Sunday, August 16, 2009

Don’t forget that you can also listen to the music for this coming Sunday at www.MusicArtsAtStMarks.com – make your worship experience complete!

We started off August (2) with an invitation to live a “worthy life” (Ephesians 4:1).  This week we continue an in-depth look at what that means as seen through the St. Mark’s Vision Statement:

“A community of LIFE! Groups living in and out God’s revolutionary love where people are being transformed toward wholeness.”

We’ll be looking at different parts of the statement so that we truly catch the vision and we’ll be using Ephesians passages to do that.

Last Sunday we talked about “A community” – and invited you to be a part of true community.

This Sunday we’ll talk about “LIFE! Groups” and why we’re looking at these as a key to the success of St. Mark’s being a church that grows followers of Jesus Christ.

Obviously LIFE! Groups are not mentioned in the Bible but the principles of togetherness are everywhere!

Ask God as you prepare to read to open your heart and mind to hear God’s voice.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-5:20

As you read, look for signs of life together and what Scripture is calling us to become.

1. 4:11-16 What are some of the expectations of this new community (the church)? (especially as it results to change and growth)

2. Would you say your church is living up to them?  If not, how can we become better at it?  (feel free to post your thoughts to the blog)

3. 4:17-24 How are our lives expected to change in these verses?  Do you see that happening at St. Mark’s?  If not, how can it?

4. 4:25-5:2 What are the characteristics of living in community that you have the hardest time living up to?  What is easiest for you?  How can group life help you change?

5. 5:3-20  Notice how we are to behave differently once we give ourselves to Christ.  How does this reflect the reality of what you see in churches? In our church?

6. What are the biggest struggles you have with being in a small group? 

7. What are the advantages of being in a small group?

8. Would you be willing to commit yourself to a year of involvement in a small group?

9. Pray about what involvement God would have you commit to in a small group? Or if you are in one, pray together that God would make your group into one that reflects Ephesians 4:11-5:20.

See you Sunday!