LifeWay

Group Ministry

Conversations on Group Practices

Church Leadership

Best Bible Studies in the New Year

By

What’s a better New Year’s resolution than spending more time in God’s word?

We can’t think of one, but we can think of countless reasons why making Bible study a priority in 2019 is one of the best decisions you’ll make.

Whether we like it or not, we can’t change anything about 2018. The days turned to months, and these past 12 months may have filled our days with not only joy and success but also pain and difficulty.

Yet, here we are on a fresh page. We can start off strong by keeping Christ central. Good news? You can saturate yourself and your group in the ultimate Good News through these studies:

Foundations: New Testament by Robby and Kandi Gallaty with Gus Hernandez and Tim Lafleur

In Foundations: New Testament, Robby and Kandi Gallaty lead individuals through the 27 divinely inspired books of the New Testament in one year, while still offering the flexibility of reading only five days each week. The HEAR journaling method will allow individuals to read and respond to God’s Word as they highlight, explain, apply, and respond to passages throughout the yearlong plan.

Pathways by Tony Evans

The story of Esther appears to be a series of coincidences that deliver the Jews from certain death. However, God selected Esther for a particular purpose at a particular time in the history of His chosen people. These resources will help you discover the power of God’s providence in the midst of your personal pain, fear, gain, loss, and love. You’ll see that God has a purpose for your life, and He uses every action and event that occurs in it to make that purpose a reality.

Gospel Foundations

The Bible is not a collection of scattered stories and books. From cover to cover, the Bible is the story of God’s plan to redeem sinners through Jesus—the gospel. Gospel Foundations tells that story. From the creators of The Gospel Project, this six-volume resource is comprehensive in scope yet concise enough to be completed in just one year. Each seven-session volume includes videos to help your group engage in discussion with a clear understanding of how each text fits into the storyline of Scripture.  Get a free preview of the study here!

Church Leadership

Sanctity of Human Life

By

This study is an excerpt from “The Sanctity of Human Life,” a single session study available with a free trial of smallgroup.com

Have you ever had to help a helpless animal, perhaps a baby bird or a small stray dog? What was wrong, and how did you help the animal?

What made you feel compassion for the animal?

If we see a baby bird out of a nest, or a puppy that is abandoned by its mother or owner, our natural instinct is to help. Many stray kittens and puppies have become household pets because someone couldn’t stand to see the poor animal suffer! We should have compassion for creatures in need; their helplessness appeals to our sense of mercy.

If we have compassion on animals in distress, shouldn’t we also have compassion on human children in distress? No child is more helpless or dependent than a child in the womb. This morning, we will study what the Word of God says about helping the helpless and advocating for those who need our help.

Understanding

Ask a Volunteer to read Psalm 82:1-2.

What do you think the divine assembly is? What does it mean that God is judging among the “gods”?

Who is God speaking to when He asks the questions of verse 2? Why would people show partiality to the wicked?

In this Psalm, Asaph shows us that this is a serious, solemn occasion. God has gathered with the “gods,” which could be translated “heavenly beings” or perhaps even “earthly rulers.” Regardless of how we understand the word “gods” here, it is evident that this is a great body gathered in order for God to pronounce judgment upon the people for how they have been behaving.

The Lord God speaks to His people, and He asks why they have been unjust by showing partiality to the wicked. It is easy to be partial to people in power. People in power have more influence than the needy, and they have a louder voice. This makes the temptation to pervert justice in their favor a perennial threat.

Ask a Volunteer to read Psalm 82:3-4.

Why is it specifically the “needy and fatherless” who need justice?

Who are the most needy in our day? How can we advocate for justice for them?

The needy and the fatherless, the poor and needy, the oppressed and the destitute—these all need protection because they do not have the means or power to seek justice for themselves. In our world, as in the ancient one, they did not have the money to acquire proper representation, and they did not have the power to influence others to hear their plight.

