Connection Remix Middletown

Unwrapping Christmas - The Gift Of Wonder

2009-12-24T04:03:00.001-08:00

First of all, read Luke 2:1-20. Maybe you’ve read it before and you know the story. But this time, take your time. Read it carefully. Try to put yourself in the scene. Imagine traveling with Joseph and Mary the 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Imagine the sights and smells of the animals in the stall when the baby is born. Imagine yourself sleeping on the ground with the shepherds. Imagine hearing and seeing the angel of the Lord and the celestial choir that comes to praise God. Imagine going into town, to the stable, and seeing the Lord, Jesus, the Christ, who has just entered the world….a baby wrapped in cloths, lying there in the manger. Take time to re-live this WONDERful event that we can so easily miss in all the hubbub of Christmas.

Read Matthew 2:1-12. Imagine yourself traveling with the Magi, following the star in the sky. Imagine your encounter with Herod. Imagine what it must have been like to finally, after all those miles of travel, come face to face with the child, Jesus. Imagine giving this child gifts, gold, frankincense, myrrh. And then the dream they had to return home by a different route. Again, take time to allow yourself to be filled with the WONDER of this incredible, awesome experience.

Go back and read the entire first chapter of Matthew. Matthew is writing for the Jews, and so it is important to show Jesus’ family back to Abraham, the Father of Judaism. It is interesting to note that in this family there is an adulterer/accomplice to murder (David), a prostitiute (Rahab), a foreigner (Ruth) and several other less-than-perfect people. It shows us the very human side of Jesus, the side of Jesus that we all share. As you read the second part of the chapter, Joseph’s story, try to relive the events and to capture the WONDER of what is happening here.

Read the first chapter of Luke. There’s a lot of wonder here. Elizabeth, previously barren, is pregnant in her old age. Imagine how Zechariah must have felt when he was given the news by the angel Gabriel. Revisit Gabriel’s visit to Mary to tell her God’s plan for her. Be there with Elizabeth and Mary as they share their experiences. Take time to read Mary’s song and Zechariah’s song and try to capture some of their joy as they celebrate God. Take some time to appreciate, again, the WONDER the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

Unwrapping Christmas - The Gift Of Obedience

2009-12-15T12:47:00.001-08:00

Kids come in all shapes and sizes. Some find it easier to be obedience than others. Were you a kid that tended to do what was expected, or did you tend to be disobedient more often than not? Has that carried into adulthood. Do you tend to be obedient or do you tend to “fight the rules” most of the time?

Do you find it easy to be obedient to God or more of a challenge? Has God ever called you to do something that was so far out of your comfort zone that you just didn’t feel like you could comply? What was that? Do you wish you had given it a try? Why or Why not?

Have you ever been called by God to something way out of your comfort zone that you did comply with, something to which you were obedient? What did you find when you did what you felt God calling you to do? Did God give you what you needed for the task? Were you able to see that “with God, all things are possible?” Did you have a faith growth, a spiritual growth as a result of being obedient to God’s call?

Other than Mary and Joseph, who is the character in Scripture you feel is most obedient to God? Why do you feel this way? Discuss this with another believer and see who they would say is most obedient and why.

Take some time and give thought to various things God might ask you to do. What is the one thing that you would find most intimidating, uncomfortable, objectionable, out of your comfort zone of all the things you might be called to do. What is it that would make this task one that you wouldn’t want to do?

Think about this…Jesus came not only to comfort the afflicted, but also to afflict the comfortable. Sometimes God takes us WAY outside our comfort zones in order to stretch us and to deepen us spiritually and to force us to fully rely on Him. Keep in mind also that He always equips us for the task to which He calls us.

What is it that God is calling you to now? Are you fighting it? What’s it going to take for you to be obedient to God’s call?

Unwrapping Christmas - The Gift Of Hope

2009-12-11T12:26:00.001-08:00

What was the most awesome thing you ever hoped for at Christmas as a kid? Did you get it? If so, was it really as awesome as you thought it was going to be?

What are you hoping for this Christmas?

Have your Christmas hopes changed over the years? How so?

What does Jesus as the Gift of Hope mean to you?

Family Matters- Forgiveness Brings Freedom

2009-12-08T10:18:00.001-08:00

Think about the Lord’s Prayer. It’s not just something that was made up. Jesus shared that prayer with His disciples as a model for how to pray. We find it in Matthew 6:9-13.

Think about what we are really saying when we say, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Are we asking God to offer us forgiveness as we offer forgiveness to others? Now that’s a little challenging isn’t it? I know it is for me. What does that mean to me if I am unforgiving of other people? Does that mean God will not forgive me? Wooooahhhhh.

Forgiveness is giving up all hope of a better past.

No matter how many times we re-live something, it never changes. We can never make the past better than it was. Is there something in your past that has a hold on you? Have you tried to let go? Have you sought help in letting it go? If not, maybe this is the time to seek that help.

It has been said that God never wastes a hurt. I don’t think that means that God brings hurt to us in order to use it for some good. On the other hand, I think it DOES mean that God can take the hurts we experience and bring some good out of them. Have you had hurt or pain in your life that God has brought good out of? Have you shared that with anyone? Is there someone who needs to hear your story in order to help with their healing?

Always remember, when we forgive someone, we are not saying that what they did to us was okay. What we are saying is that we are not going to be controlled by it any longer. It’s interesting….some people are still controlling us long after they are dead, long after they are in the grave. If that is true for you, is it time to let it go? Is it time to stop being controlled by the actions of someone who no longer is with us? If you need some help with this, let us know.

Family Matters- Facing The Tough Issues

2009-11-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

Is there a tough issue in your family that you are facing at the present time? Is it new, or something you’ve been dealing with for a while? Have you talked to the other person or people about it? Have you prayed about it? Is there any kind of resolution possible, or is it one of those things that you just aren’t going to be able to change? If you can’t change it, how can you not let it consume you?

King Phyrrus of Epirus defeated the Romans at Heraclea in 280 b.c. and Asculum in 279 b.c. His casualties were so great, though, that he said at the time, “If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly destroyed.” Thus, we have the term Phyrric Victory, where the cost of the victory in terms of casualties is so high, that it is hardly a victory at all. Think about some of the battles you are waging in your family. If you win, will it be a “Phyrric Victory?” Will the “cost” be so great, that the victory will look more like a defeat when it’s all said and done. Pick your battles carefully, and be sure the outcome is worth the price that will be paid.

Serenity Prayer

God…Grant me the serenity to accept the things

I cannot change, the courage to change the things

I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

What are some things going on in your family right now that you are not going to be able to change? Are you still trying to change them? What are some things you CAN change? Are you using your energy to do just that?

Here again is the weekly challenge….

Do you need to talk to a family member about a tough issue? Why not this week? If possible, do it face to face and alone. Prepare in advance. Be fair and respectful. Choose your words carefully and speak clearly and have this conversation just once. Don’t nag. Above all else…Pray, Pray, Pray. Remember the Serenity Prayer.

Family Matters- Seize the 3 C's When You Disagreeze

2009-11-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

In the book, The Dance of Anger, author Harriet Lerner offers some valuable questions to ask ourselves when we are feeling angry, questions that might help us stay calm as we deal with that anger. Think of someone, especially someone in your extended family, who you are upset with and ask yourself these questions:

What am I really angry about? What is triggering the anger?
What is the problem and whose problem is it?
How can I sort out who is responsible for what?
How can I learn to express my anger in a way that will not leave me feeling helpless and powerless?
When I am angry, how can I clearly communicate my position without becoming defensive or attacking?
What risks and losses might I face if I become clearer and more assertive?

If you have internet access, go to www.youtube.com and search for the song The Living Years by Mike and the Mechanics. Listen to the song, paying special attention to the lyrics. Remember this song when you think you have all the time in the world to reconcile the conflicts you have with someone else, especially someone in your family.

What is the major source of disagreement in your extended family? What can you do to help disarm this source of conflict the next time you meet?

Which is the most challenging for you…to be civil, calm, or clear? Pray daily this week for God’s help with all of these, but especially for the most challenging.

Family Matters - Having Realistic Expectations

2009-11-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

Much information for this message series was found in the book, Loving Your Relatives (Even When You Don’t See Eye to Eye by David & Claudia Arp and John & Margaret Bell, including these Re-mix questions.

