The Holy Who? - The Spirit Encourages

Holy Who?
The Spirit Encourages by Rick Shurtz - November 25th, 2007

In this last message about the work of the Holy Spirit, Rick developed the idea that the Spirit comes to help us win the “internal battles” that we face in our lives. He started by telling about how his trip “home” for Thanksgiving had him thinking about how he had faced different challenges in his life than what he would have expected when he left home at 18 – and that the main challenge had been internal.

1. So, what about you? What has been different in your life than you expected when you were younger? Go around the group and share one way you have faced a different challenge than what you might have expected. (10 minutes)

2. Rick developed some of the “lies” that he has faced as part of his own “spiritual battle”. Take a look at the list below. Do you buy into any of these lies?

• You’re a loser
• You have no idea what you’re doing
• You’re a such weakling, a weasel, (or some other lousy thing…________)
• They think you’re a fool
• You should worry about this
• You’ve fallen again and again and again
• Nobody cares
• Nobody's listening
• You’re going nowhere

If so, pick one that is personal for you – or add one of your own – and then talk about your experience with that lie. What does (or did) it feel like when you “hear/heard” the lie”? What are some ways it effects your life (i.e., What does it make you feel like doing… or what does it keep you from doing? Do you make different choices based on that lie?) (10 – 15 minutes)

3. When Rick talked about the role of the Holy Spirit in our battle against lies, he said we need to “arm” the Holy Spirit in the battle. What are some things we can do that will give the Holy Spirit "fire power" to help us? Are there any things that can “disarm” the Holy Spirit? Try to list a variety of both helps and hindrances to the Holy Spirit’s power. Be sure to relate any relevant personal experiences of either helps or hinderances. (10 – 15 minutes)

4. In the message, Rick gave a dramatic example of using specific truths from the Bible to fight internal lies (see verses below). Do you have a particular verse from the Bible that has helped you in certain circumstances? If so, share about that with the group, as you feel comfortable. Next, use the group and identify specific truths from the Bible that are relevant to each of the lies selected/discussed in Question #2. (10 - 15 minutes)

5. Close by taking some time to think and pray individually about a next step. Pick one of the questions below (or follow the lead of the Holy Spirit if you have felt a prompt to consider some point raised in the discussion). Take a few minutes to answer the question on your own and then write down any “next step” that you want to commit to – and write down a day/time when you’ll take the step in the coming week. (Note: Be sure to enlist the Holy Spirit for help in whatever you do. Try to be honest about what you can realistically do. All God needs is a small step for us and our "encourager", the Holy Spirit will take that small step and give it a lot of power if we ask Him to.) (3 – 5 minutes)

• Is there a lie you need conquer? What Bible verse(s) can you have ready for the Holy Spirit to use when you hear the lie?
• Is there some specific action or “training program” you could do to give the Holy Spirit more spiritual resources in your life/mind/heart? What is something you can do this week to make this happen or begin the process even if in a small way?
• Do you have any routines/training programs that are working against the Holy Spirit’s ability to help you? What one thing can you do this week – even something very small - to transform/move away from that behavior?

Bible verses from the message:

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away…Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
John 16:7

You know the Spirit, because he lives beside you, and he will be in you.
John 14:17

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…
Acts 2:4

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…
Acts 4:8

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 4:31

They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…
Acts 6:5

Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith…
Acts 11:24

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:52

When the counselor comes, he will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12

He is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44

The Spirit will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26

Take up…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17

Blessed in the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2

Blessed in the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2

We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37

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

Christ said, “My power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.
1 Corinthians 1:18

Your heavenly Father knows what you need.
Matthew 6:32

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1

I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…
Jeremiah 1:5

I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do.
Ephesians 2:10

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…
Romans 12:2

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Get more - go further:

You can search for books the Holy Spirit on-line at the Gateway Bookstore or look for books at the "reality" bookstore in the "Garage".

Check out a variety of options for more growth at the Way of Christ website.

Remember - each Sunday's message is available by 5 PM on the day of the message. Past messages are also available for listening and download. Just go to Gateway's Sunday Messages. Free CD's of the messages will be available after the services at Gateway the following Sunday.

Holy Who? - The Spirit Transforms

Holy Who?
The Spirit Transforms by John Burke, November 18, 2007

In Cozumel, several years ago, John was about to make an 80 foot underwater dive, but he realized he needed a few refresher tips in how to make a safe scuba dive. His dive master gave him some quick reminders, “If the regulator gets knocked out, don’t panic, sweep your arm and put it back in, and start breathing again.” After overcoming his initial fears, John experienced the wonderful freedom of moving in three dimensions underwater, and was awed by the brilliantly colored fish, plants, and coral formations of all colors and shapes.

Under water, John just had to keep breathing, but to keep breathing, he couldn’t let anything cut off his air supply. He had to stay connected to his oxygen tank.

John shared how his underwater adventure is similar to our adventure with God and likened the Holy Spirit to our Spiritual Oxygen – our Source of Spiritual Life.

