All Things Well

Is there a dominant set of religious beliefs in Ellijay? What is that, and why is that set of ideas most popular?

What are some half-truths or false understandings about Jesus that you have heard? 

Why do you think people choose to believe these specific things about Jesus, but not the entirety of who He is and what He does?

Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.

Mark 7:31-35 ESV

What are the specific actions Jesus took in restoring this man?

On Sunday, I characterized this approach as unique… Bizarre, even. Do you have any thoughts about why Jesus chose to heal this man in this strange way?

How does this miracle help us better understand the degree of concern Jesus has for people?

Jesus’ healing brought wholeness to this man’s physical life. What are some opportunities we have to make the lives of people more complete?

And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Mark 7:36-37 ESV

Jesus commanded the people to keep this healing a secret. How did the people respond? What does this tell us about their perception of Jesus and His reputation at that time?

What most amazed the crowd about Jesus? Why do you think that was the case?

Read Isaiah 35:4-6. What were the people looking for from the promised Messiah? How did Jesus compare to their expectations at this point in His ministry?

Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland.

Isaiah 35:4-6 NLT

Should this story of Jesus impact the way you and I love and live personally, in community and in our world?

Imagine you’re talking to a coworker or friend who isn’t a Christian. How would you use Jesus’ healing miracles to help that person better understand Jesus’ identity and mission?

The healing miracles in Mark remind us that we all have great stories. What’s your story of redemption? Consider writing it down and sharing it with someone this week.

She Wasn’t Really A Dog

And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter.

Mark 7:24-26 ESV

Jesus had gotten pretty far outside Jewish land. He was getting way out of his ministry area, and far away from anyone who might have known him. Since this was Gentile territory, everyone around him was “unclean.”

What is the significance of the description of the woman? Why is her background important in this story?

What social barriers are crossed by the woman and by Jesus in this story? What does this reveal to us about Jesus?

How would you describe the attitude of the woman as she approached Jesus? What attitudes should we exhibit when approaching Jesus? 

After teaching about all foods being clean, Jesus demonstrated that Gentiles are included in His Kingdom by going to Tyre. A Gentile woman humbly approached Jesus on behalf of her daughter who was demon possessed. Jesus allows all people to approach Him when done so out of humility and worship.

And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

Mark 7:27-28 ESV

How would you characterize Jesus’ response? Do you think He responded as he did to test the woman’s faith or for other reasons? Explain. 

How does the woman’s response demonstrate faith in God? How does it demonstrate humility and an understanding of God’s grace? 

Jesus responded to the woman’s request by reminding her that salvation was offered to the Jews first. She demonstrated deep understanding and faith by pointing to God’s including the Gentiles and her contentment with her daughter receiving any portion of God’s grace. God sometimes tests our faith as we humbly await His gracious action.

And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

Mark 7:29-30 ESV

Do you think Jesus was more surprised, pleased, or impressed by the woman’s response? Explain. 

What does His response teach us about God’s grace being offered to all people? What does His response teach us about prayer? 

Jesus commended the woman and healed the daughter from a distance. Jesus is willing to demonstrate His power to those who humbly approach Him and are willing to accept His response. He answers prayer, demonstrating His grace and mercy to all people.

What do you need to change in your attitude toward God when approaching Him? 

What prayer requests have you abandoned that you need to humbly resubmit to God? 

Who in your life needs deliverance from sin and its influence in their life? What specific requests to Jesus do you need to make on their behalf?

Jesus Hates Legalism

Easter at River Park this year!

For whatever reason, the school board has decided that they will no longer rent the football field at Gilmer High School to us, so we are adapting, and will be at the North end of the park, right beside the playground.
I hope you’ll be inviting your friends, family, and neighbors to worship with us on Resurrection Sunday! Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets to spread out in the park.


Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, 
‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 
Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ 
For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”

-Jesus, Mark 7:6-8 NLT

Do you ever feel like you have to perform to get people to approve of you or love you? In what kinds of situations are you most likely to feel that way (i.e., parenting, work, friendships, etc.)?

Does that need for performance-approval ever bleed over into your relationship with God? If so, what does that indicate about the way you view God’s love?

What in your current life or your past might contribute to the belief that you have to perform in order for God to love you?

Trusting in God’s unchanging love is a gospel essential for us. Until we truly believe God loves us, apart from our performance, our spiritual lives will be stagnant. We’ll constantly try to prove ourselves to God, bending us out of shape into legalism.
Fortunately, the gospel helps us see that we are free from this lie because of what Jesus has done on our behalf. This is the reminder Paul gives his readers in Galatians 4:8-20.

Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? You are trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years. I fear for you. Perhaps all my hard work with you was for nothing.

Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to live as I do in freedom from these things, for I have become like you Gentiles—free from those laws.

