FHC L.I.F.E. Groups - October 17, 2007 Community Read Acts 2:43–47. 1. The early church had designated leadership and oversight from the apostles. This provided the framework from which the believers could grow and flourish. The believers, however, did not expect the apostles to spoon-feed the Gospel to them. They were active participants in the faith and ministered to one another and cared for one another’s needs. It was a joint venture between church leadership and membership. Questions: How does local church leadership protect the believer? What are the fivefold ministry callings (see Eph. 4:11)? How does each build up the body of Christ? Which have you benefited from? What are your responsibilities as a believer toward the local church body and its leadership?   2. The early church was family, and “church” was who they were, not something they did. This was and is a revolutionary concept and if fully embraced affects every area of life. Questions: Discuss the difference between going to church and being the church. How is this sense of family lived out on a practical level? How has Family Harvest Church become like a family to you?   3. The church on earth is the body of Christ (Rom 12:5–8). Because it is a body, there are many members, and each part is equally important to the rest of the body. There is a mutual interdependence among all the members that makes the sum total of the body greater than any one member on its own. Questions: If no one part of the body is more important than the others, why do we sometimes act as though certain functions are “better” than others? Have you discovered your primary role in the body of Christ? If so, share with the group. If not, how can you discover it? Does your place stay the same, or does it change with time and circumstance? Discuss.   4. The Christian faith was never meant to be a solitary faith, but one lived in loving community and fellowship with other believers. Within the context of community, we find believers to agree with us in time of need, to accept us as we are, to keep us accountable, and to stir us to action. The relationships we form in the church are crucial to our spiritual growth and maturity. Questions: How do small groups within the church help promote community? What are some of the things you have learned by being part of a small group? What are your responsibilities toward the group you are part of? FHC L.I.F.E. Groups – November 7, 2007 Top 10 Values of a Church Value No. 1: The Scriptures      A person’s core values govern all of his actions. That’s because what we value is a reflection of what is already in our hearts. As Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21 NKJV).      Churches, as well as individuals, have core values that guide them and help them make decisions. During the next several weeks, we are going to study “The Top 10 Values of a Church” and this week we start with our No. 1 priority: the Word of God.      The Word supersedes all else in our walk with God. John said it clearly: “In the beginning was the Word. . . .” (John 1:1). That Word, of course, is Jesus, as He existed from the beginning with the Father. When He came to earth as a man, He brought to us the perfect will of God and the full expression of the Father. Therefore, nothing is as important to our lives as the Word of God—Jesus Himself as expressed in the Scriptures.   1. The Word is the seed of God (John 1:12–13). When we receive Christ as Savior, His “seed” is planted in our spirits. Furthermore, Jesus said in the parable in Luke 8:11, “The seed is the Word of God.” The soil of our hearts provides either good soil or poor soil for the seed of the Word to germinate. That’s why it is so important to guard our hearts, meditate on the Word, and do what it says to do. That way, the seed of the Word within us will continue to grow and will bring forth fruit in due time. Questions: Why is the reading and studying of the Word of God so important to your spiritual life? How can you “water” and “fertilize” the seed planted in your heart? Is daily Bible reading a part of your life? If not, why not? What steps could you take to start making this a part of your life?   2. The Word is the bread of God (John 1:14). John said that the Word “became flesh,” and later in John 6:35, Jesus referred to Himself as the “bread of life.” He continued by saying that we must eat of His flesh. In other words, we’ve got to partake of God’s Word—hungering for it and feasting on it, just like we do with physical food. The Word is our spiritual sustenance. With it, we grow strong and healthy; without it, we are weak, anemic, and faithless. Questions: How has the Word of God helped you grow? Which verses have been of particular help to you? How is your degree of hunger for the Word an indication of your spiritual health?   