In our day, who fits this description better than the unborn? Tragically, many women who seek abortions do not have the support of the baby’s father. They have no money, no voice, and are completely helpless to defend themselves in any way. As for their rights, the babies are currently not considered persons under the law. Instead of being recognized as human beings, they are simply referred to as a “fetus,” to make us believe that they are less than human.

The arguments to take away their life is that their life is worth less than the mother’s financial well-being. It isn’t just a matter of the life of the mother, a child can be aborted as a matter of present and future financial well-being for the mother. This is a terrible injustice, and it robs babies in the wombs of their rights as people made in the image of God.

Ask a Volunteer to read Proverbs 24:10-12.

What is the call to action in this passage? What does God expect of us?

How can we help those who are “stumbling toward slaughter”?

Why can’t we claim ignorance of the situation?

The Lord expects that if we see injustice, we ought to do something about it, especially when other lives are in danger. If we do not help, then we are a weak people. God expects us to rescue those in dire situations, not ignore them. With regard to abortion, this means we have a responsibility both to mothers and to unborn children. Most mothers do not pick abortion as a first course of action. They feel that they have no other choice. Many single mothers are trapped in poverty, or have no support from their family or the father of the baby. If we really want to help the unborn, we have to begin by helping the mothers. We have to be the support that they lack.

By helping ministries like crisis pregnancy centers and other pro-life support ministries, we can give mothers the support and encouragement they need. We can provide counsel by telling them about the beauty of adoption, we can provide diapers and food for those who want to keep their children, and we can provide support and friendship that they might not otherwise receive.

We know that abortion is a great evil in our society, and we ought to feel a compulsion to help in some way. By volunteering to serve in pro-life ministries, by advocating for the unborn, and by befriending mothers who have nowhere else to turn, we can save some of those who are “stumbling toward slaughter.”

Application

Help your group identify how the truths from the Scripture passage apply directly to their lives.

How can we as a group help mothers in at-risk pregnancies?

Are there any local ministries we could support with our time and money that help mothers in difficult pregnancies?

What is our responsibility to help as individuals?

Church Leadership

Why Group Members Fail to Study

By

Bible study leaders regularly express frustration or amazement over their class or group failing to study outside the group time. Over the past few months, I have been collecting reasons for why some group members choose to ignore any encouragement to study beyond the group time. Here are the more common reasons shared so far.

  • I don’t need to. This segment knows that the group time will be a repeat of what they would have studied prior to meeting. They compared it to the college class in which the professor reviewed the content assigned to be read the previous week. Just like in college, once we know we can get by without any extra effort, we will take the path that gives us time to do other things.
  • I didn’t know I was supposed to. No one has told this segment about the value of daily Bible engagement. They don’t know that daily Bible engagement is the leading predictor of year-over-year spiritual growth. Unless the group meets daily, this person is being led down a dangerous road that leads to scavenging for spiritual food
  • I don’t think they want me to. This segment understands the unintentionally communicated expectation of their group leader: I do not expect you to do anything but show up at the group time. For some, the leader may not want the group to study outside the group time, making it easier on himself (they will not be ready to ask me any hard questions) or to stroke his ego (they need me to do the studying for them).
  • I don’t have the tools to do so. This reason falls on the back of the group member, the leader, and the church. Tons of daily Bible reading plans are available to anyone seeking a plan. Not all of these help the group member process the content being studied by the group, but there really is no reason for a person not to have at least some type of daily plan for engaging with the Bible. The leader and church are responsible as well because of their failure to provide a resource that helps the members study outside the group time. “But they will not use it” does not excuse us from at least providing something.
  • I don’t know how. Tools may be provided, but no one has shown this segment how to actually use them. As leaders, we assume the people in our group automatically know how to use the resources we place in their hands. Not so! Taking a couple of minutes to show (not just explain but actually show) them how to use the resource will go a long way.
  • I just don’t want to. There are several kinds of people in this category. The rebellious or disobedient know the power of reading God’s Word and they really don’t want to change. Jonah would have counted himself in this group. Another segment of this group is the lost. We read messages from those we love and ignore messages from people we don’t know. The same is true here; they don’t know Christ so they ignore His messages to them.
  • The reasons shared with me can be lumped into three categories: the expectations of the leader (or church), the way in which the leader teaches, and the short-sighted philosophy of group-time-only Bible study resources. Notice that much of the responsibility falls on our backs as the leaders. The people in our groups will rarely do something they are not led to do.