You did not mistreat me when I first preached to you. Surely you remember that I was sick when I first brought you the Good News. But even though my condition tempted you to reject me, you did not despise me or turn me away. No, you took me in and cared for me as though I were an angel from God or even Christ Jesus himself. Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then? I am sure you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible. Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth?

Those false teachers are so eager to win your favor, but their intentions are not good. They are trying to shut you off from me so that you will pay attention only to them. If someone is eager to do good things for you, that’s all right; but let them do it all the time, not just when I’m with you.

Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. I wish I were with you right now so I could change my tone. But at this distance I don’t know how else to help you.

-Paul, Galatians 4:8-20 NLT

After Paul planted the church in Galatia, false teachers known as Judaizers showed up trying to convince the Galatians that Paul was a liar and their enemy. The Judaizers wanted to drive a wedge between these believers and Paul. They wanted to win the believers’ allegiance to themselves and to their belief of works-righteousness. Paul’s concern for the Galatian believers would continue until Christ was “fully developed in your lives.”
As we mature in our faith, we are transformed as the nature and character of Jesus are developed in us. The Judaizers’ legalistic teaching threatened to stunt that development.

How did Paul contrast the Galatians’ lives before Christ and their lives after coming to Christ?

What was Paul asking in his rhetorical questions about becoming slaves again? How would you respond if you were asked the same thing?

How can we believers avoid slipping back into enslavement to old habits and comfort zones?

What are some of the “weak and bankrupt elemental forces” that keep Christians today from growing in their faith? What pointless rules and rituals are we under pressure to conform to?

How can reflecting on our past and our spiritual milestones (as Paul encouraged the Galatian Christians to do in verses 13-15) encourage us to grow in relationship with God?

How had false teachings influenced the Galatians? Describe Paul’s response to this turn of events.

Why did Paul ask in verse whether he was now an enemy of the Galatian believers? What concern did he express in regard to their relationship with the legalistic Judaizers? How was this more than mere partisan rivalry and jealousy?

How does a relationship with God based on performance and keeping the rules take the joy out of the Christian life?

How can we cultivate an ongoing enthusiasm for godliness and the things of God?

I Know The Things You Do

Thank you to David Lynn and Greg Engler for providing this week’s discussion questions.


Special note from Pastor Steve:

I’m asking everyone to be in serious prayer for this upcoming Sunday, the culmination of our 21-day spiritual journey. That is the day we’ll all commit to 24 months of giving above and beyond toward the goal of a new facility. It is a really big deal, and I believe God will move each of us to a difference-making commitment. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.


Chapter 2 of Revelation consist of letters to seven Churches.  Each of the letters share a similar structure including:

  • Introduction of Jesus
  • Statement regarding the condition of each Church
  • A command from Jesus to the church
  • A general exhortation to all Christians
  • A promise

Speaking to the Church of Ephesus, Jesus said, “I know all the things you do.  I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance.  I know you don’t tolerate evil people.  You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not.”  Rev 2:2

Jesus knew what this church did right.  They worked with boldness and steadfast endurance because when a man works for Christ he should work with all his might. (Spurgeon)

Nevertheless Jesus had issues with the Church in Ephesus.  They had lost their first love.  Jesus said, “But I have this complaint against you.  You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!  Look how far you have fallen!  Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.  If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from it’s place among the churches.”  Rev 2:4 – 5

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY for your LIFE GROUP

Discussion:

  • Describe how you felt when you first received Jesus?
  • How much time did you spend in His word?
  • Remember how you used to pray?
  • Remember the joy in getting together with other Christians?
  • Remember how excited you were about telling others about Jesus?

LOVE GOD

This week commit to:

  1. Turning your heart back towards Jesus.  Recommit your life to him and ask him to ignite a fire that cannot be quenched.
  2. Search your heart for unconfessed sin and repent.
  3. Praying for 10-minutes per day.
  4. Praying to spend time reading God’s word daily 

LOVE OTHERS

This week commit to:

  1. Praying that God would give you opporunities to share the gospel.
  2. Praying that God would give you boldness and confidence.
  3. Praying that God would show you opportunities to help someone.

MAKE DISCIPLES

This week commit to:

  1. Praying that people will see that the “gods” of this world are false, and that they find the one and only true God, who died for us on the cross.
  2. Praying that God would give you the courage to do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done.

A Vision of Hope

Thank you to David Lynn and Greg Engler for this week’s Lifegroup Discussion Questions!

Before we get started, I just want to THANK YOU for participating in our 24-hours of prayer and Bible reading. It was just awesome! It seemed everyone came away saying that they really sensed the Holy Spirit moving during that whole thing.

Discussion Questions

The word “revelation” in Greek is apocalypse and means “unveiling.”  The book of Revelation is about the unveiling and victory of Jesus Christ. 

