·      It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you believe something. 

·      I believe in grace.

·      Life without grace – Ephesians 2:1-3 -  As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one

·       Without grace, you are dead. 

·       Without grace, Satan is your leader. 

·       Without grace, we are children of wrath. 

·       Do you think it is wise to live without grace? 

·       Life with Grace - 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated

·       Life with grace means you live in God’s love and mercy. 

·       PIX: Scrooge McDuck

·       Romans 8:38-39 - 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

·       Life with grace means you are alive! 

·       Dallas Willard – “Grace is the power that fuels the

·       It is by grace you have been saved.

·       It is not what you do, it is what Jesus has done.

·       Frederich Buechner – “Grace is something you can never get, but can only be given.”

·       Life with grace means there is more to come. 

·       God’s grace takes an eternity to see. 

·       Life in grace - 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For

·       Life in grace means you live in that grace. 

·       Life in grace means we are humble. 

·       Life in grace means you have a mission. 

·       Heavenly Father, I accept your grace.  Forgive my

·       Heavenly Father, eliminate all the noise in my soul that keeps me from grace.  I want to live in your grace.  Bring grace to me each day.  Amen.   

Life Group Resources

Starter Question: Has there been a moment when you were very aware of God’s grace?  What was going on in your life?

Going Deeper: 

1.     Read Ephesians 2:1-3

2.     Get a picture in your mind of someone dead in sin.  How does that person act?

3.     What is your reaction to being called a child of wrath?

4.     Read Ephesians 2:4-7

5.     Dallas Willard compared grace to rocket fuel.  How has grace energized you?

6.     What does it mean to you that God’s grace will take an eternity to see?

7.     Read Ephesians 2:8-10

8.     In what ways do you see Christians being arrogant about their faith?  How might this hinder someone from coming to Christ?

9.     God has prepared good works beforehand for us to do.  How would you discover what  these good works are?

·      It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you believe something

·      I believe in God. 

·       People don’t believe in God because they don’t want to be accountable. 

·       People don’t believe in God because they have been hurt. 

·       People believe in God, but they fail to connect. 

·       John 14:6-7: Jesus said to them, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  7If you know me, then you know my Father.  From now on you

·       I am… 

·       Exodus 3:14 – God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” 

·       …the way… 

·       …the truth…

·       …and the life. 

·       John 1:1-3 – In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.  2He was in the beginning with God.  3All things came into being through him, and without him, not one thing came into being…

·       No one comes to the Father except through me. 

·       John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” 

·       If you know me, you know my Father… 

·       Heavenly Father, I do not understand all of who you are.  But if you are real, I give myself to you and ask you to help me experience your love and grace in my soul. 

·       From now on you know him and have seen him

·       Who is the God you don’t believe in? 

·       Do you know the real Jesus? 

·       Do you take his claims seriously? 

·       What would change in you if you did?

Life Group Resources

Starter Question: Have you known someone who doesn’t believe in God?  What reason did they give?

Going Deeper: 

1.     Read John 14:6-7

2.     How do you think Jesus claims struck his disciples?  At this point, do you think they believed he was God?

3.     This passage makes exclusive claims about Jesus being the only way to the Father.   What did Jesus do and teach that reenforced his claim?

4.     When Jesus says he is the truth, how does that strike you?  Think about a person you know who so embodied truth, it seemed like they were truth – what were they like?

5.     Jesus claims that if you know him, you know the Father.  How has this played out in your life?

6.     What intentional steps are you taking to “see Jesus” daily?

·      Philippians 4:9 -What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (ESV)

·      Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.  - Phil 3:17

·      Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. - 1 Cor 11:1

·      For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

·     Practice the things you have seen in me that point to christ.

·      4:9a What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me

·      Learned (Increase in Knowledge) and Received (Joined to)

·      Any fool can know. The point is to understand.  -Albert Einstein

·      Heard and Seen

·      Is your life a blessing to those that are around you?

·      4:9a What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things,

·      Lord, help me to live out my saving faith before the watching world

·      4:9b and the God of peace will be with you.

·      Practice the things that make for peace

·      God help me see your blessing in my pain, help me to rejoice

·      God help me to trust you timing and faithfulness and your will

·      God help me to be the first to forgive

·      God help me to refocus when my thoughts lead to worry

·      Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the

·      John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

·    John 14:27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Life Group Resources

Starter Question:  Would you feel comfortable encouraging people to imitate your walk with Jesus?

Going Deeper: 

1.     Read Philippians 4:9

2.     Seeing the life that Paul lived, how does this encourage you in your walk with the Lord?

3.     Read Matthew 6:25-34

4.     Anxiety is not from the Lord, how do these verse encourage you? 

5.     What do these verses encourage you to do?

6. What needs to change in your walk with Jesus that would help the watching world see Jesus?

·      A.W. Tozer says, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.

