Vision Sunday Part 1

Introductory thought:  God will lead us and stretch our thinking.

Question 1:   During worship, Roslyn shared how in observing the beauty of the fall season, specifically noticing the trees’ color changes, she was reminded that the trees were doing what they were created to do. What were you created to do?  Do you feel you can outlive that purpose?  Ultimately, in all we do, our purpose is to worship Him!  So we cannot outlive what we were created to do.

Question 2:  Pastors Josh and Todd shared a few in-house projects to maintain and improve our current building and property:

* Replacing and reworking the sanctuary air conditioning              
* Repairing the cross tower
* Replacing the entire flat roof           
* Renovating the Youth Room           
* Replacing the rear parking lot
* Renovating the kitchen/café area                 
* … and so much more!

Does your heart connect with any of these projects?  If so, which one?

Question 3:  Read Ephesians 3:20-21.  Let us give all glory to God as we meditate on His faithfulness.  Also, consider GrowPoint’s genuine leadership and diligent stewardship (the way something is managed) as ways the “practical and spiritual come together.”  When have you seen the practical and spiritual come together in your life? What can you do to facilitate this experience in someone else’s life?

Question 4:   After sharing ways to take care of “home base,” Pastors Josh and Sumer announced an exciting way for us to reach out to our community in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Lorain County.  We will be throwing a huge Christmas party for over 500 children.  As a church, we will have many opportunities to support this event.  In what area would you like to volunteer to help make this a delightfully memorable experience for these children?  Here are some ideas:

* Give a gift to a child
* Donate monetarily
* Bake cookies
* Volunteer to serve at the event

Question 5:  In Ezekiel 6, God directs Ezekiel to “prophesy concerning the land…” (vs. 6).  Later in the same chapter, we read, “… the ruins shall be rebuilt.  The desolate land shall be tilled… the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified… I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruined places…” (vv. 33-36).  Pastor Josh explained that this Scripture emphasizes the importance of what we speak over our region.  Has your hometown succumbed to the weight of desperation?  Have you made derogatory comments about this?  Do you believe God is able to rebuild the ruined places?  What are ways you can prophesy concerning your hometown? … your region? … your state?  … your country?

Wrap-Up Thoughts:  “We are not event planners; we are disciple makers!” Thank you, Pastor Sumer.

The Gospel and its benefits

Introductory thought:  Even when it seems hopeless, God is able!

Question 1:  Pastor Josh opened with the question, “What motivates you?”  He answered this question with an all-encompassing response that we are a benefit-driven people.  Consider the various memberships, rewards programs, and perk cards you have.  Which is your favorite?  What benefits do you have because of it?

Question 2:  Pastor Josh asked, “What does the Gospel compel you to do?”  He said that in Paul’s case, he became a servant of the Gospel. What does becoming a servant of the Gospel mean to you?

Question 3: Pastor Josh strongly said that the Gospel is NOT centered on us, but rather on God and His heart.  In Colossians 1:21 -23 we read that once we were alienated and hostile in our minds, but now God has reconciled us.  Consider your life before the Gospel reached you and what God has done in and through you.  How would you fill in the blanks of the following statement?

            I once was ______________________ , but God ________________________ .

For example, I once was angry for what has happened over the years, but God showed me how much He cares for me. 

Question 4:   Pastor Josh asked, “How well have you planned to share your story?”  He gave three prompts to help us prepare our story. Take time to read through each of these and jot down your responses.

            Prompt #1: The main thing that caused me to look to God was _________________________.

            Prompt #2: The prayer that changed my life went something like this: __________________.

            Prompt #3: Since then, all kinds of things have happened.  For instance, ________________.

Question 5:  Pastor Josh said that some people feel their lives are not transformed enough to tell their story.  But he offered encouragement by reminding us that we’re all works in progress. Think of three people with whom you can share the Gospel. Be encouraged by the lyrics to a popular Christian song by Matthew West:  “I’m just a nobody, tryin’ to tell everybody all about Somebody who saved my soul…” (To watch a video of this song, visit https://youtu.be/rOooelyA9Ws).

Wrap-Up Thoughts:  

Friends see the Gospel through you.  

We are able to be presented as holy, faultless, and blameless ONLY because of Jesus.  No one can refute what God did in your heart.  So prepare your story and share it!

What’s your plan?

Introductory thought:  No matter what we go through, and no matter what we face – JESUS!

Question 1:  Read Jeremiah 29:11-14.  How have these verses personally brought encouragement to you?  God has a plan.

Question 2:  God has a plan for us indeed, but the Bible gives direction for us to have a plan too. Pastor Todd found instructions for us in Scripture.  Read Philippians 2:3-5.  In verse 4, we read, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too.”

            Ques 2A:What interests you?  What concerns you?

            Ques 2B:  Are you aware of someone else’s interests and/or concerns?  What are they?

Question 3: As you ponder the Scripture in Philippians, consider Pastor Todd’s urging, “Don’t be selfish, but be selfless.”  Who has tangibly demonstrated a selfless act in your life?  Here is a personal example from this writer’s experience:  When we had fallen on tough times financially and both vehicles were not running, a friend sacrificially gave us a car to borrow while she got a ride for herself to and from work so we could have reliable transportation.

Question 4:   Read Matthew 25:31-40. “…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to Me.”  Who comes to mind when you think about the “least of these?”

Question 5:  In Psalm 41:1, we read, “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak…”  Pastor Todd explained that the word, regard, means to consider with prudent wisdom andinsight and to cause it to succeed or to prosper.  He also said that the word, weak, includes those in need in some way.  Is there someone you know who could use your skills, talent, or time so that he/she may succeed or prosper?  For example, could you volunteer your time to read with children after school so they can learn to read?

Question 6: The enemy’s plan is to kill, steal, and destroy (see John 10:10), but God’s plan for us is so much better! Read Psalm 41:1-3.  God will protect and preserve us, prosper us, and fight for us; He will not surrender us to the enemy.  What do these verses say to you about the importance of having regard for those in need?

Question 7: Pastor Todd announced that in upcoming weeks we will have opportunities as a church to bless our community corporately. But what is your personal plan to help those in need?  Be encouraged; there is a plan we can formulate that works in conjunction with God’s plan.

Wrap-Up Thought:  “Whoever is kind and giving to the poor lends to God, and He will repay and reward them for what they have done” (Proverb 19:17).