Dear Friends,
Returning to simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ always takes some time and thought. Like cleaning out your closet or garage you have to decide what to get rid of and what to keep.
In following Christ, we must decide what is helping us know and love God and what is just taking up space.
This Sunday I will explain how to joyfully grow in following Christ spontaneously.
I pray you will come. These truths from Gods word can change your life.
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
Please read and consider the following scriptures and questions.
John 21:15-17 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.
Have you ever done the right thing for the wrong reason?
What can motivate individuals to do good works? ex. going to church?
What is the most powerful reason to follow God?
John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
How can we grow into a greater love for God?
1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us.
How can we know God loves us?
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Why is believing God truly loves you the hardest truth for many to hold onto?
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
What do you do to feel more aware of Gods loving presence?
What can be called Christian?