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Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere, in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the universe." 1. Holy Spirit = God's Active Personal Presence 2. Witness = Telling people about Jesus 3. Ends of the Earth = Everywhere Discussion Questions: Read Acts 10 In verses 2-9, Cornelius and Peter both functioned in their everyday/average rhythms of talking with God when they each had a vision. Do you have a regular/average rhythm of prayer? If so, what does that look like? If not, what could a regular rhythm be for your life? In verse 20, God used that time to invite them into a mission with Him. How do you keep your ear/ life attuned to the invitation of God? Can you walk into your mission 'with no doubts'? Jesus had a high view of the Holy Spirit and the role of the Holy Spirit in his life. What does living entirely dependent on the Holy Spirit look like in your life? In verses 34-35, God called Peter into a time of repentance in disqualifying people to be a part of the Kingdom of God. We often disqualify ourselves and others, too. Which of these resonates with your heart? Even me, Lord? Do you disqualify yourself because of your story, sin, comparison with others, and perceived value? Even my prodigal Lord? Yes, our Father's heart is turned toward your prodigal. We live in hope because of the gospel laid out in this chapter! Believe, pray, keep inviting! Even that person, Lord? We live in this broken world and experience hurt, frustration, and righteous anger in our human relationships. We are called to love, forgive, bless, and pray for our enemies. Group Practice: With your group, identify the 'even' statement that you know God wants to address in your life. Pray for one another - Pray for value and identity over those feeling discouraged/disqualified. Pray hope with those whose hearts are breaking for their prodigal. Pray for Peter's repentance over those struggling with an 'other.' Use this prayer of forgiveness to release 'that person' and your heart!
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere, in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the universe." 1. Holy Spirit = God's Active Personal Presence 2. Witness = Telling people about Jesus 3. Ends of the Earth = Everywhere Discussion Questions: Read Acts 10 In verses 2-9, Cornelius and Peter both functioned in their everyday/average rhythms of talking with God when they each had a vision. Do you have a regular/average rhythm of prayer? If so, what does that look like? If not, what could a regular rhythm be for your life? In verse 20, God used that time to invite them into a mission with Him. How do you keep your ear/ life attuned to the invitation of God? Can you walk into your mission 'with no doubts'? Jesus had a high view of the Holy Spirit and the role of the Holy Spirit in his life. What does living entirely dependent on the Holy Spirit look like in your life? In verses 34-35, God called Peter into a time of repentance in disqualifying people to be a part of the Kingdom of God. We often disqualify ourselves and others, too. Which of these resonates with your heart? Even me, Lord? Do you disqualify yourself because of your story, sin, comparison with others, and perceived value? Even my prodigal Lord? Yes, our Father's heart is turned toward your prodigal. We live in hope because of the gospel laid out in this chapter! Believe, pray, keep inviting! Even that person, Lord? We live in this broken world and experience hurt, frustration, and righteous anger in our human relationships. We are called to love, forgive, bless, and pray for our enemies. Group Practice: With your group, identify the 'even' statement that you know God wants to address in your life. Pray for one another - Pray for value and identity over those feeling discouraged/disqualified. Pray hope with those whose hearts are breaking for their prodigal. Pray for Peter's repentance over those struggling with an 'other.' Use this prayer of forgiveness to release 'that person' and your heart!
In Acts 19 Ananias presents us with a blueprint for faith. He says "Here I am Lord" which is a response to the Lord all throughout the scriptures. Do we live as if God is wiser than us? Do we live as if God has forgiven us? Do we live as if God is all-powerful? Do we live as if God is with us? Do we live as if judgment is real?
In Acts 19 Ananias presents us with a blueprint for faith. He says "Here I am Lord" which is a response to the Lord all throughout the scriptures. Do we live as if God is wiser than us? Do we live as if God has forgiven us? Do we live as if God is all-powerful? Do we live as if God is with us? Do we live as if judgment is real?
Discussion Questions: Where do you see possible compromise in the church or in your life? What does the word consecrate mean to you? Where do you see the kingdom of darkness battling with the kingdom of light? What areas of your life led you to seek cleaning, dedication, and sacrifice? Group Practice: Spend time praying and invite the Holy Spirit to show you where you can be more consecrated. Write down and share with someone else specifically where you want to be more cleansed, dedicated, and sacrificial.
