: Palm Sunday

John 12:12–19

What are some modern cultural perceptions of Jesus? God? The church? Spirituality?

People were celebrating Jesus without really knowing why. If you had to describe what there is to celebrate about Jesus, what would you say?

What were the people of Israel looking for in a Messiah? How did this prevent many of them from placing faith in Jesus?

What do people in our culture look for in a Messiah? How does this prevent many of us from placing faith in Jesus?

Share some times when you have wanted Jesus to be a conqueror over your circumstances. Is that why he came? Explain.

Jesus revealed that He was a King, but a different kind from what the people wanted. Are there areas in your life where you need to accept Jesus' rule? Share at least one of those areas with our group.

Verses 17–18 suggest that it was because of the testimony of those who witnessed the raising of Lazarus from the dead that such a huge crowd came to celebrate Jesus during His entry into Jerusalem. What does this mean to us today as followers of Jesus?

What is your testimony of Christ? Why is sharing of our stories so important?

What would happen if we stopped testifying?

Where do you see yourself in this story? What is an applicable takeaway for you, personally?

Next Steps:

How does an understanding of this Triumphal Entry event change who you are or how you live today?

Celebrating is a response to something. To live a life in celebration of Jesus, you must first recognize what it is you have to celebrate. Take the time to search and understand what it is you have to celebrate in Jesus.

You don't simply have the opportunity to celebrate Jesus; you have the obligation to celebrate him. It's our mission. This week, commit yourself to sharing with someone what Jesus has done in your life.

Don't forget...

Night of Worship: Good Friday, March 30th, 7pm at South Fork Campus
Childcare is provided for ages 6 weeks – Pre-K.

Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 1st. Who are you bringing to church with you? When/how are you going to invite them?

Communion: Social Night

This Week: We encourage all of the rGroups to take that week off from your Bible discussion, and instead do one of the following:

• Serve together as a group
• Host a party (with food) and invite others to come hang out with you.
• As a group, go be a part of something else going on in the city.

If you do decide to have a deep discussion, ask people to share their personal stories of how or why they decided to become a follower of Jesus, and what God's done in their life since then. Share your journeys.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

Night of Worship: Good Friday, March 30th, 7pm at South Fork Campus

Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 1st. Who are you bringing to church with you?

Messed Up Church: Life & Relationship on Mission

Acts 18:1-4, 18-26

Do you wish you could do something that would change the world? If so, what do you have in mind?

Sometimes we think we're not meant for anything special. But there is no such thing as an unimportant life. How/why are you tempted to think that your little life is not meant to leave a mark on the world?

What Bible verses or stories come to mind God used "little" to accomplish much?

Read Acts 18:1-4

Priscilla and Aquilla have been kicked out of their country under religious persecution and arrived in Corinth as refugees. They're at a dead end, but this is where God begins. Do you happen to be in any "dead end" situations right now?

Do you believe that God can take your dead end to start something great?

Perhaps you're in a place where you don't think God can use anything that you have. We know that's not true! Are you willing to open up your hand and let God have control? What can you offer up to God?

Read Acts 18:11, 18-21

Paul stays in Corinth for 1.5 years, then leaves to go start another church in another city. Notice that Aquila and Priscilla went with him. What if God showed you a need right now, would you be like Priscilla and Aquilla and say, "Let's go, we're in!"?

What if God presents problems to you so that you can be a part of the solution?

Are you willing to make yourself available to go and do work that needs to be done?

Priscilla and Aquilla could have easily passed off this need to plant a church. They could have easily given dozens of reasons why this is NOT for them. Sound familiar? What are some of your go-to excuses when you don't want to be a solution to a problem or need?

Read Acts 18:24-26

Priscilla and Aquilla took time to help Apollos understand the way of God better. What person in your life needs you to spend time and invest in them so they can grow closer to God?

What experiences do you have that others could glean from?

Next Steps:

The world doesn't need any more superstars, it needs Jesus. How will you use the situation God has you in to help people meet Jesus?

What "dead end" or "little" scenario do you need to give to God so He can use it?

God wants to use your relationship status to impact the world right now. How will you let Him use yours?

Announcements:

Communion: Sunday, March 18th.
We encourage all of the rGroups to take that week off from your Bible discussion, and instead do one of the following:
• Serve together as a group
• Host a party (with food) and invite others to come hang out with you.
• As a group, go be a part of something else going on in the city.

