Rising Hope -- Psalm 33 -- April 28, 2019

GETTING STARTED
Why do we like superheroes so much?

We are wrapping up our series, Rising Hope, with Pastor Ethan’s message, “Living in Sustained Hope.” Jesus is not with us physically, yet we are called to put our full hope in Him. This week we seek to better understand what it means to live a life of hope in Jesus and what sustains our hope.

WE WANT TO:
- Distinguish between false hope and true hope.
- Understand why our hope in Jesus is secure.
- Walk with each other as we wait for Jesus’ second coming.

READ
Psalm 33

WATCH
https://youtu.be/Nh7HeTYr5s4

DISCUSS
1. What and/or who, other than God, do you put your hope in?

2. How have we emptied the word “hope” of it’s meaning?

3. Share about a time when you put hope in something/someone that failed you.

4. How has your hope in Jesus been challenged?

5. What has God done in your life that strengthens your hope in Him?

6. If we don’t mind waiting for people we love, what makes waiting for God so difficult?

7. What about God’s character shows us that we should put our hope in Him?

8. How, as a small group, can you remind and encourage one another to keep hoping in Jesus?

Rising Hope -- Galatians 5:1-14 -- April 13, 2019

GETTING STARTED

For Your Consideration:

This week we are engaging a topic that may yield very personal discussion. Please, do not share about someone else without first receiving their permission. Married couples, please ask for permission if you would like to share any details about another person’s life with your spouse.

What are a few of each generation’s (Boomers, Gen-X, Millennials, Z) stereotypical addictions?

We are continuing our series, Rising Hope, with Pastor Ray’s message, “Beyond Hope.” We have been challenged to press into the hope we have in Christ. We have been encouraged to trust that through Christ, we are delivered from our sinful habits and addiction. But, we realize that oftentimes deliverance from a behavior is a long journey; a journey that we need to walk with others.

WE WANT TO:
- Submit to Christ

- Seek Help from Others
- Serve Others

READ
Galatians 5:1-14

WATCH

https://youtu.be/0gppME8FfVE

DISCUSS

1. What do our addictions hold us back from?

2. What connections do you see between idolatry and addiction?

3. How does a good thing (e.g., religion, exercise, tasty food, staying healthy, fun, Instagram, work, achievement, etc.) become a bad addiction?

4. What does being a son or daughter of God––no longer a slave––mean for our addictions?

5. How does hiding your shame or wearing masks make knowing who God created you to be difficult?

6. Why is it important to gather with others in tackling your addictions?

7. What role does hope in Christ, as your deliverer, play in all this?

Break up into groups of men and women:
1. From what sin, habit, or addiction do you need freedom?
2. Spend some time praying for each other.

Rising Hope -- 1 Peter 1:3-13 -- April 6, 2018

GETTING STARTED
We’re in a new series: Rising Hope.  We will be talking about being in search of hope, how to find hope, how to have it in our lives, and what does hope mean.  We live in a culture that is moving rapidly where we see depression and suicide is on the rise. Social political debate are more cutting and divisive than ever.  What’s evident in our culture is the absence of real Hope. Our passage today tells us that we have a living Hope in Christ Jesus.

WE WANT TO:

- Look back at God’s saving work in the past

- Look forward to God’s saving work in the future

- Look into the Gospel of Jesus Christ

READ
1 Peter 1:3-13

WATCH

https://youtu.be/4UJ-aViHexo

DISCUSS

1. Have you put your hope in someone or something and they failed you?  Explain.

2. What is your understanding of God’s saving work in the Old Testament?

3. What is your understanding of the Gospel of Jesus?

4. When did Jesus become real to you?  Was there a sense of hope in life? Explain.

5. What do you want to do with the Gospel of Jesus?

6. Is there a specific person that you can share the hope of Jesus to this week?

7. What is the Holy Spirit leading you to this week?

Church of The Future -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- March 13, 2019

GETTING STARTED What are 5 things you are anticipating right now? This week we’re exploring Paul’s response to life after death for believers. In his reply, Paul makes three statements to the Christian community: (1) The resurrection of Jesus gives us confidence, (2) The dead and the living will come before Christ on His second coming, (3) There is hope beyond death. WE WANT TO: - Know that the bases of life are not the here and now. It is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus that gives us hope. - Look forward to Christ’s Second Coming. - Be encouraged in the midst of life because there is hope beyond death. READ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

WATCH
https://youtu.be/jSysQNUHos8

DISCUSS
 1. What is your initial reaction to this topic? 

