Term 3 2012 series 'One another' session 5

Build one another

“Therefore comfort each other and edify (build) one another, just as you also are doing”
1Thess 5.11

In 2 Cor 13.10 Paul talks about the authority God had given him for “building up’ rather than tearing down.” [Strong’s Dictionary states that ‘edify’ or ‘build’ Gr oikodom is lit. Architecture or structure; a building or edifice; It is the (act of) building; also used of the one who promotes another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness & holiness.] we all have authority in God, and this can be used in two ways, constructive or destructive.

Discuss: a good training / teaching principle is ‘positive reinforcement’ how does this work & WHY does this work?

Rom 14:19 speaks of “pursuing the things which make for peace and by which we may edify another.” Have you ever thought of the opportunity to build others up as a passionate ‘pursuit’? It is the same word that Paul uses to describe the passion with which he pursues Christ in Phil 3.12; (it can also be translated as persecute or prosecute from the original text.) I don’t see any loss of force in his usage in Romans to Philippians. So let’s assess our passion in both areas!

Additionally, The people I most remember in my life are those that have built me up; told me I was able; told me that I had potential; expressed love, value and support to me – they are etched on my spirit. What do you want to be remembered for?
Q How can I demonstrate my passion for Christ & edify others?

A great thought to remember is that we are all God’s building site; with signs declaring “under construction” The bible describes us as a building in the spirit – each of us ‘living stones’ in a spiritual ‘house’ There are several ways in which we are ‘built up’ in God;

• The spirit builds us up
• The word builds us up
• We build ourselves up
• Others can build us up

Building requires estimation, planning, resources, labor, and attention to detail with a commitment to seeing the job finished. Do we put this much intentiality into the task of building our brother or our sister up in God? Verbal praise and encouragement are a good start…
Q What are some other ways we do this?

Activity: Write each person’s name in the group on a paper card. At the beginning of the night each participant will draw a card, (if they draw their own name then re draw) During that night in the break time they are to add a constructive observation or genuine praise point for the person that they have chosen (this is to be done anonymously) the card is to be placed back into the box and then redistributed to people named on the card. They can then read their comment.
Q. How did it make you feel to A) Write your comment B) receive your comment?

Note for Leaders: I hope that you have enjoyed this series; and I wanted to end on a positive note and encourage you all as leaders of Grace small groups and participants how much we love and appreciate you all; your contribution to the small group culture at Grace is huge, you have all in your own ways made this facet of the local church community such a place of growth, support and encouragement. Its one thing to have a vision, even to have resources and people to make the vision reality, but entirely another thing to have people live the vision and become the vision. This is the ultimate desired outcome of leadership. We have been very encouraged by the culture and atmosphere of many of the groups we have visited this year, so keep up the good work incredible leaders.

Ps Rhett
(For) Grace Pastoral team

Next event: T3 Leadership development lunch Sunday 23rd 1-2:30pm Grace Café

Please rsvp to info@gracechristianchurch.org.au Att: Ps Gaynor by 20th Sept

Lunch & drinks to be provided

(Please advise of numbers and any dietary needs)

Have a wonderful Oct holiday break! Be safe and well rested for Term 4!

Term 3 2012 series 'One Another' session 4

Admonish one another

“Now I am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”  Rom 15.14

Part of living in community involves facing the issue of correction and discipline. Admonishment Gr ‘nouthesia’ is a reminding and restating to one another of safe boundaries and calling each other to account for our actions and behavior in community.
Vines says it is "a putting in mind" (from nous, "mind," & tithemi, "to put"), is used in 1Cr 10:11, of the purpose of the Scriptures; in Eph 6:4, of that which is ministered by the Lord; and in Titus 3:10, of that which is to be administered for the correction of one who creates trouble in the church; Nouthesia is "the training by word" whether of encouragement, or, if necessary, by reproof or remonstrance…

Q. What situations in the church might make this necessary?

This is one of the most difficult aspects of pastoral ministry and pastoral care. Many times individuals do not respond well to being corrected or challenged about their behavior. In a society that now shuns any form of discipline or ‘negativity’ our children are now being raised in an environment that does not like to hear the word ‘No’ It used to be the first word many children heard and often the first that they learned to speak; Yet our law system is based on “Thou shall not” and our justice dept punishes law breakers. Definable and enforceable boundaries keep our communities safe and orderly, so should it be any different in the Church community?

