The God of the Valley

Main Thought

A valley is a low point between mountains or hills. We all face “valleys,” or low points, in our lives. Life can be hard! Things may not turn out the way that we want. Unexpected circumstances, even heartbreaking ones, will arise. What do we do when we find ourselves in one of life’s valleys? The first thing we should do is look for God. God wants to be present in our valleys. He’s also able to bring us through our valleys, so that we can eventually experience something great on the other side. If we want to get there, then we need to walk with God intimately and intentionally. Intimacy with God comes as we seek to know God, and to be authentically known by God, more and more. We’re intentional in our walk with God when we take meaningful steps of faith and obedience in the direction that God determines. God loves us too much to leave us in our low points. He’s calling us to move forward with Him!

Main Passages

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

- Psalm 23:4, 6

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

- Psalm 34:17-18

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

- Philippians 3:12

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. God calls us to walk with Him intimately and intentionally. Can you improve on either of those things in this season of your life?

3. Are you trusting God for progress or breakthrough in any area of your life? If so, what? Pray for one another to experience these things as we walk with God.

Promise, Premise, and Process.

Main Thought

We want God’s promises. God promises to fulfill His plans for us; to give us the power to both endure trials and excel in life; and to provide for our needs. Yet the promises of God often have a premise attached to them. There is a condition that we must first fulfill in order to experience some of God’s promises. In each of these cases, the premise is sacrifice. Sacrifice is an inseparable part of the Christian life. While sacrifice looks different for everyone, there’s one way in which God calls almost every Christian to sacrifice: financial giving. Giving is often a part of the process of experiencing God’s promises. We can give (and sacrifice) in confidence when we know what God wants to accomplish in us, for us, and through us.

Main Passages

5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

- Philippians 1:5-6

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

- Philippians 4:11-13

18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:18-19

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Why do you think God ties the fulfillment of some of His promises to sacrifice and giving?

3. Out of God’s three promises mentioned above, which matters most to you in this season and why?

Crazy Generosity

Main Thought

Jesus Christ loved us with a “crazy love.” He loved us faithfully and powerfully. He forgives and blesses us generously. Isn’t it natural to reciprocate this kind of love? That’s what God invites us to do when He we give financially toward His Kingdom. We learn to be generous because of all the ways that God gave to us first. Why would the God of the universe ask us for anything, and use the gifts of ordinary people? One of the biggest reasons is that our generosity gives us a place in His story. It makes a long-lasting difference and impacts the lives of others. But it doesn’t have to stop there. If we allow the blessing of God to come through us, it’ll often come to us. That’s what it means to experience the crazy generosity of God.

Main Passages

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them.

- Matthew 21:1-6

7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

- Matthew 21:7-11

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Have you experienced the blessings of God recently? If so, how?

3. How do you currently respond to God’s generosity toward you? Is there a way that you can grow in your response to God’s blessings?

Every Member is a Minister

Main Thought

Christianity was never meant to be a spectator sport. Jesus founded His Church with the idea that every member should minister! In the Bible, the word “ministry” did not refer to full-time Christian professionals. Instead, the word “ministry” referred to service. It was a verb - an action that any Christian could take. Everyone can serve using their talents and spiritual gifts. Everyone can pray with someone else. Simple and sincere prayers can make a big difference. Everyone can share Jesus through an invitation, a scripture, or their testimony. We make an eternal difference whenever we help to make disciples in these ways. Every member is a minister! If you’re a member of the body of Christ, then God empowers you to do all of these things right now.

Main Passages

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

- Matthew 28:19-20

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people… This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

- 1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4

So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” - John 4:28-29

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Does anything stop you from ministering to others? If so, what?

3. Is there an opportunity for you to take a step in faith and serve others, pray for people, or share Jesus?

Equipping Every Believer to Minister

Main Thought

Have you ever played a sport, or learned some form of martial arts? Developing skill in these things takes time. If you remain committed, then you’ll grow gradually. It may seem slow, but the results can be incredible! Spiritual growth can be very similar to this. Spiritual growth is intentional, or planned. There are some things - like the Bible, prayer, and community - that are vital for growth. Spiritual growth is incremental. It’s a process that takes time. Finally, spiritual growth comes as we invest time and energy into our own relationship with God and other people. As we remain committed to spiritual growth, we’ll become more and more equipped for the purposes that God has called us to.

