Alice Drive Baptist Church Podcast

Sermon Notes:

· Are you actually listening?

· Deuteronomy 6:4-5: 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

· Shema = pay attention, listen closely, focus, respond, take heart, obey

· Hearing Correctly leads to action

· “The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

· “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

· Those gods promised a lot, but they were powerless

· Jesus + Nothing = Everything

· Do we love the Lord like this?

· “The idea conveyed is ‘Love the Lord your God with all your decision-making.’” -J. Daniel Hays

· “The phrase simply means ‘all that is within you’, a total devotion to the Lord.” - Warren Wiersbe

· Deuteronomy 6:6-9: 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

· Love leads to obedience.

· The heart is an idol factory. -John Calvin

· Picture of Tefillins and Mezuzah

· Spiritual Disciplines

o Bible Study =

o Prayer =

o Fasting =

o Sabbath/Rest =

o Worship =

o Mentoring/Discipling =

o Evangelism/Missions =

· What’s your average?

· What 3 need the most work?

· “What we’re aiming for is progress not perfection” - Clay

· Mark 12:30-31: “30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.””

· Are you actually listening?

· Don’t just hear it. Live it.

· Jesus + Nothing = Everything

LIFE Group Discussion Questions

Opener: Can you think of a time when you “” instructions but didnt really listen?What happened as a result?

Go Deeper

1. In Deuteronomy 6:4, God calls His people to “Hear, O Israel.” What do you think is the difference between hearing and listening when it comes to God’s Word?

2. The sermon mentioned that we often add things to Jesus to feel secure (Jesus + success, comfort, relationships, etc.). What are some “idols” or substitutes for God that you are tempted to lean on?

3. Verse 5 calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. What might that look like practically in your daily decisions and habits?

4. Deuteronomy 6:6–9 talks about passing God’s Word down in the home. What are some ways you can make God’s Word visible and central in your home (or personal life, if you live alone)?

5. The sermon highlighted spiritual disciplines (Bible study, prayer, fasting, Sabbath, worship, discipling, evangelism). Which one feels most life-giving for you right now? Which one do you most need to grow in?

6. James 1:22 reminds us to be doers of the Word, not hearers only. What is one step of obedience you sense God is asking you to take after hearing this passage/sermon?

Sermon Notes:

· Dallas Willard – Joy is a deep sense of well-being, knowing God is for us and is at work on our behalf.

· How do we know we are a church of joy?

· Acts 16:22-24 22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

· How much pain are you willing to suffer for Jesus?

· 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

· Greater is he who is in you, than he who is in the world.

· 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

· 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

· How we respond to adversity says a lot about our faith.

· James 1:2-4 - 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

· 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

· 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.

· 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.

· Dads, you set the spiritual temperature of your house.

· 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

· How do we know we are a church of joy?

· We know we are a church of joy when lives are changed.

· Can people see that Jesus changed your life?

· Are you more loving?

· Do you have more joy?

· Do you have more peace?

· Are you more patient?

· Are you more kind?

· Is your goodness increasing?

· Are you more faithful?

· Are you more gentle?

· Do you have more self-control?

LIFE Group Discussion Questions

Opener: Since you decided to follow Jesus, what kind of life change has occurred?

Go Deeper

1. Read Acts 16:22-24

a. Imagine enduring beatings and being imprisoned for speaking about Jesus. In your opinion, why were Paul and Silas able to endure this?

2. Read Acts 16:25-26

a. Why were Paul and Silas able to sing and pray?

b. In your opinion, why do Jesus followers today not have a faith that holds on in the face of trouble?

3. Read Acts 16:27-30

a. Imagine the jailer’s surprise when he finds all the prisoners still there. Why did they stay?

b. What do you think the jailer is asking when he says, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

4. Read Acts 16:31-32

a. Notice Paul’s simple reply. In your opinion, do people think being saved is complicated or simple?

b. Imagine what Paul and Silas must have said when they were presenting the word of the Lord.

5. Read Acts 16:33-34

a. Notice the immediate change in the jailer. What fruit of the spirit is he displaying (see Galatians 5:22-24)?

b. The jailer is filled with joy. Do we see new converts filled with joy when they are baptized? Why or why not?

Sermon Notes:

· How many hoops do I have to jump through?

· What’s the hoop?

