Monday, May 28, 2007

Why do we do that? - Worship and Communion (Green Eggs and Ham)

Series: Why do we do that?
Worship and Communion (Green Egg and Ham) by Rich Shurtz – May 27, 2007

Today, Rick talked about the role of worship and communion for a follower of Jesus. He started by quoting Maya Angelou’s comment about how having an “untold story” within us can be an “agony”. He then explained how, at least in part, he believes her message is: ‘I was created for something grander than this, but it has not been’. Since those of us who follow Christ, believe Jesus is our creator, this is a good place to start the discussion.

1. Is there any “untold story” about what you were created for that is still “inside you” rather than in the reality of your life? (i.e., What things do you think you were “created” for that have not been realized yet?). Spend a few minutes sharing about this in your group. (10 minutes)

2. Next, Rick talked about worship. He asked a question that is worth talking about more: In the context of Gateway’s “extended worship” 180 Service, he asked, “How appealing does the idea of ”extended worship” sound to you?”. So, what about it? What’s your true answer to that question? In the group, try to come up with a list of the reasons that “extended” periods of worship can sound unappealing to people (in general…. don’t feel like you need to explain your own feelings unless you want to). (10 minutes)

3. To give more context, Rick took us to the story of Jesus with the Samaritan “woman at the well”. (For the whole story, read John 4: 1 - 42). He explained how the woman mistook Jesus’ discussion of spiritual water for actual water. Rick then said we can look at the idea of the woman’s husbands from a spiritual perspective as well. Jesus told her she had five husbands – and was with a sixth that she was not married to. Rick then asked us to look at what we may have been “married to” in a spiritual sense…. things we have latched onto to satisfy our spiritual thirst. So what about that? Do any of Rick’s items listed below, or another, ring true of your "commitments"? (Check as many as apply)

_____ Job
_____ Adventure
_____ Thrills (pleasure)
_____ Doing good
_____ Eating
_____ Health
_____ Other ____________________

Have you ever gone from one thing to another looking for something to be the match with what you were created for… an answer to your “thirst”? Spend 10 -15 minutes talking about any personal experiences you’ve had in seeking to quench a spiritual thirst.

4. Now, let’s try to tie some of these thoughts together: Rick says of worship: “It’s not whether we worship. It’s what we worship: We will worship whatever "god" is at the center of our lives… whether it is God Himself or something else. If you are here, you probably have had at least a some point when you felt your heart tuned into worship of God Himself and wanted more. Is that true for you? If so, you probably thought that you wanted/need to come to the well that is Jesus regularly. But one characteristic that we all seem to share is that we are (to use Rick’s words) “pushed or pulled by life” to go into directions different from what we’ve intended. If that is true of you, think about that for a minute, and then write down some things that keep you from following through on your intentions. In the group, try to come up with a list of the pushes and pulls of life that make us “prone to wonder” from our intentions (to use the words from the Robinson song “Come Thou Fount” that Rick talked about), and note if there are others that ring true for your life. (10 minutes)

5. The good news is that God knows we are easily distracted, and so, He directed us to regular “remembrances” of Him. (In the 10 Commandments, God directs the Israelites to remember the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8 – 11) and Jesus directs His disciples to regularly remember His sacrifice through Communion (Luke 22:19), and the Bible is full of other examples of events that God directs His people to remember regularly). So what about you? Do you have any practices that help you to regularly seek and worship God? Spend some time first talking about different things that “work” and then stop for personal reflection. Rick suggests we take God’s “Sam I am” challenge… Psalm 34:8 has the challenge: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Is there any specific way that you can take the challenge this week? If God is prompting you, write down a practice that you want to begin, and then pray for Him to protect you from the pushes and pulls of life that pull you away. (10 minutes)

Bible verses from this message:

“Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” (And Jesus said ) “Go, call your husband and come back.”
John 4: 15 – 16

My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
Jeremiah 2:13

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:23

Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
John 4:13-14

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Psalm 34:8

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Monday, May 21, 2007

Why do we do that?

Series: Why do we do that?
Baptism by John Burke, May 20, 2007

We’re starting a new series about some of the key practices of life as a follower of Jesus. While these activities are physical acts, they have profound spiritual significance. And what a great place to start this short series with the “first” activity for so many after turning to Jesus: Baptism. It’s so important. As John noted – Jesus called it “a requirement” (see John 6 in verses below), and it is a a profound and public way for us to symbolically demonstrate the spiritual newness that is our gift from God through Jesus.

