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Message Multiplier
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So you want a little more than a Sunday message? That's AWESOME! Way to go! You are well on your way to leaving religion behind and finding an intimate, interactive relationship with Jesus! Below you will find what we call the "Message Multiplier." From week to week you will find a variety of items that relate to the previous Sunday's message and propel you to a deeper relationship with Christ. Week of June 29, 2008 Series: Lousy T-Shirt Message: IMITATE Scritpures to Study: John 5:16-ff; Mark 10:32 Questions to Ask: What does it mean to follow Jesus? How do you know you are following him? What do you need to do to increase your level of following Jesus by just 1% today? Books to Read: I Became a Christian and All I got was this Lousy T-shirt by Vince Antonucci
Week of June 15, 2008 Series: Lousy T-Shirt Message: INTENSITY Scritpures to Study: John 6 (Jesus doesn't feed the people), Mark 10 (Bartimeaus) Questions to Ask: Are you hungry for the right things? Are you really hungry for God? Are you hungry enough? How can you adjust your appetites? How can you regain your hunger? Are you desperate...really desperate for God? Books to Read: I Became a Christian and All I got was this Lousy T-shirt by Vince Antonucci
Week of June 8, 2008 Series: Lousy T-Shirt Message: IDENTITY Scritpures to Study: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:1-10 John 13, 20, 21 (look for the 'disciple whom Jesus loved'--he knew his identity) Questions to Ask: Who are you? what is your identity? Have you been living under any false identities? What is your true identity in Christ? Books to Read: I Became a Christian and All I got was this Lousy T-shirt by Vince Antonucci
Week of June 1, 2008 Series: Lousy T-Shirt Message:INTRO Scritpures to Study: Luke 10 Questions to Ask: What did you like about the adventures of the 72? What didn't you like? How would you like your life to be more like theirs? Books to Read: I Became a Christian and All I got was this Lousy T-shirt by Vince Antonucci
Week of May 25, 2008 Series: Invest--Why the Church Matters Message:How? Scripture to Study: Nehemiah--all of it. Questions to Ask: How does the church go from ME to WE? What is my part of the wall?
Week of May 18, 2008 Series: Invest--Why the Church Matters Message:How? Three Steps: 1. Know what you have--How are you spending your time? What are your talents? Where is your money going? Who are your relationships? 2. Make a Plan--After assessing what you have, how are you going to use those four gifts from God for His Glory? 3. Work the Plan--Don't delay....work it! Tools: Shape Test, Concentric Circles Worksheet, Personal Budget Worksheet, Time Audit. Want them? Email us and we'll send them. Book to Read: The Multyplying Church by Bob Roberts ; When God Builds a Church by Bob Russell
Week of May 11, 2008 Series: Invest--Why the Church Matters Message: Why Church? Scripture to Study: Luke 19:9-11; 1 Corinthians 9:19-25; Ephesians 4:11-13; Hebrews 10:23-24; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Chronicles 16:23-29 Questions to Ask: What do these scriptures tell us about the reasons for the church? How are you investing your time, talents, treasures and relationships for these reasons? Book to Read: The Multyplying Church by Bob Roberts ; When God Builds a Church by Bob Russell
Week of May 4, 2008 Series: Invest--Why the Church Matters Message: Be Faithful Scripture to Study: Matthew 25:14-30 Questions to Ask: How is the church like a talent that we are supposed to invest in and be faithful to? What will God say about our stewardship of the church? What do you want him to say? Book to Read: The Multyplying Church by Bob Roberts ; When God Builds a Church by Bob Russell Week of April 27, 2008 Series: Finding God in the Movies Message: Into The Wild Scripturet to Study: Genesis 2:18; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:44; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Questions to Ask: Why do we pull away from community/from people? Why do we look to escape? What does God say about relationships and community? Why is it so important?
Week of April 20, 2008 Series: Finding God in the Movies Message: I Am Legend Scritpures to Study: Romans 3:21-26; I Peter 1:18-21; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:13; Colossians 1:20 ; Hebrews 9:12 Questions to Ask: What is sin? What is the antidote for sin? What does blood have to do with it? What does the blood of Jesus do for us?
