Weekly Challenge -Satan

Life Group Community:

Really enjoyed our discussions during LG.  Our thematic song was Sympathy For The Devil and our passage was 1 John 2:12-17.

John points out that we have overcome Satan due to the power of God, but our discussion focused on the reality and the schemes of the evil one.

In the great words of Verbal Kent (Usual Suspects), the greatest trick the devil if did was convince the world that he doesn't exist.  I believe most American Christians see Satan as the anti-Santa Claus.  Instead of "You better be good, or Santa won't bring you a present", it is "You better not be bad, or the devil is going to get you".

But 1 Peter 5:8 shows us a different picture. Predator, sneaky, on the hunt, intent to kill, vicious attack, etc. This is not a red skinned, long tailed, pitch fork holding, cartoon Satan. 

On way to counter the schemes of Satan is to be in a strong Christian community (ex. Our life group). As we saw on the Frozen Planet clip, you will still be attacked when in the herd (or community) but the goal is to separate you to make it easier to kill your marriage, testimony, faith, confidence in God, etc.

My challenge for you this week is to make a commitment to get in community and play a part in your community.  Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to get back in community so we can encourage each other, urge each other on, support each other, and grow with each other.

Be intentional.

Travis

Weekly Challenge -Community

Life Group Community:

I have really enjoyed the beginning of this study of authentic community.  It has been a wonderful experience to think about all the things our LG community has done over the years and to see what we are doing and how we are growing now. 

But, are you ready for the next phase???  Then start praying for a God-size year.   John tells us to be a community.  Confess our sins to each other.  And live as Jesus did, to bring community with God and others.  I desire for our LG community to be unexplainable.  I desire for all of us to be in awe of what God is doing in our community.

My challenge to you this week involves reading the quote from Brennan Manning and then watching the clip from Francis Chan. 

1.          Brennan Manning was an author, priest and acclaimed public speaker.  He is probably best known for his book, The Ragamuffin Gospel.  Manning once said:

“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians:  who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle.  That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”

2.          Now watch this clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WasWIESzRhc

What do you desire out of your Life Group community?  Do you get angry and frustrated at other believers in our LG or do you “bear with one another in love”?  Are you denying Jesus with your lifestyle or are you sold out for Him?  Do you admire Jesus or do you live for Him?  Are you growing and participating in our LG community, or are you on the bench out of fear/apathy/safety?  Will you be a part of this next phase?

Be intentional.

Travis

Weekly Challenge -Confession

Confession.  In our lesson on Saturday, we learned how confession with God brings forgiveness, cleansing, fellowship with Him and with other believers.  I am very capable of confessing my sins to God the Father.  I have learned to confess sins to Bridgette, at times.  And I have no problem telling people that I am a sorry, worthless, bad decision making, easy to lose my temper, judgmental at times, lustful, prideful, impatient, recovering sinner.  However, I still find it very difficult to confess my sins to other believers, such as in our life group.  Why?  James 5:16 clearly states that we need to confess our sins to each other to be healed. 

Challenge:       Meditate this week on confession so we can continue our discussion next Saturday.  Ask God, ask your spouse, ask other believers, dive into the Word. 

Be intentional.

Travis

Life Group Weekly Challenge

Life Group Family and Friends:

We started a new series this weekend called Living in Authentic Community.  We will be studying 1, 2, & 3 John.  We had some wonderful discussion during LG about how we are called to community and different ways we can be a Community of Unity as described in Ephesians 4.

My challenge to you this week is to read Ephesians 4.  It would be cool if you read it as a family during devotion time or dinner time.  Write down words that describe community.

Be Intentional.

Travis