The glory of the old way of doing church is fading
Old covenant has fading glory - 2Cor 3:1-18
New covenant - Jer 31:31-34
Apostles carve out new territory in existing systems and structures. They articulate the needed changes whenever the old system conflicts with the new one.
The gift is for everyone - Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-32
Jesus makes it possible for us to enter the Father's presence
Old Covenant - Heb 9:1-10
New Covenant - Heb 9:11-28
Approach the throne - Heb 4:14-16; Heb 10:19-22; 1Pet 2:4-5
Knowing God
Boast about knowing the Lord - Jer 9:23-24; 1Cor 1:31; 2Cor 10:17
"They will all know me" - Heb 8:1-13
Spectators don't know or understand the Lord.
Walking with God - Gen 5:18-24; Heb 11:5-6
Faith (work the relationship) - Heb 11:1; Mark 11
Believe and act on what God says - Gen 12 - 15
Talk and act like a son/daughter
Sonship first - then brotherhood
Expectation - Mat 9:18-26
you are vulnerable to God disappointing you
Obedience / faithfulness - Luke 12:35-48
Become like little children - Mat 11:25; Mat 18:1-6; Mat 19:13-15
New Babies
breathe and cry right away.
hear from their parents right away.
Newborn Christians - 2Pet 2
should start praying right away.
should expect for God to talk to them right away.
should start reading God's Word right away
Are You a Christian?
Two Gaps:
Gap between sinful man and God - only Jesus' death fixes this
Gap between redeemed man and God - we must fully embrace the relationship
3 Stages
OT
Passover and Crossing Of Red Sea
Initial Wilderness - getting to know God
Canaan - living in the relationship
NT
John's Baptism of Repentance
3.5 Years - getting to know Jesus
The Cross, Resurrection, Pentecost - walking in the relationship
Do you really want a relationship with God?
Review Principles:
God exists
God loves you and wants a relationship with you
A relationship with God must be on his terms
God's terms are: "Follow Jesus" - John 6:29
The word "Christian"
In Scripture - Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1Pet 4:16.
Transliteration
Greek word cristianos (pronounced christianos) ---> Christ
Hebrew word "masshiach" ---> messiah
The Anointed One
"Christian" means follower of Christ
Jesus' Own Words
What does Jesus say about himself?
He is the Christ - Mat 16:13-20; John 10:22-39
What does Jesus want us to do?
Repent and believe the good news - Mark 1:14-15
Repent - turn, change your mind
Good News - Luke 2:1-20; Luke 4:14-21; Luke 7:17-23
Believe in him
He encouraged it - John 9:35-38
Believing in him is believing in the Father - John 12:44-50
Follow him
If you don't follow you're not worthy - Mat 10:32-42
Take up your cross - Mark 8:31-38
His sheep follow him - John 10:27
Those who want to serve him must follow him - John 12:20-36
Unite with him and with each other - John 17
Proclaim the Good News - Mark 16:14-16
Ordo Salutis - Rom 8:28-39
We want to illustrate with simple Bible passages
Ideally with Jesus' own words (especially via his parables)
Patterns
Foreknown, Predestined, Called by God, Justified, Glorified - Rom 8:28-39
Hearing, Believing, Calling on God, Salvation - Rom 10:1-17
Repentance, Faith, Baptisms - Heb 6:1-2
The Foundation
The Problem - Mankind is alienated from God
The Provision - God wants everyone to be saved
Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection
Jesus redeemed us as a man - Mat 3:1 - 4:17; Heb 5:7-9
Foreknowledge - God knew who would respond to him
Implies relationship
Predestination - God predestined the elect to become like Jesus
Calling
Phases (Repentance, Faith, Baptism, etc.) - Heb 6:1-2
Parables of lost sheep and lost coin - Luke 15:1-10
Parable of lost son - Luke 15:11-32
Saving Faith
Results in eternal life - John 3:1-21
Expectation - Mat 9:18-26
you are vulnerable to God disappointing you
New Birth - John 3:1-8
Guard what has been entrusted to you - 1Tim 6:3-21
Don't get caught up in the love of money.