Week of April 13, 2008 Series: Finding God in the Movies! Message: Enchanted Scritpures to Study: Check out the Bride/Bridegroom metaphor through these passages.
--In John 3:29, John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the Bridegroom that is coming for his bride --Jesus later in Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19-20 and Luke 5:34-35 refers to himself as the bridegroom. Questions to Ask: How is my relationship with God like a mariage? How is it not? Should it be? Why or why not? The movie Enchanted talks is a story about TRUE LOVE and HAPPILY EVER AFTER....two huge elements in the Story of God. What are your concepts about these two themes? Describe them in the God story.
Week of April 6, 2008 Series: Finding God in the Movies! Message:August Rush Scriptures to Study: John 6:25-45 Questions to Ask: How does God pursue you? How is your 'God awareness'? Do you notice God around you? Do you hear him calling to you through creation, people and the scrptures? What do you need to do to listen to God better? How can you reduce the noise in your life? Books to Read: God's Pursuit of Man by A.W. Tozer and The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
Week of March 30, 2008 Series: Influencer! Message: The LIttle thing Matter Scriptures to Study: Luke 16:10; Luke 21:1-3; Mark 6; Luke 17:6; Matthew 7:14; 1 Corinthians 5:6; Matthew 10:42; Exodus 7-10 Questions to Ask: What is God's perspective on the little things? Steps to Take: Go HERE to find out what you can do TODAY! This list was complied by the attenders at Cool River Church on March 30, 2008.
Week of March 23, 2008 Series: Influencer! Message: The Greatest Influencer Scriptures to Study: John 14:19-20; John 14:12; Mark 10:35; John 14:23-26 Questions to Ask: How was Jesus a great influencer? What do you think he meant when he said that we would get to do greater things that he?
Week of March 16, 2008 Series: Influencer! Message: You've Got What it Takes Scriptures to Study: Exodus 4:1-17 Questions to Ask: What's in your hand? Who is on your team? What is your SHAPE (Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences)? People who should be on your team (think of a name for each, some names will take on more than one spot): Intercessor, Listener, Encourager, Creator, Discerner, Giver, Defender, Implementer, Celebrator, Resourcer, Sponsor, Thinker, Networker, Mentor, Protege. (Read The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day for more)
Week of March 09, 2008 Series: Influencer! Message: The Courage to Step Up Scriptures to Study: Exodus 3:7-15 Questions to ask: What did Moses question and second-guess? How did God respond? When God calls you to something (big or small) how does your humanity respond? What questions do you ask? How does God's answers to Moses affect you in your reality? So...what is God calling you do do? Appointment with God: Make an appoinment with God this week and spend time asking these questions. Series: Feed Me! Message: Fine Dining Did you know that if you went every week to church and listened to a 30 minute message you would get the equivilent of 26 hours of teaching...just a little over a day! How did we ever think that would be enough to satisfy our appetites for God? Scripture to study: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Questions to Ask: Do I handle the word of truth correctly? How do I interpret the Bible? Some tips for good interpretation of the Bible: • Get some good Bible translations. the best translation is multiple translations. When you see differences, take it as a sign to dig deeper. (check out www.biblegateway.com) • Get to know your Bible. How is it composed? What kind of literature is in it? What are the books about and how were they written? (Check out How to Read the Bible for all its Worth and How to Read the Bible Book by Book ) • Get to know what’s IN your Bible -- What is the Literary Content and Historical Context--Be a journalist, ask all the questions to find the authors original intent...what, when, where, who, how??? Once you find that, you'll be able to start asking the question, "What does this mean to me?" Remember, "the Bible cannot mean what it never meant" and "The Bible is it's own best interpreter." • Get a Running Partner--Find some people to walk with you in your journey of interpretation. • Get some tools. Some important tools include a concordnace, a Bible Dictionary, a Bible encyclopedia, a Bible atlas, Bible survey books, Commentaries and Greek/Hebrew word studies. You can go out and buy all that stuff OR you can get it all online for FREE!!!! (check out e-sword.net --a free Bible-study program you can download). You can also look at crosswalk.com , biblegateway.com , christiananswers.net , and blueltetterbible.com HAVE FUN! Week of February 17, 2008 Series: Feed Me! Message: Prepare to Feast Scripture to Study: Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21 Questions to Ask: What makes the Bible so unique? Should we approach the Bible differently than other books? What lenses are you wearing when you come to the Bible? What are your presuppositions? What is getting in the way of you getting the original meaning from the Scritpures? Go browse: http://www.leestrobel.com/ Check out why the Bible is so unique.
