series: #selfie me, my selfie and i · why aren’t you in a church?” he glanced around to make...

Be honest. Have you ever thought about “breaking up” with church? Christ is perfect, but his church is not. The church is flawed because it consists of flawed (but forgiven) people. Craig Groeschel, Pastor of LifeChurch.tv, one of the fastest growing churches in America, talks about an experience he had in a restaurant with a fellow Christian. He says:

I was sitting in a restaurant with my wife when our waiter, Brad, returned with Amy’s salad and my cheeseburger. Moments after Brad left us to check on his other tables, we bowed our heads and quietly thanked God for our meal. We had barely finished when Brad returned to our table. He had seen us praying and asked enthusiastically, “Are you guys Christians?” When we told him we were, he positively spilled all that Christ had done for him. Excited by his passion, I asked Brad what church he was a part of. Brad replied, “Oh, I don’t go to church. Organized religion doesn’t work for me.” I was intrigued. “Really? But you seem so excited about your faith. Why aren’t you in a church?” He glanced around to make sure no one else was listening, then leaned in closer. “Because the churches I’ve been to are so far from what I read about in Scripture— I think I can be a better Christian without the church than I can with the church.” But even many Christians aren’t asking, “Which church should I go to?” Instead, they’re asking, “Why should I bother with church at all?”

This story represents the mindset of many Christians today. Let’s be honest, the church has had its share of scandals and hypocrisy. Many non-Christians believe that people in the church are out of touch, all about money and unloving. Many of these beliefs are false but some, of course, are true. So the question remains, “Has church out-lived its usefulness?” The answer is a resounding, “NO!” Living out your faith in isolation is never what Christ had in mind for his people. Divorcing oneself from the company of your church family is not a sign of strength. It is a guarantee you will have less ability to discern and resist Satan’s schemes to ruin your witness and stunt your growth as a child of God. Here’s the kicker: If you want to grow spiritually, if you want to be “Christ-like”, then you must love God’s church. This includes all of the broken and messy believers that make up the church. We’re all a work in progress. Life in Christ is one of community, not of isolation. Christians were made to do life together in order to encourage, sharpen, guide and yes, even correct each other! Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Embrace the church, even with its flaws. While sin within the church should be confronted and uprooted (and there is plenty of sin to go around) leaving the church completely is not the answer. Build up the church and Christ will continue to build you up too!

Series:

#SELFIE

Me, My Selfie and I Week beginning October 27, 2014

THIS WEEK’S STUDY IS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING

CONNECTED TO CHRIST AND OTHERS IN ORDER TO GROW.

Every man must decide

whether he will walk in the

light of creative altruism or

in the darkness of destructive

selfishness.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Subscribe to www.LivingItOut.tv for

daily email delivery!

MONDAY – Three Dangerous Disconnections Big Point: You weren’t made to be alone.

Harvard instructor, Shawn Achor, authored a book entitled The Happiness Advantage. He asserts researchers have found that, when loaded down with stress, people tend to do the exact opposite of what is best for them. Individuals isolate themselves from others rather than invest in their social network. This concept ties in with today’s study of the three dangerous disconnections.

Isolation due to increasingly busy life choices. In today’s world busyness is a way of life. We do not allow ourselves time to unwind or contemplate or engage in meaningful face to face conversations with those we love. We are allowing ourselves to become so busy that we cut ourselves off from our family, friends and fellow believers. The opposite of what we need to do to maintain our peace.

Insulation of digital relationships. Facebook, Twitter, email, texting. We may seem so important, so in demand due to all the social media available to us that we can’t see we have become hands-off in our relationships to other people. Our only interaction with those closest to us may by through words on a screen rather than eye to eye, face to face communication.

Illusion of independence. We are never more self-important (and more self-deceived) than when we feel we don’t need anybody else besides ourselves. We are created to be interdependent upon others.

In the book of Proverbs there is a verse that states: “Without oxen a stable stays clean.” (14:4 NLT) In other words, your barn won’t get dirty if you don’t have any animals to mess it up. But without livestock to farm your fields, you won’t have a harvest, your barns will be empty and you will go hungry. Without people in your life you won’t have any messy confrontations and disagreements, but you won’t have the joy and happiness and support that come with close ties to people who love you. What does your “barn” look like?

READ and THINK… What does the Bible say?

1. Proverbs is a book of wise lessons and admonitions put together, in part, by the wisest man to have ever lived, King Solomon.

