This Sunday all our preschool lads and lassies came aboard our pirate ship to discover that The Bible Says Jesus Died For Me! In small group we discovered this by reading a story from Luke 22-23 called "Jesus Is Arrested and Crucified", and in large group Captain Buckleboots' special map told us all about it. Click below to see this story with your own piratey eyes!
Check back later this week to find out more about what your toddler, two year old & preschooler did this Sunday in KidSpring!
OVERWHELMED – WEEK 8
“Stories”
Group Leader Guide for use April 1-7, 2012
Directions: This guide provides a menu of teaching and discussion materials to help in leading your group. Please select and use the materials that best suit your group.
SERMON RECAP:
In today's world, it is easy to become overwhelmed. We often find ourselves in stressful circumstances that we wish we could change, but sometimes our circumstances are just tough. Once again, it is important that we get our attention off of our circumstances and onto our God, and one final way that we can do that is by taking the time to celebrate the victories that we have seen God win.
Remember, the best predictor of God’s future provision is His past faithfulness, and we wrap up the Overwhelmed series by celebrating His faithfulness through the sharing of stories.
ICEBREAKER:
Have you ever heard someone tell a story of faith, and then found yourself questioning whether or not it was true?
Answers will definitely vary. Some people will find it hard to admit to doubting someone else’s spiritual story, while others may quickly admit to it due to the perceived outlandishness of the story they have in mind.
Why do you think we are so reluctant to believe stories about God doing unheard-of things?
He did it all the time in the Bible, and we see the incredible act of redemption happen all around us, so maybe we don’t give stories enough attention sometimes. Maybe sometimes we forget how important stories are to maintaining a culture of celebration and faith!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Leaders’ note: Answers provide Bible verses for the group to look at together as you reinforce the Bible as the guide and source for victorious living.
Q: Does being a “mature” Christian mean that we are capable of leading our own lives with less reliance on God? Why or why not?
A: John 21:18-22; 1 Corinthians 1:25-31
It is natural for us to feel that as we get older we should be able to have greater control of our life. However, Jesus tells us that the exact opposite is true. Allowing God to lead our lives is a sign of maturity. Only God knows the circumstances to place us in that will bring us closer to Him. He takes us to good places we wouldn’t be willing to go to on our own. When we allow Him to lead us, we are acknowledging that we trust His wisdom more than our own. Although depending on God for guidance may make us feel weak, it is actually a sign that we are growing.
Q: The Bible is full of true stories of lives changed by God. Which life story described below is most like yours to this point (since your story continues to be written), and how?
A: Deut. 31:7-8; Ps. 51:7-13; 1 Corinthians 9:19-22; Matt. 5:6-10; Daniel 9:4-9
Moses became a courageous leader who trusted God explicitly. David became a man of great repentance and victory. Paul became a man who did whatever it took to reach people for Jesus. Matthew recorded some of Jesus’ most memorable teaching about justice, purity and righteousness. Although godly, Daniel never thought he was better than others, remained humble and stayed mindful of God’s holiness.
Q: Your story with Jesus is still being written. What one or two things would you most like to do through and for Him if you knew you couldn’t fail at them? In other words, how would you like your life story with Christ to play out and ultimately end?
A: Lamentations 3:22-25; Phil. 3:10-14; Phil. 4:6-14
God’s mercies to us “begin afresh each morning,” and He has an inexhaustible supply of grace to transform our lives. With His love, we can let the past go (if we need to) and press on to a great future with Jesus. We can endure any circumstance and accomplish any plans God lays on our hearts though Christ who gives us strength. Often quoted out of context, Philippians 4:13 doesn’t mean we can do or accomplish whatever we want to, in the flesh; it means we can do God’s good will, even when difficult, through Christ’s strength and power. Listen to God, and ask Him what big plans and dreams He has for you. Then trust Him to go with you, guide you and enable you to accomplish these plans through Him.
Q: We’ve all dealt with difficult circumstances and situations. Is it possible that God would ever lead you into one? Why or why not?
A: Mark 6:45-52, 1 Peter 4:12-16
Following Jesus means that we will enter into difficult circumstances. Mark tells us that Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and paddle into rough conditions so that he could teach them about Himself. Jesus chooses to take us to hard places because it enables us to learn lessons that we can’t learn in any other place. We often get angry with God when we are placed in difficult situations, but when you find yourself in one, remember that God may have led you there in order to reveal Himself to you in a deeper way.
LEADS APPLICATION:
The heart of NewSpring home groups is summarized by the acronym L.E.A.D.S.:
L – learn the Bible together
E – embrace serving together
A – assist one another
D – devote ourselves to generosity
S – send people out to start new groups
Assist one another.
Everyone’s story involves other people. Take a few moments to think about whose story includes YOU, and about how God has used you to impact other people. (Leaders, this may be best done in silence, since we don’t want to tempt anyone to brag.)
Talk about how GOD wants you to assist one another. (Leaders, you know your group members; prepare for this by tailoring the discussion to YOUR group.)