Is that You God?...What are You doing?

Series: Is that You God?
What are You doing? by John Burke, August 24, 2008
This week John continued the series “Is that You God? “ . The question is about how we can have an awareness of God and His role in our world and our lives. Last week it was about seeing God in the blessings of life. This week’s topic “What are You Doing”, is all about how pain and problems focus our attention on God, if only to ask “Why ME?” and “Help!” .

1. Before you get into the hard topics about the pains and problems in our lives, start by looking at the last week. If you heard John's message last week, or did Second Helpings, did you see any difference in the way you viewed the good things in your life? Were you able to connect to God more through gratitude for the gifts He has given you? Take a few minutes for anyone to share their experiences this week (or previously) in seeing God through “blessings”. (10 minutes)

2. Now look at your own life journey – particularly the spiritual parts of your journey, and think about the questions John asked us: “When did you seek/pursue God most intently – was it in your greatest time of prosperity, or was it in your time of greatest crisis and need?” Or as John related, was God your parachute, to be used only in times of emergency? Discuss this in the group. Those who feel comfortable can share their own experiences about when they most tend to relate to God – or try to relate to Him. Notice any patterns across the group. (10 minutes)

3. John said he thought most people tend to look to God more in times of crises. Was that true of your group? Take a few minutes to talk about why that might be the case: Why does pain or problems or a crisis often make us look to God more than we do in our good times? (10 minutes)

4. John discussed a common tendency to think that God should do things differently when it comes to the pain/suffering/evil in the world. So what do you think? Do YOU think God should do things differently? If so, how? Take some time to talk about what you would want to change. Next, using the Bible verses below, as well as any others you are familiar with, discuss some of the reasons why God might NOT change those things. (10 minutes)

5. Before John’s message Tony Hugh sang a song he wrote about feeling like God was missing in some of the toughest moments of his life, until he heard God’s promise: “I will be with you” . Have you ever felt God’s presence during your lowest moments? Take some time to share any personal experience with God “entering into” your pain with you and the result of that in your life. (10 – 15 minutes)

6. Are you or someone close to you in a difficult time right now? Do you have a sense that God wants to walk that path with you? If so, ask your group to pray that you will better see God in your difficult circumstances and that His plan for good in your life will take shape for you. Take some time in the group to pray for each others needs. (5 – 10 minutes)

Bible verses from the message:
He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 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.6 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. Isaiah 53:3-6

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:25-26

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration…in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time…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 8:18-22, 28

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” 3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” John 9:1-3

In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9

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 (in the Garage and on the second level of the auditorum at Gateway's main campus).

Is that You God?... Where are You?

Series: Is that You God?
Where are You? by John Burke - August 17, 2008
John began a new series this week on gaining the perspective that lets us see God in our lives. The focus this week is on seeing God through the gifts He has given us. Everyone will need some scratch paper and something to write with this week.

1. John started by asking us to make a list of the “gifts” in our lives – that’s a great place to start your discussion too. Take a two minutes and write down as many “gifts” as you can think of in that time. Pick one or two of the things on the list that are the most important to you, put a mark next to them, and then go around the group and talk about each person’s most valued gift(s).

2. As John pointed out, often times we don’t really notice or think about the gifts in our lives – particularly to see them as gifts from God. Why is that? Take a few minutes to talk about why it is so easy forget about the gifts we have.

3. So, what about you? Think back over the last week. Is there anything big or small that you can think of that really “bugged” you about your life… something that you complained about – even if only internally? Pair off and with your discussion partner, describe the thing that was a problem for you. Next, zoom out and see if you can get a different perspective. For example, maybe the complaint was about the downside of a larger positive (i.e., traffic on the way to work… but you DO have a job) or maybe the negative was something that leads to a good thing (i.e., studying for a test – so you can get a grade, pass a course, and get a degree). Talk this through with your discussion partner and try to come up with as many “upsides” as you can.

4. In one of his stories in the message, John told us about John Ortberg’s “lesson” of the Happy Meal: a child thinks they will get “happy” with the meal, but it never lasts. Invariably, we all have our own “happy meals”… things that we thing will make us happy, but in the end, we still want more. What about you? Can you identify something that was/is a happy meal for you: You thought it would make you happy, but it doesn’t? Take some time for people to share about their own happy meals?

5. At the end of his message, John challenged us to make a point this week of thanking God for the gifts in our lives. He also challenged us to go one step farther and try to imagine what that “gift” tells us about the character and nature of the giver. So now, do that. Look at your list from #1 and think about what that gift could tell you about God. Take some time for people to talk about this in the group. Thinking about the “lessons” of God’s character could be hard, so feel free to brainstorm in the group about what each others “gifts” might say about God.

6. Close with some time for prayer for each person who is comfortable to thank God for the gift(s) that are most valuable to them. (Remember what John said: If you are not sure there IS a God who gave them to you… try to suspend disbelief and just try on the thanking anyway… as an experiment). If there is any time remaining, share any tips for how be more regularly thankful for our gifts.

Bible verses from the message:

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: " 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. Matthew 13:14-16

For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things. But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around. So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas. Oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow me! Ps 81:10-13

We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them…He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. Acts 14:15-17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. James 1:17

“The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak. Night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or a word. Their voice is silent in the skies, yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world.” Psalm 19:1-4

"How gladly would I treat you like sons and daughters and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation. I thought you would call me `Father' and not turn away from following me. But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you have been unfaithful to me…declares the LORD. Jeremiah 3:19-20

"Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" Mark 8:17-19

“Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

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.

Uncivilized

Uncivilized
by Vince Antonucci, August 10, 2008

1. Our guest speaker, Vince Antonucci, came to faith in God by simply reading the Bible. In fact, he said, he hadn’t even known any Christians before he came to faith in God. But as he began to meet believers, these people seemed different from people he had read about in the Bible. What was it? .....These people were civilized! Vince shared his early observations of the Old Testament. Isaiah, for example, was asked to warn of God’s coming judgment, but he was to do it while walking around naked! And, God told Ezekiel to speak out boldly about the consequences of sin. While doing this, he was to lie down on his right side for 390 days and on his left side for 40 days. Vince concluded that God called uncivilized people to do uncivilized things. Biblical people were crazy, strange, foolish…ridiculous!Vince turned our attention to the New Testament,1 Corinthians 4:9-12 (see below). Please read and share your observations about the believers described in these verses. (10 minutes)

For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it. 1 Corinthians 4:9-12

2. Consider other Biblical passages/stories where people were asked by God to do unusual, uncivilized things. What were they asked to do? Discuss why you think God asked them to do these things and in such strange ways? (15 minutes)

3. Vince said we have a problem. We have gotten civilized! We are trying to live respectful lives. What did he mean by that? What are the consequences of believers living respectful lives? (10 minutes)

4. Vince said, “If it seems crazy, that is likely what God is asking you to do.” One Sunday when told the homeless needed shoes, Vince asked everyone in the church to take off their shoes and leave them for the poor. They all did it! What would you be thinking if you were there that day? (5 minutes)

5. Vince challenged us. If we believe in and follow an uncivilized God, it is time to take back our rightful place. It is time to join the uncivilized revolution of God! Talk about what an uncivilized revolution would look like and why you would like to join. (10 minutes)

6. What crazy, big, wild thing is God calling you to do? When are you going to do it? Maybe it’s crazy enough to be God! Share with others how God may be speaking to you. Pray together about the ideas that have surfaced. (5 minutes)

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.

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.