Discussion Questions: Where do you see possible compromise in the church or in your life? What does the word consecrate mean to you? Where do you see the kingdom of darkness battling with the kingdom of light? What areas of your life led you to seek cleaning, dedication, and sacrifice? Group Practice: Spend time praying and invite the Holy Spirit to show you where you can be more consecrated. Write down and share with someone else specifically where you want to be more cleansed, dedicated, and sacrificial.
Two ways we conspire against the Spirit's Holiness in our lives: 1. The Spirit-Filled life is limited through grieving the Spirit 2. The Spirit-Filled life is limited through quenching the Spirit “Holiness is not simply about trying harder; yes, it takes effort, but it is more than that. It is about faith in God’s holy power, a power that makes the unclean clean, turns the profane into something sacred, and calls and consecrates us into a Christ-shaped way of being human. Holiness happens when I draw myself nearer to a holy God and God’s Spirit is drawn into the very fabric of my being. It is in communion with God that we are consecrated and committed to a holy pattern of existence that is set apart from the ways of this world.” — Michael Bird Discussion Questions: 1. What does God's Holiness mean to you? 2. How can you receive the Spirit's provision in your struggles? 3. Is there a sin in your life that you need to be more honest about? 4. What does it mean to practice confessing our sins to one another? Group Practice: Spend time this week with at least one other person or in a group of 2-3 and practice confession with each other. Share at what level of vulnerability you are comfortable with, but pray this prayer together: "Dear Heavenly Father, I confess that I have sinned against you. I have turned away from your commands and pursued my own desires. You are a holy God, and I desire to be holy too. Set apart unto You, and living my life in a manner that is worthy of You and pleasing to You. Search my heart, I pray, and if there is any cherished sin lurking within, I ask that You would search it out and destroy it. Help me to crucify my flesh, pulverize my ego, and walk freely with Your Spirit. I receive Your forgiveness, and I receive Your healing power. I invite Your life and abundance into my brokenness. I empty myself and ask that You fill me with Your Spirit. Thank You for Your unfailing love and mercies. In Jesus' name, Amen!"
Two ways we conspire against the Spirit's Holiness in our lives: 1. The Spirit-Filled life is limited through grieving the Spirit 2. The Spirit-Filled life is limited through quenching the Spirit “Holiness is not simply about trying harder; yes, it takes effort, but it is more than that. It is about faith in God’s holy power, a power that makes the unclean clean, turns the profane into something sacred, and calls and consecrates us into a Christ-shaped way of being human. Holiness happens when I draw myself nearer to a holy God and God’s Spirit is drawn into the very fabric of my being. It is in communion with God that we are consecrated and committed to a holy pattern of existence that is set apart from the ways of this world.” — Michael Bird Discussion Questions: 1. What does God's Holiness mean to you? 2. How can you receive the Spirit's provision in your struggles? 3. Is there a sin in your life that you need to be more honest about? 4. What does it mean to practice confessing our sins to one another? Group Practice: Spend time this week with at least one other person or in a group of 2-3 and practice confession with each other. Share at what level of vulnerability you are comfortable with, but pray this prayer together: "Dear Heavenly Father, I confess that I have sinned against you. I have turned away from your commands and pursued my own desires. You are a holy God, and I desire to be holy too. Set apart unto You, and living my life in a manner that is worthy of You and pleasing to You. Search my heart, I pray, and if there is any cherished sin lurking within, I ask that You would search it out and destroy it. Help me to crucify my flesh, pulverize my ego, and walk freely with Your Spirit. I receive Your forgiveness, and I receive Your healing power. I invite Your life and abundance into my brokenness. I empty myself and ask that You fill me with Your Spirit. Thank You for Your unfailing love and mercies. In Jesus' name, Amen!"
