Week Fourteen – Kingdom Authority
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching Kingdom Authority, week fourteen of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
MOVING FORWARD
John Stott suggests “Only when the Christian community lives by Christ’s manifesto will the world be attracted and be glorified.” What steps do you need to take in order to align your life more closely with Jesus’ teaching in this Sermon on the Mount?
After watching Kingdom Authority, week fourteen of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
- What was your bedtime routine when you were growing up?
- How would you describe the Way of Life you have been living? Has it brought you rest for your soul or exhaustion?
- Read Matthew 7: 28 and 29. What was the crowd’s reaction to Jesus’ teaching? How did He differ from other scribes? What was this due to?
- Looking back over the Sermon on the Mount what are examples of Jesus reinterpreting the teaching of other rabbis?
- Can you think of examples in the Sermon on the Mount where the way of life Jesus teaches is counter cultural?
- Much of what Jesus teaches can be described as a “hard teaching.” What would help you put a hard teaching into practice?
- Peter says only Jesus has the “words of eternal life.” How are Jesus’ teaching a source of life?
MOVING FORWARD
John Stott suggests “Only when the Christian community lives by Christ’s manifesto will the world be attracted and be glorified.” What steps do you need to take in order to align your life more closely with Jesus’ teaching in this Sermon on the Mount?
Jesus believes in you!
Week Thirteen – A Solid Foundation
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching A Solid Foundation, week thirteen of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
MOVING FORWARD
There may be areas in your life where you struggle to put what you’ve heard from Jesus into practice. Make a decision today to apply all of Jesus’ teaching in your life. Ask someone to hold you accountable in places where you are tempted to “build on sand.”
After watching A Solid Foundation, week thirteen of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
- Who is the wisest person you know? Where does their wisdom come from?
- Jesus says He won’t recognize some who call Him Lord? Why not?
- When you need wisdom or advice, where are some of the places you turn?
- Read Matthew 7: 24 - 27. Ultimately, there are only two possible responses to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. What are they?
- Can you think of ways you have heard the words of Jesus without putting them into practice? What are the dangers of doing this?
- John Stott says “The Bible is a dangerous book to read… the church is a dangerous society to join." Do you agree? Why or why not?
- Consider the stories of Jonah, Samson and Peter. What difference does it makes knowing God will come to you a “second time” and forgive you?
MOVING FORWARD
There may be areas in your life where you struggle to put what you’ve heard from Jesus into practice. Make a decision today to apply all of Jesus’ teaching in your life. Ask someone to hold you accountable in places where you are tempted to “build on sand.”
The wise builder puts Jesus’ words into practice
Week Twelve – A Narrow Way
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching A Narrow Way, week twelve of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
MOVING FORWARD
If there are places in your life where you are not at the destination you intended? What do you need to do to change direction? What is keeping you from taking that step?
After watching A Narrow Way, week twelve of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
- How likely are you to get lost because you were a)not paying attention b) listened to bad advice or 3) ignored good directions?
- Direction – not intention – determines our destination. Are there areas in your life where you’ve not reached the destination you intended? What happened along the way?
- Throughout His sermon on the mountainside Jesus gives us directions for how to live. Why is living His way hard for us at times?
- Read Matthew 7: 13 and 14. Jesus says there are two destinations and not a third alternative. What are the implications of us if we believe this?
- Jesus described two ways. What are the characteristics of each? To what extent have you found what Jesus says here to be true in your own experience?
- What difference does it make that Jesus is the gate and the way?
MOVING FORWARD
If there are places in your life where you are not at the destination you intended? What do you need to do to change direction? What is keeping you from taking that step?
Direction determines destination!
Week Eleven – Judge Not
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching Judge Not, week eleven of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
MOVING FORWARD
At the end of the message, Doug challenges us to Judge not and love more. Who is someone you may have judged in the past you could show Christ’s love to this week? How will you do it?
After watching Judge Not, week eleven of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
- What would you say is one of your “pet peeves?” How easy is it for someone to recognize it?
- Censoriousness is the tendency to judge someone harshly. The censorious critic is one who is negative and destructive toward other people and actively seeks out their failings. How does such a tendency impact relationships? How have you experienced censoriousness in your life?
- Why is it easier to see the “speck” in someone else’s idea and miss the “plank” in our own?
