Corinthian Chaos: "What's On Your Head” by Noel Heikkinen

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

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Overview:

After listening to this weekend’s message – was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged or confused you?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

As we continue on with the study of the church in Corinth, we are reminded that many of the issues they were dealing with relate to us today as well. It is important for us to understand our culture and relate to it in a non-offensive manner – yet being willing to stand against the culture when necessary. Most importantly, we are to give up our rights for the benefit of others – so that we can present the gospel in a relevant manner.

Read 1 Corinthians 11: 1-16 and discuss the following questions:

1. What modern cultural issues have you personally wrestled with in order to be culturally relevant yet remain Godly in your lifestyle, choices & perspectives? How have you chosen to address those issues? What tension have you experienced –either personally or from others? How has your upbringing influenced your view of those issues?

2. How do we go about determining what are Biblical principles to apply – what are commands to follow – and what are simply cultural norms for that time? Give some examples and explain.

3. When have you made choices based on your conscience? How have you had to honor the consciences of others that are different than yours?

4. How has the area of authority been clarified for you in our study? What aspects about authority do you struggle with? How is the authority in marriage of a man and his wife similar to Father(God) and Jesus? How does this ‘headship’ NOT mean that the wife is less important or inferior to a husband? What does ‘headship’ mean Biblically in a marriage? How has this truth been distorted and wrongly applied to marriage throughout history?

5. How should the example of Jesus as a servant leader be applied to marriage today? In what ways should a husband be a servant leader? How are the roles of ‘sacrificial authority’ and ‘sacrificial submission’ to be lived out in a Biblical marriage today? How is this Biblical understanding important in view of choosing a future mate?

6. How have you seen chauvinism and feminism out of balance in our culture?

7. Do you agree with the following statement: ‘Christianity places women on equal footing with men, but there are still role distinctions that make us different from the culture around us.’ Why or why not? How do you support your perspective Biblically?

8. Why are gender distinctions important for us to understand and value today from a Biblical perspective? How can we be living examples of living under Godly authority with Biblical submission? How did Jesus reflect both in His life?

Bringing It Home:

How can your life group members pray for you this week in regard to what we learned from our study?

Take some time to pray for each other – to be Godly men and women who uphold the Biblical standard yet are culturally relevant.

Pursued: "Redemption” by Steve Sommerlot

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

Click here to listen to or watch this message.

Overview:

Was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged, or confused you after listening to this weekend’s message?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

As we wrap up this series from the book of Ruth, most likely you’ve encountered a difficult situation(s) in your life where you have seen evidence of God’s grace. As a follower of Christ, God’s grace is constantly present and active in your life regardless of the fact that we cannot earn it or be deserving of it. Ultimately, God’s story is one of redemption – and we see His purposes in the story about Boaz, Ruth and Naomi.

Read Ruth 4:1-22 and discuss the following verses:

1. When good things happen in your life – do you tend to view them as ‘God blessing you’? When bad things happen in your life – do you tend to view them as ‘God is angry with me’? Why are both views inaccurate Biblically? Explain.

2. When we think about the word ‘redemption’ – what is assumed about the recipient of that redemption? In the story about Ruth, Naomi and Boaz – how does it portray the redemption of Christ with us? Like Boaz, how did Jesus initiate redemption toward us? How have you come to understand and appreciate His cost of redemption?

3. How was God’s law and justice satisfied when Jesus redeemed us?

4. Just as Ruth’s marriage to Boaz gave her a new identity – how has becoming God’s child given you a new identity? How are you seeing that lived out in your life? How do you view yourself differently now? What struggles do you deal with in accepting your new identity in Christ?

5. How has God’s redemption of your life given you new purpose and meaning? In what practical ways are you living your life with a renewed purpose? What helps you live your new life with God’s interest in mind – rather than your own?

6. How did God honor Naomi and her looking out for Ruth’s best interests? How has God demonstrated that same honor in your life and decisions you have made for the benefit of others?

7. Why do you think the Jewish community was amazed by how God planned for Ruth to be of the lineage of Jesus? What does that tell us about the greater purposes of God in our lives?

8. How has this series helped you to understand the importance of trust, character and the sovereignty of God in your life?

Bringing It Home:

• How will you apply what you have learned from the book of Ruth to your life?

• Take some time to pray together for each of your lives.

