Core
Curriculum
Discussion
Guides
Journey Group Discussion Guide for 1 John
Hey Journey Group Leader,
Here’s where you’ll find the Study Guide materials that are a companion to the How Do I Know message series. Below is the link to download the PDF of the discussion guide. The link to the videos will follow later in the month as we get closer to the launch of the series.
How Do I Know - Discussion Guide
Feel free to download, copy and forward not only the PDF of the discussion guide, but also the links to the videos. Feel free to comment on this blog post or email me directly with questions you have about any of the studies as you prepare to lead them.
Thanks so much!
Tim Perry
Curriculum Options Fall 2015
There are three ways curriculum serves as a resource for your group.1. Curriculum engages people with God’s Word. Participants need to connect with God through His Word and this should be done accurately, clearly and dynamically as possible. 2. Curriculum facilitates interaction and discussion. It’s important to have people engage in discussion and participate. The recommended studies have carefully developed formats that promotes discussion around the Word of God and people’s life experiences. 3. Curriculum encourages application. Group members should discover the ways God is prompting and urging them to live differently. As your group begins to meet here are several curriculum resources available to you.
The first curriculum we’d like you to use in September is the How Do I Know – 1 John message series How Do I How Do I Know - Discussion Guide. Starting September 6th, messages will be on the book of 1 John. We would like all groups to use this curriculum during this message series. It is four sessions long and has:
1. A free downloadable discussion guide that’s been put together by Tim Perry with the help of Lisa Ashton, Nancy Davies and Reid Brown. 2. Tim has also crafted a video teaching segment for each session. This will be available for viewing along with the discussion guide on the Journey Group Leaders Blog on the cccomaha.org website. We won’t be producing DVD’s for this study.
The sessions are designed to be conducted by reading the passage out of 1 John, watching the teaching video and launching into the discussion questions.
After 1 John we have several recommendations for you to consider throughout the year. Fall 2015 suggestions
30 Days to Live Session 3 - Participant Guide
30 Days to Live Group Participant Guide
Session 3
Launching Question: Were you more of a troublemaker or a peacemaker as a child? In what way?
Connection Question 1: Love deeply What does it mean to love deeply? What is the major difference between God’s love and natural human affection? How can loving deeply bring peace to our strained relationships? Above everything else, Jesus instructs us to love others as He loves us. What would it look like for you to make this your highest goal in your relationships?
Connection Question 2: Confess humbly What does it look like to confess humbly? What attitudes or fears do you need to overcome to confess humbly? Who is God asking you to take a step toward confessing humbly?
Connection Question 3:Forgive irrationally What is irrational about God’s forgiveness? On what basis does God forgive us? Aside from Christ, what is the greatest act of forgiveness you’ve witnessed? How does our forgiving others give witness to the reality of Christ in us?
Scripture:Colossians 3:10-17 How well do you get along with others? What does it mean to clothe yourself with love? How does this promote unity? What role does thankfulness play in experiencing the peace of Christ and harmony with others? Why is unity important to Christ and His kingdom?
Application & Prayer Circle one option you will work on this week 1. Spend time praying about your relationships. List anyone who may have a grievance against you. Ask the Lord to show you what you need to ask forgiveness for. Set a time to talk to each person and ask their forgiveness. 2. Make a list of your sins (ways you’ve failed to love God and others). Ponder how much you have been forgiven and how much mercy God has shown you. Write across your list “paid in full.” Make another list, this time of those you need to forgive. Below each name write the sins against you. Since Christ also died for these sins, write “paid in full” across this list. Tell God your decision to forgive as He has forgiven you. Destroy both lists.
Close with prayer
30 Days to Live Session 3 Leaders Guide
30 Days to Live Group Leaders Guide Session 3
Materials needed: Mark’s Video Message, there are two options to obtain this. 1. Go online to http://www.cccomaha.org/message-archive.php to “Fight for Peace” message delivered August 23, 2015. Cue up the segments using the counter prompts below. 2. Request a DVD with the message segments to Reid Brown at reidb@cccomaha.org or 402-938-1561. Keep in mind these DVD’s won’t be available until later in the week of the message since they are produced weekly.