- Would you agree that you often judge yourself based on intentions and others based on actions so that you excuse yourself while accusing others? If so, how can you change?
- Why is it often easier to judge someone outside the church than it is to correct someone inside the church?
- Jesus actually commands us to reprove and correct our sisters and brothers and “help remove the ‘speck’ in their eye.” What precautions should we take before doing so?
MOVING FORWARD
At the end of the message, Doug challenges us to Judge not and love more. Who is someone you may have judged in the past you could show Christ’s love to this week? How will you do it?
Judge not. Love more!
Week Ten – The Heart of the Matter
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching The Heart of the Matter, week ten of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
MOVING FORWARD
There are 3 months left in 2020. What would it look like for you to give in a way that it demonstrates your level of trust that Jesus can walk on water and calm the storm and heal the sick, raise the dead and make 90% go further than 100% if you would trust Him enough to give 10%
After watching The Heart of the Matter, week ten of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
- Who is the person in your life you trust the most? What makes them trustworthy?
- A Scarcity Mindset leads to a fear cycle. In what ways has money been a source of fear for you?
- Read Matthew 6: 25 – 34. What are the things you worry about the most? How does worry impact your life (e.g. health, relationships)?
- To encourage us not to worry, Jesus gives the examples of birds and flowers. What is the point He is making?
- To have a Security Mindset we have to trust God enough to give. Why is it sometimes hard to trust God?
- Does your giving to God’s kingdom work demonstrate more a of Security or a Scarcity Mindset?
- The Law of the Harvest promises if we sow generously we will reap generously. Why is this a hard promise to believe?
MOVING FORWARD
There are 3 months left in 2020. What would it look like for you to give in a way that it demonstrates your level of trust that Jesus can walk on water and calm the storm and heal the sick, raise the dead and make 90% go further than 100% if you would trust Him enough to give 10%
You can’t out give God
Week Nine – Pray Like This
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching Pray Like This, week nine of the Disciple Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
Prayer is the engine that drives the church. Our future is dependent on prayer. Take a few moments and use the following scriptures to pray for the church. Make a commitment to pray for the church every day beginning this week.
TEN SCRIPTURES TO PRAY FOR THE CHURCH
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved!
Acts 2: 42 - 47
Pray that we would devote ourselves to prayer.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2
Pray that we will preach the Word of God without apology.
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2
Pray that we will boldly share Jesus as the only hope for salvation.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
Pray that we will worship God in spirit and in truth.
God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.
John 4:24
Pray that our leaders will serve humbly as godly examples to all.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
1 Peter 5:2-3
Pray that we will labor and strive to present everyone mature in Christ.
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 1:28-29
Pray that more workers step up to faithfully serve.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”
Matthew 9:37-38
Pray that our leaders equip the saints for the work of ministry.
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
Ephesians 4:11-12
Pray that we never lose our first love.
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
Revelation 2:4-5
Pray that we will trust Jesus to grow HPC to His glory.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:18
Pray for God’s Provision and Protection
Pray for Vision and the Courage to follow wherever God might lead us.
Pray for Unity among God’s people.
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 4: 31
After watching Pray Like This, week nine of the Disciple Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
- What is your favorite room in the house?
- Do you have a regular place and time for prayer?
- What do you pray about the most? How confident are you in your prayers?
- Read Matthew 6: 9 - 13? How would you put the different parts of Jesus’ prayer in your own words.: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
- Hezekiah went to the temple to “spread out his letter before the Lord. Where do you go when you need prayer?
- How easy is it for you to admit you are not able? What difference does it make knowing God is able?
Prayer is the engine that drives the church. Our future is dependent on prayer. Take a few moments and use the following scriptures to pray for the church. Make a commitment to pray for the church every day beginning this week.
TEN SCRIPTURES TO PRAY FOR THE CHURCH
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved!
Acts 2: 42 - 47
Pray that we would devote ourselves to prayer.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2
Pray that we will preach the Word of God without apology.
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2
Pray that we will boldly share Jesus as the only hope for salvation.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
Pray that we will worship God in spirit and in truth.
God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.
John 4:24
Pray that our leaders will serve humbly as godly examples to all.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
1 Peter 5:2-3
Pray that we will labor and strive to present everyone mature in Christ.
