·       When does fantasy become a danger?

·       God’s possibilities for you are greater than people’s expectations of you. 

·       Ephesians 3:20-21 - 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at

·       Isaiah 56:9: 9 Come, all you beasts of the field, come and devour, all you beasts of the forest!

·       10 Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark;

·       Are there any religious leaders who are like sleeping watchdogs? 

·       1 Peter 2:9 - 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the

·       Are you a sleeping watchdog? 

·       What does it mean for you to keep watch?

·       Who am I to watch over?

·       Am I paying attention? 

·       “God, show me where you are work.” 

·        Am I self-centered? 

·       11bThey are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, they seek their own gain.

·       Are there political leaders who are neglectful shepherds? 

·       John Maxwell – “Leadership is Influence.” 

·      Do you have influence over anyone? 

·      Do you care about the people you lead?

·      57 The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and

·       1 Thessalonians 4:13c: …do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

·       Even if your religious and political leaders are living in fantasy, you live in the right way – the way of God – and you will have peace.

·       Reality with God is better than fantasy without God. 

LIFE Group Discussion

Starter:  Do you know someone who lives mostly in fantasy? 

Questions:

1.     Read Isaiah 56:9

2.    In your opinion, why is calling wild animals to feast a mark of God’s judgment?

3.    Read Isaiah 56:10-11a

4.    Do you think of yourself as a watchman?  Who are you to be watching over?

5.    Read Isaiah 56:11b-12

6.    Do you think of yourself as a leader?  Who do you have influence over? 

7.     Read Isaiah 57:1-2

8.    In your experience, how difficult is it to live a life doing the right things, the things of Jesus?  Please explain the thinking behind your answer.

·     Isaiah 56:1-2 - 1 Thus says the Lord: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.”

·     Do we seek to keep justice?

·     Do we pollute the Sabbath?

·     Do we keep our hands from evil?

·     Are you known for keeping God’s law and doing what is right?

·     Isaiah 56:3-7 - 3 Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say, “The Lord will surely separate me from his people”; and let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” 4 For thus says the Lord: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, 5 I will give in my house and within my walls a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. 6 “And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who

·     Do you want for them what you need for yourself?

·     Acts 8:38 - 38 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

·     When is the last time I was excited to help someone far from God see the joy, relationship, and freedom he gives?

·     Isaiah 56:8 - 8 The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, “I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.”

·     Matt 9:37-38 - 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

·     If you feel left out, God has invited you in

·     Is our church’s arms open?

LIFE Group Discussion

Starter:  Are you known by your friends/neighbors for being

Questions:

1.  Read Isaiah 56:1-8

2.   Are you known for keeping God’s law and doing what is right? What do you think this means?

3.   What do you think it meant when you heard, God has invited you in?

4.   What are some of the things that God gives us, that we should want for others?

5.    Who are the eunuchs and the foreigners that are welcomed today?

6.   Do you believe that our churches arms are open to those outside of it?

·       Love and Respect others in matters that do not matter.

·       12 “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace;

·       You will have Joy

·       You will have Peace

·       “…the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;  instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;…”

·      Nature will be for you

·      God is planning for you to delight in His creation forever.

·      “…and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

·      God’s passion to glorify Himself is also His passion to satisfy His people.

·      Rejoice in the Joy and Peace

·      Remind yourself that God’s creation is for us to delight in.

·      Remain in the Spirit.

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE

 Starter: How does Isaiah 55:12-13 encourage you to make changes in how you live your life?

 Dig Deeper:

1.  How do you Rejoice in the Joy and peace that the Lord gives you?

2. How are you going to Remind yourself of the beauty of Nature and that God has gifted it to us?

3.  How can you remain in the spirit and show other people the signs that you are a believer?

4.  God wants a memorial for Himself. How does it feel that His memorial for Himself is to make you joyful forever?

·      God’s possibilities for you are greater than people’s expectations of you. 

·       All opportunities are not created equal

·      Ephesians 3:20-21 - 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at

·      How do you discover God’s opportunities for you?