We want everyone to become an effective disciple maker
New Material
Preparation
Main Passage
NIV
Hebrew Study Bible
KJV
The Message
NASB
RSV
Exegetical Idea
Subject
Tools: How, Who, What, When, Where, Why
Complement
Developmental Questions
Explain It: What does this mean?
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
Homiletical Idea
Purpose of the Sermon
Make it plain
Use accessible language and modern parables
Make sure people do something with the word God gives you for them.
The Real Gospel
Gal 1 - No Other Gospel
Following any other "gospel" means deserting God!
Any other "gospel" is really not "good news"
The "other gospel" is about please men rather than Christ
"Playing church" is really just "another gospel".
Gal 2 - Leaders Can Mislead
Gal 3 - 4: Don't go Back!
Gal 3:5 - The Spirit is given through faith
Gal 3:6-9 - Consider Abraham (go back to the scriptures)
Gen 15 - Abraham justified by faith (relationship)
Gen 18 - all nations blessed through Abraham
Spoken as God was letting Abraham in on his plans for Sodom and Gomorrah
This demonstrates God's relationship with Abraham
Biblical saving faith is the faith of relationship
Gal 3:10-14 - Avoid the curse
Gal 3:15 - 4:7 - The purpose of the law
"Church life" can be like "the law" - it should lead us to Christ
Gal 4:15 - What happened to all your joy?
Living for relationship (with Christ) brings joy - Psalm 16:11
Living for the "rules" steals your joy
Gal 4:17 - Who is trying to "win you over"
your "church history"?
"church people" you know?
the enemy?
Gal 4:21-31 - The Law Leads To Slavery
Gal 5 - 6: Live By The Spirit
The "rules" don't work - Col 2
Following Jesus (continued)
How do I follow Jesus? (continued)
Are You a Christian? (continued)
The Foundation (continued)
Foreknowledge - God knew who would respond to him
Implies relationship
Predestination - God predestined the elect to become like Jesus
The Process - Mat 1 - 7
Foundation
Mat 1:1 - 2:23 - Introducing Jesus
Mat 3:1-12 - John The Baptist
Highlight Repentance
Highlight Baptism
Mat 3:13-17 - Jesus' Baptism
Mat 4:1-11 - Jesus' Temptation
Mat 4:12-17 - Jesus Public Ministry Begins
Highlight Repentance
Calling - God calls us
Mat 4:18-22 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Remainder
Mat 4:23-25 - Jesus Preaches, Heals, and Delivers
Mat 5:1-16 - Beatitudes
Highlight Righteousness
Mat 5:17-48 - Fulfilling the Law
Mat 6:1-18 - Authentic Spirituality
Highlight Forgiveness
Mat 6:19-34 - God vs. Money
Mat 7:1-6 - Don't Judge
Mat 7:7-11 - Ask, Seek, Knock
Mat 7:12 - Golden Rule
Mat 7:13-14 - Narrow and Wide Gates
Mat 7:15-20 - False Prophets
Mat 7:21-29 - Putting Jesus' Words Into Practice
Belief & Godly Sorrow
Repentance - We change our minds and turn away from sin
Faith - We believe (i.e put our faith)) in Jesus Christ
Forgiveness - God forgives our sins
Eternal Life - We receive God's life within us
Confession / Baptism - We publicly commit our lives to Jesus
The Process - Mark 1 - 4
Foundation
Mark 1:1-8 - Introducing John the Baptist
Highlight Repentance
Highlight Baptism
Mark 1:9-11 - Jesus' Baptism
Highlight Repentance
Highlight Faith
Mark 1:12-13 - Jesus' Temptation
Mark 1:14-15 - Jesus Public Ministry Begins
Calling - God calls us
Mark 1:16-20 - Jesus Call His First Disciples
Mark 1:21-45 - Jesus Preaches, Heals, and Delivers
Forgiveness - God forgives our sins
Mark 2:1-12 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic
Highlight Faith
Remainder
Mark 2:13-17 - Jesus Calls Levi - "Not the righteous but sinners"
Mark 2:18-28 - Wineskins, Sabbath
Mark 3:1-35 - Jewish Opposition: Appointing Of Apostles, Etc.
