Next: Impact

Could your “Next Step” in growth be to increase your impact on the world around you? This was the theme John developed in the message “Impact”. Jesus said that we are not supposed to hide our “light”. No doubt, showing real care for other people that Jesus loves is part of the way we shine out His light in our lives. In this discussion you can explore different ways to shine on.

1. Start by thinking about the types of “needs” that really punch your button. Assume you were given the job of spending $100,000 on ONE area that would help other people in some way. In what way/area would you spend it? Go around the group and say what you’d choose, and if you can, explain a bit about why that particular area “speaks” to you. (10 – 15 minutes)

2. Most of us are aware of the needs around us, yet we so often don’t respond with personal action. Why is that? Brainstorm in the group and try to keep a list of the things that keep people from acting in response to needs in the world, both those close at hand and those far away. (5 – 10 minutes)

3. Next, try a “cost-benefit analysis” of needs you have responded to. At some point most of us have done something that was intended to help others: Think about just one of these in your life… if there are many, pick one that meant a lot to you. Now, think about what you got out of that (be broad in interpreting this… think of ANY way it was good for you). Get your list of benefits (on paper or in your head) and then in the group, list the benefits. Next, think about the “cost” side of the equation. Usually there are some costs, of some sort (i.e., real financial, or time, or something else). In the one activity you are focusing on here, what were your costs? Take time to go around the group and list the “costs”. Finally, do you have any thoughts about your own “cost-benefit”? (10 – 15 minutes)

4. John noted that God will often make something happen from ‘weakness” With that in mind, try to remember a time when you took on something that seemed like it was more than you could manage, but you did it because you felt like God was directing you or you just knew it was the “right thing to do”? What was the result? Take some time to share any “God working from your weakness” stories in your own life. (10 minutes)

5. Now, turn to Gateway for a minute. For those who heard the message or know about (or have been involved in) Gateway “Community Care” activity, start a list of the ways Gateway acts to meet people’s needs around us – near and far. Next, take a look at the passage below from Acts 1:7-8. Jesus says they are to be his disciples in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the world. Can you draw a parallel between those places at Jesus time, and places in our own world? Talk about what this means today, and then go back to the list of Gateway activities and try to link those up with the “where” categories: Which do you think are “Jerusalem”, which “Judea and Samaria”, and which the “ends of the earth”?(10 – 15 minutes)

6. At this point you've probably done a lot of reflecting on caring for others, our opportunities, the difficulties, and the costs and benefits of following God’s direction to be a light for others. Was there anything that really spoke to you? Take a few minutes to let this settle in, silently and individually. Maybe you should pray right now and ask God whether He has some new role in mind for you. Or maybe you felt something tap you on the heart, and already know where you want to respond – or maybe you are already involved in a helping ministry. Either way, think about any “Next Steps” you think God has in mind for you and then determine at least one thing you can do in the next week to walk that walk. (5 minutes)

Bible Verses from the Message

Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:17,

The kind of fasting I want calls you to free those who are chained by injustice and to stop oppressing those who work for you. Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own relatives in need?
Isaiah 58:6-7

Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:37-40

You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:7-8

There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
Acts 4:32-35

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
Acts 6:1

A great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.
Acts 11:28-30

“God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. So why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear? We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus”…James stood and said… “My judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”
Acts 15:7-11, 13, 19

Get more - go further:

• Consider the questions at the Next Steps site to help you decide where you are on your path.
• Check out connections options at Gateway.
• You can search for related 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.