Our second session in the 'Main thing series' was delivered by Ps Gaynor. Gaynor started us off with a definition of evangelism, as there is much diversity in thought when it comes to this subject! Evangelism is sharing glad tidings or good news! We can all do that can't we?
Q. what are some of the different definitions and or concepts of evangelism you have heard?
2 Corinthians 5 14-21 talks about being ministers of reconciliation
Q.How might this practically play out in your relationships outside the church?
Revision from last week: Dale spoke about 'joining the conversation' have you had a chance to have any God conversations with unsaved people so far?
1 Peter 3:8-18 guides us in this area. Being ready to speak about the hope that is in us (read this with the group, perhaps explore this in a few different translations)
Q. How does this change the way we communicate the Gospel?
Hope is a precious commodity. Discuss in the group how and what your hope rests on.
Colossians 4:5-6 'making the most of every opportunity' remember that God has opportunities all around us but they are often disguised as inconvieniences. That precious soul God's brings across your path may be a divine moment to share the 'good news' and 'glad tidings' with them.
Q. Have you had a divine appointment latley?
Gaynor spoke about knowing about God vs knowing Him relationally; this is the best wittness! telling someone else about a special person you know.
Here is a guideline and 3 questions we all can use to write out our testimony:
1. What characterised your life before you put your hope in God?
2. How did you come to put your hope in Christ?
3. What is the difference he has made to your life?
It might be good to write this out and practice it, then you can share this as you have opportunity in a natural way.
Gaynor, (one of the most gentle creatures on the planet) reminds us not to be concerned if we experience a reaction to truth. These conversations are actually good for us as they expose others to the good news and consolidate the truth of it in our own lives! Remember people often react out of their own insecurity so understanding this will help us to 'phrase' the truth in ways that will be acceptable to them "your going to Hell" or "Missing out on heaven" both convey the same truth.
Here I come! God has given us a command to go in Mark 16:15-16 perhaps read this with the group.
This is our co-mission (together, forever!) So let's go and be a minister in this "at all times & everywhere"
Hope you all have a great time in small group next week.
Ps Rhett
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Series: The Main thing - session 1 Feb 19
Important note: This is designed to go with the 1st message in the four part series “The Main Thing”. If you were unable to attend Sunday’s service, please listen to the podcast on the website for context before leading the group.
We are JOINING the conversation, not starting the conversation. God has been speaking to men & women since their birth waiting on a response. We get the privilege of JOINING that conversation
Q: How does this modify our approach to playing our part in the salvation process of another?
Don’t end the conversation by making bold/brash statements. Don’t be so absolute that you are offensive. Let the Holy Spirit work in his/her life
Q: What is an example where you knew you overstated your part in the salvation process of another?
One sows, one waters, God brings the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6 - I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the INCREASE)
Q: How can YOU personally be more intentional in your approach to the salvation process of another?
We need to continually pray for Jesus’ heart, for his compassion (Matthew 9:36 – he had compassion on them for they were confused & helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Luke 6:36 – you must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate)
Activity: Find some space to get vulnerable before Father God. Pray for Jesus’ heart. Pray that our heart would be broken for the broken
Activity: Name people (family, friends) you know that are not YET found in Jesus & pray as a group for their salvation
Read these scriptures out loud together from the New Living Translation:
GO & BE – Colossians 4:5,6
COME & SEE – John 1:45,46
Q: Why is it important that we live lives that GO & BE (character/integrity) before we ask someone to COME & SEE (invitation)?
It is the responsibility of every believer to tell others the good news (2 Corinthians 5:19 – ministers of reconciliation)
Q: Who are you going to invite in the next few weeks to Sunday’s worship experience (church)?
We are JOINING the conversation, not starting the conversation. God has been speaking to men & women since their birth waiting on a response. We get the privilege of JOINING that conversation
Q: How does this modify our approach to playing our part in the salvation process of another?
Don’t end the conversation by making bold/brash statements. Don’t be so absolute that you are offensive. Let the Holy Spirit work in his/her life
Q: What is an example where you knew you overstated your part in the salvation process of another?
One sows, one waters, God brings the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6 - I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the INCREASE)
Q: How can YOU personally be more intentional in your approach to the salvation process of another?
