Journey 101: Knowing God Leader Guide: Steps to the Life God Intends
Journey 101: Knowing God Leader Guide: Steps to the Life God Intends
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Overview
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781426770067 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Abingdon Press |
| Publication date: | 07/01/2013 |
| Series: | Journey 101 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| File size: | 1 MB |
About the Author
Carol Cartmill is Executive Director of Adult Discipleship at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. In this role, she applies her passion for equipping people for ministry, practical experience from working in the local church, and an educational background in organizational management and leadership. She launched the spiritual gifts development program at COR in 1998. She and her husband Jim have raised two daughters and reside in Overland Park, Kansas. Carol is the co-author of Serving from the Heart, Leadership from the Heart, Leadership Essentials, and Serving from the Heart for Youth. She has led workshops relating to equipping ministries on both the local and national level.
Read an Excerpt
Journey 101: Knowing God
Leader Guide
By Carol Cartmill, Jeff Kirby, Michelle Kirby
Abingdon Press
Copyright © 2013 Abingdon PressAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4267-7006-7
CHAPTER 1
SESSION 1
RECEIVING CHRIST
Background
Key Scripture
This is what the Lord says: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let those who boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24
Theme
Today you will explore three topics: knowing God, the problem of sin, and receiving Christ. At the heart of the Christian faith is a relationship. We were created by God to experience a relationship with God. Relationships by nature involve a connectedness and knowledge of one another. The material in this session will help participants understand that personal knowledge of God comes through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. By God's grace, everyone who gathers will have received Christ at some point along his or her journey, will choose to receive Christ now, or will be drawn closer to that decision point.
Main Points
1. We were created to be in relationship with God, to know God, and to be known by God.
2. Sin separated us from the union that God intended.
3. Jesus Christ is God's answer to the problem of sin.
Core Traits
• Christian Essentials
• Knowing God's Will
Welcome (5 Minutes)
As participants gather, invite them to get some refreshments and find a seat. If you have more than six to eight participants, set up tables so that everyone may join a table group upon arriving. When it is time to begin, speak some words of welcome and lead an opening prayer. If you choose, you may want to use the following for opening words and prayer:
Welcome to our first session of Knowing God. I trust that God is going to meet us here and illuminate Scriptures and conversations for us so that we might know God more and more. Let us pray.
Eternal God, we have come here today to get to know you better. You have shown us in your Word that you created us for relationship with you. So here, in this place, we seek you. Show us who you are and what you have planned for us. We love you, Lord. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
After the prayer, introduce the learning objectives for the session (see the "Main Points" above).
Connect (5 Minutes)
Now it's time for participants to connect. Refer participants to the Connect section in the participant guide and invite them to get to know one another better by sharing freely in response to the following:
• Take a few minutes to introduce yourself. Share why you are interested in taking this class.
• Describe a favorite gift you received as a child and why it was special.
• If you could choose, would you rather be an excellent athlete, artist, or musician? Why?
• Who has most inspired you personally and why?
• What life experience has strengthened you the most?
Reflect (3-5 Minutes)
Point out the activity in the Reflect section in the participant guide. Explain that periodically reflecting on where we are on our faith journeys can help us look back and see where we've come, recognize any fruit that is evidenced by our relationship with God, and identify anything that has knocked us off course. Ask participants to take a minute to complete the exercise individually, writing about what knowing God means for them.
This activity is for personal reflection only and does not need to be shared or debriefed.
1 Video: A Relationship with God (10 minutes)
Introduce the DVD segment "A Relationship with God" by explaining that we were created to know and be known by God. Participants will hear Scriptures and stories to help them discover that God longs for relationship with each of them. (Video highlights are included in the participant guide.)
1 Group Discussion (10 minutes)
Discuss with your group the following questions. Make sure that participants have Bibles readily available if they didn't bring them. Encourage participants to open their Bibles and have someone read aloud the Scriptures as you come to them.
1. Describe how your journey to know God began. When did God become more than just a word for you?
2. Have someone read Genesis 2:7 aloud. How might this Scripture give insight to your understanding of the type of relationship God intended to have with humankind?
3. Have someone read John 1:9-13 and Ephesians 2:8-9 aloud. What clues do these verses give us about our relationship with God and God's desire to be known by us?
4. Have someone read Genesis 1:26-30; 3:8 aloud. In the space below, write the verses in your own words. What do they tell you about why we were created?
5. Have someone read John 15:4-5 aloud. What is the role of Jesus and what is the role of his followers according to these verses? In your opinion, how does this passage apply to this week's lesson?
2 Video: The Problem of Sin (10 minutes)
Introduce "The Problem of Sin" DVD segment by explaining that sin thwarted the perfect relationship God created between God and humankind. Participants will hear Scriptures and stories to help them discover that sin and separation were never part of God's plan. (Video highlights are included in the participant guide.)
2 Group Discussion (10 minutes)
Discuss with your group the following questions. Remind participants that we are all sinners. Encourage them to share honestly without being fearful of shame or feeling like they need to share any deep, dark secrets. The point here is that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. The questions serve to help group members identify where sin comes from and realize our need for the saving work of Jesus Christ.
