Ruth: Christmas Redemption

 

Deeper Faith Study

Ruth Part Four: Christmas Redemption

 

 

Topic: Christmas Redemption

 



Open: Describe a time that you bought a gift and it ended up being a bad deal:

Read: Ruth 4; Matthew 1-2

Discuss:

1. What is interesting about Boaz’s salutation (“friend” vs. 1) to the other potential kinsman redeemer?

2. Explain the focus of this passage on the word “name:”

3. Why doesn’t the potential kinsman redeemer take the land? Why? How does following Christ affect our inheritance?

4. Describe the statement in verse 14 as it relates to redemption: How does the baby bring about redemption

5. How would you connect the story of Ruth with the Christmas story?

Pray: Pray that you would grasp the depth of your redemption in Christ

Memorize/Meditate:

“Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may His name be renowned in Israel!”                Ruth 4:14

Christmas Prayer in the Wake of Tragedy by Max Lucado

Max Lucado, best-selling author and Minister of Preaching at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, offered a Christmas prayer in the aftermath of the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history.

Dear Jesus,

It’s a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?

Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows.

To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod’s jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence. Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won’t you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.

This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.

Hopefully,
Your Children

Ruth: Part Two Deeper Faith Study

Ruth: Part Two

Under the Wings of Everyday Living

Deeper Faith Study

 

Open:
 

Describe a time when you didn’t realize God’s presence and work but as you look back it becomes certain that He at work:

Read:

Ruth 2; Deuteronomy 24:19-22


Discuss:

1. What do you learn in this chapter about Ruth’s character? As you answer, be sure to explain what she says or does which reveals these qualities?

2. Identify the “God-moments” (moments where God was at work behind the scenes) of Ruth 2:

3. How does Boaz’s relationship with God reflect on his protection of Ruth?

4. How prone are you to recognize God’s provision and protection in your life?

Pray:

Pray that you would see God’s work and plan in your everyday life

Memorize/Meditate:

“The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”                                                                   Ruth 2:12

Ruth Part One: Deeper Faith Study

 

Ruth Part One: The Hard Road to Hope

Deeper Faith Study

 

Open:

Desribe a time when you made a decision that you knew would end wrongly...but you made it anyway:

Read:

Judges 21:25; Ruth 1

Discuss:

1. Describe the cycle of the Judges:

2. Why did Elimelech and his family leave Bethlehem for Moab? What mistakes were made along the way? What conflicts arise in your mind? How are you prone to rationalize these decisions?

3. Why does Naomi discourage them from returning with her? Consider how it affects her emotionally.

4. Have you ever given up comfort for a chance to know God deeper and hope in Him more? What hinders you from clinging to Christ?


Pray:

Pray that you would cling in satisfaction to Christ the Bread of Life!

Memorize/Meditate:

"Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried." Ruth 1:16-17 

Sermon Follow-Up: Grow Up! Part One

In Your Face...Facebook

In Your Face...Facebook

Does it really help you connect and share with people in your life?

Much has been said and written about Facebook, the social networking service founded in 2004 with the original intent of connecting college students...but has now grown to 900 million active users.

Facebook was once again at the top of recent news sources by taking their service public for stock shares. Of course that hasn't worked out the way originally anticipated.

Whatever course of action Facebook may be taking, it cannot be denied that with so many different applications and opportunities to connect with people from all over the world, Facebook has certainly become useful not just for relational connection, but spiritual connection as well. Facebook has provided both individuals and churches the opportunity to quickly send notes of encouragement, ministry announcements, and prayer requests (just to name a few).

But with every great resourceful tool, there can also be consequences. Ministries in general, and Christians specifically, must be gravely aware of the dangers in over "Facebooking." Not only can bad relational habits develop, but unbiblical actions and reactions can occur with ease. For Christians, Facebook can lead to quite a few spiritual landmines. Consider these few:

Time Crunch -  
Now I know as I write this, someone will say, "Yeh, but I try to be careful with my time! It's not like I am sitting on the computer staring at Facebook for hours!" While this certainly may be true especially with over half of all users using Facebook on a mobile device, we can easily spend time reading what other people have written, checking out their pictures, responding to posts, and writing our own posts. But what about the time interpreting someone's post or considering our own writings. See it's not only reading and writing power...it's the brain power and effort making sure we are on top of the different applications.  

