Click here to download a printable version of the message notes and discussion questions for the weekend of 03.24.12

HAPPY HOUR
Friends Nite Out
Lee Powell
March 24 & 25, 2012

GOD’S DREAM:

Rich C_______________________ with Him and E________________O_______________________.
His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure. EPHESIANS 1:5

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. JOHN 13:34,35

THE DREAM KILLER:

We are A______ A_______________________ .
For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these vile things come from within…MARK 7:21-23

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. ROMANS 3:23

THE DREAM FULFILLED:

The G________________ Rule.
Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. MATTHEW 7:12 NLT

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. PHILIPPIANS 2:3

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. COLOSSIANS 3:13

D_______________________
… All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. ACTS 2:42

Parts of today’s message taken from John Ortberg’s book, “Everybody is Normal, Until You Get to Know Them.”

All Scripture is from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the difference between being in community with a group of committed Christ-followers and just hanging out with a group of people (whether they are Christian or not)?

2. Read John 13:34-35. God’s dream is that we FIRST have rich community with HIM and then, secondly (and simultaneously) have rich community with others. Are you currently experiencing the type of community that Jesus is describing in John 13:34-35?

3. Remember the porcupine illustration? Lee talked about how our different “quills” like anger, jealously, selfishness or impatience can have a negative impact on our relationships with each other. What is your “quill” and how has it impacted your close relationships and what do you need to do in order to “pull in” that quill?

4. John Ortberg wrote a book titled, “Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them.” The truth is that we are all abnormal in some way – yet, we are always surprised and disappointed at each other’s quirks and failures. How well do you handle yourself when those close to you disappoint or fail you?

5. At CedarCreek, we believe that groups (LifeGroups, New Christian LifeGroups or Life Support) are the place for spiritual growth to happen. Our groups are places for Christians to grow, encourage and serve each other.

1. If you are in a group, share a significant experience that you’ve had in that group (even if it isn’t your current group).

2. If you aren’t in a group, why have you not joined one OR have you had a bad experience in a previous group that you need to resolve?

6. Read Acts 2:42,44-46. Notice how all of the Christians were totally devoted to community? Here are a few questions to ask yourself when it comes to the mega-question: “Am I devoted to Christ-Centered community?”

1. Am I experiencing the Bible (reading and discussing scripture) with other Christ-followers?

2. Am I sharing my life experiences – both good and bad – with people I trust to care about me, pray for me and hold me accountable to living according to God’s truth?

3. Am I regularly getting together with other Christ-followers to share meals and spending time together and getting to know each other?

4. Am I sharing prayer together regularly with other Christ-followers?

7. What is your next step to living out God’s dream for rich Christ-Centered community in your life?

Click here to download a printable version of the message notes and discussion questions for the weekend of 03.10.12

GOD SERIES
GOD: Sends
Lee Powell
March 10 & 11, 2012

God sent J_____________________ into the World.
God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. JOHN 3:17

Jesus sends U_______ into the world.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ACTS 1:8

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” MATTHEW 28:19,20

Today we are being S________________ out, to invite people back.
The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” JOHN 4:28,29

So the people came strewing from the village to see him…many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because (of what) the woman had said…JOHN 4:30-39

…he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe….they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” JOHN 4:40-42

All Scripture is from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

Discussion Questions

1. Who are you going to invite to church? Why do you want to invite them and what will you share about your experience at CedarCreek?

2. You saw video interviews of people who came to CedarCreek and their lives were dramatically changed as a result. Discuss how you initially came to CedarCreek Church and the people that you have invited since attending. Share any cool stories you may have.

3. This weekend, Lee shared the number of lives that can be impacted over a 10-year period of time when just one person invites another person to church. Our new series, Happy Hour, is designed to appeal to those who are not currently attending church. How will you address those who might not agree with our strategy to attract unchurched people to church?

4. The Samaritan woman shared her experience with Christ to draw others to Him – even though she didn’t know much about Him. List some ways that you can invite people to church or share your story even if you may not know a lot about the Bible or God.

5. Matthew 5:16 says that “we have to let our lights shine before men.” This means that as Christ-followers, we should speak and live in a way that draws people to Christ. How are you doing in that regard? What do you need to do differently?

6. If God has given us the mission to tell the world about Christ, what are some of the reasons why people shy away from embracing the mission of sharing their faith? Which of the reasons are true for you? How can you overcome those barriers?

7. We are responsible to share the Good News of Christ with others – that’s the mission God calls Christ-followers to live out. Yet, we don’t always prioritize that mission. How can we create an urgency that compels us to risk personal comfort in order to share the gospel message with someone who doesn’t know Christ?

Click here to download a printable version of the message notes and discussion questions for the weekend of 02.25.12

GOD SERIES
GOD: Speaks
Ben Snyder
February 25 & 26, 2012

God Speaks:
God chose to reveal himself through words. Why is it that so many people struggle hearing Him?

When God speaks He….

C_________________ Us – free us from empty/purposeless living.

 EXODUS 3

God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 1 THESSALONIANS 4:7

T_________________ Us – free us from unhealthy beliefs and behaviors.

EXODUS 19

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. HEBREWS 4:12

C_________________ Us – free us from anxiety and discouragement.

1 KINGS 19

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. JOHN 8:31-32 (ESV)

Sometimes God is speaking, we just choose to ignore what he has said to us. However, when we listen and obey, no matter how that feels at the time, it brings freedom.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1.  What are the various ways you have experienced God speaking, if ever?