“To grow up, it is necessary to forgive your parents. When you do not forgive them it means you are clinging to them in the hope that if you can make them feel guilty enough they will finally come through with more parenting.” (P. 35)

Do you agree, disagree, or a little of both, with what is said here? Is there anything for you to forgive your parents for? Have you done that? If not, what are you waiting for? Take some time an pray about it. If your parents are not still alive, do you still think it is possible to forgive them? Dead or alive, try writing a letter to your parents in which you forgive them. If they are alive and you need to share the letter with them, do it. Otherwise, dead or alive, just put it in a drawer. The act of writing the letter often is enough.

On p. 36 the Arps and the Bells say this:

Let us encourage you to never end a family relationship—even if you feel deep hurts from past offenses by family members. Realize over time things change. If you cut off the relationship and refuse reconciliation, the seeds of bitterness will remain and your heart will harden. Yuour anger and frustratin wil not go away just because you refuse to forgive or seek forgiveness.

Give some thought to what is written here. Is there a family member that you need to reconcile with? What would it take to make that happen? Pray, pray, pray about the situation.

On p. 38 we read:

Understand where your expectations come from by processing your history with your own parents and in-laws. Is your relationship with your own parents and in-laws positive or negative? If they have passed away, what was your relationship like before they died? Those relationships have a direct bearing on how you relate to the younger generation. If we were not affirmed and supported growing up, we may slip back into looking to others and affirmation and approval as if we were still children. If we were manipulated emotionally, we may unintentionally do the same to others. You might need to go beyond the examples of the family in your life and choose different role models to follow.

Give some though to what is written here. Does any of it ring true for you? If so, it might help to talk to a close friend about it, to share your feelings, to kind of bring it out and deal with it. And as always, pray.

iServe - Open the Floodgates

2009-11-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

When it comes time for the offering at church, do you think of it as a necessary evil, an act of obedience, an opportunity for thanksgiving, an extension of worship, or a combination of more than one of these?

Is putting money in the offering bag like putting a donation in at the Little League field? How is it similar? How is it different?

When you hear talk about money at church, do you react negatively, positively, or neutrally? Take a couple of minutes and consider WHY you react as you do? What causes that reaction? Do things from your past affect how you feel currently?

As we said in the message, tithing is giving 10%, ideally the first 10% of what comes in. Think about how much you give and calculate what percent that is of what you make. How close are you to tithing? What would it take for you to begin tithing? Do you need to ease into it, a few percentage points at a time, or are you willing to plunge all in?

As we said in worship, what would happen if for a month or two you tried tithing, taking 10% right off the top? What’s the worst that could happen if you tried this and it didn’t work out for you? What’s the best that could happen if you tried it and it DID work out for you?

iServe - Partnering with God

2009-10-26T13:08:00.001-07:00

Read Luke 1:26-38. The story of God partnering with Mary to bring Jesus into the world is the greatest example of God partnering with a human being. Other than this one, what is your favorite example from Scripture of God partnering with someone. What makes it your favorite?

What is your favorite example outside of Scripture of God partnering with someone, someone well-known? What makes that your favorite?

What is your favorite example of someone you know personally who God has partnered with? What makes it your favorite?

Is God currently partnering with you? In what area? Are you using your Spiritual Gift(s)? Are you passionate about where you are serving? If not, where could you use your Spiritual Gifts and be passionate about where you are serving?

iServe - Cruise Ship or Battleship

2009-10-25T04:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been on a cruise ship? If so, what did you like best about it? If not, does the idea of a cruise appeal to you? Why? What is it about cruise ships that is so appealing?

Are there aspects of a cruise ship that make it appealing as a metaphor for church? What are they? What are the aspects that make it not such a good metaphor for the church?

What is the closest you’ve ever been to a battleship? Served on one? Had a tour of one? Seen one on TV or in the movies? What thoughts/images come to mind when you think of a battleship? Are these positive or negative? Is the battleship a good metaphor for the church for you? Why or why not?

On Sunday, we compared the church to a battleship and said the crew members should be equipped to succeed in carrying out their mission. Are you so equipped? If not, who are you going to share that with so that they can help you get equipped?

We also said that crew members should be able to contribute in significant ways to the mission of the ship. Are you able to so contribute? If so, how so? If not, what would it take for you to be able to so contribute? Are you willing to share that with someone?

iServe - Team United vs Team Untied

2009-10-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to you to be part of a team? Are you currently part of a team? Where? Is that team “united” or “untied”?

During your lifetime, what is the best team you’ve ever been a part of and what is the worst team you’ve ever been a part of? What made the teams so good or so bad? Can you use this knowledge to make any current teams you are a part of better?

Oftentimes in traditional churches, the term “committee” is used when talking about a group of people working together at the church. At Connection we like to use the word “team” instead. What images come to mind when you hear committee? When you hear team? Is there much difference?

Are you currently part of a team at Connection? Is the team “united” or “untied”? What is it that is making it one or the other? If you feel it is more “untied,” is there anything YOU can do to change that?

How about your home team? Is that team “united” or “untied”? If you answered “untied,” what can you do to change that? If “united,” what is it that makes it united and how can you help that to continue?

iServe - Anatomy of a Servant

2009-10-11T03:09:00.001-07:00

If you hear the word “servant” what images come to your mind? Are they positive or negative? In our culture, is being a servant something people would strive for, or something they generally would want to avoid? What about you? Does the idea of being a servant appeal to you?

Read John 13:1-17. Now close your eyes and imagine Jesus washing your feet. How do you feel? Does it make you uncomfortable to think that God’s son is on his knees, washing your feet? How can we serve others sacrificially without making them feel uncomfortable?

When was the last time someone served you, other than a waiter or a waitress in a restaurant? How were you served? Did they do a good job? What was it about the way they served you that made it a good or a not so good experience? What can you learn from that will help you serve better?

Other than Jesus, who do you think is the ultimate servant in the Bible? Why did you choose that person? Do you share any qualities with them? What can you learn from them to make you a better servant?

Where is God calling you to serve? At home? At work? In the church? In the community? Not sure? Keep praying, seeking God’s direction and guidance.

Unbound - Successes

2009-10-11T03:08:00.001-07:00

READ Genesis 32 & 33.

When Jacob encounters his brother, Esau, he seems different than he was prior to his wrestling match with God. How is he different?

Have you ever wrestled with God? If so, did your life change as a result? If not, is there anything you need to wrestle with God about now? What’s holding you back?

How would you define success for your life? How would Jesus define success for your life? Are the definitions different? How so?

Are successes in your life getting in the way of you receiving all God has in store for you, getting in the way of fully connecting with Jesus and the life He offer? What can you do to change that?

God blessed Jacob, even though Jacob was a conniver. He blessed David, even though David was an adulterer. He blessed Moses, even though Moses was a murderer. What does this tell you about God? What does it tell you about your relationship with God?

Unbound - Sins

2009-09-21T07:43:00.001-07:00

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift

of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 (NIV)

Think about the key words in this Scripture passage. Think about “wages.” It’s what we get for what we’ve done. What we get for what we’ve done. If what we’ve done is sin, then what we get is death. But we all die, right? What kind of death is Paul talking about here?

Think about the word “gift” in the passage above. What are the necessary conditions for something to truly be a gift? Freely given, no strings attached? So what is the gift God wants to give us and what is the cost? If you haven’t received the gift, why not?

If we claim to be without sin, we

deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

I John 1:8 (NIV)

The simple fact is, we are all sinners. When we think otherwise, we deceive ourselves, just as we are told in this passage of Scripture. Have you accepted the fact that you are a sinner? Have you acknowledged that to God? Or are you still trying to pretend otherwise, somehow thinking that God doesn’t know, while only deceiving yourself? If you haven’t had a heart to heart with God about your sinful nature recently, perhaps now is the time.

On the other hand, it isn’t difficult for many of us to admit that we are sinners. What is difficult is to accept the fact that God is that God gave His one and only Son so that we might be forgiven of that sin. That gift is so extravagant that it is difficult for many of us not only to understand, but to accept. But until we accept it, it’s not ours. If you haven’t accepted this gift, what is keeping that from happening? If you have, have you offered a prayer of thanksgiving today for that gift?

