Monday, June 11, 2012

Summer Break

Connection Groups are on Summer Break!

Groups run on the semester format (Fall, Winter and Spring).
That means we take a break for June, July and August.

Of course there are manny ways to connect with the community over the summer months:

  • Moms meet each week in parks around the city, and plan outings together.
  • Our Mens Group meets most Wednesdays at the office at 7am for bible study and prayer.
  • We have a softball team that plays Friday nights at Weldon Park.

We hope you'll join us for worship every Sunday at SilverCity,
and we encourage you to help make community happen over the summer months:

  • Have a BBQ and invite some new friends from Connections.
  • Have a hobby?  Golf, biking, hiking, etc.  Bring some people along in doing something you love.
  • Heading to a park or the beach for the day?  Post it on Facebook, and the Connections Fan Page, and see who wants to piggyback on your plans!

Friday, May 25, 2012



With over 30 million copies in print,
and one of the biggest box-office openings of all times, 
"The Hunger Games" has captured our attention- men and women, young and old.  

This series will explore some of our greatest “hungers” and how the bible addresses them.
This Sunday we will look at the theme of sacrifice:
In Jesus we will find the sacrifice that fills the greatest hunger of all.

This is going to be more than music and a message.
This is going to be an experience. 
We will fill that hunger at the table of Jesus as we gather in Communion.

And may the odds be ever in your favour!

Join us this Sunday
10am @ SilverCity Movie Theatre
Connections Community Church

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

I am... Fruitful!


