Mandarin Baptist Church

Behold (2) Christmas at Mandarin 2020

Scripture: Luke 2.25-38; Psalm 136; Psalm 86.11; Micah 7.7

Suddenly there was a multitude of heavenly hosts with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest….  - Luke 2.13-14

1- Spend some time in Luke 2.25-38.  What do you learn about worship from Simeon and Anna? Talk about their character traits and how those traits postured their life as enduring worshippers? How is God developing your life and your preparations as a worshipper?  What could be a first next step to deepen as a worshipper?

2- Luke 2.35 reads that Jesus foray to earth reveals the thoughts and hearts of many. The psalmist calls for an undivided heart for each of us. What are your answers for these questions from our gathering this week.  How can I endure in worship, even in the trials and challenges that daily come my way? How can I prepare the way to be the true worshipper for which I was formed?  As my heart and soul repeatedly sings the Glorious Hallel (Psalm 136), how can might this bring back into focus a sense of the unending and faithful love of God?  Imagine what God will reveal as we grow as worshippers.

His faithful love endures forever. - Psalm 136

Behold (1)…. Christmas at Mandarin 2020

Jesus has put on flesh and He dwells among us and within those of us who believe. We BEHOLD His glory, the glory of the one and only Who is filled with grace and in truth. - John 1

Scripture: Micah 7.7; Galatians 4.4-5; Luke 2.9-14

But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord. - Micah 7.7 (NASB)

 * How is watching different from waiting?

 * What are the ways that you can posture your life as one who watches, with expectancy, for Jesus at work in and around you?

 * In what ways is your life and faith affected, knowing that God is at work even as you wait?  He is at work in the pain.. in the challenges… in the unknowns.. in the hard.. in the joy… in the wonder…in all things.

 * What will you begin today (and, maybe stop doing today) as you orient your life around watching for God at work and posturing to join with Him?

Micah lived in chaos and was surrounded by those who had little or no concern about the ways of God.  Yet, his life declaration was ‘As for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord.’  Will you pray that his tribe will increase and that you might become one of them?

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Consuming Ambition Week 3 

1) Reread Acts 1:6-8. What stands out to you in these verses? What challenges you? Look at the question by the disciples. What is surprising about Jesus’ response?

2) A missionary by the name of Henry Martyn said “His last command should be our first concern. The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of Missions and the nearer we get to him the more intensely missionary we must become.” Why do so many believers struggle with sharing their faith? Is it a knowledge problem or is it something else? 

3) The three circles diagram is a way you can share the Gospel. What about it is easy? What about it is hard? How does your story of faith fit into it? 

 *bonus practice sharing it with a family member! 

4) Our greatest wounds, are the greatest opportunities for us to see God’s grace in our lives, and often our greatest tool to share with others their need for Jesus.  Why is it powerful to share about the brokenness we have in our own lives? 

5) Who will you share the Gospel with? Write their name down and commit to praying for them daily! I wonder how God will begin to orchestrate events so that you can share the Gospel message with them!

Consuming Ambition (2)

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2.2; Matthew 28.18-20; Ephesians 3.17-20; Matthew 5.16;  2 Corinthians 5.14; I Thessalonians 2.8

Let our lights and our light so shine before others, so that they see your good works and they give glory to our Father in heaven. - Matthew 5.16

* The ultimate aim of our lives is to bring glory to God. We desire for others to see, in our lives, the glory of the gospel. Describe the aim of your life? How can I sharpen my aim to align with God’s? What does a life given for His glory look like practically and lived out daily?  Read this passage and ponder God’s design and His ultimate. Let our lights and our light so shine before others that they see our good works and they give glory to our Father in heaven. - Matthew 5.16

* What are your first thoughts and reactions to this statement?  C.S. Lewis wrote that 'our faith is not a moral code. It is a grace-laden mystery; it is not a philosophy of love, but a love affair; it is not keeping rules with a clenched fist, but receiving a gift with open hands.'   Pause.  Read Ephesians 3.17-20 and read the statement again. In light of this scripture, what do you learn about how to relate to God? How can you’ stretch’ higher and deeper; wider and further into the love of God in Christ? Talk about this with friends and family. 

* A loving God fosters a loving people.  What spaces is God inviting you to step into with the fullness of His love and His grace?  How can you 'fill them to the brim’ with the grace and gospel of Jesus.  Be passionate about these spaces. Be strategic. Be intentional. What is a first step that you might take to fill a space with His grace and His gospel?

Aim well. Think ‘Big' about God. Fill the world to the rim with His grace and goodness.

Consuming Ambition

Text: 2 Timothy 1.13-14; Matthew 28.18-20; Acts 11.15-25

Generations moving together in the advance of the great commission.

* Based on Matthew 28.18-20, when all of the authority of Jesus is moving among His people, what is happening in His church? Sketch out the expectation and mission for His church shared in this scripture. What patterns do you anticipate forming when Jesus’ beautiful commission is becoming our consuming ambition? 