Pursued: "Character” by Steve Sommerlot

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

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Overview:

After listening to this weekend’s message – was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged or confused you?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

In the 3^rd chapter of Ruth, we see how Ruth, Naomi and Boaz all display aspects of character that are forged in their lives through desperate and difficult circumstances. Godly character is not formed by accident – it is a careful process whereby God uses the heat and pressures of life to shape us into His image.

Read Ruth 3:1-18 and discuss the following questions:

1. When have difficult and challenging circumstances been used to build Godly character in your life? What was that process like? Were you aware of the process at the time? How did you come to understand God’s working in your life?

2. Share a time when you may have taken matters into your own hands – and not trusted God by faith? How did you determine your lack of trust? What would you have done differently? How did the situation turn out?

3. When have you exercised faith and trust in God’s providential involvement in a situation in your life? What Biblical principle helped you to initiate that faith?

4. How did Naomi demonstrate more concern for Ruth’s welfare than her own? When have you had the chance to hide self-seeking motives behind a good decision making opportunity?

5. How have you seen courage demonstrated in the presence of fear? When have you accepted responsibility to do what is right, in spite of the risks involved?

6. How did Ruth demonstrate her dedication and loyalty to Naomi – rather than seeking her own preferences and benefit? When have you had the opportunity to express kindness and grace to another no matter how the situation might turn out?

7. What is your definition of ‘integrity’? How have you observed a lack of integrity in others? What opportunities have you had to demonstrate ‘integrity’ in your life? What temptations did you face? How did you respond? Did it make any difference – when you knew no one was watching? How does integrity flourish when no one is watching – but God alone?

Bringing It Home:

• Of the 4 character areas we saw this week in Naomi, Ruth and Boaz –which do you see the need to grow more purposefully in your life?

• How can your life group members pray for you in this?

Pursued: "Extravagant Love” by Steve Sommerlot

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

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Overview:

Was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged or confused you from this weekend’s message?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

We learned this week that God’s love is certainly extravagant as He expresses it towards each one of us. The dictionary definition of extravagant is: ‘Exceeding the limits of reason or necessity…lacking in moderation, balance and restraint….spending much more than necessary’. His love for us is so overwhelming that it exceeds all reasonableness. No moderation. In fact, God could not have demonstrated it in a more incredible way – than how He did by having Jesus die for our sin.

Read Ruth 2:14-23 and discuss the following questions of God’s love as it relates to the story of Ruth and Boaz:

1. Share a time when you were completely overwhelmed by the love someone expressed toward you? What did they do that was above and beyond the normal limits of love? How did that make you feel? How did you express your thankfulness?

2. How has God’s extravagant love toward you influenced or changed your life recently?

3. How do you think you would have responded to Boaz’s kind initiation toward Ruth - if you had been in her situation? Would you have taken it for granted? Would you have thought that God has finally given you what you deserved – after all the hardship that God had brought your way?

4. To what degree does the awareness of your sin toward God make His initiation of love toward you more meaningful in your life? How often do you think about how repulsive your sin actually is in the eyes of a holy and just God? What one aspect of your life demonstrates His extravagant love toward you?

5. Like Ruth, how has God honored you by serving and providing for your needs when you didn’t deserve it? Explain. Share a time when God provided more than what you needed and how did He do so?

6. How might you have the opportunity to meet the needs of others in an extravagant way? What holds you back from doing so – especially in light of this story in the book of Ruth?

7. According to Hebrews 10:19-22 – how aware are you of your access, acceptance, confidence and privilege in your relationship with God? What in your life holds you back from experiencing this reality?

8. From this week’s message – how have you been made more aware of the hope that God has for you – especially in dire situations or times when you are tempted to despair in your life?

9. Share about a season or time in your life when you have experienced a ‘dead-zone’ and needed to wait on God after a seeing Him work and provide on your behalf. What challenges did you experience in waiting on God? How did you cope in that season of life?

Bringing It Home:

How will you remind yourself and renew your mind about God’s extravagant love for you this week?

Pray together in your life group for each other – that you will grow in your awareness of God’s extravagant love.

Pursued: "Providence” by Steve Sommerlot

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

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Overview:

After listening to this past weekend’s message – was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged, or confused you?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

As a child of God, we know that God is with us and ultimately in control of our lives. Consequently, we do not need to worry or be afraid of the present or the future. God is allowing or preventing things in our lives – all for His glory. We can be confident of God’s moment-by-moment involvement in our lives whereby He works through all things to bring about His divine plan.