What other reasons have you encountered? What actions are you taking as the leader to address the issues expressed in the reasons you encounter?

Dwayne McCrary is a project team leader for ongoing adult Bible study resources at LifeWay, including the adult Explore the Bible resources. He also teaches an adult group and preschool group every Sunday in the church he attends, and serves as an adjunct at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

 

Church Leadership

Best Small Group Ice Breakers for 2019

By

Whether your small group will be brand new in 2019 or you have been meeting for awhile, a good icebreaker question or activity is a great way to get the conversation going at that first meeting in January. Icebreakers help everyone in the group feel more comfortable about entering the discussion before the Bible study starts. You can see our 2018 list here.

Here are a few more of my favorites.

M&M’s Game

Pass a bag of M&M’s around and tell everyone to take a few. Then, before they eat them ask them to share something for every M&M. For example, something about their family for every red one, something about their plans for the future for every green one, etc.

Life Catalysts

Pass out 3-5 sticky notes to each person in the group. Instruct group members to write one life catalyst that helped make them who they are today on each sticky note. It can be the name of an influential person or a life event. Then have each person share their sticky notes with the rest of the group as they stick them on a wall or on a large poster board.

My Life in Pictures

Bring a newspaper or magazine. Have each person tear out a picture, article or anything they think tells something about themselves. If there’s enough time they can make a collage that tells more about themselves.

Most Used Emoji

Ask group members to share their most used emoji and why they like it. As a bonus, have them show the the group the emoji on their phone.

Get To Know You Questions

  • What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
  • When you die, what do you want to be remembered for?
  • Describe your past week in weather terms. (Was it stormy, cloudy, foggy, mostly sunny…)
  • What is your favorite item you’ve bought this year?
  • What is your absolute dream job?
  • What would the title of your autobiography be?
  • Say you’re independently wealthy and don’t have to work, what would you do with your time?
  • If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep?
  • Who is your favorite Disney hero or heroine? Would you trade places with them?
  • Are you a morning or night person?
  • If you could add anyone to Mount Rushmore who would it be; why?
  • What fictional family would you be a member of?
Chris Surratt is a ministry consultant and coach with more than twenty years of experience serving the local church. Chris served on the Executive Teams at Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN., and Seacoast Church in Charleston, S.C., prior to becoming the Discipleship and Small Groups Specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources. He is the author of  Small Groups for the Rest of Us: How to Design Your Small Groups System to Reach the Fringes. You can follow his blog at www.chrissurratt.com.
Church Leadership

Character That Catches God’s Attention

By

Recently I looked at the Christmas narrative in a new way, focusing on Joseph. It occurred to me that we know little about this important man of faith. In the Christmas narrative, Joseph doesn’t speak a word! But he did have character that caught God’s attention.

Here are a few things we know about Joseph:

  • He was from the line of King David (Matt. 1:1-16)
  • He settled his family in Nazareth (Matt. 2:23)
  • He showed concern/love for Jesus by fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod’s execution of little boys (Matt. 2:13-15)
  • He was a carpenter (Matt. 13:55)
  • He taught carpentry skills to Jesus (Mark 6:3)
  • Joseph led his family to observe Holy Days (Passover)…Luke 2:41-42
  • No mention of him during Jesus’ ministry days…scholars presume he died after the events of LK 2:41-42

As I looked at the story of Joseph as presented in Matthew 1:18-25, I believe there are several character traits that most likely caught God’s attention. God wanted a person of good character to raise His son here on earth. By extension, I believe these character traits are important for us to possess as group leaders so that others see them in us as we represent Him as His ambassadors. As disciple-makers, we want people to see our lives and feel great about saying, “I want to be like him, as he follows Jesus.”