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 1:28-29
Pray that more workers step up to faithfully serve.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”
Matthew 9:37-38
Pray that our leaders equip the saints for the work of ministry.
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
Ephesians 4:11-12
Pray that we never lose our first love.
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
Revelation 2:4-5
Pray that we will trust Jesus to grow HPC to His glory.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:18
Pray for God’s Provision and Protection
Pray for Vision and the Courage to follow wherever God might lead us.
Pray for Unity among God’s people.
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 4: 31
Bring the real you to the real God
Week Eight - Give, Pray and Fast
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching Give, Pray and Fast, week eight of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
MOVING FORWARD
Disciples who are learning to live and love the way Jesus did are expected to give to the needy, pray and fast. What steps can you take to put the practices into practice this week?
FASTING
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Ezra 8: 23
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Jesus – Matthew 6: 16 – 18
Fasting
Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform lives and bring revival.
When we fast and pray we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Make A Commitment
Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.
Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14,15) For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front:
Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.
Prepare Yourself Spiritually
The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:
Prepare Yourself Physically
Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision.
Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.
Put Yourself on a Schedule
Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:
The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.
For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.
Morning
Noon
Evening
5 a.m. - 8 a.m.
Tips on Juice Fasting
End Your Fast Gradually
Begin eating gradually. Do not eat solid foods immediately after your fast. Suddenly reintroducing solid food to your stomach and digestive tract will likely have negative, even dangerous, consequences. Try several smaller meals or snacks each day. If you end your fast gradually, the beneficial physical and spiritual effects will result in continued good health.
Here are some suggestions to help you end your fast properly:
Expect Results
If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God's face; if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 14:21). The Lord will give you fresh, new spiritual insights. Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. You will feel mentally, spiritually, and physically refreshed. You will see answers to your prayers.
After watching Give, Pray and Fast, week eight of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
- How important were manners to your parents when you were growing up?
- How important is it to you to be recognized for your accomplishments?
- What are ways people draw attention to the ways they give to the needy? How can you give in secret?
- How do people attempt to show their righteousness when they pray? What does it look like to pray behind closed doors?
- Fasting is a discipline not many practice (see notes below). If you have practiced this discipline, what was your experience? If you haven’t,, why not?
- How have you experienced God’s “rewards” for giving, praying or fasting without drawing attention to yourself?
- Paul and Barnabas understood who they were, why they were here and who they served. How would you answer the same questions? Who are you? Why are you here? Who are you serving?
MOVING FORWARD
Disciples who are learning to live and love the way Jesus did are expected to give to the needy, pray and fast. What steps can you take to put the practices into practice this week?
FASTING
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Ezra 8: 23
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Jesus – Matthew 6: 16 – 18
Fasting
Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform lives and bring revival.
When we fast and pray we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Make A Commitment
Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.
Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14,15) For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front:
- How long you will fast - one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, forty days (Beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts.)
- The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often)
- What physical or social activities you will restrict
- How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God's Word
Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.
Prepare Yourself Spiritually
The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:
- Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.
- Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
- Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4).
- Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
- Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14,15.
- Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2).
- Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13).
- Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).
- Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16,17).
Prepare Yourself Physically
Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision.
Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.
- Do not rush into your fast.
- Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
- Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.
Put Yourself on a Schedule
Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:
- Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies. Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision.
- Limit your activity.
- Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.
- Rest as much as your schedule will permit.
- Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.
- Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the "blahs." Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.
The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.
For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.
Morning
- Begin your day in praise and worship.
- Read and meditate on God's Word, preferably on your knees.
- Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13.
- Invite God to use you. Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country, and beyond.
- Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.
Noon
- Return to prayer and God's Word.
- Take a short prayer walk.
- Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community's and nation's leaders, for the world's unreached millions, for your family or special needs.
Evening
- Get alone for an unhurried time of "seeking His face."
- If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer.
- Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus.
- When possible, begin and end each day on your knees with your spouse for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God. Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone.
5 a.m. - 8 a.m.
- Fruit juices, preferably freshly squeezed or blended and diluted in 50 percent distilled water if the fruit is acid. Apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, watermelon, or other fruit juices are generally preferred. If you cannot do your own juicing, buy juices without sugar or additives.
- Fresh vegetable juice made from lettuce, celery, and carrots in three equal parts.
- Herb tea with a drop of honey. Avoid black tea or any tea with caffeine.