If I am being honest...I haven't met to many people who have balanced their time well with Facebook. And the danger is that we can spend too much time on Facebook and so little time face to face. Ephesians 5:15-16 says "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Notice the connection between walking wisely and making the most of the time we have. Evil days...require wiser walking.

We must be careful that Facebook doesn't become an excuse for our time. We must close the gap between our intentions and actions. As one writer said, we cannot kill time without injuring eternity. Use time wisely...even on Facebook.


Facial Relationships -
There is no doubt that people are starving for relationships. Facebook is one apologetic of this truth. However, Facebook can create a false sense of connection and relationship. In our efforts for deeper relationships, we tend to forget that relationship is more than only verbal. The physical and spiritual (I would argue verbal as well) necessitate physical presence. In fact, the majority of the verse that reference "one-anothering" (depend, devote, rejoice, care, serve, fellowship...just to name a few) can only be accomplished through physical connection...face to face meeting.

The danger is that Facebook has become Christians greatest connection to one another. Of course, Facebook relationships are much easier. But God has called us to deeper, messy relationships with people. And physical connection, not just computer connection, is needed to facilitate these types of relationships for the glory of God. Remember that God has put everyone (even difficult people) in your path for the purpose of imperishable glories!


Confrontation -
It seems that the longer I have used Facebook the more I have seen people get caught up in e-conflicts and e-arguments. This is problematic for us as Christians. The Scripture describes a proper confrontational ethic. In fact it's commanded. Christ gave a clear cut, easily understandable pattern of confrontation and church-discipline in Matthew 18:15-17:
1. a private, one-on-one confrontation; if he/she does not repent...
2. a small, private conference which involves one or two witnesses; if he/she does not repent...
3. a small private conference with the church leadership; if he/she does not repent...
4. a public removal from church fellowship

Clearly, the Bible assumes conflict as a normal part of any relationship...the question isn't when, it's how do we handle it. Facebook has become an easy way to hide from the Biblical grounds for confrontation.


Hideface and Seekface -
It has become increasingly easier for people to hide their issues and struggles in the Facebook world. Put a post out there in cyberspace and see who really cares. We all have seen it. The post that says that if you don't comment or "like" you will be deleted or defriended. Or how about someone who needs help...yet gets no reply. In Facebook you see both people searching out relationships and those hiding from certain relationships. Either way, we lack concern for our role in building meaningful relationships. As a result our communication skills continue to get worse. Unfortunately, it seems everyone is blaming everyone else.If communication is the melody of relationship, then Facebook is off tune. It allows people to hide themselves and/or justify their lack of ability to seek relationships.


Face and Facebook -
Please don't misunderstand me, Facebook is a phenomenal tool with great potential for kingdom things. In fact, Facebook itself is neither good nor bad in this way (as all technology...is neutral. My concern is that we put aside, even unintentionally, the Biblical call to deeper relationships (or at least limit the amount of truly Biblical relationships). So as you "Facebook," be careful to continue to take the relationships to a deeper level.

Happy "Facebooking"

Galatians Part Two: Deeper Faith Study



Deeper Faith Study

Topic: I'm Right

Read: Galatians 2:1-21; Acts 15:1-35

Discuss:

1. Why did Paul go to Jerusalem to visit the Christian leaders?

2. Who was Paul referring to by saying, “those men who seemed to be important…added nothing to my message?”

3. Why did Paul publically rebuke Peter? Was it right of him to do this?

4. Explain justification: How does grace play a part in this? How about the law?

5. How does verse 20 apply to you?

Pray: Pray that the Lord would help you understand grace and justification more deeply. Pray that your justification and grace would extend to your treatment of others.