As a group leader, I hope that the character traits of Joseph are found in you as well. People are watching us to see if our faith is real, and if the Savior we claim to know makes any difference in the way we live. We are all works in progress, and no one is perfect. God is changing us daily to show these character traits to our families, friends, co-workers, and strangers in an ever increasing way:

  1. Joseph was self-controlled. In verse 18 we learn that before Joseph and Mary came together, she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. In Jewish custom, the engagement period lasted a year and during those days, the couple was considered husband and wife, even though they lived in their parent’s homes. Joseph kept his God-given sexual needs in check during this time and was self-controlled. How do we know this? Just see the words “before they came together” – Joseph was putting no pressure on Mary to fulfill legitimate needs they both had in an illegitimate way.
  2. Joseph was righteous. Verse 19 simply tells us that Joseph was a righteous man. This doesn’t mean he was perfect. It does mean that he generally did the right thing and tried his best to live according to the law. The base word in the original language means “to move in a straight line” or “straight way” – God’s way.
  3. Joseph was merciful. We learn of Joseph’s great mercy and love for Mary in the last part of verse 19 when we read that he did not want to make a public spectacle of her; he decided to divorce her quietly. This divorce would only require two witnesses and could be done quietly and quickly. Although stoning an unfaithful spouse was a right under the law (Deut. 22), Joseph loved his wife and showed her mercy and love.
  4. Joseph was in control emotionally. Verse 20 records “But after he had considered this…” The word “considered” is taken from a Greek word enthymeomai. That word is a combination of two words: one means passion, anger, rage; the other means to contemplate. Joseph literally had to think through his anger and the revelation that his wife was pregnant by someone else. He did not fly off the handle, accuse her wildly, or break things. Instead, he spent time grieving, hurting, and thinking so that he could act rightly.
  5. Joseph was obedient. We learn that when Joseph was told by the Lord’s angel that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, he immediately did what God had instructed him to do, which was to marry his bride. He acted quickly and decisively.
  6. Joseph was courageous. Joseph acted courageously to wed Mary. They lived in a small town and the townspeople would have looked down upon the young couple for being pregnant before their official wedding ceremony. Joseph knew that there would be a stigma about them in the town, and that they would forever be labeled “that couple.” Even though people would not have understood Mary’s miraculous pregnancy, Joseph acted with courage and did what God told him to do. Sometimes the courageous thing to do means that we have to do it and be misunderstood by others; only God may know that we were in the right.

Which one (or ones) of these six character traits would we need to improve during 2019? As God looks at our lives the way he examined Joseph’s life, would we be seen as people of character? Would we have the kind of character that would catch God’s attention?

Ken Braddy blogs weekly about Sunday School and small groups at kenbraddy.com. He manages LifeWay’s ongoing adult Bible studies.
Church Leadership

Links We Love

By

3 Half-Truths about Marriage You Might Be Believing – Michael Kelley

What image comes to mind when you hear the word “marriage”? A white dress? A ceremony? Joint tax returns? Hopefully, if you are a Christian, there are other things that come to mind as well. Things like “covenant.” “Vows.” “Sickness and health.” As Christians, we believe marriage takes on a sacredness due to the manner in which it reflects something about the gospel and Jesus’ love for the church. But in the midst of that sacredness, we can still drift in our understanding of the importance of marriage.

Stop Making Resolutions – LifeWay Men

I am not a big fan of January. It’s not necessarily because of the cloudy skies and painful cold where I live. And it’s not completely because January feels like this month-long let down after two straight months of holidays, eating and celebrations. Although those are good candidates to dislike the first month of the year, the biggest reason I have issues with January is the pressure to make resolutions. Yes, that list of aspirational goals that remind me of everything I didn’t do last year and the crippling guilt that goes along with it.

Leading Well: Reflecting on the Year and Looking Ahead as a Leader – LifeWay Women’s Ministry

As this year comes to a close, it’s easy to consider how quickly the months have flown by. It’s much easier to consider the possibilities of a new year rather than reflect on the year that’s coming to a close. Yet, as this year winds down, how about stopping for a moment and reflecting on the path you’ve just walked?