Participant Guide available on the Journey Group Leader Blog. http://cccomaha.org/blogs/journeygroupleaders/ Participant Guide: Total Video Time: 13:28 minutes; Discussion Time: 35 minutes; Teaching: 5 minutes; Application & Prayer: 10 minutes- 63:28 minutes total.
Session 3 Outline
Launching Question (5 min.): Were you more of a troublemaker or a peacemaker as a child? In what way?
Video clip 1: Love Deeply (9:09-13:35) - 4:51 min.
Connecting Question 1 (10 min.) What does it mean to love deeply? What is the major difference between God’s love and natural human affection? How can loving deeply bring peace to our strained relationships? Above everything else, Jesus instructs us to love others as He loves us. What would it look like for you to make this your highest goal in your relationships?
Video clip 2: Confess humbly (20:37-24:48)- 4:11 min.
Connection Question 2 (10 min) What does it look like to confess humbly? What attitudes or fears do you need to overcome to confess humbly? Who is God asking you to take a step toward confessing humbly?
Video clip 3: Forgive irrationally (24:49-29:00) 4:51 min.
Connection Question 3 (10 min) What is irrational about God’s forgiveness? On what basis does God forgive us? Aside from Christ, what is the greatest act of forgiveness you’ve witnessed? How does our forgiving others give witness to the reality of Christ in us?
Teaching 5 minutes Colossians 3:10-17 How well do you get along with others? What does it mean to clothe yourself with love? How does this promote unity? What role does thankfulness play in experiencing the peace of Christ and harmony with others? Why is unity important to Christ and His kingdom?
Application & Prayer 10 minutes Circle one option you will work on this week (2 min.) 1. Spend time praying about your relationships. List anyone who may have a grievance against you. Ask the Lord to show you what you need to ask forgiveness for. Set a time to talk to each person and ask their forgiveness. 2. Make a list of your sins (ways you’ve failed to love God and others). Ponder how much you have been forgiven and how much mercy God has shown you. Write across your list “paid in full.” Make another list, this time of those you need to forgive. Below each name write the sins against you. Since Christ also died for these sins, write “paid in full” across this list. Tell God your decision to forgive as He has forgiven you. Destroy both lists.
Close with prayer (10 min.)
30 Days to Live Session 2- Participant Guide
30 Days to Live Group Participant Guide
Session 2
Launching Question : What character qualities do you find most attractive in other people?
Connecting Question 1: Live how God wants us to live If an alien where to observe your life up close for one month, what conclusions might he come to about your convictions (beliefs)? If you could instantly change one thing about how you are living, what would it be? How is your life producing good fruit that will be a legacy to those you love?
Connection Question 2: Say the words God want you to say If you have lost a loved one, share something you regret not saying to them while they were alive. What are some important things we need to say to others during our time on earth? Why do we put off saying the things that are most important?
Connection Question 3: Die when you need to die What would you need to do now that you’re fairly certain God has prepared for you to do? A heathy goal is something you can accomplish without the help or cooperation of others. If you had only 30 days to live, what is one goal you would work towards that would impact others in a meaningful way?
Connection Question 4: Leave a legacy The key to leaving a legacy is to live by convictions God gives us, not by our preferences. What would your family say are your strongest convictions? What godly convictions do you need to develop?
Application & Prayer Circle one option you will work on this week 1. Make a list of people whom you most desire to impact with your life. Beside each name, write out what you want to say by completing the thought: Above all else, here’s what I want you to know. Set a deadline for sharing this with them. 2. Complete the thought: I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may _______________. Write down three things you know God wants you to do with your life. Start praying regularly about how God will accomplish this through you. 3. Ask the Lord to show you any areas where you are not currently living as He has called you to live. Surrender these areas to Him and invite the Holy Spirit to live through you.
Close with prayer
30 Days to Live Session 2 Leaders Guide
30 Days to Live Group Leaders Guide Session 2 Materials needed:
Mark’s Video Message, there are two options to obtain this. 1. Go online to http://www.cccomaha.org/message-archive.php to “Live in the Moment” message delivered August16, 2015. Cue up the segments using the counter prompts below. 2. Request a DVD with the message segments to Reid Brown at reidb@cccomaha.org or 402-938-1561. Keep in mind these DVD’s won’t be available until later in the week of the message since they are produced weekly.