The Fruit of the Spirit
May 20, 2012
Fruit is mentioned quite often in the Bible- more than 150 times. It appears first in Genesis 1:11, the first book and chapter of the Old Testament, and its final occurrence is in Revelation 22:2, the last book and chapter of the New Testament.  God wants us to understand the “organic” nature of Christian growth and change.  With that in mind, let's take a closer look at fruit...
Read Galatians 5:16-24.  Re-read the fruits of the Spirit s-l-o-w-l-y.
Allow the text to speak for itself, and raise it’s own questions, and answers, in your group.
The passage begins with the description of a “fight” going on inside the Christian: the “flesh” or sinful nature vs. the Spirit.
How have you experienced this battle?  Have you had seasons or victory?  Seasons of defeat?  Are you at a place now where you are experience more victories than defeats?  
In the message we looked at the nature of organic growth.  Three things were mentioned:  Growth happens slowly, seasonally, and symmetrically.
If you have been a Christ-follower for some time, how have you seen slow and steady growth?
How have different seasons played into your growth- perhaps seasons of trials, or life transitions, or perhaps seasons of great abundance.
Perhaps most important is the symmetrical growth of the fruit of the Spirit.  In other words, you can’t really be growing in love for God while remaining impatient of unkind to your neighbor.  Reflecting on the plurality of the fruit, are you growing symmetrically?  Or, is there an area where you need to allow the Spirit to do some deeper work and growth?  
(This part of the discussion will only go as deep as the group is willing and comfortable to get personal.  Use this time to help build each other up.  “I really see evidence of God’s joy in your life...”  Or to encourage growth, “I think I need to work on my self-control.  Who here has experienced great victory in this area?”
Jesus told his disciples that they will be known by their fruit.  With that in mind, and looking at this passage in Galatians, what is more characteristic of your life: the works of the flesh, of the fruit of the Spirit?  
For further study and reading on the fruits, here are some notes:
Love will enable us to appreciate our brothers and sisters in the Lord and, of course, our family and others around us. Love is taking the initiative to build up and meet the needs of others, without expecting anything in return. We must allow love to be the foundation of our relationships—the love of our Lord that He gives us. Love manifests patience and kindness and it is not greedy or jealous; it is not prideful nor brags of one’s accomplishments. It is not rude or self-seeking, and it allows one not to be easily angered. By this, we do not keep record of others wrongs or enjoy it when bad things happen to others; rather, we rejoice with others to build them up. Love always looks after others, shows trust, hope, and always carries on. Love encapsulates the purpose and role of Fruit, and thus, our furthermost goal, as followers of Christ, is to do all things in love (John 13:1; 15:13; 1 Corinthians 13:3-8; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 John 4:16).
Joy is our focus on Christ as Lord; this allows us to enjoy our relationship with Him, His creation, and others, regardless of our circumstances, with an expression of delight and real, authentic happiness that comes from and with harmony with God and others. Joy in James refers to declaring our situation as happy and fulfilling, even when it is not. It is to change our mindset and focus. It is realizing the sovereignty of God and that He is in control, even when life seems to be turned upside down and inside out! Joy helps us understand God’s perspective and gives us the confidence and patience to endure anything. Joy is not happiness, because we may not be content and pleased with it; rather, joy is hope. It is our real hope. It is not a meager wish; rather, it is the unshakable confidence of our future in Christ. Our pleasure comes from knowing He is in charge and caring for us (Psalm 32:7-9; 34:1-8; Proverbs 15:13; John 15:11; 17:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Thess. 5:18; 1 Peter 4:13- 19; Hebrews 10:34; 12:2; James 1:1-4)! 
Peace is surrendering and yielding ourselves to the Lord to be in His control, for He is our ultimate peace! In so doing, tranquility will be our tone, control, and our composure. This will be fueled from our harmonious relationship with God— handing over control of our hearts, will, and minds to Him. We are willing to make peace with others because we have found peace with God. Thus, we can live at peace with our neighbors, proclaiming serenity and rekindling it when it goes down or is lost. Peace is unity, which is more important than just resolving trivial disagreements. Our focus must be on edifying and encouraging—such things, unfortunately, rare in the church today! We will either lift people up or bring them down, something we need to know so as to pursue peace and harmony and not let the childish and petty things of life divide us. Our focus must be on keeping our own accounts straight and not worrying or interfering with others. This helps make us peacemakers. Once we make real peace with God, we will be able to make and maintain peace with others. When we are at peace with God, we need to be at peace with ourselves emotionally, and others relationally (Isaiah. 26:3; Matthew 5:9; Luke 19:42; John 14:27; 16:33; Romans 5:1; 12:18; Galatians 5:22- 23; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7). 
Patience, in some translations is called Longsuffering; this calls for showing tolerance and fortitude toward others, even accepting difficult situations with them—and God—without making demands or conditions. Patience is our “staying power.” It is like perseverance and the endurance to not give up; it is about actively overcoming our situation—not just sitting, accepting, and doing nothing! It allows us to endure a less than desirable situation, to make us better, more useful, and even optimistic and prudent. Hence, its other name, longsuffering. It allows us to put up with others who “get on our nerves” without losing other characteristics of grace (Hosea 2:19-23; Psalm 33:20; Matthew 27:14; Romans 5:3; 12:12; Galatians 5:1; 5:22-23; Colossians 1:11; James 1:3- 4,12; 5:10-11).
Kindness is the medium through which Christ’s love becomes real, tangible, and knowable through us. It is the application of sincere love that manifests itself in practicing benevolence and a loving attitude towards others. Kindness is the essence that shows the world we are Christians, like the fragrance coming from a beautiful flower. It is being convicted with God’s Word, and then modeling it to others. Being charitable is an aspect of good positive relationships of others, and a "MUST" part of the Christian experience and duty! Kindness is the subject to the object of who we are in Christ. This is something we replicate as we are kind, and also respond in kindness to others, our response to one another fuels the other’s response, and so forth. In this way, we will be escalating love and kindness instead of repression and dysfunction (Romans 2:1-4; 12:9-21; 2 Corinthians 6:6-7; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 John 3:16-23)! 
Goodness is the engagement of love that shows the application of Christ, His righteousness, and Truth. This models it to others in the action of love, making Christ and us attractive and inviting. This is God at work in our faith, so we are synergized with His power and then engage it to others. This is the fruit that makes people liked by and even lovable to others. This displays integrity, honesty, and compassion to others, and allows us to do the right thing. It is doing the right thing, even when it does not feel like we should, as Joseph did. He was betrayed and sold as a slave, yet, he chose to make his situation into something good, and to help and treat others better than he needed to. Why are we to be good? Because God is good to us (Psalm 86:5; 145:4-13)! Goodness is the model for people to repent and accept Christ (Amos 5:15; Proverbs 25:22; Matthew 19:16; Romans 12:17; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 5:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 1 Peter 3:11; 2 Peter 1:3-8). 
Faithfulness is the application of our faith in action; because we are saved by Christ, He dwells in our hearts. Thus, we are infused with dependability because as we praise His name, it hits home in our being. It is not faith itself; rather, it is the fruit and character of faith. It is the “gluing” fruit that will preserve our faith and the other characters of the Spirit, and identify God's will, so we can be dependable and trusting to God and others. Faith is the one fruit that we give back to God, whereas faithfulness and the other fruits, virtues, and characters are from the Spirit working in us! Faithfulness is authenticity that is so absent today and so badly needed to show the power and motivation for Christian living. Because God is trustworthy with us, we can be faith-worthy in Him (Psalm 119: 89-90; Isaiah 25:1; Matthew 17:19; 25:21; Romans 1:17; 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 3:16-17; Hebrews 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)! 
Gentleness, sometimes referred to as Meekness, is the fruit that will show calmness, personal care, and tenderness in meeting the needs of others. It is to be more than just a personality; it is to be who we are by the work of the Spirit within us. This is not weakness or a lack of strength; rather, it is being humble and gentle toward God and others. This also means being nonresistant to God and His work in us. Gentleness produces a desire and effort to please God and to submit our will and aspirations to His will and what is best. By keeping our focus on Christ with humility, we can endure being personally attacked (Psalm 37:11; Isaiah. 40:11; 42:2-3; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 4: 5; Matthew 5:5; 11:29; 12:15; Ephesians 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:7). 
Self-Control, sometimes referred to as Temperance, is allowing God to be in control of our will and hearts, and to be diligent in seeking the Spirit to enable us. We can know what not to do, and guard the areas in which we are weak. This will allow us to have discipline and restraint, with obedience to God and others. It is not allowing distractions to derail or remove us from His will and plan, so we will not be held back from what Christ has called us to do. This comes down to how we trust in our Lord, we can trust God for the future because we can see what He has done in the past (Proverbs 16:32; 25:28; Romans 13: 12-14; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 9:25-27; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 5: 22; Titus 2:12; Hebrews 12:2; 2 Peter 1:5-7). 

