contentsbcachurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/fearlessfaith...fearless faith what is a lifegroup?...

CONTENTS

What is a LifeGroup? 4

Introduction 5

How to Use This Discussion Guide 6

Outline of Each Session 7

1 Determine Who’s in Charge 8

2 Learn Your Desert Lessons Well 14

3 Have a Burning Bush Experience 20

4 Stop Arguing and Start Obeying 26

5 Don’t Be Surprised by Down Time 32

6 Realize How Much God Loves You 38

7 Live on the Side of God’s Mercy 44

8 Hold Fast to God’s Promises 50

9 Remember the Power of Passover 56

10 Turn Opposition into Opportunity 62

LifeGroup Leader Tips 68

Frequently Asked Questions 70

LifeGroup Prayer Log 71

LifeGroup Roster 72

FEARLESS FAITH

WHAT IS A LIFEGROUP?We get it. You’re busy! You don’t have time to do everything. But you can’t afford to go through life without a group of friends with similar interests, and who also want to grow in their faith!

God has called us to unite and reach out together in community to impact more and more people with the message of Christ. One of the best ways to get connected, grow your faith, and impact others is to join a LifeGroup.

LifeGroups are an opportunity to make new friends who can encourage, support, and pray for each other regularly. In a big church like BCA, we don’t want anyone to feel lost in the crowd. As part of a LifeGroup, you feel like you are part of the family.

Life is crazy. Don’t do it alone!

For more information on LifeGroups, visit bcachurch.com/groups.

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INTRODUCTIONThe word “EXODUS” is a Latin word derived from the Greek exodos and means literally “exit” or “departure.”

For 430 years the Israelites lived in Egypt. Their plight became increasingly unbearable as they were resigned to slave labor. God had in mind a “deliverer” to come and set His people free - someone to lead them into the Promised Land. That man was Moses. The story of the Exodus is an amazing story of FEARLESS Faith embodied in the life of Moses and the Israelites. Against great odds, God led them across deserts, through parted seas, sent them food out of nowhere, and defeated their enemies.

Maybe you feel like you are up against incredible odds in your life. Perhaps you need a sea to part or God to provide for you in a special way. As you study the life and story of Moses in the Exodus, notice the incredible power and faithfulness of God. The God of the Exodus is the same God who speaks to you and cares for you today.

As you place your faith in Him, you can fear less and hope more. He will never abandon you nor forsake you.

In this study, we will examine 10 Steps to Growing a FEARLESS Faith.

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HOW TO USE THIS DISCUSSION GUIDE1. Notice that in the Table of Contents there are a few different

sections. The first section contains information and instructions on how to utilize this study guide each week. The second section contains the weekly group sessions and discussion questions. The third and final section contains resources for LifeGroup Leaders. If you are a leader, please familiarize yourself with each section!

2. This discussion guide is meant to be just that - a guide, not a rulebook! Don’t worry if the group responds to a session in an unexpected way. Sometimes the most honest, authentic, and beneficial conversations come up spontaneously. If someone has additional discussion questions, use them!

3. Open and close each session with prayer - for your group members, for your time together, and for wisdom, insight, and growth to occur each week.

4. Have fun! Be encouraged to spend time with your group outside of your “scheduled” meeting time. The more time you spend together, the better friends you will become, and the greater growth that will occur! Have a party, invite them over for dinner, use your imagination!

5. Read the “Outline of Each Session” on the next page, to get a good idea of how a typical group meeeting will look.

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OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION

1. WATCH IT. Each session incorporates a 5-7 minute video which covers the basic teachings of the week’s Scripture. It presents the topics in a conversational way that spurs group discussion, and encourages the group to apply the Scripture to their own life. You can use the DVD provided, or you can download the videos from our website at bcachurch.com/lifegroupvideos.

2. READ IT. Each week you will be prompted to read a specific part of Scripture. Be sure to fully read the passage before starting the discussion. Allow yourself to reflect on the Word of God, and prepare for it to challenge and stretch you each week.