·      Ultimately our thinking will shape who we are as a follower of Jesus

·      Dallas Willard says “You can change your emotions with your  thinking but you can’t change your thinking with emotions”

·      We need to learn to think as our Heavenly Father wants us to think

·       Philippians 4:8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is

·       God wants to remind us that we have a part in our thinking

·       To Think like Jesus-  Be with Jesus

·       Think about Jesus 

·       Thinking like Jesus leads to right action

·       Holy Spirit ultimate Helper for your Thinking

·       John 14:26-27- But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

·       Be Thankful

·       Turn down the dial- Surrender requires participation

·       What would your thoughts be like if you thought more

·       What would your thoughts be like if you thought more

Life Group Resources

Starter Question: What is the first thing you think about when you think about God?

Going Deeper: 

1.     Read Philippians 4:8

2.     What do you think Jesus thinks about you?

3.     What areas is God asking me to think more like crockpot than a microwave?

4.     Where have you seen wrong thoughts leading to wrong actions in your life?

5.     How have you seen the Holy Spirit be the ultimate Helper for your thinking?

·    Mark 4 35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving

·      Would you rather live with peace or anxiety and fear? 

·      Dallas Willard – Peace is the deep rest and assurance that comes from complete abandonment to God. 

·      John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

·      Faith activates peace. 

·      Philippians 4:6 – But in everything, with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

·       Philippians 4:7 - 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in

·       The peace of God cannot be explained, only experienced. 

·       Psalm 131:2 But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.

·       Can you have peace without God? 

·       What about believers who do not have peace

·       How do I surrender to God so I can have peace? 

·       Surrender requires humility. 

·       Surrender requires release

·       Surrender requires participation

·       Surrender requires contentment

·       To have the peace of God, you must surrender to God.

·       What do you need to surrender to God today? 

Life Group Resources

Starter Question: Please share a time when felt the peace of God.  What was happening?

Going Deeper: 

1.     Read Mark 4:35-41

2.     Put yourself in that boat.  What would feel?  How would feel about Jesus being asleep?  How long would you let him sleep before you woke him?

3.     In your opinion, why are the disciples frightened when Jesus calms the wind and waves?

4.     Read Philippians 4:7

5.     Think about things that are beyond your understanding.  In your opinion, why would the peace of God be beyond our understanding?

6.     What picture comes to mind when you think of the peace of God guarding your decisions, thoughts, and feelings?  What kind of life would you have if peace truly guarded your heart?  What would change in your life?

·      Prayer is one of the most important character growth tools we have. 

·      Prayer is conversation with God. 

·      God does listen. 

·      God speaks to you. 

·      God’s messages do not conflict with each other. 

·      Are you listening to what God is saying?

·      Philippians 4:6 - 6 Do not be anxious about anything… 

·      Anxiety is an emotional cue to begin praying.

·       1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray continually. 

·       …But in every situation…  

·       Pray about everything you need to pray about

·       …by prayer and petition… 

·       …with thanksgiving… 

·       …present your requests to God. 

·      Pray for 30 days to see God at work. 

Life Group Resources

Starter Question: Do you know a person who seems to have a close prayer relationship with God?  What are their prayers like?

Going Deeper:

1.     Read Philippians 4:6

2.     What would help you to remember to pray when you are anxious?

3.     Why would a person believe that God is not listening when they pray?

4.     Are there some things you feel uncomfortable praying about?  Why?

5.     What would help you remember to give thanks to our Heavenly Father?

6.     Picture a throne room.  You are bringing your request to the

·      What kind of character do you need? 

·      "The most important thing in your life is not what you do; it's who you become. That's what you will take into eternity." ~ Dallas Willard

·      Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again, Rejoice! – Philippians 4:4.

·      Do you want to be tough, or do you want to be like Jesus? 

·       Let your gentleness be known to all.  The Lord is near – Philippians 4:5. 

·      Unless you are intentionally shaping your character, it will regress to the lowest level

·      To be gentle means to be reasonable. 

·       To be gentle means to be selfless

·       To be gentle means I use appropriate strength

·       In the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you… - 2 Corinthians 10:2 

·       Grow a character that is strong enough to control yourself. 

·       The Lord is near. 

·       The closer you are to Jesus, the easier it is to be like him. 

·       Were you gentle?

·       Why weren’t you gentle? 

·       "It takes strength inside to be gentle on the outside." – John Wooden.

·       Pray: Heavenly Father, teach to me to be gentle like Jesus

·       Slow your reactions. 

·       Find a gentle mentor. 

