This Week: John 9 (and Christmas?)
Posted Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 6:19 AM
We continue our discussion on the gospel of John. If your schedule allows, spend some time to read and reflect on the passage before life group this week.
This Week: John 8:1-58
Posted Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 6:16 AM
We continue our discussion on the gospel of John. If your schedule allows, spend some time to read and reflect on the passage before life group this week.
This Week: John 6-7
Posted Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 6:15 AM
We continue our discussion on the gospel of John. If your schedule allows, spend some time to read and reflect on the passage before life group this week.
This Week: John 4:46-5:47
Posted Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 6:13 AM
We continue our discussion on the gospel of John. If your schedule allows, spend some time to read and reflect on the passage before life group this week.
This Week: John 4:1-45
Posted Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 6:11 AM
We continue our discussion on the gospel of John. If your schedule allows, spend some time to read and reflect on the passage before life group this week.
This Week: John 3:22-4:29
Posted Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 6:10 AM
We continue our discussion on the gospel of John. If your schedule allows, spend some time to read and reflect on the passage before life group this week.
This Week: John 3:1-21
Posted Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 6:07 PM
We continue our discussion on the gospel of John. If your schedule allows, spend some time to read and reflect on the passage before life group this week.
This Week: John 2:1-25
Posted Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 4:04 AM
We continue our discussion on the gospel of John. If your schedule allows, spend some time to read and reflect on the passage before life group this week.
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This Week: John 1:35-51
Posted Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 5:30 AM
We continue our discussion on the gospel of John. If your schedule allows, spend some time to read and reflect on the passage before life group this week.
This Week: John 1:19-34
Posted Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 4:48 AM
We continue our discussion on the gospel of John. If your schedule allows, spend some time to read and reflect on the passage before life group this week.
Just a Little Deeper: John 1:1-18
Posted Monday, September 26, 2011 at 5:00 AM
The first verses in John, often referred to as the Prologue, act as a window into the rest of the Gospel of John: John touches on his key points that he will address later in the gospel. In a sense, these verses would act much like a movie trailer would today, it gives you just enough information for you to determine if you'd be interested in seeing how the movie (or gospel, in this case) builds those ideas out. Take a look at the parallels between the Prologue and the rest of the gospel of John:
| | Prologue | Gospel |
| The pre-existence of the Son | 1:1-2 | 17:5 |
| In him was life | 1:4 | 5:26 |
| Life is light | 1:4 | 8:12 |
| Light rejected by darkness | 1:5 | 3:19 |
| Yet not quenched by it | 1:5 | 12:35 |
| Light coming into the world | 1:9 | 3:19; 12:46 |
| Christ not received by his own | 1:11 | 4:44 |
| Being born to God and not to flesh | 1:13 | 3:6; 8:41-42 |
| The ‘one and only’ Son | 1:14; 1:18 | 3:16 |
| Truth in Jesus Christ | 1:17 | 14:6 |
| No one has seen God, except the one who comes from God’s side | 1:18 | 6:46 |
This Week: John 1:1-18
Posted Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 5:46 AM
We continue our discussion on the gospel of John. If your schedule allows, spend some time to read and reflect on the passage before life group this week.
Just a Little Deeper: John 1:1-5
Posted Monday, September 19, 2011 at 3:46 AM
So some of this we may have alluded to yesterday, but let's take just a little deeper look at the passage that we discussed yesterday...
Don Carson, in his commentary The Gospel According to John, believes that though the author of the gospel of John is very much aware of his Greek audience, the author is intending to unpack the works, life, and importance of Jesus to the Jewish community at large. From the very first verse, John intends that his gospel be read with the emphasis that the words and deeds of Jesus Christ are the deeds and works of God. Nothing is more obvious than the opening phrase, "In the beginning," which immediately draws ones thoughts to the Genesis 1 passage describing how God created the world.
