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November 22, 2009

WE GROW TOGETHER

GETTING TO KNOW YOU…

1. We are now officially entering the Holidays which means getting together with family and friends. What do you look forward to the most?

2. Inevitably, family getting together can mean having to deal with some tough issues. What tough issues present the most difficult challenge for you?

DIGGING DEEPER

1. I Thessalonians 5:11 says; ‘So encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing.’ (TLB) a) What are some ways you have been spiritually build up or encouraged by someone in the past? b) How can we as individuals and as a group do a better job in building others up?

2. Romans 14:1; ‘Welcome with open arms fellow believer who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gentry.’ (Msg)
a. What does it mean when it says ‘Remember, they have their own history to deal with’?
b. What are some ways we can ‘treat them gently’?

3. Read Mark 2:21-22. What are some of the “Old’ things we sometimes try to hang on to?

4. Sometimes People Hide Behind a ‘Mask’ in their life. Paul refused to hide in his life.
‘We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can come and see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.’ 2 Corinthians 4:2 (Msg)

a. What are some of the ‘Masks’ you have seen people hide behind?
b. What are some of the ‘Masks’ you have hidden behind in your own life?

5. Read Ephesians 4:32. We are told to ‘Forgive one another just as God for Christ sake forgave Us.’ In Colossians 3:13 (NLT) it says; ‘You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.’
a. How Has God Forgiven Us? What was His Example?
b. How Does/Should That Apply To How We Forgive Others?
6. Read I Thessalonians 5:14 and discuss ways we should/can be applying it in our personal life… our Courage Crossing Group Life… and , our Church life.

TAKING IT HOME

Growing Together. We cannot Grow Spiritually unless we are Growing Together. As you go home, take some time and meditate, then pray about how you can personally make application of the message and lesson to help you help yourself to grow together with others.

PRAYER TIME