Main Passages

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

- Ephesians 4:11-13

27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

- Colossians 1:24-29

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. What do you think it means to be “equipped to minister”?

3. Spiritual growth is intentional, incremental, and requires an investment. Which of these three things, if any, do you struggle with most?

Built to Last

Main Thought

The foundations of a building are incredibly important. They may not be visible, but they determine the strength and height of the structures they support. Our spiritual lives need foundations too! A spiritual foundation can be thought of as the beliefs, actions, and character that help us build a relationship with God. We can establish spiritual foundations is through obedience to God’s Word. God knows best! If we consistently obey Him, then we’ll achieve the best outcome for our lives from an eternal perspective - and often from an earthly one too. A spiritual foundation is also formed through the continual testing of trials and tribulations. Enduring trials gives us the ability to persevere. This is very important because life is more like a marathon than a sprint. If we can establish spiritual foundations, then we’ll eventually be spared from destruction and set up for a life of purpose in God.

Main Passages

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

- Matthew 7:24-27

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

- Romans 5:3-5

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passage above?

2. Do you feel that you have a strong spiritual foundation? Why or why not?

3. What’s one way that you can obey God’s Word, or one trial that you need to persevere through? What do you think God is forming in you (or how is God teaching you) through this?

Engaging Glorious Purpose

Main Thought

Have you ever wondered about God’s purpose for the World? It can be said that God’s purpose is simply to love and bless. Creation, and mankind in particular, is best positioned to experience God’s love when in right relationship with Him. Yet God’s purpose was derailed when Adam and Eve chose not to trust God and rejected His love. Mankind’s relationship with God was ruined. But God immediately set out to make things right! God promised that a Man, born from a woman, would crush the Serpent. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus died for our sin, then was restored to life - which also restored our ability to experience God’s love. We begin to experience God’s love and blessings again when we hear and believe the Good News about Christ. God’s purpose also expands to others when they hear and believe. Thus, we can engage our place in the glorious purpose of God when we engage others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Main Passages

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.

- Genesis 1:27-31

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

- Ephesians 1:3-10

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

- Romans 10:14

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?

2. How have you tried to find purpose in the past? What worked, and what didn’t?

3. Do you think that you’re fully engaging your role in the purpose of God? Why or why not?

Life Group H.E.A.R. Journal: Luke 14

An easy, memorable way to learn how to read and process the Bible is through the H.E.A.R. journaling method. This process helps us read God’s Word with the goal of understanding it and applying it to our lives. The letters in the acronym stand for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. 

Please read the following passages from Luke 14, , which Pastor Roland featured in his message this past Sunday.

16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’”

- Luke 14:16-24

Next, do each of the four things listed below:

• Highlight a scripture: Pick one verse (or pick a set of connected or related verses) from Luke 14. Highlight this verse or write down the Book, chapter, and verse number.

• Explain the context: By asking some simple questions with the help of God’s Spirit, we can understand the meaning of a passage or verse. What’s happening in the story? Why was this written, and to whom? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? What does God intend to communicate through this text? 

• Apply it to your life: Application is the heart of the process! Answering a series of questions can help us uncover the meaning of these verses to us on a personal level. What is God saying to me? How can this help me? What does this mean today? How would applying this look in my life?

• Respond with action: This is the last part of the H.E.A.R. Journal. Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You can describe how you’ll be different because of what God said to you through His Word. You may indicate what you’re going to do because of what you have learned. You can even respond by writing out a prayer to God.

Share your responses with your group. Pay special attention to the Apply and Respond steps; that’s where God’s Word comes to life! Let’s encourage each other in God’s Word.

