Getting Started

Main Idea:
This weekend Pastor Chris challenged us to abide in the vine and remain wrapped up and wrapped in His love. He encouraged Promisors to consider how much God gave through His Son Jesus Christ with how much we are willing to give to others.

Discussion Starter:
Share a recent struggle you experienced and who God used to help you through it. Even knowing how important a role others play in our lives and how God can use them, why is it still so hard to become involved in the problems of people around us?

Introduction:
This week we will discuss how being real people, people of authentic faith, requires we step into the real problems of the world and the people all around us through the giving of ourselves through God’s sustaining power and grace.

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Encounter God

Primary Scriptures:  John 15:1-17

Discussion Questions:
1. In verses 1-2, what is the difference between being a cut off vine and one which is being pruned? How does being cut off affect our desire and capacity to give?

2. In verse 5, Jesus tells us we are the branches and can bear much fruit by remaining in Him. How have you experienced this? Share this experience.

3. When Jesus tells us in verse 13 to lay down our lives for friends, what is He really saying? How can we sacrifice for people in our everyday lives?

4. Pastor Chris listed three expenses of loving people: time, tears, and trouble. Which of these is hardest for you? Why? How do you handle it?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read John 15:1-17 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore how to be authentic in our relationships and our faith.

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Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads during this time.

Getting together better:
In your dyad or triad commit to connect with each other this week through a common interest or shared hobby. Commit to pray for each other or with each other about a specific real problem this week.

Getting to know Him better together:
Use the above opportunity to challenge and encourage one another with what was discussed in group this week and share any stories of progress or “God at work” (perhaps look up other Scripture that tell us how to “remain” in Him).

 

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Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise:
Choose a fpStaff member or fpVolunteer leader to encourage in their ministry as an act of service and thanks.

Engaging in Community:
Commit to connect and serve the community in solving a real problem (this does not have to be elaborate, choose something simple – i.e. buy the teachers at a local public school donuts for breakfast, etc.) this week or month.

Engaging the World:
Begin now to consider how you and your group, dyad, or triad will sponsor a Compassion International child (for more details, check out https://cts.compassion.com/events/807)

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Expand God’s Kingdom

In your dyad or triad discuss the possibilities of leading or hosting your own Group. What are some obstacles in your path? Pray for God to remove those and begin to ask Him to show what is your next step towards making room for more people to find God’s real love through the loving community of an fpGroup.

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Leader’s Notes

For the Discussion Starter, be careful that the discussion does not descend into gossip. We can share negative experiences and learn from them without sharing names.

Be familiar with John 15:1-17 or watch the message online again prior to group.

E-Groups
– Encounter Groups: the primary focus of Encounter Groups is the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– Embrace Groups: the primary focus of Embrace Groups is making friends and being friends on a deeper level.

– Engage Groups: the primary focus of Engage Groups is serving the people of our area through our local partners and through God-directed opportunities.

– Expand Groups: the primary focus of Expand Groups is the development and multiplication of disciple-makers to lead more groups at Faith Promise.