Courageous Decisions

Courageous Living
Decisions by John Burke, August 26, 2007

In the message today, John (just back from sabbatical!) began a new series on Courageous Living with a look at how our decisions effect our lives. A major theme was that it is the small decisions that develop a pattern in our lives and ultimately can have greater impact than the “BIG” decision points.

Because this topic is so individual, a big part of the discussion time will center around working in pairs, and will also involve some personal reflection . Be sure you have paper and pen ready.

1. To start – in the group as a whole, spend some time coming up with examples of the types of “small” decisions that can have major life impacts when made over and over. Try to list at least 10 different types of decisions. (5 -10 minutes)

2. Using Moses’ final “sermon” to the Israelites as the context, John talked about how we have a choice in life between life or death. As John said, we would think people would “choose life” when given the choice, but so often that is not the case. So, in the group, talk about that: Why do you think people will often make decisions that take them down a dead-end road - or even worse, take them over a cliff? List as many reasons as you can. (5 minutes)

3. For this next section if you are in a larger group, break into pairs . This part will be personal and practical: working toward a plan to help you make better small decisions in some area of your life. Before you start, each person should take 2 – 3 minutes to think about the list of decision areas in question #1. Is there any thing on the list that you feel applies to you in your life now – one that you feel comfortable talking about with your partner? Write that down. Next think about why you are inclined to make decisions the way you do in that area? What are you looking/hoping for, or why do you have a pattern going there? Write that down too. Now take about 5 minutes for each person to talk about their answers. Finally, reflect for a minute about the decision in the context of God and His desires for you. If you see anything that you could try to trust God for rather than using your own decisions to get there, write that down to think about at the end. (10 – 15 minutes)

Next you’ll try some paired “problem solving”. Take turns talking about how to prepare for decision points in each person’s key area. Where/when would you be most likely to make a “wrong” choice? What things can you do to change that? Be sure to write down all of the ideas that seem like they would help you. (10 – 15 minutes)

4. Now do some wrap-up discussion in the group as a whole. You don’t need to talk about all the personal choices, but try to come up with an “inventory” of different things that can help people make better choices. What types of solutions did you come up with in your pairs? List the different ones, and read over the list at the end. (10 minutes)

5. Be sure to have some time at the end for some individual prayer and reflection with God. Was there any area that struck you today about your own life – whether you discussed it or not…an area where you feel you are choosing death. If so, can you think of what you can trust God for rather than relying on your own direction for ONE WEEK? Next, if relevant – and if you feel genuine desire, write down what John called a “faith decision”: the thing you will trust God for and the decision change that will go along with that. Finally, note one or two things you can do to make your courage stronger as you make the choices for life during the next week – and also… this is important… write down a time when you will take more time to think about the different ideas from the group discussion and develop your own decision plan more completely . Be sure to pray for God’s help as you start to choose life. (5 - 7 minutes)

Bible verses from the message:

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 14:12

This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?
Isaiah 14:26-27

Our Father in heaven…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10

Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Hebrews 11:6

We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

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

Related Next-Step Resources:

• Take a look at lots of different ways to get involved at Gateway along with a test gauge your talents and spiritual gifts at Gateway activities at the One Body Gateway website.
• Check out spiritual growth resources at Gateway's Way of Christ Next-Steps Website
• Prior Sunday message is usual available by the Tuesday following the message (audio available at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive)
  

Get an E-Life: e-mail

Get an E-Life
e-mail by David Lantz - August 19, 2007

This week David Lantz finished the series on our e-lives with a message on e-mail. David focused on the problems that can happen when communication lacks a personal element. Let’s start with some personal experiences about that…

1. Have you ever had a major misunderstanding result from an e-mail exchange? Was there anything about the fact that it was e-mail communication that either caused the problem or made the situation worse? Spend 5 – 10 minutes for those who wish to share their experiences.