3. The Word is the sword of God (John 1:47–48). God’s Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit” (Heb. 4:12 NKJV). It prunes and sanctifies like nothing else. Furthermore, the Word is called the “sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17), and with it we wage spiritual warfare against the devil and all his demons. It is a powerful tool that puts fire in our bones and joy in our hearts. Questions: Have you ever been pierced to the heart by the Word of God? Share your experience. How can you use the Word of God as a spiritual weapon? FHC L.I.F.E. Groups – November 14, 2007 Top 10 Values of a Church Value No. 2: The Family Read John 2:1–10. At the wedding feast at Cana, Jesus demonstrated several principles that we can apply to our family relationships. We can learn how to “turn the water into wine” in our families and enjoy robust, joyful relationships with our spouses, children, and extended families.   1. “No wine” (v. 3)—Wine represents intimacy, joy, and celebration. When your family has “no wine,” that means your relationships have become dry, empty, and meaningless. Many things can cause this to happen, but demands, disrespect, anger, dishonesty, annoying habits, and independence are the primary reasons why families lose their joy. Questions: Examine your family life. How joyful is it? Is your family a source of blessing or heartache? What is the greatest problem you face in your family?   2. “New wine” (vv. 5–7)—Jesus did not work His miracle until the servants followed His instructions and filled the waterpots with water. In your family, it will be the same way. Jesus will instruct you (primarily through the “water” of the Word), but you must be obedient to Him. When you do what He tells you to do, you release His miracle-working power on your behalf. Questions: How is the Word of God like water? How can you use the Word to change your family situation? What verses could you specifically apply to your family?   3. “Best wine” (v. 10)—When Jesus turned the water into wine, He made it the best wine there was! He wants your marriage and family relationships to be the absolute best they can be. He doesn’t want you limping along, just getting by. He wants your intimacy, peace, and stability at home to be an example of His restoring power. He wants you to have the best in all your relationships. Questions: Have you been settling for less than the best for your family? Which areas would you like to see change? Which areas has God already changed?   4. Pray for all the members, one by one. Pray for specific family situations. Pray for restoration, peace, and joy. Believe God to pour out on each one the “best wine” of fulfilling, meaningful family relationships. FHC L.I.F.E. Groups – November 21, 2007 Top 10 Values of a Church Value No. 3: Worship But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. —John 4:23 NLT Worship that pleases the Father involves both “spirit” and “truth.” It is an act of devotion and surrender that far surpasses simply singing songs, lifting the hands, or even dancing. It is an expression of value that stems from the deepest part of a person, and it overflows in praise and adoration to a God who is worthy of all honor and glory.   1. Worship is spiritual intimacy. Worship is a flow of intimate communication from the human spirit to God. It bubbles up from within, like a river. Without it, your heart grows dry, cold, and empty, but with it come joy, peace, and abundant life. Questions: Why is worship essential to maintaining joy and peace? What kinds of things can block the flow of worship in our hearts? What do you do when you experience spiritual dryness?   2. Worship is pure. You cannot harbor sin in your heart and expect to be able to offer worship to God. You can sing and go through all the motions, but a heart that stubbornly refuses to repent is not a worshiping heart, no matter what it looks like. God always looks at the heart, and this is what determines the quality of your worship. He cannot be fooled and accepts only worship that comes from a heart that is walking in His ways and trying to please Him. Questions: Read Leviticus 10:1–3. Why was this “strange fire” so despicable to God? How does this relate to worship? How “perfect” do you have to be in order for your worship to be acceptable to God?   3. Worship is passionate. When you are excited about something, it generally shows. Your eyes light up, your voice becomes expressive, and your body actions are animated. You can be passionate about anything: sports, your career, your family, a leisure-time activity, etc. How much more should you be passionate about the awesome God you serve! Questions: How do your priorities reveal your passion? How can Christians show their passion for God before a world that often ridicules them? Why are Christians often hesitant to passionately show their love and worship for God, even in a church setting?   4. Worship is biblical. John 4:23 instructs us to worship in both spirit and truth. Since the Word of God is the ultimate truth, you can worship in truth when you use the Bible as a hymnal, speaking in “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs ” (Eph. 5:19). When you sing and proclaim the Word, you unleash a powerful force of praise that can destroy any stronghold and defeat any enemy. Questions: Discuss how to use the Bible as a tool of worship. Which Scriptures do you like to use to worship God? FHC L.I.F.E. Groups – December 5, 2007 Top 10 Values of a Church Value No. 4: People      When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, His disciples were astonished that He breached social and cultural standards of conduct to speak to her. She was a “lowly” woman—and a Samaritan on top of that! Furthermore, she had lived a very immoral life, married five times and currently living with a man. None of that seemed to matter to Jesus, however, because He looked past all the outer trappings and saw who the woman was on the inside and what she could contribute to the kingdom of God.      