2.  Think of one of your favorite famous people. Got them in mind? If you were to hear that they had a special message specifically for you – how would you respond? Why is it so difficult to have the same response for God?

3.  Where is your “Mt Sinai” – that sacred time set aside to hear from God? If you do not have one, what do you need to arrange to set that up as a regular occurrence in your life?

4.  When you read the Bible, how do you prepare yourself to hear God speak to you? What adjustments would help focus your time you spend reading to hear from Him?

5.  What “opportunity” has God been prompting you to do lately?

6.  What unhealthy behavior do you sense God is seeking to free you from in your life?

7.   What passages do you turn to when you feel anxious or discouraged to hear God’s whisper?

Click here to download a printable version of the message notes for the weekend of 02.11.12.

Click here to download a printable version of the discussion questions for the weekend of 02.11.12.

GOD: Judges
Lee Powell
February 11 &12, 2012

Every Human Being Will be J_________________

…a man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…
Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)

God Will Judge Believers and U________________

For the wages of sin is death…Romans 6:23A 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16 

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”
John 3:36 

“He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.  They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power…”
2 Thessalonians 1:8,9 

Every Human Being Will Go To One of Two Places, Heaven or H_______________.

…our citizenship is in heaven… Philippians 3:20 

…Where the fire never goes out. Mark 9:43 

Light vs D_______________

Never again will there be any night.  No one will need lamplight or sunlight.  The shining of God, the Master, is all the light anyone needs.  And they will rule with him age after age after age.  Revelation 22:5 (The Message)

…outer darkness…blackest darkness…
(as seen in Matthew 8:12. 22:13, Jude 1:13) (NLT)

J_______________ vs Regret

…dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Revelation 19:14 

…weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8:12 

Paradise vs P__________________

…you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:23 

…smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever…Revelation 14:11 

C___________________ vs Loneliness

…I am going…to prepare a place…I will…take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John14:2,3 

…shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power.
2 Thessalonians 1:9 

If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil: by Randy Alcom
Heaven: by Randy Alcom

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1 Many people in our world object the idea that a place such as Hell can exist. Even more people object to the idea that a loving God would s end people to such a place. Why is the existence of Hell just as much of God’s plan for the world as Heaven?

2 Surveys indicate 76% of Americans believe in Heaven and 64% believe they will go to Heaven when they die. Where do you believe you will go when you die? How can you support your answer?

3 Do you believe in Hell? Are there people in your life who reject God because they believe that God cannot be good if Hell exists? Discuss the following quote from atheist Bertrand Russell: ” There is one very serious defect to my mind in Christ’s moral character, and that is that He believed in hell. I do not myself feel that any person who is really profoundly humane can believe in everlasting punishment.”

4 Read Hebrews 9:27. God WILL judge every one of us when we die according to whether we are found righteous or unrighteous. Many of us get offended at the notion that God is going to judge us. Why does God have the right to judge us? If God does not judge us, then what does that say about God’s character?

5 Some of you grew up in religious traditions where there are other locations than Heaven or Hell for our souls after we die. Why should we reject teachings that offer other options for where our souls will go?

6 Hell is where the unrighteous will spend eternity. How do you feel about that? If you believe in the reality of Hell, how does this cause you to think or act differently?

7 Just as we have a lot of misconceptions about Hell, we can also have misconceptions about Heaven and what eternal life will be like there. What did you learn about Heaven this weekend that surprised you?

8 On his deathbed, famed theologian D.L. Moody said the following: “Earth recedes. . . . Heaven opens before me.” How do you think it will feel knowing that when you draw your last breath on earth that you are assured of eternity in Heaven with God?

Click here to download a printable version of the message notes and discussion questions for the weekend of 01.28.12.

GAPS
TELL
Lee Powell
January 28 & 29, 2012

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us…2 CORINTHIANS 5:19,20

WHO? E________________Who Doesn’t Know Christ
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
MATTHEW 28:19

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” JOHN 3:16

WHAT? E______________ Is a Sinner, and Separated From God
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. ROMANS 3:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. ROMANS 6:23

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. ROMANS 10:9,10

WHEN? E______________ Life
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. COLOSSIANS 4:5,6

WHERE? E_______________
…telling people about me everywhere …Jerusalem …Judea…Samaria… ends of the earth.” ACTS 1:8

WHAT NEXT? T______________ Them and T_____________ Them
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
MATTHEW 28:20

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 TIMOTHY 2:2

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. List the first names of three people in your life who don’t know Christ? How do you think a relationship with Christ would change their lives for now and eternity?

2. We are called to tell the world about Christ, yet most of us hesitate to share our faith. Why?
3. There are lots of reasons why we hesitate to share our faith, however, Jesus commands us to share the gospel message with the world. What would you say to someone who feels very uncomfortable with sharing his or her faith?

4. Discuss a time when you shared the gospel with someone. How did you feel before and after? What happened as a result?

5. One of the most important things we can do is realize that God will create opportunities for us to share our faith if we look for them. Do you have any opportunities this week? Who will you talk to? What will you say?

6. While we are all called to tell the world about Christ, our obligation doesn’t end once we share the gospel message. We are called to make disciples – actually help people grow in their faith. If you are a Christ-follower, who are you discipling right now? If you aren’t, why not?

7. Too often we think we have to know all of the answers before we share the gospel message with others. In reality, we only need to be ‘one step’ ahead. Who should you be ministering to for the purposes of helping them grow in their faith? How can you help them grow?