1. As many of you know, there were actually baptisms done at Gateway this weekend. Why not start with that? Were you, or anyone you know baptized this weekend? Or did you see and cheer any of the baptisms? If yes – spend some time sharing the experience. (15 minutes)

If you were not baptized this Sunday, have you been baptized in the past as part of a personal choice? Take some time for those who want, to talk some about the experience – either this week or in the past…and as the group talks, keep a list of the different reasons that make people choose to be baptized. (10 – 15 minutes)

2. Baptism has so many symbolisms and it can be encouraging to think about these. So now, lets take a few minutes to list some of the “spiritual” things that the physical action of baptism represents. (10 minutes)

3. John said that one reason to be baptized is to publicly acknowledge your commitment to follow Christ. So, is it really necessary make a public “announcement” of what is basically a spiritual decision? Why or why not? Have you or anyone you know actually made a commitment to a new life, but been reluctant to take this step? What are some of the major barriers/reasons to “taking the plunge”? (10 minutes)

4. Along the lines of making a “public” commitment, there are often other ways we can publicly acknowledge that we are Christ followers. What are some of those other ways to note who we are “committed to”? As a group, try to list as several ways people can make their association with Jesus known. Finally, wind up by taking 2-3 minutes to think through the list individually – including Baptism, if you have not yet decided to do that – and ask yourself – and God whether He is speaking to you on any of these actions. If so, think about how you could obey His voice, and write down that commitment. (10 minutes)

Bible verses from the message:

“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 [them] 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 28:18-20

"What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
John 6:28-29

“Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” “
Matthew 3:13-15

“Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for [sinful people} to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit…water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from [as an appeal to God for] a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 3:18, 21

“...when [the Roman soldiers] came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.”
John 19:33-34

“All my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me…they pierce my hands and my feet.”
Psalm 22:14-16

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: `They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.”
John 6:44-45

“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins…Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. So don’t let anyone condemn you…. “
Colossians 2:12-16

"The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant...because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Jeremiah 31:31-34

“It was this promise Jesus referred to the night before his crucifixion, at the last Supper, when he said "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Luke 22:20

“The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The [Ethiopian] eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” 35 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.”
Acts 8:32-38

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Monday, May 14, 2007

Feminine Power

Feminine Power
by Betty Blake Churchill - May 13, 2007

1. Today Betty Blake talked about the core “power” of women: our beauty. Betty Blake started by noting how often the beauty equation comes down to a “beauty contest”. So what about that? Do you agree or disagree? Do women inevitably compare themselves to other women based on physical beauty? Do men use the same yardstick for women too? Spend a few minutes to share ideas and personal experiences about this – and be sure to discuss the “whys” of your opinions. (10 minutes)

2. Expanding on Betty Blake’s theme that we are all drawn to beauty (as she said, beauty is the power of attraction), try to spend some time thinking about beauty in general. What makes us think of something as beautiful? What are the different types of beauty – both physical and intangible? Do you have any ideas about why we are drawn to beauty? As a group, make a list of the different ways something can be beautiful. (10 minutes)

3. In the message, Betty Blake quoted Genesis which says that when God created humans He built His “nature” into both men and women as one, but in different ways separately “in His image, He created them, both male and female He created them….” Genesis 1:27 – emphasis mine). She went on to note some of the ways that women that demonstrate God’s nature. What do you think? Stop for a minute and think about some qualities that we tend to think as largely “feminine” (and for sure I don’t want to condone stereotyping… everyone is an individual – and some things are surely culturally specific… but still, there are tendencies… so, let’s focus there). Write down a few “tendencies” in women’s qualities and then brainstorm in the group to identify as many as you can. Now, take a look at the group’s list and talk about which of those seem most descriptive of God’s character. (15 minutes)

4. While Betty Blake focused on women, it could be interesting to think about the nature of men as well. Try the same exercise as above – but apply it to male tendencies. Finish up this part by reviewing all the “God’s nature” traits seen across either men or women. Does anything strike you about these properties when taken together? (15 minutes)

5. Let’s end with some personal application – for ourselves or for others. Betty Blake noted that one of our tasks in this world as Christ-followers is to demonstrate God’s character. Naturally, none of us can to that as a whole – but we all have a part to play. Since our main theme this week is the part of women – lets keep the focus there for this application. Look through the list of ways women can show what God is like. If you are a women, think about whether there any of those traits that seems like a characteristic that God has built into you – that He might be wanting you to demonstrate to those around you (“offering freely” to use Betty Blake’s words). And if you are a man, think about a woman close to you, (family, friends, or co-workers) and try to identify any Godly nature-traits you sense in that person. Now for both men and women, think about what you might do to draw out that character more. Write down any ideas you have and then commit to taking it before God alone some time this week to see what He might tell you about what you can do. (5 – 10 minutes).


