grace-efree.orggrace-efree.org/uploads/3/...101_equipping_manual.docx · Web viewTrue worship is a lifestyle of loving God with our entire being. It originates from thoughts and

Building a Community of Authentic Followers of Christ!

Through Personal Commitments to:

ConneXions 101 Equipping ManualGrace Evangelical Free Church

Davenport, Iowa

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PART IThrough Personal Commitments to

A ConneXion to the GOD

1. Someone once asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was. His answer is recorded for us in Matthew 22:37. Read this verse in your Bible and write Jesus answer in the space below:

2. Jesus’ answer is actually rooted in the commandments of the Old Testament. Find and read Deuteronomy 6:5. How does that verse compare with what you just read in Matthew? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Continue reading in Deuteronomy 6:13-14. How do these verses describe in more detail what loving God looks like? ________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Jesus quoted the verses above when He was tempted by Satan at the beginning of His earthly ministry. How does Jesus summarize these commands in Luke 4:8? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. John 4:23-24 is a key section of scripture that adds to our understanding of true worship. What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him, must worship in Spirit and in Truth.” ______________________________________________________________________________

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Possibly expand to include loving your neighbor and use as a foundation for all three areas of ConneXion? Using “as yourself” as a lead-in to connecting with the body? See Matt’s material, opening paragraph, p.2? at least, healthy, loving relationships that are focused toward God, ourselves (which could include ourselves as the church) and others, i.e. our neighbors by biblical definition

Author, 01/20/16,

user, 01/20/16,

Add some simple definitions of worship and serve? Worship literally means, “to bow down.” It implies, 1)an appropriate response to God that begins with a right attitude of reverence toward Him in our hearts which 2)results in the right action of a lifestyle of serving Him by doing what He says.

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Emphasize worship as our primary way of expressing our love for God.Or ask, how does loving God (v.5) express itself (v.14)Main thought is to make a connection between loving God and worship

________________________________________________________________

True worship is a lifestyle of loving God with our entire being. It originates from thoughts and feelings that are in line with the truth of God’s word, as a result of His work in our hearts, and overflows into actions and lifestyles that are consistent with His will.

Read Romans 12:1,2.

The key response to God's mercy, as described in the first 11 chapters of the Book of Romans is offering what to God? __________________________________________________________________________________________________

How is this an act of worship? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Most people think worship is something done in a church building. Where does worship take place according to this verse? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________

A. Corporate Worship

6. Sometimes you’ll hear us use the term “corporate worship.” That simply means worship that is done as a group or community. Read John 1:12, 1 Timothy 3:15 and Galatians 3:28. What important truths do these verses bring out that can have a positive impact on our corporate worship? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Use these passages to establish and/or reinforce the truth that as believers or followers of Jesus’ Christ we are family; a household. Worship reinforces our unity in Christ transcends any differences we may have as we focus on Him and His truth.

Unknown Author, 01/20/16,

As stated earlier, worship literally means to “bow down.” How do we do that metaphorically in the different places where we live life?

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See summary statement on top of next page.

7. Our Sunday morning “Worship Service” is the focal point of our corporate worship on a weekly basis. Read Psalm 95:1-7. Notice these verses are written with a group setting in mind, e.g. “Come, let US sing…” etc. List some of the activities corporate worship involves and why according to these verses: __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Read the following passages and take note of what they have to say about the different components of worshipping God together:

a. Acts 2:42 - _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Colossians 3:16 - ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. Luke 22:19-20 - _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

d. Hebrews 13:15-16 - _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. The verses above from the book of Hebrews use terms like “offer up” and “sacrifice.” What important fact does that imply about worship? – ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Review the components of worship you’ve identified in questions 7-9. Read Hebrews 10:25, as well, and then sum up the responsibilities each of us have in the context of corporate worship - ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Our responsibility = Come, participate, prepare (lead-in to individual worship)

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“Let us offer up…” Worship also means to offer up, i.e. to give. Worship always involves some kind of sacrifice on our part, but in our sacrifice we discover and experience the joy of doing what God created us to do!

________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________In exploring corporate worship, we’ve seen that some key components are 1) Drawing on the truth of God’s word, 2) Prayer that takes the form of praise and thanksgiving, 3) Music that enhances and expresses our worship, and 4) Worship which leads to forms of service that honor God and benefit others. Next time you attend our worship service, pay attention to how each of these are included in our time.

B. Individual Worship

The quality of our corporate worship is directly impacted by the time each of us spend worshipping God on our own through the week. In this section, we’re going to examine individual worship in terms of cultivating our own ConneXion to God, but also preparing for times when we worship together.

