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Print this pageGod's Will: Blueprint or Game Plan? | Blueprint or Game Plan? | December 3-4, 2005 |
Growth Group Homework
For the week of December 4, 2005
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Because this is the last meeting of the fall quarter, the homework is shorter than normal. Most of your group time will be spent sharing and observing Communion together. Our Winter Growth Group quarter will begin the week of January 8, 2006. Merry Christmas!
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MY STORY
As we enter the Christmas season what are one or two things you look forward to the most? Any that you’re not looking forward to? As you look back on this quarter, what are one or two things about your Growth Group experience that you have appreciated most? (It can be time spent together, a service project, spiritual breakthrough, growth challenge, or anything else.)
GOD’S WILL: Blueprint or Game Plan?
1. During the past few weeks, we’ve seen how God is often at work in ways far beyond what we realize at the time. Are there any times from your own past where God was doing some cool stuff – but you had no idea at the time?
2. This weekend, Pastor Larry laid out God’s simple game plan and how to follow it. As you look back over your notes, was there a particular point or principle that you most needed to hear? If so, what was it?
Which principle or concept comes most naturally to you?
3. Read Psalm 33:6-11. How might a solid grasp of the truth in this passage impact your confidence in following God’s game plan for your life?
Psalm 33:6-11
By the word of the Lord were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
[7] He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;
he puts the deep into storehouses.
[8] Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the people of the world revere him.
[9] For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
[10] The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
[11] But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations. [NIV]
COMMUNION
1. God’s ultimate will for our life is that we know Him and experience the blessings that come from living our life for Him. The death of Jesus is what covers our sins and enables us to have a relationship with a holy and perfect God. Remembering this is why we as Christians celebrate the Lord’s Supper. As preparation for communion with your group, read 1 Peter 1:17-23; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25; and Matthew 20:28 reflecting on the Last Supper and what Jesus has done for you personally.
1 Peter 1:17-23
Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. [18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
[22] Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. [23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. [NIV]
1 Corinthians 11:23-25
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." [25] In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." [NIV]
Matthew 20:28
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." [NIV]
2. What are one or two things you are personally thankful to God for as you reflect upon and remember the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ?
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CHANGING LIVES!
In the last ten weeks over 550 of you have participated in more than 45 service projects to meet needs in our community – and to show God's love! I want to thank each of you for your commitment to making a difference for Jesus in North County. Below are a few more great opportunities that you may want to consider for yourself or for your group this Christmas season.
A great Growth Group or family outing, December 20 & 21.
December 15 through March 15.
As the New Year begins, watch for more opportunities to serve and make a difference in our community in the name of Jesus.
Have a great holiday season celebrating the birth of our Lord!
Pastor Dave Enns
and the Growth Group Team