Sunday, May 6, 2012




Connection Group Questions
I am... Appointed to Bear Fruit
May 6, 2012

Connections News
Mom2Mom will meet at 2pm, Monday May 7

Paper Product Shipment Arriving May 8 Keep your email on for the exact time to show up, unload, and sort.

Bibles For Missions Thrift Store Open House, May 12 2020 Hyde Park Road, 10am-1pm. Come see the new space and find out how you can get involved.

Serve at the ARK, Wednesday May 9


Our church serves dinner at the ARK the second Wednesday of every month.We the evening runs from 6:15-9pm.If you want to serve next week we may still have a spot for you.Contact the church office asap.


Advanced Care Planning Worship May 15, 7-9pm
This is NOT a sales pitch.It is a workshop to help you prepare for the things in life some of us hate to think about:Living wills and end-of-life care.If you have questions about this stuff, then you will find answers and direction at this workshop.


Budget Update:

Budget for Year 2012                 $272,306.28
Budget to Period ending April 30 $87,522.02
Expenses incurred to Date                 $85,235.75
Revenues Collected to Date         $67,758.85
Surplus (SHORT)                -$17,476.90




Bible Study

Read John 15:1-17
As always, feel free to discuss the bible passage and let it direct your conversation.
Also, feel free to agree with, disagree with, and discuss the Sunday message.


God's "end game" for your life is to bear fruit.
Not just any fruit, but eternal fruit that brings glory to God.
Here's how He works to bring about this kind of life...