11. According to 2 Timothy 3:15-16, what would you conclude is essential for cultivating our individual ConneXion with God and why? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reading the Bible is an important part of our individual worship. Remember true worship is based on truth (John 4:24). A couple of good places to begin are the book of Psalms and the Gospel of John. As you read, take time to look for some of the following:

• Is there a sin for me to forsake?• Is there a promise for me to claim?• Is there an example for me to follow?• Is there a command for me to obey?• Is there something to be thankful for today?

12. Prayer is another essential component for cultivating and maintaining our conneXion to God. Read each of the passages listed below and write a brief summary of what they say about this important practice:

• Luke 18:1 - _______________________________________________________________________________________________

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Possible lead-in section: In exploring corporate worship, we’ve seen that some key components are 1)Drawing on the truth of God’s word, 2)Prayer that takes the form of praise and thanksgiving, 3)Music that enhances and expresses our worship, and 4)Worship leads to forms of service that honor God and benefit others. Next time you attend our worship service pay attention to how each of these are included in our time.

• Ephesians 6:18-19 - ________________________________________________________________________________________

• Colossians 4:2-4 - _________________________________________________________________________________________

• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - ______________________________________________________________________________________

13. Read Matthew 6:9-13 which is commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus gave His disciples this prayer, not so much to be quoted word for word, but as a pattern to be followed. Read Matthew 6:12 again, along with 1 John 1:7-9. What other important element of prayer do these verses call attention to? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. According to Psalm 42:8 and Psalm 59:16-17, what can play an important role in enhancing our individual prayer and worship at any time of day or night? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. Give some thought to creative ways you could use music in your personal times of worship that would complement and reinforce your Bible reading and prayer time. Ask for some advice on quality worship music in a genre you enjoy and write down some suggestions.

• ___________________________________________________________• ___________________________________________________________• ___________________________________________________________

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16. The whole book of Psalms is a collection of poems and songs that express worship in the context of all of life’s circumstances. Journaling can be a helpful exercise for many people in developing a deeper ConneXion to God. As you look back over the questions you’ve answered so far, what things might be helpful to get in the habit of writing down on a regular basis?

• ___________________________________________________________• ___________________________________________________________• ___________________________________________________________• ___________________________________________________________

Use this as a template for your own personal journal.

17. Read Revelation 5:11-14. What is your first impression of what you read in those verses? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Through worship we get a tiny glimpse of what were originally created to do, and what we will get to do for all eternity; worshipping the one who is “worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” It’s to “Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” We get to start giving Him that praise and adoration now here on earth. We get to do what he created us to do – worship Him!

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PART IIThrough Personal Commitments to

A ConneXion to the BODY

The Bible uses the analogy of a body as a way to describe the church. In this section we’re going to take a closer look at this analogy and how it relates to you as a new follower of Jesus Christ. In your Bible, find and read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. (Use the Table of Contents if you need to. That’s what it’s there for!)

1. What thoughts or questions come to mind as an initial reaction or response to what you’ve just read? ____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Take a minute to pray, asking God to give you a better understanding of what this all means for you.

2. Go back and read verse 12 again. What do you think is the main point of this verse in regard to our physical bodies? ________________________________

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While our bodies are one unit that functions as a whole, they are comprised of multiple, complicated, systems, organs, extremities, cells, etc.

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Use this as a reminder that God has promised to help us understand what He has said (e.g. John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:14-16; 1 John 2:27). Maintain an attitude of prayer yourself, as you walk through this exercise with the new believer.

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Use this as a way to gauge where the new believer is coming from to help you better use the material to in a way that is relevant to them. Having done that, suggest that maybe working through the rest of the section will help answer some of those questions, but keep their original thoughts or questions in mind.

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Insert actual ConneXions logo or font. (Depending on overall formatting decided on)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How do you think that relates to a church as “the body” of Christ?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Read verses 14-17. What are a couple of things these verses point out that are essential for a body to function in a healthy way? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Read verse 18. What important message does this verse have for you as a new follower of Jesus Christ? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As we continue, we want to help you understand what your specific role is within the body and why it is so important for you to commit to a conneXion with the body in this way. But before getting into that, there is one thing that is absolutely essential to understand.

5. Read Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:18. What is Jesus Christ’s position in regard to the church, as His body? ____________________

6. According to Colossians 1:17 and Colossians 2:19 what role does Christ have in that position? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your most important role as a part of Christ’s body is to stay connected to Him as your head! That happens by consistently following through on your commitment maintain a conneXion to God in the ways we talked about in PART I. Take a minute to write out some of the things you’ve been doing to stay connected to God:

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Use this as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of simply committing to making gathering with the church a priority. See Hebrews 10:25. We can’t contribute to a healthy body if we’re not there.

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You have a place in the church as the body of Christ! You belong here because God,Himself has put you here, exactly where He wants you! All of these things we just talked about apply to you! You have a place! You belong! God has placed you here! You have an essential role to fill that the body needs to function! The body needs you! You need all of the other parts/people of the body to be healthy and function well!