Participant Guide available on the Journey Group Leader Blog. http://cccomaha.org/blogs/journeygroupleaders/
Total Video Time: 11:28 minutes; Discussion Time: 33 minutes; Teaching: 5 minutes; Application & Prayer: 10 minutes- 60 minutes total.
Session 3 Outline
Launching Question (5 min.): What character qualities do you find most attractive in other people?
Video clip 1: Live how God wants us to live (10:58-16:03) 5:45 min.
Connecting Question 1 (8 min.) If an alien where to observe your life up close for one month, what conclusions might he come to about your convictions (beliefs)? If you could instantly change one thing about how you are living, what would it be? How is your life producing good fruit that will be a legacy to those you love?
Video clip2: Say the words God want you to say (18:14-20:56) 2:42 min.
Connection Question 2 (8 min) If you have lost a loved one, share something you regret not saying to them while they were alive. What are some important things we need to say to others during our time on earth? Why do we put off saying the things that are most important?
Video clip 3: Die when you need to die (26:59-30:00) 3:41 min.
Connection Question 3 (8 min) What would you need to do now that you’re fairly certain God has prepared for you to do? A heathy goal is something you can accomplish without the help or cooperation of others. If you had only 30 days to live, what is one goal you would work towards that would impact others in a meaningful way?
Leave a Legacy Connection Question 4 (8 min) The key to leaving a legacy is to live by convictions God gives us, not by our preferences. What would your family say are your strongest convictions? What godly convictions do you need to develop?
Application & Prayer 10 minutes Circle one option you will work on this week (2 min.) 1. Make a list of people whom you most desire to impact with your life. Beside each name, write out what you want to say by completing the thought: Above all else, here’s what I want you to know. Set a deadline for sharing this with them. 2. Complete the thought: I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may _______________. Write down three things you know God wants you to do with your life. Start praying regularly about how God will accomplish this through you. 3. Ask the Lord to show you any areas where you are not currently living as He has called you to live. Surrender these areas to Him and invite the Holy Spirit to live through you.
Close with prayer (7 min.)
How Do I Know - Message Series beginning September 6th
Hey Journey Group Leader, Here's where you'll find the Study Guide materials that are a companion to the How Do I Know message series. Below is the link to download the PDF of the discussion guide. The link to the videos will follow later in the month as we get closer to the launch of the series.
How Do I Know - Journey Group Discussion Guide
Feel free to download, copy and forward not only the PDF of the discussion guide, but also the links to the videos. Feel free to comment on this blog post or email me directly with questions you have about any of the studies as you prepare to lead them.
Thanks so much!
Tim Perry
30 Days to Live Session 1 Leaders Guide
30 Days to Live Group Curriculum Session 1 – Leaders Guide Materials needed:
Mark’s Video Message, there are two options to obtain this. 1. Go online to http://www.cccomaha.org/message-archive.php to “Live in the Moment” message delivered August 9, 2015. Cue up the segments using the counter prompts below.
2. Request a DVD containing the message segments to Reid Brown at reidb@cccomaha.org or 402-938-1561. These videos will have an eight second delay with the 30 Days logo in between teaching segments. Hit the pause button for discussion and play to resume. Keep in mind these DVD’s won’t be available until later in the week of the message since they are produced weekly.
Participant Guide for group members available on the Journey Group Leader Blog. http://cccomaha.org/blogs/journeygroupleaders/
Total Video Time: 11:58 minutes; Discussion Time: 33 minutes; Teaching: 5 minutes; Application & Prayer: 10 minutes- 60 minutes total.
Session 1 Outline
Launching Question (5 min.): Would you rather die unexpectedly or see it coming? Explain your answer.
Video clip 1: When into Now (9:59-14:11) 4:52 min. Connecting Question 1 (8 min.) What is your biggest “When – Then?” Be honest and identify how you are missing the moment by hoping for some future event. What does it mean to live in the moment? How can we be fully present to others? What are the external pressures or distractions that keep you from being fully engaged with others?
