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

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” MARK 4:35-41 (NLT)

I_______________ your F__________.

NAME YOUR FEAR(S) _____________________________

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. PSALM 139:23-24 (NLT)

A_____________ your H_______________.
Our unheathy reaction to fear is to overcompensate: trying to control and obsess or isolate: withdraw in defeat. ROMANS 12:2 (NLT)

M_____________ your view of C___________.

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” ZEPHANIAH 3:17 (NLT)

IN YOUR FEAR, REMEMBER ______ __________.

Discussion Questions

1. What was your biggest fear as a child?
2. How have your fears changed as you have gotten older?
3. What should we look for to see if a fear has become unhealthy?
4. Name a fear or something you are currently struggling with. What is your typical response (do you over-compensate, or withdraw and isolate yourself)?
5. What are some of the unhealthy habits or “ruts” you get into that do not truly help you fight fear?
6. In our fear we must remember who God is and that “I AM” is with us. Read the following passages out loud: Isaiah 41:10; 43:1-3; Philippians 4:6-7; Psalm 56:3-4; Luke 12:32. What do these passages tell us is true about God?

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

Discussion Questions

1. Think about the last time you spent time alone, recharging with just you and God. What did He say to you?
2. Fighting for your faith isn’t knowing all of the answers, sometimes it’s just about being confident that God is all powerful and He has a plan for you. What is the latest storm that life has thrown at you? How is God helping you get through it?
3. The expanse of the universe is overwhelming. What inspired you the most about the video you saw this weekend?
4. What did you learn from the video that you didn’t know prior to seeing it?
5. Even as Christians, we all have struggles with aspects of our faith. What struggles do you have?
6. Make plans for a time to get away with just you and God under His blanket of stars soon. Once you do it, email Kyle and let him know if it inspired you and how God used it to encourage you to keep fighting for Him. kyleg@cedarcreek.tv

Click here to download a printable version of the message notes and discussion questions for the weekend of 04.28.12

SUMMIT WEEKEND
Vulnerability
Patrick Lencioni
May 19 & 20, 2012

Definition of Vulnerability –
Liable to increased penalties, but entitled to increased bonuses

Three Fears that keep us from being vulnerable:

Fear of B_______________________ R_______________________
Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.” But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.[b] When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” But Peter denied it again. A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.” Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” MARK 14: 66-71
A. ENTER THE DANGER
B. SPEAK THE KIND TRUTH
C. DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE REJECTED

2. Fear of B_______________________ E_______________________
A. CELEBRATE OUR MISTAKES

3. Fear of F_______________________ I_______________________
When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” JOHN 13: 4-6
A. DO THE DIRTY WORK – Show people you are willing to do what you are asking of them.
B. BE GENUINELY INTERESTED AND HONOR OTHERS WORK

Vulnerability breeds trust, loyalty, commitment, and can be very powerful. Even though it is attractive, our culture has instilled in us to avoid suffering and pain at all costs. We as Christ followers, are called to be vulnerable by Jesus Christ, the most humble and vulnerable leader of all time. He was seated comfortably in heaven at the right hand of the father, but came to Earth as a servant to show his unconditional love for us. The example has been set to willingly be rejected and speak the kind truth in spreading the Gospel. Now, it’s our role to carry out the Great Commission, as vulnerable servants, we will truly be rewarded for answering the call. Matthew 5:12 says, “Be happy about! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”

Discussion Questions

1. Patrick Lencioni describes vulnerability as an attractive and powerful attribute. Have you ever viewed vulnerability as an attractive attribute in your life?

2. Lencioni said that despite the power of vulnerability, many of us do not embrace being vulnerable.

A. Where on the continuum below would you place your own willingness to be vulnerable?
Rarely Willing? Cautiously Willing? Totally Willing?
B. Depending on your level of vulnerability, you might not be comfortable sharing your rating with others. Take a step toward increased vulnerability by talking about where you marked yourself with a group of friends that you trust and share why you placed yourself where you did.

3. Three fears that keep us from being vulnerable are fear of being rejected, fear of being embarrassed, and fear of feeling inferior. Rate how much you struggle with each fear in the scale below.
Fear of REJECTION – Rarely, Sometimes, Really
Fear of being EMBARRASSED – Rarely, Sometimes, Really
Fear of being INFERIOR – Rarely, Sometimes, Really
Take on a challenge and risk vulnerability by sharing the above results with your group.

4. Think of a mistake you have made that you’ve never told anyone about. Discuss what the result might be if you shared that story? Write out your thoughts and if you feel comfortable, share it with a group.