Cutting:
How has God cut out dead branches from your life?
Have you ever gone through a season where God needs to cut everything out of your life until all that was left was a stump?
How did God use this season to bring new growth in your life, or through your ministry?
If you are in a season of cutting the correct response to God is to repent.  What does repentance look like, and how can you specifically repent of the "dead" things in your life?


Pruning:
Maybe  your life is fruitful, but that does not mean it does not require work.
What things, what stuff, might God need to prune out of your life to bring maximum fruitfulness?
What would a life of more, abundant fruit look like for you?
If you are in a season of pruning how can you release these things to God?


Remaining (Or Abiding):
The way to bear the most fruit is to simply abide more in Jesus.  It is in him, and through him, that we will get all we need to produce the fruit that he desires.
What can you do to practice abiding, or remaining more?
Sometimes being more fruitful means doing less, and abiding more.  Talk about what this actually looks like in practice.


In the end we are promised, "I have appointed you to bear fruit..."
How does that make you feel, or what does that inspire you to attempt for God?


Bonus:
Discuss the kind of eternal fruit you'd like to see produced in your life?


Sometimes a passage like this is used to promote a "health and wealth" message.  That is, if we can get anything we ask in Jesus' name, ask for anything you want and you'll get it!
So what is the difference between health and wealth, and bearing fruit and abiding?
What kind of community grows around health and wealth churches?
(How can you talk about cutting and pruning if all you're supposed to do is bear fruit?  What if you are going through a really touch season of pruning?)


Make sure you give your group time to close in prayer.
Focus in praying through this passage of scripture.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

I am... a child of God


I am... a child of God
April 29, 2012
Connection Group Questions
Connection Groups Update
Home Groups are scheduled to run through May.  At or around Victoria Day Weekend your group should prepare to wrap things up.  Of course we hope your Group will plan for some summer events, and that relationships will continue!
  
We also have several Groups running at the office that are open to all who are interested: Mom2Mom meets Monday’s 9:30-11am and is for all moms with kids of all ages.  Man2Man (OK, we don’t really have an official name for this group) is open to all men and meets Wednesday mornings at 7am.
Visit Financial Peace University this Wednesday, May 2
Everyone is welcome to visit FPU, 7pm and get a taste of this in depth program on money management.
Serve at the ARK, May 9, 6:15-9pm
We always have a spot or two open for folks who are not on the regular team.  Let us know if you want to check out this awesome ministry.
Advanced Care Planning Worship, May 15, 7-8:30pm
This is not a sales pitch.  It is a workshop to help you prepare for the things in life many hate to think about: living wills, end-of-life care, estate planning.
Bible Study
A topic like this can bring up very deep emotions and memories.
Your group might need some time to talk about parent/child relationships.  Some have had wonderful parents, other have lost parents, or never had the kind of parents all children  should.  Also, some parents might have very strained relationships with their children.  As much is needed, and is appropriate, share about your experience as a child, or adopted child.  Parents in the group might share about their own struggles, and joys, in this role.  Leave time to support and pray for one another.
Make sure to move into the bible study, or at least the affirmation that all of us can have a perfect Heaven Father, and a perfect brother/savior in Jesus Christ.  Is is our faith in Jesus, the Son of God, that brings us into the Father/child relationship we have with God.  
Read 1 John 3:1-3
(As always, feel free to let the text guide your discussion and direct your answers.)
1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears[a] we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
  • How would you describe God’s love to someone?
  • What does it mean to be a child, but to not yet be fully revealed?
  • What does it mean to be like him (Jesus) when he appears?
  • What can we do to purify ourselves as Christ is pure?

Also Read Romans 8:12-17
12 So then, brothers,[e] we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons[f] of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16  The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
  • How does being the “adopted” children of God bring more clarity to our relationship with God?
  • What does it mean to be an heir with Christ?  What is promised to us?