3. DISCUSS IT. This is where you get the opportunity to dig deep into the Scripture. Try to really understand the question and texts, and then apply the timeless biblical principles being discussed to your own life. Leader Note: Remember, some people have difficulty opening up, so encourage everyone to be respectful, and allow them to share however they feel most comfortable.

4. JOURNAL. Each week, our prayer is that you will have something specific to apply to your life. Application of biblical truths will lead to spiritual growth. Remember, you’re not expected to change overnight! By making simple changes each week, you can still allow God to lead you into a FEARLESS Faith.

5. THIS WEEK. Take some time each week to continue to read, pray, and reflect on what God is doing in your life.

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Determine Who’s in Charge1

WATCH ITTake a moment to watch this week’s video. Use the space below to record any thoughts or questions you might want to discuss.

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READ ITEXODUS 1:1-2:10Leader Note: Encourage others to participate here! Ask for a volunteer (or volunteers) to read the Scripture. Afterwards, encourage people to take turns asking the discussion questions.

DISCUSS ITLET’S GET STARTEDDo you know how to read an org chart? Why is it so important? What possible perils exist if you aren’t able to do this well? Tell a story of someone you know or have heard of that was poor at “reading an org chart” at work or other. How did that turn out?

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DIG DEEPER

1. Refer back to Exodus 1:1-2:10. What is happening in this passage? What are the main points that jump out to you?

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2. Notice how God is working behind the scenes. Who is really in charge? Pharaoh thought he was, but it was God all along. Have there been any times in your life when you thought you were in control, only to find out later it was really God?

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DISCUSS IT

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DISCUSS IT3. In Exodus 1:17, the midwives feared God and God blessed them for

their obedience (re-read Exodus 1:20,21). It is not lost on us that these were extremely hostile times. And yet they demonstrated a FEARLESS Faith in God. Pharaoh wanted to exterminate the Jewish people, but these midwives were used by God to protect them. Many years later, Hitler’s Holocaust killed nearly 6 million Jews. During the Holocaust there were many amazing stories of people who found ways to hide and protect Jewish people even though they put their lives on the line to do so.

FEARLESS Faith does the right thing—the God thing—regardless of potential danger. God is calling each of us to do so as well. Identifying where and how is key. In what ways is God asking you to demonstrate a FEARLESS Faith?

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DISCUSS IT4. Bible history is really “His-story.” It is the story of God leading and

redeeming His people, forever offering His mercy and grace. What about the amazing story of Moses in Exodus 2:1-10 jumps out to you the most, and why?

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5. God was in charge during Moses’ day and He is in charge today! We must put Him first in our lives as our God and King. Life is ordered properly when we put God first and honor him above all others. Our biggest problem, usually, is that we put ourselves in God’s place and worship ourselves above the Almighty. In what ways do we do this most?

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JOURNALWrite out your personal takeaway from this week’s lesson. How does God want you to grow in FEARLESS Faith? Be specific. Write it down. Pray about it. Ask God to help you grow.

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A PSALM TO PONDERPSALM 1

A SCRIPTURE TO MEMORIZE EXODUS 1:17,20,21

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live... So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

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A PRAYER TO PRAYAs you apply this week’s lesson, what do you want to pray about? What other matters do you want to pray for each day this week?

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Learn Your Desert Lessons Well2


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READ ITEXODUS 2:11-25Leader Note: Encourage others to participate here! Ask for a volunteer (or volunteers) to read the Scripture. Afterwards, encourage people to take turns asking the discussion questions.

DISCUSS ITLET’S GET STARTEDHow do you deal with difficulty? Discuss this as a group before going on with this first discussion point. Then read Romans 8:28. What does this mean to you? Unpack this in your group discussion for a few minutes. This is important.