Working from the context of John's gospel being written primarily for a 1st-century Jewish audience, then we can best understand this gospel (or the New Testament, in general) in the light of the Old Testament; Jesus is present and active in the Old Testament. Before John even identifies Jesus by name, he identifies him as "the Word." If John's gospel is to be better understood in the light of the Old Testament, then where would 1st-century Jewish minds be drawn, especially if John's goal is to strongly identify Jesus and God as one? There are three strong candidates for where Jewish thought would go upon hearing someone so closely identified with God and named "the Word": God's activity in creation, revelation and deliverance. Take a look at the following verses and how "the Word" was used in the Old Testament:
- Creation - Genesis 1; Psalm 33:6
- Revelation - Jeremiah 1:4; Isaiah 9:8; Ezekiel 33:7; Amos 3:1
- Deliverance - Psalm 107:20
If John intended his readers to see Jesus as creator, what practical difference does that make in my daily life? If Jesus is to be seen in the light of God's revelation, what implications exist to my daily interactions with Him? If the deliverance of God is synonymous with Jesus, then how does my routine change?
Note: Any information of any note was gleaned from the commentary mentioned above.
Upcoming Study: The Gospel of John
Posted Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 10:55 AM
This Sunday, tomorrow to be more specific, our church begins an emphasis on the gospel of John that will take us until Easter Sunday. Pastor Stephen will begin with a sermon about the gospel author's purpose for writing the gospel, and the life groups will spend the next two Sundays studying the background of John and his gospel. We will finish our current study in time to sync back up with the other life groups when they start working through the gospel itself, but it is important that we understand who John is so that we will better understand his message. Below is a teaching that will help us understand more about who John was, and hopefully help us gain more insight as we proceed the his gospel.
Additionally, if you'd like to study ahead, here's an outline of the first few weeks:
- Sept. 18 - John 1:1-5
- Sept. 25 - John 1:6-18
- Oct. 2 - John 1:19-34
- Oct. 9 - John 1:35-51
A Change from the Norm this Sunday (Aug. 21)
Posted Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 10:28 AM
Just a reminder, but we will not be having our regular life group meeting this Sunday. Instead, our group will be meeting in the gym to listen to Dr. Ross @ 9:30 talk about discipleship in the home.
Hope to see you there.
4th Sunday Fellowship (May 22) - CiCi's in Saginaw
Posted Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 2:14 PM
As a life group, we are designating the fourth Sunday of each month to meet and eat for lunch after church. You don't have to make a reservation, but we will coordinate a casual restaurant (with plenty of high chairs) where you order when you get there, sit, eat, and can feel free to move around and visit the different people who come.
This Sunday: CiCi's Pizza in Saginaw
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NOTE: If you have any suggestions of where we can meet in the future, we'd be happy to hear them. Just leave a comment on this post.
This Sunday: Living When Dying is Gain
Posted Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 5:38 PM
"For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14)
This week we continue the church-wide study based around the book, "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream". Join the discussion as we explore how risky a life we as Christians are challenged to live.
Your Assignment: Read through Chapter 8 and pray about its implications for you before Sunday morning. Also, if you are interested, the passage of scripture that we'll be studying is Matthew 10:24-39.
Additional Resouce: Sermons by David Platt corresponding to this topic. LINK
4th Sunday Fellowship (Apr. 24) - Rosa's
Posted Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 6:03 PM
As a life group, we are designating the fourth Sunday of each month to meet and eat for lunch after church. You don't have to make a reservation, but we will coordinate a casual restaurant (with plenty of high chairs) where you order when you get there, sit, eat, and can feel free to move around and visit the different people who come.
This Sunday: Rosa's Cafe
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NOTE: If you have any suggestions of where we can meet in the future, we'd be happy to hear them. Just leave a comment on this post.
This Sunday: There Is No Plan B
Posted Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 5:34 PM
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
This week we continue the church-wide study based around the book, "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream". Join the discussion as we are reminded that God made a way of salvation solely through Jesus.
Your Assignment: Read through Chapter 7 and pray about its implications for you before Sunday morning. Also, if you are interested, the passage of scripture that we'll be studying is John 14:1-6.