- Broth made from boiling potatoes, celery, and carrots with no salt. After boiling about half an hour, pour the water into a container and drink it.
- 1 cup of herbal tea, perhaps a sleep-inducing one.
Tips on Juice Fasting
- Drinking fruit juice will decrease your hunger pains and give you some natural sugar energy. The taste and lift will motivate and strengthen you to continue.
- The best juices are made from fresh watermelon, lemons, grapes, apples, cabbage, beets, carrots, celery, or leafy green vegetables. In cold weather, you may enjoy a warm vegetable broth.
- Mix acidic juices (orange and tomato) with water for your stomach's sake.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks. And avoid chewing gum or mints, even if your breath is bad. They stimulate digestive action in your stomach.
End Your Fast Gradually
Begin eating gradually. Do not eat solid foods immediately after your fast. Suddenly reintroducing solid food to your stomach and digestive tract will likely have negative, even dangerous, consequences. Try several smaller meals or snacks each day. If you end your fast gradually, the beneficial physical and spiritual effects will result in continued good health.
Here are some suggestions to help you end your fast properly:
- Break an extended water fast with fruit such as watermelon.
- While continuing to drink fruit or vegetable juices, add the following: First day: Add a raw salad. Second day: Add baked or boiled potato, no butter or seasoning. Third day: Add a steamed vegetable. Thereafter: Begin to reintroduce your normal diet.
- Gradually return to regular eating with several small snacks during the first few days. Start with a little soup and fresh fruit such as watermelon and cantaloupe. Advance to a few tablespoons of solid foods such as raw fruits and vegetables or a raw salad and baked potato.
Expect Results
If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God's face; if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 14:21). The Lord will give you fresh, new spiritual insights. Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. You will feel mentally, spiritually, and physically refreshed. You will see answers to your prayers.
Give - Pray - Fast
Week Seven – Love Your Enemies
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching Love Your Enemies, week seven of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
MOVING FORWARD
Billy Graham says the Holy Spirit convicts, God judges and our job is to love . Jesus challenges us to love our enemies. Can you B.L.E.S.S. an enemy this week by Beginning to pray for them, Listening to their stories, Eating a meal together or a sharing cup of coffee, finding a way to Serve them and sharing the Story of how Jesus has impacted you?
After watching Love Your Enemies, week seven of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
- What would you say are the biggest technological achievements of the last 50 years? How have they impacted the way you live?
- Which sports rivalries are you most invested in (if any)? How is a rival different from an enemy?
- Enemies often don’t look, believe or act the way we do. Are there groups of people you tend to think of as enemies? What specifically makes someone an enemy?
- Who are people you feel a direct responsibility toward? How do you care for them?
- In what ways are you indirectly responsible for others? How might you care for them?
- What are practical things you might do to begin to see an enemy as a sister or a brother?
- Jesus says people will know we are His followers by how well we love one another. What does the way you love say about your relationship to Jesus to your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, enemies?
MOVING FORWARD
Billy Graham says the Holy Spirit convicts, God judges and our job is to love . Jesus challenges us to love our enemies. Can you B.L.E.S.S. an enemy this week by Beginning to pray for them, Listening to their stories, Eating a meal together or a sharing cup of coffee, finding a way to Serve them and sharing the Story of how Jesus has impacted you?
To make our neighborhood a brotherhood
we have to love our enemies
Week Six – Throw Away the Stumble
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching Throw Away the Stumble, week six of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
MOVING FORWARD
Jesus offers us a way to live forever and a better way to live today. Are you satisfied with your life today? Could it be better? How might following Jesus help you take hold of that better life?
After watching Throw Away the Stumble, week six of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
- When you think about what you do for a living (or if you are retired what you used to do). Why do you do what you do?
- How hard would it be for you to “throw away:” Your golf clubs? Your computer? Your social media account? Your cell phone? Your credit cards? Other stumbling blocks?
- Genesis 39:2 tells us “the Lord was with Joseph.” How have you experienced the Lord’s presence in your life? What do you do to stay close to Jesus?
- When our eyes are “fixed on Jesus” (Hebrews 12) He improves our ability to see the things that cause us to stumble? What area of your life could you most use vision correction?
- Jesus equates throwing away the things that cause us to stumble, to gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand? What would it take for you to throw away something that might cause you to stumble?