·       PIX – William McKinley

·       Would my life be better if I were gentle? 

Life Group Resources

Starter Question: Who is the gentle person you have known?

Going Deeper:

1.     Read Philippians 4:5

2.     How do you think the Philippians would have understood this verse?

3.     Paul write this as a command: Let your gentleness be known.  How does it feel to be commanded to be gentle?

4.     Read Matthew 21:12-17.  Where do you see the gentleness of Jesus in this story?

5.     Read Matthew 16-27.  Where do you see the gentleness of Jesus in

6. What specific steps can you take so our Heavenly Father can shape gentleness into your character?

·     Dallas Willard – Joy is a deep sense of well-being, of safety in God’s universe.

·     How joyous are you? 

·     How do I grow a character that brings the peace of Jesus?

·     Philippians 4:4 - 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

·      “…in the Lord.” 

·      Is there grace that can help you rejoice? 

·      When you can’t see his hand, trust his heart. 

·      To rejoice in the Lord means you rest in God’s love. 

·       To rejoice means you walk in hope.  

·       Romans 15:13 - 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

·      PIX: Bill Wallace. 

·      Whenever we were at the point of despair, Bill would remind us that God loved us, was working through us, and God would see us through.

·       To rejoice means you have deep peace. 

·       John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your heart be troubled

·       PIX: Joy diagram

·       Charles Eerdmans – “Some people have a genius for joy; others

·       Can you be joyful even if you have these blockages?  Yes

·       How do you grow joy? 

·       Heavenly Father, open my eyes to joy. 

·       Choose joy. 

·       Find a joy mentor. 

·       Un-chose joylessness. 

·       Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life

·       Find joy in Jesus.

·       What would happen if you had a joyful life?

Life Group Resources

Starter Question: Who is the most joyful person you have known?

Going Deeper:

1.     Read Philippians 4:4

2.     How do you think the Philippians would have understood this verse?

3.     The word “rejoice” is a command.  In your opinion, how can a person best follow this command?

4.     In your opinion, who in the Bible (other than Jesus) shows joy?

5.     Read Psalm 33:1-3.

6.     What do these verses teach about joy?

7.     Pastor Clay suggested several next steps to making joy a part of your character:

·       Praying for our Heavenly Father to show you joy.

·       Choosing joy

·       Finding a joy mentor

·       Un-choosing joylessness

·       Finding joy in Jesus.

            Which of these is your next step?

Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV

·    1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

·    Sin asked for a little bit and takes everything. Jesus asks for a little bit and gives you everything.

·     In order to run well we need to lay aside weight and sin holding us down.

·     2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

·     I encourage you to Look to Jesus.

·     3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE

Starter: How does Hebrews 12:1-3 encourage you to make changes in how you live your life?

Dig Deeper:

1.  Does God have your undivided attention? How do we get to the

2.  Does reading scripture and dwelling in the Spirit help in running

3.   How can we share with others the joy that is set before us as

4.  GO back to chapter 11, who is your favorite hero of Faith?

5.    What are some of the weights and or sins that are weighing you

6.    Are you weary and fainthearted? How can you come to Christ today and find rest?

7.    What does it mean that Christ endured the Cross and despised shame?

·      Are you afraid to talk about Jesus?

·      I will sound too religious. 

·      I might offend someone. 

·      I’m shy/introverted. 

·      I don’t have my own stuff together. 

·      It’s too complicated. 

·      I’m taken care of; everybody has to figure it out for themselves. 

·      Romans 10:14 - 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

·      PIX: First circle God’s Design. 

·      PIX: Add Sin Arrow

·      PIX: add Second circle.

·      PIX: Add Divert squiggles

·      PIX: Add confess and Follow Arrow

·      PIX: Add 3rd Circle

·      PIX: Add Restore Arrow

·       Acts 22:2 - 2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. 

·       When you want to talk about Jesus, meet people where they are. 

·       Then Paul said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. 4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.

·       6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ 8 “‘Who

·       12 “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him. 14 “Then

·       17 “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into atrance 18 and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 “‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr[a] Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and

·       Heavenly Father, give me courage to talk about Jesus. 

·       Heavenly Father, I confess I am broken, I have sinned.  Please forgive my sin and take charge of my life.  For now on, I will follow

Life Group Resources

Starter Question: In your opinion, why do people find it difficult to talk about Jesus?

Going Deeper: 

1.     Please refer back to the 3 Circles:  

2.     When did you realize that you were broken?

3.     When did you invite Jesus into your life?

4.     How have you seen God working to restore you to his original design?

5.     Read Romans 10:14.

6.     Is there someone in your life who needs you to talk about Jesus?  How will you recognize your opportunity?