Week of February 10, 2008 Series: Feed Me! Message: Pick up Your Fork Scripture to Study: Psalm 119:97-105 Questions to Ask: What is this passage about? What is the frequency of the meditation of the law? What are the benefits from it? An excercise to practice: If you were to ask, "What has God taught you in the last few days...or last week...or last month?" What would your answer be? Most of us just don't know or can't recall. So, here's a helpful excercise from Wayne Cordeiro in Hawaii. SOAP! What you need: Bible, Pen, Reading Plan to get you through the Bible, Journal, Srcap piece of paper for when you remember something you have to do (write it there so you can get back to the Bible). What you do: In your journal wirte the letters S, O, A, P down the left side. For S--wrtie down the scripture you are reading For O--wirte down Observations on what you've read For A--write down Application (what you're goign to do) about what you've read For P--write down Prayers for God to help you accopmlish this. This wlll help you keep a record of what you're learning and will give you a road map of your spiritual growth. For more details on this, go to: http://www.enewhope.org/firststeps/journaling/
Week of February 3, 2008 Series: Feed Me! Message: Hunger Pains Why is it that we don't mature as believers and learn to feed ourselves? We discussed a few reasons this week.
NOBODY EVER TOLD YOU THAT YOU NEEDED TO FEED YOURSELF (Hebrews 5:11-14) CONSUMER SOCIETY (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) LAZINESS (Proverbs 26:15) TIME (John 15:15; Revelation 3:20) SPIRITUAL FATALISM (Acts 17:11) MISCONCEPTION OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY (John 17:3; John 14:23; Mark 9:35) NOBODY EVER TAUGHT YOU HOW TO FEED YOURSELF Book to read: How to Read the Bible for All its Worth
Week of January 27, 2008 Series: UnChristian Message: Judgmental Scripture to Study: Matt 7:1-5; Luke 6:37; Luke 7:36-47; Rom 2:1-4; Rom 14:4; Rom 10:1-21; Rom 11:1-36; Rom 12:1-21; Rom 13:1-14; 1 Cor 4:5; 1 Cor 5:12; James 4:11-12
Questions to Ask: Are Christias judgmental? Is the church truly loving (like Jesus)? What does it mean to see people through Jesus eyes or to see people as Jesus sees them? Why is it so important to see yourself in a proper way when it comes to judgment? What's the difference between being better people becasue of God besides being better than other people? Book to read: No Perfect People Allowed by John Burke and UNchristian by David Kinnaman
Week of January 20, 2008 Series: UnChristian Message: Sheltered Scripture to Study: 1 Peter 1:15; Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesisans 2:1-10; John 17:15-18 Questions to Ask: What do you think about the balance of Purity (Holiness) and Proximity (being a part of the real world)? What are the pros and cons toward leaning one way or the other? In which ways do you escape from the world? In what areas are you conforming to the word? Book to read: No Perfect People Allowed by John Burke and UNchristian by David Kinnaman
Week of January 13, 2008 Series: UnChristian Message: Get Saved! Questions taken from the book UNchristian by David Kinnaman (Go read it!)