·      How do you discover God’s opportunities for you?  SEEK.

·      Isaiah 55:6 – Seek the LORD while he can be found; Call on him while he is near. - wcs

·      Seek God in worship.

·      Seek God in crisis. 

·      Seek God in boredom. 

·      Seek God in rest

·       How do you discover God’s opportunities for you? 

·       Isaiah 55:7 – Wicked one, leave your way, and man of wickedness your thoughts. And turn to the LORD and he will have compassion on you, and

·       “Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon, pardon for you and for me.”

·       How do you discover God’s opportunities for you?  LEARN

·       Isaiah 55:8-9 – 8For my thoughts are no your thoughts; and your ways are not my ways, says the LORD.

9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts from your thoughts - wcs

·       “We must be reminded that we do not have a moral or intellectual infallibility – that belongs only to God.” – Paige Kelly

·       Do you impose your definitions on God, or do you accept God’s definitions of himself? 

·       How do you discover God’s opportunities for you?  SURRENDER 

·       Isaiah 55:10-11 – 10As the rain comes down and the snow from the heavens, and it does not return unless it waters the

·       Knowing God’s will will be done, does it make sense to fight his will or join his will? 

·       You are not going to find God’s opportunities until you surrender.

·       How before What. 

LIFE Group Discussion

Starter:  Has God ever presented an opportunity to you? How did you respond?

Questions:

1.    Read Isaiah 55:6

2.    In your experience, what is the best way to seek God?

3.    Read Isaiah 55:7

4.    What seem to be most difficult sins for people to turn away from? 

5.     What does this verse teach you about God, who reaches out to those actively moving away from him.

6.     Read Isaiah 55:8-9

7.     Share a couple ways you can think of that show God how God’s thoughts and ways are different than ours.

8.     Read Isaiah 55:10-11

9.     In your experience, what makes it difficult to surrender to the will of God?

·   God’s possibilities for you are greater than people’s expectations of you

·   Ephesians 3:20-21 - 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at

·   What if God called you to live outside your comfort zone? 

·   Growth always requires discomfort. 

·    You are invited to grace.   

·    Isaiah 55 - 1“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without cost.

·    You are invited to what is good. 

·    Andy Stanley – Following Jesus will make your life better and you better at life. 

·    2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.

·    Delight yourselves exquisitely in the fat of your soul. 

·    Pray, “God, show me where you are at work.”

·    Thank God every day for three blessings. 

·    Read the Bible and see how God works. 

·    You are invited into a promise. 

·    3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting

·    You are invited to follow the Leader.  

·    4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples.

·    Heavenly Father, I accept your invitation to be your child.  Please forgive me of my

·    You are invited to shine.

·    John Ortberg – To glorify God is for someone to look at you and say, “What a good God there must be to make someone like that.” 

LIFE Group Discussion

Starter:  In your life, who has put the most expectations on you? Was this a positive experience or a negative experience?

Questions:

1.  Read Isaiah 55:1

2.   Does this verse sound too good to be true?  React to this statement: People struggle with grace because it seems too good to be true.

3.   Read Isaiah 55:2

4.   Is it hard to embrace the idea that God wants good for you?  Why or why not?

5.   Read Isaiah 55:3

6.   This verse refers to a forever covenant like the one God made with David.  What does that mean to you?

7.    Read Isaiah 55:4

8.    How would you explain to someone who does not follow Jesus that Jesus is the perfect representation of God?

9.    Read Isaiah 55:5

10.  Is the world coming to the church because it sees God at work in us?  Please explain your answer.

·  Big Question to answer: Do we trust God for eternal life or with everything in life?

·   Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

·   Four things you can do with money – Save, Borrow, Spend, and Give.

·   Big idea:  Giving Grows Your Soul. 

·   Matthew 16:26 - What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their

·   Giving is the Greed killer

·   Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honor the LORD from your wealth, and from the first fruits of your

·    If God is really first in your life, give to him first.