Night of Worship: Good Friday, March 30th, 7pm at South Fork Campus

Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 1st. Who are you bringing to church with you?

State of the Church Address (North Campus)

Ephesians 1:22, 4:15–16; Colossians 1:18, 2:10

Why is easier to submit to some authorities than others?

Why is it often difficult for you to personally submit to Christ's authority?

What does it mean when we say that Jesus is the Head of the Church?

How does He exercise His headship?

What are the practical implications of those teachings when it comes to holding your leaders accountable or deciding where to be a member of a local church?

Based on the texts you have reviewed, why is it incorrect for someone to claim to be part of the church (the body of Christ) but not recognize Christ as the authority in his life?

What are the implications of the church's authority in Christ on...
• completing the Great Commission?
• the believer who thinks he has no need for the church?
• the idea that "church" is a place, a social organization, or a hobby?

From the stories shared on Sunday, we can see that obeying Jesus' Words to His church results in her flourishing. This is also true in the lives of individual members of Jesus' Church. Does anyone have stories of Jesus doing incredible things through your obedience to Him?

If we struggle to identify those stories, it may mean that we aren't walking in obedience. What areas of your life do you struggle in submission to King Jesus?

Announcements:

Communion: Sunday, March 18th.
We encourage all of the rGroups to take that week off from your Bible discussion, and instead do one of the following:
• Serve together as a group
• Host a party (with food) and invite others to come hang out with you.
• As a group, go be a part of something else going on in the city.

Night of Worship: Good Friday, March 30th, 7pm at South Fork Campus

Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 1st. Who are you bringing to church with you?

This Week's Prayer Topic: Women and Mothers
The role of women in the home and in society is indispensable. We feel the pains of womanhood left undone in our society. Let's ask God to make our church a city on a hill in this regard. May our women be examples that set the standard for the women around them.

Party Like Jesus (REVO South Fork's 1-Year Birthday)

Luke 14:7–24

What's the best party you've ever been to? Why was it so great?


Read Luke 14:7–11

What did Jesus notice in Luke 14:7?

How did Jesus respond to that situation, and what do you think this means for you? (v 8–10)

What are the two important principles in Luke 14:11?

What does it mean to exalt yourself? Give an example of how you can do this.

What does it mean to humble yourself? Give an example of how you can do this.


Read Luke 14:12–14

These words were not only for those in that room, but for us today. Why might you need to hear Jesus say this?

Why is the hope of the "resurrection of the righteous" so crucial to right living?

Do you give to be rewarded by others or by God in the future? Give evidence for your answer.


Read Luke 14:15–24

Jesus does not seem to praise the blessing given in verse 15. What did the man miss?

What do the excuses of the guests reveal about them and their hearts?

What does the invitation to the poor and others reveal about the heart of God?

Do the hurt and needy find a comforting place in your life, our church, or our rGroup? Why or why not?

What excuses are you giving from following Jesus with your whole life?

How does this picture speak to the urgency with which we share the invitation?

Next Steps:

Acknowledge your desire to be liked, accepted, served, and even admired. Confess where you have allowed these desires to blind you to meeting the needs of others. Commit yourself to serving even if others don't notice you.

Commit to trusting God to care for and reward yourself so that you are no longer preoccupied with yourself but in serving others.

Pray that we would have God's heart toward those in need of the gospel and an invitation to the party.

Pray for opportunities to invite our neighbors and friends into our community.

Announcements:

Communion: Sunday, March 18th.
We encourage all of the rGroups to take that week off from your Bible discussion, and instead do one of the following:
• Serve together as a group
• Host a party (with food) and invite others to come hang out with you.
• As a group, go be a part of something else going on in the city.

Night of Worship: Good Friday, March 30th, 7pm at South Fork Campus

Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 1st. Who are you bringing to church with you?

This Week's Prayer Topic: Women and Mothers
The role of women in the home and in society is indispensable. We feel the pains of womanhood left undone in our society. Let's ask God to make our church a city on a hill in this regard. May our women be examples that set the standard for the women around them.

Messed Up Church: Staying Married (South Fork Campus)

1 Corinthians 7:10-17

We may agree that marriages should be centered on God, but what does a marriage centered on God look like?

What does a marriage centered around good things (but not God) look like?

What other things does your marriage tend to be centered on?