Unbound - Secrets

2009-09-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a secret that you tried to hide from God, or at least, didn’t talk to God about? Did you end up sharing it with the Holy One? If so, what happened? If not, why not consider doing that?

Have you ever been bound by a secret? Did you finally share it with someone? If you did, what happened when you shared it? How did you feel? If you haven’t, do you need to share it with someone you can trust?

Who is it in your life that you could share your deepest, darkest secret with? If you don’t have such a person, would you consider praying to God to help you develop such a relationship with someone? Would you consider making that prayer right now?

Read the 10^th chapter of the Gospel of John. What is Satan’s reason for being? What is Jesus’ reason for being?

Sometimes we allow someone else’s secrets to bind us up, especially those of family members. Loyalty to family members is important, but not when keeping those secrets binds us and keeps us from enjoying the life we’ve been promised by Jesus. What will it take for you to be truly free to enjoy the life Jesus has to offer? Are you ready to pray for God’s help with that?

Play Ball - Swing for the Fences

2009-09-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Why is lukewarm so bad? Have you felt that from other people in your life? Why is lukewarm worse than cold?

Where is it in your life that you are neither hot nor cold, where you are lukewarm? Home? Work? Church? Relationship with Spouse? Kid?

What would it take to change that relationship from lukewarm to hot, to swing for the fences? Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to pray for God’s help in doing that?

Read Revelation 3:17-18

Do you ever feel that you are rich, that you kind of have it all together and don’t need anything? Or do you realize that you are wretched, poor, blind, and naked, at least, without Jesus?

In this passage, Jesus counsels those he is talking to to buy from him “gold refined in the fire…..white clothes to wear…..and salve to put on your eyes.” What is Jesus talking about with this gold, these clothes, and this salve? If we were to buy these things from Jesus, what would the price be? How would we pay the price?

Are you willing to Swing for the Fences in your relationship with Jesus? What does that look like for you? What needs to change? Are you willing to pray for that change?

Play Ball - Stepping up to the plate

2009-08-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

Think of at least three examples from the Bible of people who stepped up to the plate (other than the ones we gave on Sunday).

What happened as a result of their stepping up? What would have happened if they HADN’T stepped up?

Was there a time in your life when God has called you to step up to the plate and you did? What was the result? Did it make you want to step up again?

Can you think of a time in your life where you felt God calling you to step up to the plate, but you chose not to? What was the result? Were you sorry you hadn’t stepped up?

Where do you feel God is calling you to step up at this point in your life? What is it that is keeping you from doing that? What’s it going to take to step up?

In the story of the paralyzed man whose friends lowered him through the roof to see Jesus, it was the friends who really stepped up to the plate to help their friend. Do you have a friend who needs you to step up to the plate to help them find Jesus?

Play Ball - Spring Training

2009-08-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

In your Spiritual Spring Training, what Spiritual Discipline needs your most immediate attention? Prayer? Fasting? Tithing? Bible Study? Meditation? Solitude? Other?

All Scripture is inspired by God…. That’s how the New Living Translation of the Bible translates 2 Timothy 3:16a. The New International Version translates it like this: All Scripture is God-breathed…. What does this mean to you? What is the connection between God and this book we call The Holy Bible?

Sanctifying grace is that aspect of God’s unconditional love that draws us ever closer to God’s holiness. What is it in your life that needs to change to allow you to better realize God’s holiness in you? In other words, what is it that is keeper you from getting closer to God?

If you limit [Jesus] by your experience, your theology, and your hopes and expectations, your will end up with something less than a Savior and more like a carpenter.

M. Craig Barnes

An Extravagant Mercy (p. 214)

How are you limiting Jesus? What is it in your life that is keeping your from experiencing all that Jesus has to offer? Are you looking for the carpenter to fix things in your life, or are you calling on the Savior to transform your life?

For God so loved YOU that he gave his one and only Son, that when YOU believe in him YOU shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (NIV w/ some minor adjustments)

What’s keeping you from fully accepting this verse? Can you pray to God to remove whatever it is that’s keeping you from making it yours?

Beach Party - The Sun

2009-08-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

Are you surprised with Jonah’s response to God’s kindness to the Ninevites? Do you think Jonah had good reason to be upset?

Do you ever feel resentful when something good happens to someone else? When someone else gets a second chance? Where do those feelings come from?

What temporary things are YOU more concerned with than the eternal destinies of other people?

What can you do to keep yourself from becoming uncaring about others, especially those outside the faith?

As you review Jonah’s story, are there areas/relationships in your life in which God is inviting you to move beyond your comfort levels to extend kindness and compassion, to extend a second chance?

Beach Party - The Sand

2009-08-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

Read Jonah chapter 2

“From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” (v. 2b NIV)

Have you ever felt like this? When? Who did you call to for help? Did you get the help you sought?

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”(v. 8 NIV)

What is meant by this?

Have you ever felt that God allowed you some short-term challenges in your life in order to get your attention, in order to bring to back to Him? What were they? Did the challenges bring you closer or further from God?

Read Matthew 12:38-41. Consider Jonah’s three days in the belly of the fish. How is Jonah similar to Jesus? How are they different?

Has God given you a second chance? When? What did you do with it? How many second chances have you had? Again, what did you do with them?

Beach Party - The Surf

2009-07-29T08:21:00.001-07:00

We talk about the difference between love as a “feeling,” and love as a “decision.” What does this difference mean to you?

Have you ever made the “decision” to love someone? Has that presented challenges to you? How did you deal with those challenges?

When we talk about “staying in love with God” through worship, thanksgiving, and praise, through prayer and fasting, through reading Scripture, and through serving God and others, it seems fairly doable. What is the major stumbling block for you when it comes to putting these disciplines into practice on a regular basis? What would it take to remove that stumbling block?

We talked about feeling far from God. Has that ever happened to you? What caused it? How did feel? What did you do to try to feel closer? Did it work? If not, what did you do then? How close to God do you feel right now?

I John 4:19 (NIV) tells us:

We love because he first loved us.

When are you most aware of God’s love in your life? Least aware? Do you find yourself to be more loving when you are more aware of God’s love in your life?

Three Simple Rules - Stay In Love With God

2009-07-29T08:20:00.001-07:00

We talk about the difference between love as a “feeling,” and love as a “decision.” What does this difference mean to you?

Have you ever made the “decision” to love someone? Has that presented challenges to you? How did you deal with those challenges?

I John 4:19 (NIV) tells us:

We love because he first loved us.

When are you most aware of God’s love in your life? Least aware? Do you find yourself to be more loving when you are more aware of God’s love in your life?

Three Simple Rules - Do Good

2009-07-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Do you believe that people are basically bad or basically good? Why do you believe that? What effect does this have on this idea of “doing good?”

What does “do good” mean for you? Would that mean a radical change in your life, a moderate change, or not much change at all?

If it means change, what would it take for that change to occur?

Doing good is not always an easy thing to do. For example, have you ever thought you were doing someone good, when in fact, you were doing just the opposite? What went wrong? How could you have changed that?

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said:

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.

Are you living this out? If not, what would it take for that to happen?

In Romans 12: 21 (NIV), the Apostle Paul writes:

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

What does that mean to you and how can you live that out?

Three Simple Rules - Do No Harm

2009-07-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

One Prayer 2009 - God is Out of Control

2009-06-29T05:06:00.001-07:00

When in your life did you most try to control God, give God direction as to what to do, and it seemed that God did not pay attention to what you were telling God to do? How did you feel?

Sometimes to “Let Go and Let God” means we have to let go of some preconceived notions of who God is and what God will do. If you already have done this, what did you have to let go of? If you haven’t done this yet, what preconceived notion of God do you most need to let go of?

Has there been a time in your life when Jesus showed up when it appeared to be too late, after the fact, when death (of one kind or another had already occurred)? What happened after Jesus arrived? Was there resurrection of one kind or another?

Read the story of Job from the Old Testament (or re-read it if you’ve read it before). Pay special attention to chapters38-42.

Some would say the most Out-of-Control thing God the Father has ever done is sacrifice His Son for you and me. Do you agree or disagree? Either way, why would this be considered so Out-of-Control?