·    Ecclesiastes 5:10 - Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never

·    Step in – Give something

·    Step up – Give 10% of income.

·    Luke 11:42 -" But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every

·    90 day Tithe Challenge – Tithe 90 days and see if your soul is heathier; if not we

·    John Ortberg – The money thing is really a trust thing. 

·    Step out – Give Generously – Beyond 10%

·    Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my

LIFE Group Discussion

Starter:  Who is the most generous person you know?  How would you rate the health of their soul? 

Questions:

1.   Read Proverbs 3:9-10

2.   In your opinion, why is it hard to honor God with wealth?

3.   How would you explain to someone that you give to attack greed, but as a result, God bless you?

4.   Read Ecclesiastes 5:10

5.   Have you ever known someone who chased wealth?  Was greed an issue for them?  How did it impact their soul?

6.   Read Matthew 16:26

7.    We often read this verse in light of our eternal destination.  What would it mean to lose control of your soul here on earth?

Big Question to answer in this series: Do we trust God for eternal life or with everything in life?

 Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

 How we spend shows what we value most.

 1) Commit to Understanding

There are many different types of spenders as well, According to one website, there are 6 types of spenders[1] 

1. The Frugalists

2. The Spendthrifts

3. The Treat Yourself Spenders

4. The Self-Esteem Spenders

5. The “FOMO” Spenders

6. The Smart Spenders

Proverbs 11:28 “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

Proverbs 24:3 “With wisdom a house is built; and it is established firmly”

 We have to understand what money can and can’t do.

2) Develop Discipline

Proverbs 25:28- “A city that is broken, with no walls, is like a man who is not restrained in his spirit”

We can’t let our spending become the reason that we are excluded from God’s plan.

3) Choose your master

Matthew 11:28-30 says 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of

Money is not satisfaction or security because Christ is both of those things for you! [2]

3 Questions that can help you determine your next step…….

1)  What does your spending say about you?

2)  What needs to change for you to be faithful in your spending?

3)  How can your spending impact eternity?

 Because God allows us to be engaged in His work, how we spend is an invaluable asset in Kingdom advancement. 

LIFE Group Discussion Guide

Starting Off

1) What is your typical relationship with spending? Which of the 6 types of spenders are you?

Discussion Questions

2)Read Proverbs 24:3. How have you seen biblical wisdom about spending be beneficial?

3) Read Proverbs 25:28. What is the problem with living like the person described in this verse?

4) Read Matthew 11:28-30. How do these verses help you better understand the “master” relationships in your life?

5) Describe the differences between life with a “spending” focus and life with a “rest in Christ” focus.

Next Step

6) Which of the following questions about spending resonates with you the most? Why?

-  What does your spending say about you?

-  What needs to change for you to be faithful in your spending?

-  How can your spending impact eternity?

[1] https://www.money254.co.ke/post/6-types-of-spenders-which-one-are-you-money-management

[2] https://jdgreear.com/spender-saver-steward/

·      Big Question to answer: Do we trust God for eternal life or with everything in life?

·       Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

·       Four things you can do with money – Save, Borrow, Spend, and Give. 

·       All debt is not created equal. 

·       Debt creates a relationship

·       Proverbs 22:7 – The rich ones rule over the poor; and the borrower is the servant of the man who lends – WCS. 

·       Are you giving or lending?

·       You must take care of what you borrow. 

·       Exodus 22:13 - 14 “If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, they must make restitution. 

·       If you borrow, pay it back. 

·       Psalm 37:21 – The borrower is wicked when he does not pay back; but the righteous one is gracious and a giver - WCS

·       Big Idea: Be wise about borrowing money. 

·      Before your borrow, pray. 

·       Heavenly Father, is this wise

·      Understand the relationship. 

·       Do I want this person/institution to be my master?

·       As soon as possible, have debt only on appreciating assets. 

·       PIX:  Web site

·       Deal with your biggest debt. 

·       Colossians 2:13-14 - 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 

·       My biggest debt is my sin debt to God.