Additional Resouce: Sermons by David Platt corresponding to this topic. LINK
Follow Up on Compassion and A Resource
Posted Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 2:34 PM
Hope everyone's week is going well. I wanted to follow up on our discussion this past Sunday morning and more concisely drive home the main point: if we say we trust Jesus for our salvation, then our response is one of outward love and compassion. We are to love God (Matt. 22:37), we are to love others (Matt. 22:39), and we are to love our enemies (Matt. 5:43-47). We talked this past week that disciples of Jesus are most known by their love for one another (John 13:34-35). More specifically, the most evident work of faith in us is our compassion toward the least of our brothers and sisters in Christ (Matt. 25:31-46).
Though the Matthew passage we covered this past week dealt more specifically for our outward expression of love and compassion for needs of our fellow Christians, but we are encouraged throughout scripture to assist the poor, sick, orphaned, and widowed, among others. I hope each of us individually identify this as something that we need to be doing and that as a group we can encourage and challenge each other to give of our time and money as a result of the faith in Jesus that we have.
Also, I know there was some discussion about being able to research organizations so that we can be better stewards of our resources, specifically money. Charity Navigator is the website that I mentioned as just one resource that I know is out there.
If you know of any other resources for researching charitable organizations, or if you know of any reputable organizations that are extending God's glory globally, feel free to leave in the comments here or on facebook.
This Sunday: How Much is Enough?
Posted Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 5:21 PM
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’" (Matt 25:40)
This week we continue the church-wide study based around the book, "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream". Join the discussion as we explore what our responsibility in meeting the needs of the afflicted in this world.
Your Assignment: Read through Chapter 6 and pray about its implications for you before Sunday morning. Also, if you are interested, the passage of scripture that we'll be studying is Matt 25:31-46.
Additional Resouce: Sermons by David Platt corresponding to this topic. LINK
This Sunday: Multiplying Community
Posted Friday, April 1, 2011 at 7:32 PM
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ina the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt 28:19)
This week we continue the church-wide study based around the book, "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream". Join the discussion as we explore what multiplying community is and what it means to make disciples.
Your Assignment: Read through Chapter 5 and pray about its implications for you before Sunday morning. Also, if you are interested, the passage of scripture that we'll be studying is Matt 28:16-20.
Additional Resouce: Sermons by David Platt corresponding to this topic. LINK
This Sunday: The Great Why of God
Posted Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 6:38 PM
"May God bless us still,
so that all the ends of the earth will fear him." (Psalm 67:7)
so that all the ends of the earth will fear him." (Psalm 67:7)
This week we continue the church-wide study based around the book, "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream". Join the discussion as we explore why God saves...Particularly, why God saved us.
Your Assignment: Read through Chapter 3 and pray about its implications for you before Sunday morning. Also, if you are interested, the passage of scripture that we'll be studying is John 15:1-8.
Additional Resouce: Sermons by David Platt corresponding to this topic. LINK
4th Sunday Fellowship (Mar. 27) - Lone Star BBQ
Posted Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 6:49 PM
As a life group, we are designating the fourth Sunday of each month to meet and eat for lunch after church. You don't have to make a reservation, but we will coordinate a casual restaurant (with plenty of high chairs) where you order when you get there, sit, eat, and can feel free to move around and visit the different people who come.
This Sunday: Lone Star Bar-B-Que
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NOTE: If you have any suggestions of where we can meet in the future, we'd be happy to hear them. Just leave a comment on this post.
This Sunday: Beginning at the End of Ourselves
Posted Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 4:25 PM
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
This week we continue the church-wide study based around the book, "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream". Join the discussion as we talk about what it means to be totally reliant on God.
Your Assignment: Read through Chapter 3 and pray about its implications for you before Sunday morning. Also, if you are interested, the passage of scripture that we'll be studying is John 15:1-8.
Additional Resouce: Sermons by David Platt corresponding to this topic. LINK
This Week: Too Hungry For Words
Posted Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 4:10 PM
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matt 7:21)
This week we continue the church-wide study based around the book, "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream". This week we will be challenged about how we approach and cherish scripture.
Your Assignment: Get a copy of the book, read through Chapter 2, and pray about its implications for you before Sunday morning.
Additional Resouce: Sermons by David Platt corresponding to this topic. LINK
Note: Someone shared this video with me and found it eerily appropriate to share. How much do we take for granted the ease of access to scripture?