Read Ruth 2:1-13 and discuss the following questions:

1. Have you ever wondered about circumstances in your life – whether they were providential from God – or just chance? Explain. How should followers of Christ view circumstances similar to what took place w/Ruth and Boaz – that occur in our lives?

2. In your own words – define God’s providence. Is it primarily for our benefit – or for God’s? Why or why not? What Scripture passages help you understand God’s intimate activity in your life?

3. How does God work His will and purposes along with our own choices and decisions? Why is that difficult for us to understand?

4. How does Ruth demonstrate her faith in God without simply waiting for Him to provide? When have you had the opportunity to exercise your faith by taking a particular action?

5. Looking back on your life – how have you seen God’s orchestration and His providence at work? Why is it difficult to trust God when we cannot always see what He is doing? How was your faith tested in those situations?

6. Share a time when your faith took action – yet you still were relying on God to provide?

7. When have you experienced hardship or pain and struggled to see God in the details? If you were tempted to become bitter and think that God did not care – how did you come to the realization that He did care in the midst of that circumstance?

8. Share a time when you experienced God’s providence working through other people. Was it immediately obvious – or did it take some time to realize? Explain.

9. When have you observed in your life or in the lives of others – how strong character and Godly choices have ushered in God’s plan and working for good?

10. How would your life be different as you begin to trust in God’s providence going forward today?

Bringing It Home:

What choices are you facing today that can reflect your trust in God’s provision?

How can your life group pray for you in order that you will grow in confident trust of God’s plan for your life?

Pursued: "Choices and Grace” by Steve Sommerlot

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

Click here to listen to or watch this message.

Overview:

Was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged or confused you after listening to this weekend’s message?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

We all have been created with the desire to be loved, accepted, and understood. This basic human need and desire often isn’t met in a world where looking out for our own personal interests seem to be the prevailing choice of many. But no matter how difficult life may be – and even when things go wrong in our lives – we often are tempted to blame others rather than look to God and His faithfulness in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.

Read Ruth 1:18 and Colossians 1:21-22 and discuss the following questions:

1. What one difficult situation or experience in your past has had the greatest impact on your life? Why? After reading about Naomi’s life, how did you relate her circumstances to your life?

2. Have you ever been the victim or felt victimized by somebody else’s really bad decisions? Explain.

3. Ever been in a situation that made you so upset that God would allow that to happen to you – and you asked ‘Why me, God?’ How do you think you may have reacted if you had been in Naomi’s situation?

4. When you experience difficult times – what perspective do you normally take?

5. What choices did Elimelech make that created difficulty for his family? Like Elimelech – when have you taken matters into your own hands, rather than trusting God?

6. Even though Naomi was the victim of her husband’s wrong choices – how did she display trust in God and make a change in her life? How have you made changes in your life when needed as a result of the choices of others?

7. When have you made decisions for the benefit of others – knowing it may be more difficult for you? How have you seen others make choices for the benefit of others – even it meant more difficulty for themselves?

8. Like Naomi, when have you trusted in the kindness, faithfulness, love and compassion of God in the midst of a trying situation? How did you come to understand God’s working in the midst of these difficult circumstances?

9. How do we choose to see God’s faithfulness in our lives even when we experience trouble as a result of the choices of others? How do we learn to not blame God but live according to His love for us?

10. How can you apply Ruth’s devotion to Naomi to your life and relationships? When have you had the opportunity to be an ambassador of grace to someone else?

11. When have you observed the love of another demonstrated in making decisions for someone else’s benefit – even to the detriment of themselves? Explain.

Bringing It Home:

How can your friends pray for you, so that you can grow in your trust toward God and His faithfulness in a difficult situation you are wrestling with?

Take some time to pray for each other’s growth in understanding and accepting God’s promises toward us.

Corinthian Chaos: "You Are An Acorn” by Noel Heikkinen

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

Click here to listen to or watch this message.

Overview:

Was there a point or passage of Scripture from this weekend’s message that challenged, encouraged or confused you?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

Everything hinges on the resurrection. By being raised from the dead, we see Jesus wasn’t just a mere teacher. Jesus was (and is) God who successfully took the punishment for sin, giving His righteousness and new life to all who would believe. Easter gives us insights into the reality that there is more to life than this life. God is the master of creating something entirely new; as it was for the resurrection of Jesus, so it will be for us. Just as a mighty oak started out as a seemingly lifeless acorn, our future bodies will be extraordinarily raised into something new. That’s truly Good News!

Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-44 and discuss the following verses and questions:

1. What do people commonly think happens to us when we die? Do they believe we are simply annihilated (there is nothing beyond this life)? Reincarnated (the soul carries on in other people or animals)? Do they think humans become angels? Turn into zombies? Do they typically think Biblically?

2. When you consider your beliefs and your life, how firm are your beliefs, and equally as important, how does what you believe about death impact your life?

3. The Christian worldview is crystal clear, resurrection means that death is not the end; death is just a ‘comma’, not a ‘period’. How does the fact that you’re an acorn change your outlook?

4. In 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Paul describes four differences between our current and future bodies. Our current bodies are perishable, dishonorable, weak, and natural – how specifically will our future bodies be different?

5. How could these ‘Resurrection truths’ comfort and encourage those you know, especially those who know ailments and loss?

6. How does the “acorn” view of human life trouble the idea that following Christ is simply about being moral and prosperous in this life?

7. How does 1 Corinthians 15 trouble views of Jesus that say He was just a good teacher, trying to teach people how to live a better life? What did the life, death, burial, & resurrection (and ascension) of Jesus accomplish?

8. How can the promise of resurrection give focus and confidence to how Christians think and live?

Bringing It Home:

• Are you and your group able to explain the “acorn” concept from scripture? Do you feel comfortable and capable answering questions associated with this topic?

• In what ways are you attached to, or prone to be attached to a view that thinks this life is it? Are thoughts of heaven and resurrection part of your everyday life?

• If this life isn’t really “it,” how does that perspective motivate and encourage us to share the Gospel?

Corinthian Chaos: "Life Wins” by Noel Heikkinen

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

Click here to listen to or watch this message.

Overview:

Was there a point or passage of Scripture from this weekend’s message that challenged, encouraged or confused you?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

Because Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is a historical fact and the basis of our faith in Him – this incredible truth sets in action the need in our lives of living for and responding to His victory over death and living for the benefit of others. If Jesus can rise from the dead – what can’t He do? Even His return to earth to set everything right, is the most important prompting we have to live for Him now and into eternity.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-34 and discuss the following:

1. If you were to write an epitaph for your tombstone that described the purpose or direction of your life today what would it say? What do you wish it would say? What changes do you need to make so your tombstone would depict what you want it to say?

2. How have you come to realize and believe that the resurrection of Jesus actually took place? Why is that so important? How does that give you hope for this life and for eternity?

3. What is the significance of Paul’s use of the word “if” so often in this passage? What problems emerge both for the Corinthians and Paul if there is no resurrection?

4. What is the central proof Paul continually points to as evidence for the hope of our resurrection?

5. As a Christ follower - how does the principle of ‘first fruits’ apply and challenge you in your life? How is giving back to God – from what He has already given us – demonstrate our trust in Him? What are some ways we should do this? How are our ‘first fruits’ offerings an opportunity to tell others about Jesus?

6. How does Jesus’ resurrection and His return to earth logically and Biblically fit together? Would you say you are looking forward to Jesus’ return to earth? Why or why not? What changes do you need to make in your life to begin to look forward to this event?

7. What does it mean that Jesus conquered death for us? Do you fear dying? What gives us confidence and hope even in death? How do you know that your eternity is secure after you die?

8. When did you connect the resurrection of Christ with your own victory over death? What difference has that made to you in terms of hope and purpose for living?

9. When have you felt that life was futile? What helps you go on when those feelings come?

10. If you knew today was the last day you would ever live, how would you spend it?

Bringing It Home:

• What changes do you need to make in your life in order to look forward to Jesus’ return?

• How can your life group pray for you in this?

Corinthian Chaos: "Death Can't Be The End” by Noel Heikkinen

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

Click here to listen to or watch this message.

Overview:

After listening to this weekend’s message was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged or confused you?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

Each of us carries around a ‘belief-system filter’ and it helps us determine what we believe. It consists of the ultimate, most important thing in our lives. As Christ followers, we must hold, above all else, the filter of the Bible. And, tantamount to this belief system – is the foundational truth of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead – which provides us the basis of our faith.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-22 and discuss the following questions:

1. What was your primary belief-system filter before you came to believe in Jesus? How did you see that demonstrated in your life?