Bonus Discussion:
According to these, and other passages, being a Christian can be defined by being a child of God. This begs a question, are not all people the children of God?  Perhaps the following will help answer...
“We are all the offspring of God in the sense we are His products of the creative work of God (Acts 17:25ff), all men are not the children of God in a personal sense as a father with a son. Scripture teaches that God only dwells in those who have put their faith in Christ. All others, while God’s offspring by creation, have been separated from Him because of sin. When a person turns to God by believing in His Son, Jesus Christ, they are spiritually regenerated, born anew, given new life, justified (declared righteous in Christ), forgiven of all their sin, past, present, and even future, and made children of God (John 1:12-13). At the same time, at the moment of faith, God the Holy Spirit comes to indwell their lives to enable them to experience fellowship with God and understand, grasp the truth of Scripture in a personal and meaningful way.”
To say that all people are the children of God, as this passage and others teach, does not really do justice to the depth and nature of the relationship God is inviting us into through Jesus, the son.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

I am... in Christ


The Easter story is in may ways the start of Christianity.  Of course we know the story started with God in the beginning (Genesis 1), but if Jesus had not risen, then our faith would not be in Him.  It would have been the end of the story of Jesus.

But the resurrection changes everything.  We believe Jesus is risen, and this launches us into life and faith in him.  IN HIM.

That is the key to understanding much of the New Testament, and the Christian faith.
It's about life IN HIM since he rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and promises to return.
Being a Christian is about putting our lives in Jesus- our faith, our hopes, our plans, our minds, our emotions, our families, our work, our play... everything is to be IN Jesus.

So understanding our life and faith is about exploring life in Jesus.

The following puts in first-person who you are in Christ according to the bible.
The more you affirm who you are in Jesus Christ, 
the stronger your identity will grow in Christ, 
the more your thinking will be in alignment with Christ, 
the more your emotions will be in step with Christ, 
and the more your behavior will reflect Christ. 

Take time as a Group to read through the list together.  As you do, remind yourself of the following:

“Don’t you know who you are?  Don’t you know whose you are?  Don’t you know the meaning of your conversion and baptism?  Don’t you know that you have been united with Christ in his death, and raised with Christ in his resurrection?” 

Take note of any that speak to your heart, or a hurt.  
Maybe some of these are troubling or challenging.
Maybe some just don't make sense.

After reading through these aloud, talk about the ones that stand out.
Read the scripture passage.
  • I am the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13)
  • I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14)
  • I am a child of God (John 1:12)
  • I am part of the true vine (John 15:1-5)
  • I am a friend of God (John 15:15)
  • I am appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
  • I am a slave to righteousness (Romans 6:18)
  • I am a child of the Father (Romans 8:14, Galatians 3:26)
  • I am an heir in eternal blessing (Romans 8:17)
  • I am the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19)
  • I am one in spirit with Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:17)
  • I am a member of his body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 5:30)
  • I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • I am a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18,19)
  • I am a citizen of heaven (Ephesians 2:6)
  • I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
  • I am part of the family of God (Ephesians 2:19)
  • I am a prisoner of Christ (Ephesians 3:1, 4:1)
  • I am righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:24)
  • I am hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3)
  • I am chosen, holy and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:4)
  • I am a child of light, not darkness (1 Thessalonians 1:5:5)
  • I am called to live in Christ (Hebrews 3:1, 14)
  • I am a living stone in the house of God (1 Peter 2:5)
  • I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
  •  a people for God’s own possession (1 Peter 2:9, 10)
  • I am an alien and stranger to this world (1 Peter 2:11)
  • I am an enemy of the devil (1 Peter 5:8)
  • I am born of God and protected from the devil (1 John 5:18)
  • I am a saint! (1 Corinthians 1:2, Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:2)

Close with prayer for one another, and encourage the Group to follow-up and read over these every day.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Easter Sunday: "I Am... Called"