One Prayer 2009 - God is Love

2009-06-15T07:30:00.001-07:00

Is it hard for you to understand how God could love you? What makes you feel most underserving of God’s love?

Do you feel insignificant? When do you notice this the most?

Who is the God YOU believe in? The God who waits for you to mess up so that He can send you to hell? Or the God who loves you?

Give some careful consideration to this!

What is the difference between God loves and God is love.

What changes do you need to make to be able to accept God’s love for you?

One Prayer 2009 - God is Creative

2009-06-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

Read the first chapter of Genesis. Don’t rush through it, but take your time. You might want to take several days to do this, maybe even a day for each day of creation. Carefully read what God did on each day and give it careful consideration. Keep in mind that a lot is packed into each sentence. For example, there’s the sentence: “Let the land produce vegetation; seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds (Gen 1:11 NIV).” Take some time to think about all that God created in the space of that one sentence.

Write out the number 10²¹. That’s a 1 followed by 21 zeros. That is the estimated number of stars in the sky. And each one of them is unique. When you consider that God created each and every one of those stars, how does that make you feel about this God of creation.

Where in your life do you most notice God’s incredible creativity?

Look closely at the swirls on your finger that make up your fingerprint, realizing that out of the billions and billions of people God has created, no one else has that same fingerprint. Look at your hands, the lines, the wrinkles (if you have them) the freckles, the scars…..no one else has hands like yours. Bit by bit, consider your whole being. Look closely at your face in the mirror, into your eyes. One of a kind. Never to be seen again. Give some thought to who you inside, I don’t mean your stomach and intestines, but who you are, your personality, your likes and dislikes, etc, etc. Again, never repeated. Give some thought to the idea that you are a unique creation of the creator of the universe. How do you feel? What would you like to say to God about that? Why not talk to him about it?

The Life He offers... A Life of Building Up

2009-06-03T11:29:00.001-07:00

A Bag of Tools by R. L. Sharpe

Isn’t it strange how princes and kings,

and clowns that caper in sawdust rings,

and common people like you and me,

are builders for eternity?

Each is given a bag of tools,

a shapeless mass, a book of rules;

and each must make ere life is flown,

a stumbling block or a stepping stone.

Considering your tongue as the tool, are you building stumbling blocks or stepping stones for those around you. In other words, are you building others up or tearing others down?

After the message Sunday, someone refered to the three questions to ask when talking about someone or talking to someone as The TNH TEST. I was saying was building up rather than tearing down. How about you? Have you used the TNH Test yet?

When was the last negfest that you were a part of? What could you do to avoid them in the future? How could you disengage from a negfest if you became involved in one before you realized it?

Why would being part of a negfest be dishonoring to God? How is doing the THN TEST honoring to God?

Why is gossip so dishonoring to someone? When was the last time you gossiped?

The Life He offers... A Life of Letting Go

2009-06-03T11:28:00.001-07:00

We live in a society where the constant goal is to make life easier. We have timesaving devices in our kitchens, our offices, and even our cars. So how strange it is to hear Jesus warning that following him involves a lot of striving. If he isn’t going to make our lives easier, why bother? Because he alone can lead us to salvation. Yet getting to that salvation is like struggling to squeeze through a narrow, little door.

In fact, the door is so narrow that we can’t hold onto anything and still make it through. Not our trophies and achievements. Not our relationships. Not even our dreams. We have to drop them all if we’re going to fit through the door called salvation. Yet that is just one of the ways Jesus leads us to hope. None of these things we are holding will save us. Only Jesus, and we have to come to him empty-handed.

M. Craig Barnes, An Extravagant Mercy, (p. 190)

What are you holding onto that won’t allow you to squeeze through the door? Why is it so tough for you to let it go? What’s it going to take for that to happen?

Right now we are living at a time when things, especially economic things, are pretty crazy. What are you clinging to for your security and hope? If it is anything other than Jesus, is it truly something you can count on?

¹As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. ²He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ³"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ⁴All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Luke 21:1-4 (NIV)

Some people would say that this woman was goofy, putting all she had into the temple treasury. What would you say? Is money, or the love of money, keeping you from squeezing through that narrow door? What are you going to do about it?

Is the inability to forgive someone keeping you from squeezing through the door? Have you taken it to Jesus in prayer? If not, why not do that? Have you talked to someone about it? A professional? Perhaps you should consider it.

Do You Love Me?

2009-05-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

Read John 21:15-19. Why do you think Jesus asks Peter the question, Do You Love Me? and none of the other disciples?

Close your eyes. Imagine you are looking into the face of Jesus and he is looking into yours. Picture him asking you: Do You Love Me? What is the initial feeling you get when you hear Him ask you that question? What goes through your brain? What is your initial answer? Then think about the question for a couple of minutes. Is your answer the same?

If your answer is YES Jesus, I love you, imagine Jesus then telling you to feed his sheep. What is your response? Are you already feeding? If not, what would it take for you to start doing some feeding?

If your answer is NO Jesus, I don’t love you, how do you feel when you say that to Jesus? Do you wish your answer were yes? What would it take for that to be your answer? Is that possible?

In his book, An Extravagant Mercy, author M. Craig Barnes says this:

Christian leaders are not invited into service because they are so talented that God has to have their help. Neither are they necessarily attracted by the responsibilities. Like the first disciples, they eventually become leaders only because they first fell in love with Jesus of Nazareth. They love him so much that they are willing to follow Jesus wherever he leads. In time they make the frightening discovery that Jesus has led them into overwhelming challenges where they are beyond their means to be of help.

It is then that Christian leaders realize that their power resides neither in their talents and abilities nor in the esteem of their office, and certainly not in their popularity with the people. As they get near the cross, the come to see that if there is any power to be found, it can come only from a Savior.

An Extravagant Mercy (p. 121)

Give some thought to what Barnes says here. Do you agree with what he says. Has this been your experience? Have you been led into overwhelming challenges? If so, how did you respond? Is the thought of being led into overwhelming challenges something that keeps you from wanting to all-out love Jesus?

Healthy Living - Honor Your Parents; Honor your Children

2009-05-12T17:01:00.001-07:00

As a parent, what is your greatest challenge when it comes to your children? Are you still able to honor them in the midst of this challenge?

If not, what steps could you take to change this?

Do you have trouble getting your children to obey you? How old are your children? Do you have different expectations from your children depending on their age? One thing we need to remember….even our teenagers still need our guidance, still need to listen to us, still need to obey us. Teenagers need and want boundaries, guidelines, and rules, even though at times they fight us on these things.

What is your greatest challenge when it comes to your parents? Are you still able to honor them in the midst of this challenge? If not, what steps could you take to change this?

One very important role of parents is to be God’s representatives in the household, to be the hands and feet and voice and ears of Christ in our families. That means that we expect them to be obedient, as God expects us to be obedient, and yet we love our children unconditionally, even when they are disobedient, as God loves us. Do you find this as challenging as we do? Our only hope here is to look to God for courage, strength, and guidance through prayer.

Is there something you need to forgive your parents (or a parent) for? What would it take for this to happen? Keep in mind, when we forgive, it isn’t to let the other person off the hook, but to allow us not to be kept prisoner by whatever it is any longer. If you would like to forgive but are having trouble, please seek help through the pastors.

Healthy Living - Submit to one another

2009-05-11T18:17:00.001-07:00

Many people say that a good marriage is a 50-50 thing. This only adds up to 100%. Since there are two of you, shouldn’t the total be 200%? What would happen in your marriage if you decided to make it a 100-100 thing?

What if you decided to make it a 120-120 thing, where each of you went beyond 100%. Would that improve your marriage? If so, why not try it?

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

The challenge for many of us is this….who’s going to go first? Hey, here’s an idea….why not make it you, since you’re the only one you can control anyway. Who knows what your partner might do when he/she sees you acting so differently.

Husbands…you’re called to lead you household. As Eugene Peterson translates it in The Message, “The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing.”

Look up the word “cherishing” (or ‘cherish”) in the dictionary. What does it say? Are you truly cherishing your wife? If so, keep up the good work. If not, give some careful thought to how you might make this central to your relationship.

“Wives want to be loved. Husbands want to be respected (or honored).”

Do you agree or disagree with this statement. How does this play out in your day-to-day life and activities? If it doesn’t, what would it take for that to happen?