The Kimyal People Receive the New Testament from UFM Worldwide on Vimeo.
This Sunday: Someone Worth Losing Everything For
Posted Friday, March 4, 2011 at 7:47 AM
"In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not say good-bye to all his possessions cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:33)
This week we start the church-wide study based around the book, "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream". To begin with, we will be challenged as to what it takes to be a disciiple of Jesus Christ.
Your Assignment: Get a copy of the book, read Chapter 1, and pray about its implications for you before Sunday morning.
Additional Resouce: Sermons by David Platt corresponding to this topic. LINK
RADICAL from David Platt on Vimeo.
This Sunday: Where is Jesus Today?
Posted Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 5:00 PM
"...as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight." (Acts 1:9)
This past week we asked, "Did Jesus rise from death?" This week we ask, "Where is Jesus today?" This week we add more depth to our study about Jesus in that He wasn't just someone who lived, but He is alive today.
Come join us as we work through this study, "Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions", together this Sunday.
Note: If you would like to come better prepared or miss this week, you can find a podcast based on the same material as this study here.
4th Sunday Fellowship (Feb. 27): Kincaid's
Posted Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 5:00 PM
As a life group, we are designating the fourth Sunday of each month to meet and eat for lunch after church. You don't have to make a reservation, but we will coordinate a casual restaurant (with plenty of high chairs) where you order when you get there, sit, eat, and can feel free to move around and visit the different people who come.
This Sunday: Kincaid's Hamburgers
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NOTE: If you have any suggestions of where we can meet in the future, we'd be happy to hear them. Just leave a comment on this post.
Church-wide Book Study: Radical
Posted Monday, February 21, 2011 at 5:15 PM
Hey Group,
If you were in service this past Sunday morning, you heard Stephen spring the news that all the life groups are going to be reading through and discussing the book, "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream." We will start discussing "Radical" Sunday, March 6, and the church will have about 250 books available to purchase this coming Sunday (Feb. 27) for $8/book (or free if it is cost prohibitive for you). If you're not going to be at church this coming Sunday, you'll want to secure a copy on your own and read the first chapter by our March 6 meeting.
I'm looking forward to this book.
NOTE: If you are an Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook, or an app user for either of those eReaders, then you should be able to purchase "Radical" for $5. Potentially useful information for some, huh?
ANOTHER NOTE: If it makes things less stressful in acquiring your copy, you can sign up to read the first chapter of the book here: http://www.radicalthebook.com/links.html .
This Sunday: Did Jesus Rise From Death?
Posted Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 5:30 PM
"...he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures..." (1 Corinthians 15:4)
"Did Jesus rise from death?" The apostle Paul says that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then Christians are to be pitied among all men for their faith would be built on a myth. Let's look into this event a little further this week.
Come join us as we work through this study, "Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions", together this Sunday.
Note: If you would like to come better prepared or miss this week, you can find a podcast based on the same material as this study here.
Day of Prayer (Sat., Feb 19 @ 9 a.m.)
Posted Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 3:51 AM
Hey group,
In response to this past Sunday's sermon and the current series, the church is holding a day of prayer this Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm in the sanctuary. You can come whenever you'd like, but we've been encouraged to come together as a life group and, of the people that asked, I've been telling people that we'd be up there at 9 a.m. So if you can join us, please come. Hope to see you there!
This Sunday: What Did Jesus Accomplish on the Cross?
Posted Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 5:30 PM
"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
"What did Jesus accomplish on the cross?" Seriously, think about it for a little bit: Jesus (fully God, fully human) was sent from God via a virgin birth as a missionary and prophet among many other roles. We all know generally what Jesus accomplished on the cross, but this week we'll take a bit more in depth look at it.
Come join us as we work through this study, "Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions", together this Sunday.
Note: If you would like to come better prepared or miss this week, you can find a podcast based on the same material as this study here.
This Sunday: Why did Jesus' Mom Need to be a Virgin?