 2. What do you think of when you hear the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus? How does it affect your life? 

 3. How would you live your life if you knew when Christ will return? 

 4. What is your understanding of the word “rapture”? 

 5. In light of the Second Coming, what steps can we take as a church to share the gospel of Christ to our community? How can your group keep each other accountable in this area? 

 6. Can you think of 3 names that you can share the gospel of Jesus with? What are practical steps that you can take towards sharing the gospel? 

 7. How can your group pray and encourage you?

Church of The Future -- 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 -- March 2, 2019

GETTING STARTED

Who are some people you respect and why?

This week we're exploring Paul's response to Timothy's report about Thessalonica. In his
reply, Paul provides three tactics for the church to win the respect of those outside the
Christian community: (1) demonstrating brotherly love, (2) minding one's own business, and
(3) working hard.

WE WANT TO:

- Better understand why people in our neighborhoods, work places, and local communities
show respect to others.

- Commit to a life of brotherly love, minding our own business, and working hard.

- Invite the Holy Spirit to show us the areas we need His help.

READ

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

WATCH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcMnzPPi2NA

DISCUSS

1. What do the terms “respect” and "contempt" mean to you? How do you define them?

2. What is Paul saying about phileo (“brotherly”) love in this passage?

3. How can our church increase in brotherly love? What can we do practically to
communicate love to one another (read John 13:34-35; Lev 19:18; 1 Pet 4:8; Rom 13:8; 1
John 3:18)?

4. What do you think it would have looked like to “lead a quiet life” in the ancient world (read
Job 3:26; 11:19; Ezek 38:11)? What do you think it would look like to “lead a quiet life”
today?

5. What steps can we take as a church to mind our own business? How can we hold each
other accountable to this in a loving manner?

6. How should we, as Christians, approach work? How does this differ from culture's
approach?

7. In what areas of your life do you feel like it would be challenging to apply Paul's advice?
Why?

8. Why do you think Paul teaches that demonstrating brotherly love, minding your own
business, and working hard will win the respect of outsiders/unbelievers? How does this
apply to winning respect today?

9. What is at least one area in your life that you would like to win the respect of unbelievers?
How can your group be praying for you in this?

Church of the Future -- 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 -- February 25, 2019

GETTING STARTED

This topic is about sanctifying our sexuality. Your small group may want to consider breaking into male and female groups. If you choose to break into male/female groups, make sure there is a leader in both equipped with these questions.

Who influenced you in the way you understood sexuality as a teenager/adult? Was this topic taboo or something you could easily talk about? Explain.

In this passage, Paul continues to encourage them to continue to walk with the Lord and grow in their sanctification. Specifically, Paul applies sanctification to their sexuality. 

WE WANT TO:

- Challenge our perspectives and that of our culture.

- Understand how sanctification should impact our sexuality.

- Pray for the Holy Spirit to aid us in walking in holiness.

READ

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

WATCH

Video on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTvAO3N-RPM&t=42s

DISCUSS

1. What does “sanctification” mean to you? How do you define it? (See three perspectives: Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:14, & Romans 6:22). How are you being sanctified now? Explain.

2. How would you respond to the statement, “All sex is good as long as you don’t hurt someone”? How would you rephrase that statement?

3. What does it look like for a church to control and honor God with our bodies?  What would the world/our culture say in response?

4. What other parts of Scripture shed light on this topic (e.g., Old Testament, Jesus, other writings by Paul, 1 Cor 6:18-20.)? How do we see God responding to those who have failed to control their bodies? (See David and Bathsheba, 1 Cor 5:1-5 & 2 Cor 2:5-8, 1 Cor 6:9-11)

5. What are some steps you can take to avoid sexual immorality? How can these help you live a sanctified and sexually pleasing life to God?

6. The church in Thessalonica had to make a strong stand against the behavior and attitudes of their culture to please God with their bodies. In what ways do we need to make a stand against our culture so we can please God, rather than culture? Explain.

7. How can you apply this message/discussion to your life? How can you help each other in your small group honor and control your bodies?

8. Are there other areas in your life you need to let the Holy Spirit work in your life to bring sanctification?

9. Take time to pray for our church in our sexual holiness and sanctification.

Church of the Future -- 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 -- February 17, 2019

Small Group Questions for Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. 
Pastor Ray will be preaching on the second of three prayers found in 1 Thessalonians. 