Q. Why is this concept so important for children to learn from an early age?

“Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.” Pro 17:10 Discuss: the need for a teachable and humble spirit in receiving correction from others. I love what Benjamin Franklin said in regards to persuading others who’s will is contrary; “The man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” Don’t expend a great deal of energy arguing with individuals if they are overly objectionable!! (Follow the Matt 18:15-17 pattern)

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” 1Th 5:14 Discuss: the need for courage when this needs to be done

“Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.”
1Ti 5:20

Lets get to the core issue; Q. why is this so important? (& neglected in the contemporary Christian church!) A. Sin and compromise will spread and infect the community of God.

Effective leadership involves encouragement, praise, commendation, support, training, development and at times admonishment. It is one of many aspects of working with people. That it at times needs to be done is not the issue; but when and how it is done.

Tips for admonishing others:
• Work from relationship if possible: remind them that you care enough to confront.
• Be honest and straightforward: clearly state what they are doing and how it effects them/others
• Remind them of the word of God: Nouthesia is a putting in mind of God’s standards, and mutual accountability & responsibility in community.
• Invite them to pray, repent & seek God’s power to overcome in this area.
• Reassure them of your love and support.

I love that Paul in our focus scripture communicates confidence and encourages the Roman Christians that this needs to be done. 1. He is confident in their goodness: We must have the best for others uppermost, loving motives to save people from damage and peril. 2. He is confident in their knowledge: Do we know each other well enough? Depth of relationship = understanding; Do we know the situation well enough? Get the facts! 3. He is confident in their ability: They had capacity and experience to be able to deal effectively with each other in matters of church discipline and correction.

At times we all need to lovingly remind each other to color within the lines!

Remember: a relationship is only as good as its ability to survive conflict!

Next session: Build one another

Term 3 2012 series 'One Another' session 3

Serve one another

“For you, Brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another” Gal 5:13

"One of the principal rules of religion is, to lose no occasion of serving God. And, since he is invisible to our eyes, we are to serve him in our neighbor; which he receives as if done to himself in person, standing visibly before us."  John Wesley

Introduction: There is silence in the room as Jesus disrobes and girds himself with a towel. What is the Master about to do? All eyes are on him as he stoops down and takes the first disciple by the foot. He begins to wash the dirt, grime and pollution of the busy Jerusalem streets from his feet, and dries them with the towel around his waist. This was the duty of the ‘doulos’ or the house slave; one of the lowest services that this level of slave performed. Why is the master doing this? Isn’t there a house slave available? Jesus quietly but intentionally works his way around the group till he comes to Peter. This disciple is the first to break the silence in the room; “Lord are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus said “What I am doing you will not understand now, but afterwards you will know” (Story in John 13.1-11)

…We will leave the narrative here and return to it later.

Q. What are your impressions after hearing this story?
Q. Place yourself as one of the disciples; what are you feeling as Jesus takes up your feet?

I like the way that Paul brings up the issue of Christian freedom in relation to service. The truth is that we as individuals stand in the ‘liberty’ of God. One of the main focuses of the letter to the Galatians was the issue of liberty in Christ vs the bondage of the law. Freedom is a great gift. Will we use this great liberty we have been given on ourselves or will we be impelled by love to use it for others? It is actually in our own hands; like a fist full of money – how will we spend it?

Q. What does Christian liberty look like? Practically describe it.
Q. How might this be misused as Paul alludes too? Describe that.

…Back to the Narrative in John 13

In Jewish culture the provision of foot washing for guests was a cultural norm. To not provide a servant for this task, if you had a gathering - was a great oversight. For whatever reason no servant was available for this task, yet they all knew that it needed to be done! Jesus taught them a valuable lesson in humility and pro-active service. While they were preparing for the meal like normal, Jesus does what no one else in the room was prepared to do. NOTE: awareness of a need is not always the only barrier to meeting it! (Discuss this in the group)

Peter now begins to refuse this act of service from the Lord and vows (with a double imperative ‘never, ever’) that it will not take place. Q. Why do people find it so hard to accept service?