2. How have you determined what your belief-system filter actually is for you now? What truths or experiences caused you to adopt it? How did you determine that this belief-system was accurate? How do your attitudes and actions reflect your adherence to this belief-system?

3. Is it possible to hold another belief-system along with the Bible? Why or why not?

4. What happens when we say we are Christ followers but don’t use the Bible as our filter?

5. Why is our belief in Jesus’ sacrifice for us so contingent on the reality of His resurrection from the dead?

6. How does Jesus’ resurrection provide us hope – not only for this life – but for life after we die?

7. How did the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection influence your decision to believe in Him? Why have people throughout time tried to disprove it?

8. What fears or concerns do you have regarding death? How have those fears been addressed as you have grown in your understanding and relationship with Jesus?

9. How would you describe the hope a Christ follower has to someone who does not yet believe in Jesus?

Bringing It Home:

• What evidences do you see that Scripture is the basis for the decisions you make in your life?

• How can the life group pray for you to grow in living out this belief-system?

Corinthian Chaos: "Of First Importance” by Noel Heikkinen

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

Click here to listen to or watch this message.

Overview:

Was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged or confused you from this weekend’s message?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

The Corinthian church was facing a fundamental problem - it was their forgetfulness of the gospel message and the important foundation it had in their lives. It had become an afterthought to them. Paul was reminding them (and us) that we must keep this most important truth central to all that we do - as it relates to others, non-Christians, and to ourselves.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-15 and discuss the following questions:

1. Thinking back on your life – when did you first hear the gospel message? What was the impact it had on your life at that time? When did you first begin to respond to it?

2. What is our responsibility in sharing the ‘Good News’ with others? Should you feel a responsibility to do so? Why or why not?

3. If someone wanted to know what the gospel message was – how would you explain it to them? Do you feel equipped to do so? What steps can you take to learn to share a clear and simple gospel message more naturally?

4. How is the gospel message relevant and applicable to your life on a daily basis? How is the gospel making you more Christ-like in your life?

5. According to vs. 1 & 2, what does it mean to ‘receive’ and ‘believe’ the gospel? Why is our salvation not dependent on our own work or achievement? How does Jesus’ completed work allow us to know with certainty – our security in Christ (also see: Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 5:11-13)?

6. According to vs. 3-7, what is of ‘first importance’ – which we need to receive?

7. In your own words, explain what “God’s grace” - or – “unmerited favor” means? How have you experienced this in your life? How have you been growing in your understanding of God’s grace as it applies to your life?

8. In what ways can you identify with the Apostle Paul’s life – and the grace he experienced?

9. Why does the truth of the gospel rest so much on Jesus’ resurrection? Explain.

Bringing It Home:

• How will you remind yourself this week of the importance and relevance of the gospel to your life?

• Pray for opportunities you will have to share the gospel with others this week – and the boldness to do so.

Encounters: "Jairus” by Steve Sommerlot

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

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Overview:

After listening to this weekend’s message – was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged or confused you?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

When a person comes face-to-face with Jesus, they either humbly acknowledge and accept Him - or disregard Him and walk away. Even though most of the residents of Capernaum chose to walk away, Jairus expressed his belief in Jesus – unconcerned about his reputation as he demonstrated His faith in the Messiah. We see the compassion of Jesus and His response to the brokenness and humility expressed by Jairus.

Read Mark 5:21-42 and Philippians 2:3-5 and discuss the following questions:

1. What has been the relationship between ‘crisis’ and ‘faith’ in your life? How did you respond – in humility and brokenness in faith – or – in anger and anxiety? Explain.

2. How should our faith in God dictate our response when we face a crisis?

3. In what ways did Jairus demonstrate true humility and brokenness before Jesus and others?

4. Like Jairus, how has your faith been lived out in such a way that it compromised your status in the eyes of others?

5. How would you define ‘compassion’? When have you taken the opportunity to be compassionate to others? What opportunities have you ignored?

6. Why does faith require us to allow God to work according to His timetable? How would you have responded when Jesus stopped to help the other woman?

7. How do you practically go about dealing with and overcoming your fear and still believe? When have you needed to do so?

8. How is true humility expressed in your faith?

9. Why is the object of our faith (Jesus) so important to living in real faith?

10. What does it mean to have a ‘confident’ faith in Jesus? Does having faith mean that we have no doubts? Explain why or why not.

