Click here for the Heart for the Harvest Week 1 Discussion Guide.
Connect
Main Idea: Bringing the Kingdom of God into our lives and homes.
Introduction: This week, Pastor Kyle continued our Family Games series by giving us 5 moves we can make to allow God to reign (rule) in our lives and homes.
Discussion Starter: In what areas do you feel like God reigns in your life and home? Are there areas in your life or home that you’ve not allowed God to reign?
Grow
Primary Scriptures: Ephesians 2:4-6, Ephesians 6:12, Mark 9:25
Protect
Suggestion: Break into small groups of 2 or 3 for this section.
Read Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord’s Prayer).
Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes for the authority you have in Jesus. In the Name of Jesus bind and rebuke any demonic spirits that may have a hold on you or your family. Pray for God’s reign in your life and your families that you will carry the reign of God everywhere you go and that others will recognize it. Pray that what God desires in Heaven will happen in your life, at home and on earth.
Main Idea: Games end quick, and our lives speed past us just as fast. It’s vital for believers to focus on where we’ve stored our treasures so that we can be as efficient Christ followers as possible
Introduction: Take a moment and think of all the blessings God has granted us and what great gifts our Father gives us. As responsible Christians let’s take a look at which gifts, places, and people we’ve prioritized.
Discussion Starter: The enemy is known for his repeated methods of attack. One of the tools he uses to derail us is distraction. Take a moment and consider some ways that he attacks us with this particular poison. Consider your job, whom we spend the most time with, and what activities we’re engaged in throughout the day. What are we putting first?
Primary Scriptures: Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 12:13-15, Luke 12:16-21
Discussion Questions:
Suggestion: Break into small groups of 2 or 3 for this section.
Come together and lift your hearts to God. Ask Him to reveal Himself in your midst and to speak to each of you. Ask Him to work within each of you; to show what plans He has for you and what individual steps He wants you to take in your walk of obedience. Pray similarly for others, that God may create a desire in them to live Holy lives, seeking first the Kingdom. God will surely multiply their fruits and yours.
Consider ways to protect each other and admonish one another in prayer. We’ve been given a shield of faith, but how best can we use it? Every son and daughter, gentile and pharisee, liberal and conservative, needs Jesus to further their spiritual understandings of our purpose here. We all share the same Father, and He’s more than willing to grant us conviction, discernment, and transformation. Equipped with these spiritual tools, we can refocus our eyes and create a dust cloud in our ruthless pursuit of the Kingdom. Pray for the state of Tennessee and the city of Knoxville, as God increases his Kingdom and pours out his Spirit across our land, protecting, providing, and co-laboring with us as the seed is sewn across the home He’s given us.
ConnectMain Idea: In our spiritual lives, we control the latches to the doors that either allow Jesus in or the enemy.
Introduction: This week Pastor Zac started us on a new series about the doors we leave open and unprotected in our spiritual lives, specifically anger and unforgiveness.
Discussion Starter: What’s the most physically secure place you’ve ever been (i.e. a bank vault, military base, etc.)?
Primary Scriptures: Matthew 16:19, Revelation 3:15-18, John 10:10, Ephesians 4:26-27, Matthew 6:9-15
Discussion Questions:
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
One of the doors Pastor Zac talked about was the door of unforgiveness. One of the reasons we can be unable to receive forgiveness is if we will not forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15). Is there someone in your life that you have been unable to forgive? Discuss how your group can help you forgive that person. Also, take time to meditate on how God has forgiven you.
Main Idea: Emotions want to control and Satan uses this door for access. However, through God, we have the choice for an abundant life.
Introduction: We can all go from the mountain tops of victory to the valleys of the shadow of death and depression in an instant. God is with you in both places.
Discussion Starter: Share one of your highs and lows so far this year.
Primary Scriptures: John 10:10, 1 Kings 18, 1 Kings 19:4-21, Psalm 126
Discussion Questions:
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 1 Kings 18:36 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
How has an embrace of biblical community and godly relationships helped you celebrate victories and persevere in suffering?
Engaging at Faith Promise: We don’t see Elijah depressed again after God provided Elisha for Elijah to mentor and pass on his legacy. What area or person at Faith Promise can you pour into?
Engaging in Our Community and the World: Are there any local or global organizations that support those who are suffering that you’ve thought about helping? If so, coordinate as a group to find out how you can help. If not, look for one as a group and decide what you can do.
Is there someone in your life who is currently experiencing a mountaintop or valley season? Seek God’s voice in how you should reach out to them and walk alongside them in celebration or lamentation.
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
Main Idea: “Winners of souls must first be weepers of souls.” —Charles Spurgeon
Introduction: Lamplighters should be burdened for those far from God. Do you remember the moment you were saved? It’s easy to forget sometimes how miraculous that moment was for each of us. As Christ-followers, we were all dead in sin and we are now alive. Lamplighters share that joy, freedom, and peace as we tell others of Him.
Discussion Starter: When is the last time you shed tears for your family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and teammates who are far from God?
Primary Scriptures: John 11:32-35, John 11:38-44, Matthew 5:14-16, Psalm 126:1-6, Acts 20:31
Discussion Questions:
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read John 11:32-44 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Read Matthew 5:14-16 and Acts 20:31. When was the last time you shed tears for your family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and teammates who are far from God? We all remember the day that Jesus saved us. We all felt the real joy and freedom of kneeling to Jesus. Our work as Christ-followers was just beginning on that day. We are called to tell others of Him, to be seed planters and lamplighters. Discuss ways you can begin to be a city on a hill for those far from God in your life.
