What Makes God Trustworthy?

Trek – Part 1

August 31-September 1, 2019

Dr. Jeffrey Allen Love

Genesis 28:10-22

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (p.482)

“As he (Jacob) slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway.” Genesis 28:12 (p.23)

“’(Jesus)…I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.’” John 1:51 (p.810)

 

You Can Trust God No Matter What.

God keeps His promises.

“At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and he said, ‘I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac.’” Genesis 28:13 (p.23)

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Hebrews 10:23 (p.926)

God is always with me.

“I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go…Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!’” Genesis 28:15-16 (p.23)

“’(Jesus)…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:20 (p.760)

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” John 14:1 (p.823)

 

My Next Step:

I will memorize and meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6 (p.482)

Life Groups Study Questions

Taking the Talk to Another Level

For the Week of September 1, 2019

Trek: An Adventure in Trust, Week 1

What Makes God Trustworthy?

This is a One Voice Talk Series, which means our kids and youth are also learning the same key Bible verses and main teaching points.

Life Groups use these questions to dig deeper into what we talked about this weekend as we do life together in relationships. If you’re not in a Group please come to the Groups Info Table in the lobby, or go to alivechurch.com/groups.

Car Questions/Conversation Starters

Who are some trustworthy people you know or have known?

Why did/do you trust them?

What makes a person trustworthy?

Have you ever wondered if God was going to come through on a promise He made?

Quick Review

Looking back at your Talk Notes, was there anything you heard in the service that stood out or maybe even confused you?

Discussion Starters from the Weekend Talk

One definition of trust is: “Putting your confidence in someone you can depend on.” How do YOU define trust?

Read Genesis 28:10-17 (p. 23*), John 1:51 (p. 810*), John 14:1 (p. 823*), Hebrews 10:23 (p. 926*), and Matthew 28:20 (p. 760*)

How does God declare his trustworthiness (Gen. 28:13-15)?

Why are God’s past actions relevant?

When have you experienced a reaction like Jacob’s (Gen. 28:16-17), in which you recognized God’s work in your life AFTER it happened?

When have you truly felt like God was with you?

Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt like God was NOT there with you?

How do you handle those times when you DON’T feel it?

What have you experienced to make you confident that God can be trusted to keep His promises (Hebrews 10:23)?

What promise from Matthew 28:20 is so incredibly significant? Why?

Digging Deeper

Read Genesis 28:18-22 (p. 23*)

What do you think about Jacob’s response?

How would you have responded?

Does Jacob’s use of “if” diminish his commitment?

Read Galatians 3:21-29 (p. 891*)

How does Paul answer his own question from verse 21?

What purpose did the Law serve?

What do verses 28-29 say to you?

Galatians 3:5-9 (p. 891*), 1 Corinthians 1:20 (p. 870*)

How have things changed for humanity, with regards to the Law, because of Jesus? (Gal. 3:5-9)

Read Galatians 3:5-9 (p. 891)

How have things changed for humanity, with regards to the Law, because of Jesus? (Gal. 3:5-9)

What are some of God’s promises that have been particularly encouraging for you? Please share them if you are willing. A f

Is It Worth It?

Rows and Circles – Part 2

August 24-25, 2019

Dr. Jeffrey Allen Love

We Learn In Rows, We Grow In Circles.

 Questions:

What role does Jesus play in your daily life?

What did Jesus mean when He made reference to the word “Christian”?

“Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.'” Matthew 28:16-19

Follow Jesus by:

“‘Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.'” John 14:21a

a. Listening to Him.

b. Thinking like Him.

c. Seeing like Him.

d. Acting like Him.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” James 1:22 

Start training, keep training

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity…” Acts 2:46

“And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: ‘Jesus is the Messiah.'” Acts 5:42

“‘Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'” Matthew 28:20

 

My Next Step: A key strategy for my spiritual formation as a Follower of Jesus is to actively participate in a Life Group this Semester.

 

Life Groups Study Questions

Taking the Talk to Another Level

For the Week of August 25, 2019

Rows and Circles, Week 2

Life Groups use these questions to dig deeper into what we talked about this weekend as we do life together in relationships. If you’re not in a Group please come to the Groups Info Table in the lobby, or go to alivechurch.com/groups.

Getting to Know You

Welcome to the “circle” of a Life Group! Take a little time to get to know a bit about each other as we begin this new Groups semester.

By showing up to this Group you took a bit of a risk. When else have you taken a risk? How did it work out?

Talk about a time when you helped someone else take a step—or a risk—in their life. Why were you the one to help?

Quick Review

Looking back at your Talk Notes, was there anything you heard in the service that stood out or maybe even confused you?

Discussion Starters from the Weekend Talk

In Pastor Jeff’s Talk, “Is It Worth It?”, he challenged us with a couple of questions: (1) What role does Jesus play in your daily life? And (2) What did Jesus mean when He made reference to the word “Christian”?