Jesus valued people above everything else. The Gospels abound with stories of the care and attention He gave to tax collectors, prostitutes, widows, children, the rich, the religious, and every other class of people. No one was “too good” or “too bad” for Him to associate with. He simply loved people—all kinds and all classes.      A church that values people is a church that honors Jesus. A church that honors Jesus fulfills the will of the Father to bring all people to salvation. We exist as a church for the express purpose of reaching out to all people, regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic standing, or any other artificial standard of “value.” Every person is valuable in the eyes of God, and thus every person is valuable and worthy of respect and dignity in our eyes.   1. “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me” (John 4:34 NKJV). There is no greater pleasure than actively working in the harvest and helping to bring souls into God’s kingdom. It’s what you were created for, and nothing else can take its place. Loving others and leading them to Christ is your spiritual food; it will cause you to grow in the Lord like nothing else.  Without it, you are lacking the most important spiritual nutrients, and your faith- life will reflect it. Questions: How does ministering to others help you grow in your faith? How much do you need to know before you can lead someone to Christ? Is soul-winning a part of your life? If so, share about it; if not, what hindrances are keeping you from actively sharing your faith?   2. “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (v. 35 NKJV). The time of harvest is now! Literally millions of people are ready to receive Christ, if someone will share the Good News with them. There must be a sense of urgency that propels you out of your comfort zone and into the lives of hurting people, or else you will never get around to working in the harvest fields. When the window of opportunity is open—whether in a person, country, or people group—that is the time to move boldly in and reap the harvest. Questions: What are some of the reasons we are so nonchalant about the souls of people? How can we combat this tendency? How can you tell when a window of opportunity is open with a person? How should you respond?   3. “He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together” (v. 36 NKJV). Everyone has a role to play in the harvest. Sometimes you will be the one to sow seeds in a person’s heart, preparing him to receive the Gospel. Other times you will water what someone else has already sowed. And then other times, God will grant you the wonderful privilege of being the one to actually reap the harvest and lead the person to Christ. This is the greatest joy for a Christian: to see a soul come into the kingdom of God and begin a lifetime of following Christ. Questions: Discuss the different aspects of sowing, watering, and reaping. What is done at each stage? What are some effective strategies of working in the harvest? What kinds of things should be avoided because they actually impede the work of harvest? FHC L.I.F.E. Groups – December 12, 2007 Top 10 Values of a Church Value No. 5: Care and Connection As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. —Colossians 2:6–7 NKJV      After a person gets saved, the lifelong process of functioning as a part of God’s family begins. Christianity is not a solitary pursuit, but a life meant to be lived in relationship with others. That is one of the primary values of our church: to care for each new believer and connect him to the local church as a thriving, productive, healthy member.      Many people in the church operate with an “emergency room” mentality; that is, they look to the church only when a crisis forces them to seek help. However, a “family doctor” mentality is really what the church is all about. It is a place where the pastor and other leaders know and love you and take preventive measures to ensure your spiritual health. It is a place where you belong and feel connected, where you are in relationship with others who keep you growing in Christ.      The members of a church are much like sheep under the care of a shepherd. As sheep, they look to the shepherd for basic care and protection. Although the senior pastor, of course, is the head shepherd, each of us also acts in a pastoral capacity as we care for and train those who come to the Lord through our ministries.   1. All people need a “doctor” (John 7:23). In this verse, Jesus refers to healing the whole man. That’s what He’s interested in doing for you, too. He wants you to be whole in body, mind, spirit, and emotions. He wants your past, present, and future healed and productive. Your connection with the local church and other believers will be the primary way you learn to receive and walk in wholeness in Christ. Questions: Why do you need others in the body of Christ in order to walk in wholeness? What is wrong with the statement I don’t need anyone but Jesus?   