Video clip 2: Intentions into Actions (16:13-19:33) 3:20 min. Connection Question 2 (12 min) Read James 4:17. What is wrong with planning out our lives? What sinful attitudes was James addressing? How do you feel when you think about your life being a mist that is vanishing away? What is the good intention you have that God wants to turn into a good action? Share specifically what you need to do and when you will do it. Knowing that life is brief, what spiritual changes do you need to make? If you were on your death bed, what regrets would you have about your life? What priorities do you need to change in order to live for what is truly important?
Video clip 3: Whole Heart Toward Jesus (24:21-28:07) 4:26 min. Connection Question 3 (8 min) What does it mean to turn our whole heart towards Jesus? Why do we tend to focus on doing for the Lord, instead of being present to the Lord (relating)? What or whom have you made a higher priority than the Lord? What would it look like for you to live every day simply to know and love Jesus with all your heart?
Teaching 5 minutes Ephesians 5:15-20 How can we make the most of our days on earth? We need to walk in wisdom What is God’s will? Isn’t great when God makes things crystal clear – His will is that we be filled with the Spirit. What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? Consider how you make chocolate milk. The syrup will settle on the bottom and it won’t become chocolate milk until it is stirred. In the same way when you believe and receive Jesus the Holy Spirit indwells your life. But it is by faith that we allow the Spirit to enter into every aspect of our lives. We stir it up to through faith by desiring to be filled by:
1. Desiring Matt. 5:6 2. Confessing Sin 1 John 1:9 3. Yielding our lives to Him Romans 12:1-2.
Application & Prayer 10 minutes Circle one option you will work on this week (2 min.) 1. What changes will you make in order to live in the moment and make the most of your days on earth? What future goals or plans do you need to surrender? 2. What has God put on your heart to do that you haven’t done? What action steps will you take this week? 3. What will you do this week to turn your heart more toward Jesus? What relationships or activities have robbed you of living to know and follow Christ?
Close with prayer (7 min.)
30 Days to Live Session 1- Participant Guide
On Sunday, August 9th the message series 30 Days to Live kicked off. These group discussion guides will provide your group with questions, Scripture passages and applications to help live for the most important things in life.
30 Days to Live Group Participant Guide
Session 1
Launching Question: Would you rather die unexpectedly or see it coming? Explain your answer.
Connecting Question 1: When into Now What is your biggest “When – Then?” Be honest and identify how you are missing the moment by hoping for some future event. What does it mean to live in the moment? How can we be fully present to others? What are the external pressures or distractions that keep you from being fully engaged with others?
Connection Question 2: Intentions into Actions Read James 4:17. What is wrong with planning out our lives? What sinful attitudes was James addressing? How do you feel when you think about your life being a mist that is vanishing away? What is the good intention you have that God wants to turn into a good action? Share specifically what you need to do and when you will do it.
Knowing that life is brief, what spiritual changes do you need to make? If you were on your death bed, what regrets would you have about your life? What priorities do you need to change in order to live for what is truly important?
Connection Question 3: Whole Heart Toward Jesus What does it mean to turn our whole heart towards Jesus? Why do we tend to focus on doing for the Lord, instead of being present to the Lord (relating)? What or whom have you made a higher priority than the Lord? What would it look like for you to live every day simply to know and love Jesus with all your heart?
Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20 How can we make the most of our days on earth? What is God’s will? What does it mean to be filled with the Spirt?
Application & Prayer Circle one option you will work on this week
1. What changes will you make in order to live in the moment and make the most of your days on earth? What future goals or plans do you need to surrender?
2. What has God put on your heart to do that you haven’t done? What action steps will you take this week?
3. What will you do this week to turn your heart more toward Jesus? What relationships or activities have robbed you of living to know and follow Christ?
Close with prayer
Psalm devotionals for week of August 2
This week is the last installment of "Summer in the Psalms." We hope the materials have been helpful for you and your group members. Psalms 137 Intro
The next Journey Group curriculum will be available September 6. We will present the fall plan at our August 14 dinner--see you then!
Adult Discipleship Team