The Power and Purpose of Your Testimony

Main Thought

We all love a good story. A good story has the ability to capture an audience, change minds and even influence others towards a certain direction. Good stories build familiarity and trust, and allow the listener to open up when they can relate to someone in the story. You may not realize it, but all of God’s people have a unique story. Our stories become a part His story that is told throughout the Bible, and that continues today.

Our testimony is our own unique story. They are meant to be shared as we witness for Christ. A simple testimony includes three parts:

• Section A: Describes your life before Christ.

• Section B: Explains how you came to Jesus.

• Section C: Describes your life since surrendering to Jesus.

Main Passages

3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’

- Acts 22:3-8

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

- 1 Peter 3:13

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

- Romans 1:16-17

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Take a few moments to outline your testimony according to the three sections listed above.

   • A testimony tip: In addition to sharing what happened at each step, try to describe how you felt at each step along the way.

3. Try sharing your testimony with your group!

Busy Witnesses

Main Thought

Most of us are busy. We live at a frenetic pace. There’s so much to get done! Yet all this activity doesn’t necessarily translate to productivity. This is true in every area of life, including in our relationship to God and His Church. How can we be sure that we’re effectively building God’s Kingdom while engaging unchurched people? We can start by investing our time - even if it’s limited - in activities that consistently create the greatest returns. Many people become open to faith in God through their relationships with believers they know. Routine outreach built on a consistent time, activity, place, or people group can help create these relationships. As we go in faith to engage others, God multiplies our natural efforts with His supernatural power. Our efforts can have an eternal impact when we use the time that we have intentionally.

Main Passages

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

- Psalm 90:12

After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.

- Acts 18:1-3

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. 

- Acts 18:4

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Do you have relationships with unchurched people that you’re engaging on behalf of Christ? Do you have a form of routine outreach?

3. Do you think it’s possible to use your available time, relationships, or activities more strategically in order to become a more effective witness for Christ? If so, how?

Principles of Harvest

Main Thought

One of the last promises that Jesus made was that His followers would receive power to be witnesses. This power eventually came through the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. Pentecost, in turn, happened to be an agricultural holiday or tradition. There are a lot of parallels between being a witness for God and farming. Both require planting. We sow seeds into the dirt - and we can sow the Word into the lives of others through the Gospel, our testimonies, an invitation, a prayer, and more. After we plant, we wait. Waiting on God includes prayer because only He can make a seed grow. Finally, the time comes to harvest. Engaging people turns into establishing them in the Word, faith, and community. But God always blesses those who bless others.

Main Passages

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” - Acts 1:4-5, 8

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

- Mark 4:26-29

2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

- Luke 10:2-3

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. When it comes to the stages of planting, waiting, and harvesting, where do you think you are right now?

3. How can you begin to move to the next stage in faith?

Driven by Purpose

Main Thought

God created us intentionally, with unique purpose to fulfill in this life. He gives us unique gifts and abilities to fulfill this purpose. He also uses our life experiences, both good and bad, to shape us for the “good work” laid out for us. We can bring all of these things to God and find purpose in Him. God’s purpose for our individual lives find their place under the banner of His greater purpose. As we make a difference in the lives of others, our stories are bound together like pieces in a puzzle. Together, they paint a picture of God’s love growing and advancing throughout the world.

Main Passages

“I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally (knowing God), your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do (discover purpose), grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers [making a difference]. 

- Ephesians 1:17-18 MSG

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

- Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 ESV

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

- Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. What have others said you are good at or makes you unique? How can you use those to point people to Jesus?

3. In your current season of life, what do you think your purpose is? How has God positioned you to make a difference in the lives of others?

For the Common Good

Main Thought

As Christians, we are to imitate the actions and attitudes of Jesus Christ. Jesus wasn’t motivated by personal benefit when He died on the Cross for our sin. He did it to glorify God the Father - and He did it for the common good. He did it for the benefit of everyone who follows Him; for every member of the “Body of Christ.” The Holy Spirit is moving and active today, which is also for the common good. Are we primarily motivated by personal good, or by the common good of the Body of Christ? God gives us spiritual gifts for the common good. If we aren’t involved, then the Body is incomplete. There are people who need the spiritual gifts that God gave us. Love moves us to serve with excellent effort and an excellent spirit. Then, when we are active as members of God’s Body, we are best-positioned to experience love too.

