Notes for Cell 25th Oct 2009-10-25
Group Life. (road map)
1) Follow the Leader (lesson of submission, Hebrews 13:17)
2) Get along (Thess 5:13B, promoting harmony)
3) Do your part (warn those who are idle, Epn 4:16 as each part does its work)
4) Help each other (Before i can help you, i must know you)
5) No payback (make sure nobody pay back wrong for wrong but repay with blessing)
Small Group = Family
1) Group agreement
2) Common ground rules
Relationship
1) How well we manage
2) Consist high and lows (we need each other and we needle each other)
Discussion
1) Sense of responsibility for everyone
2) Meet up more often
3) Being humble and sensitive to each other
4) Right mix right click
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Your Body Belongs to God
John 17 contains the longest report of Jesus.
As we live our lives, we will be in tension: there are different set of values that we have in conflict with the values around us.
James 4:4: Friendship with this world become enemies of God
Living in this world is counter cultural. We don’t take cue from polls, but from his word. To obey, not negotiate.
Christian life: practical. You life will please and glorify God.
Good Life: Not how happy or healthy we are, but the measurement of good is how well we live for God’s purposes, not our own.
4 decisions that lead to sexual purity:
1. Decide who you are going to live for. You belong to God, now live like it. Do not be “out of control sexually”. Not just “Don’t do it”, but “You belong to God”. Spiritual and Sexual purity are some things that you don’t need to ask or pray for. God already made it very clear.
2. Decide against any kind of sexual immorality – a sin to your own body.
3. Decide to learn self control: “God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
4. Decide it’s not worth the price. 1 Thessalonians 4:6. You cannot afford the price, walk away from it. One night can lead to years of pain in you and your family’s life. It will grieve God’s name, lose self respect, form memories and flashbacks that will impact your spouse, children...
More thoughts.
1. Every single one of us is susceptible.
2. There is forgiveness and restoration.
At a greater picture, God is looking for obedience.
What is counter-cultural? Counter the norms. 20 yrs ago: Sex was a hush hush thing. How should we educate our youths? What are the norms for them?
Practical ways in everyday life:
1. Feed on the word of God
2. Surround yourself with believers who have the same beliefs – encourage you and keep you accountable
3. Having people who you are accountable to: Mentors, disciples
4. Make the right choices – avoid pornography, don’t temp ourselves (e.g. movies, music, advertisement, newspaper)
5. Letting people know that you are Christians
What ought to distinguish Christians in our generation as being “set apart for God”? The norms nowadays can change and “evolve”. Culture around us will change and people compromise. It is not clear what is right and what is wrong. It is more difficult for them. Hence, it is important for us to know what the truth is. Truth from the bible does not change. Face confrontation and “false” accusation. As the world grows darker, we should shine brighter.
Sexual education now has become different from the past: Must have safe sex instead of cannot have sex?! Homosexuality?
Warn people about the wrath against God. One should not preach as people hear what they want to hear.
Listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit, be sensitive to it and obey in it. Don’t just hear our own voices.
Related verses:
Micah 2:6
Proverbs 16:9
Matthew 28:20
2 Corinthians 7:1
1 Samuel 21:5
Hebrews 13:4
Romans 1:18
Romans 8:13
As we live our lives, we will be in tension: there are different set of values that we have in conflict with the values around us.
James 4:4: Friendship with this world become enemies of God
Living in this world is counter cultural. We don’t take cue from polls, but from his word. To obey, not negotiate.
Christian life: practical. You life will please and glorify God.
Good Life: Not how happy or healthy we are, but the measurement of good is how well we live for God’s purposes, not our own.
4 decisions that lead to sexual purity:
1. Decide who you are going to live for. You belong to God, now live like it. Do not be “out of control sexually”. Not just “Don’t do it”, but “You belong to God”. Spiritual and Sexual purity are some things that you don’t need to ask or pray for. God already made it very clear.
2. Decide against any kind of sexual immorality – a sin to your own body.
3. Decide to learn self control: “God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
4. Decide it’s not worth the price. 1 Thessalonians 4:6. You cannot afford the price, walk away from it. One night can lead to years of pain in you and your family’s life. It will grieve God’s name, lose self respect, form memories and flashbacks that will impact your spouse, children...
More thoughts.
1. Every single one of us is susceptible.
2. There is forgiveness and restoration.
At a greater picture, God is looking for obedience.
What is counter-cultural? Counter the norms. 20 yrs ago: Sex was a hush hush thing. How should we educate our youths? What are the norms for them?
Practical ways in everyday life:
1. Feed on the word of God
2. Surround yourself with believers who have the same beliefs – encourage you and keep you accountable
3. Having people who you are accountable to: Mentors, disciples
4. Make the right choices – avoid pornography, don’t temp ourselves (e.g. movies, music, advertisement, newspaper)
5. Letting people know that you are Christians
What ought to distinguish Christians in our generation as being “set apart for God”? The norms nowadays can change and “evolve”. Culture around us will change and people compromise. It is not clear what is right and what is wrong. It is more difficult for them. Hence, it is important for us to know what the truth is. Truth from the bible does not change. Face confrontation and “false” accusation. As the world grows darker, we should shine brighter.
Sexual education now has become different from the past: Must have safe sex instead of cannot have sex?! Homosexuality?
Warn people about the wrath against God. One should not preach as people hear what they want to hear.
Listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit, be sensitive to it and obey in it. Don’t just hear our own voices.
Related verses:
Micah 2:6
Proverbs 16:9
Matthew 28:20
2 Corinthians 7:1
1 Samuel 21:5
Hebrews 13:4
Romans 1:18
Romans 8:13
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Session 8: Loving insiders & reaching outsiders
1 Thess 4:9-12
- They love those inside the family.
Holy Spirit dwell in us when we receive Christ into our life and part of the Holy Spirit’s job is to inject love in our hearts.
Jesus commands us to love each other.Cell group should be a place where you can be the real you.
Fellowship: being committed to each other just as you are committed to Jesus.
-They cared about those outside the family.
Live in such a way that will draw people to Christ.
There should be a balance to grow those in the family and reach out to those outside the family.
Assignment for this week: Read Luke 15
Lead a quiet life: Be reliable, simple and pure life
Mind your own business: Do with commitment
Work with your hands: Idleness -Don’t be idle, lazy and leave job half done
=> RESPONSIBILITY
Win the respect of outsiders – Setting a role and be an example to other Christians
No need to depend on others – Not being a burden to others
How do we love unlovable people?
· Speak the truth with love.
· Be willing to resolve conflict.
· Reconcile and close the chapter
· We love because Jesus first loves us.
· Draw from God’s love pool not your own.
· Don’t let Satan sow discord among fellow Christians.
· Remind ourselves that Christ wants us to love each other.
· Avoid being in situation where Satan can amplify the dislike.
· You can love the person but doesn’t mean you like the person???
· Be emotionally responsible: Have enough rest so that you won’t have outburst of rage.
In order for a group to grow, it is necessary to go through conflict reconciliation.
Live a spirit filled life!!!
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