Soul Revolution: REVEAL

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. Perhaps mix things up a bit this week- take the first part of your gathering to pray for one another. Share joys and concerns and invite everyone to participate.

Digging Deeper:
Read the story of the “Road to Emmaus,” Luke 24:13-35. The two disciples (about how many disciples were there at this time?) were talking about “all that had happened.” Review what had happened in the days preceding and read v.19-24.

Jesus changes gears and begins “revealing” to them the scriptures. Some have said that v. 27 is the most frustrating verse in the bible! Imagine what that conversation may have covered and share your thoughts or even bible passages.

Starting in v. 30 we find a “communion-like” scenario. Why do you think Jesus reveals himself at this time and in this way?

Verse 32 has become descriptive for many who come to faith. Dive into this- have you ever had a “burning heart” experience while in worship, reading the bible, in prayer, in a conversation? Feel free to go deep here! This is the crux of the soul revolution!

Read John 8:31. This one verse gives us simple and clear guidance for the Christian life. Review some of the teachings of Jesus that have directed your life. Expect, and enjoy, the variety of responses within your group. Feel free to go deep and use up your time here.

Closing:
This wraps up the “Soul Revolution” series. We have talked more about an internal change of heart, rather than any outward practices or disciplines. What has God been doing inside of you? Pray for each other if you have not already done so.

LUKE 24:13-35
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles^[a] from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.

17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

19"What things?" he asked.

"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ^[b] have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

JOHN 8:31-32
31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

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.

_____

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.

Soul Revolution: RECONNECT

Welcome to our 2009 winter semester. Take the first part of your gathering to introduce yourselves. Share:

• • Who you are,
• • Why you got involved with a Group,
• • What you hope will come out of your time together.

(Facilitators will have some fun opening games or questions to help you get to know each other.)

Digging Deeper
Look over the “Group Commitment” so everyone is clear on the purpose and design of these groups.

Group Commitment
Connection Groups target the second part of our mission- to connect with people. We believe that being in relationships, in the body of Christ, is an essential part of every Christ-followers life.

In the days of the early Church the first Christ followers gathered the first day of the week (Sunday) for worship. In addition, they meet throughout the week in homes (Acts 2:46; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15). We believe that being a part of a Connection Group is not something we do in addition to “going to church,” it is essential to “be the church.” Why? Because relationships matter- with God and with other people in “the body of Christ.”

We gather around the following values:
Common Purpose: To become more Christ-like in everything.
Common Place: To become more a part of our neighborhood.
Common Possessions: To become more generous in supporting one another spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically.

Therefore,

• • We agree to meet for the duration of this semester.
• • We will try to make every Group meeting.
• • We will discuss the topic/text of worship services or our focus group.
• • We will make worshiping at Connections a priority for our own growth, and to actively participate in these discussions.
• • We will support our facilitators and hosts and respect their roles.
• • We will be respecters of persons.
• • We will practice confidentiality.
• • We will seek to deepen relationships within the group.
• • We will play together.
• • We will serve together.

Closing
Read John 15:1-8 and APPLY this to your life:

• • Have you been in a season of “clear-cutting” in your soul? Where is God trying to bring new life?
• • How has God been pruning you this season? What needs cultivated, or what needs to go?
• • What is the fruit that God is nurturing in/through you? What would it look like to simply “abide” and let Jesus produce this fruit in/through you?

John 15:1-8
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.