When you center your marriage on things other than God – like passion, desire, attraction, compatibility, needs, etc. – and they fail, how does that play out?

Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-11

Why is there power in long term commitments?

Why is seeing the long term view important in making short term decisions?

What do you want your marriage to look like in 10 years? What are some of your long-term goals for your marriage?

What short term scenarios are you going through right now that need the long term view applied to them?

Read 1 Corinthians 7:12-17

How should you go about creating a vision for your long-term marriage?

(Focus on the pursuit rather than perfection.)

What's the danger in putting more focus on your "marriage" than on God and your spouse?

What do you think God's perspective of your marriage is?

How can you adjust your perspective to God's perspective?

Next Steps:

Identify the idols in your marriage that have replaced God. Confess and ask God to forgive you for putting other things before Him, and ask Him to help you pursue Him first.

Identify the things (other than God) that matter to you more than your spouse. Talk to your spouse, and ask forgiveness for putting your desires above theirs.

Redirect your plans and actions towards God's long term view of your marriage.

Announcements:

Communion is on Sunday, March 18th. (Please note: I had the date wrong last week.) We encourage all of the rGroups to take that week off from your Bible discussion, and instead do one of the following:
• Serve together as a group
• Host a party (with food) and invite others to come hang out with you.
• As a group, go be a part of something else going on in the city.

This Week's Prayer Topic: Love for ability to study scripture
Pray that you and our church will take God's Word seriously and study it diligently.

Messed Up Church: Single on Purpose (North Campus)

1 Corinthians 7:7-9, 26-35

What's the strangest gift you've been given? What did you do with it?

Read 1 Corinthians 7:7-9

What do these verses say about singleness?
(It's a good gift.)

Do we commonly think of singleness as a good gift? Why or why not?

Do Christians put too much emphasis on marriage as a key to fulfillment and happiness?

Singleness for many is a temporary season. Looking back, can you see any temporary seasons in your life that God used to do something important in or through you that wouldn't have been possible in the same way later in life?

Read 1 Corinthians 7:26-31

These verses mention several everyday things including relationships, our emotional states, our possessions and our jobs. Do you think Paul is intending for us to totally disregard those everyday things?
(No. Paul is saying we should live with such commitment to God's mission that it seems as if we have no concern at all for these everyday things.)

How does your day-to-day life reflect the urgency for God's mission described in these verses?

Read 1 Corinthians 7:32-35

These verses highlight God's purpose for singles. What is given as the reason for the gift of singleness?
(Undivided devotion to God.)

In what way are singles uniquely suited for living in undivided devotion to God?
(They do not have the responsibility of marriage.)

Can you think of an example in your life, or in the Bible, in which a single person used their gift of singleness in an important way for God's mission?
(Bible examples: Joseph (until later in life), Jeremiah the prophet, Ruth (for an important season), John the Baptist, Anna the prophetess, Martha, Paul, Jesus, etc.)

How can you avoid allowing a good thing (marriage) to take place of the best thing (devotion to Christ)?

Next Steps:

If you're single, have you been treating singleness like a good gift? If so, what is one way you can encourage other singles to do the same? If you haven't been, what is one thing you can do to change course?

If you're married, have you been encouraging the single people you know to live in undivided devotion to God? If so, how can you continue to do so? If not, what's one thing you could do to help singles use their good gift this week?

Whether married or single, all followers are called to live in devotion to God? What part of your life doesn't reflect devotion to God? What practical step can you take this week to bring that part of your life into line with God's urgent mission?

Announcements:

Communion is on Sunday, March 18th. (Please note: I had the date wrong last week.) We encourage all of the rGroups to take that week off from your Bible discussion, and instead do one of the following:
• Serve together as a group
• Host a party (with food) and invite others to come hang out with you.
• As a group, go be a part of something else going on in the city.

This Week's Prayer Topic: Love for ability to study scripture
Pray that you and our church will take God's Word seriously and study it diligently.

Messed Up Church: Great Sex

1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 7:1-4; Genesis 1:26-31, John 8:3-11

Please Note: Some may feel uncomfortable or even offended at discussing private issues like sex in a public way. But these are real issues people are struggling with, and asking about. Since this is a sensitive subject, be sure to use discretion in your conversation, especially if this is a mixed-gender group. You do not have to ask or discuss every question below. Use discernment and choose which questions are most appropriate for your group.