2. All people need a “shepherd” (John 10). Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the Head of the church, but He has placed undershepherds in the church to care for the sheep. Your pastor is your shepherd, and he has been entrusted with your care. He watches out for your soul, teaches you, guides you, and helps you develop to your fullest spiritual potential. He is your spiritual authority and foremost spiritual leader. Questions: How does having a pastor protect you? How has having a pastor personally affected your life? What is your responsibility toward your pastor?   3. All people need a “vinedresser” (John 15). Another role of the local church is to see that you get rooted and grounded in Christ. Jesus is the Vine; you are one of many branches. As you connect with others in the church, the Holy Spirit is able to prune away the dead things in your life so that new growth can take place. This is the ultimate purpose of connection in the church: to see you rooted in Christ, built up in Him, established in the faith, and abounding in thanksgiving (Col. 2:6–7). Questions: What are some dead things the Lord has pruned from your life? How has being a member of the church made you more fruitful? FHC L.I.F.E. Groups – December 19, 2007 Top 10 Values of a Church Value No. 6: Character Formation      Coming to Christ is the beginning of an entirely new life. It does not mark the point of having “arrived,” but rather marks the point where we start the lifelong process of being transformed into the image of Christ. This process of sanctification—of becoming more Christlike—is the defining characteristic of a true disciple.      Here at our church we are not just interested in getting people saved, but in seeing them mature in their faith and grow “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13 NKJV). Through our Fundamentals and Spiritual Gifts class, we strive to develop character in all areas of life, as we connect new believers to the body of Christ and conform them to Jesus, the Head of the body.   1. Discipleship and discipline are related (read Heb. 12:5–11). Good parents discipline their children out of love and a desire to see them become productive members of society. God does the same thing in our lives, and one of the primary ways He disciplines us is through His Word. His Word is always the highest standard by which we judge our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Anything that does not line up with the Word of God is an area that needs the discipline of the Word applied. Questions: How does God’s discipline prove His love for us? What is the proper response to discipline? What role does the Word of God play in transforming us into the image of Christ? How, specifically, has the Word of God transformed an area of your life?   2. Discipleship leads to freedom from sin’s bondage (read John 8:31–36). Contrary to popular secular opinion, sin is woven into the very fabric of who we are. Each of us is born with a sin-nature that can be regenerated only through coming to Christ. However, even salvation does not automatically free us from every effect and consequence of living as a finite human being in a fallen world. As we grow in discipleship and our character is gradually transformed, we will find bondages lessening and disappearing in our lives. The important thing to remember is that it is a process, but as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, we will get free from the bondage of habitual, life-defeating sin. Questions: What are some of the things that people are in bondage to? Why is sin so difficult to overcome? Why do you think God often allows our freedom from a particular sin to come in gradual increments rather than instantaneously (though it does happen that way, too)?   3. Discipleship exposes the devil’s lies (read John 8:42–44). Nothing about the devil is good, right, or true. He is totally evil and can only speak lies. As we mature in the Lord, however, we are better able to discern the lies of Satan and defeat them. Questions: What are some of the devil’s lies that even Christians sometimes believe? How can you protect yourself from embracing the devil’s lies? What role does knowing the Word play in exposing the devil’s lies? FHC L.I.F.E. Groups – January 2, 2008 Top 10 Values of a Church Value No. 7: Multiplication and Spiritual Reproduction In the spiritual realm, as in the natural, reproduction is the mark of a mature adult. It is reserved for those who have moved past the elementary foundations of faith and proceeded to the more mature aspects (Heb. 6:1–3). When we are growing in Christ, we eventually move past a self-centered “what’s in it for me?” mentality to a focus on others and “what can I do for them?” mentality. Disciples make disciples and reproduce themselves in others. Through this process, the kingdom of God multiplies and its reach is extended.   