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Growth Group Homework

For the week of February 5, 2012

QUICK REVIEW: Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you? 

MY STORY
1. Have you ever engaged in a conversation with someone regarding whether the resurrection really happened?  If so, how did it go?  

2. Studies show 75% of Americans believe the resurrection to be true.   In light of this, why do you think so many choose not to follow Christ or live like this is true?

DIGGING DEEPER
1. Understanding who Jesus is and what he has done for us is the essential message of the resurrection.  The following passages all contain statements that Jesus made about himself.  For each one, identify what he says about himself and any ways you can think of how his description of himself can impact our lives as believers. 
      
Matthew 11:29 
    Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. _[NIV]

John 6:35 
    Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. _[NIV]

John 8:12 
    When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." _[NIV]

John 10:14-15 
    "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. _[NIV]

John 14:6 
    Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. _[NIV]

2. When someone decides to live in light of the reality of the resurrection, there is a cost involved, because anything worth much usually costs much.  How do Jesus’ words about the cost of following him in Luke 14:25-35 fit with your spiritual journey and/or experience in following him?
      
Luke 14:25-35 
    Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: [26] "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. [27] And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 
    [28] "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? [29] For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, [30] saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' 
    [31] "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? [32] If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. [33] In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. 
    [34] "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? [35] It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
    "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." _[NIV]

3. In reality, living out your faith is the best proof of a resurrected Jesus.   At North Coast, we have often called it being the “hands and feet of Jesus.”  How do the following verses reinforce this idea and describe what this looks like?
      
Matthew 5:13-16 
    "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 
    [14] "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. _[NIV]

1 Peter 2:15-17 
    For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. [16] Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. [17] Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. _[NIV]

Philippians 2:1-5 
    If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. [4] Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 
    [5] Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: _[NIV]
  
        Which of these verses powers you the most to live like Jesus? 

TAKING IT HOME
Looking back at this week’s teaching and study, is there anything you need to remember or anything you would like your group to pray for?

Prayer Requests:

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Desert Rat Experience - February 10-12
Attention guys with desert toys! It’s time again for the Desert Rat Experience.  This is a man's weekend designed for guys who are into all kinds of off-roading and includes plenty of riding and eating.  For more information or to sign up, visit northcoastchurch.com/rat. 
                                                        

The Great Escape – March 9-11
Ladies, grab your friends and head down to the Catamaran Resort in San Diego for the first Women’s Weekend Event!  Enjoy a relaxing weekend with breakout sessions, a banquet and special program.  For more info and to register, visit northcoastchurch.com/women.