Icebreaker: Today/tonight, we're going to talk about sex. :-) Why might this be awkward?

Why do churches and Christians shy away from talking about sex?

What do you think about Pastor Nathan/Wesley directly addressing the kinds of subjects he did? Did he go to far? Not far enough? Just right?

What is the world's view of sex? Can you give some examples of the "lies" we hear in our culture?

Read Genesis 1:26-31. What are biblical truths about sex?
God designed sex. (v 26-28)
God has a purpose for sex. (v 28)
God has a positive view of sex. (v 31)

What are the problems with sex outside of God's design? What can be the consequences personally? For the family? For society?

Can there be such a thing as "casual sex?" Why or why not?
(1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

A recent Barna poll notes that 60% of Christians in their 20s and 30s believed that pre-marital sex is acceptable. Why do you think it is that high?

What advice would you give someone who is not married and tempted to have pre-marital sex?

How would you answer someone who says that living together is good preparation for marriage?

How does sex provide a "spiritual superglue effect?"

Why should we not judge others for their sexual immorality?
(John 8:3-11)

What hope would you offer to someone who tells you they are trapped in sexual sins?

Next Steps:

1. Examine your views on sex.
• Do you believe any lies?
• Are you in any sexual immorality?

2. Ask God for forgiveness and help.

Prayer:
Pray for you/those caught up in sexual immorality to find freedom.
Pray that God's truth will replace cultural lies about sex.
Pray for you to be of help (like Jesus) to those who are struggling/ashamed/outcast/etc.

Announcements:

Communion is coming up on Sunday, March 11th. We encourage all of the rGroups to take that week off from your Bible discussion, and instead do one of the following:
• Serve together as a group
• Host a party (with food) and invite others to come hang out with you.
• As a group, go be a part of something else going on in the city.

Weeks of Prayer
Remember how we did the 21 days of prayer as a church? Well, we want to keep that going, but with rGroups. Each week, we will post the prayer topic on the blog, and your group can pray together and individually about these subjects. These topics are not planned to coordinate with the sermon, so this is not meant to be a closing prayer. Determine how you'd like to pray as a group.

This week's topic is: Men and Fathers
The role of men in the home and in society is indispensable. We feel the pains of manhood gone wrong. Let's ask God to make our church a city on a hill in this regard. May our men be examples that set the standard for the men around them.

Messed Up Church: Great Relationships

1 Corinthians 7:17, Genesis 24:1-20

Read 1 Corinthians 7:17

No matter what our relationship status is, what does God want us to do, and why?
(God has called us to be faithful and honor Him. An intimate relationship with Jesus is the most important calling on our life.)

Read Genesis 24:1-4

Why didn't Abraham want Isaac to marry a Canaanite woman? What can you learn from this?
(Abraham wouldn't compromise Isaac's marriage with a pagan woman. God must be at the center of everything important in our lives.)

What idols do you tend to value in a relationship more than God?
(outward appearances, personality, abilities, etc.)

Read Genesis 24:5-11

Being in the right place at the right time is important to attaining God's blessings. What kind of places are you in that are clearly not where the Lord has called you? What about how you use your time?

Read Genesis 24:12-14

How do you pray for your spouse, kids, family, or friends? What kind of things do you pray for?
(Pray for your relationship, their relationship with God, protection from sin, perseverance in following God's will, their growth, etc.)

Read Genesis 24:15-16

Why is purity a beautiful attribute?
(Think about how God is holy, sinless, perfect, and what that means for us.)

What does purity look like in a woman/man? How does a woman/man of purity act, dress, think, and feel? And what does she/he do?
Philippians 4:8 - purity of thoughts and desires
Matthew 5:8 - purity of heart
Psalm 19:14 - purity of speech
Proverbs 31:30 - pure in appearance
1 Timothy 3:11 - personal discipline
1 Corinthians 6:18 - sexual purity 

Read Genesis 24:16-20

Why is the act of service a great indicator of love?
(We show love by serving others. Serving is the link between God's love for us and our love for others.)

Next Steps:

How can you apply Abraham's spouse searching technique if you are struggling in marriage?
(Put God first, pray, remain pure, and serve God and others.)

What is one goal you will commit to in your relationship, and what tactical next step will you take to achieve it?

What needs to be replaced or removed from your life in order to prioritize God first? Repent, ask God and others for forgiveness, and move forward.