Mark 4:1-41 - Parable Of The Sower, etc.
Belief & Godly Sorrow
Repentance - We change our minds and turn away from sin
Faith - We believe (i.e put our faith)) in Jesus Christ
Eternal Life - We receive God's life within us
Confession / Baptism - We publicly commit our lives to Jesus
The Process - Luke 1 - 6
Foundation
Luke 1:1-80 - Conception of John the Baptist and Jesus
What does John's mission to "go on before the Lord" (vs. 17)tell you about what the Lord was getting ready to do?
What does Jesus being conceived by a virgin (vs. 26-38) tell you about his connection to God?
Jesus is called the Son of God (vs. 35). What does this mean to you?
John will give the Lord's people "the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins" (vs. 76-77). Are you ready to have your sins forgiven?
Luke 2:1-40 - Birth of Jesus
Is the story of Jesus' birth familiar to you?
The angel refers to Jesus as "a saviour", "Christ" (i.e. the anointed one or king), and "the Lord" (vs. 9-14). Are you prepared to receive him has your Saviour, King, and Lord?
Luke 2:41-52 - Jesus at the Temple
Note - Jesus saw the temple was his Father's house (vs. 49).
Note - Jesus experienced growth (vs. 52).
Luke 3:1-20 - John the Baptist Begins Public Ministry
John illustrates the meaning of repentance (vs. 7-14). In what ways have you already repented? In what ways are you prepared to repent now?
John baptized people publicly as a sign of their repentance. Are you prepared to be public about your repentance?
Luke 3:21-38 - Jesus' Baptism and Genealogy
God the Father publicly declares Jesus to be his Son. What does this mean in your life?
The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus. Do you want the Holy Spirit to operate in your life?
Luke 4:1-13 - Jesus' Temptation
Jesus experienced temptation. How does this relate you?
Jesus dealt with temptation by using scripture (Deut 8:3; Deut 6:13; Deut 6:16). How should you deal with temptation?
Calling - God calls us
Luke 4:14-44 - Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus found his life mission in scripture (Isa 61:1-2). Where will you look for your life's mission?
Jesus healed and delivered everyone who sought his help. What does this tell you about God's nature?
Luke 5:1-11 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Note - Jesus already knew Simon (Luke 4:38; John 1:40-42).
On this encounter Simon had an overwhelming sense of his own sinfulness and unworthiness. How about you?
Jesus didn't deny Simon's sinfulness, but he accepted him anyway. What does this say about you?
Salvation - God forgives our sins
Luke 5:12-16 - Jesus Preaches, Heals, and Delivers
Highlight Healing and Deliverance
Luke 5:17-26 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic
Highlight Faith
Highlight Forgiveness
Remainder
Luke 5:27-32 - Jesus Calls Levi - "Not the righteous but sinners"
Luke 5:33-39 - Wineskins, Sabbath
Luke 6:1-11 - Jewish Opposition
Luke 6:12-16 - Appointing Of Apostles, Etc.