1. In John 15:4-5, Jesus gave a word picture to understand the reality of life with God. He said it was quite simple. We need to stay connected to Him just as a branch is connected to the vine. Explore in your group how a branch produces fruit. What is the source of life for the fruit? What happens to the fruit when the branch is cut off?


2. Jesus’ main message was, “The Kingdom of God has come near. You can now live under God’s rule and way and will, and it’s much better. It allows you to live life beneath the surface, at the level of spirit, not just flesh, and that way of living satisfies the soul. But you can’t do it by just trying harder on your own, like holding your breath under water, you must stay connected to his spirit.” How does your connection to the Holy Spirit transform you to live differently? Why is living by the Holy Spirit more satisfying to your soul?


3. Living life through the Holy Spirit is simple in concept. Galatians 5:16, 19-23 gives us a list of changed behaviors and freedom from the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When you have tried to develop these attitudes on your own, in what ways were you successful, or not?


4. So, practically how does it work? John talked about mindset and referenced the mindset in Romans 8:5-6 (see verses below). What are the two mindsets? What are the results of each of these two mindsets? Which mindset will bring you freedom and peace?


5. As we stay connected, God’s Spirit gives us power to break stubborn habits, to live free of plaguing guilt, to overcome temptation that we often feel powerless to resist, to love one another when it’s not so easy, to have inner peace in the midst of storms, and to pass on the hope of Christ and meet people’s needs spiritually and physically. Talk together about how you will try it this week. What will you do to be aware moment by moment to keep an open dialogue in your mind with God, listening and responding when you feel prompted in your thoughts? Talk together about your challenges with mindset. What patterns of thinking will you give over to the power of the Holy Spirit? What stubborn habits will you seek to break? It is simple (but not easy). All you have to do… is keep breathing.
   

Bible verses from the message:

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:4-5

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5: 19-23

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace
Romans 8:5-6

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words
Romans 8:26

Get more - go further:

Want a LARGER understanding of God? Check out Beyond the Cosmos by Hugh Ross. You can search for other books on-line at the Gateway Bookstore or look for books at the "reality" bookstore in the "Garage".

Remember - each Sunday's message is available by 5 PM on the day of the message. Past messages are also available for listening and download. Just go to Gateway's Sunday Messages. Free CD's of the messages will be available after the services at Gateway the following Sunday.

(This weeks Second Helping was prepared by Jan Shurtz - THANKS JAN!)

Holy Who? - The Spirit Guides

Series: Holy Who?
The Spirit Guides by John Burke, November 11, 207

Whenever you hear about Ghosts or Spirits, it’s a good bet something might be mysterious. While God never intended for the Holy Spirit to be beyond understanding, there certainly seems to be a good bit of mystery, or at least confusion about who the Spirit is and what role He plays in the life of someone who believes and trusts in Jesus. John began this three-part series on the Holy Spirit, by introducing us to the role of the Holy Spirit as our life-line for God to guide is through our days.

1. John started by talking about the concept of the “Trinity” – the three personalities/dimensions of the same God. Now that’s a pretty difficult concept for finite people to grasp – but maybe some people in the group have wrestled with getting their mind around the idea and have some ways that helped them better understand the idea of the Trinity. Take 5-10 minutes to discuss possible ways to better grasp this phenomenal reality.

2. Now, what about the Holy Spirit? During the message we saw some video interviews of different peoples’ “definitions” of the Holy Spirit. Spend some time identifying some of the typical impressions people have of the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost). What do people think the Holy Spirit IS? Spend about 10 minutes coming up with as many different impressions as you can.

3. John used the Bible, and Jesus’ own teaching to describe some of the roles of the Holy Spirit (see the Bible verses below – and if you have a Bible handy – it would be useful to read the whole passage of John 14:15 – 21 out loud.):

• He gives us life
• He marks us as children of God
• He teaches us
• He leads us
  

Each one of these roles is different. To try to better understand each role, spend some time talking about each one. First, what does it mean and why would God want to make sure we have His Spirit working in that way? Next, what type of impact does each role have in terms of our real lives? As you talk about each one, share any personal experiences that can illustrate how the Holy Spirit works in that way. (20 - 30 minutes)

4. John talked about the fact that we often don’t really experience the Holy Spirit in our lives – even though we have God’s promise that we automoatically get the Holy Spirit when we decide to follow Jesus. (John had two illustrations of this: getting glasses and the oil field in Iraan Texas. If anyone in the group was not there – others can describe these examples of not really benefiting from something you have.) What are different things that keep people from experiencing the Holy Spirit in their lives? (5 - 10 minutes)

5. John closed by asking “How willing are you?” - to let the Holy Spirit guide you, and play the role in your life that He wants to? This is also a very good way to close the group discussion. Take a few minutes for each person to think about the discussion. What might be keeping you from enjoying a fuller life with God through the Holy Spirit? Are you willing to know more of Him? If so, ask Him to put your glasses on and commit to asking His guidance over the next week – and onward. (5 minutes)

Bible verses from this message:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5

"Let us make human beings in our image, in our likeness…So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:26-27

Jesus asked them, "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?""The son of David," they replied. He said to them, "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? For he says, " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." 'If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" No one could say a word.
Matthew 22:41-46

[God] said, "Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me"…and the angel of his presence saved them…Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit.”
Isaiah 63:8-10

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
John 14:16-18

Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him.)
John 7:37-39

Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
John 14:22-23

“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people…In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.”
Joel 2:28-29

“When you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people.”
Ephesians 1:13-14

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
Psalm 32:8-9

Get more - go further:

Want a LARGER understanding of God? Check out Beyond the Cosmos by Hugh Ross. You can search for other books on-line at the Gateway Bookstore or look for books at the "reality" bookstore in the "Garage".