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DISCUSS ITDIG DEEPER

1. Read and discuss Exodus 2:11-25. What is happening in this passage? What are the main points that jump out to you?

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2. Read Genesis 50:20. What principle is at play here? This is a very important theological point to understand. God doesn’t cause everything (we can disobey or others can do us wrong, for example), but He can turn even evil into good. God can make “all things” work together for good.

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DISCUSS IT3. God didn’t want Moses to commit murder. Moses hijacked

God’s plan to bring freedom and took it into his own hands, inappropriately. This resulted in Moses spending the next 40 years on the run in the desert. But how did God use this desert experience to teach Moses vital lessons?

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4. What lessons did Moses learn in the desert? Be specific. Try to name at least 3.

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DISCUSS IT5. A desert is dry and void of much life. Sometimes we feel like we

are in a desert—our lives are dry and void of joy. But God wants to teach us lessons in our desert. He wants us to trust in Him during our desert experiences and to grow and mature us. Share with your group lessons you have learned during hard seasons you have experienced. Be as specific as you are comfortable, knowing that what you have learned may help others who might be going through a desert season right now.

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6. God gave Moses a well in the desert. In what ways has God provided you a well in your desert experiences? In what ways might He do so for us in the future? Good friends who counsel us, Scripture, prayer, His Spirit, timely provision, loving care from others…what else comes to mind from either personal experience or from the stories of others? God wants us to grow through good times and bad. Read Isaiah 43:19-21 and discuss God’s provision.

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JOURNALWrite out your personal takeaway from this week’s lesson. How does God want you to grow in FEARLESS Faith? Be specific. Write it down. Pray about it. And ask God to help you grow.

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A SCRIPTURE TO MEMORIZE EXODUS 2:24,25

God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.

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Have a Burning Bush Experience3


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READ ITEXODUS 3:1-10Leader Note: Encourage others to participate here! Ask for a volunteer (or volunteers) to read the Scripture. Afterwards, encourage people to take turns asking the discussion questions.

DISCUSS ITLET’S GET STARTEDAre you busy? Of course you are! Everyone is busy. With so much to do, it’s easy to feel like we’re running from one responsibility or activity to another just trying to keep up. We sometimes slip into “survival mode,” racing around and just trying to survive our schedule. What are some of the dangers of doing too much? How can busyness impact us spiritually?

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1. Re-read Exodus 3:1-10. What is happening in this passage? What are the main points that jump out to you?

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2. Moses has an encounter with God. It breaks into his routine. He is busy taking care of sheep and doing his thing, and then all of a sudden he’s interacting with Almighty God. How would this have impacted you if you were Moses, and God started speaking to you out of a burning bush? What does it mean to you to have an encounter with the Lord? Why is it important?

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DISCUSS IT3. Read Jeremiah 33:3 and Jeremiah 29:13. What do these scriptures

say about God’s availability to us? Notice the admonition to “call” and “seek.” God is saying, “I’m available to you at all times.” But it’s your responsibility to break out of your busyness and “call” and “seek.” What are the practical implications to us spiritually here? How do you apply this to your life as a Christ follower?

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4. Practicing spiritual disciplines are vital to strengthening and growing our relationship with God. As we practice these disciplines, we encounter God in a real way. Practicing these disciplines breaks us out of our routines, and puts us into a position to encounter God in a special way. Jesus practiced the disciplines of prayer, service, worship, giving, solitude, meditation, study of scripture, fasting, and more. Talk about the importance of these disciplines in your life. How have they helped you focus on God and grow in Him?

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DISCUSS IT5. Read James 4:7-10. What are the 10 things James calls Christians

to practice? Notice how each of these spiritual practices focus us on Christ and helps us prioritize our Christian growth and overall relationship with Jesus. Herein lies a key to overcoming busyness —by prioritizing our spiritual disciplines.

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A SCRIPTURE TO MEMORIZE EXODUS 3:7,8

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.