Husbands….when was the last time you wrote your wife a love letter? If it’s been more than a month, why not write one to her now?

Wives…when was the last time you told your husband how much you appreciate all he does, how much you respect and honor him? If it’s been more than a month, why not do it today, or at the latest, tomorrow.

Husbands and wives…why not make this a part of your relationship with your spouse?

Healthy Living - Be Children of LIght

2009-05-11T18:16:00.001-07:00

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light.” Ephesians 5:8 (NKJV)

Do you remember when you were in darkness? Are you still there at times? When that happens, what do you do? Have you tried prayer?

What does it mean to be light in the Lord?

Are you walking as a child of the light? If so, what does that mean? If not, what needs to change in your life for that to happen?

Verse 18 tells us: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.”

If we are filled with the Spirit, our lives will bear fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us what this “fruit of the Spirit” looks like. Read this Scripture. Are you exhibiting “fruit of the Spirit?” If not, what is it that is blocking the fruit from coming forth? Have you prayed to God to take away that blockage so that the Spiritual fruit may come forth?

Verse 20 tells us: “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Do you give thanks for all things? How would your life change if starting today, you made a concerted effort to do just that? How would the lives of those around you change? Consider giving it a try!

Healthy Living - Live a Life of Love

2009-05-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

What is your greatest challenge when it comes to living a life of love, a life of imitating Christ?

Who is the hardest person in the world for you to love? Have you prayed to God to help you somehow love that person? Can you do that now?

Do you find it easy to take a “It’s Not About Me” attitude, or do you find yourself frequently asking, ”What About Me?” If the latter is the case, what would it take to change this?

Do you consider yourself one of God’s holy people? If so, what does that mean in terms of your day-to-day living? If you don’t consider yourself one of God’s holy people, what would it take for that to change?

If tomorrow it were illegal to be a Christian in this country, would there be enough evidence to convict you of this crime?

The Beginning of the End

2009-05-11T18:12:00.001-07:00

Many in the crowd on Palm Sunday were hoping for the Messiah to be a king like David was. In other words, they were hoping that Jesus was something other than who he was. Have you ever had similar hopes? Have you hoped that Jesus would be different than who He is? In other words, what kind of a Savior have you been looking for?

Jesus took the role of a servant and washed the feet of the disciples on the night of the Last Supper. He was modeling for them and for us. Where is it in your life that Jesus wants you to be a servant, where He wants you to serve? What would it take for you to be that servant?

Jesus asked the disciples to stay and keep watch with him while he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. They couldn’t stay awake even one hour. Can you relate to that? Are there times when you have not been able to stay focused on Christ either because you fell asleep or because other things distracted you? Is there anything you can do to change that in the future?

It’s hard to believe that Peter turned his back on Jesus not once, not twice, but three times. Here a good question for us….how many times have we turned OUR backs on Jesus? How many times have we had the opportunity to be a witness, yet we chose not to. And chances are, we weren’t facing the possibility of death as Peter was. Have you asked Jesus to forgive you for those times when you have denied him? What about those times in the future when you will do it again?

The crowd chose Barabas, a murderer, over Jesus. That’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? Yet, how often do we choose things that are not good for us over Jesus? How often do we choose the “Barabases” in our lives over the One who came to save us? When did you last choose something other than Jesus over Jesus?

Destination-Truth

2009-03-24T06:41:00.001-07:00

If you had to pick one word to describe who Jesus is for you, what word would you choose?

So we said that Jesus is either a Liar, a Lunatic, or Lord. What does it mean to you if you say that Jesus is Lord of YOUR life?

Jesus said that he is “The way, the truth, and the life.” What does it mean to you if Jesus is the “truth.”

The Apostle Paul shared this is his letter to the church at Rome:

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Romans 10:9 (New Living Translation or NLT)

What does this mean to you? If you believe this, how does it affect how you will live your life? How does it affect your relationship with other people?

During this season of Lent, as we prepare for Jesus to go to the cross, as we prepare for his resurrection on Easter, have you truly confessed to and repented of your sin, have you recognized your inability to save yourself, and have you realized your need for Christ to be your Savior? Have you invited Jesus into your life and asked Him to be in charge? If not, what are you waiting for? What will it take?

Destination-Trust

2009-03-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

Is it easy for you to trust other people? If not, why not?

Is it easy for others to trust you? If not, why not?

Would you want to walk on water if you could? What would keep you from doing it? What would it take for you to get out of the boat?

Are you willing to follow Jesus wherever he leads you? If not, what would your limits be? What would it take to follow wherever he leads?

Jesus gave his life for you. Are you willing to give your life for him? What would it take?

Destination-Identity

2009-03-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

Many people in Jesus’ hometown had difficulty seeing him as someone other than the carpenter…Mary’s boy. Do you live in the town you grew up in? Do people have trouble seeing you as an adult? If you aren’t living in your hometown, what happens when you go home? Do old friends and acquaintances hold onto the “old” you? How does that make you feel?

How about your family? Are your parents, your brothers and sisters able to see you as an adult, or do they still treat you as though you are a kid growing up? How do you handle that? When you are around them, do you find yourself slipping back into the role of a kid, or are you able to be an adult around your family?

Are you a different person than you were five, ten years ago? Are there habits, or possibly even addictions that you’ve let go of? Are there people in your life who have trouble seeing the new you, who want to remind you of who you were? How do you handle that? Do you turn to God for help?

Do you have difficulty seeing some of your friends and acquaintances in a new light? Do you have trouble letting go of the person they once were, reminding them of the past? Can you let that go and see their new identity? Do you need God’s help with this?

Are you still seeing yourself as the person YOU used to be? Can you let go of the old person and see the new person that you are thanks to Jesus? What will it take for you to let go of the past? Maybe some prayer will help. Why not try?

Destination-Desire

2009-03-12T11:07:00.002-07:00

If Jesus asked you, ”What do you want me to do for you?” what would your answer be? What do you think Jesus’ response would be to your request?

Have you ever played the If Only game? You know, like when someone says If only I had a better job, then everything would be better. What’s the downside of the If Only game? Is there an upside?

Jesus gave Bartimaeus what he asked for. Jesus doesn’t always give you what you ask for, does He? Why not? Do you honestly wish He did?

James and John asked Jesus to let them sit at His right and at His left in His glory. Bartimaeus asked for his sight? Is there a difference in these two requests? What is it? Does that difference influence how Jesus responds to the requests?

What is the one thing that Jesus wishes you would request of Him? Will you do it? If not, why not?

Destination-Reality

2009-03-12T11:07:00.001-07:00

What was your last mountaintop experience? When was it? What made it so good? What brought it to an end?

What has been your GREATEST mountaintop experience? Did you wish it could have lasted longer? What brought it to an end?

We said that we couldn’t stay on the mountaintop because it is in the valleys that our mission and ministry takes place. What is your mission and ministry? What does the valley look like where it takes place?

Would you say that the mountaintop or the valley is generally reality for you? Do you feel closer to God when you are on the mountaintop or in the valley. Why?

When you feel close to God, what do you do? When you feel distant from God, what do you do? Is there any correlation between these two answers?

WHY - Why does God get so angry

2009-02-22T05:43:00.000-08:00

Read Exodus 3-4:17, the well-known story of Moses and the Burning Bush. In verse 14 it tells us, “Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses….” Why was the Lord so angry with Moses? Do you make excuses when the Lord wants you to do something? If you make excuses, do you think this causes God to get angry? Why or why not?

What is meant by the term righteous anger? Can righteous anger be a good thing? Can it ever be a bad thing? What causes the difference?

Frequently in Scripture we are told that the Lord is slow to become angry. How about you….are you slow to become angry? How would this be beneficial? How can you help bring that about in yourself?

Can you think of an instance where Jesus got angry, other than the one covered in the message on Sunday? What caused Him to get so angry? Was it righteous anger? Is it hard for you to imagine Jesus getting angry? Why, or why not?

Do you, or does someone you know, have anger management problems? If so, we encourage you to seek help. We’ll be glad to assist you. Call the church office and let us know so that we can help you.

Filling The Void - Our Need For Community - Part 2

2009-02-18T11:57:00.001-08:00

If you have ever been a part of a small group, what were the positives of the experience? If you are not in one now, what would it take for you to be a part of a group, to realize those positives again?