Discussion Questions: 1. What areas of your life do you feel worn down or spiritually fatigued? 2. What holds us back from surrendering and obeying the Holy Spirit? 3. What does God's Holiness mean to you? 4. How can you receive the Spirit's provision in your struggles? 5. Is there a sin in your life that you need to be more honest about? 6. What does it mean to practice confessing our sins to one another? Group Practice: Break down into smaller groups of 2 or 3. At whatever level you are comfortable, share some sins you struggle with and pray for each other. Pray a prayer like this: "Holy Spirit, we confess these areas of sin. I confess that I need your provision in this area. I confess that through your power and grace, I can walk in holiness. Holy Spirit, what do you want me to receive from you in this area? (Be quiet and listen for what He wants to replace, ie. Fruit) Holy Spirit, I receive what you have for me, and pray for your power to live it out. Thank you for your grace and holiness working in me. In Jesus' name, amen!"
Discussion Questions: 1. What areas of your life do you feel worn down or spiritually fatigued? 2. What holds us back from surrendering and obeying the Holy Spirit? 3. What does God's Holiness mean to you? 4. How can you receive the Spirit's provision in your struggles? 5. Is there a sin in your life that you need to be more honest about? 6. What does it mean to practice confessing our sins to one another? Group Practice: Break down into smaller groups of 2 or 3. At whatever level you are comfortable, share some sins you struggle with and pray for each other. Pray a prayer like this: "Holy Spirit, we confess these areas of sin. I confess that I need your provision in this area. I confess that through your power and grace, I can walk in holiness. Holy Spirit, what do you want me to receive from you in this area? (Be quiet and listen for what He wants to replace, ie. Fruit) Holy Spirit, I receive what you have for me, and pray for your power to live it out. Thank you for your grace and holiness working in me. In Jesus' name, amen!"
In 2006, Pastor Jake and his wife embarked on a journey to adopt their oldest child from Rwanda, Africa. Their stay in the country extended past seven weeks as they navigated the bureaucratic process to bring their child home. While in Nairobi, Kenya, they taught their daughter how to swim in a hotel pool. One memory stands out for Jake: his daughter clinging to him as they ventured into the deeper parts of the pool. Eventually, she learned how to swim on her own and found joy in exploring deeper water. This memory parallels the journey of discovering the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like the depths of a pool—even though it may seem scary at first, it’s ultimately a beautiful place to explore. Just as Pastor Jake's daughter eventually found joy in exploring the depths of the pool, we, too, can find joy in exploring our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. Let us all strive to go deeper and experience all the Holy Spirit offers. Discussion Questions: 1. Discuss your thoughts on how Acts 3-4 demonstrates "Living: The Spirit-Filled Life". 2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a miracle? Share your experience. 3. Can you think of a time when you saw someone take a bold action for their faith? How did it impact those who witnessed it? Discuss how taking bold steps in faith, even in small ways, can influence others around us. 4. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to stand up for your beliefs or values, especially when it was unpopular or risky? What gave you the courage to do so? 5. How does prayer support you in difficult times, and how can we support each other in prayer as a group? How does prayer influence your actions and decisions? Group Practice: As a group, ask if anyone needs healing in any way, Physically, Emotionally, Mentally, or Spiritually. Take turns as a group gathering around each person that needs healing, ask if they are comfortable with people placing a hand on them; if so, put a hand on their shoulder or back, then pray simple, bold prayers, IN JESUS NAME for complete healing. This is not about the length of time in prayer or the "best" prayer… it's simply praying for healing in Jesus' name. The power for healing is in the name of Jesus!
Discussion Questions: 1. Discuss your thoughts on how Acts 3-4 demonstrates "Living: The Spirit-Filled Life". 2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a miracle? Share your experience. 3. Can you think of a time when you saw someone take a bold action for their faith? How did it impact those who witnessed it? Discuss how taking bold steps in faith, even in small ways, can influence others around us. 4. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to stand up for your beliefs or values, especially when it was unpopular or risky? What gave you the courage to do so? 5. How does prayer support you in difficult times, and how can we support each other in prayer as a group? How does prayer influence your actions and decisions? Practice: As a group, ask if anyone needs healing in any way, Physically, Emotionally, Mentally, or Spiritually. Take turns as a group gathering around each person that needs healing, ask if they are comfortable with people placing a hand on them; if so, put a hand on their shoulder or back, then pray simple, bold prayers, IN JESUS NAME for complete healing. This is not about the length of time in prayer or the "best" prayer… it's simply praying for healing in Jesus' name. The power for healing is in the name of Jesus!