I love Jesus’ response: “If you don’t let me do this then you have no part with me” [part Grk meros can carry several shades of meaning; an allotment, destiny, a share or portion, Fellowship (in the sense of a shared endeavor) or an inheritance.] However Peter understood this statement from Christ, he then responds in the opposite direction and now wants a more complete wash! (there is another deeper spiritual lesson here; about spiritual cleansing – but I am choosing to focus on the issue of loving service and the practical example that Jesus was giving them)

Perhaps the giving and receiving of loving service is somehow an integral part of fellowship and connection with Christ? It is at the center of divine life – and is at the very heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. In John 13.12-15 Jesus explains the purpose of the foot wash episode.

Q. Review the passage and comment on Jesus words.
Q. Discuss some practical ways we can serve one another.

Ok, so where is that bowl and towel? Phew! Those feet of yours stink – let me help you with that.

Hope you had a great and stimulating discussion this week, and are compelled to serve!

Regards,
Ps Rhett

Next session: Admonish one another

Term 3 2012 series 'One another' session 2

Care for one another

‘That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another." 1 Cor 12:25

Schism is Greek schisma lit. a rent, gap, or a division. This chapter is a celebration of the giftedness and the unity of the body. Paul is anxious that the members of the body have the same care ['care' in original Greek from a word denoting to separate or apportion into parts] When it comes to honor, dignity, expression of gifts and provision of care it is God’s intention we all get a fair share of the pie! I like this analogy as it is a great concept for us to grasp. Alternatively when this is not in balance, it has potential for resentment & ill-will in the community of God.

Q. How can we ensure that everyone is honored & treated fairly?
Q. Who is responsible for this, according to 1 Cor 12:25?

Pastoral care in a church our size is a major issue. We as a leadership team have determined that the best way to make sure everyone gets equal treatment is to shift the onus of care provision to the small groups, service teams & departments; with people to coordinate care & care partners under the supervision of an expanded Pastoral care team. Of course there will always be a need for Pastors in the church to oversee, care and intervene in critical matters, but their primary role is to train, guide, preach and teach to equip the church to care and envelope each other in Christian community. They are not umpires, professional counselors, lawyers, policemen or psychologists. The word pastor or 'poinmen' in the Gr denotes 'a shepherd' or one that guards, guides, feeds and protects the sheep. In the Pastoral Epistles Paul has much advice to Timothy primarily in regard to the role of a pastor; it had a lot to do with study of the word, preaching and teaching and guidance in doctrine & Christian living. Practical care was the responsibility of the deacons, and the elders were to provide governmental oversight. We see this practically in Acts 6 where there was a complaint about neglect of widows needs; (Read Acts 6:1-6)

Q. What are some common misconceptions of the ‘Pastoral’ role? (i.e the ‘School nurse’ mentality – had to be all things to everyone)
(Leaders you will need to moderate responses to this question)

Small groups are a great way for the immediate needs of individuals to be discovered and met. We are training and equipping our leaders to have capacity in this area; our Area leaders look after a few group leaders each and we in turn supervise them. This structure allows for growth, sustainability and is a more effective model consistent with the NT church concept. In a church of 50-100+ a single Pastor can perhaps be a primary care provider, but 500+ even a small team of Pastors will quickly be overwhelmed. It is interesting to note that the early church was perhaps 8-10 thousand. So they very quickly had to raise up and commission many workers and leaders.

Brainstorm.
Discuss what might be common issues in a church of our size. How would you address these needs? Prioritize issues? Decide on appropriate interventions and actions.
(Hint: Perhaps it will help to define ‘care’ and list all the ways care might be expressed.)
Q. as a leader/group member how can I be more involved in care provision?

Prayer.
Take some time to pray about needs in your own group, and any others you are aware of. Have a great time in your small group and a stimulating discussion!

Ps Rhett

Next session Serve one another

Term 3 2012 series 'One another' session 1

Love one another

Introduction: The Term 3 series is ‘one another’ there will be 5 sessions on different aspects of the many references to ‘each other’ and ‘one another’ in the New Testament. These terms are mentioned with much practical instruction on how to do life in Christian community. Pastoral care is a major focus of small groups in term 3 & 4, as we want to lift the sense of personal responsibility for all to see themselves as partnering in the local church to care for ‘one another’ (Leaders: Please explain this to your group)

“The major difference between hating and loving is perhaps that

Where as to love somebody is to be fulfilled and enriched by the

experience, to hate somebody is to be diminished and drained by it.