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Stop Arguing & Start Obeying4


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READ ITEXODUS 3:11-4:31Leader Note: Encourage others to participate here! Ask for a volunteer (or volunteers) to read the Scripture. Afterwards, encourage people to take turns asking the discussion questions.

DISCUSS ITLET’S GET STARTEDBe honest now, do you like to argue? Why or why not? If not you, do you know someone else who loves to argue and are really good at it? What is the difference between “debating” and “arguing?”

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1. It is one thing to argue with others, it is another thing altogether to argue with God. Why is that a bad idea? What are the repercussions of arguing with the Almighty? Can you share an example from your life or someone you know? How about citing a few examples from Scripture? HINT: Jonah is one.

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2. Moses was in a big argument with God. God wanted to utilize him for a mission. Moses was telling God why His idea was a bad idea. Stop and think about that for a moment. Moses, a mere mortal, is telling The Great Awesome Almighty God that His idea is a bad one! God says, “Moses, I want to leverage your availability.” Moses wanted to focus on his capability, or lack thereof. What are some times in your life when you questioned God’s ability to use you?

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DISCUSS IT3. Take a look at God’s request and Moses’ argument:

• Argument #1--Exodus 3:10, 11 • Argument #3--Exodus 4:1 • Argument #2--Exodus 3:13 • Argument #4—Exodus 4:10

How do we sometimes engage in these exact same arguments?

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4. Finally, Moses says “I don’t want to do what you are asking me to do.” In other words, I don’t want to obey. That’s called disobedience! Look at it in Exodus 4:13. In what ways do we do the same thing? Think about areas in your life where you are more given to arguing with God than obeying. Perhaps there is a personal illustration that comes to mind that you can share with your group.

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DISCUSS IT5. God wants us to be obedient. Throughout scripture we are told to

obey the Lord (read John 15:10). Never are we told to argue. Why is it so easy for us to disobey the Lord? How can we become more devoted disciples who are quick to follow and obey?

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A SCRIPTURE TO MEMORIZE EXODUS 3:12

And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

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Don’t Be Surprised by Down Time5


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READ ITEXODUS 5-6Leader Note: Encourage others to participate here! Ask for a volunteer (or volunteers) to read the Scripture. Afterwards, encourage people to take turns asking the discussion questions.

DISCUSS ITLET’S GET STARTEDHow do you deal with doubt? What goes on inside of us when doubt creeps in and begins to take hold? What happens to our clarity, vision, confidence, and hope? How do you climb out of the deep hole of doubt?

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1. Doubt and faith are opposite ways we respond to situations in our lives. Read James 1:6-8. What does it say about doubt? Now read the larger narrative found in James 1:1-12. What does this passage teach about the key(s) to overcoming doubt and living in faith?

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2. In Exodus 4:31, the Israelites are moved by God’s concern and Moses is on mission. But in chapter 5 it goes from bad to worse for God’s people. In Exodus 5:21, they start to turn on Moses. Talk about a recipe for doubt and discouragement! It was hard enough for Moses to take on this assignment, and now it all seems to be falling apart right at his feet. He felt as if God had abandoned him and His people. Have you ever felt like things were eroding at your feet? How does God want us to respond in these circumstances?

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DISCUSS IT3. Read Exodus 5:23 and 6:1-5. What do you imagine is going on in

Moses’ heart and mind? What is God’s message to Moses? What is God’s message to us today?

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4. Read Exodus 6:6. Notice how God is unmoved. He is sovereign and knows the end from the beginning. Nothing has happened that He didn’t already know. He was expecting Moses to persevere and hold strong and have a FEARLESS Faith. Read and discuss James 1:12. How can God use our down times to build our faith?

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DISCUSS IT5. Two great scriptures on faith are Romans 4:23 and Hebrews 11:1

(plus the rest of chapter 11). Paul talks about being persuaded that God will do what He has promised. This is important to remember. As Christians, we must help each other come to grips with what it means to have faith in an eternal and Almighty God, even when times are a bit uncertain or discouraging. How do we personalize this same kind of confidence in our Christian life when we face circumstances that create doubt? What is the key to having faith and not doubt?