2. David emphasized that a major drawback of e-mail, despite it’s advantages is that there is no emotional, personal interaction. Of course, sometimes we might see that as an advantage. What about you? Have you ever used e-mail to AVOID personal contact? David asked whether we let technology get in the way of our personal relationships. Discuss in your group and see whether you can develop some guidelines about when non-personal messages “work” and when they are not so helpful. Can you think of someone you may have been “avoiding”, either directly or indirectly that you think you need to engage personally? If so, make a note about who and what you need to talk about. (10 – 15 minutes)

3. One of David’s other points had to do with the way God deals with us. So think some about how you communicate with God. Do any of the following apply to you?

a) Most of my communication is leaving Him a voice mail: “Here’s what I need – hope you will take care of it”.
b) I read his messages but rarely get back to him on it
c) I tend to send a lot of His messages to the Delete folder
d) I don’t tend to check my messages very often – just when I think He may have sent something I need right now
Any others?
Take some time to talk about why it is hard to have regular, personal communication with God? (10 – 15 minutes)

4. Since God has been so personal with us – and communicates with us in so many different ways, it’s a safe bet that He likes to engage us in different ways too. Make a list of the different ways group members DO engage personal communication with God and if possible, discuss when and how each of those channels “works best”. (10 – 15 minutes)

5. End the discussion with some time for personal reflection and application. First, take a few minutes and look back at question 2. Is there someone that you felt prompted to contact directly? Write that down along with a day/time(ideally in the next week) when you’ll make the connection. Next, what about your communication with God? Think about the group’s list of different ways to engage with Him. If there is any approach you have not tried – or haven’t used in quite awhile, write down a time in the coming week when you can open up that channel of communication as you make personal contact with God. (5 minutes)

Bible Verses from the Message:

Jesus said, 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. But as I told you, you have seen me and you still don’t believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day
John 6:35-40

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth
John 1:14

Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…
Matthew 6: 9-10

God delights in those who are truthful.
Proverbs 12:22

I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden and will expose the motives of human hearts. At that time each will receive their praise from God. Now brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, do not go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. For who makes you different from anyone else?”
1 Corinthians 4:3-6


Related Next-Step Resources:

• Take a look at lots of different ways to get involved at Gateway along with a test gauge your talents and spiritual gifts at Gateway activities at the One Body Gateway website.
• Check out spiritual growth resources at Gateway's Way of Christ Next-Steps Website)
• Prior Sunday message is usual available by the Tuesday following the message (audio available at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive)
  

Get an E-Life: Wikipedia

Series: Get an eLife
Wikipedia by Ted Beasley - August 12, 2007

1. Gateway was created to be (to use Ted’s words) “a safe haven for spiritual misfits and skeptics and those recovering in the been-burned-by-church unit.” Maybe that fits you and maybe not. But let’s find out… what drew you to Gateway initially? Take a few minutes to go around the circle and share why you started to come to Gateway… and if you are a regular attender, what makes you come back. (10 – 15 minutes)

2. For this next question, pair off and talk about which of the different things going on/activities at Gateway are part of what you like about the church. Use this to make a list of the different activity areas (some people call them “ministries”) that you use/enjoy/benefit from when you come toGateway. If you have gotten directly involved in any activity area yourself, make sure you add that to the list. Then, in group as a whole, make a list of all the activities you can that are part of the Gateway “experience”. (10 – 15 minutes)

3. Now let’s shift gears…. Think back over the last few years… have you been into any “open source” activities? (I’m thinking of things that are most likely outside of your work or family like a hobby or service organization you’ve been involved in … but maybe you have an intentional, planned activity in your family or work as well). Think about one or two of these things and then think about what impact there has been as a result of your involvement – in whatever way you are involved. Next think about what impact that activity has had on you. Do you see any relationship between what you put into it (i.e., the amount of time you spend, your individual talents (i.e., your “gifts”), or some other factor) and what comes out of it (the impact you have or what you gain)? In the group, talk about what makes an activity a good “fit” for someone: they either have or get a high impact. If possible, make a list of what things “work” in terms making an activity area a good fit. (5 – 10 minutes)

4. Now, let’s talk about ideas and motivations…. In either your life, or in the world around you, what are your “hot topics”: something (or 2-3 things) that is/are REALLY important to you - whether directly “spiritual” or not? (If you’re stumped… think about conversations you have over the last few weeks and whether there was anything that really got you pumped and want to “talk about that for hours”. Or, is there a topic on Wikipedia that you would read every entry on… and/or be likely to contribute your own entry?) Now… pair off again, and with your discussion partner brainstorm about each other’s “hot topics”. Using the list of Gateway activity areas from Question 2, try to identify the ones that seem like they could be a good fit with your personal hot topics. If there is nothing that fits an area that is particularly important to you – can the two of you think how that interest/gift/skill could contribute to Gateway in some new way – and what would be needed to make that happen? (10 minutes)

5. I hope at this point you can think of at least a few ways you could get excited by doing something – or starting something through Gateway. Take 3-4 minutes for some personal prayer and reflection. Do you sense God really nudging you into some area (or maybe it’s a lot more than a nudge….). If so, write that down, and then write down what you can specifically do in the next week to follow His lead. If you don’t have anything that really jazzes you…. then ask God to bring some area where you can contribute to your mind in the next week… and keep then pick a time at the end of the week to see whether you’ve had any new prompts (and be sure to keep your eyes and ears open)! (5 minutes)

6. (Optional) If there is more time for discussion, see if anyone would like to share about some Gateway activity they have been involved with and how they have liked it … or NOT liked it if it was not a good fit.