If you’ve never been a part of a small group, is it because there are things about a small group experience that you don’t think you would like? If so, what are they? Maybe what you think a small group would be like and the actual experience are different. Are you willing to give it a try?

Can you find three examples of small groups in Scripture?

Why is it important for small groups to multiply? What does it take for this to happen?

GroupLink is the way Connection Church is going to help people link up with a small group. If you’re not a part of a small group, what would it take to get you to come to GroupLink on Saturday, February 21^st at 6:00?

Filling The Void - Our Need For Community - Part 1

2009-02-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

Do you know the names of the people living around you? Do you know their stories? What would it take to make where you live more of a “community” for you, rather than just a neighborhood?

Have you ever lived in one place for a long time and then moved to a new place? What was the hardest part of leaving the old place? What was your greatest challenge about the new place?

Other than your spouse or another family member, who do you turn to when you have really good news to share? Who do you turn to when you have really bad news to share? Who turns to YOU when either of those situations occur? If your answer to the above questions was “no one,” it might be healthy and helpful for you to try to establish some close friendships with other people. What would it take for this to happen? If you have people close that you turn to with good and bad news, what do you do to nourish those relationships?

Many people in our society enjoy being isolated, not having to worry about anyone but themselves. What is the problem with this attitude, especially when we consider what Christ would tell us?

We were created with two voids….one is filled by our relationship with God. The other is filled through our relationships with other people. How are you doing with filling these two voids? What could you do that you aren’t doing now?

Finding Hope - When It's mess up

2009-02-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

What are some of the IT’s that have been messed up in your life? What is the most messed up IT you’ve ever experieienced. How did you respond?

In Psalm 86 David says that he is “poor and needy.” We can take this both literally and figuratively. When were you “poor and needy?” What did you do?

God answers prayer. The challenge for us is that sometimes God’s answer is “NO!” When was the last time you felt God’s answer was “NO?” How did you feel? How did you respond? Are you able to trust God fully with your life even when he sometimes answers your prayers with a “NO?”

Contrary to what we would like to believe, like the ancients, we too at times worship gods other than our Creator….the god of money, the god of achievement, the god of us being in control, etc., etc. Who are some of your gods? What are some steps you can take to get them off the god list? What are some steps you can take to make the God who created you number one in your life?

The next time IT’s really messed up, whatever IT is, how different would your life look it you looked to God for hope? What would it take for you to truly look to God for the hope in your life, and to place ALL your trust in God, knowing that God will take care of you no matter what? What’s it going to take? Are you willing to step out in faith and trust God that much?

Finding Hope - When You mess up

2009-01-26T17:10:00.001-08:00

When someone messes up your life, do you seek revenge? If so, what kind of revenge do you seek, or wish for? If you have gotten the revenge, did it fully satisfy you? Did the revenge allow you to “let go” of the hurt?

What is the worst mess-up someone has caused in your life? Are you still holding on to it, or have you let it go? In other words, are you free? If not, what’s it going to take? You’re the only one that can let it go. You’re the only one that can forgive the other person. What will it take?

Some of us will only forgive someone if they say they’re sorry. The key to forgiveness isn’t the other person saying they’re sorry….it’s you not allowing that mess-up to continue to control you, to allow it to continue to mess up YOUR life. Is there someone you need to forgive, even though they haven’t said they’re sorry? When is that going to take place?

Read Psalms 57 and 59 to see two more examples of how David sought hope from the Lord when someone who was once close to him (Saul) turned on him.

Read Luke 23:32-34. Here we read how Jesus asked God to forgive those who crucified Him. Wow! Wouldn’t it be awesome to be able to ask God to forgive like Jesus did? You can. Think of someone you have trouble forgiving, and ask God to forgive them and to give you the power to forgive as well.

Finding Hope - When I mess up

2009-01-19T06:13:00.000-08:00

King David is one example of many, many people in the Bible who messed up big time, yet were the very ones God chose to be leaders of His people. Why do you think God chooses flawed individuals to do His work?

What is the worst mess-up of your life? How about your most embarrassing? Where did you look for hope when this thing (these things) happened? Were you able to find hope? Were you made whole once again? Have you been able to move on?

Is there anything in your life right now that you need to confess to God in order to begin the process of making things right? If so, why don’t you do that now?

When you hear the word “hope,” what does it mean to you. Where do you look for hope in your life? Do you find hope when you look for it?

Blood usually stains, and yet we say that the blood of Jesus washes away the stain of our sins. How does this work? Has this happened in your life? If so, when? If not, would you like it to happen? If so, why not open the door for Jesus to enter your life. Invite Him in. Tell him what’s on your mind. Allow Him to wash away your mess-ups.

One Prayer - God make us Relevant

2009-01-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

What does the term irrelevant mean to you? Are you ever irrelevant to those around you? What is the most irrelevant part of your life? What could you do to make that part more relevant?

Have you ever been in a church that was not relevant to you? What made it not relevant? How could church be more relevant to you and the people you know?

When you talk to other people about church, Jesus, your faith, etc., do you use language that they will understand? In other words, do you talk “church language” or a language that makes sense to people who are outside of church? If you talk “church language” what adjustments do you need to make when talking about church to those outside the church?

What is meant by a “biblical world view?” Is your world view biblical? If you’re not sure, perhaps you should talk to someone about it. If your world view is biblical, how can you maintain that? If it is not, what can you do to change that? Do you want to change that?

In order to have a biblical world view, it would be important to read the Bible. How often do you read Scripture? What would happen if you made a decision to read the Bible every day, even if it was only for 10 or 15 minutes? Here’s your challenge…..read the bible everyday this week. See how you feel at the end of the week. Consider doing it again next week? What should you read? Start with one of the books of the Bible….perhaps one of the Gospels…Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Pick it, Read it.

One Prayer - God make us Unified

2009-01-05T05:14:00.001-08:00

Are there times in your life when being unified was important, maybe even crucial? When were those times? What did you do to stay unified?

Have you ever experienced great DIS-unity? When was that? What was the cause of the disunity? What could have been done to change that situation?

Unfortunately, the local church at times is less than unified. Have you experienced that at one time or another? What caused the lack of unity? In addition to prayer, is there anything else that could have been done to bring unity?

In 1^st Corinthians, chapter 12, Paul compares the body of Christ (the church) to the human body. What part of the body of Christ are you? If you’re not sure, would you consider taking a class (Network is the one we offer at Connection) in order to better understand what God has you wired for? If you’re aware of how God has wired you, and where you fit into the body of Christ, are you participating to your full potential?

Our mission at Connection Community Church is Connecting People with Jesus and the Life He Offers. What does that mission mean to you? As a part of this community of faith, are you helping to bring unity as we pursue this mission? In addition to prayer, what else could you do? If there is any disunity, what could you do to help alleviate that?

One Prayer - God make us Courageous

2009-01-05T05:13:00.001-08:00

Of all the courageous characters in the Bible, who is your favorite? Why? How does he/she express their courage? What is the source of their courage?

What was your most courageous moment in terms of being a follower of Jesus Christ? Is this type of courage unusual for you? If so, what could you do to make it happen more frequently? Will you do that?

What was your least courageous moment in terms of being a follower of Jesus Christ? Do you regret that moment? If so, could you go to the Lord in prayer, ask forgiveness, and let it go? Do you feel that you have more times when you don’t show courage than when you do, in terms of being a Christ-follower? What can you do to change that?

What do you find to be your biggest challenge when it comes to living out your faith in the culture we live in? Do you often have to make choices between Jesus and what’s going on around you? Which usually wins? What would it take for Jesus to win more often?

Read Matthew, chapter 14, verses 22-33. Pastor/writer John Ortberg has a book title that shares an interesting insight from this story: If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. Getting out of the boat takes a great deal of courage. Are you willing to get out of the boat? If you’re hesitant, what’s it going to take? Just think of the possibilities once you take that first step. Incredible.

Christmas Conspiracy - The Christmas Story

2008-12-22T05:07:00.000-08:00

Many parents are saddened when their children learn the truth about Santa Claus. Why do you think this causes sadness for them? Why is this Santa Claus myth so important and why do so many of us work so hard to keep the myth alive in our children?