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“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.’”

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Realize How Much God Loves You6


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READ ITEXODUS 6Leader Note: Encourage others to participate here! Ask for a volunteer (or volunteers) to read the Scripture. Afterwards, encourage people to take turns asking the discussion questions.

DISCUSS ITLET’S GET STARTEDWhat does it mean to be loved? Talk about the difference of being loved and “feeling” loved. Some people don’t feel loved, even though they are loved deeply. God loves us more than we could ever know. That’s a fact! Look at the Cross. How can we help our “feelings” catch up with the “fact” of God’s love for us, even when we can’t feel it?

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1. This is a lesson on covenant relationship building off of Exodus 6:1-12. Read this passage together as a group, commenting on each verse as you read it. This is a rich passage for many reasons. What is going on here? What aspects of this narrative jump out to you and why?

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2. Notice especially Exodus 6:5. God says, “…I have remembered my covenant.” A covenant is a promise (read Jeremiah 31:3). Some describe it as a contract. Simply stated, the Bible is a story of God’s loving redemption of a fallen mankind. Genesis 1-3 talks about God’s creation and man’s sin. From Genesis 3:15-Revelation 22:21, God unfolds His story of salvation. He communicates on every page of Scripture—“I am your God and you are my people.” He tells us He loves us and that He will deliver us. He has done it all and there is only one thing that we must do to enter into this covenant relationship: commit our heart and life to God through Jesus Christ while serving Him as Savior and Lord. In light of this, what does it mean for you to know that God loves you and has made a promise to always love you?

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DISCUSS IT3. Scholars divide biblical covenants differently. Some say there are

7 and others 6. Some say there are more. Some of the main ones for you to look up and discuss are:

• Adamic Covenant (Genesis 1:26-30; 2:16-17) • Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:11) • Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3) • Mosaic Covenant (Deuteronomy 11; Exodus 19-20) • Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:8-16) • New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:15)

What stands out to you in each of these covenants?

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4. God loves you more than you can know. Read these passages and notice the deep love God has for His people. John 15:13; Romans 8:37-39; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 3:16-21; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4,5; I John 4:9-11. In what ways has God shown His love for you personally?

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DISCUSS IT5. We need to remember the fact of God’s love, because feelings

come and go…they rise and fall. But God’s love is unwavering (Zephaniah 3:17). Why is it important to realize and reaffirm the deep love God has for us? What about His love is important to remember? When is it most important to know that He loves us? Who will try to tell us that God does not love us?

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A SCRIPTURE TO MEMORIZE EXODUS 6:5-7

“Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant. Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.’”

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Live on the Side of God’s Mercy7


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DISCUSS ITLET’S GET STARTEDWhat does the idea of “mercy” mean to you? Give an example of a person or experience where either you gave or received mercy. Now what does “judgment” mean to you? Similarly, give an example of a person or experience where either you gave or received judgment. What is the difference? Why do we prefer mercy?

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1. Spiritually, when we commit our lives to Christ, we become recipients of His incredible mercy. And He wants us to emulate Him in offering mercy to others. Read and discuss these scriptures: Titus 3:5,6; Psalm 25:6; Ephesians 2:4,5; Hebrews 4:16; James 5:11; I Peter 1:3; Matthew 5:7. How does God show mercy in each of these examples?

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2. We all have a choice. We can choose to serve God and receive His mercy, or we can reject God and receive His judgment and wrath. Living on the side of God’s mercy is what Moses chose to do. Rejecting God and living on the side of God’s judgment is what Pharaoh chose to do. Discuss this overarching theme in light of the 10 plagues in Exodus 7-11.