1. Spiritual reproduction is the impartation and transfer of spiritual values and skills to another. On your own, you can produce some fruit for the kingdom of God; when you disciple others, you reproduce yourself many times over and bear much more fruit. True success in the spiritual realm is not just making it to heaven, but imparting spiritual skills and riches to others who in turn teach others. Questions: Did you have someone to disciple you in your early days with the Lord? How did that person help you? What did you learn from him? Have you passed that knowledge on to others?   2. Your life, time, talents, finances, and energy must go toward the preparation of others who can do what you do. When you come to Christ, your new life in Him is merely a seed.  The potential for exponential growth is present, but unless you are willing for that seed to die, it will never be able to produce fruit (John 12:24). This is one of the premier values of Christianity: a willingness to die to self and allow Christ to form, break, and multiply us. Questions: What does it mean to “die to self”? Why is this so necessary in discipleship? What are some things you have had to “die” to? How did this help you become a more mature Christian?   3. You cannot disciple the entire world; you must select a few to work with. No one has unlimited time, talent, or resources to reach the entire world. But we all have something someone else needs. The Holy Spirit will lead you to those who need that “something” that you have so that you can disciple them in the ways of the Lord. Questions: What is the “something” you have that you could be sharing with others? Are you doing that? If so, share how it has enriched your life as well as the lives of others. If not, what is holding you back?   4. Cell leader: End the meeting by praying over your members. Ask God to release their talents and spiritual gifts so that they will reproduce themselves in others. FHC L.I.F.E. Groups – January 9, 2008 Top 10 Values of a Church Value No. 8: Serving      Have you ever heard someone say, “There’s a limit to what you can expect”? That’s how most of us feel. Don’t expect me to apologize; I didn’t do anything wrong, we think when we have a disagreement with someone. Or, I can’t believe they expect me to do that. Don’t they know I don’t have to do stuff like that anymore? In one way or another, most of us put limits on the extent to which we will love or serve others.      Jesus, however, loved His disciples without limits (John 13:1). There was nothing too menial for Him to do for those He loved, and He proved this when He humbled Himself to wash His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. In doing this, He showed us how to overcome the three main areas that hinder our willingness and ability to serve.   1. Pride resists serving (John 12:5; 13:1–2). As treasurer, Judas was proud and arrogant. Position, fame, money, power, gender, race, denomination, and almost any other category can cause people to become puffed up with pride and think that certain actions are “beneath” them. This attitude, unfortunately, is found in the home, workplace, and even the church. Questions: How does unchecked pride cause problems in the family? At work? In the church? How can we cultivate humility in our relationships?   2. Insecurity resists serving (John 13:3–5). No action was too lowly for Jesus because He knew who He was and where He was going. Secure people are servants; insecure people feel threatened when they “lessen” themselves to serve. Secure people are not diminished when others don’t recognize them or applaud them for their good deeds. They simply serve others out of a heart of love and devotion to the Lord. Questions: Why is security so necessary in serving in a family context? What are the marks of a secure husband? Wife? Do you serve your family? Are you teaching your children how to serve?   3. Independence resists serving (John 13:6–9). Initially Peter stubbornly refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet. He thought he could dictate to the Lord what He should and shouldn’t do. When we realize that our lives are interwoven with the lives of others, we recognize our mutual dependence. We seek to serve and graciously receive the service of others. It is a two-way street of reciprocity that helps us grow in the grace of both giving and receiving. Questions: Did someone ever serve or bless you in a way that you found difficult to receive? Share with the group. How did being the recipient of someone else’s service help you to become a servant? FHC L.I.F.E. Groups – January 16, 2008 Top 10 Values of a Church Value No. 9: Prayer      The entire chapter of John 17 is a prayer. As the time of His death drew near, Jesus prayed to the Father, and from His words we can gain insight into how we should pray. The example seen in this chapter is sometimes called “ripple prayer,” a concept taught by Dr. Cho of South Korea. In ripple prayer, our prayer moves in ever-widening circles from our needs, to the needs of our families and friends, and finally to the needs of the church and the world. Although not the only model for prayer, it is a very powerful way of praying that many find helpful.   