 Pastoral Intervention (for the week of November 22, 2020) PDF at bottom Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group. This Week’s Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-24 Key Idea from Sermon God loves and shepherds his sheep and promises to send a shepherd in the line of David to save them. For Starters 1. Read Ezekiel 34:11-24 and answer the following questions.
For Further Discussion 2. Read Psalm 23. Describe what the following phrases mean and how you have experienced God shepherding you in that way.
3. What is the hope expressed in Psalm 23:6? 4. Read John 10:1-18. 5. What was Jesus telling the Pharisees in John 10:1-6? 6. What does Jesus call himself in John 10:7-10? What does he mean by describing himself in such a way? 7. Jesus refers to himself as “the good shepherd” in John 10:11-18. Compare and contrast Jesus, the good shepherd, to the hired hands. 8. How does Jesus, the good shepherd, compare with the image of the shepherd in Ezekiel 34:11-24? Applying the Scripture 9. In what ways are you a shepherd to those entrusted to your care and leadership? 10. List the chief characteristics of a good shepherd that you find in Ezekiel 34:11-24, Psalm 23, and John 10:1-18. 11. Which of those attributes best describes you? Which one do you most need to work on? 12. Memorize Psalm 23 and recite it to someone. 
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 From Punishment to Pardon (for the week of November 15, 2020) PDF at the bottom This Week’s Scripture: Zephaniah 1:1-6 and 3:9-17 Key Idea from Sermon “God disciplines so as to bring purification. This involves justice and love that leads to restoration.” Discussing the Scripture 1. Zephaniah was a prophet during the reign of King Josiah. “King Josiah instituted a sweeping reformation of worship in Judah (2 Kings 22:3–23:25), which officially abolished the worship of Baal and the stars mentioned in Zeph. 1:4–6. [However, it] might be the case that such worship continued secretly between 621 and 609.” (Holman Bible Dictionary) How does Zephaniah start of his prophecy in verses 2-3? 2. Read Zephaniah 1:4-6. What sins are listed by Zephaniah for which Judah (indeed, the whole world) was going to be punished? 3. Read Exodus 20:1-7 and Deuteronomy 5:6-11. Write down the first three commandments. How were the people in Zephaniah’s day violating these commands of God? 4. The name, “Baal,” literally means “lord” or “master,” but was commonly used to refer to the Canaanite storm god. What do the following texts say about worshiping Baal?
5. Nelson’s Bible Dictionary says idolatry is “the worship of something created as opposed to the worship of the Creator Himself. Scores of references to idolatry appear in the Old Testament. This shows that idolatry probably was the greatest temptation our spiritual forefathers faced. While we find bowing down to a statue no temptation, they apparently slipped into idolatry constantly. So serious was this sin that the prohibition against the making and worshiping of images was included near the beginning of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:4–6).” What are ways Christians practice idolatry in our day? If most Christians know that idolatry is wrong (sinful), how do you explain why they (we) can slip into it so easily, even if unintentionally? 6. In what ways do unbelieving “secularists” practice idolatry in our day? 7. Based on the Scripture you have read in this lesson, as well as Romans 1:18-25, why is idolatry wrong? Explain your answer. 8. We find another form idolatry called syncretism, in verse 5. Syncretism is a blending together of opposing beliefs and practices. How does verse 5 describe God’s people doing that? 9. As in Zephaniah’s day, syncretism seems to be common in our day as well. How have you observed syncretism being practiced today by Christians? Have you ever unintentionally blended your Christian beliefs with other beliefs and practices? Explain 10. In the first century, the Roman empire was very pluralistic. They allowed for the belief and worship of many gods. What got Christians into trouble with Rome was not that they believed in and worshiped Jesus. It was that they worshiped him only and would not bow down to the Emperor as a god. How does our larger culture influence the church to adopt beliefs and practices which are not consistent with the Christian faith? 11. Even though God judges idolatry, he is merciful and calls his people to repent and blesses them when they do. Read Zephaniah 3:9-17. What is God’s promise of hope for the faithful remnant of God’s people who remain faithful to him? How is that promise fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ? Applying the Scripture 12. How can you learn to spot idolatry in your own life? What will you do once you spot it? 13. What unchristian (inconsistent and contradictory) beliefs and practices have you adopted in your life? What steps will you take to turn away from them and embrace biblical truth only? 14. What steps can you begin taking today to help you stand firm for Christ, even when it is hard and unpopular?