“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” 

Revelation 17:14

However the Book of Revelation is far more than an apocalyptic prophecy.  John sees future tribulation, but he also sees the Lamb of God seated on his throne.  There is suffering and death in John’s vision, but there is also hope.  The Book of Revelation was not written to give us a symbolic description of the battle between good and evil, or to assure us that God wins in the end, etc.  Instead, the Revelation was written to show us the specific events that will take place in the Last Days and the order in which they would occcur.

On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said:  “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches:  to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” 

Revelation 1:10-11

I heard behind me a loud voice:  The loud voice John heard was clear and striking as the sound of a trumpet.  The loud voice belongs to the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, who is the beginning and the end of all things.  Since Jesus introduced Himself with these titles in Revelation 1:8, we know this was the loud voice of Jesus.

In chapter 1:14-16, John describes Jesus.

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;  His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;  He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

Revelation 1:14-16

And in Chapter 1:17-18, John’s reaction and Jesus’ assurance.

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.  But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “So not be afraid;  I am the First and the Last.  I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.  Amen.  And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Revelation 1:17-18

Can you imagine what John must have felt when he saw Jesus in His heavenly glory?  Even though he was an apostle who knew Jesus on this earth, he must have been overwhelmed by this awesome vision.

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY for your LIFE GROUP

Discussion:

  • How is the book of Revelation a book of hope?
  • When Jesus speaks, why do believers listen?
  • While on earth, Jesus took on the appearance of man, but now his heavenly body shine with glory.  Describe Jesus in his heavenly body?
  • Describe the difference between Jesus as a man and Jesus as the son of God?

LOVE GOD

This week commit to:

  1. Praying that God will make you sensitive to His whispers.
  2. Praying that God will reveal Himself to you more than ever before.
  3. Praying to fast one meal during the week.

LOVE OTHERS

This week commit to:

  1. Sharing who Jesus really is.
  2. Praying that God will give you an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus

MAKE DISCIPLES

This week commit to:

  1. Praying that God will lead you to someone to disciple.
  2. Praying that God will give you the wisdom to disciple someone.
  3. Praying that the Holy Spirit will fill you.

Spiritual Journey Update

This week is the Lifegroup Challenge
Feb 10: Property Prayer Walk
Feb 11: Public Commitment Event!
Feb 25: Reveal Sunday

Here is our commitment card that we’ll be using together on Sunday, February 11

Right Now Matters In Eternity

Thank you to Greg Engler and David Lynn for providing these discussion questions for us!

The reconstruction and refurbishing of the temple were the supreme passion of the prophet Haggai.  He not only rebuked the people for their delay in rebuilding the temple, but he encouraged them and helped them in this endeavor.

“Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai:  Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?  This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you!  You have planted much but harvest little.  You have eaten but are not satisfied.  You drink but are still thirsty.  You put on clothes but cannot keep warm.  Your wages disappear as thought you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!  
This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says:  Look at what’s happening to you!  Now go up into the hills, bring down timber and rebuild my house.” 

Haggai 1:3-8

There were some good reason why the citizens of Jerusalem told themselves that it wasn’t yet time to work on the temple:

  • The work was hard.
  • They didn’t have a lot of money or manpower
  • Hostile enemies resisted the work
  • They remembered easier time in Babylon

Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses:  The people said that it wasn’t time to rebuild the temple.  In their actions, they said that it was time to live in nicely rebuilt houses.  This was the problem – not that God’s people lived in paneled houses, but that they lived in such personal comfort and luxury while the temple was in ruins.

As we look “Back to the Future,” it was about three years ago we were looking to start building, but God shut that door. Hard. God’s plan was different than ours, because His ways are so much higher than ours.   We had no idea that CoVID was about to strike, and everything would come to a screeching halt.

But that is the past. Right Now is the time for God’s people to start being concerned with pleasing Him instead of themselves.  It is time to glorify the Lord.  In addition, God was telling them to do it with a pure heart; a heart that wanted to please and glorify Him.

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY for your LIFE GROUP

Discussion:

  • In what way spiritually have I neglected God and how can I personally do better to glorify God?
  • In what way have I neglected the labor (physically) of serving and how can I do better to glorify God?
  • What do I believe God would do if I submitted myself to Him and let Him be Lord of my life instead of myself?
  • What have I sown and reaped that God didn’t want to see in my life but now walking through by the grace of God?

LOVE GOD

This week commit to:

  1. Praying that God will shield you from the enemies attacks of discouragement.
  2. Praying that God will take away any fear you may have.
  3. Praying that God will show you how to sacrificially give.
  4. Praying for help to be bold enough to allow your comfort and love into my heart.  Help me to turn to you and pray unceasingly!