We need to continually pray for Jesus’ heart, for his compassion (Matthew 9:36 – he had compassion on them for they were confused & helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Luke 6:36 – you must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate)
Activity: Find some space to get vulnerable before Father God. Pray for Jesus’ heart. Pray that our heart would be broken for the broken
Activity: Name people (family, friends) you know that are not YET found in Jesus & pray as a group for their salvation
Read these scriptures out loud together from the New Living Translation:
GO & BE – Colossians 4:5,6
COME & SEE – John 1:45,46
Q: Why is it important that we live lives that GO & BE (character/integrity) before we ask someone to COME & SEE (invitation)?
It is the responsibility of every believer to tell others the good news (2 Corinthians 5:19 – ministers of reconciliation)
Q: Who are you going to invite in the next few weeks to Sunday’s worship experience (church)?
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Vision Sunday Feb 2012
Hey leaders Dale & Karen presented vision for our church in the 10am combined service; if you were unable to be there then listen to the podcast located on the NEW website! It is important that all our small group leaders are aware of where we are headed and more importantly WHY! Here is a summary of the mornings ministry; please take time to discuss in your small group setting.
Vision Sunday message Dale & Karen Hewitt
Key word for the year is 'Increase'
In 2012 God has given us a mission statement contained in the scripture Mark 19 "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel" The commission statement of Jesus is ever the mission statement of the church - Go / preach / teach / baptise / make disciples.
We have a journey & a mission in God this year - get on mission & you will full fill vision.
'I see it' moment - when we have our eyes open to God and his vision for this local church and the community he was placed us in. Q Can you see what He sees? (Discuss)
In Acts 12:24 the word of God continued to increase & grow. We need to be both carriers & deliverers of Gods word to others. It is God's word that will deliver people from darkness!
Discussion point: 1 Corinthians 3:6 Have a read of this scripture in various translations. How does God & the believer cooperate to see this purpose realised?
the vision of 'building lives & transforming communities' is the overarching mission statement of the Apostolic fellowship. As we get about this business in our individual spheres we will influence and transform our community.
DREAM people ultimately need to be missional as a outcome to their faith & walk with God.
Evangelism will be a major focus for 2012 / In Exodus 3:1-10 Moses encounter at the burning bush - vision was communicated then action was called for 'now go for I am sending you to Pharoah'. Will we be a deliverer of others after the type of Moses? Spirit filled people are passionate about leading people to Christ. Baptisms are going to be another major focus of this year as we 'Come & see' & 'Go & be'
Our personal testimony is important to give credibility to our testimony. God wants to increase our faith, love and our integrity before those we are called to reach.
This will only happen when we set ourselves to Pray! Karen said that before any significant move of God or revival in history there has always been a revival of prayer. "Faith is an affirmation and an act that bids eternal truth be present fact; and Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon their knees." Corporate prayer meetings are vitally important to winning the spiritual war over souls, and usually precedes a move of God and a fresh gathering into God's Kingdom. Personal & private prayer is equally important to build up and focus the believer on the central task that God has called us too! to win others to Christ.
Q Will you commit to the new monthly corporate prayer meeting held on the first Wednesday of every month & make this a habit of your life?
Pre-service & corporate prayer has existed in this church for many years; usually attended by a faithful few - how about joining with us in these times to petition God for one-another and the lost community of Bunbury?
Have a great time in your small group next week.
Ps Rhett
Vision Sunday message Dale & Karen Hewitt
Key word for the year is 'Increase'
In 2012 God has given us a mission statement contained in the scripture Mark 19 "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel" The commission statement of Jesus is ever the mission statement of the church - Go / preach / teach / baptise / make disciples.
We have a journey & a mission in God this year - get on mission & you will full fill vision.
'I see it' moment - when we have our eyes open to God and his vision for this local church and the community he was placed us in. Q Can you see what He sees? (Discuss)
In Acts 12:24 the word of God continued to increase & grow. We need to be both carriers & deliverers of Gods word to others. It is God's word that will deliver people from darkness!
Discussion point: 1 Corinthians 3:6 Have a read of this scripture in various translations. How does God & the believer cooperate to see this purpose realised?
the vision of 'building lives & transforming communities' is the overarching mission statement of the Apostolic fellowship. As we get about this business in our individual spheres we will influence and transform our community.
DREAM people ultimately need to be missional as a outcome to their faith & walk with God.
Evangelism will be a major focus for 2012 / In Exodus 3:1-10 Moses encounter at the burning bush - vision was communicated then action was called for 'now go for I am sending you to Pharoah'. Will we be a deliverer of others after the type of Moses? Spirit filled people are passionate about leading people to Christ. Baptisms are going to be another major focus of this year as we 'Come & see' & 'Go & be'
Our personal testimony is important to give credibility to our testimony. God wants to increase our faith, love and our integrity before those we are called to reach.