Connection Group Guide
April 8, 2012
We know that some groups will be taking Easter week off due to holiday plans.  If your group is meeting we encourage you to make this a special occasion of celebration. Perhaps your Group can host a dinner, or a party, and even invite friends.  Maybe plan for a special time of singing and prayer together.
For your bible study and discussion time stay focused on the Easter story.  Not everyone is familiar with the story, so take the time to explain the events that lead to the cross.  Allow everyone to ask questions, and stick to the bible for solid answers.  If you, or someone in your Group has a study bible, it will have a good index of the events and reading of Easter week.
Read John 20:1-18 and discuss.  Here are some statements on the resurrection, and why it matters:
  1. Christ predicted His resurrection. The Bible records, "From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things ... and be killed, and be raised up on the third day" (Matthew 16:21). Even though His followers did not understand what He was telling them at the time, they remembered His words and recorded them.
  2. Jesus made numerous appearances to His followers. He comforted the mourners outside His tomb on Sunday morning. On the road to Emmaus, He explained things about Himself from the Old Testament. Later, He ate in their presence and invited them to touch Him. Scripture records that Jesus was seen by more than 500 at one time.
  3. The unrelenting faith of the disciples convinces us of the resurrection. Those disciples who were once so afraid that they deserted their Lord now courageously proclaimed this news, risking their lives to preach. Their bold and courageous behavior does not make sense unless they knew with absolute certainty that Jesus had been raised from the dead.
  4. The growth of the Christian church confirms the resurrection. Peter's first sermon, which dealt with Christ's resurrection, stirred people to receive Him as their living Savior. Luke records the thrilling results: "That day there were added about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41).  Today, there are millions of believers.
  5. The testimony of hundreds of millions of transformed lives through the centuries shows the power of the Resurrection.  The most conclusive proof for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is that He is living within believers today with transforming power.
The Resurrection sets Christianity apart.  Here are some thoughts on the significance of the Resurrection:

The Resurrection proved that Christ was divine. The fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross does not prove in itself He is God. Jesus proved His deity by fulfilling the prophecies of His death and by His return from the grave. The Bible declares that "by being raised from the dead [Christ] was proved to be the mighty Son of God, with the holy nature of God Himself" (Romans 1:4).
The Resurrection proved Christ's power to forgive sin. The Bible asserts, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). By rising from the dead, Jesus proved His authority to break the bonds of sin and to assure forgiveness and eternal life to all who accept His gift of salvation.
The Resurrection revealed Christ's power over death. The Bible records, "Christ rose from the dead and will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him" (Romans 6:9).
The Resurrection secured our victory over death as well and "lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ..." (Ephesians 2:6).
The Resurrection defeated God's enemy. From the moment of his original rebellion until the day of the Cross, the devil fought viciously and cunningly to overthrow the kingdom of God. Satan must have thought he had dealt the final and decisive blow in this age-old war. But the Cross was heaven's triumph. And when Jesus Christ arose, the power of sin and death were forever shattered. Because of the Resurrection, Christians need never fear Satan or death again.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Jesus Came To Die

April 1, 2012

Read Matthew 21:1-11
(See also Mark 11:1-1; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19)

Digging In:
As always, start with first impressions before questions:
What do we learn about Jesus?  
What did he do/say that strikes you?
What is clearly being taught in this passage?
Understand the culture:
This is the beginning of the final act in the life of Christ on earth.  
3 "storms" were blowing into Jerusalem this week:
  • Roman Occupation;
  • Israel's desire for a king;
  • The Passover Celebration.
It was customary that a king would enter the city on a white horse after a victorious battle but during a time of peace, the king rode in on a donkey. (Judges 5:10; 1 Kings 1:33)   
What message might Jesus have been trying to communicate by entering on a donkey and not on a white horse?
Observe the response of the People.
Note that the crowds that went ahead of Jesus were shouting:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest!”


Discuss the meaning of the statements: “Hosanna” literally means “Save Now," “Son of David” was a Messianic title for Jesus

The crowds were acknowledging Jesus was who He claimed to be…for now.
Later, we read how these same crowds went from shouting ‘Hosanna’ to shouting ‘Crucify Him.’
Why are they so quick to turn on Jesus?
Have you ever been quick to turn on Jesus?