Question: What does this verse teach us about human perception? And what is the possible outcome if our intuition is off?

Proverbs 14:12 (New International Version) There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Answer:

2. The book of Hebrews was written to encourage the faith of new Christian converts from Judaism. These first century Jews faced social and religious persecution.

2—Daily Bible Study

Living It Out: Daily Bible Reading Plan Oct. 27—James 3:1-18

God will mend a broken

heart if you give Him all

the pieces.

—Anonymous


Question: Does this passage say that these new Christians are to work at their faith by themselves? Who should Christians meet with? And what are they instructed to do when they meet together?

Hebrews 10:24-25 (New Living Translation) 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Answer:

3. James, Jesus’ own brother, was writing to new Christians who were talking the talk but not walking the walk. He confronted and challenged believers to make sure their actions did not contradict what Christ taught.

Question: Why does James say that these early Christians are fighting amongst themselves? And what does James say is the solution to this problem?

James 4:1-2 (New Living Translation) 1 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.

Answer:

LIVE… What will you do now? What excuses do you make for not attending church or your small group? What gets in the way of these activities? Is there a way you are living or a theory of life you subscribe to that is running counter to God’s view? Are there others in the church you would feel comfortable discussing your views with to see if they are biblically based?

What is one activity you could eliminate this week and replace it with time spent with your family, church family or small group?

PRAY… God, what do you want me to know and do? Thank God for identifying possible blind spots in your Christian walk and relationships. Ask Him to direct you to good people to be in relationship with and to help you prioritize your schedule in a way that is pleasing to him.

TUESDAY – A Family That Shows Up When You Need Them Big Point: A friend in need is a friend indeed!

If at any point in your life you place your trust in other people, you will be disappointed. It’s inevitable. You will be let down. And that’s not the half of it. Sometimes you won’t just be disappointed, you’ll find your trust betrayed. The people that are supposed to be there for us are often the ones that hurt us most of all. People are unreliable. It’s a fact of life. It’s part of being human. It’s also the reason why you shouldn’t completely place your hope in other people. The only person you can trust 100% of the time is Jesus. He is the friend that will never leave you, never betray you, never let you down. When you feel like God is distant from you, it is because you have moved away, not Him. He is in the business of relationships; that is what He wants more than anything! God wants to connect with you. He wants to establish a long term, lasting relationship with YOU! God Himself is community. Think about the Trinity. God is and always will be in perfect unity with Himself. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in perfect unity with one another and are continually putting the other members first. It was out of this selfless love that Jesus became a man and came to earth. Jesus came to save you because he experienced perfect love and acceptance from his Heavenly Father. He left the majesty of heaven so that you could be saved. Once you experience this unconditional love, it changes everything. You begin to truly understand that you can love because God first loved you. No matter how often others disappoint you, Jesus never will. Ever. Never forget that.


1. In this passage Jesus is talking to his disciples, who had previously been quarreling among themselves. He knew that they were not perfect but wanted to encourage them to keep meeting together. For Jesus’ disciples and us, there are strength in numbers!

Question: What promise is there to claim in Matthew 18:20? Give an example of this.

Matthew 18:20 (New Living Translation) “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Answer:

2. This conversation takes place at the end of the Last Supper. Jesus was trying to warn the apostles about what was to come. He knew their faith would soon be tested and therefore shared the secret to weathering any of life’s storms— Remaining closely connected to him. Question: Why is it vital for Christians to remain connected with Jesus? How does one “remain in Jesus”?


Living It Out:

Daily Bible Reading Plan

Oct. 28—James 4:1-17

Christ is not valued at all

unless He is valued above all.

—Augustine


John 15:4 (New Living Translation) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

Answer:

3. John, the disciple that Jesus loved, wrote 1 John to encourage believers to seek a personal relationship with a God they can know. He explained that Jesus not only was motivated by love, he created the very concept of love and personified it perfectly on the cross.

Question: What is real love defined by? How did Jesus prove his love?

1 John 3:16 (New Living Translation) We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Answer:

LIVE… What will you do now? Think about a time when someone close to you let you down or betrayed you. Have you forgiven that person? How can the realization that Christ is the only one you can always count on make forgiveness easier?