11. When have you experienced a season of doubt in your life? How did you push through your fear to confidently believe?

12. How has your faith in Jesus compelled you to look out for the interests of those around you? How have you faced your self-centeredness and chosen to sacrifice for the benefit of others?

Bringing It Home:

• What did you personally learn from the example of Jairus’ story?
• How can your life group specifically pray for you in applying what you learned this week?

Encounters: "Zacchaeus” by Steve Sommerlot

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

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Overview:

After listening to this weekend’s message, was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged or confused you?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

Jesus was not one to avoid encounters with the sinners – the losers of the world. In fact, He exhibited extra-ordinary kindness to those who were despised and hated by others in order to lead them to repentance. That is exactly what Jesus did with Zaccheaus. He reached out to him in kindness, when everyone else thought He was crazy and comprising Himself.

Read Luke 19:1-10 and discuss the following questions:

1. What kind of person do you have the most difficulty showing kindness to? One who has hurt or treated you unfairly – and how have you treated them in response? What can you do to begin treating them with kindness, as Jesus would have done?

2. Why did Jesus want to spend time with Zaccheaus – of all those he had opportunity to do so with? Why did it bother those who saw Him doing this? Would this have bothered you?

3. Where did Jesus first find you? What situation were you in and how did He seek you out?

4. Why is it so hard for us to treat those who have wronged us, with kindness and patience? Read 1 John 4:19 and discuss how this truth applies to loving others.

5. Like Zaccheaus, what issues did you need to endure in order to become a Christ-follower?

6. How did you deal with the issues from your past and how did others respond to your new life in Christ?

7. When did you become aware that Jesus loved and accepted you in spite of your sin and your past?

8. Why are sinners so drawn to Jesus’ kindness? How were you drawn to His kindness and how did He demonstrate that in your life?

9. How does kindness – and not condemnation – get people’s attention (Romans 2:4)? How can you reflect God’s kindness to those who seem unlovable in your life?

10. Would you say that being kind toward others is something you are known for? Is kindness something that people see when they watch your life from a distance? Why or why not?

11. What changes did others see in your life when you repented and believed in Jesus?

12. How can you apply the 3 practicals of kindness (Give ‘em a look/Give ‘em a word/Give ‘em a touch) toward others?

13. From this weekend’s message, how can you apply Luke 19:10 to your life?

Bringing It Home:

• How has your life begun to change in a way that people can see the change from our relationship with Jesus?

• Take some time to pray for those people in your life who are far from God.

Encounters: "Nicodemus” by Steve Sommerlot

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

Click here to listen to or watch this message.

Overview:

Was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged, or confused you from this weekend’s message?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

Fundamental to our faith is a clear understanding of salvation along with the basis for an individual to get to heaven. Jesus had an encounter with Nicodemus. We learned from their dialogue about the 3 Fundamentals of Salvation.

Read John 3:1-18 and Ephesians 2:8-9 and discuss the following questions:

1. What first aroused your interest in Jesus?

2. When was the first time you heard a clear presentation of the gospel? What were the circumstances that led you to being ‘born again’?

3. Like Nicodemus, in what ways were you relying on ‘being a good person or living a life of good works’ – rather than on what Jesus did for you? How did Jesus speak to your heart at that time?

4. In your own words, what does it mean to be ‘born again’ from Jesus’ dialogue with Nicodemus? How would you define what it means to a person who has never heard the phrase?

5. What is the difference between knowing about God – and knowing God? Explain.

6. What does John 3:5 tell us about salvation – being a supernatural work of God and not a result of our works? (Also, see Ezekiel 36:24-28.)

7. How does Ephesians 2:8-9 clarify our basis for salvation?

8. Why is it vital to our salvation – to believe that Jesus was God in the flesh? How is His death and resurrection central to this truth?

9. What misconceptions did you have about gaining entrance into heaven? What clarified the importance of the completed and total work of Jesus on the cross for you?

10. According to John 3:16-18, what is the basis for eternal life?

11. What does it mean to ‘believe’ in Jesus? How would you explain this truth to someone who was basing their acceptance into heaven on their own good works?

12. In 1 John 5:11-13, what does God want every person who believes in Jesus to know? How do we know that we have eternal life – and not just hope?

Bringing It Home:

• How has believing in Christ brought confidence before God into your life?

• Pray for those you know – who have not yet come to understand and believe in Jesus. What opportunities do you have to love them and share the Good News?

Footnotes: "Stewardship” by James Granger

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

Click here to listen to or watch this message.