Dig Deeper-
This Triumphant Entry of Jesus is significant for many reasons, including:

  1. This was the final and official presentation of Jesus to Israel as their Messiah
  2. Many people recognized this as seen in their shouts of praise.
  3. By coming on a donkey, Jesus presented Himself as King. 
  4. This presentation of Jesus was the exact fulfillment of prophecy; prophecy the Israelites would have been very familiar with.  This should have confirmed without any doubt that Jesus was (and is) the Messiah.
What else can you think of?

Discuss why Jesus came to die:
    • To save us from evil (Romans 3:25);
    • To save us from our sins (Ephesians 1:7); 
    • To save us from death (John 10:17-18).
Something else to think about:
Jesus was entering the city extending grace, not to judge the city.  
As we see in Revelation 19:11, the time will come (a time still future to us) when Jesus will enter the city as a victorious ruler and will judge the world.

Closing:
What is your response to Jesus?  Do you believe He is your Savior?
If He is Saviour and Lord, how can you publically and verbally praise God this week?

Friday, March 23, 2012

Behold...the Real Jesus

Connection Group Questions, March 25, 2012
“Behold...the Real Jesus”
Opening 
If your group has new members give enough time for introductions.  Maybe play an icebreaker game, or share about your March Break.  Or get creative: you could put people into pairs, give them a moment to talk, then take turns introducing the other person to the group.
After introductions go over the “Connection Group Commitment.”  Address any questions and go over childcare needs if applicable.    Give folks a week to think about their commitment.  Next week, have participants sign the Commitment if they plan to stick with the group.
Other things to consider:
  • Maybe there is a person/couple in the group who want to become group leaders themselves.  Let them be “co-leaders” and take a few turns during the semester to lead the meeting.
  • Maybe your group is already pretty big (over 12 adults).  If so, perhaps you need to consider dividing into two smaller groups.
  • Perhaps your group is a little slim (less than 10).  Prayerfully think about who you could invite to join your gathering.
  • Maybe one person can be the group secretary.  They could send out a weekly reminder, and a list of prayer requests and updates.
  • Send around a snack sign-up.  Maybe turn it into a friendly competition:  Who has the best banana bread recipe?  Who can bring the most exotic dish?  Go ahead, get creative!
Discussion:  Read Matthew 11:1-15
Remember, Groups are to foster a time of “Fellowship.”  That means encouraging authentic relationships, praying for one another, and applying the scriptures to our lives.  This is not supposed to be a religious lecture.  Your facilitator’s role is to stimulate thoughtful reflection on the bible, and encourage real-life application.
So really read the bible text.  Think about it.  And feel free to share comments or questions.  For example, maybe something in the passage was very surprising to you, ask the group what they think.  Or maybe something in the passage really speaks to a situation in your life, past or present.  Perhaps talking about that would be of great encouragement to the rest of the group.  
And remember: all honest questions are fair!
Here are some questions to consider in discussing this passage:
John the baptist was one of the greatest men of faith, maybe the greatest.  And yet it seems he had doubts, or at least some hard questions.  Is there room for any doubts, or questions, in our faith?  Have you ever had a season of doubt, and if so, what was that like?  What did you learn and how did you come through it?
When asked if he is the Christ, Jesus points to his actions, and how they fulfill the promise of scripture (see Isaiah 35).  How can our faith balance both words and actions?
Jesus says the gospel is preached, or announced (v. 5).  What does “gospel” mean?  Why is it something you need to hear, rather than something you need to do?  How does that fit with a faith of action, like Jesus describes in v. 5-6?
V. 6 tells us, “blessed is the one who is not offended (scandalized) by Jesus.”  Why is Jesus so scandalous, so controversial?
Jesus talks about an openness in three groups of people: the poor (v. 5), the “least” (v. 11) and the violent (v. 12).  They have “ears to hear.”   (v. 15)
  • What does it mean to be poor in spirit, and open to Jesus?  
  • What does is mean to make yourself less than Jesus and others?
  • What does it mean to forcefully, or violently, take hold of Jesus?  Does it mean we are violent towards others, or allow a kind of violence, and overtaking, of our own lives?
Close with a time of prayer for one another.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Staying the Course