We are thrilled to introduce a new series called "Living" as part of our focus on the rhythms of Jesus. In this series, our focus will be on living life in the Spirit, which is essential to living the life and rhythms of Jesus. For many in our Church family, this may be a new concept or something that you did not learn about growing up. Therefore, as we begin this series, we invite you to be open to learning about and experiencing life in the Spirit. Put your hands out, close your eyes, tune out the chaos of your daily life, and be open to receiving from the Spirit of God. Regardless of your background or experience, we believe that this series will help us deepen our relationship with God and live a life that is more aligned with Jesus. The Holy Spirit wants to speak to each one of us individually and has something valuable to offer to everyone. Living a spiritual life is a crucial part of living the life of Jesus, and we hope to inspire you to deepen your relationship with God. We encourage you to join us on this journey of discovering what it means to live a life in the Spirit and experience the joy and peace that come from knowing the person of the Holy Spirit.
We are thrilled to introduce a new series called "Living" as part of our focus on the rhythms of Jesus. In this series, our focus will be on living life in the Spirit, which is essential to living the life and rhythms of Jesus. For many in our Church family, this may be a new concept or something that you did not learn about growing up. Therefore, as we begin this series, we invite you to be open to learning about and experiencing life in the Spirit. Put your hands out, close your eyes, tune out the chaos of your daily life, and be open to receiving from the Spirit of God. Regardless of your background or experience, we believe that this series will help us deepen our relationship with God and live a life that is more aligned with Jesus. The Holy Spirit wants to speak to each one of us individually and has something valuable to offer to everyone. Living a spiritual life is a crucial part of living the life of Jesus, and we hope to inspire you to deepen your relationship with God. We encourage you to join us on this journey of discovering what it means to live a life in the Spirit and experience the joy and peace that come from knowing the person of the Holy Spirit.
The Power of Discipleship: Experiencing and Expressing the Essence of Jesus. The Path of Discipleship: Discipleship is the life-transforming journey of doing life with others and being fully known (Friendship) as we pursue and practice the life of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit (Purpose). The Plan of Discipleship: Invite, Invest, and Inspire Curious Follower: Those who follow Jesus with caution but are openly seeking Conflicted Follower: Those who want what Jesus offers but also want what the world offers Casual Follower: Those who believe fully in Jesus but follow as a consumer when it is convenient Committed Follower: Those who are all in and fully devoted their lives to risking and following Jesus Connected Follower: Those invested in a discipleship group and helping to cultivate Jesus in others
The Power of Discipleship: Experiencing and Expressing the Essence of Jesus. The Path of Discipleship: Discipleship is the life-transforming journey of doing life with others and being fully known (Friendship) as we pursue and practice the life of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit (Purpose). The Plan of Discipleship: Invite, Invest, and Inspire Curious Follower: Those who follow Jesus with caution but are openly seeking Conflicted Follower: Those who want what Jesus offers but also want what the world offers Casual Follower: Those who believe fully in Jesus but follow as a consumer when it is convenient Committed Follower: Those who are all in and fully devoted their lives to risking and following Jesus Connected Follower: Those invested in a discipleship group and helping to cultivate Jesus in others
As we navigate the discipleship journey, Pastor Mike reminds us that our joy is not only found in personal growth but when we invest in others. Drawing inspiration from the New Testament, he highlights the apostle Paul's repeated expressions of joy in those he mentored and walked alongside. Discipleship, is not only about gaining knowledge but experiencing the profound joy that comes from fostering genuine connections, much like the discipleship communities in the early church. Let's be intentional about pursuing discipleship together. Whether you've been a follower of Christ for years or are just starting, there's a place for you to connect, grow, and experience the joy that comes from being deeply rooted in Christ, both individually and as a community. Discussion Questions: 1. What areas of your spiritual formation are you desiring to grow in? 2. What gaps would you say are in your spiritual formation? 3. What helps us grow deep roots of trust in God? 4. What season of formation would you say you are in right now? 5. Of the categories of followers, which one best describes you? 6. Are you actively pursuing others to be in discipleship with? 7. How does getting into small groups help foster deeper discipleship?