- Do you have a “Nathan” in your life? Who do you trust to speak hard truths when necessary? If you don’t have someone, how might you establish that sort of relationship?
MOVING FORWARD
Jesus offers us a way to live forever and a better way to live today. Are you satisfied with your life today? Could it be better? How might following Jesus help you take hold of that better life?
Throw away anything that causes you to stumble.
Week Five - The Danger of Anger
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching The Danger of Anger, week five of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
1. What are things that make you angry?
2. When you face conflict are you:
4. At the second crossroads you decide: Go to the person or to someone else. How much of a temptation is gossip for you? What might help you resist the temptation?
5. At the third crossroads you decide: To tell the truth or dance around the issue. How easy is it for you to speak a hard truth to someone? How receptive are you when someone needs to speak a hard truth to you?
6. At the fourth crossroads you decide: Resolve the conflict in private or make it public. How tempting is it for you to post things you are angry about on social media?
7. At the fifth crossroads you decide: To seek reconciliation or remain separated. Can you think of someone you need to go to and seek reconciliation?
MOVING FORWARD
Read Matthew 5: 23 and 24. Is there anyone you need to go to right now?
After watching The Danger of Anger, week five of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
1. What are things that make you angry?
2. When you face conflict are you:
- A gorilla – mixing it up?
- An owl – intellectualizing everything?
- A chameleon – adapting to keep the peace?
- A skunk – spraying harsh words?
- Another animal – how would you describe?
4. At the second crossroads you decide: Go to the person or to someone else. How much of a temptation is gossip for you? What might help you resist the temptation?
5. At the third crossroads you decide: To tell the truth or dance around the issue. How easy is it for you to speak a hard truth to someone? How receptive are you when someone needs to speak a hard truth to you?
6. At the fourth crossroads you decide: Resolve the conflict in private or make it public. How tempting is it for you to post things you are angry about on social media?
7. At the fifth crossroads you decide: To seek reconciliation or remain separated. Can you think of someone you need to go to and seek reconciliation?
MOVING FORWARD
Read Matthew 5: 23 and 24. Is there anyone you need to go to right now?
In your anger do not sin – Ephesians 4: 26
Week Four - Proclamation and Praxis
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching Proclamation and Praxis, week four of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
1. What was your best subject when you were in school?
2. The Pharisees loved to keep rules. When you were growing up what rules were you expected to obey?
3. Some thought Jesus had come to “abolish the law and the prophets.” What commands of God do you find most difficult to follow? Why?
4. In verse 19 Jesus says there are two things His disciples should do to be great in God’s kingdom. How do you match up to His standard in this area?
5. Given the enthusiasm the Pharisees had for keeping the law, how can a Christian’s righteousness exceed theirs?
6. In John 14 Jesus says if we love Him we will obey His commands. How can you obey His new command to love one another?
MOVING FORWARD
Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart. What will you resolve to do to love God with:
Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch
After watching Proclamation and Praxis, week four of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
1. What was your best subject when you were in school?
2. The Pharisees loved to keep rules. When you were growing up what rules were you expected to obey?
3. Some thought Jesus had come to “abolish the law and the prophets.” What commands of God do you find most difficult to follow? Why?
4. In verse 19 Jesus says there are two things His disciples should do to be great in God’s kingdom. How do you match up to His standard in this area?
5. Given the enthusiasm the Pharisees had for keeping the law, how can a Christian’s righteousness exceed theirs?
6. In John 14 Jesus says if we love Him we will obey His commands. How can you obey His new command to love one another?
MOVING FORWARD
Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart. What will you resolve to do to love God with:
Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch
Love the Lord your God with all your heart!
Week Three - Shine
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After watching Shine, week three of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
MOVING FORWARD
Resolve to take action on your answers to questions 2 and 3 during the coming week. Pray for one another as you begin to do this. Invite someone to encourage you and hold you accountable to following through.
After watching Shine, week three of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
- When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
- When you meet someone how do you describe who you are? How would your best friend describe you?
- In what ways do you, both as an individual and as a member of the Christian community, behave as the “salt of the earth?” What makes followers of Jesus less “salty?” Think of practical ways you could have a greater impact on your community.