·       Jesus paid my biggest debt of all. 

LIFE Group Discussion

Starter:  Imagine a person makes $50,000 a year.  How much total debt should that person carry?  Share the “why” behind your answer.

Questions:

1.     Read Proverbs 22:7 

2.     Is the a connection between the firs line of this proverb, “The rich rule over the poor” and the Bible’s repeated calls to take care of the poor and to make sure justice is done?

3.     The second part of the proverbacknowledges the relationship between the borrower and the lender.  When does this relationship work well?  When does it go badly?

4.     Read Psalm 37:21

5.     What should a Christian do if they borrow money and cannot pay it back?

6.     Read Colossians 2:13-14

7.     How would you explain to someone the fact that sin creates a debt between us and God?

8.     What does it say to you about the purity and power of Jesus to nail all sin of all time to the cross?

·      Big Question to answer: Do we trust God for eternal life or with everything in life?

·       Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

·       If Easter does not touch your wallet, are you really trusting God?

·       Four things you can do with money – Save, Borrow, Spend, and Give. 

·      Why are we doing this series about this?

·      Are you going to ask for money? 

·      What does this have to do with Jesus? Everything! 

·      Wisdom asks not, “What do I deserve?” but “What kind of life is best for me?”

·      Proverbs 21:20 - Desirable treasure and fat is in the field of the wise one; but the stupid man gulps it down. - WCS

·      Proverbs 21:20 – The wise one has margin and stores away money and energy for the future; but the stupid one gorges himself because he deserves it. – paraphrase

·      1.  Live financially with margins. 

·      2. Support lifestyle with assets, not cash flow.  

·      3.  Examination – What does your financial life say about you? 

·       Slide 4 - Jeremiah 29:11 -  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

·       Big Idea:  To save is to trust. 

·       Pray – Heavenly Father, What is your plan?

·       Have hard conversations.

·       Don’t be paralyzed by shame. 

·       Save toward God’s plan.

·       You save because you value God’s plan; Jesus saves you because he values you. 

LIFE Group Discussion

Starter:  Who is the most financially successful person you know. What have you learned from them?

Questions:

1.   Read Matthew 6:21. 

2.   In your opinion, why does Jesus give this teaching?

3.   Read Proverbs 21:20

4.   How would you explain to someone why the Bible teaches it is wise to save?

5.   Have you ever known someone who is like the foolish person described in the second part of verse 20?  Describe their spending/money management

6.   Read Jeremiah 29:11.

7.    What do you think it means when God says “My plan is to prosper you, not harm you?”

·       John 20:19-23  19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together,

·     Jesus provides peace. 

·      Peace be with you. 

·       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 and do not

·      PIX: Golden Gate Bridge

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

·      Jesus wants to give you peace!

·      Because he lives, all fear is gone; and I know who holds the future; and life is worth the living, just because he lives

·       “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”  

·      Jesus provides purpose. 

·      Everyone has a purpose. 

·      To glorify God means to live your life in a such a way that people say, “What a good God there must be to create a person like him/her.”  - John Ortberg

·       PIX: Christopher Parkening

·       Jesus provides power. 

·       22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  

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

·       Jesus provides his church a proclamation. 

·      23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” 

·       John 3:17: 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

·       John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  

Life Group Discussion Questions

Starter:  Have you ever done wrong and someone forgave you?  What did that feel like?

Dig Deeper:

1.    Read John 20:19-23

2.   When you think of Jesus suddenly appearing before you, do expect words of shame and blame, or words of peace? 

3.    The disciples react with great joy.  In your opinion, what would it take for today’s Christians to react with great joy?

4.    Jesus tells his disciples they how have a mission: As the Father has sent him, he now sends them.  Please briefly share your impressions of how the Father has sent Jesus and how that informs our mission as Jesus followers.

5.   In your opinion, do most Christians live with the power of the Spirit?  Why or why not?

6.    Verse 23 is difficult to understand.  Can you think of a time when a church withheld forgiveness?  What was the impact of that decision?  Can you think