As we navigate the discipleship journey, Pastor Mike reminds us that our joy is not only found in personal growth but when we invest in others. Drawing inspiration from the New Testament, he highlights the apostle Paul's repeated expressions of joy in those he mentored and walked alongside. Discipleship, is not only about gaining knowledge but experiencing the profound joy that comes from fostering genuine connections, much like the discipleship communities in the early church. Let's be intentional about pursuing discipleship together. Whether you've been a follower of Christ for years or are just starting, there's a place for you to connect, grow, and experience the joy that comes from being deeply rooted in Christ, both individually and as a community. Discussion Questions: 1. What areas of your spiritual formation are you desiring to grow in? 2. What gaps would you say are in your spiritual formation? 3. What helps us grow deep roots of trust in God? 4. What season of formation would you say you are in right now? 5. Of the categories of followers, which one best describes you? 6. Are you actively pursuing others to be in discipleship with? 7. How does getting into small groups help foster deeper discipleship?
There is a big difference between reacting and responding. When we react, our actions may come from fear, hate, and impatience. On the other hand, when we respond with intentionality, our actions are more often rooted in peace, love, patience, kindness, and wisdom. One of the most significant ways we can shift from reacting to responding is by walking together in community with other believers. The Holy Spirit actively operates within community, working through us to cultivate a sense of belonging, sharpening and releasing one another. These environments encourage us to respond to life’s challenges from a place of peace rather than reacting out of fear. Community is crucial for believers. “Christianity is essentially a social religion,” said John Wesley, and “to turn it into a solitary religion is indeed to destroy it.” Creating community transforms us from passive observers, relying solely on ourselves, to active partners with Jesus, fostering reliance on Him and one another. Community also plays a vital role in transitioning from a shaky faith to a solid one. When we recognize that our roots determine our actions, we can shift our focus to being firmly rooted in love. This will ensure that our faith remains unwavering, even in challenging seasons, which allows us to respond with love instead of reacting with hate. As we prepare together, reflect on these questions: In what areas of your life do you tend to react instead of responding? How does being deeply rooted in Jesus change your trust in God? Join us on this journey. Embrace the shifts from reaction to response, passivity to partnership, and a shaky faith to a firm foundation.
I’m convinced many believers live as Passive, Powerless, Pointless and Paranoid…instead of Passionate, Provocative, Purposeful and Powerful. Our faith can feel Feeble, Frail, and Flimsy instead of Fearless, Favored, and Fervent. Jesus sent out his disciples as a movement to change the world. This was a movement led by the ordinary but empowered for the extraordinary. A movement led by the marginalized, uneducated, impaired, and ignored. Yet, their calling for greatness far exceeded their capacity for greatness. Our limitation is always the beginning of God’s demonstration. Discussion Questions: 1. Do you feel a spiritual malaise? 2. What does being ready spiritually mean to you? 3. How can we prepare ourselves for a move of God? 4. Where do you feel the most unprepared in your faith? 5. How does being in community help prepare you for uncertainty or challenges?
I’m convinced many believers live as Passive, Powerless, Pointless and Paranoid…instead of Passionate, Provocative, Purposeful and Powerful. Our faith can feel Feeble, Frail, and Flimsy instead of Fearless, Favored, and Fervent. Jesus sent out his disciples as a movement to change the world. This was a movement led by the ordinary but empowered for the extraordinary. A movement led by the marginalized, uneducated, impaired, and ignored. Yet, their calling for greatness far exceeded their capacity for greatness. Our limitation is always the beginning of God’s demonstration. Discussion Questions: 1. Do you feel a spiritual malaise? 2. What does being ready spiritually mean to you? 3. How can we prepare ourselves for a move of God? 4. Where do you feel the most unprepared in your faith? 5. How does being in community help prepare you for uncertainty or challenges?