Memorize/Meditate:   “…yet we know that a person is justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.”      Galatians 2:16



Galatians Part One: Deeper Faith Study

Deeper Faith Study

Topic: One Gospel

Open: Describe a time you felt trapped or imprisoned:

Read: Galatians 1:6-24; Acts 26:1-11

Discuss:

1. Describe the Gospel equation vs. the Judaizer’s equation of salvation:

2. Why were some of the Galatians they were deserting Christ?

3. Describe a life of bondage vs. a life of grace:

4. What does Paul mean by a different gospel (1:6)? Can you explain anything that today could be called a different gospel?

5. List the differences between Paul’s life before salvation and after:

6. What are some contemporary life issues that should have this type of concern today?

Pray: Pray for the wisdom to take captive any thought or pursuit of sinful philosophies or directions so that you may be more aware of the completed work of Christ.

Memorize/Meditate: "...the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”                       Galatians 1:3

Vantage Point - Simon of Cyrene: Deeper Faith Study

Deeper Faith Study

Topic: Simon of Cyrene

Open: Have you ever heard the expression “my cross to bear?” Describe a situation that you feel was a cross you had to bear:

Read: Mark 15:16-32; Mark 8:31-38


Discuss:
1. Why would they have gotten Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross? Why mention a particular person’s name?

2. Notice the emphatic word “compelled.” How would you feel if you had to be compelled to do something like this? How does this translate to our lives spiritually?

3. How has your relationship with Christ been challenged by inconveniences? What are some ways that you can change these in your life?

4. What is the connection between Simon’s task and his sons Alexander and Rufus (Romans 16:13)? What impact will carrying the cross of Christ have on those around you?

Pray: Pray that you would be willing and able to take up your cross and follow Christ fully this week.

Memorize/Meditate: ”If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  Mark 8:34

Sermon Follow Up Video for Feb. 26, 2012 Sermon Series Not Me...But Him!

Not Me...But Him Sermon Series: Deeper Faith Study

Topic: Not Me…But Him!


Open: Have you ever had a moment when it hit you, “This is bigger than me?” Explain that moment:


Read: Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 11:33-36


Discuss:

1. According to Ephesians 1:3-14, what are the ways that you have been blessed by God?

2. Why have you been blessed in this way (verses 6, 12, 14)? What do you find interesting about these statements?

3. Notice the security we have in the Holy Spirit with these blessings (verses 11-14). Why do you think so many Christians allow their faith to be “tossed to and fro” (Eph. 4:14)?

4. How does God being about His own glory, change the perspective of your life? How does this change how you view what you do (Colossians 3:17)?

Pray: Pray that you would not be a glory thief, but a vessel of the glory of God

 
Memorize/Meditate: 1 Peter 4:11 “…in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Revelation Series - Deeper Faith Study for Feb. 12, 2012

Topic: Revelation 21-22 – The Beginning!

Open: Share a moment when you received something new. What was it and how did it affect you?

Read: Revelation 21-22

Answer:
1. Will we live in “heaven” forever (21:1)? Why or why not? Will the “new earth” be renovated or destroyed? What does it mean, “there is no longer any sea?” Is this a reference to literal bodies of water or nations and peoples?

2. What will it be like to have God “dwell” among us (21:3)? Why is this mentioned twice in this verse?

3. Can you find the five blessed absences of heaven in 21:22-27?

4. How does Revelation close as it began (22:7; 1:3; cf. 16:5)? Why is this warning and motivation so important?

5. What do you look forward to the most in that day? How have the words of Revelation prepared you for that day?


Pray: Pray that your heart would be prepared for the coming Christ and that the words of Revelation would

Meditate/Memorize: Revelation 21:20 “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

Revelation Series - Deeper Faith Study for 2/5/12

Topic: The Kingdom – Revelation 20


Open:
There is the old expression, “If I only knew then what I know now…” Describe this sentiment in your own life. What would you change? How does the reality of the future kingdom of Christ effect how we should live in the present?

