Citizens of Heaven | One Joy

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between 

(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing? 
• What can you thank God for this week?
• When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
• Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes 

(Sermon Discussion Questions) 

What does it look like for you to take all of who we are including our brokenness and leap into the arms of Christ? 

What are we adding to the cross that stops us from embracing the fullness of what Christ has already achieved on the cross?

What are we trying to prove to God to show we're worthy of His love? Do you try to measure God's love for you by your material wealth, health, or by your lack of things prosperity or property gospel?  Citizens of heaven eagerly await for the second coming of Christ knowing that even though we are outwardly wasting away we are being renewed spiritually Phil 3:20-21

Are you willing to pick up your cross and fully follow Jesus? If so, what does that look like for you? What are the things/distractions inhibiting you from picking up your cross for Christ?

How does Jesus' message of not trying to increase the number of followers for HIS early Christian movement, including giving the hard truth of a Christian walk, differ or is similar to the message the church today? 

Does our heart hurt seeing the brokenness of the world and lostness of the people who are apart from GOD in the world? Are we in prayer to be filled with a compassionate heart for those who don't know HIM? If not, how could we be more compassionate for the lost?

Have you ever felt that Jesus loves you more because you have more material than others?  Have you ever felt that He loves you less because you have hardships? 

Are we truly eager for the LORD, if so how does that look for you and the global church?

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans 3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer? 
• What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin, make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes

• People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look like during this season? 
• Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them soon? 
• Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take the next steps toward Jesus.