 Show Me the Life Change (for the week of November 8, 2020) PDF at bottom Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group. This Week’s Scripture: Amos 5:18-24 Key Idea from Sermon “God does not want our outward pretension. He wants our hearts and lives to sincerely change.” Discussing the Scripture 1. In verse 18, God asks his people why they are looking forward to the Day of the Lord. He says it will not be what they hope it is. Read Amos 5:1-17. What problem did God have with the way Israel had been living? 2. What will the Day of the Lord be like, according to Amos 5:18-20? 3. Read the following verses about the Day of the Lord from the New Testament. What does each say about the Day of the Lord?
4. Based on these verses, why do we need to place our faith in Jesus Christ? 5. Read Amos 5:21-23. According to these verses, what does God despise? Describe the imagery Amos uses to make this point. What does Jesus say about this same thing in Matthew 15:8-9? 6. What does God desire, according to Amos 5:24? Why? 7. Read Matthew 23:13-39. What is Jesus most concerned about in these verses? How do his words agree with the words in Amos? Applying the Scripture 8. How would you respond to a relative or coworker who said he or she did not want to become a Christian because of all the hypocrites in the church? How is their concern valid? Explain your answers. 9. Why does God care about the inner condition of your heart (disposition, attitude, relationship) toward him, as long as you’re outwardly doing good deeds? 10. What might a false “appearance of piety” look like in our day? Have you ever been guilty of presenting yourself as godlier than you really are? What were some of your motivations for doing so? 11. What are some reasons people try to present themselves as someone they are not? 12. What are three things you can start doing today to help keep you from hypocrisy?
 Professing for God (for the week of November 1, 2020) PDF at bottom Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group. This Week’s Scripture: Micah 3 and 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13 Key Idea from Sermon “A prophet is one who speaks with authority given by God to speak for what is right and against what is wrong.” Discussing the Scripture 1. Read Micah 3. This chapter includes three judgments against Israel’s leadership – their prophets, priests, and rulers. List the accusations against the…
2. What is God’s sentence against the…
3. How should these shepherds (prophets, priests, and rulers) of God’s people be leading their people. What sources would you appeal to from the Old Testament? 4. Why is this mistreatment from God’s prophets and priests especially heinous and sinful? 5. How do you feel about God’s judgment on his prophets, priests, and rulers? 6. How does Micah, a true and godly prophet of God, describe himself in Micah 3:8? 7. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13. How does Paul describe their (Paul, Silas, and Timothy) ministry among the Thessalonians? 8. What are the contrasts between God’s unfaithful representatives in Micah 3 and Micah (Micah 3:8), Paul, Silas, and Timothy? 9. How did the people respond to the ministry of Paul and his associates? Applying the Scripture 10. As Christians, we have all been given a certain authority when we speak and live out the Word of God before a watching world. How does that statement make you feel? 11. What impact can unfaithfulness and ungodliness by those who lead the church have in a church community? 12. What impact can that same unfaithfulness and ungodliness have outside the church community? 13. Put together a list of those who lead our church family and begin to pray regularly for them. ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson)
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination
 Believers and Nonbelievers (for the week of October 25, 2020) PDF at bottom Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group. This Week’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 Key Idea from Sermon “Believers in Jesus Christ are called to live in the world, but not of it.” Discussing the Scripture 1. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1. What would you say Paul’s general theme in these verses is? Why do you think he wrote these verses? (In other words, what do you think his concern was?) (See also, 1 Corinthians 10:21) 2. Write out each of Paul’s five rhetorical questions he asks in verses 14-16. What appears to be the implied answer in each of his questions? 3. In verse 14, “Paul is not addressing the issue of marriage between believers and unbelievers here; rather, he is urging the Corinthians to avoid aligning themselves with those who view him (and others) according to false standards. In allowing these unbelievers to have influence, the Corinthians cause rebellion against Paul and dissolve the unity of the church in Corinth” (Faithlife Study Bible). Read 2 Corinthians 5:16. How might being joined (or, yoked) together with the “false standards” of nonbelievers negatively impact the church-at-large, or individual Christians? 4. What are some examples of the world’s “false standards”? Can you think of any that Christians have adopted? The church-at-large? 5. Read 1 John 2:15-17. How do John’s words support Paul’s teaching in this lesson’s Scripture? 6. John 3:16 declares that God loves the world so much that he sent his only Son to redeem it. Yet, 1 John 2:15 says we are not to love the world. How would you explain this apparent disagreement? 7. Read John 17:13-19. What does Jesus say in these verses about the relationship between the “world” to Jesus and his disciples? Explain what he means. How do these words relate to the Apostle Paul’s words in this lesson’s Scripture? 