5 Important Questions to Ask Yourself When Making a Decision in Your Life – LifeWay Leadership

When you make a decision in your life, how do you know it is the right thing to do? Quick decision making often results in poor decision making. Conversely, long and drawn out decision making can paralyze your life as well as others who look to you for leadership. Is there a way to know we are making the right decisions in life?

6 of the Best Pieces of Hiring Advice I have Received – Eric Geiger

Leading a team is one of the biggest privileges a leader has. You are able to cultivate a culture through the people you place in significant roles, and you are able to serve others alongside the team you serve alongside. Leading a team is also a massive responsibility. You steward the time and energy of many others, and are accountable for how you do so. Selecting people for the team is one of the most important aspects of leading a team. Here are six statements that have impacted how I view hiring or inviting people to join a team.

Church Leadership

Hamsters, Hope, and Why Your Group Should Fight for Obedience

By

I didn’t want a hamster. 

I really didn’t. But, my three daughters and my wife wanted a hamster, and the combined power of their wills is stronger than mine. So, now I have a hamster, and I’ll have a hamster I don’t want, a hamster nobody needs, running loudly on a hamster wheel in the middle of the night, until the Lord decides to take him home. Fortunately, Poe, the hamster, has a least taught me something about obeying Jesus and finding joy and caring for the people in my small group community. I’ll explain.

First, we need to remember that Jesus gave us commands to follow. 

“Love the Lord.” (Matthew 22:37)

“Love your neighbor.” (Matthew 22:39)

“Love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44)

“Pray.” (Matthew 6:9)

“Fast.” (Matthew 6:16)

“Store up treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:20)

“Don’t worry.” (Matthew 6:25)

“Don’t sin.” (Matthew 5:29)

“Make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19)

…and many more.

Jesus also gave us each other to help us follow His commands.

“And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works…” (Hebrews 10:24)

“Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another…” (Colossians 3:16)

“Confess your sins to one another…” (James 5:16)

Jesus clearly has commands for us, and one of those commands is that we help each other keep those commands. However, we’ve likely all been in small groups with people who regularly confess sin while they regularly keep sinning. They keep showing up while they keep disobeying. We’ve also probably been in groups that never even talk about obedience. Groups that never broach the subject of lining up our lives with the commands of God. 

And I get that. It’s possible we don’t love the concept of commands. “Jesus saves” sometimes sounds better than “Jesus commands.” But, Jesus and Poe would have us know that if we think it’s weird that Jesus gives commands, we really don’t understand who He is. He is not only the Master of the world whose commands are logical, He is the sacrifice for our sin whose commands are loving.

To help us see this, let’s learn a new word. Jesus said this in Matthew 28:20: “… Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” 

The word for “observe” there in the Greek is the word “tereo.” It literally means “to guard” or “to hold fast.” We are to “tereo” the commands of Jesus. Hold on to, cling to, the commands of Jesus. Why would we do that? 

Here’s where my hamster comes in.

This is Poe and my youngest daughter. Notice the grip and notice the smile. This is what tereo looks like. She is joyfully guarding this hamster. She is holding fast. She doesn’t want to lose that hamster because, for some reason, that hamster makes her happy. Poe the hamster is her favorite thing. She tereos it. She guards it. She holds it close for her joy. 

Do we feel that way about obedience? Do we want the commands of Jesus? Do we push against the commands of Jesus or do we hold fast to them? 

If we understand that our master is not only logical, but loving, it changes how we think about obedience. The master of the universe doesn’t just demand things from us, He died for us. And if we deeply understand that He was beaten and killed for our good, how could we ever think His commands are bad?

He wants us to live. He wants us to live abundantly. He has already proven that, so we shouldn’t look at his commands as burdens but as blessings. The combination of His lordship and love should cause us to tereo His commands like a little child clings to the hamster. We tereo the commands of God. We cling to them with hope.