· Jesus did not give us a hoop to jump through, but an invitation to follow him.

· Clean up first, then be forgiven.

· Acts 13:44-45 - 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.

· 46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

· They did not think Jesus was worth their time.

· Jesus never invited people to go to heaven.

· Church becomes a place of grace.

· You are the light of the world.

· 49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium.

· The more Jesus followers act like Jesus and spread good news, the greater the opposition.

· 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

· What they had was greater than what they faced.

· Churches – our church – must be a place a grace.

· We must help messy people take their next step.

· Being a place of grace means we let the Holy Spirit do the talking.

· Being a place of grace means we expect criticism and opposition.

· “God if I am off track, please get me on track.”

· Being a place of grace means no one is beyond Jesus.

· Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.

LIFE Group Discussion Questions

Opener: Have you experienced church as a place of grace? When? Have you experience church as place of ungrace? When?

Go Deeper

1. Read Acts 13:38-39

a. Paul eliminates all the hoops of the law of Moses. What hoops do you see religious people setting up today? What would Jesus say about these hoops?

2. Read Acts 13:42-44.

a. In your opinion, why were so many people hungry to hear about the grace of God?

3. Read Acts 13:45-48

a. In your opinion, why were the Jews of Paul and Barnabas? What was the threat?

b. The Jews failed in their mission to be light to the Gentiles and bring salvation to the world. How is our church doing in our mission to be light and bring salvation? What about churches across the world.

c. The Gentiles were glad to be included. The word “glad” has the same root as the word “joy.” In your opinion, why were they joyful.

4. Read Acts 13:49-52

a. What opposition should our church expect to face in the days ahead? How do we prepare?

b. What would you need to do to be joyful in face of opposition and persecution?

Sermon Notes:

· Are you living in the power of the Spirit?

· As a church, are we living in the power of the Spirit?

· Acts 8:4 - 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

· The Spirit gives courage.

· A Church of joy has courage.

· Acts 8:5 -5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.

· The Spirit leads us to break barriers.

· A Church of joy breaks barriers.

· Acts 8:6-7 - 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.

· The Spirit is greater than evil and brings healing.

· We came to believe a power greater than ourselves could deliver us.

· Do you pray for God to heal you? Do you pray for God to drive out the evil in you?

· A Church of joy drives out evil and brings healing.

· Acts 8:8 - 8 So there was great joy in that city.

· The Spirit brings joy. Having a deep and abiding sense that God is for us and is at work in our lives

· “Faith is more like falling in love that it is like finding the answer to a complicated question.”

· A Church of joy brings joy.

· Pray.

· Be humble.

· God I can’t; You can. I will let you.

· Be real

· Confess.

· Move.

· What move do you need to make?

LIFE Group Discussion Questions

Opener: In our church, can you name a moment when God did what only God can do?

Go Deeper

1. Read Acts 8:4.

a. Why do you think those scattered were not afraid to speak about Jesus?

b. In your opinion, what keeps people from speaking about Jesus today?

2. Read Acts 8:5

a. Philip was breaking a barrier reaching out to Samaritans. What group of people do churches tend to exclude today? What can we do about that?

3. Read Acts 8:6-7

a. When someone talks about healing by the power of the Spirit, does it make you uncomfortable or comforted? Why?

b. How can the church have an authentic healing ministry?

c. What “dirty” spirits do you see present in people’s lives? What can we do to drive out evil?

4. Read Acts 8:8

a. Think of someone who brings joy to you. Why? What is it in their character that brings joy?

b. Does our church bring joy to our communities? What could we do to increase the joy of our city?

Sermon Notes:

o Dallas Willard – Joy is a deep and pervasive sense of well-being, of knowing and trusting that God cares for us and is working for our good.

o Are we a joyful church?

o A church of joy focuses not on us, but on Jesus.

o My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

o Acts 2:22a – Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you…

o Acts 2:22b – … accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.

o Acts 2:23 – This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge, and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

o Acts 2:24 – But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

o Jesus was on a mission from God.

o Jesus proved he was from God by his miracles and mighty works.

o Jesus died for our sins on the cross because it was God’s plan.

o Jesus was resurrected by God to show death was defeated.

o Being a church of joy means this is Jesus’ church, not ours.

o To help as many people as possible take their next step toward Jesus.

o Being church of joy means we are participating in God’s plan.

o You are to be my witnesses…

o Are you participating in God’s plan?

o Being a church of joy means we are forgiven people.

o Being a church of joy means we are Easter People!

o Acts 2:37-39 - 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

o 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

o Heavenly Father, I confess I have failed at life. Please forgive me. I give you control of my life and from now on I will follow Jesus.

o Lake Baptism, Sunday, September 14, 5 pm.

o Thy will be done, thy kingdom come.