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Each individual part of the body, down to the very cells, has a unique and significant role to play. At the same time there is an essential interdependence between all of the individual parts. We all need each other in the body of Christ. Following Jesus Christ is something we cannot do on our own without the help of others. Develop further under “being served?”

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1)The church is not a building but a living organism. 2)While there is one church, that church is made up of many individual people.

______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________

After realizing your first and most important role in the body is to stay connected to the head; your next most important role is really twofold:

A.To Be Served

7. Let’s go back to the passage we were looking at earlier to expand our understanding of our roles in the body. According to 1 Corinthians 12:21, what is something none of us in the body can say? _____________________________________________________________________________

Each one of us comes into the body needing others! God has put the body together in a way that each one of us can find the help we need.

8. Read Ephesians 4:11-12. According to these verses, what is one way God has designed the church to be a place where we can find help? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. As we keep reading in this passage, we learn another way God has designed the church to be a place where our needs can be addressed. Read Ephesians 4:15-16 and identify at least two things that are necessary in order to help one another in the body:

a. _________________________________________________b. _________________________________________________

10. Being truthful and honest about our needs is one way we can allow others

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Being truthful and honest with one another in a loving way is essential for a healthy “body.” Each individual part doing what it is supposed to do.

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Point here is that God places gifted leaders in our churches that we should be able to go to for teaching, guidance, equipping, and building up.

to serve us. Although this isn’t always easy, it’s an important part of how the body functions. What are some ways you would like to find help as part of the body? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

B.To Serve

As we’ve already begun to see in some of our passages, serving is a two-way street. While it’s important to give others an opportunity to help us, it’s equally important to ask how we can help others at the same time.

11. Find and read Galatians 5:13-14. What does verse 13 say we have been called to as followers of Jesus Christ? _____________________________________________________________________________________

12. What do these verses say about how we should use our new found freedom in Christ? __________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. What is the result in the church, as the body of Christ, if everyone is doing what these verses tell us to do? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Take a minute to stop and thank God for the freedom you’re discovering as a follower of Jesus Christ. Thank Him that you have a place in the body and that you have an important role to fill. Ask Him to show you how you can use your new found freedom to serve others.

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Emphasize the reciprocal dynamic of “one another.” If everyone is focused on serving others, everyone’s needs are being addressed! i.e. While I’m focused on helping someone else, I know someone else is also focusing on helping me!

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Develop the idea of freedom in Christ here. Part of the process of becoming free is replacing unproductive or unhealthy behavior with productive, healthy behavior. Are there relationships or activities this person is no longer involved in that have freed up time and resources?

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Use this as an opportunity to gently discover more of where this person is coming from. What kinds of practical, physical or material needs do they have? What kind of spiritual, emotional or relational needs do they have? How can you come alongside this person to be a help or who else within the church might be in a position to do that?

14. Now find 1 Peter 4:10-11. What does verse 10 say “each one” has received and what are we supposed to do with it? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. What does verse 11 add about HOW we are supposed to do that and why? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. What specific talents, skills, or abilities has God given you? What about personal interests or hobbies? Is there something you are very passionate about? Write 3 or 4 things down: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. Brainstorm some ways these things might be used in helping/serving others within the body? (Warning: The possibilities may be endless!) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY

Earlier, by answering questions 15 and 16, we learned that our ultimate goal in serving and being served within the body is that “God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11).

18. Back up a little bit and read 1 Peter 4:8. What does that verse say is even more important the serving one another and why? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Because we’re all human, and still “works in progress,” an atmosphere of love (and grace) is essential; and is our first priority in working toward our ultimate goal of glorifying God. Maybe make reference to the description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

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Have a list of ministry teams in the church and ongoing opportunities to serve. Put them in touch with ministry leaders, deacons, etc. who can help get them involved in a specific area of service.

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Emphasize the ultimate goal of the body is to “glorify God through Jesus Christ.”To glorify God means to acknowledge His greatness, worth and position as God in our lives in a way that is visible to others, as well.

19. As we learn to serve one another, in an environment of love and grace; life-long relationships or “ConneXions” are developed with others in the body. Read John 13:34-35. What does verse 35 say is the result of healthy, loving relationships between Jesus’ followers? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Take some time to pray, asking God to show you what first steps you can take in allowing others in the body to serve you, and what practical steps you can take to explore opportunities to serve others.

Building a community of authentic followers of Christ!

PART IIIThrough personal commitments to a ConneXion to the World

1. John 4:34-36 describes how He saw those who did not know Him as Savior and Lord. How does He describe them? __________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In this passage, how does He want His followers to see them? _____________________________________________________________________________

Are you willing, as you desire to follow Jesus, to see them this way too?