1. Only 34% of young outsiders believe that Christians genuinely care about them. But among Christians, 64% said outsiders would perceive their efforts as genuine. Why do you believe there is such a huge gap? 2. Read 2 Timothy 2:24-25. Discuss the role of the Christ follower and the part the Holy Spirit plays in someone choosing to follow Christ? 3. Research shows that only about 6% of the Christian population lives out a true Biblical worldview even though 70% would claim to know Jesus. How do you define a biblical worldview? Give examples of how you apply this worldview in your daily life. Can you think of Christians who do not operate on the basis of a biblical worldview? How can you help more young people develop such a perspective? 4. Chuck Colson comments that Christianity is about more than just a private transaction. He suggests avoiding the phrase “accept Christ”. He believes Christianity is much more than that and incorporates an entire worldview and way of seeing everything in life. Do you agree or disagree with his opinion? 5. What’s the difference between conversion and transformation?
Week of January 6, 2008 Series: UnChristian Message: Hypocritical Questions taken from the book UNchristian by David Kinnaman (Go read it!)
1. What do you think the true definition of hypocrisy should be? Do you think it means saying one thing and doing another? What are examples of hypocrisy in your life that you should be more transparent about? 2. Young Christians are increasingly accepting morally questionable lifestyles. How does the protect-your-image-at-any-cost mindset contradict basic Christian principles? What is the remedy for this? 3. Read Matthew 23. Discuss the implications of Jesus’ words regarding hypocrites. In what ways does your life seem more like Pharisees than like people who pursue their deep need for Jesus? (Be honest.) 4. The research shows that born again Christians are often not very different from others in terms of lifestyle activities and choices. What are your reactions to this information? What contributes to this? 5. Why do you think Christians put such a high emphasis on “being good” rather than being real? Why are some key parts of the Christian faith so frequently ignored?
Week of December 30, 2007 Series: O Come Let Us Adore Him Message: In Tune Scripture to Study: John 15:1-8 Questions to Ask: What does it mean to be in tune with God? what does it mean to play His song? Are you in tune? How can you get back in tune if you're not? How does 'adoration' and 'allegience' fit into the "in tune" picture? Book to Read: The Jesus I Never Knew by Phillip Yancey
Week of December 23, 2007 Series: O Come Let Us Adore Him Message: The Baby Messiah Scripture to Study: Matthew 1, 2 and Luke 1:5-2:40 Questions to Ask: What about the birth of Jesus makes you adore him?
Week of December 16, 2007 Series: O Come Let Us Adore Him Message: The Best Life Scripture to Study: Philippians 2:1-16; Hebrews 4:14-16 Questions to Ask: What is the 'best life'? Why would Jesus' life be described as the best life? What do these verses say about the life of Jesus and who he was? Things to do: Adoration: What does adoration mean? What does it look like in your life? Allegience: What is allegience? What will it take for you to increase your allegience to God?
Week of December 09, 2007 Series: O Come Let Us Adore Him Message:Dead as a Doornail Scripture to Study: Mark 15; Leviticus 16; Hebrews 10 Questions to Ask: Why the cross? Why Jesus? What is it that happenned at the cross that would make so many people come to adore Jesus as God? Resource to Check out: The Passion of the Christ the movie , The Passion of Jesus Christ--50 Reasons why he came to die by John Piper
Week of December 02, 2007 Series: O Come Let Us Adore Him Message: Alive and Well Scripture to Study: John 20, I Corinthians 15, John 11 Questions to Ask: What was the difference before and after the resurrection of Jesus in the lives of the people around him? Why did the resurrection have such a pivotal and foundational importance for the first century Chrisians and why should it for us? What is the power of the resurrection? How does that power transfer over to your life? Are you actually living like you are a child of the resurrected one or is your life something 'other' than that? Why? Resource to Check out: The Chronicles of Narnia--The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe radio theatre version or The Chronicles of Narnia, the movie Week of November 25, 2007 Series: No Way Out Message:A Real Life Story Scripture to Study: Psalm 13 (all); Psalm 25:1-6; Psalm 102:1-2; Psalm 113 (all); Psalm 116:1-7; Psalm 121 (all); Romans 8:31 Book to Read: Streams in the Desert
Week of November 18, 2007 Series: No Way Out Message: You Need a Friend Scripture to Study: Philemon Questions to Ask: Who are my REAL friends? Who knows my FULL story? What can I do to move into those kinds of relationships? How do I become one of those kinds of friends? Book to Read: Relationships: A mess worth making
Week of November 11, 2007 Series: No Way Out Message: The First Steps Out Scripture to Study: Jeremiah 29:1-14 (Focus on 11-12): Isaiah 50:10-11; Questions to Ask: What does this scripture tell us to do when we are trying to find answers to our no way out situations? What does God promise to give back to us if we do what he says? Resources to Check out: Celebrate Recovery Something to Do: Make an appointment with God, get away and Seek him with all your heart.