1. Have someone read Genesis 3:1-15 aloud. How is sin exposed in these verses?
2. Who did the woman blame the sin on?
3. Who did the man blame the sin on?
4. Whose fault is the sin? Why?
5. Have someone read Luke 15:11-24 aloud. What is the sin in this story?
6. What is the father's response to the sin?
7. How do we sin by making "good things have ultimate importance in our lives"?
2 Video: The Answer to Sin (10 minutes)
Introduce "The Answer to Sin" DVD segment by explaining that because we are all sinners in need of a Savior, there is good news for each one of us. God had a plan to rescue us from the fate of sin. God's plan was Jesus Christ. (Video highlights are included in the participant guide.)
3 Group Discussion (10 minutes)
Discuss with your group the following questions. Encourage any participants who might have just made the decision to receive Christ to share that with the group. Oftentimes, telling someone about that choice helps us take the first steps on our faith journeys. If you feel your group members are at ease with one another and would not make anyone uncomfortable, you may want to celebrate any first-time decisions as a large group.
1. Maybe you've been a Christian as long as you can remember, maybe you accepted Christ when you were a teen or young adult, maybe you just prayed the prayer a few minutes ago, or perhaps you are still undecided. If you have accepted Christ, share about your experience.
2. What was Jesus' ultimate mission during his earthly life?
3. Why did God send Jesus to save us from our sins? (Refer to John 3:16.)
4. What does the good news require?
5. Before you came here today, what did you imagine it took to become a Christian?
6. How would you describe your understanding now of why Jesus came to earth and how we can receive him into our lives?
Review (3-5 minutes)
Help to solidify the content with participants by inviting them to name the three main points covered in this session. Ask volunteers to name them in their own words, assisting them as necessary.
In this session, the three main points were:
1. We were created to be in relationship with God, to know God, and to be known by God.
2. Sin separated us from the union that God intended.
3. Jesus Christ is God's answer to the problem of sin.
Ask the following questions:
1. What is God's answer to the problem of sin? (Jesus Christ)
2. How do we participate in that saving work? (Receiving Christ)
Closing (5 minutes)
Remind participants of the story at the end of the last video segment about the retired executive who came to receive Christ personally and discovered that it is never too late to begin a new life through Jesus Christ. Explain that over the course of the study, group members will reflect on and piece together more and more of their own faith stories as a way to identify growth, name what God has done in their lives, and gain comfort in sharing their stories. In the last session, they'll be invited to share their stories in a time of closing worship.
Ask participants to begin to describe their own God stories using the questions in the participant guide:
1. What was life like before you met Jesus Christ?
2. What was the tipping point that led you to choose and receive Christ?
3. What does your life look like now that you know God through the gift of Jesus Christ and are living for him?
Pray Together (5 minutes)
Express gratitude for the commitment of the group members gathered to take this journey of knowing God more fully. Encourage them by promising to pray for them and be available to answer questions.
Ask participants to share joys and concerns for the week. After a few minutes, close your time with a prayer of your own, or invite group members to pray in unison the prayer that is printed in the participant guide:
Eternal God, you call us to be in relationship with you. From the beginning of time you have been a God of relationship. You formed us to need you and to need one another. Today, Lord, we pray that you would open our hearts to know you more. We invite Jesus Christ to live in us, forgive us of our sins, and lead us on this journey to know you more and more. Amen.
Walking It Out
Encourage participants to take what they have learned today and apply it in their daily lives by reflecting on the "Walking It Out" page in the participant guide throughout the coming week.
CHAPTER 2Session 2
COMPREHENDING CHRIST'S TEACHINGS
Background
Key Scripture
Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water's edge. He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed." Mark 4:1-3
Theme
Today you will explore the teachings of Jesus and begin to comprehend their significance. We grow in the knowledge of God by studying the words of Jesus Christ and seeking to implement them in our lives. The teachings of Jesus are revolutionary and require careful and thoughtful study.
Main Points
1. Jesus' teachings had unique authority.
2. Jesus' teachings were rooted in the old but also were creative and new.
3. Jesus used great word pictures to help people comprehend his teachings.
4. Jesus made people think for themselves.
5. Jesus' teachings were motivated by love.
6. Jesus' teachings were primarily about the kingdom of God.
Core Traits
• Christian Essentials
• Bible Knowledge
Welcome (5 minutes)
As participants gather, invite them to get some refreshments and find a seat. If you have more than six to eight participants, set up tables so that everyone may join a table group upon arriving. When it is time to begin, speak some words of welcome and lead an opening prayer. If you choose, you may want to use the following for opening words and prayer:
Welcome back to Journey 101: Knowing God. I hope you are understanding more and more about the deep and trustworthy love of God each day. I know that God is going to meet us here and illuminate Scriptures and conversations for us so that we may comprehend the life-changing teachings of Jesus. Let us pray.