Read: Revelation 20

Discuss:
1. In 20:2-7, “thousand years” is used six times in connection with a number of chronologically interrelated events. Should this be understood literally or figuratively? Why? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each view?

2. Why does God release Satan from the Abyss (20:7)? Are there any reasons implied in the text or the whole of Scriptures? Satan is successful in his attempt to “deceive the nations.” What does this tell us about the nature of man?

3. Who is sitting on the “great white throne” (20:11) What is significant about the adjectives “great” and “white?” What characteristic of God does this throne speak to?

4. How should the reality of judgment affect the way we live today?

Pray: Pray that you would live more kingdom mindedly in society.

Meditate/Memorize: Revelation 20:6 “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection.”

Deeper Faith - Revelation Series

Topic: Come and Get it! – Revelation 19


Open: Do you remember your favorite meal as a youth? Maybe it was a meal at your grandmothers house or a birthday meal at home. Take a moment to discuss this. Was it the meal or the experience?
Read: Revelation 19

Discuss:
1. What is the great multitude so excited about (19:6)? What is the “marriage of the Lamb” (19:7)? How does rejoicing and being glad have to do with worship? Is being glad in God the same as worship?

2. What is the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (19:9)? Who is the bride? Who is the groom? Is the invitation to the “marriage supper of the Lamb” for all believers? Why or why not? How does it feel to you to be Jesus’ bride? How do you feel about being the bride of Christ?

3. Describe the appearance of the one riding on a white horse (19:11-17). What difference does the hope of Christ coming make in our everyday lives?


Pray: Pray that you would not only be aware, but ready for this day when we meet Christ. Will you be at the table?


Memorize: Revelation 19:6-7 “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory…”

Revelation Series - Deeper Faith Study

Topic: The Beginning of the End – Revelation 14-16

Open: Our tendancy is to turn away from pain. Can you describe a painful moment in your life? Where did it lead your life?

Read: Revelation 14-16

Discuss:
1. What is the “eternal gospel” (14:6)? Is this a call to salvation or judgment? How does the angel’s proclamation in 14:7 help you answer these questions? How would you summarize the contents of the angel’s message? Why is the gospel the good news?

2. What does the “harvest of the earth” refer to (14:15)? How did the son of man reap this harvest (14:16)? How ripe do you think the earth is now?

3. Why is this particular sign called “great and marvelous” (15:1)? What does it mean that the “wrath of God is finished?”

4. Why do wicked people refuse to repent this side of eternity (16:11)? Do these people acknowledge God and repent of their deeds in hell? Why or why not? Read Philippians 2:6-11.

Pray:
Pray that even in times of darkness and pain that you would hold onto God’s faithfulness.

Meditate:
Revelation 15:4 “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For you alone are holy.”

Venture - Prayer and Fasting for 2012

On Sunday at FCF we took time to look back at the exciting moments of 2011...and looked forward with great anticipation to 2012. If you have been around FCF at all, some of the excitement of 2011 has been plenty evident. But even with a year of great spiritual growth and ministry success, we cannot pause too long... because 2012 is here.

2012 is bringing us some exciting opportunities as a church family. As we mentioned Sunday, plans are in place for expanded facilities, additional campuses in a strategic area, and most importantly, an expanded global reach.

However, planning and strategy can only take us so far. On Sunday, we began the launch of Venture - dedicating the month of January to church wide prayer and fasting. We will be meeting on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm to prepare our hearts for the big plans God has for our church. Obviously, we understand that it will be impossible for everyone to attend...but if you could take a meal, a day, or a week throughout this month to seek the Lord on behalf of these endeavors, it will certainly be a huge part in accomplishing Kingdom sized things.

As I shared my on Sunday, my prayer is that we would have a Hebrews 10 church. A church confident in Christ that leads to 1. Full assurance of faith 2. Unwavering hope 3. Stir one another on with love and good works.

We hope that you will join us!!

Expecting Christ to do, what only He can do!!