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.

21-Day Reading Plan

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.