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DISCUSS IT3. A key theological point in the plague narratives of Exodus 7-11 is

the free moral choice that each person has. While it says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart in Exodus 7:3, it also says that Pharaoh hardened his own heart in Exodus 8:15; 9:34,35. It is important to realize the difference between God “knowing” all and “causing” all. None of us are robots. We can choose or reject God. We have a free moral choice. Pharaoh had a choice and God in His foreknowledge knew that Pharaoh would choose poorly (Exodus 9:30). Thus, He used Pharaoh’s disobedience for His good (see Exodus 8:16; Romans 9:17) by allowing Pharaoh to be an instrument through which God would showcase His sovereignty and power. Walk through these scriptures and discuss God’s power and sovereignty and what that means to you. In what ways has God shown His power and sovereignty in your life?

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DISCUSS IT4. Read Exodus 7:1-7, and notice Moses’ obedience to God in light of

his assignment to approach Pharaoh and represent God. Moses was 80 years old…let’s give it up for senior citizens everywhere! Who said you are too old to serve? Who said any of us can’t be used by God? Discuss what kind of people God uses in the Bible. Are they the ones we would normally expect? Why is it important for us to pray: “God, make me useable?”

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5. Notice the message of Exodus 10:3 on humility. Many people today struggle with being humble before God. We all can tend to be prideful and self-centered and overly impressed with our importance, just like Pharoah. Read and apply James 4:6, 10; Ephesians 4:2; I Peter 5:5,6. Then, read about Christ’s humility (Philippians 2:1-11) and His call for us to follow in His steps. How does a lack of humility rise up in your life most often? What is God saying to us as Christ followers on the importance of emulating Christ in our humility?

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But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.

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Hold Fast to God’s Promises8


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DISCUSS ITLET’S GET STARTEDWhat is a promise? In a day where many people believe a “promise is made to be broken,” and many people are not trustworthy, what does “a promise” mean to you?

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1. Compare human promises with God’s promises. Is there a difference? If so, what? Go around your group and share promises from the Bible that are special to you. Why are they special? What do they mean to you? After discussing the previous questions, read and discuss these promises from Scripture. Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 11:28,29; Isaiah 40:29-31; Philippians 4:19; Rom 8:37-39; Proverbs 1:33; John 14:27; Romans 10:9; Romans 6:23; Proverbs 3:5,6; Matthew 6:33. What do these promises mean for us today?

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2. Walk through the plagues one by one. Notice Pharaoh’s constant changing of his mind with regard to letting the Israelites go. Now re-read Exodus 11:1-3. God promised to deliver his people, and Moses trusted Him even though there were many times along the way he could have lost faith. What stands out to you about Moses’ FEARLESS and persevering faith during the plagues? What personal application from this can you apply to your own life?

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DISCUSS IT3. Read Hebrews 11:24-29. Four times in these verses it says that

Moses stepped out in faith. Here we see a FEARLESS Faith at work. Look at these verses and draw out 4 statements as to what it means to have FEARLESS Faith, using Moses’ life and experiences as stated here in the text.

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4. What is meant by the statement in Exodus 12:12 where God will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt? What is God proving about these false gods?

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DISCUSS IT5. What is God’s promise to His people in Exodus 12:13? What

did that mean, and what part did the people play in ensuring this promise was fulfilled? There is a principle here that we see throughout the Bible: if we obey the Lord and stand on His promises, we will be blessed. If we don’t…we won’t. Discuss how you have seen this play out in your own life.

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The Lord had said to Moses, “Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you -- so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.”

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Remember the Power of Passover9


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DISCUSS ITLET’S GET STARTEDHave you ever participated in a “Seder” meal? This is the Jewish ritual service and ceremonial dinner that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover. If you have, what do you remember about it? What stood out most to you? If not, look up online the “order of Seder” and walk through the significance and meaning of each part of the celebration. It is quite meaningful.