How can studying the scriptural passages about the way Jesus loves make your relationships with other humans stronger? Aside from being in the military, laying down our lives for a stranger may seem extreme. In what ways can we do this as a living sacrifice in our everyday lives? How does your relationship with God affect the way you treat other people? How has experiencing God’s love allowed you to become more loving in your life?

PRAY… God, what do you want me to know and do? Thank your Heavenly Father for sending His perfect son to be your forever friend. Praise Him for His Word that helps to direct and guide you in your relationships. Thank Him for His forgiveness for times when you let your friends down, and to help you forgive friends who have let you down as well.

WEDNESDAY – A Few You Trust To Tell the Truth Big Point: Not everyone is qualified to be your closest confidant.

According to a recent article by guardian.com, one in ten people surveyed said they didn’t have a single close friend. One in five said they felt unloved. How about you? Do you have a close friend? Are you able to confide in someone? Jesus had friends. Think about it. He had over 100 people that traveled with him by the end of his ministry, but he had 12 friends or disciples that he constantly poured into. He sometimes corrected them, sometimes praised them. They did life together. Beyond that, Jesus had an inner circle of three, Peter, James and John. They were allowed to be present when others were not. Scholars have debated as to the reason for this for centuries. Some say the three men were more trustworthy while others believe Christ was preparing them for the influential leadership roles they would play in the early church after his death. A third theory is that Jesus just liked their company the best and trusted them more. Whatever the reason, Jesus gave them VIP access to himself while others were kept at a distance. Jesus was incredibly hard on Peter but, the gospels record Jesus praising Peter more than any other disciple. Is it really a surprise that Peter is the one Jesus picked to lead the early church? Also, when Jesus was on the cross he asked one of his disciples to look after Mary, his mother. Do you remember which disciple that was? It was John. The same John who wrote the gospel of John, 1

st and 2

nd John

and the book of Revelation. He brilliantly shared the mission and love of Christ, as well as, his undeniable divinity. Jesus knew how to pick his friends. When it comes to friends, a close inner circle is better than a large number of fair weather friends. Christian community is a powerful tool in shaping your faith. Follow Jesus’ example. Find trustworthy people who are stronger in their relationship with God than you are, and then do life together with them!


1. One important aspect of friendship is the accountability it provides. If you stray from the path of righteousness, an acquaintance, a colleague or a classmate might say nothing. But, if that person is a true friend, he or she will remind you of what is right.

Question: What do you think the word “sharpens” means in this context?

Proverbs 27:17 (New Living Translation) As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Answer:


Living It Out: Daily Bible Reading Plan Oct. 29—James 5:1-20

Some Christians try to go to heaven alone, in solitude. But believers are not compared to bears or lions or other animals that wander alone. Those who belong to Christ are

sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks,

and so do God's people.

—Charles Spurgeon

http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Charles-Spurgeon-Quotes/


2. Late in Jesus’ ministry, after prophesying his own terrible suffering and death, he took Peter, James and John to a mountain for a glorious revelation. The disciples had already seen Jesus heal many people and feed over four thousand people with just seven loaves and a few small fish. Right before this story Jesus predicted his own death and spoke plainly about the suffering that awaited him.

Question: What did this miracle prove about Jesus’ identity?

Matthew 17:1-2 (New Living Translation) Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. 2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.

Answer:

3. The “real friend” presented in Proverbs is one who demonstrates the godly virtues of honesty and integrity, and who is a part of the community of God’s people. This is contrasted with other so-called friends that are simply wealthy, influential or powerful people seeking their own gain. In Proverbs, friends are measured not in number, but in quality.

Question: According to this verse, when does the real value of a friend show itself?

Proverbs 18:24 (English Standard Version) A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Answer:

LIVE… What will you do now?

Do you have a few close friends that you can be completely honest with? If so, what makes these relationships so vital? If not, what is holding you back from trusting others completely? Why are a few close friends superior to a large number of acquaintances? What makes a person trustworthy, in your mind? What role do your friends play in your spiritual development? How would deepening your relationships with other Christ followers change you in a meaningful way? PRAY… God, what do you want me to know and do? Thank God for your friends. Pray for a few of your friends by name, asking God to draw them near to Himself. Ask God to continue to sharpen you through the key relationships in your life. Praise God for the joy of human companionship.

THURSDAY– A Family That Shows Up When You Need Them Big Point: God wants you to have good friends and be a good friend too!