This will only happen when we set ourselves to Pray! Karen said that before any significant move of God or revival in history there has always been a revival of prayer. "Faith is an affirmation and an act that bids eternal truth be present fact; and Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon their knees." Corporate prayer meetings are vitally important to winning the spiritual war over souls, and usually precedes a move of God and a fresh gathering into God's Kingdom. Personal & private prayer is equally important to build up and focus the believer on the central task that God has called us too! to win others to Christ.
Q Will you commit to the new monthly corporate prayer meeting held on the first Wednesday of every month & make this a habit of your life?
Pre-service & corporate prayer has existed in this church for many years; usually attended by a faithful few - how about joining with us in these times to petition God for one-another and the lost community of Bunbury?
Have a great time in your small group next week.
Ps Rhett
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Small Group session notes Feb 2012
Hi Incredible leaders, this week we are reviewing the teachers dedication message from Karen Hewitt.
Karen's focus scripture was Matt 6:33 "but seek ye first the Kingdom of God"
Kingdom interests must always come FIRST. - there are a lot of 'Firsts' is the scriptures, But When the LORD himself makes it clear what is to come first in our lives we all need to sit up and take notice! i.e. First Choice, First priority, First loyalty etc.
Karen proposed the concept that we are all in FULL - time ministry. There is no such thing as a PT or Casual christian. As far as God is concerned he sees us as all Fully engaged in the purpose he has created us for.
This is not a popular concept in contemporary Christianity - If our saviour poured himself out completely in service to us - how can we offer him any less?
(Discussion point: how does this impact your life?)
This requires an adjustment for some or huge paradigm shift for others in our spiritual lives; in regards to the various ministry areas we are involved in i.e. School, Church, community, family & workplace - we are full-time ministers in whatever setting we are in to bring God Glory and increase his Kingdom.
1. Kingdom Focus
(Read Matt 6:33)
Q How does God come first in your life?
We are to be living sacrifices for God. (Read Romans 12:1)
The scriptures plainly tell us that we are not our own & brought (which implies ownership!) at an incredible price. A whole sacrifice / not a partial consecration.
(Read Gal 2:20)
(Discussion point:If Christ is indeed living in you & I how is this experienced / seen by others?)
2. Kingdom Goals
Karen challenged us regarding our goals this year! Christ in us should mean that we have new desires, priorities & goals.
Q Will our influence be for ourselves or for God?
Q How will we live out of Christ this year?
Q What practical ways can we demonstrate Christ to others / serve others in our local community?
Thanks Leaders, have a great start to the year in your small groups.
Please spent some time praying for the Church & our local community.
Ps Rhett.
Karen's focus scripture was Matt 6:33 "but seek ye first the Kingdom of God"
Kingdom interests must always come FIRST. - there are a lot of 'Firsts' is the scriptures, But When the LORD himself makes it clear what is to come first in our lives we all need to sit up and take notice! i.e. First Choice, First priority, First loyalty etc.
Karen proposed the concept that we are all in FULL - time ministry. There is no such thing as a PT or Casual christian. As far as God is concerned he sees us as all Fully engaged in the purpose he has created us for.
A complete salvation calls for a complete commitment!
(Discussion point: how does this impact your life?)
This requires an adjustment for some or huge paradigm shift for others in our spiritual lives; in regards to the various ministry areas we are involved in i.e. School, Church, community, family & workplace - we are full-time ministers in whatever setting we are in to bring God Glory and increase his Kingdom.
1. Kingdom Focus
(Read Matt 6:33)
Q How does God come first in your life?
We are to be living sacrifices for God. (Read Romans 12:1)
The scriptures plainly tell us that we are not our own & brought (which implies ownership!) at an incredible price. A whole sacrifice / not a partial consecration.
(Read Gal 2:20)
(Discussion point:If Christ is indeed living in you & I how is this experienced / seen by others?)
2. Kingdom Goals
Karen challenged us regarding our goals this year! Christ in us should mean that we have new desires, priorities & goals.
Q Will our influence be for ourselves or for God?
Q How will we live out of Christ this year?
Q What practical ways can we demonstrate Christ to others / serve others in our local community?
Thanks Leaders, have a great start to the year in your small groups.
Please spent some time praying for the Church & our local community.
Ps Rhett.
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