LIFE Group Discussion Questions

Opener: On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 is high) what score would give to our church being a church of joy? Please share your reasons.

Go Deeper

1. Read Acts 2:22-24.

a. In Peter’s list of core beliefs, what do you see as the core beliefs required to be a follower of Jesus?

b. In your opinion, what do modern day Christians add to the list? What is the impact of adding something to Peter’s list?

c. Imagine being in the crowd that day. What might be the biggest stumbling block to you as you pondered following Jesus?

2. Read Acts 2:37-39

a. Notice the reaction of the crowd. What do you think it means that they were cut to the heart?

b. To repent is to go the other direction. Have you known someone who professed Jesus and was baptized, but showed no life change? What do you think Jesus would say about their relationship to him?

c. Baptism was well known in Jesus time. Converts to Judaism were baptized. Why do you think Jesus told his followers to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?

3. Name three things your group can do that will help our church be a church of joy.

Sermon Notes:

· Where do you look for answers?

· Personal Feelings/Instincts

· Popular Culture

· Social Media & Influencers

· Peers/Friends

· Family Traditions

· How do you cut through the chaos of a broken world with wisdom that actually works?

· (Psalm 37:1) “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!” (ESV)

· Our default is to fret and envy.

· —How much of your life is consumed by fret and envy?

· (Psalm 37:2) “For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.” (ESV)

· The world’s wisdom is temporary, but it promises long-term joy.

· Do you need new wisdom?

· (Psalm 37:3) “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.” (ESV)

· God gives us steps toward His wisdom. It’s not mysterious—He wants us to know that he is with us to guide us.

· Knowledge is facts. Wisdom is steps.

· What are you cultivating?

· Knowledge is understanding that the Bible says to trust God. Wisdom is actually trusting Him to take the steps he has laid out.

· (Psalm 37:4) “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (ESV)

· What we delight in shapes us the most.

· Are you faithful, even when things don’t go your way?

· (Psalm 37:5) “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” (ESV)

· God calls us to find joy in His wisdom.

· What is your commitment level to His calling?

· (Psalm 37:6) “He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” (ESV)

· When we trust God’s wisdom, joy doesn’t just quietly exist—----it consumes everything that we see and experience.

· Have you trusted your wisdom more than God’s?

· (Psalm 37:7–8) “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” (ESV)

· stillness before God is where wisdom deepens.

· (Psalm 37:9) “For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.” (ESV)

· Here’s the promise: The future belongs to those who trust God’s wisdom.

· How do you cut through the chaos of a broken world with wisdom that actually works? Trust God’s wisdom because it brings life-changing joy!

· The cross is where false wisdom dies.

· The Resurrection is where true wisdom lives.

LIFE Group- Sermon Discussion Guide

Opening Question

· Think of a circumstance where you had to wait — for a job, a relationship, or a breakthrough. How did you handle the waiting?

Read Psalm 37:1-2

· Why do envy and worry take such a strong hold on us?

· When has this happened most recently in your life?

Read Psalm 37:3

· What does it practically mean to “trust in the Lord and do good” at work, at home, or in relationships?

· How do “dwelling in the land” and “befriending faithfulness” connect to Joy?

Read Psalm 37:4

· What does it mean to delight in the Lord rather than just obey Him out of duty?

· How might delighting in God reshape the desires of your heart?

Read Psalm 37:5

· What does it look like to roll over your plans, burdens, and future onto God?

· Where do you find it hardest to commit your way to Him?

Read Psalm 37:6-9

· Why is waiting on God so difficult?

· Share an example where waiting on God brought better results than rushing ahead.

Application

· Which command in Psalm 37:1–9 speaks to you most right now: Do not fret, Trust, Do Good, Dwell, Befriend Faithfulness, Delight, Commit, or Be Still?

· What is one specific way you can practice that command this week?

Sermon Notes:

· Pray God will send the resources needed to do His work.

· Give as God directs you.

