Dear Friends,
I hope you had a great Christmas. Just think, you can start the new year off right by seeking God first on the 1st! I start a new series on why deep lasting change is so hard. I am sure you or people you know may have decided to make big changes in 2017 or you might have given up on change altogether after many failed starts. God wants to change us for the good in every area throughout our lives
Romans 1:17: For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”
Why then is deep change so hard? God wants to affect and change every attitude into the mind of Christ.
Every action into the love of Christ.
Every habit of speech into the grace of Christ.
Every impulse into the glory of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:31: Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Sunday I will show you why you get stuck and how we can turn failed resolutions into a path of restoration. Let’s start out together on this series: “THE RENOVATION OF THE SOUL | SEEKING DEEP CHANGE”
Invite someone and come listen and learn. I can’t wait to see you.
Blessings,
Joe
STEPS TO PREPARE
PRAY FOR THE SERVICES AND FOR YOURSELF
AND ME AND THE OTHER TEACHERS.
PRAYERFULLY READ THE SCRIPTURES
AND CONSIDER THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.
MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND A PREACHING SERVICE AND A SMALL GROUP.
INVITE SOMEONE TO COME WITH YOU.
PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
- Do you or anyone you know have a new year’s resolution or goal for 2017?
- Why is deep lasting change so hard to do when the holy spirit wants it?
Gal 5:19-26 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, (20) idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, (21) envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (24) Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (25) If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. (26) Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
- What defines us more what we say we believe or actions?
Jn 3:7-8 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil, has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.
Mat 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- Describe how actions can define us?
- What is the relationship between faith and action?
Eph 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; (9) not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
- Describe how someone you know became better or really good at something?
- How did that happen?
- What part does practice play in in deep change?
Heb 5:12-14 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. (13) For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
1 Co 9:27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
- What are practices we can use to become more like Jesus in or words actions and reactions?
1 Ti 4:7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;2 Ti 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
- How can we pray for you specifically?
