Home groups are designed to help people grow spiritually. The discipleship process takes a person from the spiritual infant stage to becoming a spiritual parent. As a spiritual parent the process begins again. The following is a short synopsis of the stages of growth. Every home group leader needs to be thoroughly clear on these stages. Continue reading
The study of God is infinite. Solomon, the “wisest” man in the world, said, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.” (Ecc. 12:12 NKJ) Yet, studying God’s Word about God and how to please Him is fun and exciting! So questions and comments about deep or difficult theology (the study of God) are lots of fun and many people have opinions that may vary. The question is not, “What does man say?” but, “What does God say?” Continue reading
“The New Answers Book: 1” is an outstanding compilation of excellent questions related to the Evolution/ Creation discussion. The book contains 27 articles written by 12 expert authors that wisely defend the Biblical view of how the world began, and the Bible as the accurate account of that beginning. This volume provides a wealth of knowledge needed in every home library for answering questions which are on the minds of our “Greek” world (a world which lacks understanding of the framework of God, sin and death, in contrast to the Jewish world). Continue reading
Most holidays are clear in their intent. For example, Valentine’s Day celebrates romance, Father’s Day celebrates fathers, Mother’s Day celebrates mothers and so on. But none of those hit the celebration ticker like New Years. So is there a purpose for New Year’s Day besides turning the calendar over to the next year? Continue reading
For those who follow this site, I made the wrong date on a planned post today. I accidently made the post for January 6, 2013 instead of January 6, 2014. The article, manuscript, will be reposted on January 6, 2014. If you get the link for each post, you have a heads up on the article. Maybe the Lord meant some to get a second take on it!
Happy New Year! May the Lord bless your studies, worship and spiritual growth!
This message was presented on December 29 as the first of two messages on the State of the Church. The answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions below are designed to stimulate discussion, not replace thinking. The message outline is provided first. Continue reading
Grace has a great future in 2014. It is building on past leadership and growing new leadership. There is an excitement in the halls that is refreshing and exuberant. There is momentum building for home groups, men’s and women’s ministries and stability in other ministries. There is a growing spirit of unity at Grace in the bond of peace. Continue reading
Having breaks in the home group schedule are important. Those are called “on” and “off ramps.” People like a little change at times and want to study something else. There is usually one person, who would like to study prophecy, or the Gospels, or the blood sacrifices. We Christians tend to accommodate even when it is only one person, even though the 99 others would rather continue with the plan. Consider these thoughts. Continue reading
There are different philosophies regarding home groups. A few people would like to keep trudging through the battles of life and never take a week off. Most people see the importance of taking a break by developing “on” and “off ramps.” The “on ramp” is when a home group period begins and the “off ramp” ends a segment and there is a short break. Continue reading
There are three different alert codes that are used by some states. The Blue Alert is for a missing violent criminal, the Silver Alert is for a missing senior citizen and the Amber Alert is for a missing child. The Amber Alert was initiated in 1996, when Amber Hagerman (9 years-old) of Arlington, Texas was kidnapped and murdered. Follow-up is important for “missing persons” of your home group, because those who are pursuing a closer walk with Jesus Christ will come under greater spiritual attack by the enemy and they need to know that other believers are looking out for them. Continue reading
Shepherding Truth 