Luke 6:17-45 - Sermon On The Plain
Luke 6:46-49 - Put Jesus' Words Into Practice
Belief & Godly Sorrow
Repentance - We change our minds and turn away from sin
Faith - We believe (i.e put our faith)) in Jesus Christ
Eternal Life - We receive God's life within us
Confession / Baptism - We publicly commit our lives to Jesus
The Process - John 1 - 5
Foundation
John 1:1-14 - Introducing the Word
John 1:15-34 - Testimony of John the Baptist
Highlight Repentance
Highlight Baptism
Highlight Forgiveness (lamb of God)
Calling - God calls us
John 1:35-51 - Jesus' First Disciples
Faith - We believe (i.e put our faith)) in Jesus Christ
John 2:1-11 - Jesus Changes Water To Wine
John 2:12-22 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple
John 2:23-25 - Jesus Public Ministry
Eternal Life - We receive God's life within us
John 3:1-21 - Jesus and Nicodemus
Confession / Baptism - We publicly commit our lives to Jesus
John 3:22-36 - Jesus Surpasses John
Remainder
John 4:1-42 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
John 4:43-54 - Jesus Heals a Royal Official's Son
John 5:1-18 - Jesus Heals a Lame Man at the Pool of Siloam
John 5:19-47 - Jesus Defends His Ministry
John 6:1-15 - Jesus Feeds the Multitude
John 6:16-21 - Jesus Walks On Water
John 6:22-71 - Jesus Is the Bread From Heaven
Belief & Godly Sorrow
Forgiveness - God forgives our sins
Repentance - We change our minds and turn away from sin
The Process
Calling - God calls us
Introduction - Rom 1:1-7; Rom 8:28-30
Human Perspective
Peter, Andrew, James, and John - Mat 4:18-22
Matthew (Levi) - Mat 9:9
God's Perspective
No one can come unless the Father draws him - John 6:44
Questions to Consider
Further Reading
God's kindness leads you toward repentance - Rom 2:1-4
Hear the Good News
Power of God for salvation - Rom 1:16
God's Word accomplishes his purposes - Isa 55:10-11
Repentance - We change our minds and turn away from sin
Introduction - Mat 4:17; Mark 1:15
Human Perspective
Zacchaeus - Luke 19:1-10
God's Perspective
Parables of lost sheep and lost coin - Luke 15:1-10
Parable of lost son - Luke 15:11-32
Questions to Consider
Faith - We believe (i.e put our faith)) in Jesus Christ
Introduction - Mark 1:15; John 3:14-18; John 9:35-38
Human Perspective
The sick woman, the father of the dying child - Mat 9:18-26
God's Perspective - Heb 11:6; Mat 8:5-13; John 17:6-9; John 17:20-23
Questions to Consider
you are vulnerable to God disappointing you
Further Reading
Bronze snake - Num 21:4-9
Forgiveness - God forgives our sins
Introduction - Mat 9:2-8; Mark 2:1-12; Acts 2:38
Our Perspective - Luke 7:36-50
God's Perspective - Mat 26:26-29; Luke 24:44-48
Questions to Consider
Further Reading - Mat 18:21-35
Eternal Life - We receive God's life within us
Introduction - John 3:14-18
Our Perspective - John 3:1-8; John 4:1-14; John 7:37-39
God's Perspective - John 10:22-30; John 17:3
Questions to Consider
Further Reading
Confession / Baptism - We publicly commit our lives to Jesus
Introduction - Mat 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-18; Rom 10:9-10
Our Perspective - 1Tim 6:12
God's Perspective - Mat 10:32-33; Mark 8:35-38
Questions to Consider
The Outcome
Discipleship - We submit to other believers for training
Follow him
If you don't follow you're not worthy - Mat 10:32-42
Take up your cross - Mark 8:31-38
His sheep follow him - John 10:27
Those who want to serve him must follow him - John 12:20-36
Introduction
Our Perspective
God's Perspective
Questions to Consider
Conversion process
Warning about treatment of unsaved family members
The "cross-fade" metaphor
old lifestyle loses credibility due to contradictions
internal contradictions
external contradictions
commitment to old lifestyle wanes due to lost credibility
Kingdom of God becomes more and more credible
Phase 1
No effective awareness of Kingdom of God
Complete commitment to independance from God
Attitude Examples
I lie because it works and anyone who has sense does too.
Phase 2
Awareness of Kingdom of God
Commitment to Kingdom growing
Commitment to old lifestyle exceeds commitment to Kingdom
Attitude Examples
I lie because it works for me, but I know there are some people who can get along without lying.
Phase 3
Commitment to Kingdom of God matches commitment to old lifestyle
Candidate may have one or more experiences that are labelled as conversion experiences
Candidate is "double-minded"
Attitude Examples
I lie, but I'm thinking about giving it up.
