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Two Guys From Vista
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Print this pageJudges: | The Craziness Of Commitment | May 31-June 1, 2008 |
Growth Group Homework
For the week of June 1, 2008
This is our final week of the Spring Quarter. Along with an abbreviated study, you will take some time to reflect on your group experience and then have communion together. Your group will also fill out Feedback Forms about your group experience and your plans for the Fall. Growth Groups will take a summer break and resume the week of September 14. Have a great summer!
If you'd like to continue in a summer study, NCU has several classes throughout the summer. You can find a list of the classes offered on the back page of this homework. Watch the bulletin and hot sheet for more details.
MY STORY
Summer is just around the corner! Do you have any special plans, activities or prayer requests for the next few months?
This week we looked at the “Craziness of Commitment,” was there a particular point, comment, or verse that caught your attention, challenged you or confused you?
DIGGING DEEPER
God tells us He won’t put us in a situation that will force us to be unfaithful to Him (I Corinthians 10:13). No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. [NIV]
But even knowing this doesn’t mean it will be easy. How might the following verses help us remain confident even when our commitment is being challenged?
Ephesians 3:16-19
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. [NIV]
Psalm 89:9-13
You rule over the surging sea;
when its waves mount up, you still them.
[10] You crushed Rahab like one of the slain;
with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.
[11] The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;
you founded the world and all that is in it.
[12] You created the north and the south;
Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.
[13] Your arm is endued with power;
your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. [NIV]
1 Peter 4:12-19
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
[19] So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. [NIV]
Are there any other verses you would add to this list?
Which one is most important for you to remember, and why?
REMEMBERING GOD’S COMMITMENT TO US
An essential piece of working through the challenges and roadblocks we encounter in our commitment to follow Christ is teaming up and living life with others. Looking back at this past year how has your Growth Group experience encouraged, challenged or helped you remain faithful in your pursuit to follow Jesus?
One of the keys in remaining faithful with our commitment to follow Jesus is keeping our eyes on who God is and His commitment to love us. God knows we can forget this at times. That’s why Jesus told the disciples at the Last Supper to repeatedly come together and take communion. It would remind them of His commitment, love and faithfulness to them which were revealed in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
This week your Growth Group will conclude by doing as the disciples did and taking communion together. To prepare for this, read the following verses reflecting on Jesus’ commitment and work in your life as you follow Him.
Psalm 103:8-14
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
[9] He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
[10] he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
[11] For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
[12] as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
[13] As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
[14] for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust. [NIV]
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
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." [26] For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. [NIV]
North Coast U is a ministry of North Coast Church which offers short- term, non-accredited classes and seminars. To sign up, visit the booth in the plaza during the weekend services or sign up online at www.northcoastchurch.com/ncu.
MONDAYS – JUNE 9 – June 30
His Call to Follow - Monday, June 9 – One Night Only
Instructor Chris Brown $5 per Person
Ambassadors for Christ: Essential Skills - Mondays, June 16 & 23 - Two Nights
Instructor Alan Shlemon $15 Person; $25/two
Jewish Background of the Gospels - Mondays, June 9 & 16
Instructor Rabbi Barney Kasdan $15 Person; $25/two
Dealing with Difficult People I - Mondays, June 9, 16, 23 & 30
Instructor Jennie Jordan $25 Person; $40/two
Bible Basics - Mondays, June 9, 16, 23 & 30
Instructor John LeBlanc $25 Person; $40/two
Men & Women: What They Really Want - Mondays, June 16, 23 & 30
DVD Series by Drs. Henry Cloud & John Townsend $15 Person
THURSDAYS – June 12-July 3
Today's Israel - A Biblical Perspective - Thursday, June 12 - One Night Only
Instructor Rabbi Barney Kasdan $7 Person; $10/two
Irreconcilable Differences: Grounds for a Great Marriage –
Thursdays, June 12 & 19
Instructor Ned Mervich $15 Person; $25/two
Global Perspective: World Missions - Thursdays, June 12, 19, 26 & July 3
Instructor Casey Yorman $25 Person; $40/two
Video Production Part I - Thursdays, June 19, 26, July 3, 17, 24 & 31
Instructor Jefferson Drexler $30 Person; $55/two
COMING IN AUGUST – August 4-25
Digging into Genesis – Rabbi Barney Kasdan
Dealing w/Difficult People II – Jennie Jordan
Digging Deeper into the Bible – John LeBlanc
REAL MAN MORNING – Saturday August 9 8:30-10:00 AM
Come join us for this all man event. Pastor Jesse Bradley will be sharing his story about becoming a professional soccer player and the life lessons he learned about being a Real Man from a young athlete to a pro. This event is designed for men of all ages (boys to men). There will be free food (a continental "man" breakfast) and a full band leading us in worship. There is no charge for this event.