When we believe that Jesus is for us, we know His commands are for us, and it begins to make sense why we would be for one another’s obedience. Don’t ignore your brother or sisters sin. Don’t let weeks go by in your group with no challenges to follow the commands of Christ. They are tied to the life we hope for. Our obedience is a part of our joy. We serve one another as we help each other obey. 

“And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Brandon Hiltibidal is a former church planter and multi-site pastor, and he is now part of the Groups Ministry team at LifeWay Christian Resources. He also serves as an elder and a member of the preaching team at The Bridge Church in Middle Tennessee.
Church Leadership

Caring for the 5 kinds of sheep in your group

By

Jesus often referred to His people as sheep, and He a shepherd. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, instructed Peter to care for His sheep. After serving Peter and the other disciples breakfast in one of His post-resurrection appearances, Jesus gave Peter and the other disciples an important mandate: “Feed my sheep.” It is our mandate today as well. We must feed and shepherd the people Jesus sends to our churches. We must care for the people who are in our Bible study groups because they are our sheep.

Every Bible study group will have five different kinds of sheep for which they must provide protection, care, and nourishment. As you read the list below, ask yourself, “Which of the following kinds of sheep am I ministering to consistently? What kinds of sheep need more of my attention?”

  1. Absentees – every group has a certain percentage of people who are absent whenever the group gathers for Bible study. It is not uncommon for up to 50% of group members to be absent each time the group gets together for Bible study. An effective leader will not only rejoice over those who are in attendance, but he or she will feel compelled to reach out to absentees. A quick phone call, an e-mail, or a visit in a group member’s home can help reconnect this kind of sheep to the group.
  2. Prospects – unless the Bible study group is closed to new members, every group should have a prospect list. It is recommended that a group have one prospect for each member of the group. Prospects should always be invited to the social activities of the group, and they should be cared for just as if they were full-fledged members. Prospects, if properly cultivated, often become members of groups. They are a second kind of sheep we must care for.
  3. People in crisis – It’s a given that if you have a group of people coming together to study the Bible, things are going to get messy at some point. People will experience the ups and downs of life, and you may find yourself in the role of a “first responder.” A lost job, the sudden death of a loved one, or a wayward child may bring a group member to a moment of crisis, and you will be on the front line of ministry to that person, and even his or her family. People in crisis are a third kind of sheep that need our watchcare.
  4. Associate group members – These heroes deserve your group’s appreciation and remembrance when it’s time to get together and socialize. Associate group members have left your group to serve other people in your church’s various ministries, and they often miss adult fellowship. Keep these sheep on your ministry role and invite them to every fellowship your group has – especially around the holidays. Associate members need to know they haven’t been forgotten, and they need to be affirmed for using their spiritual gifts elsewhere in the church and community.
  5. Regular attenders – It’s easy to forget about these sheep, but don’t! Although the guest, the person in crisis, the associate member, and the absentee all need your time and attention, so do the loyal group members who are always present. It’s easy to let these “good” group members go un-thanked and unnoticed, but these are the kinds of people who need an encouraging word. Thank them for their regular attendance. Thank them for being a stabilizing factor in your group.

Being a teacher-shepherd isn’t an easy task. There are all kinds of people in your group who need you, the shepherd of the group, to care for them. The act of teaching can be fun and exhilarating, but don’t forget that the real work of shepherding a group happens in between group Bible studies!

Ken Braddy manages LifeWay’s ongoing adult Bible studies and blogs daily about group Bible study at kenbraddy.com

 

 

 

Church Leadership

Tips for Gospel-Centered Group Resolutions

By

“What are your goals for 2019?”

Once Christmas is around the corner, this question starts coming once again. We often feel hopeful as we look to the new year. We want change. To develop deeper relationships, healthier habits, new skills. But what’s often at the center of our resolutions? Us.

We can lose sight of Christ as we decide what we want to do to bring our change.

Instead, we can think a little differently. We can look to where God has placed us and our responsibilities to lead in these areas. We can ask what God might desire for our 2019.