8. An oft-used phrase is that Christians are called to “live in the world but not of it.” Explain what you believe that means. According to Jesus’ words from Question 7, how can a believer faithfully remain “in the world, but not of it?” 9. In verse 16, Paul says we are the temple of the living God. This “refers to the whole body of Christ, the total Christian community” (NIV Study Bible). In verses 16-18, Paul quotes the Old Testament promises that declare if God’s people remain faithful to him by separating themselves from the surrounding influence of the world, he will receive us and be a Father to us. How can we show our love for those in the world without compromising with the world’s standards? 10. How can believers faithfully live according to God’s standards without appearing judgmental to those of the world we are seeking to love? Applying the Scripture 11. What is the hardest part for you about “living in the world, but not of it?” 12. What makes that difficult for you? 13. What are some ways church members can support one another to live faithful Christian lives in a world that may resist God’s standards? 14. How can we love and serve our neighbors and bear witness to the grace and truth of Christ, without offending them in our sensitive cultural climate? Is it even possible? 15. List three nonbelievers you know and begin praying for them each day. Ask the Lord to begin the work of drawing them to himself. Pray for opportunities to love and serve them with Christlike words and deeds. ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson)
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination
 The Devoted Life (for the week of October 18, 2020) PDF at bottom Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group. This Week’s Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 Key Idea from Sermon “New life in Christ will fill us with devotion to better know and love God so we can better love and serve others. God will bring the increase to his Kingdom.” Discussing the Scripture 1. The Book of Acts is often called, “the Acts of the Apostles.” Read the following verses and write down your suggestion for another title (Acts 1:4-5; 1:8; 2:4; 2:17; 2:33; 4:8; 4:31; 6:3; 6:10; 8:17; 9:17)? 2. Read Acts 2:1-41. What happened to bring all these new followers of Jesus Christ together in Acts 2:42-47? 3. Verse 42 says these new believers devoted themselves to four activities. Look up the word “devoted” in a dictionary. What does it mean? Why do you think they were so devoted? Why is such devotion important for a follower of Jesus? 4. List the four activities that verse 42 says these new believers were devoted to. 5. What would the “apostles’ teaching” have included? (Read Matthew 28:18-20, John 14:25-26, John 16:12-13, and Acts 1:3 for ideas.) What does the “apostles’ teaching” include today? 6. The Greek word for “fellowship” is, koinonia. It means sharing and participating in a common goal. One commentator said it was an intentional and intimate experience, where the believers shared together “in material goods as well as spiritual wealth.” What does Acts 2:42-47 suggests that fellowship looked like? 7. The reference to “breaking of bread” in verse 2, is twofold. It means both enjoying a common meal together as well as the Lord’s Supper. Why would both have been so important to the early Christians? Why are both so vital for Christians today? 8. Verse 42 tells us these new believers also devoted themselves to prayer. The Greek word here actually means, “the prayers.” This tells us that not only did they pray individually but also together as a community. Why is that so significant in the life of a Christian community? 9. Verse 43 points out that God strengthened this new community of believers with the presence of supernatural miracles performed by the apostles, which filled the people with awe. Why do you think God did this? 10. What do verses 44-46 report as the result of the devoted life of this new Christian community? 11. And what does verse 47 say was the result of verses 42-46? Who ultimately produced that fruit of the Kingdom of God? (Bonus Question: How would you write this out as a mathematical equation?) Applying the Scripture 12. Can Christians today have the same level of devotion as these early believers did? Why or why not? Do you? Why or why not? 13. How can you devote yourself to the apostles’ teaching? 14. How can you devote yourself to Christian fellowship? 15. How can you devote yourself to “the breaking of bread” (Lord’s Supper) (Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 for some insight)? 16. How can you devote yourself to private and corporate prayer? 17. Whose help will you need to be so devoted? (not a trick question) ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson)
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination
 Sharing Your Story (for the week of October 11, 2020) PDF at bottom Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group. This Week’s Scripture: Acts 4:1-20 Key Idea from Sermon “Be ready to talk to others about what you see God doing in you and around you.” Discussing the Scripture 1. According to verses 1-3, what got the apostles in trouble with the religious authorities? What happened to Peter and John because of this? 2. What was the result of what Peter and John were doing (v. 4)? Do you think this result was worth getting in trouble for? Why or why not? 3 What question was asked of Peter and John in verse 7? Why do you think they were asked this question? 4. Who enabled Peter to answer the religious authorities in this high-pressure situation (v. 8)? What does this teach you about your need when sharing your story about who God is and what he has done in your life? 5. In verses 9-11, what was Peter’s answer to the religious authorities? 