· Matthew 24:36 - 36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

· The hardness of the human heart.

· Revelation 9:20-21 - 20 The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.

· The power of Satan.

· Revelation 12:17 - 17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.

· Revelation 20:10 - 10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

· The lust for money and power.

· You cannot love God and stuff (mammon).

· Revelation 17:16 - 16 The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire.

· Revelation 19:6 – And I heard a sound like a great crowd, like the sound of great waters, like the sound of mighty thunders, saying…

· Revelation 19:6b – Hallelujah! For the Lord is King; Our God Almighty!

· Revelation 19:7a – Let us rejoice and celebrate and be exuberant for His glory…

· Joy is a deep, constant sense of well-being that encompasses your entire being, both physical and spiritual – Dallas Willard.

· What occasion in our time do people express joy?

· Revelation 19:7b: …For the marriage of the lamb comes; and his woman prepares herself.

· Is your commitment to God has strong as a marriage vow?

· Will you be humble enough to let Jesus take the lead?

· Revelation 19:8 – Given to her to wear: Shining, clean, linen. This linen is the righteous acts of the holy ones.

· Are you doing the right things? What does your behavior show?

· You can have all this world, but give me Jesus.

· Revelation 19:9 – And he (the angel) said to me, “Write! Blessed are those invited to the banquet of marriage of the Lamb!” And he said to me, “This is the word of truth of God.”

· Follow me.

· Accept the invitation of Jesus.

· Get ready.

· Live for the coming joy.

· When we all see Jesus, we sing and shout the victory.

LIFE Group Discussion Questions

Opener: What was the most joyous wedding you ever attended? Why?

1. Pastor Clay spoke about three structures that must be destroyed so the Kingdom of God can be fulfilled: the hardiness of the human heart; the power of Satan; and the lust of the human heart for money and pleasure.

a. Which one of these is most prevalent in our culture today?

b. In what ways do you see the power of Satan at work?

c. Have you known someone who has a hard heart against God? How does that show up in their lives?

2. Read Revelation 19:6

a. This verse opens with “portents,” or signs that God is about to do something. What portents might God use today?

b. What does it mean for you that Jesus is King?

c. What does it mean to you that God is Almighty?

3. Read Revelation 19:7

a. Why do you think God chose marriage as a metaphor for his relationship to his people?

b. Do you have any further thoughts on why it might be difficult for men to imagine themselves as the bride of Jesus?

4. Read Revelation 19:8

a. In your opinion, what right acts form the thread of the bright, clean linen to be worn by the bride?

5. Read Revelation 19:9

a. Why do you think the Angel emphasizes to John the blessing of the invitation to the marriage supper?

b. What does it mean to you that it is emphasized that this is the word of truth of God?

Sermon Notes:

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

· What did we learn?

· Admit we are powerless.

· Realize God is greater than us and he can restore us to sanity.

· We make a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God.

· We make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

· We admit to God, ourselves, and another person the exact nature of our wrongs.

· We are ready to have God remove all the defects of our souls.

· We humbly ask God to remove our sins.

· Make a list of people we harmed and become willing to make amends to them all.

· We forgive so we can live in forgiveness.

· We press on.

· Improve our conscious contact with God.

· We share our experience with others.

· John 15:9 – As the Father loves me, so I love you. Settle in my love.

· God loves himself.

· Build a house right in the middle of my love.

· John 15:10 – If you observe my commandments, you will settle in my love, just as I observed my Father’s commands and I settle in his love.

· John 15:11 – This I have spoken to you so that my joy may be in you and your joy will be fulfilled.

· Every one of the steps is about love and love leads to joy.

· John 15:12 – And this is my command to you, that you love one another as I have loved you.

· John 15:13 – Great love has no one than this: that he lays down his soul/life for his friends.

· John 15:14 – You are my friends if you keep on doing what I command you.

· Love is not once and done.

· When you are taking next steps with Jesus, you are stepping into joy.

· Start the relationship.

· Take the next step.

· Lord, today show me how you love me.

· Lord, today, help me to love the people in my life.

· Lord, today, help me live in joy.

LIFE Group Discussion Questions

Opener: What has “stuck” with you most in this series?

1. Read John 15:9

2. What image comes to your mind when we think about “settling in the love of Jesus?”

3. Read John 15:10

4. Jesus describes himself as settling in his Father’s love. Can you think of a story in the gospels that reflect him being settled in his Father’s love?