Series: No Way Out Message:$$ Troubles Here's a recap of this Sunday's principles on giving. A thorough treatment of each of these points can be found in Donald Whitney's book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. God owns everything you have: I Corinthians 10:26; Exodus 19:5; Job 41:11; Haggai 2:8 Giving is an act of worship: Philippians 4:18 Giving reflects faith in God's provision: Mark 12:41-44 Giving should be sacrificial and generous: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Giving reflects spiritual trustworthiness: Luke 16:10-13 Giving is about love, not legalism: 2 Corinthians 8:7-8 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 Giving should be planned and systemmatic: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Giving resluts in blessings: Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Malachi 3:6-12
Week of October 28, 2007 Series: The Jesus Blogs 2.0 Message:The End Times Scripture to Study: Matthew 24:4-44;Mark 13:5-33;Luke 17:20-37; Acts 1:4-8; I Thessalonians 4:14-5:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-2:12; 2 Peter 3:3-12; The book of Revelation; OT: Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Amos, Zechariah, Malachi
Questions to Ask: What can we know about the end times? What are we not to know? What is our response to this knowledge?
Week of October 21, 2007 Series: The Jesus Blogs 2.0 Message:Sexuality Scripture to Study: Genesis 1, Genesis 2, I Corninthians 6, Romans , Song of Songs (all of it) Questions to Ask: Who created sex? What was sex about? What are the parameters for sex? What does the Bible say about the gay issue? Resources: The Book of Romance by Tommy Nelson
Week of October 14, 2007 Series: The Jesus Blogs 2.0 Message: The 2008 Presidential Election Scripture to Study: I Samuel 16 Questions to Ask: How did God pick leaders? How did God help Samuel pick David as King? What does that teach us? Resources: God's Politics by Jim Wallis Week of October 7, 2007 Series: The Jesus Blogs 2.0 Message: Cool River Church Intro: This week was Cool River's 4th Birthday and we explored the shocking reality that churches tend to move further away from God's heart than closer to it as they get older. Scripture to Study: Luke 19, Luke 5, Luke 15 Questions to Ask: What is God's heart? How closely is your heart aligned with His? What do you need to do to move closer to his heart. Resources: Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels Week of September 23, 2007 Series: K2--Taking Kids to the Next Level Message: Passing on Faith Scripture to Study: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Questions to Ask: What does this scripture say about our responsibility to pass on faith to our kids? How does it challenge you? Homework: Listen to the message and list out the Five Tools to help you pass on your faith. At the end of the message Amy Colon talked about getting started this week. Pick one or two of her tips and DO THEM! Resources: Check out the Children's section of this website and then check out the blogs just for Cool River kids and parents. Week of September 16, 2007 Series: K2--Taking Kids to the Next Level Message: To Spank or Not to Spank Scripture to Study: Hebrews 12:1-11 Questions to Ask: What is the difference between discipline and punishment? What can we learn from the way God disciplines us that can carry over to our kids? What are the rewards of discipline: Homework: Dream Session. Make an appointment with God and dream with him about your kids. Write down your vision for your kids....and please remember...it's more than a degree, a good marriage and a happy life. Dream BIGGER!
Week of September 9, 2007 Series: K2--Taking Kids to the Next Level Message: About Moms and Dads Scripture to Study: I Thessalonians 2:1-18 Homework: As you read this scripture, check out how Paul parented the Thessalonians. Look for roles that parents share and roles that are distinctive to fathers and mothers. Questions to Ask: Am I living up to my role as a mom or dad? What areas am I lacking in? Prayer: God, show me my deficiencies and help me to find ways to improve as a mom or dad.