If you find yourself in a crisis, who do you call? Who is it that you can count on? Families come with different dynamics, and perhaps your earthly family isn’t one you can go to for support. But this is not the case with our Heavenly Father. He would never neglect us or push us away. As Christians, we are called to be caring, loving and there for each other, just like a family. We should love unconditionally.

We are not the only ones who require family-like support. Moses, the powerful leader who led God’s people out of slavery and into the Promised Land, did not accomplish all he did on his own. For example, Moses wasn’t a very good speaker. Scripture records him having a “heavy tongue,” and some conclude that meant he had a speech impediment. God allowed Moses’ brother, Aaron, to step in and speak for him.

Another example is described in Exodus 17. Joshua was leading the Israelites in battle. As long as Moses continued to raise his staff towards Heaven, the Israelites maintained the upper hand in battle. But Moses’ arms began to tire. When he lowered his staff, the enemy began winning. So Aaron and Hur (another companion of Moses) held up Moses’ hands until sunset. As a result, Joshua and his troops overwhelmed the enemies. This is a beautiful picture of what we can do for each other, especially in times when we feel we can’t do it on our own. Have you been trying to do it all on your own? First of all, lean into God. Second, allow other Christ followers to carry some of your burdens. Ask for help. Allow the family of God to refresh and restore you. Admitting you can’t do it all on your own is humbling, but trying to face the world all by yourself is life threatening!


1. In this chapter, Solomon is reflecting on the oppression he’s observed and how powerless the victims can feel. This verse describes strength in numbers. Question: How do you become stronger with Christian friends in your life? Ecclesiastes 4:12 (New Living Translation) A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Answer: 2. These verses reveal how, by obeying God’s will, working together with other believers and having perseverance you will be greatly used by God. Moses’ staff was just an ordinary stick, but once he surrendered it to God, it became a powerful tool for God’s work. Through God’s hand, a loyal brotherhood and perseverance, these companions completed their Godly task.


Living It Out:


Oct. 30—1 Peter 1:1-25

It is not by driving away

our brother that we can be

alone with God.

—George Macdonald


Question: Explain how this story is a metaphor for the Christian life. Exodus 17:11-13 (New Living Translation) 11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand the Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of the Amalek in battle. Answer:

3. God does not want us to be fair-weather friends. It’s easy to be a good friend when everything is going well. It’s in times of need that we can best show loyalty to our friends.

Question: What are the implications of being “born for adversity”?

Proverbs 17:17 (New International Version) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Answer:

LIVE… What will you do now?

When it seems like the battle is lost, who, in your life, would you want holding up your hands? Are you someone your friends can count on? If so, describe a time when you answered the call of a friend in need and how you made a difference? If not, what steps can you take to become that kind of friend?

God can use any ordinary object to aide you in doing his work, just like He used Moses’ shepherd’s staff. What ordinary thing in your life can you surrender to God so He can use it? A pen? Your voice? A tool? What are the dangers you are opening yourself up to by forgoing the fellowship of your church family? Why would you choose to go it alone?

PRAY… God, what do you want me to know and do? Thank God for the friends and family that support you. Ask Him to help you be the friend He wants you to be. Ask for His help in joyfully showing others His love. Praise Him for being with you at all times, a forever friend.


FRIDAY – Don’t Just Go to Church, Be The Church Big Point: If you are a follower of Jesus, then there is work to be done!

What happens when Christians don’t use their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church? Pastor Craig Groeschel says:

If I’m not using my gifts in church, and if I don’t do what I was made to do, then the whole body suffers as a result. Galatians 6:10 says, “Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” The “family of believers” is our family, the church. And the church needs me, whether I feel like I need it or not. My mentor and friend Bill Hybels once said, “The local church is the hope of the world.” Since Jesus lives in believers, we represent him to the world. We in the church are his hands and feet. We’re God’s plan to spread his good news— news of love, grace, forgiveness, and changed lives— to the entire world. Together, we can make a bigger difference than anyone ever dreamed possible.

You were created to be in community. This serves at least two important purposes. First of all, it is a great benefit to you personally. Being in community will undoubtedly help you grow spiritually! Secondly, being in community enables the church to be the church. When the church is healthy and strong, it can accomplish incredible things. Adversely, when the people of God refuse to act like the church, the world loses out on God’s best. If so, it’s time to act like “the church” so that those around you may see the beauty of Jesus Christ and may praise your Heavenly Father for your actions.