What are your thoughts about those two questions? How do you answer them? How would you LIKE to answer them?

Read Matthew 28:16-20 out loud together. (Pg. 760 in LTB*)

When have you experienced growth in your life—in any area (not just spiritual)?

How does it make you feel that some of the eleven disciples were still doubting Him when he gathered them together? (v. 16)

Jeff challenged us to start with “Follow Jesus” and then to grow in “spiritual formation,” i.e. Keep Training.

What are some ways you do—or have done—that?

If you’ve been a Follower for a while, when have you grown the most?

Digging Deeper

John 14:15-21 (Pg. 823 LTB*)

Jesus is hours away from execution, so he is giving final instructions to his inner circle—His disciples.

How did Jesus provide help for His Followers, even after He was no longer physically present in the world?

Why is obedience so important as an expression of love for Jesus?

James 1:19-25 (Pg. 930 LTB*)

James lays down some pretty tough challenges in this passage. What part(s) of it particularly challenge you?

Why are we “fooling ourselves” if we do not do what Go

Do You Want To Change?

Rows and Circles – Part 1

August 17-18, 2019

Dr. Jeffrey Allen Love

Luke 5:1-11 

We Learn In Rows, We Grow In Circles.

 Questions:

What kind of person do I want to be?

What kind of life do I want to live?

How you answer these questions point to your God-given purpose.

“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.’ ‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.’” Luke 5:4-5

Grow in obedience.

“And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!  A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.” Luke 5:6-7

“‘Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.'” Matthew 7:24 

Grow in relationship.

 “When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, ‘Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.’ For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.” Luke 5:8-10a

Grow in the process of spiritual formation.

“’(Jesus)…Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!’ And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.” Luke 5:10b-11

“We will no longer be immature like children…instead we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:14-15

My Next Step: I’m going to step into a circle by joining a Life Group this semester.

The post Rows and Circles – Part 1: Do You Want To Change? appeared first on Alive Church.

What Is Admirable – Steve Tanner

What Is Excellent – Chad Chaney

What Is Worthy Of Praise – Dr. Jeffrey Allen Love

God Talks – Part 3

August 10-11, 2019

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

Fix Your Thoughts On What Is Admirable.

“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9

People are watching.

“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.” Philippians 3:17

Who do you want them to see?

“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 

 “And the people of Berea… listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.” Acts 17:11

Measure everything against God’s standard—His Word. 

What kind of follower would a new Christian become if he or she imitated you?

We serve an excellent God so we strive to do things with excellence.

 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2a (NIV)

Fix Your Thoughts On What Is Admirable, Excellent And Worthy Of Praise.

Move away from thinking that is not “worthy of praise”.

“For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.” Mark 7:21-23

Recognize it and confess it.

Move toward thinking that is “worthy of praise”.

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

              Transform your mind with the scriptures.

“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me…” Philippians 4:9

My Next Step: I will memorize all of Philippians 4:8 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

 

 

The post God Talks – Part 3 appeared first on Alive Church.

What Is Right – Sheri Marsden

What Is Pure – Steve Tanner

What Is Lovely – Cody Kiwaczyk

God Talks – Part 2

August 3-4, 2019

 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

The Lie: I’m Not Worth Anything

The Right Thought: I am God’s masterpiece

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

The Lie: God couldn’t love someone like me

The Right Thought: God loves me

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

The Lie: I’m a good person. I don’t need God

The Right Thought: Jesus and a relationship with him is the only way to heaven

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

The Lie: God could never forgive me for…

The Right Thought: God forgives me 

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9

The Lie: My life has no purpose

The Right Thought: Jesus has a plan and a purpose for my life

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

The Lie: Why would Jesus die for someone like me

The Right Thought: Jesus died for me because he loves me 

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 

The Lie: I’m not good enough. I mess up all the time

The Right Thought: Jesus’ grace is free. I can’t earn it

“And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.” Romans 11:6

Fix Your Thoughts On What Is Right And Pure.

”For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23

Self-powered purity is impossible.

”Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3:24 

God-powered purity is permanent.

“Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.” 1 Corinthians 1:30b

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Fix Your Thoughts On What Is Right And Pure, And Lovely.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.” Psalm 19:1-4a

It’s about the creator not the creation.

Choose what you focus on.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 

“He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.’ After supper he took another cup of wine and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.’” Luke 22:19-20

My Next Step:

I will continue to memorize Philippians 4:8. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely…”

The post God Talks – Part 2 appeared first on Alive Church.

Fix Your Thoughts – Dr. Jeffrey Allen Love

What Is True – Jason Marsden

What Is Honorable – Steve Tanner

God Talks – Part 1

July 27-28, 2019

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

“…let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2a

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7a (NKJV)

Fix My Thoughts On What Is True.

Seek the truth.

The Bible reveals the truth for my life.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Jesus is the truth.

