November25th- November 30th Life Group Notes

Open in Prayer 

• Welcome/Introductions/Cast Vision - Remind the Life Group of the Guidelines- See bottom of page.

•  Doing the Mission: Did anyone share Jesus or last week's passage?  

• Does anyone have a God story? An undeniable encounter or experience with God that creates an impact or breakthrough in your day-to-day life. These moments can be extraordinary or very humble, but always personally powerful. 

• Opening Question: Has there ever been a Preacher whose appearance shocked you? Was the message that was preached truthful? How did it affect you?

• Share background for the passage: The reason for John the Baptist’s life was predicted in the Old Testament in the book of Isaiah. “A voice of one calling in the desert, prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.” 
• Thought/Focus: Would you be willing to listen to someone whom you might consider “a bit strange” if you felt that they were telling the truth and/or doing the work of God? 
• Have someone, or a couple of people, read this week's passage: Matthew 3:1-12

Discuss these questions: Go deeper as led. Remember Head, Heart, Hands.

1. How would you like to have John the Baptist for your Pastor? Would his dress code be acceptable in your church?
2. John was pretty radical. What did he say to the Pharisees and Saducees?
3.  How would you paraphrase what John said to the Pharisees and Saducees to people today who might be very similar to them? 

 4. Do you have any idea what was meant by the statements “the ax is already at the root          of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and                 thrown into the fire”?
 5. Thinking of the personalities of John and Jesus, what are the differences? Are both men       effective? Why?
 6.  John said “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance”.  What do you think he meant? Is          it a message for us too?
 7.   John’s message was very blunt and straight forward. Do you think you could be so                blunt?
 8.  We are Jesus’ disciples and messengers today. Can you think of anyone that you could         tell about the coming of Jesus this next week?  
   
Next week's passage/story: TBD

• Dismiss in Prayer   
  

CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group.
 
LISTEN: Let's value one another during the  discussions by really listening to what is  being shared. Try to avoid thinking about  how you are going to respond or what you  are going to say next.
 
PAUSE: Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing a  chance to finish and the group the  opportunity to consider what was just  shared before responding.

NO "CROSS TALK": Be considerate of others  as they are sharing- no side conversations.

NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each  other. Jesus does that part. Speak truth is love, give  
encouragement, empathize,  point to Jesus.  You may share  solutions God has led you through. The  other person should never feel shame or  failure, but rather connection & hope.

NO HIJACKING of shared stories.

NO RESCUING: When people are sharing  something deeply personal, there can be a  tendency to try to make them feel better  about themselves or the situation by  providing immediate condolences. This will  often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the  temptation to rescue people.
 
SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time  you share.
 
SILENCE: It is important to allow silence in the  group as it provides an opportunity for someone  else to share and for members in the group to  process the topic or question being considered.

BE SELF-AWARE: Be self-aware of how you are  personally affecting the environment through your  words, actions, and non-verbal communication.
 
"I"STATEMENTS: It's easy to talk about the issues  of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put  yourself on the table. Try to use "I" statements rather than "them', "they", "you", "the church", "us", "we", etc.
 
FIGHT FOR RELATIONSHIP: We will commit to resolve conflict  biblically. When conflict or sin issues arise between  group members, we want to make sure that  we are honoring God and each other in the way we  deal with these issues. We will fight for  relationship.  I will discuss the struggle with the person I am in conflict with first, & if not resolved, seek wise advice. The following are a few key Scriptures  in this regard (there are many others.)

• If someone sins against you: Mat. 18:15-20
• Restoring someone in sin: Gal. 6:1-5 
• Forgive a sinner: Col. 3: 12-13 
• Reconciling differences: Mat. 5:23-24, Mat. 7:1-5