Week of September 2, 2007 Series: K2--Taking Kids to the Next Level Message: Parental Foundations Scripture to Study: Genesis 22:1-18 Questions to ponder: Make an appointment with God this week and journal about these questions: What does it mean to trust God with my kids? What does it mean to trust God with my life? How do both of these things actually play out in my life? Books to read: The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg
Week of August 19, 2007 Series: Which Way God? Message: Islam (Interview with Multicultural Mosaic Foundation) Scripture to Study: Search for Abraham's story in Genesis. Take a look at the differences in the promise to Isaac and to Ishmael. Books to Read: Jesus Among other Gods by Ravi Zacharias; Finding Faith: A Search for what makes sense by Brian McLaren; Finding Faith: Search for what is real by Brian McLaren.
Week of August 12, 2007 Series: Which Way God? Message: Judaism (Interview with Gene Binder) Scripture to Study: Genesis 12; Genesis 22; Isaiah 42; Isaiah 53; John 1 Books to Read: Jesus Among other Gods by Ravi Zacharias; Finding Faith: A Search for what makes sense by Brian McLaren; Finding Faith: Search for what is real by Brian McLaren
Series: Which Way God? Message: Faith Foundations Scripture to Study: Matthew 16:14-16; Mark 8:28-30; Luke 9:19-21; Acts 17:16-28 Books to Read: Jesus Among other Gods by Ravi Zacharias; Finding Faith: A Search for what makes sense by Brian McLaren; Finding Faith: Search for what is real by Brian McLaren
Week of July 22, 2007 Series: Is it In You? Message: Gentleness Scripture to Study: 2 Timothy 4:5; Romans 6:19-22; Romans 8:5-11; Galatians 5:16-25 (What do these scriptures say about control?) Luke 6:45 (How do you keep in control?) Luke 23:46 (What does it mean to live your life like this) More Questions to Ask: What is controlling you? Who controls you?
Week of July 15, 2007 Series: Is it In You? Message: Gentleness Scripture to Study: How did God show his gentleness in these scriptures? John 3, John 4, John 8, Luke 19, Matthew 26:48-54 How do these verses describe God? How do they fit together? Revelation 5:5, John 1:29, Isaiah 40:9-11 What do these verses tell us about how our own gentleness? Galatians 6:1, 1 Timothy 3:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Titus 3:1-2 What does this parable teach about gentleness? Matthew 18:21-35 More Questions How would you rate your gentleness? To whom could you be more gentle? If the fruit of the Spirit is gentleness (Gal 5:23) how can you get gentleness? How can you increase gentleness in your life? What can you do right now?
Week of July 8, 2007 Series: Is it In You? Message: Faithfulness For Further Study:
What do these verses say about faithfulness?
What do these verses say about God’s faithfulness? What are you going to do about all of this? How are you going to be faithful in with your life, with your family, with your church, with your resources?
Week of July 1, 2007 Series: Is it In You? Message: Kindness & Goodness Scripture to Study: Romans 5, Romans 8, John 5 Book to Read: Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality by Henry Cloud Questions to Ask: What's the difference between doing good (kindness) and being good (goodness)? Why is kindness not good enough to get into Heaven?
Week of June 24, 2007 Series: Kuh-myoo-ni-tee Message: Live at Peace with One Another Scripture to Study: Acts 15, Ephesians 4, Matthew 18 Book to Read: Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer--very, very good! Questions to Ask: How do I handle conflict? How do these scriptures reflect good conflict resolution? How many principles on dealing with conflict can you find? Something to do: Find someone with whom you can repair a replationship and begin the journey toward reconciliation.