LOVE OTHERS

This week commit to:

  1. Praying that God will give you an opportunities and show you where to serve
  2. Praying to help out at Celebrate Recovery or Tower Road

MAKE DISCIPLES

This week commit to:

  1. Praying for God’s wisdom to lead a Life Group.
  2. Praying that God would make you an example for others.
  3. Consider taking an on-line Christian course to help in leading others.

The Making of a Man of God

First off, I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who turned out for the Night of Prayer for Israel on Sunday. What a great group, and what an amazing time of prayer and worship. I believe God honors the prayers of his people, and that He answers specific prayers specifically. Let’s keep praying for Israel!

Think of someone you consider to be a true Christ follower. What unique attributes of their character would you like to see in your own life? Why?

Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”

1 Kings 17:1

God had more to do in Elijah before He could do more through Elijah. God is preparing each of us so that He can work through us. How have you seen God prepare you for His specific purposes throughout your life?

Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan.

1 Kings 17:2-3

God led Elijah to a period of hiding in the Kerith Ravine. Kerith means “cut off or cut down.” Take a minute to describe a painful experience that God used to shape you into who you are today.

You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.” So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.

1 Kings 17:4-6

God taught Elijah to depend on Him daily for food and water. What are you daily trusting God for right now?

Describe a time in your life when things felt very desperate but you saw God meet your needs. What did you learn from the experience?

Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there.

1 Kings 17:7-9A

Describe a time when you decided to step out on faith and obey God even though that decision didn’t seem to make sense to you at the time. Did that experience strengthen your relationship with God? If so, how?

After the brook dried up, Elijah trusted God and moved on to Zarephath. Is there a “dry brook” in your life God is using to “motivate” you to move on to what He has next for you?

Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.”

1 Kings 17:24

Final thought: Just like Elijah, pain in our lives, can lead us to a total dependence on God and more intimate relationship with Him. Together, pray and ask God to help you see Him and depend totally on Him during the good times and the bad..

I wish I had taken my real camera on my recent study break. This was sunset at Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while I was there. Incredible!

Chapter 8: Raiders

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.” 

Matthew 13:24-25

Has the modern western church and culture become too pragmatic, hedonistic, relativistic, given to emotion rather than thought, and, in short, self-centered? 

In reading both of these Ray Comfort books has it become more evident that the modern church has shifted its focus away from evangelizing to existing only to make people feel comfortable and happy…its message being hedonism baptized with Christian rhetoric? 

How does prayer, study of the Scriptures, and evangelism help prevent a further slide into moral relativism and spiritual shallowness, both in the church and in the culture? 

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me you workers of lawlessness.’ 

Matthew 7:21-23

Discuss the letter on pages 104-106 and the fear and results of false conversion. 

What do you know now that you didn’t know when you started this study of Ray Comfort books?

Chapter 6: Motive and Result

Thank you to Susan Farnham for providing our discussion questions this week!

Hey.. I forgot to include a Ray Comfort video last week! Here is a good one:

 In using an unbiblical method of attracting sinners to a “wonderful new life in Christ” what happens to the sinners when the “wonderful” unexpectedly becomes temptation, tribulation, and persecution? (Page 71) 

 “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” 

Acts 17:30-31

On page 73, Mr. Comfort uses the phrase ‘man-centered gospel’ – what does that mean? 

What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. 

Romans 7:7

On pages 75-78 Mr. Comfort lists several statistics from Crusades, Outreaches and conventions, and the numbers were not good. Discuss the reasons why based on the articles quoted by Mr. Comfort. 

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 1:6

 Discuss Mr. Comforts’ thoughts on ‘follow-up’. (Pages 80-82) 

Praying for Peace in Israel

Of course, the outbreak of war in Israel is near and dear to our hearts. Especially to those of us who have travelled there recently, and know people there. Ray Comfort has posted a video about it, showing that the time is short, and evangelism is urgent. If you have time, watch his video and discuss as a group. Please be in prayer for our friend, Foteh and his beautiful family… Pray that God will bring a quick end to this conflict.

Chapter 5: Making Grace Amazing

Thank you, Susan Farnham, for this week’s discussion questions!

Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:20-21

According to this Scripture, it is the law that causes sin to abound. Why is that? (Page 58)

Does sin have a domino effect? What does that look like?

Just over 100 years ago, the church forsook the law in its capacity to bring the knowledge of sin and drive sinners to Christ. The contemporary church had to find another reason for sinners to respond to the gospel. The church and modern evangelism chose the methodology of ‘life enhancement’ [Ray Comfort, Pg. 60], or the prosperity gospel.
What has been the consequence of this? (Pages 60-62)

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”

2 Cor. 7:10

Why does godly grief produce repentance, and worldly grief produce death, what is the difference between the two griefs? (Pages 62-64)

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

John 1:17

Properly understood, there is no conflict between grace and law. Explain the harmony between grace and law (Pages 64-68)