Overview:

After listening to this weekend’s message, was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged or confused you?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

As Christ followers, God has entrusted us with the stewardship responsibility of managing that which is most valuable to Him - and which provides the greatest benefit to others – the gospel. We are responsible to manage what has been entrusted into our care – as we acknowledge and live our lives in the reality that God is ultimately in control and the owner of all that we have and are. In doing that, we are able to live our lives free from the unhealthy preoccupation with the future – which is anxiety.

Read 1 Corinthians 9:16-17, 1 Corinthians 7:32, and Matthew 6:25-32.

1. When have you observed good stewardship in the lives of other people? When have you observed poor stewardship? What were the indicators that led you to your observations?

2. In what areas have you understood God’s entrusting you with something valuable for the benefit of others? How have you managed these faithfully? How have you not been faithful?

3. Why is the Good News about Jesus’ death, resurrection, and sacrifice for our sin – such a valuable asset to God and benefit to others? How has God’s entrusting of this truth to us impacted your life?

4. How does the fact that - all we have and all we are comes to us through God’s grace and mercy – motivate us to live and invest our lives for His purposes?

5. When we consider the gifts, talents, and possessions that God has entrusted to each of us – why do we often not use and invest them for His benefit? What fears do we encounter? How does our selfishness influence our stewardship of those things?

6. How should the reality that one day we will give an account to the Lord (Luke 12:42-48) for all He has entrusted to us – motivate us to live, manage, and invest our lives?

7. If we are the stewards of what God already owns and is in control of in our lives – how should that influence the worries and anxieties that we experience?

8. What principles can we glean about anxiety and trust from Jesus words in Matthew 6:25-32? How has anxiety and worry negatively affected your life? How has wise stewardship and living for those things that are important to God – had a positive effect in your life?

Bringing It Home:

• What areas of stewardship do you see the need to improve in your life?

• How can the life group help, encourage, and challenge you to grow in those areas?

Corinthian Chaos: "Of Wine and Welches” by Noel Heikkinen

If you miss this message at Riv's Holt Venue, you can click on the link below to listen to, watch, or download it. The message audio & video files are normally available on Tuesdays.

Click here to listen to or watch this message.

Overview:

After listening to this weekend’s message, was there a point or passage of Scripture that challenged, encouraged or confused you?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves:

We were reminded this weekend – that as Christ followers, we are to worship the one true God and worship Him alone – and flee from idolatry. Tim Keller defines idolatry as “anything in your life that is so central to your life that you can’t have a meaningful life if you lose it.” In other words, an idol sits on the ‘throne’ of your life. One way to honor God and worship Him is to participate in the Lord’s Supper.

Read 1 Corinthians 10: 14-24 and discuss the following questions:

1. Share a couple areas or things in your life – that you tend to idolize more than God. Why do you think they are so important to you? How are you learning to ‘flee’ from them and pursue God and value Him instead?

2. What has been your understanding of the purpose of the Lord’s Supper (communion, breaking of the bread, etc.) and how does that align with the simple Biblical understanding and application we see in this passage (vs. 15-17) of Scripture? (Also, read Matthew 26:27-29 & 1 Cor. 11:23-26)

3. How does the Lord’s Supper display our relationship and fellowship with Jesus? How does the fact that we are ‘in Christ’ relate to vs. 17?

4. The Lord’s Supper also models our relationship with each other. From vs. 17, how does our unity – or lack of it - reflect on what Jesus did for us? Practically speaking, how do we live in unity with other Christ followers? How is our lack of unity seen by a watching world? What changes in attitude and behavior can we take to live unified with other Christ followers – as Jesus would want us to do? How are we unified with other believers in Christ – even if we don’t seem to experience it?

5. In vs. 23-24, how do we practically ‘seek the good’ of others in the context of this passage? How do we live out the ‘law of love’ by taking our focus off of ourselves? Share how that relates to our lives – as we allow Jesus to be on the throne of our thoughts and actions. In areas of choice that we have freedom in Christ, how should the ‘law of love’ trump and supersede our decisions?

Bringing It Home:

• What decisions will you make this week to ‘flee idolatry’ - allowing Jesus to be on the throne of your life – and live in unity with other Christ followers?

• Plan a time in the next few weeks to share the Lord’s Supper w/your life group.

*See this week’s “Dynamics” for more information on sharing the Lord’s Supper in your life group.