Why Bother?

With the craziness of life, some things just don’t seem worth the hassle.

[expand title=”Mission”]
27&28.may.2017
Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:11-12, John 20:19-21

Take a few minutes to review the Scripture from Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:11-12, and John 20:19-21. What verses or ideas stand out to you from these passages? What questions do you have? What would you like to remember and apply to your life?
Describe the pace of your life. Are you satisfied with your current rhythm? What are the big distractions? What changes are you considering? Is your pace of life drowning out your purpose in life?
Are you aware of your mission and purpose as a follower of Jesus? Read Matthew 28:19-20. Think about the way you live your life on a day to day basis. What mission do you most often tend to pursue in place of your true mission, which is to help others become disciples of Jesus?
What’s your “go?” What are some specific new ways you can bring a mindset of mission to your daily life? To whom can you listen patiently? Encourage graciously? Love unconditionally? Pray for specific opportunities this week to love others in normal ways, and also for the wisdom and grace to recognize and leverage those moments for the Gospel.

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[expand title=”Community”]
3&4.june.2017
Various Scripture

Take a few minutes to review the Scripture from John 17:20-21, Acts 2:42-47, Colossians 3:16, James 5:13-16, Hebrews 3:13, and Matthew 11:28. What verses or ideas stand out to you from these passages? What questions do you have? What would you like to remember and apply to your life?
Do you live in Biblical community? How strong is it? Is God using your community to grow you, provide for you, and protect you from sin? Are others being drawn to Jesus because of the way you live together with others?
Are you generous? What do you have to offer, that could be a blessing to others? Do they know it’s available?
Are you thankful? Are you skilled in the “art of receiving” the generosity of others? What do you need to ask for, to allow others to be a blessing to you?
How did God use community to bring you to faith in Him? What opportunities will you have this week to invite / include / initiate with others? Take few minutes to pray for the wisdom and courage needed to identify and leverage these Gospel opportunities.

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[expand title=”Prayer”]
10&11.june.2017
Daniel 9:1-10:16

Take a few minutes to review the Scripture from Daniel 9:1 – Daniel 10:16. What verses or ideas stand out to you from these passages? What questions do you have? What would you like to remember and apply to your life?
How much do you bother with prayer? Are you satisfied with the rhythm of prayer in your life? When are you most likely to pray? To avoid prayer? How can the Bible play a role?
What can we learn about prayer from the example of Daniel? Does your prayer time begin with confession? How often do you spend time simply thanking God for His power and presence? How does the example of Daniel change your outlook on prayer?
What are specific ways you can increase the frequency and impact of prayer in your life? Are you convinced it’s worth the “bother” to do so? Who can you be praying for this week, that they would encounter God? Who can you ask to prayer for you this week?

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[expand title=”Generosity”]
17&18.june.2017
Various Scriptures

Take a few minutes to review the Scripture from Luke 6:38, Matthew 6:19, Matthew 19:21-24, 2 Corinthians 9:10-11, and 2 Corinthians 8:7-12. What verses or ideas stand out to you from these passages? What questions do you have? What would you like to remember and apply to your life?
How much do you bother with being generous? Are you satisfied with the rhythm and level of generosity in your life? When are you most likely to be generous? To avoid generosity? How does the truth found in the Bible play a role?
Is your tendency to “over-spiritualize” giving, or to “under-spiritualize” giving? What changes are you considering?
What are specific ways you can increase the frequency and impact of generosity in your life? Are you convinced it’s worth the “bother” to do so? How can you be generous this week, in a way that helps others to encounter God? Knowing that generosity is a two-way street, who can you ask to be generous with you this week?

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[expand title=”The Local Church”]
24&25.june.2017
Various Scriptures

Take a few minutes to review the Scripture from Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 5:22-33, and Revelation 19:6-9. What verses or ideas stand out to you from these passages? What questions do you have? What would you like to remember and apply to your life?
How much do you bother with the local church? Are you satisfied with your involvement? What objections do you have when it comes to making a commitment to a local church? How can the Bible play a role in your understanding?
What are some characteristics you should be looking for in a local church? What mindset do you need to cultivate? Are you more “consumer” or “covenant” in your thinking about your involvement? How can you be praying for the elders in your church, and for your church overall?
Who do you know that currently does not have a local church family? Do you invite others to attend church with you? Would you consider taking that step? Take a few moments to pray for these people, that God would use the church to draw them to Himself.

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