Phase 4
Commitment to Kingdom of God exceeds commitment to old lifestyle
Candidate settles into practical church membership
Attitude Examples
I usually tell the truth, but there are some situations where lying is acceptable.
Phase 5
All lingering commitment to old lifestyle is extinguished - this is full repentance
Candidate is fully committed to those aspects of the Kingdom that he/she knows about
There is a clear path for future spiritual growth
Attitude Examples
Lying is wrong and I rarely do it - if I lie, it's because I was in a sudden jam and fell back on an old habit.
Peter's Progression in Faith
John 5:39-42
Mat 4:18-22
Luke 5:1-11
Glorification
kabod / doxa
Parable of the Sower - Mat 13:1-23; Luke 8:4-15
Some neglect and ultimately abandon the relationship with God.
No one can snatch them out of my hand - John 10:27-30
It is impossible to be lost when you still genuinely want a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
If your hand offends you - Mat 5:27-30
Disqualified - 1Cor 9:24 - 1Cor 10:13 (ref. Luke 12:35-48)
Impossible for the enlightened to return - Heb 6:1-12
Can you lose your salvation?
Can you divorce your husband/wife?
Can you abandon your children?
Can you turn your back on your parents?
Can you reject your friends?
Spiritual Maturity - Heb 6:1-12
Following Jesus Leads to Spiritual Maturity
Accountability
Stability
Taking Responsibility For Your Own Growth
Taking Responsibility for Ministry
Reproducing Yourself
Obstacles to Spiritual Maturity
Focusing on life's worries, riches, and pleasures - Luke 8:4-15
Failure to focus on the things of the Spirit - 1Cor 2:6-12; Col 3:1-10
Misunderstanding what spiritual maturity is
Spiritual maturity is not sinlessness
Spiritual maturity is a lifestyle of effective engagement (i.e. engagement that produces real results).
Spiritual Consumerism
Accountability / Holiness
To God - Blamelessness (not sinlessness) - Gen 6:9; Gen 17:1
To other believers
Walking in the light - 1John 1:5 - 2:6
Exposing your actions
Exposing your thoughts
Exposing your motives
Consistent availability - Heb 13:7, 17
Sunday service PLUS life group
Not - one church for Sunday and another for life group
You should develop intimate friendships and accountability with the same people you fellowship with on Sunday.
Stability - Eph 4:10-17; James 1:2-4
Taking Responsibility For Your Own Growth - Philip 3:1-15; Heb 5:11-14
Learning lifestyle vs. Entertainment lifestyle
Fight until the fight becomes automatic. Wounded people are not always able to fight, but once they experience healing they must learn to do the fighting that they’ve been avoiding and keep fighting until they automatically hold their ground.
Dramatize the “impossible switch” (ref Staples Easy Button)
Sabbath discipline - prioritizing the Lord
Taking responsibility for ministry - Mat 6:33; Luke 9:23-25; Rom 12:3-8
Pleasing God must be more important than pleasing ourselves
Luke 22:42; John 4:27-38; John 6:38;
Your actions and words should build up others - Eph 4:29; 1Pet 4:11
The New Testament writers weren't trying to write "scripture".
They were trying to serve other believers.
In doing so they produced scripture - 2Pet 3:15-16
Your life should produce "scripture"
Charles's recollection at the retreat
My own frequent sharing of things Bishop said to me
"I trust you with souls"
Taking Responsibility For Reproducing yourself
Fruitfulness - Mat 7:15-20; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:1-8
God has promised you spiritual offspring
Pray - Father I want to lead others to spiritual maturity.
Define evangelism, followup, discipleship
Work in the vineyard
Require maturity from individuals in the congregation.
Three Phases
Developing godly habits
Turning godly habits into skills
Combining godly habits and skills into your ministry
Have you made the “maturity decision” yet?
Godly Habits Of Highly Effective Believers
Relating to God - Prayer
Talking with God - Jer 29:11-14; 2Cor 3; 1Pet 1:17
Hearing from God boosts assurance of salvation
Get started
God wants to speak to you.
God is able to speak to you.
God is able to make you confident that you've heard from him.