Main Passages

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

- 1 Corinthians 12:7

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

- 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

- 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Discussion Questions

1. Who’s someone in the Body of Christ whose spiritual gifts have blessed you? How so?

2. Is there anything stopping you from wholeheartedly loving the Body of Christ in attitude and/or action? 

3. Do you feel that God is calling you to do something for the common good of the Church in this season of your life?

Life Group H.E.A.R. Journal: 1 Corinthians 12

An easy, memorable way to learn how to read and process the Bible is through the H.E.A.R. journaling method. This process helps us read God’s Word with the goal of understanding it and applying it to our lives. The letters in the acronym stand for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. 

Please read the following passages from 1 Corinthians 12, which Pastor Roland featured in his message last week. (Another option for your Life Group: you can complete the Spiritual Gifts test that was handed out as service, and share your results with one another.)

7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

- 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

- 1 Corinthians 12:21-26

Next, do each of the four things listed below:

• Highlight a scripture: Pick one verse (or pick a set of connected or related verses) from 1 Corinthians 12. Highlight this verse or write down the Book, chapter, and verse number.

• Explain the context: By asking some simple questions with the help of God’s Spirit, we can understand the meaning of a passage or verse. What’s happening in the story? Why was this written, and to whom? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? What does God intend to communicate through this text? 

• Apply it to your life: Application is the heart of the process! Answering a series of questions can help us uncover the meaning of these verses to us on a personal level. What is God saying to me? How can this help me? What does this mean today? How would applying this look in my life?

• Respond with action: This is the last part of the H.E.A.R. Journal. Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You can describe how you’ll be different because of what God said to you through His Word. You may indicate what you’re going to do because of what you have learned. You can even respond by writing out a prayer to God.

Share your responses with your group. Pay special to the Apply and Respond steps; that’s where God’s Word comes to life! Let’s encourage each other in God’s Word.

If God is Bigger...

Main Thought

There are big challenges all around us. It’s true now, and it was true for God’s people when the forefathers of our faith walked the earth. One of them was Elijah, the prophet. Our world is very different now; however, Elijah’s life revealed God’s greatness in situations that are similar to ones that we face today. God is bigger than our cultural climate. He’s bigger than any economic recession or our personal needs. God is even bigger than death. God did big things in Elijah’s day, and He still wants to do big things today.

If only we could be like Elijah, right? That’s the thing: we are like Elijah. He was a human being who experienced human emotions, just like we do. But Elijah prayed fervent, passionate, and powerful prayers. He knew that the challenges were big but God was bigger. If we believe that God is bigger, then we will pray bigger prayers. We can come to God in desperate faith, and ask Him to move with the right motives in our hearts. God only answers us after we ask Him.

Main Passages

Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”

- 1 Kings 17:1

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

- James 5:17-18

…You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

- James 4:2-3

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. The book of James suggests that we may not receive answers to prayer because we 1) don’t ask God, or 2) ask with selfish motives. Do either of these two things apply to you?

3. What’s one big thing that you’d like to ask God for? Find a partner and pray.

Walking in Freedom

Main Thought

God paid the price to set us free from sin and death by becoming our sacrifice on the cross. But is that all there is to our Christian walk? What happens between now and when we get to heaven? Following Jesus means more than claiming our salvation. It means transformation. The Holy Spirit can helps us become more like Jesus - more loving, kind, graceful, true and so on - as we follow Him. Let’s look to God and how He’s transforming us; if we do that, then we’ll gain a clearer picture of the people we’re becoming in Christ Jesus.

Main Passages

16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

- 1 Corinthians 3:16-20

10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

- Romans 8:10-11

7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

- 2 Timothy 1:7

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. 2 Timothy 1:7 says that God gives us power, love, and self-control. Which of those three things do you need more of in this season of your life?

