March 7th, 2021

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 Primary Passages: Acts 5:3-4 and Psalm 139 

• Read Acts 5:3-4 What comes to mind about Ananias and Saphira? ○ Do we believe that we can 'hide' an aspect of ourselves from God either intentionally or otherwise? 

○ Phil made the observation that "they were NOT experiencing a deep, intimate, loving, live-changing union with God" and it had drastic consequences. He emphasized that they were "performing RELIGIOUSLY for the accolades of people" rather than intimacy with God. As a result, Phil challenged us with exercising a Prayer of Examen that David used in Psalm 139. 

• Read Psalm 139 through.Phil asks us to observe how David started (verse 1) and ended this chapter (verses 23-24). 

○ What do you find interesting about this? 

○ If God has searched him and knows him already, why does he need to ask God to do what God is already doing? 

■ David is inviting God to show him the places of his heart that he couldn't see for himself. 

○ What aspect of God is David describing in verses 1-4?

• Do we believe that God is omniscient or knows all? Do we truly believe that God knows all about us? 

○ If we truly believe that God knows all about us AND still loves us, then how should we respond/relate to Him? 

• What aspect of God is David describing in verses 7-12? 
• Do we believe that God is omnipresent or everywhere, simultaneously? Do we believe that God is everywhere with us? 

○ If we truly believe that God is WITH us AND FOCUSED on us, then how should we relate/respond to Him? 

• With this in mind, God is and has shown that we can trust Him and invite him to examine our hearts in order to do our homework this week: 
• Write out our own prayer this week by doing the following: 

○ 1) Acknowledge God's presence. 

○ 2) Celebrate the way God made you. 

○ 3) Invite God to show you the things you cannot see. 

○ 4) Ask Him to forgive, heal and restore you. 

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 next steps toward Jesus.