Change Week 3

Change. It is a word that gets thrown around a lot when it comes to our faith. But what does real change look like when Jesus leads our life and actions? One of the my favorite verses in the Bible is found in John chapter 8:31-32 where Jesus says
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." and a few verses later he follows up with an emphasis of this freedom that He gives us by saying “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Every time I read this verse I get excited about freedom that I have in Jesus, however, I skip over the most important part. The verse starts with If you hold to my teaching. If you’re like me, it’s all too easy to overlook this critical component to Jesus promise. If we want to know truth, and the freedom it brings, Jesus says it depends on us following His teachings. So, what are they?

If we are going to be disciples of Jesus, and have true freedom, we need to know and follow his instructions. This week we will be talking about Jesus specific teachings from the book of Matthew chapter 5. These are some of the most elemental teachings of Jesus covering a variety of topics. Jesus gets speaks about issues that really hit home to His audience then, and us today. We will specifically be looking at what it means to love our enemies, be meek, and be salt and light. Again, all found in Matthew Chapter 5.

Small Group Questions

Start by reading Matthew Chapter 5 for a refresh. Take your time, and take turns reading aloud in your group.

Tonight John talked about why He believes Jesus/Christianity to be the “real deal”. If you were asked why you come to Elevate, or believe in Jesus, what would you say?

If you were to honestly look at you life, in what ways has Jesus’ influence and teachings changed who you are today? Take time and give examples. Be honest if you feel there are areas in which you need to grow.

If “we” are Jesus’ main instrument of “changing” the world, what does that mean for our everyday life? Our interactions? Our words? Our schools? and so on... This is an awesome responsibility so talk about as many implications as possible.

When Jesus compares us to being a light in the world that cannot be hidden we realize that, if we are really following Jesus, people will notice. This can bring positive, and negative attention from others and the world. Share a time when you have been “noticed” either good or bad, because of your faith. How did it feel? How did you respond/feel if it was negative?

In what ways can we support each other to make sure that we are continually changing to be more like Jesus?

Wednesday January 9th, 2008

Hey God Squad this is Pauly. Welcome back everyone, we missed you and John hopes you missed us. We are starting a new series this week called "change". I'm starting off the first night speaking about the resolution needed before the change occurs.
It is the time of year for New Year's resolutions, some we keep and some we sweep...under the rug hoping their forgotten. Well in order to make a resolution we must first find something we need to improve upon or something that we'd like to do that we don’t do at all. In order to do this we must come to grips with the hard stuff we don’t enjoy about ourselves and create a plan to advance it. The Bible shows us many people who and a fresh start, much of the time aligning their lives with God.

Be For Each Other
1.What are some nice thing you'd like to do for others in 2008?
2.What are some things you know your not doing well?

Follow Jesus
1.Jesus forgave Peter for denying that he ever know Him but what did Jesus do after He forgave Peter? (He told Peter to go out and do better).
2.What kinds of things do you feel/think Jesus might be telling you to do?

Look Beyond Ourselves
1.Brainstorm some resolutions to improve your relationship with God. (read Bible, pray, start Bible Study)
2.Brainstorm some ideas for the way you treat others.

Reflections
1. What time did you go to bed New Years and what where you doing at midnight?