We Need a Revolution

We Need a Revolution
by John Burke, August 3, 2008
Gateway’s 10th birthday is coming up next month and as John told us, we’ll start the next church decade with a Soul Revolution. And that was the theme of the message today: explaining why we need a revolution and what that could mean for us as a church and individually.

1. We all know how easy it is to get stuck in a rut (like the recording before John’s message… “sha la la-la la-la, live for today…” Sorry – pretty cruel to make you get that song stuck in your brain!). So, talk about that for a few minutes: Have you ever been in a rut on something silly? (Couldn’t stop eating twinkies for lunch. Always walked home the same way when there were different routes? Always order the same double latte non-fat soy at Starbucks?) What is/was one of your ruts? Why is it that we get stuck in ruts so easily? And when we do, is there a downside? Isn’t that just how life is? (10 - 15 minutes)

2. If we are in a rut and we want to get out, there is only one answer: change. John spent a lot of time in the message talking about his own struggle and frustration when he was in an attitude “rut” about Gateway’s development – and the change that broke him free. We’ll cover the “change” later, but for now, take a look at your own life. For the next two questions, break into pairs or triads and discuss your spiritual place with each other. First, would you describe yourself as being in a rut spiritually? If not now, have you been there in the past? Can you identify what “caused” it? What did it feel like? Share your rut experiences with each other. (10 - 15 minutes)

3. Now, John said the thing that got him “unstuck” was to begin to be systematic about connecting with God all the time (take a look at the John 15:5 verse below). So, still in your pair/triad talk about that: Have you ever had a time when you were “connected” to God like a vine? What was that like? Were you feelings different? Did you do anything different. Take some time to share experiences about being connected. Most of us can’t be “there” all the time… so what makes the connection stop or grow weak? (10 - 15 minutes)

4. In the group as a whole, take some time to talk about your rut/connected discussions. First, see if you can identify the types of things that get people into ruts. Next, try to build two “word lists”… one of the words describe being in a rut and next the words that describe being “connected”. Finally, make one more list: What are examples of the types of things that break our connection with God? (10 - 15 minutes)

5. Close with some group time and some individual time: First, if you think you are in a rut right now, tell it to God, and ask for Him to help you restore the connection. Then, in the group, begin to discuss the group’s plans for a Soul Revolution. What do people think about going through the Soul Revolution process as a group starting in October? Be sure to express honest concerns and if needed, give time to pray over it. (5 -10 minutes)

REMEMBER: Save the day on September 20th for the Gateway Birthday Bash at Dell Diamond. It will be mid-afternoon through the evening. More info coming soon.

Bible verses from the message:
Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary. Luke 10:41-42

Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening…. Luke 10:39

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

Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples [followers].” John 13:34-35

“If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God” John 7:17

Want to get more/go farther?

• You can listen to this message - and other ones too at Gateway Messages.
• Get an idea of where you are in your spiritual journey and customize your own next steps at Gateway's Discover, Develop, Deepen website.
• Want support in some specific area of your life? There are different ways to get help at Gateway's Support and Recovery ministries. Check it out.
• Need personal help with something big (or little)? Biblically-based professional counseling is available with Merry Fiske.
• Search for other topics you want to know more about Gateway's online Bookstore. or go to the virtual Bookstore on the second level of the auditorum at Gateway's main campus.