- In what ways do you, both as an individual and as a member of the Christian community, behave as the “light of the world?” What things (bowls) prevent the light from being seen? Think of practical ways you could “shine” more brightly.
- In your relationships with others (friends, family, classmates, co-workers, neighbors and strangers) are you “in it to win it” or are you looking to the interest of others? What might you do to have the “mind of Christ?”
- In what ways are you experiencing the Second Law of Thermodynamics in your life? What practical things might you do to get closer to Jesus so His light can help you intercept entropy?
MOVING FORWARD
Resolve to take action on your answers to questions 2 and 3 during the coming week. Pray for one another as you begin to do this. Invite someone to encourage you and hold you accountable to following through.
You are a distinctive difference maker. Shine!
Week Two - Blessed
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After listening to Blessed, week two of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
MOVING FORWARD
From the very beginning God’s plan has been to bless us so we might be a blessing to others. Who in your life can you bless this week? How might you do it?
After listening to Blessed, week two of the Discipleship Series, consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
- When someone asks you “How are you doing?” what’s your typical response?
- What does it mean to be “blessed?” In what ways have your experienced something of the blessings Jesus describes? Do you believe Jesus is referring to a benefit we receive now or some sort of future reward? Or is there an element of both?
- What are qualities or traits people normally associate with power or influence? Read Matthew 5: 3 – 12. Why do you think the qualities Jesus lists are so different?
- In view of all these qualities, why is persecution inevitable? In what ways are you persecuted? How do you respond? What does Jesus say your reaction should be?
- John Stott writes: “The ways of the God of Scripture appear topsy-turvy to men. For God exalts the humble and abases the proud, calls the first last and the last first, ascribes greatness to the servant, sends the rich away empty-handed and declares the meek to be His heirs.” - John Stott. In what ways has this been your experience?
MOVING FORWARD
From the very beginning God’s plan has been to bless us so we might be a blessing to others. Who in your life can you bless this week? How might you do it?
Blessed is not an earthly benefit. Blessed is a kingdom reality.
Week One - Disciple
FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
After listening to week one of the Discipleship Series consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
1. Where did you attend elementary school? What was your best subject?
2. Read Matthew 4: 18 – 22. Would you find it difficult to leave everything to follow Jesus? Why or Why not?
3. In the very heart of Jesus’ sermon on the mountainside He tells His disciples. “Do not be like them.” (Matthew 6: 8) It is a call to be different.
Most people outside the church think of Christians as being different from others. But what do they think of as the distinctive marks of a Christian? Why do you think this is so?
4. John Stott writes:
“The Sermon on the Mount is probably the best-known part of the teaching of Jesus, though arguably it is the least understood, and certainly it is the least obeyed” - John Stott.
Do you believe it is possible to put what Jesus teaches in the Sermon into practice in our lives? Why or Why not?
5. What difference does it make knowing that someone believes in you? What difference might it make knowing that Jesus believes you can be like Him?
MOVING FORWARD
If we want to follow Jesus way of life, we need to get to know Him. What will help you follow Jesus close enough to get covered by the dust of the Rabbi?
Watch what God does and then YOU do it.
Ephesians 5: 1 (MSG)
After listening to week one of the Discipleship Series consider the following questions either in personal reflection or a group discussion.
1. Where did you attend elementary school? What was your best subject?
2. Read Matthew 4: 18 – 22. Would you find it difficult to leave everything to follow Jesus? Why or Why not?
3. In the very heart of Jesus’ sermon on the mountainside He tells His disciples. “Do not be like them.” (Matthew 6: 8) It is a call to be different.
Most people outside the church think of Christians as being different from others. But what do they think of as the distinctive marks of a Christian? Why do you think this is so?
4. John Stott writes:
“The Sermon on the Mount is probably the best-known part of the teaching of Jesus, though arguably it is the least understood, and certainly it is the least obeyed” - John Stott.
Do you believe it is possible to put what Jesus teaches in the Sermon into practice in our lives? Why or Why not?
5. What difference does it make knowing that someone believes in you? What difference might it make knowing that Jesus believes you can be like Him?
MOVING FORWARD
If we want to follow Jesus way of life, we need to get to know Him. What will help you follow Jesus close enough to get covered by the dust of the Rabbi?
Watch what God does and then YOU do it.
Ephesians 5: 1 (MSG)
Jesus believes you can be like Him.