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1. The Passover celebrates the miraculous deliverance of God’s people from the hands of the Egyptians. Holy Communion celebrates our miraculous deliverance from sin and judgment through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Read I Corinthians 11:23-26, and share what the Lord’s Supper means to you personally. How do you worship the Lord while taking the bread and cup? Jesus told us to “do this in remembrance of Him until He comes.” Why is this so important?

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2. Notice the detailed description of the sacrifice needed as stated in Exodus 12:5. What did John say when he was baptizing in the Jordan River, and saw Jesus approaching (read John 1:29)? Talk about the significance of Jesus being our perfect Lamb.

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DISCUSS IT3. Read Exodus 12:7. Why was this action important? Talk about

this as a group, and notice how it ties in to our lives as Christians. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, in essence we are applying the blood of Christ to the doorframes of our heart and judgment will pass over us because of Christ’s sacrifice. We do not have to live with guilt, but can be set free. What does it mean to you to know that you are forgiven, and that your sins are not final or fatal?

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4. Some people struggle to understand the importance of Old Testament sacrifice, especially the emphasis on the blood. Read Exodus 12:12,13 and discuss what is going on here. Also read Leviticus 17:11, which is very important on this point, and Hebrews 9:22. So, what is the point of the blood? Talk for a few moments about what it means to know that Jesus shed His blood to give us life.

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DISCUSS IT5. Exodus 12:26,27 is a powerful picture and scripture. Parents are

encouraged to teach and raise up their kids in the understanding of the Lord. How is that best done? Is the Christian faith more taught or caught? It is vital that the church invests in discipling and training children and youth to grow up and serve the Lord. What are the keys to discipling/training our children? If you don’t have children, what do you recall from your childhood (positive or negative) that influenced the development of your faith?

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A PSALM TO PONDERPSALM 113-118


“The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt... And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.

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Turn Opposition into Opportunity10


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DISCUSS ITLET’S GET STARTEDCan obstacles and adversity be a good thing? Can you think of times when opposition and trials have produced good in your life?

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1. The problem of pain and suffering is one of the biggest questions and struggles people face in life. It’s also a major challenge for people who are considering Christ. They ask, “why would a good God allow problems?” While it is hard to answer this to everyone’s satisfaction, it has a lot to do with man having a free choice, man sinning, and sin wrecking everything (Genesis 3). The Good News is, however, that Jesus defeated sin and one day this life on earth will be over and the perfection of heaven will be experienced by all who believe in His Name! Read Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20, and James 1:2-4, and discuss how God can turn any trial into an experience that grows our faith. How has he turned trials in your life into growth experiences?

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DISCUSS IT2. After all that Moses has gone through to get the Israelites out

of Egypt, he now faces a “dead end” called the Red Sea (pick up the story at Exodus 13:17). Pharaoh was breathing down his neck, the sea was blocking his path, and he had nowhere to hide. What would be going through your mind if you were Moses at that moment? What Red Sea are you facing right now? What encouragement can you receive from Moses and his Red Sea that you can apply to your current situation?

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3. Read Exodus 14:10-14. What is the message to you and me in this passage? How can we apply it to our “dead end” experiences?

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DISCUSS IT4. Notice God’s words to Moses in Ex 14:15-18. Nothing catches

God by surprise! He knew about the Red Sea, He knew about the desert, He knew about Pharaoh, and He knew about the fear of the Israelites. God had a bigger plan in play here. He wanted to communicate to Moses and His people that He was God and could be trusted at all times and in all circumstances whether they be good or difficult. What does this mean to you? In what circumstances are you currently trusing God to lead you?

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5. In Exodus 14:26-31, we see the unfolding of the greatest act of deliverance in the entire Old Testament. God saves His people in dramatic fashion. The Jewish people still celebrate this miracle today. However, the greatest act of deliverance in the entire Bible occurs in the New Testament, in Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus died on the Cross and delivered us from sin and gives the hope of eternal life to all who believe. Read Luke 23:44-24:8 as a group and share what Jesus death and resurrection means to you personally.