Bible verses from this week’s message:

“No beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.”
Isaiah 53:2

“In His image He created them, both male and female he created them”
Genesis 1:27

“I’ve done or said these things so that you will know me--know I am God.” God promises if we seek him with all of our heart we will find him
Jeremiah 29:13

“If we draw near to Him he will draw near to us.”
James 4:8

“The greatest command of all is that we would love him with all of our heart, soul, and mind.”
Mark 12:29-30

“Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in.”
1 Peter 3:3-4 (the Message Bible)


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Sunday, May 06, 2007

Suburband Legends: "The Secret"

Series: Suburban Legends
“The Secret” by John Burke May 6, 2007

The context for today’s message was the popular book The Secret that claims there is a spiritual law in the universe that anyone can tap into to bring them anything they want: Your thoughts will “attract” what you want to you. While “The Secret” is one of the latest things among pop-culture “seekers” today, this is certainly not the first incarnation of a “magic” remedy to solve all life’s problems – an insiders’ “answer” …AND all you need to do is write the check, attend the seminar series, buy the book, the DVD, yadda yadda … and you will have a perfect life of wealth and happiness.

1. OK we’ve all heard these stories before. Let’s start with the “why”. Why do you think these quick-fix, easy-answer “plans” for happiness are so common-place, both now and in the past? Spend a few minutes talking about why they are promoted and why they are accepted. (10 minutes)

2. Now, what about different versions of “the Secret”: Are there any other specific “programs” that you are aware of that promise to give people a no-fail, “easy” answer to whatever they seek? Talk a little bit about different variations of “the Secret”. What do they promise and how are people supposed to get there? Do you see any patterns in these different “solutions”? Try to note as many things as they have in common as you can – along with the different of promises/answers they claim to have. (10 minutes)

3. John said that people who are looking for counterfeit currency, are trained to focus on the “real thing”. So let’s try this with the message of Christ and the Bible as a whole. Take two or three of the “answers” above, and ask yourselves – and each other in the group: How is this “like” what Scripture teaches about God and/or His “way” and how is it different? Discuss each one. Next, see whether you see any patterns across the different non – Christ - centered spiritual solutions. (Note, you might find the Bible verses at the end to be helpful here. If you know any other related verses try sharing those here as well. And, if you have time and a Bible handy, try looking up Romans 5:3, Romans 8:17, Matthew 5: 3- 12, Matthew 19: 16 – 26, and John 13:12 – 14. ) (15 minutes)

4. Now let’s focus on a couple of ideas that John talked about in the message. One thing John noted was how the idea that our thoughts matter is certainly consistent with what the Bible teaches (even though “matter” and “determine” are NOT the same thing!). Since “The Secret” appeals to our desires to get what we want (or think we want), let’s look there. Take a couple of minutes to stop and think about one thing you REALLY want (this doesn’t have to be “deep”… but it try to make it “real”). Now, can you identify how you think about that desire? Do you think about it a lot? What do you think about, specifically? Is it effecting your emotions, your actions or your life in general (this can be for good or bad…)? Take a minute or two to write down some thoughts about this. Now, if you are in a larger group, pair off and share with each other what you’ve noticed your desire, your thoughts, and your life – and if you don’t feel comfortable sharing… just say so – or talk in general terms. After this discussion, if you feel like there is anything about your desires and their effect that don’t feel entirely right to you, make a note to come back later and talk to God about that on your own. And write down a day/time you will commit to doing that. (15 minutes)

5. A good way to end is to focus on the two different Spiritual “Laws” that John noted, The Secret’s false “Law of Attraction” and God’s “Law of Love” (see Deuteronomy 6:5 below). In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul says “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” In what way does Paul’s instruction about the direction of our thoughts indicate what God wants us to “attract” through our thoughts? Do you see any relation to God’s Law of Love? Discuss any thoughts you have. (5 – 10 minutes)

Bible verses from today’s message:

You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?" If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken.
Deuteronomy 18:21

Therefore I told you these things long ago; before they happened I announced them to you so that you could not say, 'My idols did them.’
Isaiah 48:5

He who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Proverbs 11:18 Those who sow injustice reap calamity.
Proverbs 22:8

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. People reap what they sow.
Galatians 6:7

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5

From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.
Matthew 15:19-20

Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:6-8

His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist.
Acts 17:27-28

I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
John 17:20-21

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13

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