5. Read John 15:11

6. How would you describe the connection between love and joy?

7. Read John 15:12

8. In verse 10, Jesus tells his disciples that if they keep his commands, they will settle in his love. In verse 12, he gives the command to love each other as he has loved us. What keeps us from loving like Jesus? In your life, what would loving like Jesus look like?

9. Read John 15:13

10. Share a story of someone you know who laid down his or her life because of their love.

11. Read John 15:14

12. Notice Jesus’ use of the word “friends.” Why do you think Jesus uses this word here?

Sermon Notes:

· The Spiritual Approach (to alcoholism) was useless as any other if… you kept it to yourself.”

· Matthew 16:25 - For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

· We share our experience with others.

· Mark 5:7 – He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God! Swear to God that you won’t torture me.

· Mark 5:18-19a – And he (Jesus) got in the boat. The one possessed called to him, to be with him. And he (Jesus) would not allow him…

· Mark 5:19b …but he (Jesus) said to him, “Go! To your house, to your people, and carry back word them how much the Lord has done to you and how he has shown mercy to you.”

· Tell your story to cement your spiritual transformation.

· What is your story?

· The reason you are not taking steps to joy is because you are not telling your story.

· Mark 5:20 – And he (the demon possessed man) went and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all marveled.

· When you are vulnerable, you help other people get real.

· Ask Jesus for courage to tell your story.

· You will be less self-absorbed.

· You will discover the joy of living out your purpose.

· You will know the dignity and thrill of being used by God.

· It’s time to tell your story, so your life can keep changing.

LIFE Group Discussion Questions

Opener: Who is the best story teller you know? What makes them a good story-teller?

1. Read Mark 5:1-5

2. Pick one word to describe the man at the tombs.

3. Imagine you encountered this man at twilight. What would you do?

4. Read Mark 5:6-8

5. Why do you think the demons speak these words to Jesus? What is their motivation

6. Read Mark 5:9-13

7. Why would a man invite so many demons into his life?

8. In your opinion, why do the demons want to remain in the area?

9. Read Mark 5:14-17

10. Why do the townspeople want Jesus to leave?

11. Read Mark 5:18-20

12. What kind of spiritual growth will this man experience if he obeys Jesus?

13. When the man tells his story over and over, what happens in his soul?

Sermon Notes:

· The eleventh step: Improve our conscious contact with God.

· How you think about God matters.

· 15And let the peace of Christ referee in your heart…

· 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. – John 14:27

· Peace is a rest of will that comes from divine assurance about how things will turn out. – Dallas Willard.

· What brings the peace of Jesus in your life?

· … since you are called to be members of a body…

· Have you answered the call to connect?

· … and be continually thankful.

· The more you thank, the more you are thankful for.

· 16Let the word of Christ make an extravagantly rich home in you, in all wisdom, teaching, and admonishing one another.

· “The Bible is the bottom line.”

· Improve your contact with God by weaving the word of Jesus into your heart.

· … Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs – in joy, be singers in your heart to God!

· Music is memory.

· Sing the songs of God to bring you into contact with him.

· 17And in all you do, in word or in work, do all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

· Would Jesus put his name on this? – F.F. Bruce

· Improve your connection with God by asking, “Would Jesus put his name on this?

· The main discipline (of prayer) is to sit down and shut up. And that is pretty difficult for most people. – Thomas Keating.

· Make the peace of Christ my decision maker

· Connect with Others

· Be thankful

· Meditate on Scripture

· Test everything against the name of Jesus

· Be still and pray

LIFE Group Discussion Questions

Opener: When do you most sense the presence of God?

1. Read Colossians 3:15

2. How would you describe the peace of Christ to someone? Can you think of an example when Jesus was at peace while others were not?

3. What kind of group setting helps you experience God’s presence? What kind of group setting gets in the way of you experiencing God’s presence?

4. Name three things you for which you are grateful.

5. Read Colossians 3:16

6. Share a favorite scripture. How has this verse brought richness to your soul?

7. Why do you think people are resistant to singing in church?

8. What songs help you sense the presence of God?

9. Read Colossians 3:17

10. What happened to you last week that you were sure Jesus would put his name on?

11. What is the one thing you need to do to improve your constant consciousness of God?