Posted Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 5:30 PM
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
"Why did Jesus' mom need to be a virgin?" Last week we looked at why Jesus came to the Earth, but this week we'll look at why Jesus had to be born of a virgin.
Come join us as we work through this study, "Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions", together this Sunday.
Note: If you would like to come better prepared or miss this week, you can find a podcast based on the same material as this study here.
This Sunday: Why Did Jesus Come to Earth?
Posted Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 5:30 PM
"As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." (John 20:21)
"Why did Jesus come to Earth?" Jesus came to Earth to do many things, but why? During His time here He was a missionary, a priest, and prophet. He claimed that He was king. There are many things that Jesus did while here on Earth, but why did He come and why did He do them?
Come join us as we work through this study, "Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions", together this Sunday.
Note: If you would like to come better prepared or miss this week, you can find a podcast based on the same material as this study here.
This Sunday: How Did People Know Jesus Was Coming?
Posted Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 5:30 PM
"...everything written about in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." (Luke 24:44)
"How did people know Jesus was coming?" Jesus is the central theme of the Bible, New Testament and Old Testament. If that it is true, then surely the people during Jesus' time would have known to expect His coming. What in the Old Testament did Jesus fulfill?
Come join us as we work through this study, "Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions", together this Sunday.
Note: If you would like to come better prepared or miss this week, you can find a podcast based on the same material as this study here.
4th Sunday Fellowship (Jan. 23): Taco Cabana
Posted at 3:56 PM
As a life group, we are designating the fourth Sunday of each month to meet and eat for lunch after church. You don't have to make a reservation, but we will coordinate a casual restaurant (with plenty of high chairs) where you order when you get there, sit, eat, and can feel free to move around and visit the different people who come.
This Sunday:
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NOTE: If you have any suggestions of where we can meet in the future (i.e. enough high chairs and space), we'd be happy to hear them. Just leave a comment on this post.
This Sunday: How Human Was Jesus?
Posted Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 5:30 PM
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." (John 1:14)
"How human was Jesus?" Jesus' time on earth was lived as an ordinary man. He was born and he died. He enjoyed life, was tempted, got angry, and felt sorrow. Jesus knew every bit of what is like to be human, but He never compromised the fullness of divinity. Jesus was 100% God and 100% human while he was on earth. Last week we looked into Jesus as God, this week we'll look into Jesus as human.
Come join us as we work through this study, "Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions", together this Sunday.
Note: If you would like to come better prepared or miss this week, you can find a podcast based on the same material as this study here.
Guys' Night: Saginaw High Basketball Game (Jan. 21)
Posted Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 3:07 PM
VS. 
Hey guys,
Let's get together for dinner and a basketball game at Saginaw High School next Friday (Jan. 21).
6:30 pm - Dinner @ Hong Kong Express (but Subway's next door too)
7:30 pm - Saginaw basketball game versus Keller Central
NOTE: I'm not sure of the cost of the game, but be sure to bring cash for admission.
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What's the Most Compelling Reason For You?
Posted Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 1:25 PM
This morning during our table discussions we were asked, "What is the most compelling reason for you that Jesus is the only God?" I don't know what was said at the other tables, but we had all sorts of answers. For some people it was the words that Jesus spoke and how his opposition (Pharisees) viewed what He said. For others, the fact that every religion has to explain Jesus away because of His influence in history. Still, some thought that their personal relationship with Jesus was the most the compelling reason for them, that they know He lives.
Do you believe that Jesus is the only God? If so, what's the most compelling reason for you that Jesus is the only God?
This Sunday: Is Jesus the Only God?
Posted Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 4:33 PM
"Again the high priest asked him, 'Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?' And Jesus said, 'I am...'" (Mark 14:61-62)
"Is Jesus the only God?", there is no more important question that we should have to answer than this one. Jesus performed many miracles during His day, His influence was great over the people who were closest to Him, and He is still plays a role in today's society. He made claims of supreme authority over all of creation, being one with God, and living a sinless life. So, if Jesus is who He says He is, what difference does that make in your life?
Come join us as we begin this study, "Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions", together this Sunday.
Note: If you would like to come better prepared or miss this week, you can find a podcast based on the same material as this study here.
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