Exodus 3:1-4:9

We LOVE Acts Chapter Two --- when all heaven breaks loose. We love the energy and the impact. We want to be a part of that! Acts Chapter One is a time of waiting --- active, productive waiting with great anticipation that prepares us for the mission described in the second chapter. The following represents some of the lessons the band of believers have to learn (that we have to learn!) if they are to participate in the excitement of Pentecost. Read Verses 1-8 1. He is alive!What is your response to the revolutionary claim that Jesus rose from the dead? Do you find the claim convincing? What is most convincing for you? When/how do you struggle with this? How do you get to full confidence in Christ's victory and contemporary presence? 2. Kingdom of GodContrast the Kingdom of God with the Kingdom of Israel (and the Kingdom of Me). What are the core values of the Kingdom of God? 3. Powered by the SpiritIf Jesus is alive today (and Lord of your life!), and if the Kingdom of God sets your agenda, how does the Spirit guide you in the everyday experience of life? How do you "access" the Spirit? Read Verses 12-14 4. Constantly in Prayer How does prayer prepare us for the opportunities/challenges that are coming? Why is it important to gather with others to pray? Read Verses 16-17 5. The Dark SideDoes everybody have a dark side? Do you? Why is it essential to recognize your potential for moral failure? Read Verses 24-25 6. This Apostolic MinistryWhat does "Apostolic" mean? How can you tell if a church is apostolic? How does a church get ready for Pentecost (all that happens in Acts Chapter Two)?

Acts 20:32 - 21:1A message as we send off the Barton family to their new life and church at Hilmar Covenant Church.

Psalm 126Casey's Farewell Message to GrX

VBS Sunday! From Mark 10:1-31, hear a message on how anything is possible with God!

Judges 6:1-16

Practicing a Theology of WelcomeActs 8:26-40 Philip is an obscure disciple in the Gospels. Only once, in John 14:8, does he speak up. it seems that he tends to be quiet and reserved. But he is obviously paying close attention to Jesus and, when he is ready, he begins a powerful ministry. Chosen as one of the first deacons (in charge of the practical needs of the rapidly growing church), in Acts 6, Chapter 8 (including verses 4-8 and 12-14) highlights the far-reaching effect of Philip as an Evangelist. He shares the good news with (despised) Samaritans, and later with an (exotic) African. Not only does he have an impact beyond the confines of Jerusalem and Judea, but he reaches out beyond orthodox Judaism with the Good News. His daughters are nurtured in the faith and become prophets --- all four of them, according to Acts 21:8, 9. Philip really knows how to welcome people into the Kingdom of God. He becomes the host wherever he is. 1. What does a genuine welcome look like/feel like to you? What makes you feel unwelcome? 2. Philip goes out of his way to share the Good News and welcome people into the Family of God. What moves him to extend himself in such remarkable ways? Can you imagine yourself doing that? What would it take? 3. What is going on in Philip's conversation with the Ethiopian eunuch? How did Philip know how to engage him? What clues are given to us in this scene about how to approach people we don't necessarily know well? 4. Why do people feel joy after they have been with Philip? Explain the "Philip Effect." 5. In the spirit of Philip, how would we (the GrX community) increase our capacity to welcome people --- on Sunday mornings, on other occasions when the church gathers, as we wander during the week? How do we recover the lost art of hospitlaity?

MVAMission to Vision to ActionServants for the Sake of the KingdomMatthew 20:20-281. What do you make of this woman --- the mother of James and John --- and her request? 2. Jesus often asks people what they want. Does God care what we want?! How does what we want relate to God’s will for us?3. What are contemporary examples of “the rulers of the Gentiles lording it over them”? Is someone doing that to you? Do ever treat others that way … and would you recognize it if you did?4. The followers of Jesus are told to exercise authority in a totally different way. What does that look like? Can you serve others without being a doormat?5. Is Jesus unique in his leadership style? How do you respond to this Son of Man who comes to serve?