Before getting started tonight, why don’t we all talk a little about this coming Sunday’s LIFEGROUP LAUNCH. This one is going to be different. As you know, we’ve experimented with several formats in the past, and this time around we are experimenting yet again.
Did you know we still have D O Z E N S of people who are in need of a life group? They are looking to learn to better love others. That’s what we’re all about. So, I am hoping you will invite people in this coming Sunday.
Are you a drifter?
Can you remember a time in your life when you were closer with God than you are now? When was that? What do you think has changed?
Have you ever “faked it” to be a “good Christian?” Come on.. Have a little fun with this. Give some examples.
The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Matthew 13:19-23 (NLT)
What soil do you think you are the most like currently? Why do you feel that way?
What will it take to cultivate your soil?
Let’s dig in to the soil a little deeper… Read some Scripture about getting close to God.
And so the Lord says,
Isaiah 29:13 (NLT)
“These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.”
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
James 4:7-8 (NLT)
“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 its place among the churches.”
Revelation 2:4-5 (NLT)
Seek the Lordwhile you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
Isaiah 55:6-7 (NLT)
What are these verses telling us? What can you learn from these? Why is it important to grow closer to God? How should we be going about that?
Can we just pray boldly for each other in this?