Enjoy the discussion with your group.

GETTING STARTED

What do you pray for most of the time? What are your top three prayer requests?

This week we're looking at three ancient but timeless prayers that Paul prayed over the Thessalonian church. These prayers are also for us and lead to a glorious future.

WE WANT TO:
- Trust the Lord and submit to His clear direction for our lives.

- Understand God's love for us so that it leads us to overflow with love for others.

- Partner with the Holy Spirit as He makes our hearts "blameless in holiness" for the day Jesus returns or calls us home.

READ

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. 

WATCH

Watch video

DISCUSS

Paul’s biggest concern is that the church will be able to stand "blameless in holiness" before God on the last day. Is that your biggest concern for the church today? Why or why not?

What three things does Paul pray for as he remembers the Thessalonian church?

First, he prays for a clear direction in order to be reunited with them. Review 1 Thess. 3:10. What does Paul want to accomplish in this visit? 

Why do you think Paul wants to “supply what is lacking in their faith”? How can we practice something similar with our friends and loved ones?

Second, he prays for their love to overflow. Who does he pray that they will love more?

Why is it important to love others in the church and outside the church? Why are both essential things to pray for?

Third, he prays that their hearts will be strengthened until Jesus returns. What do you think he wants them to be and experience in this life?

What is one area of your life you want to invite the Holy Spirit to change/develop so you can be “blameless in holiness” when you stand before him?

How does this change the way you will pray this week? Explain.

Church for the Future -- 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10 -- February 10, 2019

Pastor Mike Gliem is preaching on 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10.

Here are the video and questions to use for your small group.

Watch video here.

 Questions for Small Group

Who what the biggest influence in your life (e.g., spiritually, professionally, etc.)? Why?

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10

What is the difference between power and influence? From this passage, what makes someone a great influencer or minister? Why is Paul a great influencer? Explain.

How might God be leading you to be an influence in someone's life (or in the church)? Explain.

What was Paul’s Mission (e.g., what was his overall purpose with his work in the church in Thessalonica)? What is your mission in life?  Why?

What was Paul’s Method (e.g., how did he strengthen and encourage the church in the face of trials)? What is your method to strengthen the church?

What was Paul’s Motivation (e.g., what was the reason for his anxious heart and care for them)? What is your motivation to love people in the church and outside the church? Explain.

How can you follow Paul's example of deep love for the church? What must you adopt/do to love like he does?

 

What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you about your love and commitment for the church? How can you increase your influence on people's lives at Ambassador? Be specific.

Church for the Future -- 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 -- February 3, 2019

Pastor Ray will be preaching on 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 this Sunday. 

Watch the video with your group.

Here's some questions to guide your discussion.

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

Watch Video

 

What are your “first world” problems?

Has the Bible ever truly come alive to you? If so, describe how and why.

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16.

What is the reason for the church's growth and maturity (see 1 Thess 2:13)? 

If the Living Word of God (the Bible) is necessary for Spiritual Growth, why do we struggle with letting it grab our hearts and/or attention?  

How can God’s Word help you during times of opposition? How has it helped you before?

In verse 14, he says they became “imitators of God’s churches” in Judea. In 1 Thess 1:6 the talks about how they imitated the apostles and the Lord. How does this sharpen your understanding of imitating others for the sake of becoming like Jesus? What churches/Christians around the world inspire you? Why?

Read v. 16. Romans 12:19 says that God will avenge those who have been treated wrong by this world. Does this truth satisfy you? Do you think Christians in Iran or Egypt are satisfied that the Lord will avenge them for the wrong that was done to them and their families?  

 How can this passage help you grow in your faith? How can it help you love Jesus? Explain to the group.

Church For The Future -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 -- January 27, 2019

Hi Small Group Leaders,

This Sunday I will be preaching on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. Paul is overcome with opposition, yet he shows the church how he "walked with God" during such hard times.  He was able to do this because he spent many years walking with God so even when the rumors and attacks came, he just did what he always did...lived to please God, not men. 

Watch this 6-minute video and answer the questions below.

God bless.
Ethan

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM1TkfVL22Q

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

1.         Did you spread rumors when you were a child/youth? What rumors did you spread?   What rumors have affected your life? Explain.

2.         When people attack or oppose you, how does your fleshly instinct want to respond?

3.         When Paul and his companions were opposed, how did they respond?  Why is their response better than our “fleshly” response?