Bible verses from the message:

In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
Romans 12:5-6

All the believers were one in heart and mind . . . There were no needy persons among them.
Acts 4: 32 and 34

You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God.
I Peter 2:9

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If you speak, you should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If you serve, you should do so with the strength God provides.
1 Peter 4:10-11

Related Next-Step Resources:

• Take a look at lots of different ways to get involved at Gateway along with a test gauge your talents and spiritual gifts at Gateway activities at the One Body Gateway website.
• Check out spiritual growth resources at Gateway's Way of Christ Next-Steps Website)
• Prior Sunday message is usual available by the Tuesday following the message (audio available at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive)
  

August 5: You Tube

You Tube: Sharing Your Story
August 5, 2007
Gary Foran

What was the Big Idea of You Tube: Sharing Your Story?

1. Gary introduced his talk with videos from You Tube. Take a few minutes to recap what You Tube is all about. How does it work? How many videos has You Tube aired since it began in 2005? Who remembers how much Google paid to buy You Tube?
2. You Tube’s slogan is “broadcast yourself.” Why do you think the slogan draws people? What is at the heart of You Tube?

The Longing

As Gary discussed, we all long for deeper connections, for more intimate marriages, for friends who know our junk but still love us, for neighborhoods where people care, for family relationships without all the baggage and distance, for less isolation and more authentic community. You Tube attempts to fill this longing.

3. What is your reaction to You Tube?

The Solution

4. Gary asked us, “Who in your life needs to know your life better?” He went on to say, “There are people in your life who are longing to hear your story.”

Do you long for a greater level of community? It’s in community where connection starts. “You share your story. I share my story.” We can’t really know each other unless we know each other’s story.

So, think for a minute about times when you felt very satisfied with your connections with people who were, or still are, close to you.

Share with others in the group how you felt. Perhaps some in the group can give examples of when you shared your stories, and what happened to these relationships as you shared your stories with each other.

God told His story in Genesis 1:1-5.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness he called ‘night.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.”

5. Gary pointed out that God included more than just the facts in His story about creation. He said that it was ‘good.’ He told how He felt about it. He told about His creation, His land, plants, animals, and mankind. God was evidently pleased! How did the added comment, ‘good,’ enhance God’s story for you?

6. In Genesis 2:18, The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” So, here God said that something was not good. Men and women should not be alone. What principle did God communicate in this statement?

7. It is true that we need God at the center of our lives, the very core of our being. We also need each other. God recognized both of these needs, our need for God, and our need for each other. How do we integrate these needs? What is the framework for integrating these two needs, a need for God, a need for intimacy with others?

You share your story. I share my story. Together we find our place in God’s story!

Take a few minutes to talk about what this means. What does it mean to ‘Together find our place in God’s story?’ Practically how would you and another person find your place in God’s story?


Romans 12:15

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

8. How can we practice this principle of rejoicing with others and mourning with others? What would you like to do more of?

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (Message translation)

“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.”

9. Community is built on sharing life stories and finding our place in God’s story. Let’s review Gary’s tips for living this out:

· Be curious about other people’s stories

· Create space for storytelling

· Tell the facts and the interpretation

· Look for God’s story

Imagine people connecting with each other at the heart level. Every person’s story heard and valued. You and others a part of God’s bigger plan, His story. What change do you want to make in your story telling?Below are a few of the exercises that are printed in the program insert:

Exercises for building relationships

1. Where did you live in 3rd grade, and what were the winters like? What would you say was the center of warmth in your home at that time?
2. If you life was actually a book, what would you say is the “genre” of your life story right now? Drama, comedy, mystery, tragedy, suspense. Why do you choose that?
3. Tell a significant event that happened in your life this week. What is the primary emotion you feel related to that event? Mad, sad, glad, fear or shame.
Summary Action

How will you apply the principles of story telling to you life in the coming weeks?

Related Resources can be found at http://gatewaychurch.com/site/about/sundayMessages.asp