Southeast Life Groups

Feb 8th, 2009 Sermon Notes

2009-02-05T11:18:00.001-08:00

Here you go. These are Rick Fyffe's notes for Sunday. Hope they help you with your Sunday Night Life Group Study.

Life in the Spirit

Lesson Two On: The Spirit as a Dove

Title: The Do’s and Do Not’s

February 8, 2009

Review:

1. The Holy Spirit & Water

2. The Holy Sprit as a Dove

3. Doves: Symbols of Peace, Gentleness, & Innocence

Lesson:

Question: How do I personalize the Holy Spirit as a Dove?

THE DO’s

Do Keep in Step With the Spirit, Galatians 5:25-26

Do Keep the Unity of the Spirit, Ephesians 4:3

Do Have Fellowship with the Spirit, Philippians 2:1

Do Pray in the Spirit, Ephesians 6:18

THE DO NOT’S

1. Do Not Blaspheme the Holy Spirit, Matthew 12:31-32

2. Do Not Resist the Holy Spirit, Acts 7:51

3. Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 4:29-32

4. Do Not Put Out the Spirit’s Fire, I Thessalonians 5:19

Sunday's Lesson notes

2009-01-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a discussion starter, then take a look at these notes for Sunday January 18th.

Lesson Three: Water and the Holy Spirit
Title: Extreme Makeover; Holy Spirit Edition
Primary Text: Titus 3:3-7

Review
Water and the Holy Spirit, Isaiah 44:3
The Holy Spirit at Jesus’ Baptism, Mark 1:9-11
The Holy Spirit at our Baptism, Acts 2:38

Introduction
The work of the Holy Spirit in salvation

Lesson Development: Titus 3:3-7

The Washing of Rebirth
A. Washing: Greek word, loutron: wash or washing
B. Rebirth: Greek word, paliggenesia: spiritual renovation
Root word: palin- again and genesis- generation or beginning. Paliggenesia is starting over, to be new, to be new again.
C. Washing: (Last weeks lesson: High Priest and washing)
1. John 9:7
2. Ephesians 5:25-27
3. Hebrews 10:19-22
4. Acts 22:16

Renewal by the Holy Spirit
A. Renewal: Greek word, anakainosis: to be made different from what you once were, not only different but better, it’s a qualitative word.
B. Life in the Spirit
1. John 3:2-8
2. I Corinthians 6:9-11
3. Romans 8:9-11
4. Romans 8:14-17

New Year...New Possibilities.

2009-01-13T07:37:00.000-08:00

I hope that this year is shaping up to be one full of challenge and purpose. I know that the resolutions are often short lived and the 'real us' begins to overtake the 'resolution us' in a matter of weeks. But please don't fear. Life is meant to be challenging. It is also not meant to be lived alone. Our Groups are more important now than ever. Coming off the holiday season, some in our groups will find themselves in some holiday debt, perhaps with a bit of buyers remorse and some guilt because their resolutions were broken in record time.

I know this sounds a bit depressing, but I do think it's helpful to understand that when you lead a group of 6 or more people, anything is possible. So, be aware, be encouraged and be hopeful. The group you lead has the potential to be a saving place for some. It has the potential to be a place of sanctuary and encouragement. It also has the potential to be a place that might change the world. God Bless here's to a year that will change the world!

Time to Connect!

2008-11-07T09:10:00.001-08:00

Currently we have around 10+ active life groups. Occasionally a few of these groups will combine on a sunday evening. What I would love to see happen is for all of our groups to connect together at some point during the year. We are able to do this because the number is still relatively small. What would you say if each group were to connect with each group once a month? this might be a great way to develop relationships with people that we don't normally see. And it might let us in on the stage of life we are in. Small children, empty nesters, singles etc. I know that it might be a bit uncomfortable for some, but the ultimate goal is encouragement and connection. Please let me know what you think as we ponder this idea.

Scott

Study questions for 11-02

2008-10-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

Title: What's Your Motivation?
Key Text: Romans 5:1-8

Introducation:
Though the Christian life is sometimes hard, in a Christ-centered life there is a place of victory over sin. It comes through faith as well as an understanding of who we are in Christ and how the Christian life is supposed to work. Read once again Romans 5:1-8 and discuss the following questions.

1) Identify a time in your life when you felt helpless? How do it feel? And who helped you?

2) How do you live a Christ powered life?

3) Everyone is motivated in different ways. Look back over the following stories and identify what motivates you and why?
-People Motivated by the World (Luke 15)
-People Motivated by Judging Others (John 8)
-People Motivated by Earning their Salvation (Matthew 20)
-People Motivated by Grace (Romans 5)

4) How do you gain victory in your struggle with sin? How do you move beyond your past mistakes and really experience God's grace?

discussion questions

2008-10-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Need some ideas for discussion? Here are a few questions to think about.

* Although Jesus knew He was going to miraculously feed the crowd He still tested Phillip about buying food, John 6:5-6. Was this fair? Why would Jesus do this? Do you think Phillip, and the other disciples, learned anything from this experience? What?

* The disciples were terrified when they saw Jesus walking towards them on the water, John 6:20. What was so terrifying? Would you have been frightened? Are we ever “frightened” by what Jesus does or wants to do with us? Does He test us in ways that we think of as frightening, demanding, or disturbing? Examples?

* After being filled with bread and fish the crowd wanted to make Jesus King, John 6:15. The next day they searched for Jesus to get more food, John 6:26. The “Lord’s Prayer” is an example of praying daily for food. But is there more to faith than my daily wants or needs? Jesus clearly wanted these people to understand that there was more to belief than getting food, John 6:27-29. What more is Jesus wanting?

What is the biggest need in your group

2008-08-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

As I've stated before, I know that all life groups are different. Each is unique and shouldn't be put into a specific category or be made to fit into a certain "life Group" box With this in mind, I am interested in what you see are some of the biggest needs in your specific group. Please leave a comment and let me know about those areas which could use help and 'imagining.'

Scott

Life Group Vision

2008-08-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

I've been here at Southeast for the past 10 years and I've seen life groups evolve considerably. In the beginning, when we held the life group leaders seminars and were launching the life group project, we had a specific focus and framework in which to fit this tiny little idea. There were covenants, oaths and vows made to each other. There were ideas and plans dreamed up by those who thought this would become the central point of connection for our people. What has happened, however, is that this is a point of connection...maybe not the central point. I feel that is still the Sunday morning worship time. But nevertheless, family has been created and relationships have been strengthened and deepened.

What I feel has been the biggest evolutions have been in purpose and style. Each life group has a personality of it's own. I don't think the 'covenant' group will see the light of day again seeing as how many lawyers we have in our congregation. I remember specifically the debate and irritation caused by a conversation in our group back in 2001 regarding the idea of a new covenant. Truth is, people will become as involved as they want to be. I've discovered that it really is impossible and detrimental to the system to force groups to act in a certain way. I like the organic nature our system has developed.

My point in saying this is to encourage you. Don't worry if you're group isn't as 'bible' based as others. Don't worry if your group isn't as 'social' as others. Your group is comprised of people whose backgrounds, life situations and personalities have determined your personality. It's ok. God will use it. The point isn't emulating the ideal group setting, it's relationship. I guess you could say that Spiritual relationships are the ideal. That is the purpose.

I'd love to hear your comments. Please feel free to post as much or as little as you would like and we'll begin the conversation.

Southeast Life Groups

2008-07-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Southeast Life Groups finally have their own web presence. WHat you will find here will be resources, suggestions and tips on how to maintain and improve the overall life group experience. Check back soon.