Soul Revolution: RESPOND

February 1, 2009

Opening:
Take time to welcome any new comers. Perhaps you’ll need to look over the Connection Group Commitment again- review the hopes and expectations for these groups. You may want to formally commit to being an active participant in the group for the semester.

Digging Deeper:
Last week you probably had to breeze over the bible story, so go back and review John 15:1-8. Share what God has been doing in your life- some clear-cutting and burning away, some pruning, or
bearing some amazing fruit! It may only be the second week, but take a chance and be real.

Pick up the story in verses 9-17. Let’s focus on our REPONSE and the fruit that God wants to nurture through our lives. This passage teaches us that God chose us. What do you make of this promise? Is it a comfort, or troubling? Do you feel chosen? Do you believe God has “appointed you to bear fruit?” If so, what is that fruit? What do you think God chose you for- what does he want you to do? What fruit might come through your life?

If you have time, discuss the experience of Communion in the worship service. Was this anyone’s first time participating in this? Did anyone in the group feel they could not participate? Discuss what this “sacrament” means. How does this provide us a real way to respond to Jesus’ invitation?

Closing:
We value relationships and praying for one another in these groups. Our passage teaches us “The Father (God) will give you whatever you ask in my name (Jesus).” (15:16) In a way that feels comfortable for the group, share your questions about prayer, and your prayer requests. Pray for the group members, or even invite group members to pray for one another.

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John 15:9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.