Engaging at Faith Promise: This week, ask God to show you one person that He wants you to walk with as you both prepare to share the real love of Jesus with those who are lost in your life.
Engaging in Our Community and the World: Are you struggling with keeping the passion burning to share the Real Love of Jesus with those who still need it? It can be easy to get stuck in the mundane routines of daily life and forget that we are called to more. How can you engage with those around you and begin sharing your story with them?
Read Matthew 5:14-16. Think about this: Do people still notice something different about you? And when they do, are you passionate about sharing who made the difference? Do you have a burning passion to tell them of Him? Pray, asking God to help you to live life in such a way that people will notice you are different. Ask God to give you the courage and boldness to share with others about who made the difference.
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
Main Idea: Wake up sleeper, you have a purpose, you are a lamplighter.
Introduction: For Christians, there is a common thread in all our stories. Christ called us disciples and regardless of what our day-to-day walk looks like, we are ALL called to be His lamplighters.
Discussion Starter: Have you wondered what’s out there for you? What’s your purpose? Is there a hole that you can’t seem to fill? Does it seem like you go to church, you tithe, you pray and worship, you go to work, and you take care of your family, but something is still not right?
Primary Scriptures: Psalm 119:105, John 8:12, 1 John 4:19, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 28:16-20, Romans 1:16
Discussion Questions:
Read 1 John 4:19 Why would we want to tell others about where they can find the light?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Psalm 119:105 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
What it is that prevents you from being a lamplighter or a disciple? Talk about who you have a burden for in your life, at work, in your friend circle, or in your family. Pray for one another and pray for the opportunities and the boldness to talk with each of these people in your life.
Engaging at Faith Promise: What ways can you serve at Faith Promise to help others grow their lights?
Engaging in Community and the World: In what ways can your small group, or even just you as an individual, go out into your day-to-day light and be a brighter light? If we are a city on a hill, what ways have we been trying to put a basket on our light during the work week? Can we boldly remove the basket?
We have lamplighters all over the world as Faith Promise missionaries. Pray for them. If being a missionary is something you have ever considered, find out more!
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
Discussion guides will return January 2, 2021 with our January devotional series, Finding Favor.
Merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Main Idea: No one is ever too broken to find purpose because there is a purpose for us all.
Introduction: This week Pastor Zac and Rachel are starting a new Christmas tradition by reading the nativity story. When we look deeper at the story, we find a young woman discovering her purpose, a man questioning the reality of it all, and the beautiful way God redeems our sins.
Discussion Starter: Have you ever felt lost, like you didn’t know where to begin? Maybe it was where to start picking up the pieces after the end of a relationship, a job, an illness, etc. Maybe this year, 2020, has you confused and looking for where and how to help, or even how to survive.
Primary Scriptures: Luke 1:1-38
Discussion Questions
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Luke 1 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Discuss how the nativity story relates to 2020. Are you still concerned about not being right or good enough for your calling? Are you afraid and questioning? Are you saying yes and asking for clarification? Pray for each other to strengthen your wisdom and discernment; to fortify your faith. Devise a plan to keep in touch with each other through the week for encouragement.
Engaging at Faith Promise and in the Community: This time of the year and with all that is going on, there are lots of organizations that need help in fulfilling their purpose. We also have many families here at Faith Promise who have been impacted by COVID and during the holidays. How can your small group support our families? How can your small group encourage nonprofit workers and even people in the medical field right now?
Engaging in World: Philippians 1:6: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
As God is completing the work in each of the members of the Timothy Initiative, it can be hard for those brothers and sisters in Christ. Maybe for Christmas, we can write them cards and as a small group pray for those to encourage these young men and women who are fulfilling their purpose.
Who in your life do you know that has not taken the steps to start a relationship with God? Start a daily pray for them and others. Ask God to give you a “BOB” (burden, opportunity, and boldness) this holiday. That may look like providing an answer for a need for those people.
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
Getting Started
Main Idea: Don’t let the world’s attempts at distraction keep us from focusing on where God has directed us. Love is our call. We are “All in” for spreading His love and growing together.
Discussion Starter: What is one thing you feel like you were born to do?
Introduction: Have you ever felt like you are at your ropes end? Like everything is against you and no matter where you turn there is stress, chaos, and confusion. The world has a way of beating us up and looking hopeless but we have hope and purpose.
Primary Scriptures: John 10:10, Jeremiah 17:9, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 1 Corinthians 2:14
Discussion Questions:
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Ephesians 6 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
How can you pray for one another?
Engaging at Faith Promise:
Have you attended the first Saturday morning prayer gathering of the month? Maybe December is the time to start. Work with your small group to create a plan on meeting up either virtually or in-person where you can participate in the next prayer gathering.
Engaging in Community and the World:
Holidays are a hard time of the year for many people. Research some of our ministry partners for this year’s Heart for the Harvest. What are some ways your group could reach out to these partners? Pray as a group for God to lead you in your giving for Heart for the Harvest.
Who is someone you could bring with you to a Heart for the Harvest service who may need to be prayed over? Do you know anyone in the Bristol area that you could invite to the new campus?
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
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