5. Do you have a fear of speaking the truth to someone because you think you might offend them? Describe a time where you spoke up and told the truth and risked vulnerability.

6. Do you lead an organization, team, group, or are you a coach, parent or mentor? If so, you likely are asking people to do things to challenge themselves and do a lot of “dirty work.” How often do you lead by example by showing that you are just as willing to do the things you are asking them to do?

Click here to download a printable version of the message notes and discussion questions for the weekend of 04.28.12

MEGA THEMES
The Grace of God
Ben Snyder
May 5 & 6, 2012

Grace is what I crave most when my guilt is exposed. The very thing I’m hesitant to extend when
I’m confronted with the guilt of others—especially when their guilt has robbed me of something I
consider valuable. STANLEY, ANDY THE GRACE OF GOD

TWO PRISONS WE TEND TO LIVE IN

S___________________ E___________________
A self-imposed distance between you and God.

S___________________ R___________________
A self directed improvement plan to prove your worth to God.

If I do _________________________ then God will accept, love, and forgive me.

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do
the good things he planned for us long ago.
EPHESIANS 2:1-10 (NLT)

Grace is G_______________ R_______________ to my sin.
Grace means undeserved favor.

Discussion Questions

1. Describe a time where you felt trapped, stuck or imprisoned. How did you feel in the midst of the situation? What were the emotions that came when you were released or rescued?

2. Which of the self imposed “prisons” do you find yourself in more often? Discuss the definition of God’s Grace.

3. When you think of GRACE what are the first images that come to your mind?

4. Read Ephesians 2:1-10.

• Discuss the difference between the words used to describe the activity and nature of humanity versus the nature of God.
• According to Ephesians 2:1-10, what are the barriers that keep us from receiving God’s grace?
• According to Ephesians 2:1-10, what are the tasks we need to do in order to receive God’s grace?
• What is the difference between a gift and a reward? How does that help us understand our relationship with God in light of Ephesians 2:8-9?

5. Read Romans 5:6-11

• What does this passage say we did to deserve God’s Grace?
• What is the work that God does according to this passage?
• What words are used to describe humanity before Christ? And then because of Christ?

6. We need to become masters at extending grace to others. How do we do that in a way that remains truthful to God’s word and yet does not tarnish the meaning of Grace?

7. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. What does this passage teach us? Perhaps you could consider making that your prayer.

Click here to download a printable version of the message notes and discussion questions for the weekend of 04.21.12

MEGA THEMES
The Church
Lee Powell
April 21-22, 2012

Christ is the head of the church, which is his body. COLOSSIANS 1:18 (NLT)

Make D___________________ (converts)
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

Teach Them How to L___________________.
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
MATTHEW 28:20

Our Mission
CedarCreek Church exists to help spiritually restless and unchurched people love Jesus, serve others and tell the world about Christ.
HOW ARE YOU DOING?

A Life of L___________.
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. MATTHEW 22:37
You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! JOHN 5:39

A Life of S___________.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” MATTHEW 20:28
…Do as I have done to you. JOHN 13:15 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. MATTHEW 5:16
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to…do it well…do it gladly… ROMANS 12:6-9

A Life of Telling___________.
…telling people about me everywhere… ACTS 1:8
…if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way… 1 PETER 3:15,16
…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. MATTHEW 5:16 (NIV)

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

Discussion Questions

1. People have a lot of opinions (both positive and negative) about why churches exist. What did you think about church growing up? What impact has the church had on your life in the last five years?

2. We love the fact that so many people love coming to CedarCreek Church every week. However, there is a difference between enjoying the weekend service experience and being a part of the church as Jesus defines our role in the church. What is that difference?

3. Read Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus charges Christ-followers with the task of making disciples (converts) and teaching those converts how to live a life that reflects the character of Christ. What do you think about that?

4. We believe that our CedarCreek mission statement reflects Jesus’ teachings about the role of the church. Discuss how our mission statement reflects the different verses from this weekend’s message.

5. Take the time to answer the three questions Lee shared in this weekend’s message:
a. How does Lee know that he is doing a good job?
b. How do we know that as a church we are doing a good job?
c. How do we know that the CedarCreek staff is doing a good job?

6. Are you a Christ-follower? If so, how can you know if you are doing a good job? While we cannot do anything to earn God’s favor, we are all called to make disciples and teach them how to live. How are you doing in this area?

7. Kari Jobe’s song, “We Are” has a great line: “We are the light of the world, we are the city on a hill…we gotta let the light shine.” What are some of the things we do as a church to let the light of Jesus Christ shine through us? How have you been involved?

8. How have you been challenged to think or act differently as a result of this weekend’s message?