6. What truth did Peter communicate in verse 12? (see also Matthew 1:21; John 14:6; Acts 10:43; 1 Timothy 2:5) 7. What astonished the religious leaders, according to verse 13? How does that encourage you to share your story about who God is and what he has done in your life? 8. In verses 14-17, the religious leaders conferred with one another and decided to tell Peter and John they could no longer speak to anyone else in (about) the name of Jesus. Why? 9. How did Peter and John reply in verses 18-19? (see also Acts 5:29) Could you reply the same way Peter and John did? Why or why not? 10. What are some things you and these apostles have in common? (A hint for one answer is found in Romans 8:11) Applying the Scripture 11. What would you say are your top three obstacles in sharing your story about who God is and what he has done in your life? 12. Reflect on each obstacle you just listed. What is it about each one that makes it an obstacle for you? 13. What are three things you could begin doing today to move past those obstacles? What truths did you learn in this lesson’s Scripture to help you make those changes? ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson)
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination
 Know and Use Your Spiritual Gifts (for the week of October 4, 2020) PDF at bottom Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group. This Week’s Scripture: John 13:1-17 Key Idea from Sermon “We get to exchange expressions of reconciliation and communicate love when we lower ourselves and serve others.” Discussing the Scripture
Applying the Scripture
ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson)
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination
 The Nature, Design, and General Rules of the United Societies
in London, Bristol, Kingswood, and Newcastle upon Tyne (1743) 1. In the latter end of the year 1739 eight or ten persons came to me in London who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemption. They desired (as did two or three more the next day) that I would spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to come, which they saw continually hanging over their heads. That we might have more time for this great work I appointed a day when they might all come together, which from thenceforward they did every week, namely, on Thursday, in the evening. To these, and as many more as desired to join them (for their numbers increased daily), I gave those advises from time to time which I judged most needful for them; and we always concluded our meeting with prayer suited to their several necessities. 2. This was the rise of the United Society, first at London, and then in other places. Such a Society is no other than ‘a company of men “having the form, and seeking the power of godliness”, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation’. 3. That is may the more easily be discerned whether they are indeed working out their own salvation, each Society is divided into smaller companies, called Classes, according to their respective places of abode. There are about twelve persons in every class, one of whom is styled the Leader. It is his business: (1). To see each person in his class once a week at the least; in order To receive what they are willing to give toward the relief of the poor; To inquire how their souls prosper; To advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort, as occasion may require. (2). To meet the Minister and the stewards of the Society once a week, in order: To pay in to the stewards what they have received of their several classes in the week proceeding; To show their account of what each person has contributed; and To inform the Minister of any that are sick, or of any that walk disorderly and will not be reproved. 4. There is one only condition previously required in those who desire admission into these societies, ‘a desire to flee from the wrath to come, to be saved from their sins’. But wherever this is really fixed in the soul it will be shown by its fruits. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, First, By doing no harm, by avoiding all evil in every kind — especially that which is most generally practised. Such is: The taking the name of God in vain. The profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work thereon, or by buying or selling. Drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors; or drinking them (unless in cases of extreme necessity). Fighting, quarrelling, brawling; brother ‘going to law’ with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the ‘using many words’ in buying or selling. The buying or selling uncustomed goods. The giving or taking things on usury. Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation, especially speaking evil of ministers or those in authority. Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us. Doing what we know is not for the glory of God, as, The ‘putting on of gold or costly apparel’, particularly the wearing of calashes, high-heads, or enormous bonnets; The taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus, The singing those songs, or reading those books, which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God; Softness, and needless self-indulgence; Laying up treasures upon earth; Borrowing without a probability of paying: or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them. 5. It is expected of all who continue in these societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, Secondly, by doing good, by being in every kind merciful after their power, as they have opportunity doing good of every possible sort and as far as is possible to all men: To their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick, or in prison. To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or exhorting all they have any intercourse with; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine of devils, that ‘we are not to do good unless our heart be free to do it.’ By doing good especially to them that are of the household of faith, or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others, buying one of another, helping each other in business — and that so much the more because the world will love its own, and them only. By all possible diligence and frugality, that the gospel be not blamed. By running with patience the race that is set before them; ‘denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily’; submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and offscouring of the world; and looking that men should ‘say all manner of evil of them falsely, for their Lord’s sake’. 6. It is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, Thirdly, By attending upon all the ordinances of God. Such are: The public worship of God; The ministry of the Word, either read or expounded; The Supper of the Lord; Family and private prayer; Searching the Scriptures; and Fasting, or abstinence. 7. These are the General Rules of our societies; all which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written Word, the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on every truly awakened heart. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any one of them, let it be made known unto them who watch over that soul, as they that must give account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways. We will bear with him for a season. But if then he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls. John Wesley Charles Wesley  In the previous post, I mentioned a book by George Grant that radically changed how I think, minister, etc. It’s called The Micah Mandate. Once again, I highly recommend it! I would now like to share how God used an audio message (also by George Grant) about an obscure man from the pages of history whom most folks have never heard of. Like Grant's book mentioned in the previous post, his message about Gerard Groote blessed my life and ministry in ways I could not even have imagined as I put the "tape" into the tape-player of my car. Here’s what I wrote about twenty years ago…
Earlier this year God poured his grace upon me as he placed in my hands an audiotaped lecture entitled, “Gerard Groote and the Brethren of the Common Life.” Providentially, this also was by George Grant. I can’t express how moved I was by what I heard in this message. In this lecture Grant basically revealed what a biblical worldview should look like in the “everydayness” of a Christian’s life and ministry. He accomplished this by sharing God’s work and power in and through the life of a man named Gerard Groote. Groote lived in the 14th century, and, as Grant says at the beginning of his address, “It would be difficult to find a single page of modern history written about him. But it would be even more difficult to find a single page of modern history not affected by him.” Below are the notes I took from Grant’s message on Groote. I’m sure much of it will not have the same impact I experienced in this format. But I believe the ideas taught and lived out by Groote and expounded by Grant are more than worth passing on and meditating upon. Enjoy, Dale. Notes on Gerard Groote: Brethren of the Common Life Based on a lecture by George Grant
The Devotio Moderna was to be a comprehensive lifestyle rooted in a biblical worldview. Let’s take a look at the distinctives of this “radical discipleship.” 1.) The Devotio Moderna , first of all, emphasized holiness for every Christian – not just for a few. Groote wanted common piety for common folk – this was the heart of his message.
2.) Secondly, the Devotio Moderna emphasized the importance of self-examination, as a way of cultivating humility.
3.) Groote’s Devotio Moderna emphasized the importance of covenantal communities, as the real-life context for discipleship.
4.) Groote’s Devotio Moderna emphasized the importance of a Confessional Standard (standards rooted in the biblical antithesis).
5.) Therefore, Groote’s Devotio Moderna placed a high premium on teaching every man, woman, and child, the Bible.
Together, these distinctives: Holiness, Humility, Covenantal Community, Antithesis, and Catechizing – comprised what Groote called “Classical Christianity” or what we might call, “Biblical Orthodoxy.”
Groote said, “Lay foundations that will endure in the hearts of your children. For there are only two things that are eternal in all of the created order: the children under your care, and the Word of God.” Grant’s Prayer at the end of the message… O Father; Almighty Father, I confess to you that I am often diverted by pleasant alternatives. I am often tantalized by that which will bring success, effectiveness, suasion in the here and now. I pray that you would give me eyes to look beyond the horizon of just this moment. Enable me to invest for all eternity. Enable us to have a distinctive vision of discipleship – like that of Gerard Groote before us. Enable us to quest for holiness, humility, covenantal community, antithesis, catechizing – classical Christianity – in the hearts of our children – first and foremost. Lord God, I pray that we will produce not just successful businessmen, or men and women effective in their vocations. We yearn for REFORMATION. Change the world, O God! And use us in the process. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen and amen. ***************** Here’s an introduction on Groote that George Grant wrote for Ligonier Ministries. |
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