3. What kind of person do you believe you’re becoming in Jesus? What kind of person do you want to be in Him?

The Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit

Main Thought

Being a follower of Jesus means much more than going to church or trying to live a good life. It means letting the Holy Spirit change you. Transformation happens when we invite Him in and allow Him to defeat other “gods,” or idols and sin, in our lives. After the Holy Spirit defeats them, he gives us the authority to remove them. We remove these things when we recognize them for what they are, confess them to God in repentance, and replace old thoughts and actions with new ones. Prayer and fasting help us find breakthrough, especially in community. God wants us to do more than perform religious duties; He wants to transform us from the inside out.

Main Passages

10 So David was not willing to take the ark of the Lord into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household. 12 And it was told King David, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing.

- 2 Samuel 6:10-12

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

- 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?

2. Why can it be hard for us to allow God to transform us?

3. What’s one thing that God wants to transform in you?

Walk by the Spirit?

Main Thought

“Walk by the Spirit.” It’s a famous phrase, but what does it mean? If we want to walk by the Spirit, then we should also recognize things we need to avoid. Self-righteous actions and attitudes must be renounced. Self-righteousness fills us with arrogance based on our own “goodness.” We should also reject the temptation to rebel against God. There’s a long list of “rebellious” sin, from murder and theft to anger and envy. But these sins all tell the same lie: that there’s greater satisfaction away from God’s presence than there is in God’s presence. These things don’t lead to satisfaction - they lead to destruction! 

We want to experience God’s love, joy, and peace and more. That’s why we should walk by the Spirit! Walking by the Spirit means moving toward God. It refers to the direction of our lives and the steps we take to get there. The left-and-right steps of walking by the Spirit are denying sin and choosing God. We choose God when we choose the Word, prayer, and Life Group. We can choose media that glorifies Him, or silence and reflection to remind us of His presence. This process can feel slow when we’re only focused on the next step - just like walking does. But keep walking by the Spirit. Consistent efforts produces clear results.

Main Passages

“16 But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” 

- Galatians 5:16

24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 

- Galatians 5:24-25

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 

- Galatians 6:9

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above? Why?

2. Which category of sin is a bigger struggle for you right now: self-righteousness or rebellion?

3. What habit can you develop in order to “keep in step with the Spirit” and move closer to God?

Bonding with the Holy Spirit

Main Thought

The Holy Trinity. Three distinct persons, one God. We recognize God the Father and Jesus the Savior; however, the Holy Spirit often doesn't get the same consideration. It may be due to misunderstanding, fear, or unfamiliarity. But we find our true identity by bonding with the Holy Spirit. He was sent to be with us and dwell within us. We can spend time with Him, learn to recognize His voice, and obey Him. By embracing the Holy Spirit and His purpose in our lives, we find our identity in God. God’s power moves through us when we find ourselves in Him.

Main Passages

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

- Romans 8:14-17

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

- John 16:7

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

- Acts 1:8

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?

2. When you think of bonding with the Holy Spirit, what comes to mind? How do you get closer to God?

3. Why do you think it’s important to find identity in God before we can truly do great things for God?

The Holy Spirit in our Journey

Main Thought

Jesus Christ died, rose again, and ascended on high. He left the was the earth - but He didn’t want to leave us empty-handed! Jesus interceded on our behalf, and God the Father sent His Holy Spirit to us. The Holy Spirit is here to help us on our journey through life. It’s the Spirit who helps us to become God’s children. The Holy Spirit also helps us to be empowered witnesses for Jesus. A witness is someone who shares what they’ve experienced; God wants to empower us as we share what we’ve experienced in God with others. The Holy Spirit wants to abide with us, both in our lives and in our ministries, forever.

Main Passages

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.

- John 14:16

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

- John 20:19-21

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

- Acts 1:6-8

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you in last Sunday’s sermon, the Main Thought, or the Main Passages above?

2. What do you think it means to be empowered by God to be a witness? Have you ever experienced God’s empowerment?

3. How can we abide in the Holy Spirit’s presence?