Luke 24:1-12 Rise Up! Easter Sunday April 1, 2018

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

On Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  This is the day the Lord has made.

Enjoy this wonderful passage of the empty tomb as it stuns the dissciples and has them marveling what happned to Jesus' body.  Was he alive like the angels said? Was something fishy going on?

Here's the Leader's Guide and the Participant's Guide. Enjoy your study and time with your small group.

Video: Chapter 6 of Leading Life Changing Small Groups

Hi leaders,
Here's another video from chapter 6. It is just under 5 minutes. Please watch and follow along with your book.

It is about how to measure the growth of your small group. In our last meeting, many of you were asking questions along these lines.  Keep pushing yourself as you become a better shepherd and leader of your group.

Let me know if you have any questions.

https://youtu.be/s-eZRCCErEA

Leading Life Changing Small Groups Chapter 5

Hi leaders,
Here is another very practical and helpful teaching video from Cree.
This is excellent and full of true and helpful guidelines.
It is just over 6 mintues long. Please watch!

Blessings.
Ethan

https://youtu.be/OX6wuyrsZ5o

Luke 23:26-56 The Two Sides Of the Cross March 25, 2018

This Sunday is Palm Sunday!  Pastor Ray will not be preaching on the typical Palm Sunday passage (entering Jerusalem) but will continue with the crucifixion narrative. This passage is amazing!

Highlights:
Simon gets roped into carrying Jesus cross, yet from what we can tell from the NT, he becomes a follower of Jesus. His plans were ruined as he planned to celebrate Passover, but this act made him unclean and unable to participate. His plans were changed, but so was his life.

Jesus teaches even until the very end. He loves, forgives, and saves. While the crowds were saying "Save yourself" Jesus turns and saves a criminal. Jesus was never about saving himself but always about saving the lost.

Creation mourns Jesus' death. Matthew gives even juicer details but Jesus' life and death touch everyone, alive and dead.

Joseph is a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who sentenced Jesus to death. Yet he went boldly to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body to give him a respectful burial. Joseph is a great example of a man who was silent in his faith, but this event broke him out of his private devotion to honor Jesus before all men. He could have been ashamed for not standing up for Jesus, but he found how own way at the perfect time. God has a place for slow, reluctant followers, nor does he give up on them.  Amen.

Here's the Leader's Guide and Participant's Guide. Enjoy your study.

Small Group Leaders Video on Tending to your Small Group Garden

Our own Cree Vang produced another video for your own training.
Your small group is a green house, not a factory. How can you care for your small group this semester?  Cree gives you some ideas all packed in 5 minutes.  Enjoy.

https://youtu.be/92POFnBJdI4

Let's participate in Christ's vision to build his church to bless this world.

Luke 23:1-25 The Blessing of Injustice March 18, 2018

This week's message is called, The Blessing of Injustice. Some people may think that is a typo because injustice can never be a good thing, however, it really depends on what side of justice you are on?

In today's Bible passage, there is a gross injustice as an innocent man is sentenced to a horrible death on a cross. However, because of this injustice, another man get's his freedom. Does this ring any bells? Does this sound familiar?  Could it be that we have more in common with a vile insurrectionist, robber, and murderer than we ever thought?

Here's the small group leader's guide and the participant's guide.

Also, please remember our small group leaders meeting at the Sunkist Campus on Sunday at 12:00 noon. We had a wonderful meeting in Brea last Sunday. Hope to see the rest of you there.

Blessings!

Luke 22:47-71 When Life Falls Apart March 11, 2018

This is one truly sad passage as Jesus is betrayed by one of his disciples and denied by another close friend. One of these men is eternally doomed and one finds forgiveness and hope. Even in Jesus final hours, he shows mercy and compassion.

Here's the leader's discussion guide and the participant's guide.

I hope it is helpful for you and your group.
God bless you all.

Small Group Leaders Update Meeting

We'd like to meet with you to see how things are going and get a quick update on your small groups. Please plan on being at one of these two meetings and invite your leadership team/spouses.  Lunch will be provided.  RSVP to me or Cree how many are going to attend (including children). 

March 11--Brea Campus at 12:30-1:30
March 18--Sunkist Campus at 12:00-1:00

Thank you. I look forward to seeing you there.

Luke 22:24-46 The Greatest: Serve and Suffer March 4, 2018

Hello Small Group Leaders,

Here's another small group discussion for this coming Sunday.
This is the last passage that Jesus has with his disciples before he endures the cross. He will touch on some topics related to being a servant and then he goes to the garden to struggle with God's will. In the end, he comes out obeying God and willingly submitting to the wrath that is sure to come. I hope this lesson is helpful to you and your small groups.

Please let me know how I can be praying for you and supporting you.

Here's the small group Leaders Guide and Participants Guide.