Week of June 3, 2007 Series: Kuh-myoo-ni-tee Message: We belong to each other Scripture to Study: Romans 12:3-13 Book to Read: Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer--very, very good! Questions to Ask: What does Romans 12 have to say about community? What kind of friends do you have? Do they match up to the characteristics described in Romans 12? Do you have anyone in your life that loves you enough to confront you on your junk? What do you need to do to get those kind of friends? Something to do: Invite someone over this week for a BBQ! Week of May 27, 2007 Series: Glocalization Message: The Kingdom of God Scripture to Study: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Book to Read: Glocalization by Bob Roberts Jr., Transformation by Bob Roberts Jr. Questions to Ask: Who am I according to the Kingdom? What do I personally have to offer God? How does God want to use me? Is my life at a place where I can actually be available to God? Am I in a position to make a difference for God? Where does my allegiance lie (Me or Him)? What would God have me give up? Am I willing to suffer for God? Do I even want to make a difference for God...really?
Something to do: Check out the Volunteerism section of www.coolriverchurch.com. Get in the game!
Week of May 20, 2007 Series: Glocalization Message: Overwhelmed Scripture to Study: Ezekiel 2 and 3 Book to Read: Glocalization by Bob Roberts Jr., Transformation by Bob Roberts Jr. Questions to Ask: Who are you called to? Why do you live where you live? Why do you work where you work? How are you like Ezekiel? When it comes to God's calling, what scares you, what overwhelms you? Something to do: Pray for your neighbors. Pray for your co-workers. Keep your eyes and ears open for ways you can serve them.
Week of May 13, 2007 Series: Glocalization Message: To be a Blessing Scripture to Study: Ezekiel 16:49,50; Isaiah 1:10-17; Isaiah 58:1-10 Book to Read: Glocalization by Bob Roberts Jr., Transformation by Bob Roberts Jr. Questions to Ask: Does my heart, my worship, my actions, my thoughts, my motivations match up? Are they congruent, cohesive, all tied together? Am I doing everything I can to be involved in God's work? Do I have enough margin in my life to respond to God's call if I needed to? Do I have time to do God's work? Do I have the resources to do God's work? What do I need to do to free up my time and my resources to do God's work?
Week of May 6, 2007 Series: Glocalization Message: The Larger Story Scripture to Study: Psalm 8; Romans 3:23; Romans 1:25-36; 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Look for elements of Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration and Participation) Book to Read: The Sacred Romance by John Eldredge and Brent Curtis Questions to Ask: <!--[if !supportLists]-->1. <!--[endif]-->How do I feel about my original glory, that God created me to be part of his family, part of a royal family? Have I accepted that? Do I know that to be true in my life? Have I claimed that as part of who I am? <!--[if !supportLists]--> 2. <!--[endif]-->How do I feel about original sin? Do I realize that part of who I am is wrapped up in a selfish rebellion against God? What is that in me? How is that characterized? How does it manifest itself in me? <!--[if !supportLists]--> 3. <!--[endif]-->What lies am I still believing about who I am? What have I allowed my mind and heart to adopt as truth that is really not true at all about who I am and who I was created to be? <!--[if !supportLists]--> 4. <!--[endif]-->What have I done with the rescuer (Jesus)? When he came for me (or comes for me) how did I react? Do I think I can save myself? <!--[if !supportLists]--> 5. <!--[endif]-->And what does this journey with Him look like? What’s the baggage that he wants to help me with? What’s the future that he wants me to embrace? How does He want me to enter into the larger story? Am I willing or hesitant to enter into it? Why?
Week of April 8, 2007 Series: Breath Message: Holy Spirit Scripture to Study: John 14, John 15, John 16 Book to Read: the Holy spirit by Billy Graham Questions to Ask: What does Jesus say about the Holy Spirit? Jot down as much as you can find. What does all of this mean to you?
Week of March 25, 2007 Series: Running on Empty Message: Get a little PATIENCE Scripture to Study: Isaiah 40:31 (MSG) "But those who wait upon God get fresh strength." Read all of Psalm 121. Questions to Ask: What does that passage mean to you? How could waiting give you new strength? What do you need new strength for? How can you be confident that the waiting in your life is not in vain? Where does your help come from? What kind of God is your God according to Psalm 121? Book to Read: 60 Days in the Word: Devotions for Patience and Wholeness (Job and Colossians) by Warren Wiersbe
Week of March 18, 2007 Series: Running on Empty Message: Get a little PEACE Scripture to Study: 2 Samuel 12--David loses his child Questions to Ask: How are you like David? What circumstances in your life are taking away your peace? How did David respond? How do you respond in uncontrollable or unchangeable or unexplainable circumstances? How should you respond? Where do you go to for Peace? Where did David go?