READ, THINK and LIVE… Read and apply the Bible. 1. Coming to faith in Jesus means that God’s work in your life is just beginning. You were saved so that you could carry out God’s plan for your life. His goal is for people to see God’s love, mercy and grace through you. This can only be done by staying in His word, replacing the sin in your life with joy, peace, love, kindness, gentleness, goodness and self control, and joining with other believers in worship, service and true friendship. Question: What are the two types of lifestyles discussed in Galatians 6:8-10? What actions mark each path? What good works are you currently doing with your church community so that others would see the love of Jesus within you? Galatians 6:8-10 (New Living Translation) 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Answer:

Living It Out:


Oct. 31—1 Peter 2:1-25


Weekend Updates!

Saturday’s Daily Bible Reading Plan: Nov. 1—1 Peter 3:1-22

Next Weekend: Next week will continue the series, “Selfie”. Ben Snyder will

be speaking about “Voice Inside My Selfie”. We hope that you’ll join us at one of

our five locations or at the iCampus at CedarCreek.tv

Have You Been Baptized? During the weekend of November 8th/9th, we

will be performing baptisms during the weekend services. If you’ve never been

baptized since coming to faith in Christ, here is your opportunity! Please go to

CedarCreek.tv/Baptism to sign up!

TONIGHT! Celebrate Recovery: Worried about making bad choices

tonight? Find support and encouragement at Celebrate Recovery tonight at 7pm

at all campuses except Findlay (Coming soon!). Come and you won’t have

regrets tomorrow morning! For more information, set your web browser to:

CedarCreek.tv/celebraterecovery

PRAY… God, what do you want me to know and do? Thank God for the important work He has for you. Ask Him to give you an open heart and to show you how He wants you to serve others within your church. Praise Him for loving you and giving you a heavenly community to belong to.

Questions for Discussion— Try these in a group, with friends or at the dinner table.

1. Despite the many advances in technology today, people remain disconnected from authentic relationships. Why is this? 2. Why is a connection to Jesus Christ superior to any other human connection? How does this truth change one's life? 3. Do you have a few close friends that you can be completely honest with? If so, what makes these relationships so vital? If not, what is holding you back from trusting others completely? 4. Read Hebrews 10:24-25. What role does the church play in keeping you connected to Christ? What might you say to a Christian friend that has decided to stop attending church services?

October 2014 Memory Verse:

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:7 (New Living Translation)


Weekend Recap: There are many examples of friendships in the bible. God wants us to be loyal to our friends.

Scripture: David and Jonathan are friends (1 Samuel 18:1-4), Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:6-22), The Greatest Commandment (Luke 10:25-28). Read these together as a family.

Questions: What did Jonathan do for David? How did Ruth help Naomi? How does Jesus want us to treat others? After reading these stories do you have a new idea of something you can do for your friends?

Family Activity: Tell your family about your best friend. Why are they your best friend? What do you like to do together? Why are you thankful to have them as a friend?

Then take some time to make a thank you letter to one of your friends and mail it or give it to one of your friends this week.

Memory Verse: As a family, memorize this month’s Memory Verse (the motions used in CedarVille are printed in the parentheses):

(wave hands back and forth in front of you) Love never gives up, (sign "faith" - tap forehead with pointer finger, then make two fists on top of each other) never loses faith, (put two thumbs up) is always hopeful, (place one flat hand inside the other palm, then scoop it around as if scraping out the inside of a bowl) and

endures through every circumstance. -1 Corinthians 13:7

*Have your child memorize this verse and recite it to the room teacher for a prize.

Have some feedback? Email questions or comments to [email protected]

RESOURCES: Discover God Study

Bible

The Christian

Atheist by Craig

Groeschel

The Happiness

Advantage by

Shawn Achor

CedarCreek Church

29129 Lime City Road

Perrysburg, Oh 43551

Phone: 419.661.8661

Fax: 419.661.8665

www.cedarcreek.tv

www.livingitout.tv

This week’s

Living It Out:

Daily Bible Study

written by:

Ashlee Grosjean

Luke Shortridge

Kelda Strasbourg

David Vernier

Jackie Williams

Want to find out more

about the Living It

Out? Check out tons of

free resources or have

this study sent directly

to your daily email.

Set your web browser

to:

www.livingitout.tv

Luke 10:27 The man answered, “‘You

must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your

soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your

neighbor as yourself.’”

series: #selfie me, my selfie and i · why aren’t you in a church?” he glanced around to make...

Documents