What about the God-given responsibility of your group? Here’s four Gospel-centered resolutions to keep your group centered on conforming to the character of Christ well into 2019 and beyond.

Repent of our sins

“The present, the gift, is for all the people. The Savior from sins is for all the people; the Messiah-King is for all the people. Repent of your sin and believe in Jesus, who died for sins and rose from the dead that you may have life. “See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!” (2 Cor. 6:2).” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 5).

Confession and repentance. They are core to Christianity, but are they always core to our churches and groups? It feels better to talk about how we “messed up” without going to the base level and calling the things that are sin sin. We can even simply focus on “discussing challenging topics” and “celebrating together,” both of which are good. Yet, in 2019, let’s add in a regular rhythm: confession and repentance. It might be seeking out a group member to hold each other more accountable one-on-one. It might mean gathering as a group and spend time in prayer, repenting before the Lord. No matter what it tangibly looks like in your group, let’s regularly repent.

Remember His promises

“All these promises and more are fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus is not only the promised eternal King; Jesus is the evidence that God keeps every one of His promises, both now and forever.” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 5). 

Sometimes, we can become frustrated when it seems like God isn’t answering our prayers — not in the way we want or in the timing we hoped. But what’s the bigger picture? Jesus is the fulfillment of so many of the promises of the Lord, and we can rest in that. In 2019, let’s refocus our groups on finding Christ in all of Scripture instead of finding our anger at the way we wish things were. Let’s not just know that the Lord is good and faithful to help us, but let’s find specific verses that remind us of specific promises. Let’s consider memorizing these veres as we keep our groups centered on the faithful promises of our Lord.

Remove our focus from success

“This is the radical reversal, the “upside-down-ness” of the kingdom that the church easily forgets. Every time she has pursued worldly power, forsaking worldly weakness, the church has parted company with Jesus. God is not magnified in that way. He is magnified by the pierced soul of His people, emulating the pierced hands and feet of their Savior. God is glorified when the church treasures Christ above all else and lives with meekness, even if that leads to suffering.” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 5)

Often, we like to focus on the ways we can “succeed” each new year. But, where do we find success as the focus in the Gospel? Money, power, fame, pleasure. None of this is to be treasured above all else. Achieving this is not biblical success. Instead, obeying the Lord, being a faithful witness, seeking to bear each other’s burdens, being ambassadors of reconciliation — this is success. In 2019, let’s shift our focus in our groups from how we can be “a more successful group” in terms of what the world values. Instead, let’s try to focus on obedience, on prayer, on supporting each other, on treasuring Christ and magnifying Him above all else, even when that leads to the opposite of success and even suffering.

Recognize His fullness

“God presents His gift, the Son. And this Son answers the question, He solves the problem of their gloom—He will save His people from their sins. Their lack of justice and righteousness will be made up in His fullness.” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 5)

We often feel empty. Why can’t I seem to be as productive as I want? Why do I get so angry at my kids? Why do I slide into that temptation, again and again? We are fallen humans who live in a sin-stained world, and we can be frustrated as, during our group discussion about our failures and the failures of the world around us, we just seem to see emptiness. In 2019, let’s flip this focus. Instead of being pain and incompleteness, let’s look to Christ in our groups. Let’s continually point out how He brings fullness even when we’re empty. We fail each other. Christ never fails. We see so much division. Christ is about reconciliation and redemption. We’re empty. He’s the fullness this world needs.

The Gospel? It’s the foundation to our Group. This week, we’ve been exploring for more Gospel insights to guide you in finishing out this year as we head towards 2019.

But your journey with the Gospel can go far beyond these posts. We have an entire Bible-study line that walks you through the storyline of Scripture to point you to the Gospel. It reveals how Jesus is the hero from beginning to end. Sound too good to be true? Try it. Find a free download of study PDF and video content here. 