“’(Jesus)…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

Fix Your Thoughts On What Is True And Honorable.

Honorable thoughts lead to honorable living.

Honorable living must be private and public.

“We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.” 2 Corinthians 8:20-21

Honorable living must be active.

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13

My Next Step: I will memorize the beginning of Philippians 4:8. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable…”

The post God Talks – Part 1 appeared first on Alive Church.

This Is The Future

This Is Us – Part 4

June 1 – 2, 2019

Dr. Jeffrey Allen Love

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 

Vision Drives Strategy Towards Mission.

Strategy: Pastoring our church with One Voice.

“‘(Jesus) Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.’ And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.” Matthew 19:14-15

Speaking with One Voice.

“Now I do beg you, my brothers, by all that Christ means to you, to speak with one voice, and not allow yourselves to be split up into parties. All together you should be achieving a unity in thought and judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (PHILLIPS)

Discipling with One Voice.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Next Step: I’m on board and will be praying for Alive Church’s vision of One Voice.

The post This Is Us – Part 4: This Is The Future appeared first on Alive Church.

This Is Discipleship

This Is Us – Part 3

May 25-26, 2019

Steve Tanner

“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.’” Matthew 28:18-20a

Discipleship

“Discipleship is that developmental process that progressively brings Christians from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity…. The singular, overarching goal of a disciple is to bring all of life under the lordship of Jesus Christ and then help someone else to do the same. Disciples are to turn around and make other disciples.” – Dr. Tony Evans

Disciples Disciple Disciples.

To live as a disciple:

1. Align your priorities.

“Then [Jesus] said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.’” Luke 9:23

“For in him we live and move and exist.” Acts 17:28a

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

2. Follow Jesus’ teachings.

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” John 8:31-32

3. Produce spiritual results.

“ [Jesus said], ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.’” John 15:5

4. Disciple others.

“…Go and make disciples…” Matthew 28:19

 

My Next Step:

– I want to be discipled.

– I want to disciple another.

– Tell me more about the Alive Church Life Transformation Discipleship Plan.

The post This Is Us – Part 3: This Is Discipleship appeared first on Alive Church.

This Is The Cost

This Is Us – Part 2

May 18-19, 2019

Dr. Jeffrey Allen Love

 Luke 21:1-4

The Best Things In Life Cost The Most.

 Jesus is teaching us to:

           1. Give generously

“While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.” Luke 21:1-2

“Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7

           2. Give sacrificially

“‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said, ‘this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.’” Luke 21:3-4

“For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.” 2 Corinthians 8:3-4

Final thought: The poor widow gave sacrificially. The others gave recreationally.

Next Step: ____ As a follower of Jesus I choose to live more generously.

 

 Principles To Grow In Generosity:

Your willingness to give eagerly is more important than the amount you give (2 Corinthians 8:12).

You should strive to fulfill your financial commitments (2 Corinthians 8:10-11). 

If you give to others in need, they will in turn help you when you are in need (2 Corinthians 8:14). 

You should give out of obedience to Christ, not for selfish benefits (2 Corinthians 9:5b; 2 Corinthians 9:13).

But I’m Flat Broke:

Ask God to clarify your desires and remove those that are inappropriate.

 Thank God for all that he has already provided. 

Claim God’s promises of provision and help. 

Ask him for wisdom to undertake the tasks he wants you to do.

Determine what other spiritual needs God might be meeting in your life by not meeting the physical need that seems so pressing.

Look each day for opportunities to rely on Christ’s power and love. 

Remind yourself out loud that God is in complete control.

4 Decisions For All Regarding Contentment: 

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” 1 Timothy 6:6

We must focus on what God has already allowed us to have.

We must disregard what we do not have.

We must refuse to covet what others may have.

We must give thanks to God for each and all of his gifts.

Tithe Brochure

The post This Is Us – Part 2: This Is The Cost appeared first on Alive Church.

This is Generational

This is Us – Part 1

May 11-12, 2019

Steve Tanner

“The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” Proverbs 20:29

God Generates Power Through Generations.

“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.” Psalm 78:4

To move in the same direction, use a GPS!

Shared GOAL: value all generations.

“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.’” Matthew 19:13-14

“Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.” 1 Timothy 5:1-2

Shared PLAN: work together.

“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” Amos 3:3

Shared SACRIFICE: serve selflessly.

“Then [Jesus] said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.’” Luke 9:23-24

“[God] shows mercy from generation to generation, to all who fear him.” Luke 1:50

Next Step:  I will pray one of the following prayers every day this week.

A Prayer for Older Generations from Psalm 71:17-18

“O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray… Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”

A Prayer for Younger Generations adapted from Psalm 71:17-18

“O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Even though I am young… Let me proclaim your power to every generation, your mighty miracles to all who came before and who will come after me.”

The post This Is Us – Part 1: This is Generational appeared first on Alive Church.