Connection Group Questions: March 4, 2012
“Staying the Course” 
Opening 
Make sure everyone is aware of events and opportunities happening at Connections.
This is the last week of our Winter Semester.  The plan is that Groups take a March break the weeks of March 11 and 18.  Then we will start our Spring Semester the week of March 25, and run up to Victoria Day weekend (approximately 8 weeks).  Our hope is that your Group will continue, and all members will participate, and new Registrants can join!  But none of this is taken for granted.  Discuss with the group what your plans are for the Spring, and if you want to plan any special activities/events over the break.
Recap
Review our theme verse: Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is;  and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.  ~ Jer. 6:16
Review the Principle if necessary:
Direction, not desire, determines our destination.

Does this principle match your experiences in life?  How is the Principle affecting some of the major paths of your life:
  • Marriage, relationships, family, job, finances, physical health, walk with God...
At any point this past week were you able to employ “The Best Question, “In light of my past experience and my future hope, what is the wise thing to do?”
Bible Study
The Path is narrow
Read Matthew 7:13-14
What are the negative connotation of narrow?
What are the positives of narrowness?
What is the difference between being a spiritual seeker, and a finder?  Why does is seem so cool to seek, but not to find?
Jesus declares his mission to “Seek and to save the lost.”  (Luke 19:10)  What does it mean that Jesus is actually the one seeking us, finding us, saving us?
The Path is not the easiest route
Following Jesus, and seeking obedience to him, is to be our joy.  But it can also make our life difficult.
Has following Jesus made your life more difficult in any particular ways or areas?  What are some situations where you didn’t want to do “the Christian” thing to do?
What are some of the hardships or struggles that are particular to Christians?  Do we, our our time and culture, suffer for our faith?
The Path is Jesus
Read John 14:1-6
What does Jesus mean by saying, he is the way, the truth and the life.  Followers of Christ were originally called, “People of the Way.”  Reflect on what that means. In what “way” does Jesus lead us?  
What does it mean that Jesus is the truth?
Have you experienced a new or different kind of life with Jesus?
Close with a time of prayer for one another. 

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Pathways of the Heart

Connection Group Questions: February 26, 2012
“Pathways of the Heart” 
Opening 
Make sure everyone is aware of events and opportunities happening at Connections listed in the bulletin: we have construction projects, youth programs and other opportunities to move forward in your faith!
Discussion
Start with a review of the big idea:
Direction, not desire, determines our destination.
Does this principle match your experiences in life?
Principles are different than 12 step programs, or self-help.  How are they different? How it the Principle of the path more like the law of gravity?  How is the Principle affecting some of the major paths of your life:
  • Marriage, or relationships, Family, Job, Finances, Physical health, Walk with God...
Review our theme verse: Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is;  and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.  ~ Jer. 6:16
Now Read Jeremiah 17:5-10
Spend some time examining this wonderful passage:
How have you trusted in your own strength, or others, and ended up getting burned?
Have you hd other experiences where God gave you strength, or used someone else, to help in on the right path?
Can you think of a time or event when you put your trust in the Lord in a very real and specific way?  What was the result?
Have there been times of heat/drought in your life?  What was God able to do in you/through you during that season?
Now look at the third part of this passage; the heart.
What is the difference between deceitfulness, and being dishonest, and just being ignorant?
How does our truth quest and our happy quest conflict?
The passage asks, “Who can understand (the heart)?”  
Does this mean we can’t know anything about our hearts, or that we must look deep within to find understanding?  Have you come to understand your own heart?  What have you learned?
Proverbs 27:22 tells us, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.”
Where/when have you seen danger, but kept going?
What was the result?  Were you following your heart and the desire for happiness, or the truth?
Do you find the promise at the end, “I will give every person according to their ways...” encouraging, or frightening, or a bit of both?  How does this affirm the Principle: that direction determines destination?
George mentioned what he called “The Best Question,”
“In light of my past experience and my future hope, what is the wise thing to do?”
How might this question have changed decisions you’ve made in the past?
Are you facing any decisions right now that you need to run through this question?  If so, perhaps discussing with the group will help.
Close with a time of prayer for one another.