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A PSALM TO PONDERPSALM 78,106


Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” ...And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

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LIFEGROUPLEADER TIPS1. It’s normal to be nervous!

Leading a group isn’t complicated, but it can be intimidating if this is your first time! Remember, God is in control, and He is excited to use you. As you serve by leading this group, you will be blessed and you will be a blessing to others.

2. You’re not alone.

The members of your group all have unique skills. Some of them may even enjoy the opportunity to help you! Whether it’s someone to bring snacks, take attendance, or email out weekly prayer requests, you don’t have to do everything all by yourself. Look for opportunities for others to serve the group, and don’t be afraid to ask them to step up.

3. Be yourself!

God uses a variety of people in the Bible to accomplish amazing things, and He does this while using their individual gifts and personality. Don’t try to be someone you are not. Be authentic, and don’t worry if you make a mistake or don’t have an answer.

4. Prepare.

You definitely don’t have to memorize everything ahead of time, but we encourage leaders to glance at each week’s session before people arrive. That will allow you to know what’s next and how the meeting will flow, and ultimately makes it less stressful!

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5. Spend time with God.

Pray regularly for your group, your members, and for God to be present when you meet. Celebrate when prayers are answered!

6. Get to know your people.

Everyone in your group has a story, and everyone is searching for a community. Spend time talking about their lives, their dreams, their struggles, and their successes. This is often a great way to begin each group session, before starting the video and discussion.

7. Encourage participation.

Remember, you don’t have to do all the talking! Let people take turns leading the discussion questions and reading the Scripture. Of course, it may take time for everyone to feel comfortable opening up and talking, and that’s okay. Be patient when asking questions - allow people to share when they are ready, and thank them for their input.

8. Maintain the atmosphere.

For many people, it’s a step of faith to even join a group! It may also be a bit scary to share personal details about their life with people they have just met. Be sensitive to group members who are not ready to say, pray, or do anything yet. Everyone is at a different stage in their faith journey, but God is working in them in ways we can’t always see. It’s important that people feel comfortable sharing as much or as little as they are able, and to know that there is no judgment present. It’s equally important to ensure that everyone gets a chance to participate, and that no one person controls the conversations.

For more tips and ideas on how to lead a successful group, visit bcachurch.com/groups and click on “Leader Training.”

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS1. What should we do for our first night as a group?

Have a meal, throw a party, or do something else fun together! God wants us to enjoy community with each other, and LifeGroups are a perfect way to celebrate. You can try some icebreakers, or even get together for coffee or dessert before you meet for the first time.

2. How long will this group meet?

All FEARLESS Faith LifeGroups will meet for 10 weeks, starting the week of September 17/18 and ending the week of November 19/20. We also encourage each LifeGroup to consider meeting for an additional 6 months, and take a break during the summer. This allows for more time to build and develop friendships.

3. What if this group is not working for me?

You’re not alone! This could be the result of a long commute, changes in work or family schedules, personality differences, or any number of reasons. Relax, pray, and allow God to guide you in what to do next. Stay with the group for the 10 weeks, and then decide if you want to stay, or find a new group. Remember to give people a chance - God might have something for you to learn!

4. What do I do when the group has ended?

We provide easy “onramps” and “offramps” for groups. Several times a year we provide opportunities for new leaders to step up, and for people to join new groups. Whether this is your first time joining a group, or you’re looking for a different one, we make sure everyone can feel comfortable finding the best group for them!

For more information on LifeGroups, visit bcachurch.com/groups.

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LIFEGROUP PRAYER LOG

SESSION 1

SESSION 2

SESSION 3

SESSION 4

SESSION 5

SESSION 6

SESSION 7

SESSION 8

SESSION 9

SESSION 10

PRAYER REQUESTS ANSWERED PRAYERS

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LIFEGROUPROSTERNAME EMAIL PHONE

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