Deborah Spooner is a Minnesota-born analytical creative serving as a Marketing Strategist for LifeWay’s Groups Ministry. As a pastor’s daughter with a background in Digital Communications and Media and Biblical & Theological Studies, you can find her at her local church, in deep conversation, or with a book or pen in hand as she seeks to know Christ more and make Him known.
Church Leadership

Hidden Gospel: Finding Jesus Beyond the Christmas Manger

By

In our Christmas narratives, where does our story end?

We start with the journey of a carpenter and his wife. We move into the no-room-in-the-inn, the stable, manger, and swaddling clothes. Then, to the angels, shepherds, and star guiding the wiseman. Finally, to the birth of our Lord and Savior.

This is an incredible story with power beyond comprehension. Our Christmas narrative often wrap up with praising Him: the Savior born, the baby come, and the Light of the World. This profound mystery should never leave us.

Yet, we can praise this incredible Savior even more when we see Him beyond just the Christmas story. What if Jesus was a thread throughout all of Scripture, shown as hero from beginning to end, not just the hero on the Bible’s pages only in the Christmas narrative and Jesus’ incredible ministry on Earth?

The Gospel touches all pages of the Word of God and deeply impacts every season.

“The Bible has its coda as well. But unlike the happily-ever-afters of fairy tales, this is one of expectation—not for the end to come but for the next chapter to be written. A promise summarized in three words: ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ (Rev. 22:20). This is the promise the entire story of Scripture builds toward. It is the deepest longing of the heart of God’s people.” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 6)

1. Promise

We find Christ throughout scripture in promise.

“And as this good news continued to spread, the promise spread with it—the promise that tells of the day when Jesus returns to make all things new. When every tear will be wiped from every eye. When suffering, sadness, and death will be no more. In their place will be joy, gladness, and life everlasting as God dwells with His people forevermore.” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 6)

The baby in the Manger came to give us everlasting life. This redemption story is woven from beginning to end as we see that the Gospel doesn’t just affect our life after death, but the promise changes our life before death. For? We are living in light of death. The reality that our King died and was raised again. That we live, knowing one day we will give account before our Risen King but that He’s also given us everything we need to life for Him in the here and now.

2. Perspective

We find Christ throughout Scripture in perspective.

“But for now, we wait. And as we do, we join with our brothers and sisters across the centuries as we long for that day to come, echoing these words: ‘Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!’” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 6)

We waited a long time for the Christ’s first coming, the baby in the manger. But, through the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament declarations, we gain a new perspective: he’s coming again. We eagerly long for that day. We find the Gospel empowering our waiting, changing our perspective to be one of hope: hope in the One who gives strength for today and is the reason for all days.

3.  Presence

We find Christ throughout Scripture in presence.

“When Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, He promised Himself too. He is seated at the right hand of the Father (Eph. 1:20; Heb. 8:1; 12:2) and He is also with us always, ‘to the end of the age’ (Matt. 28:20). When the Holy Spirit is sent to us, God is present, and that, of course, means that Jesus Himself is present with us.” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 6)

Christ became present to us, in a new way, while He walked on earth for over thirty years. But God was with His people in other ways, both before and after. He has given us the helper, the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). We know that Our God does not leave or forsake (Deuteronomy 31:6). We find everyday Gospel power in knowing that He is with us, and we can seek to bring His presence to others, being ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21). His presence, so powerfully shown through the manger, has implications for us spanning not only into our preset but into our past and future.

The Gospel? It’s the foundation to our Group. This week, we’ve been exploring for more Gospel insights to guide you in finishing out this year as we head towards 2019.

But your journey with the Gospel can go far beyond these posts. We have an entire Bible-study line that walks you through the storyline of Scripture to point you to the Gospel. It reveals how Jesus is the hero from beginning to end. Sound too good to be true? Try it. Find a free download of study PDF and video content here.

Deborah Spooner is a Minnesota-born analytical creative serving as a Marketing Strategist for LifeWay’s Groups Ministry. As a pastor’s daughter with a background in Digital Communications and Media and Biblical & Theological Studies, you can find her at her local church, in deep conversation, or with a book or pen in hand as she seeks to know Christ more and make Him known.