On Christmas (or Christmas Eve), which Christmas story is the one that you share with your children or grandchildren (if you have them) …the “Santa” Christmas story, or the “Jesus” Christmas story? If you haven’t shared one in the past, do you think you should share one in the future? Which one? Why?

In the “Jesus” Christmas story, we are told that Mary “wrapped him [Jesus] in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” God is all-powerful. Can you think of a good reason, or two, why God didn’t see to it that there was a place for them in the inn?

Perhaps part of the reason we like Santa is because it makes sense to us….you get gifts if you’ve been good, but not if you’ve been bad. We sometimes struggle with the whole Jesus thing, because even those who are really, really bad can be forgiven and given new life. Do you struggle with this at times? Are there people you have trouble forgiving and it bothers you that Jesus will forgive them? Do you sometimes have trouble believing that Jesus can forgive YOU for some of the things YOU’VE done? If either (or both) of these are true for you, pray for God’s help with this.

When you pray, is it like you’re sitting on Santa’s lap and you’re going through your wish list of things you would like or things you would like to have happen? How could your approach to prayer change to that you were praying in the name of Jesus, so that you were praying to follow God’s will for your life? By the way, does it scare you to pray to follow God’s will for your life, since your life might look very, very different if you were to follow God’s will instead of your own? Think about it. Pray about it.

Christmas Conspiracy - The Family Photo

2008-12-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

When was your last family photo? Was it a joyful experience, or challenging? Why is it so important to have a family photo anyway?

Why is it so important for many of us to send this photo to others?

When was the last time you looked at a family photo from when you were a kid? What memories does the photo bring to mind? Are they pleasant memories, or memories you would rather not remember? If they are memories you would rather not remember, have you ever sought help dealing with those memories?

Imagine you are the photographer taking the first Christmas photo of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the rest. Is there anything you would have added, or taken away, if this was the photo they were planning on sending out in their Christmas cards that year?

Speaking of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, have you ever thought about the conversation between Mary and her parents when she told them she was pregnant with Jesus, that she was carrying the savior of the world? Can you imagine if you were Mary, the conversation between you and your parents? How about if your daughter was Mary?

Look at a recent photo of your family. Now imagine that Jesus is in the center of the family photo. Think about how different your family would be if this were the case. What would it take for this to be the reality for you and your family? On the other hand, maybe he’s already there. How different is your family because he is? When did you last celebrate that difference?

Christmas Conspiracy - Presents or Presence

2008-12-08T05:36:00.001-08:00

Of all the presents you’ve ever received for Christmas, which one do you remember the most? Do you know why you remember it so well? How well do you remember the presence of loved ones at Christmas time? If you had to pick, which is most important to you, the presents you’ve received, or the presence of those you love?

What could you do this Christmas to be more present with family and friends? What would you have to sacrifice for this to happen? Is it worth the sacrifice in order to have more time with people you care about?

One of the names we use for Jesus is Emmanuel, which means, God with Us. Is God truly with you at Christmas? How so? What could you do this Christmas season to allow you to be more open to the presence of God, to allow Jesus to be a greater part of your life?

How would you like it if someone decided to take some of the money they were going to buy you a present with and instead, bought a sweater for one of Koshy’s kids or used the money in some other way to help someone else? Would you feel gypped or would you feel really good about it? If you would feel really good about it, why not let someone know, so that maybe they could do that with one of your gifts.

What would happen this year if instead of buying all of your gifts, you decided to make one or two of the ones you are giving? What would you make and who would you make it for? Seriously consider this as a possibility. And while you’re considering that, consider who on your list would really appreciate it if their gift was a gift for someone else, someone less fortunate, someone who might not get a gift otherwise. Consider making this happen, and letting the person know who you gave their gift to so that they can appreciate it and celebrate it too.

Christmas Conspiracy - Turkey, Ham, or Jesus

2008-11-30T10:44:00.001-08:00

Are you generally stressed out by the time Christmas arrives each year? If so, what could you change to make the season more enjoyable and less stressful? Are you willing to make that change?

Does your family have a Christmas meal that is a tradition in your house, or does it change each year? Is the fixing of the meal a joy or a burden? If it is a joy, you should celebrate that. If it is a burden, what could you do to make it less burdensome? What needs to change to make it a joy?

Is Jesus at the center of Christmas for you? Are you focused more on him, or on the list of things you need to accomplish? What changes could you make in order for Jesus to be the center of attention? Are you will to make those changes? What will it take?

Is Jesus at the center of Christmas in your home? Can you imagine how things around your house would be different if he were? What would it take for that to happen? Are you willing to personally do all that you can to make this happen?

What can you do outside of your home to put Jesus more at the center of things? In your neighborhood, at your workplace, at places where you do things with other people? Without getting fired, or being looked at like you’re a religious freak or something, how can you help those around you be more aware of the Christ in Christmas? Give this some thought and prayer. We’re sure God will give you some good direction here.

Revolutionary Love - Always Perseveres

2008-11-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

Love perseveres. What does that mean to you? Has it been true in your life? When? When did love NOT persevere in your life?

Love perseveres. What makes it difficult for you to live this out? Could this change with God’s help? Have you asked for it? Could you do that now?

The Greeks recognized several types of love: agape (unconditional love), philos (brotherly/sisterly love), and eros (romantic love)

Which of these three do you think would be most likely to persevere? Why? Which would be least likely to persevere? Why?

Do you love Jesus? Are you willing to feed his sheep? What does that look like? What does that have to do with love perseveres?

Here’s what all of I Corinthians 13:7 (NIV) says: [Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Take a few minutes and think about this entire verse. What would your life look like if you took this verse seriously? Would you need to make some changes? What would they be? Are you willing to do that? With God’s help? Why not ask for it?

Revolutionary Love - Rejoices In Truth

2008-11-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

Do you find it difficult to love someone unconditionally? Why?

Do find it difficult to accept unconditional love from another? Why?

What prayer help with both of these situations? Are you willing to pray that prayer? What is keeping you from praying it today (maybe even right now) and then again tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that…..?

What are some of the iniquities you find in YOUR world? Which of those when you really think about them really grab you, enough that if you kept thinking about them you’d have to do something about them? Is that why you don’t think about them more, because then you’d have to do something? What’s it going to take for you to latch onto one of those iniquities until you do something that makes a difference?

Are there any global social injustices that have really caught your attention? What are you going to do about it (or them)? Sometimes we think there’s nothing we can do, since we are just one person. This is not true. Most really big initiatives, really big movements have started with individuals. Keep in mind also, you don’t always have to start something new. It is possible to join something that is already rolling. So what is God calling you to start or to be a part of?

Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Sometimes the iniquities are not global, or national, or even regional. Sometimes they are right there in our houses, our neighborhoods, our work places. Sometimes rejoicing in iniquities is simply listening when someone else tears someone down, finding pleasure when you hear the “dirt” on someone else. If this happens to you, even on occasion, what can you do to change it?

Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Is truth a relative thing, or is it absolute? Where do you look for truth? The best place to look for truth is Scripture, the Bible. And here you will find that truth is not dependent on a particular situation, relative, but rather on God, absolute. Are you reading your Bible regularly? If so, GREAT!!! If not, what’s it going to take?

Revolutionary Love - No Record of Wrongs

2008-11-10T06:57:00.000-08:00

Do you keep a record of wrongs? Who has the most entries? Is that person aware of the record that you keep? What is your purpose for keeping a record of wrongs? Do you refer to it often? Is this record a comfort to you or more of a curse? If it is a curse, then why do you keep it? If you have had trouble getting rid of it, have you asked for God’s help? If not, are you willing to ask for God’s help now?

Are you on someone else’s record of wrongs? How often do they remind you of your past mistakes? What do you think it would take for your name to be taken from the list? Have you ever talked to the person about removing your name? What would it take for you to have that conversation? Remember, with God, all things are possible.

Have you ever said the Lord’s Prayer? Remember the part where you say: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us?” Think about it. Do you really want God to forgive you as you forgive others? Would this be a good or bad thing for you? What would have to change in your life so that saying this line would NOT make you uncomfortable? How does not keeping a record of wrongs tie into this?

