Renovate: To Make New (Part 8): Hard Hats On
TO START:
Ask the group to share what the most memorable historical event ((not including the pandemic) in their life has been? In essence what was the first memory you have about something that was revolutionary (an event (OKC Bombing in 1995), a day (September 11th), an invention (the internet), etc.)?
TO READ
Before watching the video for the week, take a look at two passages in Scripture: John 15:4-6 & Galatians 5:22-23.
TO WATCH
Now jump into this week’s session 8 video: https://www.anthology.study/Studies/Renovate
TO DISCUSS
Ask the group to talk about a time when they felt closely connected to God.
Ask this: What was going on in your life at that time? And how did your circumstances influence the closeness of your connection to your heavenly Father?
So often, in church, we’re told about theology and doctrine but not given advice about how to apply what we’ve learned to our actions. Of course, at RRCOC that’s why we live out the core behaviors. This week, Billy points us to a key to following Christ. We must abide in Jesus (Re-read John 15:4-6)
So, how do you abide in Jesus? We tend to think of reading the Bible and praying as the ways we connect to God. What are some of the other ways people connect with God?
Furthermore, what core behavior best represents how you connect what you do with what you believe about God?
In the video, Billy speaks about how necessary it is to remove the barriers that prevent you from fully abiding in Christ. Even more, he speaks to the fact that disconnection leads to withering away as opposed to the life found in connection to the vine of Jesus.
So, what are some things that prevent you from connecting to God, things that lead to disconnection rather than abiding?
Lastly, as we close this study, I want to encourage you to think about how this group can do 2 things:
How can we help you to abide in Christ this week?
How can we help you to stave off disconnection & isolation?
TO PRAY
I want to encourage y’all to close group by inviting whomever is willing, to share which fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) they desire to grow in; something they struggle to lean into and then have a member of your group pray for that person in that growth area.