Remember - each Sunday's message is available by 5 PM on the day of the message. Past messages are also available for listening and download. Just go to Gateway's Sunday Messages. Free CD's of the messages will be available after the services at Gateway the following Sunday.

Getting Past the Past: Abortion

Series: Getting Past the Past

Abortion by John Burke, November 4, 2007

This must be one of the most difficult topics to discuss in any group. Because the issue is so emotionally charged, please start in prayer that your discussion be honest, but with a great measure of understand and grace from God and for each other. As John said, “people are never the enemy”, and our goal should always be healing. Also, it’s a good idea to emphasis that no one should feel pressure to share anything beyond what they are comfortable. And if someone desires to go further, next-steps are listed at the end of these notes.

1. Since healing IS the goal, maybe that’s a good place to start too. Certainly all Christ-followers, and likely many others, have experienced God’s healing in their lives. Spend 10 minutes or so for those who wish to share about some issue in their past, big or small, where they have experienced God’s healing. (Note that questions 4 might take some of these experiences further with HOW the healing happened – so you can be thinking of that to discuss later.).

2. John talked about some of the “lies” that told and believed about abortion. Take some time to identify these: What are the lies about what abortion is and what it’s impact is. (10 – 15 minutes)

3. If these are lies, what is the “truth”? Why is abortion wrong from God’s perspective? (5 – 10 minutes)

4. As John discussed in the message and with Cheryl Jakubowski, so often people who have an abortion (or “participate” with encouragement) find they think it’s unforgivable. How about this? Is abortion unforgivable? Is there anything that is unforgivable? (5 – 10 minutes)

5. Whether “true” or not, the feeling that you have done something that is “unforgiveable” by God and/or by yourself is not limited to abortion. Has there been something in your life that you thought was unforgivable (or was very had to accept forgiveness for) – but where you were later able to fully realize forgiveness? Take some time for anyone who has “been there”, to talk about the experience: What effect did feeling “unforgiving” have on your life? What helped you get that healing/forgiveness? (10 minutes)

6. Now let’s look at abortion in terms of being a healing community: What are some things that a loving community can do to help others in healing from abortion? Note any direct actions that could be relevant for someone to take if led by God to do so? (5 – 10 minutes)

7. Spend a few minutes for personal reflection: Is there some area where you are confused about a “lie”? Is there some area in your life, abortion or something else, where you have not been able to get the forgiveness, healing, and freedom that is God’s desire for you? Is there some way you feel motivated to be more a part of the healing community? Whatever direction you feel God leading you, write that down – and then write down one step you can take this week to respond. (5 minutes)

If you are in a group, it would be good to close by thanking God for what He did through Jesus’ death to give us forgiveness and to make an abundant life possible.

Bible verses from the message:

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all...But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”
Isaiah 53:5-6

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:9-10

I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned… Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice.
Psalm 51:3-4

When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long…Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Psalm 32:3-5

I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”
2 Samuel 12:23

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Romans 8:1

Get more - go further:

• “Forgiven and Set Free” – a confidential group for post-abortion women. Introductory meeting is Thursday, November 29th at 7:15pm. The group starts on Thursday, January 3rd and will meet for 8 weeks from 7:30-9:00pm. E-mail SetFree@gatewaychurch.com to register or to get more info.
• For additional info on any of these programs, e-mail ComfortAndHope@gatewaychurch.com.
• If this series has struck a chord with you and you would like to become part of the solution by volunteering with any of the Support and Recovery ministries, please e-mail SupportAndRecovery@gatewaychurch.com.
  

Individual help: Biblically-based, professional counseling is available at Gateway. Counseling can be a great help if you are seeking healing, growth, understanding or encouragement. Contact Merry Fiske, MA, LPC if you have questions or to schedule an appointment at (512) 659-1256.

Want to read some on your own? Consider on of the following books available at the Gateway Bookstore on-line or look at books at the "Garage".

I'll Hold You In Heaven by Jack Hayford
A Solitary Sorrow, Teri Reisser, Paul Reisser
What's So Amazing About Grace, Philip Yancey (this has multiple formats...book and audio)

Also, check out other resources for personal growth at the Way of Christ resource website.

Remember - each Sunday's message is available by 5 PM on the day of the message. Past messages are also available for listening and download. Just go to Gateway's Sunday Messages. Free CD's of the messages will be available after the services at Gateway the following Sunday.