* 'The Lord’s hand was with them’ - Acts 11.21  What stands out to you about the Church at Antioch? (Acts 11.15-26)  How does ‘His presence with you’ (v.21) help you to see your everyday life as a part of God’s mission? How will you intentionally be His blessing to those around you today?

Jesus’ authoritative commission would become their consuming ambition.  - David Platt

Grace is the means and the lens through which you accurately understand and interpret life  

* Our venture through 2 Timothy has been significant. We have studied Paul’s last words and those words have studied us.  What is one truth that you read in this letter that was new to you?  How is one way that your thinking has shifted as you made your way through 2 Timothy?  In what specific way are you living differently because of this letter?  How has this letter increased your intimacy in conversation with Jesus?

* Continue to take a journey through the Last Words of Paul, as you return regularly to read, to think and to pray through this letter and your life in Christ.  Grace be with you… 

The Lord be with your Spirit. Grace be with you all.  - 2 Timothy 4.22

Last Words (11)

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4.16-18

Everyone needs a Paul and everyone needs a Timothy. 

1- Read. Think. Pray. Live.  Open your journal and ponder one chapter of 2 Timothy each day this week. Consider how what you experienced through reading, thinking and in prayer, and how that might compel you to live differently today. What new practices that you should consider? How does this impact your relationships? What do you need to do more?  What needs to become less? How do these truths impact the way that you live? Be practical and read for life change. 

2 - Paul is speaking into Timothy (and into our Mandarin family) that our faith is God’s story of using His people to overcome great obstacles in order that we accomplish His mission. From what you have learned in 2 Timothy, what is God’s mission? What obstacles are in your life?  What do you learn about God.. about you.. about His mission.. about obstacles in 2 Timothy 4.16-18?  From what you are learning, what is your next step on mission?

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me….. 2 Timothy 4.17

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4.6-8

Everyone needs a Paul and everyone needs a Timothy. 

1- As a faith family, we are learning and practicing the discipline of Spiritual Reading (Read. Think. Pray. Live) This week, read one chapter of 2 Timothy each day and PRAY the Scripture. Talk with God about what you are learning, thanking Him for the truth of this letter, asking Him questions, inviting Him transform your life in Truth, engaging in repentance…. Praying Scripture allows for God to begin the conversation and to shape its direction.

2- Read and think about 2 Timothy 4.6-8  If we are to fight, finish and guard the faith well, it will happen as we live in love with Jesus. What steps could help you to be intentional in pursuit of knowing Christ so that you are diligent, consistent and thoughtful? Who will know your plan and take the journey with you?  Will you give them permission to walk with you in accountability?

For me to live, Christ. To die, Christ. I live as one in gain. 
                          - Paul, the Apostle to the Church at Philippi

Last Words (9)
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3.16 - 4.5

If everyone needs a Paul, one who mentors and guides; models and mirrors Jesus. Then, who is your Paul?  Because everyone needs a Timothy, one who you mentor and guide; model and mirror Jesus. Who is your Timothy?

** What if you could know the way to every good work that God has for you?  2 Timothy 3.16-17 seems to promise that you do have this way within you. Using 2 Timothy 3.16-4.5 as a guide, how can you posture your life for all the good things that come to you from the heart of Christ? Talk about this with a friends and family.  It’s amazing to consider that this is possible… that all things are possible in Christ!

** As a faith family, we are learning and practicing the discipline of Spiritual Reading (Read. Think. Pray. Live) For the next week, read one chapter a day and PRAY the Scripture into your soul. This week, we will pray  the words of 2 Timothy. Talk with God about what you are learning, thanking Him for the truth of this letter, asking Him questions, inviting Him transform your life in Truth, engaging in repentance…. Praying Scripture allows for God to begin the conversation and to shape its direction.

Last Words
2 Timothy 3:10-17

1- There is a transformative power found in the truths of God’s Word. Our hope is to practice in ‘spiritual reading’ that truth may grow us into the image of Christ. You have read 2 Timothy. You have opened a journal and given thought. This week, we will pray  the words of 2 Timothy. Talk with God about what you are learning, thanking Him for the truth of this letter, asking Him questions, inviting Him transform your life in Truth, engaging in repentance…. Praying Scripture allows for God to begin the conversation and to shape its direction. Read 1 chapter a day and Pray these truths into your soul.  Read.Think.Pray.Live. 

2- Do you have an example of a time when studying scripture a verse that you were familiar with popped out in a fresh new way? When this happens how does this strengthen your view/understanding of scripture? 

3-  “Direction not intention determines your destination” What direction are you going in regards to discipleship? Who are you discipling? Who is discipling you? Or is this just intention? What needs to change today? 

4- Name some people who have been a Paul to you. Name some people who have been a Timothy to you. Why have these people been significant. Take a moment to thank God for them! And ask God who is currently your Paul and Timothy.

5- In what ways have you seen believers face opposition in our world today? Why is it important to walk in the community and grounded in truth in a world that opposing the things of Christ? 

6- Read 2 Timothy 3:15-17. Scripture leads us to the wisdom for salvation and gives us clarity of purpose here on earth. In what ways are scripture giving us wisdom for salvation and clarity in purpose?