In the previous article, I discussed the importance of reaching the heart over forcing the hands to complete tasks. In other words, you can force behavioral change in a person, but if you don’t reach the heart, the change will not be long-lasting and the task completion will be done out of duty rather than a desire to please. Continue reading
I am a doer. I like to get things done, keep things organized and NOT spend time looking for them. I don’t like to waste time looking for them. Some people call that being a Type A personality; I call it someone you can rely upon to get things done. Continue reading
Below are suggested answers for the Message Based Discussion Questions from the message presented on February 16, 2014. These answers are merely to stimulate thought, not replace it. The message outline is listed first.
1 Peter 3:7
How do you disciple men to be overseers?
1) Disciple men who want to oversee 3:1
2) Disciple men to proven character 3:2-6 Continue reading
This message was presented on February 16, 2014 as part of the series on 1 Timothy.
The question came up from last week’s message, “What roles should, or can a woman serve in outside of the church?” I’m very open to this, so come to the home group that meets on Wednesday nights, here at the church at 7pm and we’ll discuss it. I’m interested in your thoughts. You might feel like Job, not knowing why things happen. Let’s talk.
My custom is to walk through the book of the Bible we’re studying and then deal with related topics from the text at the end. That way…if the Rapture happens, I don’t have to deal with them! No seriously, I want you to have the flow of the text and we’ll come back to them. You are always welcome to ask or write down questions, or get together. Continue reading
Everything is built on leadership. Jesus is the ultimate leader, who knew what He was doing and followed through with it regardless of the cost or depth of the valley. A home group leader doesn’t have to be as good of leader as Jesus, but there are several characteristics that will help every leader of home groups. Let me highlight five. Continue reading
There are many ways to communicate information. These include: 1) lecture, 2)monologue with an opportunity for questions, 3) dialogue and 4) dialogue with practical implementation in a variety of forms. Home groups use a method of facilitating questions that is one of the best ways to help people learn. How is this a good method for this setting? Because you do not know what groups members are understand about a subject matter, unless they are talking about it or acting on it. 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
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 