Week of March 11, 2007 Series: Running on Empty Message: Get a little JOY Scripture to Study: 1 Peter Questions to Ask: What's JOY? What's Happiness? What's the difference? Which do you have more of? Why? Book to Read: Joy at Work by Denis Bakke
Week of March 4, 2007 Series: Running on Empty Message: Get a little LOVE Scripture to Study: 1 John 4:7-ff (For extra fun, read all of 1 John) Questions to Ask: What is love? Do I have love? How do I know love is in me? How do others know love is in me? What can I do to fill up my spiritual love tank? Further Reading: Life of the Beloved by Heri J. M. Nouwen
Week of February 25, 2007 Series: Fishing Lessons Message: Fishing Gear2 Scripture to Study: Matthew 4, Matthew 14, Mark 1, Luke 4 Questions to Ask: Explore these scriptures for the times that Jesus went to be alone. What did you observe? What did he do? What was the same? What was different? Why did he need time away? Why would you need time away? Book to Read: Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney Assignment: Schedule an extended get-a-way. An afternoon, an overnighter. Take a Bible, a Journal, big questions and an open heart. Let God lead from there.
Week of February 18, 2007 Series: Fishing Lessons Message: Fishing Gear 1 Scripture to Study: Your choice--just make sure to pick a chunk of it to get the whole big picture. Book to Read: Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard Assignment: Schedule 3 fishing times this week. Fish in the Bible for the first one. Again, pick a chunk of scripture and ask: What did I like? What didn't I like? What did I learn about God? What did I learn about myself? What does God want me to DO about what I read. ---Fishing Time #2: Spend time praying to God. Talk to him like you would talk to your best friend. Then ask, "God, do you have to say anything to me today?" Wait, Listen. He may have a lot to say or nothing at all. Don't get frustrated...just wait until next time and ask him again. ---Fishing Time #3: Spend time worshipping in your style. Remember, what ever you do in your life that brings a smile to God is worship. (Listen to the message for more on this)
Week of February 11, 2007 Series: Fishing Lessons Message: Fish Talk Scripture to Study: Gospel of John Book to Read: Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard Questions to Ask: In John look for Jesus' conversations. How did he talk to people? How did people talk to him? What were the elements of the conversation? How do those conversations look like your conversations with God? What new elements can you incorporate into your interactive relationship with God?
Week of February 4, 2007 Series: Fishing Lessons Message: Why Fish? Scripture to Study: 2 Peter 1:1-11 Book to Read: Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard Questions to Ask: Am I riding on someone else's faith? Is my faith my own? Do I really have an interactive relationship with God? Do I have an intimate relationship with God? Why or Why not? What do I need to do to get there?
Week of January 21, 2007 Series: The Divine Connection Message: Identification Scripture to Study: John 5:1-14 Book to Read: Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby Questions to Ask: What is your water and towel? Where is it appropriate to 'wash feet'? How does it make you feel when you are serving others? Why do you think we are more connected with God when we serve?
Week of January 21, 2007 Series: The Divine Connection Message: Wrestling Scripture to Study: Genesis 25-32 Book to Read: Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby Questions to Ask: What are you wrestling with God about? What's God trying to teach you in your wrestling? Week of January 14, 2007 Series: The Divine Connection Message: Recognition Scripture to Study: John 5 Book to Read: Experiencing God Questions to Ask: Are you good at recognizing God? Look back in your life...where has God shown up? When did you miss Him? Are there any times you've dismissed him?
Week of January 7, 2007 Series: The Divine Connection Message: The Approach Scripture to Study: I Corinthians 1, Romans 1 Book to Read: The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey Questions to Ask: What do I demand from God (signs, blessings, good answers) to believe in Him? Why are those things important to me? What does it mean to start my quest for a Divine Connection with Jesus?
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