1. The first part of ripple prayer is prayer for yourself (John 17:1–5). You might mistakenly think it is selfish to pray for yourself, but if you are not a strong, healthy Christian, you will never be able to help anyone else. Your entire purpose in life is to glorify God, so you must spend time praying for your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Pray for health to serve God all the days of your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal character flaws so that you can grow in spiritual maturity. Practice casting all your cares upon Him so that you will not be distracted from your true purpose. Commit yourself in prayer to becoming all that God wants you to be in Him. Questions: In what areas are you praying for yourself? Are you seeing answers to your prayers? In what areas do you need to pray more? Share with the group.   2. Next is prayer for your family (John 17:6–19). If you do not pray for your family, no one else will! You love them and care for their souls like no one else. That puts you in a very unique place of intercession for them. Pray for their salvation, first and foremost. Also ask God’s protection over their lives. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin and unrighteousness that they might turn to Him and be saved. Go to war on their behalf, and be the “Moses” in the family who will stand in the gap and intercede. Questions: Do you find it difficult or easy to pray in faith for your family members? Discuss. Share a time when God used your prayers to change a family situation. What are you currently believing for concerning family members?   3. Finally comes prayer for the church and the world (John 17:20–26). After you pray for yourself, family, and friends, you should devote some time to praying for the church, your community, your nation, and the world. Pray for unity in the local church body as well as in the universal church. Lift up government officials on all levels. Intercede for missionaries and nations undergoing persecution for the sake of the Gospel. Let the ripple effects of your prayer reach the uttermost ends of the earth! Questions: Why do Christians sometimes fail to pray for their pastors and church leaders? What are some specific areas of their lives and ministries that you could target in prayer? How could you be more effective in praying for the world?   4. Cell leader: As a group, pray for those areas of prayer mentioned above. FHC L.I.F.E. Groups – January 30, 2008 Top 10 Values of a Church Value No. 10: Sacrifice      The previous nine values that we have already studied are all contained within the tenth value of sacrifice. Sacrifice is the essence of real love and manifests itself in our willingness to give to others.      Jesus’ entire life was wrapped around this idea of sacrifice. He sacrificed His position in heaven to come to the earth. He sacrificed time, comfort, and earthly pleasures for the sake of proclaiming the message His Father had given Him. He offered the supreme sacrifice when He died on the cross for our sins as well as for our physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.      Like the Christ whose name we bear, we Christians are called to live sacrificially. Let’s look at several specific ways we can do this.   1. The sacrifice of love (Eph. 5:2)—Love is the true mark of a Christian, but living it out is not always easy. To walk in love toward your spouse, children, coworkers, or neighbors requires sacrifice and a daily dying to self. One of the greatest sacrifices of love is to forgive those who hurt you, even when they don’t “deserve” it. Questions: Why is love more important than any talent, spiritual gift, or knowledge? (see 1 Corinthians 13). How does an absence of love hinder your Christian witness? What are some tangible ways you can show love to the lost or to hurting people?   2. The sacrifice of life (Phil. 2:17)—Many saints in the early church willingly died for the Gospel. Persecution and martyrdom still exist in many places around the world, even though you may not be aware of it. Although you may not suffer a martyr’s death, you are called to totally surrender all aspects of your life to Christ. Questions: How does persecution cause the church or an individual to grow? How have the stories of Christian martyrs inspired you? What can you do for the persecuted church in other lands? How are you personally called to lay down your life for Christ?   3. The sacrifice of finances (Phil. 4:18)—You are only a steward of your finances and material possessions. As such, your finances must be surrendered and submitted to the Lord. God blesses you so that you may be a blessing to others. Questions: Discuss the difference between ownership and stewardship and how that relates to finances. In what ways is God challenging you in this area?   4. The sacrifice of praise (Heb. 13:15)—Most of us have no problem praising God when everything is going right, but praising God in the midst of a trial or a calamity is often very difficult. At those times, praise becomes a sacrifice that we have the choice to offer or withhold. Questions: How does praising God in a trial affect the person offering the praise? How does it affect the trial? Have you ever had to praise God in the midst of a difficult circumstance? Share with the group.