Eternal God, we have come here today to get to know you better by looking at your Son, Jesus Christ. You have given us the gift of your word to help us comprehend what you are all about. So we give this time to you, Lord, and invite you to illuminate your word for us. Help us to know you more. We love you, Lord. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
After the prayer, introduce the learning objectives for the session (see the "Main Points" above).
Connect (5 minutes)
Now it's time for participants to connect. Refer participants to the "Connect" section in the participant guide and invite them to get to know one another better by sharing freely in response to the following questions:
• Would you stop eating all junk food in order to live five years longer?
• Where did you grow up?
• Would you rather meet your great-grandparents or your great-grandchildren?
• Who was the best teacher you ever had in school? What made him or her so effective?
• What were some of your thoughts from last week's lesson regarding the fact that God created you for a wonderful purpose—to know, love, and serve God?
Reflect (3-5 minutes)
Point out the activity in the "Reflect" section in the participant guide. Ask participants to take a minute to complete the exercise individually, writing about their current understanding of what Jesus taught and preached.
This activity is for personal reflection only and does not need to be shared or debriefed.
1 Video: Essentials fFor Reading Scripture (10 minutes)
Introduce the "Essentials for Reading Scripture" DVD segment by explaining that we come to know God better by looking to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Participants will hear Scriptures and stories to help them begin to comprehend Jesus' teachings. (Video highlights are included in the participant guide.)
1 Group Discussion
1. When you sit down to read the Bible, what approach do you take as you read?
2. Have someone read aloud Mark 4:1-3. What do these verses say about Jesus' teaching style?
3. Why is context so important for understanding and comprehension?
4. When have you been misunderstood or when have you misunderstood someone or something because of a lack of context?
2 Video: The Teaching Ministry of Jesus (10 minutes)
Introduce the "The Teaching Ministry of Jesus" DVD segment by explaining that in Jesus' time, there were many teachers of the law who held an assumed authority to teach. Participants will hear Scriptures and stories to help them discover that Jesus taught with real authority and spoke in a way that reached people's hearts. (Video highlights are included in the participant guide.)
2 Group Discussion (10 minutes)
Discuss with your group the following questions. If time allows, linger on the last question. Ask participants to consider how the love of Jesus is good news to their lives.
1. What do you find compelling about the teaching ministry of Jesus?
2. Have someone read aloud Mark 2:6-12. Why were the people so amazed?
3. When has someone "opened up the meaning" for you, either in the Scriptures or in life lessons?
4. According to Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, a parableis defined as "a short, simple story designed to communicate a spiritual truth, religious principle, or moral lesson; a figure of speech in which truth is illustrated by a comparison or example drawn from everyday experiences." Why do you think Jesus so often spoke in parables?
5. Have someone read aloud Mark 8:34-37. What is the decision that Jesus is inviting his hearers (and us) to make?
6. What was Jesus' primary motivation as he taught? How do his teachings illustrate this?
7. Why is the deep love of Jesus good news for us?
3 Video: The Kingdom of God (10 minutes)
Introduce "The Kingdom of God" DVD segment by explaining that all of Jesus' teachings pointed to a picture of the reality of the kingdom of God. Participants will hear Scriptures and stories to help them understand that the kingdom of God is the eternal rule and reign of God. (Video highlights are included in the participant guide.)
3 Group Discussion (10 minutes)
Discuss with your group the following questions. If time allows, linger on the last question.
1. Have someone read aloud Matthew 6:33. What do you think Jesus meant when he said, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness"?
2. Where in your life do you need to seek God "first"?
3. What prevents us from seeking God first in all things?
4. How did the Old Testament prophecies mentioned on the video point to Jesus?
5. Have someone read aloud the parable of the sower found in Mark 4:1-20, and complete the chart below. (See the participant book. Review participants' answers.)
6. Have someone read aloud the parable of the mustard seed found in Mark 4:30-32. What does this parable add to our understanding of the kingdom of God?
Review (3-5 minutes)
Invite participants to name the main points covered in this session. Ask volunteers to name them in their own words, assisting them as necessary. Review the importance of comprehending Christ's teachings as we seek to know God. Remind the group that if we want to know God, we can see God clearly in the life and teachings of Jesus.
In this session, the main points were:
1. Jesus' teachings had unique authority.
2. Jesus' teachings were rooted in the old but were creative and new.
3. Jesus used great word pictures to help people comprehend his teachings.
4. Jesus made people think for themselves.
5. Jesus' teachings were motivated by love.
6. Jesus' teachings were primarily about the kingdom of God.
Ask the following questions:
1. What is unique about Jesus' teachings compared to teachers the people would have previously heard, and even teachers today?
2. Why is it so important to really comprehend the teachings of Jesus?
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Journey 101: Knowing God by Carol Cartmill, Jeff Kirby, Michelle Kirby. Copyright © 2013 Abingdon Press. Excerpted by permission of Abingdon Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction,Fifteen CoreTraits of a Deeply Committed Christian,
Session 1 Receiving Christ,
Session 2 Comprehending Christ's Teachings,
Session 3 Learning the Scriptures,
Session 4 Studying the Scriptures,
Session 5 A Study of Christian Ethics,
Session 6 The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit,
Notes,