Hello Madingga's.
We are starting a new and powerful series called the Born Identity. It focuses on the actual identity of Christ beyond the commercialized Jesus we see in TV this time of year. I think this series is going to sweep across Elevate students like Poggs on an Elementary school playground in 1993. The first night is going to be on the prophesized Messiah and what the Jews thought Jesus was going to be like. Instead of this "mighty" king on a golden chariot the world received an infant child born to a homeless teenage mother out of wedlock. Jesus' teaching were so contradictory, and his personality so out of the norm that there is now way history could have imagined Him into existence.
See you guys Wednesday night. Pauly
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Thank You part 2 - 11-14-07
Hey gang. This is John
“Thank you” is a phrase we use that we use a lot (hopefully, if you’re well mannered) day to day. But truly being thankful is something that is a lot less common. I know personally that for me being thankful is something that takes work and effort, and doesn’t necessarily come easy. But when I am thankful I notice a difference. I am more happy, less stressed out, and in general a much better version of myself. I believe that this is because when we are thankful we are more the person God created us to be. Last week Paul talked about being a blessing to God through our thoughts and actions, and the only way that we are going to start the journey of being a blessing to God and the World is by being thankful.
It is ironic that as we enter the holiday season through “Thanksgiving”, a tradition originally intended to help us “take stock” of all the blessings we’ve been given, we at the same time are entering into the most consumeristic, me-centered time of year. The focus all to quickly shifts to what we want, and what we are going to get. Therefore, as a community in Elevate we are going to help each other keep in mind all that we’ve been given and encourage each other to look for opportunities in which we can be a blessing to God and the world this holiday season.
Small Group Questions
John talked about the saying “It is better to give than receive.” Has there ever been a time that you have given something and felt really good about the experience or what happened? Share in detail your experiences.
Do you think this saying is true? Why or why not? If you do think it is better to give than receive how can that be true? (Seems like it should be the other way around)
What are some ways that we can remind ourselves of all that God has given us and not fall into the trap of just thinking about what we want, and what we will get?
Take a few minutes and talk about some of the things you are most thankful for. Often times we get familiar with our lives and take a lot of things for granted. But as the group shares, hopefully you will remind each other of all that God has given us.
Last, brainstorm ways that you can creatively give this holiday season. From gifts, to cookies, to time, and so on, really think about unique ways in which you can bless those around you and by doing so be a blessing to God.
“Thank you” is a phrase we use that we use a lot (hopefully, if you’re well mannered) day to day. But truly being thankful is something that is a lot less common. I know personally that for me being thankful is something that takes work and effort, and doesn’t necessarily come easy. But when I am thankful I notice a difference. I am more happy, less stressed out, and in general a much better version of myself. I believe that this is because when we are thankful we are more the person God created us to be. Last week Paul talked about being a blessing to God through our thoughts and actions, and the only way that we are going to start the journey of being a blessing to God and the World is by being thankful.
It is ironic that as we enter the holiday season through “Thanksgiving”, a tradition originally intended to help us “take stock” of all the blessings we’ve been given, we at the same time are entering into the most consumeristic, me-centered time of year. The focus all to quickly shifts to what we want, and what we are going to get. Therefore, as a community in Elevate we are going to help each other keep in mind all that we’ve been given and encourage each other to look for opportunities in which we can be a blessing to God and the world this holiday season.
Small Group Questions
John talked about the saying “It is better to give than receive.” Has there ever been a time that you have given something and felt really good about the experience or what happened? Share in detail your experiences.
Do you think this saying is true? Why or why not? If you do think it is better to give than receive how can that be true? (Seems like it should be the other way around)
What are some ways that we can remind ourselves of all that God has given us and not fall into the trap of just thinking about what we want, and what we will get?
Take a few minutes and talk about some of the things you are most thankful for. Often times we get familiar with our lives and take a lot of things for granted. But as the group shares, hopefully you will remind each other of all that God has given us.
Last, brainstorm ways that you can creatively give this holiday season. From gifts, to cookies, to time, and so on, really think about unique ways in which you can bless those around you and by doing so be a blessing to God.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Wednesday November 7, 2007
Small Group Questions
“Be Radical, Not Safe”
Read Miracle Story out loud to the group (on next page).
1. How does this story relate to Paul’s Talk?
2. How did the pharmacist’s brother live out the scripture reference “But when
you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for
this you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous,” Luke 14:13-14.
3. What is the resurrection of the righteous?
a.We will be held accountable for our actions and if we’ve done what God has
asked of us we will be repaid for those good things we did on earth.
Getting on to personal questions.
1. When have you taken a radical step in helping someone like pharmacist in the
story?
2. Maybe there was a time when someone did something incredible for you without
asking for anything in return.
3. What is something you can do for someone in need? Think about some
resources you have you could give, it might even be giving your time towards
something?
“Be Radical, Not Safe”
Read Miracle Story out loud to the group (on next page).
1. How does this story relate to Paul’s Talk?
2. How did the pharmacist’s brother live out the scripture reference “But when
you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for
this you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous,” Luke 14:13-14.
3. What is the resurrection of the righteous?
a.We will be held accountable for our actions and if we’ve done what God has
asked of us we will be repaid for those good things we did on earth.
Getting on to personal questions.
1. When have you taken a radical step in helping someone like pharmacist in the
story?
2. Maybe there was a time when someone did something incredible for you without
asking for anything in return.
3. What is something you can do for someone in need? Think about some
resources you have you could give, it might even be giving your time towards
something?
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