Message Snapshot:
This week Burt talked about our church's mission and vision. We were reminded of our church's core mission: to connect people to Jesus Christ. But this isn't just about conversion; it's about fostering a lifelong relationship with our Savior. The story of the lost son on the cruise ship beautifully parallels Jesus' parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing God's relentless love for us. Just as a parent desperately searches for their child, God seeks us out when we're lost. This challenges us to reflect on our own commitment to seeking the lost and bringing them to Christ. Are we indifferent to those who don't know Jesus, or are we actively participating in God's mission? The message encourages us to embrace both the Word and the Spirit, reminding us that spiritual gifts are God's idea, not ours to reject. It's a call to balance scriptural foundation with openness to the Holy Spirit's power, inviting us to experience a fuller, more dynamic faith journey.
Small Group Guide: Who We Are & Where We Are Going
Key Takeaways:
1. Solid Ground Church exists to connect people to Jesus Christ.
2. This does not just mean conversion.
3. Our vision is to be a church that is rooted in the Word and empowered by the Spirit.
4. Spiritual gifts are God's idea and should be practiced according to biblical guidelines.
Discussion Questions:
1. What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
2. Burt emphasized that connecting people to Jesus means more than just conversion. How does this broader understanding of the church's mission impact your view of discipleship?
3. Have you ever experienced or witnessed the misuse of spiritual gifts in a church setting? How did it affect your perspective on spiritual gifts?
4. The sermon states, "The solution to bad practice is not no practice. The solution to bad practice is good practice." How can we apply this principle to other areas of our faith and church life?
5. What are your thoughts on the church's vision to be "rooted in the Word and empowered by the Spirit"? How do you see these two elements working together?
6. Pastor Burt mentioned several ways the church seeks to empower members (e.g., Hearing God class, small groups, deliverance ministry). Which of these resonate with you, and why?
7. How can we as individuals and as a group become more open to the Holy Spirit's work while remaining grounded in Scripture?
Practical Applications:
1. Commit to reading a passage of Scripture daily this week, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal new insights.
2. Practice listening for God's voice during your prayer time. Share any experiences with the group next week.
3. Reflect on areas where you might have "despised prophecies" or other spiritual gifts. Ask God to help you be more open while maintaining biblical discernment.
5 Day Devotional:
Day 1: Connecting to Jesus
Reading: Luke 19:1-10
Devotional: Jesus declared His mission was "to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). This speaks to God's relentless pursuit of us, His desire to connect with us personally. Reflect on times when you've felt lost or disconnected from God. How did He pursue you? Consider how you can be more open to His presence in your daily life. Just as Jesus sought out Zacchaeus, He seeks a relationship with you. How can you respond to His invitation today?
Day 2: Empowered by the Spirit
Reading: Acts 2:1-21
Devotional: The early church was transformed when the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost. This wasn't just a historical event, but a model for how God wants to empower His church today. Reflect on areas in your life where you need the Holy Spirit's power. Are there gifts or abilities you've been hesitant to use for God's glory? Ask God to fill you afresh with His Spirit, and be open to how He might want to work through you to build up the body of Christ.
Day 3: Rooted in the Word
Reading: Psalm 119:105-112
Devotional: God's Word is described as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. In a world full of conflicting voices and opinions, the Bible provides a solid foundation for our faith and life. How can you make God's Word a more central part of your daily life? Consider committing to regular Bible study, memorization, or meditation. Ask God to give you a deeper love for His Word and to illuminate its truths in your heart.
Day 4: Unity in Diversity
Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Devotional: The church is described as one body with many parts, each with unique functions and gifts. This diversity is not a weakness, but a strength when we work together in unity. Reflect on your own gifts and how they fit into the larger body of Christ. Are there ways you've been holding back from fully participating in your church community? Ask God to show you how you can use your gifts to build up others and contribute to the mission of connecting people to Jesus.
Day 5: Overcoming Darkness with Light
Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
Devotional: We are in a spiritual battle, but we're not left defenseless. God has provided us with spiritual armor and weapons to stand firm against darkness. Reflect on areas in your life or in the world around you where you see spiritual darkness at work. How can you shine the light of Christ in those places? Remember, greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Ask God for courage and wisdom to be a bearer of His light in the darkness.