As we said, our friend Randy says that forgiveness means Never Bringing it Up Again. Is there anything in your life that it would be impossible for you to never bring up again? What is it? Why is it so important for you to cling to it? What will you lose if you never bring it up again? What will you gain? Does the gain outweigh the loss? Seek God’s help if you’d really like to let it go.

I Corinthians 5 (NIV) tells us this: “It [love] is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” Is there any kind of a thread running through this verse, running through the four components of this verse. If so, how are they tied together? How does each part affect each of the other parts. What do you need to do in relation to this entire verse to show revolutionary love to those around you?

Revolutionary Love - Kindness

2008-11-02T02:57:00.000-08:00

Who is the kindest person you’ve ever known? Are they still a part of your life?

How was their kindness expressed to you? Did you feel the love of that person through their expression(s) of kindness toward you?

What is the kindest thing you’ve ever done for someone else? What motivated your action? Do you generally consider yourself a kind person? What are some ways that you could be kinder to both people you know, and to people you don’t know? What would it take to make this happen?

Look through the Gospel of Mark. Find five examples of where Jesus was kind to people. As a follower of Jesus, are you able to use these examples as models of kindness that you might follow? Why/why not?

1^st Corinthians 13:4 tells us love is kind, but it also tells us that love is patient, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Is there a connection between these various descriptions of love? Think about, talk about what this connection might be.

Steve Sjogren says that “Small Things Done with Great Love Can Change the World.” Go to his website, www.servantevangelism.com, and spend some time checking out what is available. Click on some of the articles and take the time to read them. Visiting this website occasionally in the future might be valuable to help keep you tuned into this whole idea of “kindness.”

Lessons from The Desert - HALT

2008-10-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

In John 10:10 Jesus tells us that the thief (Satan) comes only to “steal and kill and destroy.” And so Satan tempts us, trying to lure us to say things we shouldn’t say, do things we shouldn’t do, go to places we shouldn’t go. Satan knows our temptation hot button(s), those areas in our lives where we are most vulnerable, most easily tempted. He usually knows them better than we do. Do you know what your temptation hot button(s)? Do you recognize when you are being tempted in this area, before it happens, while it is happening, or after you have given into the temptation? If it is after the fact, how could you in the future be more aware that you are being tempted, so that you can protect yourself before you give in?

When are you most vulnerable to temptation? Is it when you are hungry, angry, lonely, tired, or under some other circumstances not mentioned? How can you protect yourself when you are vulnerable in this way?

What have you done in the past to combat these times of temptation? Have you been successful? If you gave into temptation, how was your life affected? How could you change things in the future?

Jesus referred to Scripture when Satan tried to temp him in the desert. Do you know Scripture well enough to be able to use it as Jesus did? Are you reading your Bible regularly? If not, what would it take for you to establish a regular Bible study program? Would it help if you were a part of a small group Bible study? What would it take for you to be willing to make this happen?

Read Ephesians 6:10-18, where Paul talks about putting on the full armor of God. Read this section of Scripture at the beginning of every day for a couple of weeks, until you are very, very familiar with it. Consider starting each day with this Scripture, as a way of keeping yourself aware of Satan’s schemes and focusing yourself on God’s protection from those schemes.

Lessons from The Desert - If Only

2008-10-20T04:05:00.001-07:00

When the Lord supplied the Israelites with manna, he gave them what they needed, not necessarily what they wanted. Has this every happened to you? Has God supplied your needs, but you came up short when it came to your wants? What did you do? Did you have an If Only moment, thinking about how things would be If Only things were different? Did you accept what God supplied without dreaming about more?

Name five If Onlys in your life. (If you don’t have five, name the ones you do have.) Which of these are currently active? Is it healthy for you to continue to visit these desires to rewrite the past? If not, how are you going to let them go?

We know with our brains that God forgives us, but we wonder with our hearts if He can truly do that? Maybe we find this challenging because it is difficult for us to forgive, especially ourselves. Is there something in your life that needs forgiving? Do you need God’s forgiveness, your own forgiveness, or both? How are you going to make that happen?

We say that God is a god of second chances. Can you think of three examples when God gave you a second chance? Did you deserve it? If not, why do you think God did it?

As Christ-followers we need to be able to GIVE second chances. Can you give two examples of when you gave someone a second chance? Can you give a current example of someone who needs you to give them a second chance? Are you able to give them the second chance? Why/Why not?

Lessons From The Desert - No Way-Yahweh

2008-10-13T05:35:00.000-07:00

When the Israelites looked up and saw Pharaoh’s army coming after them as they camped next to the sea, their lack of faith caused them to wonder if they would have been better off as slaves in Egypt. Moses, on the other hand, told them to not be afraid, that the Lord would fight for them, they just needed to be still.

Generally speaking, are you more like the Israelites or Moses? Do you tend to have a lack of faith or an abundance of faith? If you tend to lack faith, what would it take for that to change? Is it possible for you to trust God more?

Think of a “No Way” situation in your life. Did you look to Yahweh for comfort, strength, and direction, or did you rely simply on yourself or somebody else? What was the outcome? Would it have been different if you had turned to Yahweh?

Read chapter 16 of Genesis. Even though God had promised Abram and Sarai children, they figured it was a “No Way” situation and as a result, took matters into their own hands. What was the result?

Read 2 Chronicles chapter 20 to see how King Jehoshaphat turned to Yahweh when he and the Israelites were facing a “No Way” situation. What can we learn from this faithful king of Israel?

Lessons from The Desert - I Am

2008-10-06T06:42:00.001-07:00

Have you ever actually been in the desert? Which one? For how long? What did it feel like? What do you remember the most?

If you haven’t been in the actual desert, what’s the closest to it that you’ve been?

We often use the desert as a metaphor for a time in our lives when we felt real isolated, when things were not going our way, when we felt removed from God or those around us, or both. Have you had such a desert experience in your life? Can you remember what brought it on? Can you remember how you felt? What brought you out of the desert?

Deserts make us thirsty. We often find when we are facing deserts in our lives that we too are thirsting for something. We find ourselves really parched. Usually we find that we are thirsting for the Sacred, the Holy….we are thirsting for God. Have you ever felt that kind of desert inspired thirst? What brought it on? How long did it last? Did you quench that thirst? If so, how? If not, are you still thirsty? What are you going to do to quench the thirst.

As we said in the message on Sunday, Moses basically got three things from the time he spent in the desert before he visited Pharaoh. (1) God shared with him what God’s plans were for him, (2) God called him by name, (3) God revealed God’s Name (YHWH or Yahweh) to him. When you’ve spent time in the desert, did God use that time to help you grow? How? If you find yourself in the desert in the future, how do you think God will use that time to help you grow?

Craig Banes shares the following in his book entitled, Sacred Thirst:

…the most important things to remember about the desert is that God never wants anyone to stay there. There is no easy way out, but one of the worst mistakes we can make is to get used to living in the dry places. The only point of going through the desert is to get to the Promised Land, where we are at home with God. And the only way to enter the land is to realize the thirst we feel is a longing for the sacred. Sacred Thirst, p. 14.

What does this quote mean to you? Do you agree with Barnes?

Why/Why not?

Can I get A Withness - Barnabas

2008-09-27T19:38:00.001-07:00

One of the most important withnesses that we can have is a Barnabas, an encourager.

Do you agree with this statement? Why/Why not?

Thinking back, name the Barnabases in your life. Write them out on a piece of paper if this helps you. Think about each one and what made them a Barnabas for you. Which one was your greatest encourager? Why?

Who are the current Barnabas Withnesses in your life? As they encourage you, are they helping you move from being self-conscious and self-centered to surrendering yourself and centering your thoughts on others? How so?

Who are you currently a Barnabas to? Who needs you to be their Barnabas? What’s stopping you? When are you most likely to be in Barnabas mode? Least likely? What would it take for the Barnabas mode to occur more often?

How can you encourage your friends who don’t know Jesus to check Him out?

Welcome to remix!

2008-09-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Connection REMIX Blog for the Middletown Campus. Each week following the Sunday message a new post will be uploaded that is designed to expand on the message from Sunday morning or give new insight to the topic, as well as some questions or challenges to help you go deeper. Please feel free to post comments and let us know what is connecting with you. We hope that this is another way to help you get connected to Jesus and the Life He offers!