Getting Started

Main Idea:
With a vision for the future come joy, peace, perspective, and hope.

Discussion Starter:
Tell about a time when you (or your family) refused to ask for directions. Where did you end up? How far out of your way did you go?

Introduction:
We wish to live a purposeful life that leads to peace and joy. One of our greatest challenges is to follow the surest route to our destiny, calling, and purpose. Many of us follow the road to physical peace before the street of spiritual peace. Too often we end up feasting to satisfy our physical needs and wonder why we don’t feel spiritual peace. A full stomach is not the way to a settled heart. Other times, we think that following the rules will bring us peace — we become rule followers instead of real followers.  God wants real followers. Getting our hearts right with God is a step in the right direction. Compromising to the world’s ways will not bring the peace we seek. Genuinely seeking God’s direction will lead us to where we want to be.

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Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Matthew 16:23-27, Zechariah 1:4, 4:6, 7:6, Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Discussion Questions:
1. In Matthew 16:23-27 Why did Jesus call Peter a stumbling block?
2. What is the measure by which God will reward us?
3. In the book of Zechariah the prophet urged the Israelites to respond to God’s words. Look at Zechariah 1:4, 4:6, and 7:6. Which verse has the strongest words?
4. Read Deuteronomy 10:12-13. What did the Lord ask of the people then? Does he ask the same of us today?
5. Review the second half of our 2018 theme verse: Isaiah 43:19 What kind of road has God made for Faith Promise?
6. In your life, how has God made a river in a desert you faced?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Deuteronomy 10:12-22 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.

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Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.

In smaller groups pray for those in your circle. Pray specifically for your group to seek God’s vision and direction in their lives. Remember specific prayer requests.

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Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise: Has someone at Faith Promise given you good directions in your faith journey? Call or text them to say “thank you” this week!

Engaging in Community: Do you have plans to watch the Super Bowl? Why not host a party with your small group and invite friends and neighbors to attend?

Engaging the World: Pray for the Faith Promise missionaries who call your FP campus home. Pray for God’s vision and direction in their lives and their ministries.

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Expand God’s Kingdom

With whom can you share what you learned today?

Remember, next weekend is Sunday Showdown II: Battle of the Pastors. Now’s the time, bring the people “Get In and Get On (New Rivers and New Roads)” and Get Others In for that weekend.

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Leader’s Notes

1. Mt 16: 23 Peter’s mind was on the things of man rather than the things of God.
2. Mt 16:27 God will reward each person according to what he has done.
4. Deut 10:12 fear the Lord your God walk in all His ways, love Him,
serve the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, observe the Lord’s commandments and decrees.

Encounter Groups are about experiencing, encountering, and growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ through the study of God’s Word and prayer.

Embrace Groups are about connecting and belonging with others like them with similar interests. We were made to embrace relationships live in community.

Engage Groups are about being the hands and feet of Christ called out to share the real love of Jesus Christ through serving. We engage our church, community, and the world around us.

Expand Groups are about actively making disciples and developing disciple-makers to expand the Kingdom of God. We should follow Jesus and lead others to do the same.