I Will Not Fear, I Will Be Strong.

Review / Introduction:

1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

2 Corinthians 12:1-6

The Path to Living in God's Strength in 3 Easy Steps! (2 Cor 12:7-10)

1. Step 1: Acknowledge God's Sovereignty. (2 Cor 12:7)
2. Step 2: Get Real with God. (2 Cor 12:7)

Isaiah 40:31 - they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength

3. Step 3: Be Weak, so that grace is your strength. (2 Cor 12:9)
4. Last Step: How Do I Know I Am Living In God's Strength? When I am Content. (2 Cor 12:10)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

1. What was the worse piece of advice / lamest attempt at being comforted that you have ever experienced / heard?

2. "Satan wants to tear you down and God wants to build you up - and they are both using the same thing to do it." React to this statement in light of Biblical and personal testimony.

3. What's the difference between "saying your prayers" and "praying"?

4. How do you know, truly know, that you are living in God’s strength? (See 2 Cor 12:10)

5. What was your one big "take-away" from this passage / message? 
    

Breakout Questions:

When was the last time you truly prayed, on your face, crying out before the Lord? How can you be more consistent in doing so? Challenge one another on this and pray for one another. 

The Courageous Mother

Not to be confused with Wonder Woman™

1. Motherhood (Titus 2:3-5)
2. The Gospel (Romans 1:1-7, 16)
3. Gospel + Motherhood = Courageous Motherhood

Motherhood is primarily about Chaos and Order (Genesis 2-3).

• Mothers have a new Power

Steven Canfield - Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh East (Associate Pastor)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Titus 2:3-5

1. What ways do God's grace allow you to be a better mother?

2. How did you see God's grace presented in your mother's care for you growing up?

3. How can you give grace back to your mother this week?

Breakout Questions:
Pray for your mother and specifically the mother's in your group.

Imago Dei - In His Image

Does God Need A Little Help From His Friends?

Intro:
 Eccl 3:11
 Genesis 1:26 - 

QUESTION: Are we made in HIS image or is HE in our image? We will decide either by Observation or by Revelation. (Prov 29:18)

Exodus 32

The Israelites tried re-making God and they got a Holy Cow! What did you get?

Bob Huber - North Street Christian Church

Four spiritual pointers to help you live IMAGO DEI:

1. God does not have a Self - Image problem!
2. God's created spiritual image in man has become Tainted since the fall
• God's image does not need Redeemed.
• God’s Image in Me does need redeemed.

Review: Isaiah 6:1-8

3. The image of God is Perfected in the Gospel of His Son – Jesus Christ

Review: John 14:8-9 | John 8:54-58 | Colossians 1

4. The Church is the chosen vessel to portray God as He presents Himself.

2 Corinthians 2:14-16

5. Imago Dei – a serious call and mission! So does God need a little help from His friends? The answer is to OBEY HIM!

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Imago Dei Small Group Discussion Starters:

1. Listen to the David Crowder Song PRAISE THE LORD.
   Discuss: In what ways have you tried to shape God into the image you imagined/wanted Him to be? In what ways has God not met you expectations? In what ways has He proven Himself to be better than you imagined?

2. Read Ecclesiastes 3:11. What does it mean that God has "put eternity on our hearts?"

3. Discuss: What are the ramifications of shaping your worldview BY OBSERVATION versus BY REVELATION?

4. Read Colossians 1:15-20. Find and discuss the various qualities, roles and positions attached to Jesus. What does He have to do with us understanding the image of God? See John 14:6-14.

5. What role does the church play in Imago Dei? "We are not here to refine the image of God, we are here to reflect the image of God." See 2 Corinthians 2:14-16.

6. In C.S. Lewis's Prince Caspian, Lucy (the youngest of the children) says to Aslan (the lion who is the Christ figure) upon seeing him after a period of absence: 
      Lucy to Aslan - "You're bigger."
      He answers, "That is because you are older, little one." 
      "Not because you are?" she responds. 
      "I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger." answers Aslan.
   Discuss: Are you finding God to be bigger and more satisfying as you continue to grow in the faith?

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another

God is With Me, So I Will Not Fear.

Review / Introduction:

1. Final word for Christ-Followers: Work as hard as you can, and Trust as hard as you can. (Acts 28:23-24)

Review: Isaiah 6:9-10

2. Final word for Christ-Rejecters: Count the cost of Following Christ, then count the cost of Not Following Christ. (Acts 28:25-28)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 28:17-31

1. Why do you think Acts ends abruptly as it does?

2. Why do you think Paul went after the Jews in Rome first, if he knew "the Gentiles will listen" (Acts 28:28)?

3. As a group, determine: in sharing the Gospel, what are the "main points" you must include?

4. What was your big "take-away" from this passage / message?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for one another.

God is At Work, So I Will Not Fear.

Review / Introduction:

3 People You Have to Deal With:

1. The Critic: Don't get Distracted by Him. (Acts 28:1-6)

How to Handle Criticism:

• Consider the source
• Don't take it personally
• Ask, "Is it true?"
• Say, "Thank you for the feedback."
2. The Hurting: Don't be too Busy for Him. (Acts 28:7-10)
3. The Brother: Don't rob Him of a Blessing. (Acts 28:11-16)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 28:1-16

1. Honestly - How do people's opinion of you affect you? How do you typically handle criticism (Acts:1-6)?

2. How are you encouraging others right now? How are you letting others encourage you? (Acts 21:15)

3. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for one another. Who do you know that needs encouragement this week? How are you going to reach out to him/her/them?