2. Read Matthew 3:19 – Jesus invites people to come and follow Him. As a new new follower, what activity does He send them out to do? ________________________________________________________________________________

Is this an option in the life of someone who desires to follow Jesus? _________

Read Luke 9:23. Are you willing to follow Jesus on His terms even if it means

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How does the word “must” in this verse require submission on your part if you want to follow Him?


What is the difference between “I will send you to fish” and “I'll give you the option to fish?”


Are you willing to see this work as your “food?” Do you sense God sending you, like Jesus, “to finish his work?”


Try to put yourself in Jesus' shoes. Why does Jesus use “fields” to describe those who are lost? Why is it important for us to see them that way?

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This point can become a lead-in to a conneXion with the world. Genuine love, a place to belong, a role to fulfill, all become something that attracts others to Christ.

paying a price and stepping outside your comfort zone? __________________

Why is submission to sharing our faith so important as a follower of Jesus Christ? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. As an authentic follower of Jesus Christ, will you commit yourself to a connection to those who do not know Christ in these two ways?

- To Show – Showing those without Christ what the life of Christ looks like.

Read Luke 5:27-32; 15:1-7. How did Jesus show who He was to people around Him?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read 1 Cor. 15:33. What danger do we face by hanging out with only those who are not believers? __________________________________________

Did Jesus spend time only with those who didn't know Him yet (John 3:22)?

Read Hebrews 10:23-25. How can following the principle in this verse guard us against the dangers of spending time with people who do not know Christ?________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read Matthew 5:14-16. As we spend time with those who don't know Christ, what are we trying to accomplish? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It has been said, “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” How can caring for others show people the reality of Christ in your life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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How does caring for others go together with showing them Jesus life within ours?


Do people see Jesus in my life? In what tangible ways do they see Him in your life?


The point is, God gave us a place (church) to help us remain faithful to Him while still being in the world and trying to reach people for Christ.


How could “bad company” corrupt our Christian character?


How does the word “show” correspond with sharing our faith with others? Why is it so important as we communicate the gospel with people?


This is one of the main ways we tell Jesus we love Him. Is that a true statement? If so, why?

________________________________________________________________

What are some ways you can genuinely care for people you know that are not yet followers of Christ? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

- To Share – Taking advantage of opportunities to share the gospel verbally.

Read 1 Peter 3:15. Is showing people the life of Christ in your life enough when it comes to “fishing for souls?” What else should we be prepared to do?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In 1 Peter 3:15 it mentions what our attitude toward Jesus should be before it tells us what we need to be willing to do. What is that attitude? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As we share our faith with others, how should we approach them as shown in the last part of 1 Peter 3:15? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why is that so important? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read Colossians 4:2-6

What spiritual exercise is crucially important to sharing our faith? __________

What is Paul specifically praying for in verse 3? __________________________

According to verse 4, why does he want God to open a door? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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If God is the one opening doors that takes all the pressure off of you. You are responsible to go through those doors but not to open them.


How do people feel when people are not gentle with them or they neglect showing proper respect?


This is a fundamental necessity for anyone who follows Christ in any area of life. Do you have this attitude toward Jesus?


Who gets the credit when you only show people Jesus' life?What happens when we tell people about Jesus but our lives don't back up what we tell them?Who gets the credit when we show them the life of Christ by caring for them and then share the gospel verbally?

How does verses 5 and 6 reinforce the importance of showing people the reality of Christ in our lives by the way we live our lives? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Two tools for you to use:

A. Testimony –

The Lord wants to use your testimony, or story of how you came to know Christ as your Savior and Lord.

Acts 26 Paul's example of his testimony.

vv. 1-3- Courteous & Polite. Cp. 1 Peter 3:15

1. What was my life like?

vv. 4-12 * caution: Eph. 5:11,12 (Some things are best unmentioned).

2. What did Christ do for me?

vv. 13-23 * caution: 1 Pet. 3:15,16 (Again, be polite and respectful, not preachy.)

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We want to focus their attention on Christ, not us. We want them to understand that Jesus is the answer, not religion by itself.


Some things are best unsaid. We want it to be a testimony about Jesus, not a bragimony about how sinful we were.


If Paul used his story, how does this encourage you to tell yours?


Who doesn't like to hear a story?


How can we season our conversation with salt? How do our words and actions affect people around us?

3. What will he do for you?

vv. 24-29 * caution: Acts 22:22 (Be willing to pay the price!)

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We don't want to sugar-coat sharing Christ. Everyone is not going to respond positively to the gospel.


This was Paul's way of challenging others to consider receiving Christ. It was done with respect yet in a way that asked people to consider Christ's claims for themselves.

B. The Gospel –

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This is included as a tool. There are many other ways to share the gospel.

Documents

grace-efree.orggrace-efree.org/uploads/3/...101_equipping_manual.docx · Web viewTrue worship is a lifestyle of loving God with our entire being. It originates from thoughts and