4.         Discuss the difference of pleasing others (or ourselves) opposed to living our lives to please God.  What do you think a successful “God pleasing” life looks like day-to-day?

5.         Paul says he loved them like a mother nursing her children. Describe what kind of attitude that entails. How can you love others in the church that same way?

6.         Paul also says he acted like a father to exhort, encourage, and charge them to “walk with the Lord” or “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord”.  How does this example balance with the picture of a nursing mother?

7.         The main point is that we are to “walk with the Lord”.  Paul shows us how he walked with the Lord during terrible times of opposition. How can you walk with the Lord today so that you can walk with the Lord when times of opposition and testing come?  Give a practical way you can build a habit to walk with God in 2019.

Church For The Future - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-12 - January 20, 2019

Hi Small Group Leaders,

Today we are studying 1 Thessalonians 1:6-12 and Pastor Ray will preach on that passage on Sunday.

We made a video to help you prepare and/or show to your group. This video is much shorter than last week, but we would love to hear from you how we can help refine and make this more helpful for you.

With your group, please read 1 Thessalonians 1:6-12.

 Watch Video Here.

1.  What stood out to you when you watched the video/heard the sermon?

2.  Have you ever bought an imitation handbag, watch, etc?  How did that work out?

3.  Do you feel comfortable being imitated by someone? Why or why not? Do we put too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect before someone can "imitate" us? Explain.

4.  How does "imitation" resemble what you know about discipleship?

5.  Talk about the impact this single, young church had around Asia Minor. What impact have churches made around here? Dream what could happen if we all imitated each other and the Lord?

6.  Describe how their lives were changed because of an encounter with Jesus (vs. 9-10).

7. Do you get excited to "wait for the Lord"? Explain your feelings?

8.  How can you apply this to your life? How will this week look different as a result of this passage?

Chruch for the Future - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 - January 13, 2019

Hi Small Group leaders,

We will be trying something new for this series and we'll try making some videos of what we are talking about on Sunday's message. This video can be used for you as you prepare or you can show it to your group. We hope these videos will help you understand the book better.

The first one is a bit long (14 minutes) and we'll make them shorter. Please give us grace as we get better as we go.  We will aim for 5-7 minutes in the future.

Please read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5.

Watch the video.

Discuss:

1.  What stood out to you when you watched the video/heard the sermon?

2.  When you think of a church (Ambassador or a former church), what do you pray for? Who or what do you pray for? Do you express thanksgiving for the churches salvation? Why or why not?

3.  Think about these words: faith, love, and hope. Why do you think he put hope last? What one would you emphasize? Why?

4.  Think about "work or faith", "labor of love", and "endurance of hope". Why are all three important? Why should they not be split up?

5. In verse 4, he thanks God for their "election" or for "God choosing them".  Why is this a beautiful reason for thanksgiving?  Does God's divine call on your life (or loved one's lives) inspire prayers of thanks? Should they?

6. How does this help you believe, belong, become who God desires you to be? How does this help you relax and serve God out of a desire to love him? 

The Church For The Future - 1st Thessalonians - January 6, 2019

Greetings Small Group Leaders. Happy 2019!
For this year, I'll be posting the small group discussions right on this page...no download needed.

Also, we'll be mixing it up this year and trying something new. Instead of the normal questions, we'll be trying some video interviews with myself, Pastor Cree, Pastor Ray and others. I hope it is helpful, but please let me know if it can be improved or if you have any ideas. I'd love to hear them.

Here's the first weeks study put together by Pastor Cree!

Welcome to the Future

Hope

 First, gather your small group and watch this video together. This video was made by the Bible Project and will give an overview of 1st Thessalonians.  

Mouth

What is your first initial reaction to this video?

Have you read or studied 1 Thessalonians before? If so, do you have any favorite verses or passages? Please share. 

Head

What is your hope for Ambassador Church in 2019?

What is your hope for your spiritual life in 2019?

(LEADERS: Take note of what is said and have them elaborate if you can.)

Heart

If Ambassador Church was no longer here, would the city cry?  Explain.

If not, what would a church need to do/be to make a city cry at its absence? 

(LEADERS: What I’m getting at here is to see if we’ve made our presence known?)

Hands

What are some steps you will take to advance God’s Kingdom in Ambassador Church, your community, and in your life/home?

(LEADERS: You could have them write it down and share in smaller groups.)

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No7Nq6IX23c&feature=youtu.be
Overview Poster: Click here.