Trust him to do this as you approach him.
Say "Speak Lord - your servant is listening" - 1Sam 3:1-18
Start with praise and thanksgiving (use Psalms as a guide).
Take time to listen.
Write down the thoughts that come to you.
God wants to meet your needs
Children use their parents' resources.
We get to use God's resources.
Keep borrowing God's car and he'll give you one of your own.
Life is God's training program for you.
God wants to share the universe with you.
Apostles make plans with God's resources in mind.
Sometimes God wants us to narrow down the possibilities before we come to him for guidance. Make a list of alternatives with pros and cons. Propose the best solutions to God while allowing him to completely override your selection. God requires that we avoid laziness and inertia in the process of hearing from him.
Warn about saying "I hope" during prayer.
Relating to God - Worship
Gratitude - Luke 7:36-50
Love for God - 1Pet 1:8-9;
Giving
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift - 1Cor 9:15
Discipline your though life according to God's Word - Rom 12:2
The Bible
Discuss origins, translation, etc.
Discuss inspiration - plenary, verbal, etc.
Discuss versions, translations, paraphrases, etc.
Don't use the Bible just to prove a point.
Relating to Believers - Fellowship
Love for others - Mat 25:31-46; John 13:34-35; 1John 3:18
Sunday service is like Thanksgiving - we should all be together.
Holiness
Relating to Believers - Discipleship
Relational Evangelism Quiz - grade yourself - inviting people to church - inviting people to your life group - winning people on your own - connecting believers you know to an unbeliever you know
Followup
CPR - seconds count - Followup
The Life Church way is one on one
Illustrate demonic opposition to followup / discipleship and how prayer counteracts this opposition.
Discipleship is not a curriculum - it’s a lifestyle.
How many people wish they had someone to disciple them? Provide a solution.
Have I been discipled? How do I know when the job is done? What does discipleship look like?
Relating to Believers - Service
Relating to Unbelievers - Caring
Relating to Unbelievers - Service
Relating to Unbelievers - Evangelism
4 P's
Purpose
Position
Plan
Partner
Relating to My Community - Service
Service
Increase your capacity to serve
Discussion Questions / Topics (based on the indicated scriptures)
Group A: 2Pet 1:3-4 (Answer based on the text - don't speculate!)
What has God's divine power given us?
Through what has God's divine power given us these things?
How does our knowledge of God relate to "everything we need for life and godliness"?
What has God given us through his own glory and goodness?
How do we participate in the divine nature and escape the world's corruption?
How have you made use of God's promises recently?
Group B: 2Pet 1:5-9 (Answer based on the text - don't speculate!)
How are you doing with faith, goodness, knowledge, and self-control?
How are you doing with perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love?
Based on your answer are you going to be ineffective and unproductive or effective and productive in your knowledge of Jesus Christ?
Could you be described as nearsighted, blind, and having forgotten that you've been cleansed from your past sins?
Group C: Gal 1:1-24
What role has pleasing other people played in your life?
Have you ever done "spiritual things" to please other people?
Who are you primarily trying to please now - God or other people?
Group D: Gal 3:1-14
Has God given you his Spirit? If so, why? If not, why not?
Did your experience of God begin with following the rules or believing what you heard?
Abraham believed God and was credited as righteous for it. Has God said anything to you that's given you an opportunity to believe recently?
Based on vs. 10 those who try to relate to God based on rules are under a curse. Are you under a curse?
Group E: Gal 3:15-29
When did you first realize that righteousness was available because of a promise that God had made?
Based on vs. 21-22, religious rules can't give you life. Have you been trying to experience God's life through obeying religious rules?
Based on vs. 19-25 religious rules can help us to recognize our own sinfulness. Have religious rules had this impact on your own life?
Did religious rules ultimately lead you to Christ?
Witnessing Activities For This Week's Life Group Meetings
Make sure everyone in your life group has a prayer partner.
Make plans for praying with your prayer partners on a weekly basis.
Plan a social event for your group to which you can invite some of the unbelievers you've been praying for.