Lovers, by losing themselves in their loving, find themselves & become

themselves.” Frederick Buechner

‘But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another’ 1 Thess 4:9

From the many texts in the New Testament concerning love, I found this to be most challenging. Paul was commending this local church as a church that loves; I wonder if the same could be written of every local church; particularly ours! His commendation is ironic, “I don’t need to write to you on this matter – (but he does!) Insomuch as he brings to them (and us) an interesting reminder; ‘You your selves are taught by God to love one another” I asked the text this question: ‘In what ways does God teach us this?’

Firstly, we are taught by the law. The ‘shema’ states it clearly “Hear O Israel, the Lord Thy God he is one God, and thou shall love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, mind, soul and strength” – Deut 6:4 and Jesus added In Mark 12:30-31 “and the second commandment is like it – to love your neighbor as yourself” Clearly linking the concept of a total, ‘holistic’ love for God, also expressed in love for others.

Secondly, by the life of Christ. Jesus showed us how to love. It is recorded in the Gospel of John, "Having loved those whom God had given him, He now showed them the full extent of his love" John 13:1 It is clear that a great bond had been developed between the Lord and his disciples. At this last supper He had opportunity to demonstrate this to them in the action of washing their feet, the lowest task usually performed by the slaves of the house. The service did not end there; but it continued to the cross of Calvary where the Son of God completely sacrificed his life on behalf of the entire world.

Q So how do I practically serve others around me after this pattern?

Thirdly, the inspired cooespondance (revelation) of the New Testament & direct impartation of the Holy Spirit. “Taught by God” is ‘theodidaktos’ – Lit. God instructed; (didaktos is the ordinary word for ‘teach’) the revelation of scripture in the New Testament speaks much of the preeminence of love. 1 Cor 13 especially, describes the superiority of love and its adjunctive behaviors. These are the inspired writings of the Spirit of God; additionally we have the indwelling Spirit as the guarantee of the ownership of God. The Spirit inspires us, quickens us, prompts us, cautions us and reproves us regarding how God loves us, and how that love is expressed through us to the community of God and to those he wishes to reveal himself to. Did you realize that you and I can be 'revealers' of divine love to others? Christ in US loving THEM!

Q How can I be a demonstration of God's love to a hostile world?

Paul uses two words for love in the verse, 'concerning brotherly love' is 1.’Philadelphia’ & 'to love one another' is 2.‘Agape’ Paraphrased, we may understand it this way; “In the matter of our natural affection for one another - God’s desire, that he is presently & constantly teaching us, is that we love as he loves. His love chooses, focuses and lavishes on the object of his desire, It is unselfish, undeserved, unreserved & loves for the total benefit of the recipient.

Q How do you react to this? Is it possible?
Q How is this kind of loving difficult? What are ways we diminish God’s love through us?

“The Greek word for love used in the 13 chapter of Corinthians and elsewhere in the New Testament is expressive of character and a determination of the will, not spontaneous natural emotion; It denotes a love which chooses its object by a decision of will, so that it becomes self-denying…the word is used in all places where the direction of the will is the point to be considered.”
(‘The love life’ study of 1 Corinthians 13 W.G Scroggie D.D.)

As members of a local church we will often need to love as a decision of our will, from the nature of Christ forming within us; at times love will be easy in community, at other times it will be excruciating. (Discuss this in small group)

Poem by Horatius Bonar

“Beloved, let us love; love is of God;

In God alone hath love its true abode.

Beloved, let us love: for they who love,

They only, are His sons, born from above.

Beloved, let us love: for love is rest,

And he who loveth not abides unblest.

Beloved, let us love: for love is light,

And he who loveth not dwelleth in night.

Beloved, let us love: for only thus

Shall we behold the God that loveth us.”