Prayer Prompts What have I allowed to harden my heart? Pray for one another that we would have tender hearts responsive to the work of the Holy Spirit. Pray that we, as a church family, would be responsive to the Holy Spirit. Pray together and ask God if there is someone you need help seeing from a new perspective, from God’s perspective. Pray together for what a ministry of reconciliation may look like in your lives, whether with other people, injustices you see in your social/economic spheres, etc. To experience the new, what do you need to return to in your faith? Full trust? Boldness in prayer? Resting in Jesus’ arms? Pray for growth as we return to a childlike faith! Having a childlike faith requires humility. Pray for bold humility - personally, as a family, and as a church. Pray for our church to be renewed as we return to a childlike faith. What area of culture has potentially taken up space in your mind? Where does the enemy have a seat at your table? Pray together for a renewed desire to be in scripture and meditation in 2024 consistently.
Prayer Prompts What have I allowed to harden my heart? Pray for one another that we would have tender hearts responsive to the work of the Holy Spirit. Pray that we, as a church family, would be responsive to the Holy Spirit. Pray together and ask God if there is someone you need help seeing from a new perspective, from God’s perspective. Pray together for what a ministry of reconciliation may look like in your lives, whether with other people, injustices you see in your social/economic spheres, etc. To experience the new, what do you need to return to in your faith? Full trust? Boldness in prayer? Resting in Jesus’ arms? Pray for growth as we return to a childlike faith! Having a childlike faith requires humility. Pray for bold humility - personally, as a family, and as a church. Pray for our church to be renewed as we return to a childlike faith. What area of culture has potentially taken up space in your mind? Where does the enemy have a seat at your table? Pray together for a renewed desire to be in scripture and meditation in 2024 consistently.
A "God that saves" tells us His mission and "God with us" tells us His nature.
A "God that saves" tells us His mission and "God with us" tells us His nature.
To be a Family on Mission is to live under Oikonomics. Oikonomics is the economy of our oikos. It’s how we do everyday discipleship Prayer Prompt: "Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing us to be part of Your Family. In the authority of Jesus, we pray for peace, joy, protection, healing, and victory. We pray for blessing and breakthrough in Jesus' name. Amen!" Discussion Questions: 1. What does being on mission as a family mean to you? 2. What are practical ways you can invest in the spiritual economy of your church or personal family? 3. What areas of attack are you facing in your life right now? 4. How can we as a family help each other win the battle and stay on mission?
To be a Family on Mission is to live under Oikonomics. Oikonomics is the economy of our oikos. It’s how we do everyday discipleship Prayer Prompt: "Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing us to be part of Your Family. In the authority of Jesus, we pray for peace, joy, protection, healing, and victory. We pray for blessing and breakthrough in Jesus' name. Amen!" Discussion Questions: 1. What does being on mission as a family mean to you? 2. What are practical ways you can invest in the spiritual economy of your church or personal family? 3. What areas of attack are you facing in your life right now? 4. How can we as a family help each other win the battle and stay on mission?
The family was created by God The family of God includes all who believe in Jesus The mission of the family has been and will always be about Jesus. The mission of the family is to shine the light of Christ in the world through words and actions. Discussion Questions: Have you ever seen a Family live on mission together? What did that look like? How would you describe their life together? With Jesus' redefinition of family, who is your family? What does it look like to be on mission with this spiritual family. What can you do to take a step toward living on mission as a family? What obstacles might get in the way? Prayer Prompt: Spend time thanking God for creating family. Ask Jesus to show you what it means to be a family on mission and who that includes. Invite the Holy Spirit to show you how your family can bring the hope, peace, and love of Jesus to the world.
The family was created by God The family of God includes all who believe in Jesus The mission of the family has been and will always be about Jesus. The mission of the family is to shine the light of Christ in the world through words and actions. Discussion Questions: Have you ever seen a Family live on mission together? What did that look like? How would you describe their life together? With Jesus' redefinition of family, who is your family? What does it look like to be on mission with this spiritual family. What can you do to take a step toward living on mission as a family? What obstacles might get in the way? Prayer Prompt: Spend time thanking God for creating family. Ask Jesus to show you what it means to be a family on mission and who that includes. Invite the Holy Spirit to show you how your family can bring the hope, peace, and love of Jesus to the world.