Hope you have a great night!
Ps Rhett

Next session: Care for one another

'We are all Hosts' Sunday 25th March

Hi all, we are now at the end of term 1 and getting ready for the Easter & school holiday break. We hope that you & your small group are increasing and growing in God. I will be in touch soon to let you know what we are doing in Term 2. Please be aware of the small group leaders meeting 1-2:30pm at Grace This Sunday April 1 with lunch to start outside the café’ and a session in the School Library lecture theatre (this will include a computer training session for those that need Connection Power guidance)



Last Sunday Dale T spoke on ‘We are all Hosts in our own home’ Dale suggested the concept that as we are hosts in our home, so too are we in our local Church. We often go to great pains we to make that experience a pleasant one for our personal visitors, so too in our preparations in our Church home.


Discuss in the group: How can we do this better personally & corporately?


We need to remember that God has made us all individuals and it’s better to get an ‘A’ in being you; than a fail in replicating someone else. Let your Hosting be an extension of who you are.


Of course we are at all times promoting the centrality of Jesus and how we might be pleasing to him; this is to be the focus of our lives. Practically we can do things that will make others feel at ease.


• Preparing our house for visitors Q. what do you do for your visitors?


• Feeding and nurturing Q. How do you do this physically & spiritually?


Dale explained the ‘hosts’ concept as a way of helping the visitor and the new person to Grace feel welcomed and cared for. In entertaining others we would like people to be hosting officially and unofficially – that is you don’t have to be on the hosting team to do this ministry! (But it would help – So see Kevin or Verna Plum asap!)


Dale alluded to a scripture where Jesus said 'the greatest amongst them would be the servant' we understand from this that service is a integral part of Kingdom life and a key area of discipleship. That may mean that we shift our mindset to ‘How can I welcome others’ - this enables us to become both the messenger & the message; we speak the importance of Welcoming and acceptance and then we demonstrate it.


Some questions for the small group:


Q. How do we find engaging with those who are different from us?


Q. Why are ‘first impressions’ so important?


Q. Perhaps ask some non-church goers – what would help them to feel relaxed in attending church – then ask them to come!


Have a great meeting & Easter break! This would be a great time to invite others to ‘come and see’
Blessings and salutations! Ps Rhett

Series: The Main thing - session 4 Feb 26

This was the final session of the 'Main thing' series, but I hope you understand that the discussion and the focus will continue throughout the year.

Dale discussed the importance of the word of God to guide our evangelism, remember its ‘His words in our mouths’ that has power, it helps if we are walking in the Lordship of Christ personally and practically, so we can share from a place of integrity.
Q what areas of our personal life can you think of that would impact our testimony?


Dale mentioned the danger of the 'smorgasbord' gospel, picking and choosing truth to share, so as not to offend people, but the gospel needs no amendment or revision, Let us share it in an appropriate and sensitive manner, but let truth do its work in the hearers, as the Holy Spirit convicts them of sin.
Q what scripture would you share with someone about sin in there lives? how would you deal with them regarding this?


We looked at a revision of some key session points during this series including: 'We are joining the conversation not starting it'; 'Being ready with a pre-prepared testimony'; and 'our worship must be followed by our work'
Discuss in the group some other key understanding you have learned


One man said that sin is the cosmic act of treason, but we have a saviour who has paid this price and redeemed us from the penalty - this is good news!
Q can you share some experiences of your attempts to share 'good news' with others?


Q Jonah said that 'salvation is of the Lord' - but what part do we play in our own salvation and the salvation of others?


1 Cor 12:3 'No one can say Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Spirit' What importance does the Lordship of Christ play in the believers life?


Eph 3:18 'we may comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height & depth of God's love' - Understanding the enormity of God's love for us compels us to share it with others. We sow and water the seed and watch God brings the increase, our prayers and our witness are part the process God uses to bring people to himself.

We see this demonstrated in Acts 16:14 as Paul’s witness and Lydia’s open heart, worked together with God who gave the increase, and this resulted in her decision to follow the Lord.


This is how we bring people into the ‘narrative’ of God’s story.


Dale spoke of the preeminence of love 1 Corinthians 13 guides us in this area.
Q Are we walking in love by not sharing the Lord with those who are perishing?


Mark 2:15 describes a scene where Jesus was interacting with sinners and people far from God. The religious teachers were upset Q. Why were they outraged? Q. What did Jesus response to them show them about God's heart?

Have a great time in small groups next week!
appreciate you all -  Ps Rhett