We have arrived at our last LifeGroup study for our HIStory series. What a year!!

Stepping In: Getting things started!

1- As we wrap up this series and our time together for this season, what are some things you’ve gotten out of this experience of learning, praying, serving and sharing life together?

Building Up: What is God Saying? 

Read Revelation 21:1-2. What is the significance of God using a “Bride” to describe His church?

Read Revelation 21:3-4. What is the most powerful promise in these verses for you right now?

Read Revelation 21:5. What is the real, daily significance of the fact that God’s words are “trustworthy and true”?

Read Revelation 21:6-7. The promise is amazing…but what is involved in our being “victorious”?

Read Revelation 21:8. Why is this entire list introduced as those who are “cowardly”? Why don’t people take this “second death” more seriously today?

Living Out: How do I obey?

1- What is your personal NEXT STEP in your spiritual journey?

2. Makes some plans to get together for a party, bbq, beach or mountain trip, movie night or something to do TOGETHER this summer!

While I'm reading yesterday I came to the book of Jonah. For those of you who may not know the story, Jonah is told by God to go to the city of Nineveh and preach to them a message of repentance. One problem, Jonah hated these people.

As you read through this little book you get a very clear picture of why Jonah became mad at God. To keep it simple, here goes:

Jonah is told to go and preach to a wicked city filled with people who had done a lot of harm to Jonah’s people.

Jonah runs. God turns him around.

Jonah goes and tells the people it time to “turn or burn.”

The people turn…much to Jonah’s disliking.

Now, mad at God, these are his words to God:

Jonah 4:1-2 (MSG)

Jonah was furious. He lost his temper. He yelled at God, “God! I knew it—when I was back home, I knew this was going to happen! That’s why I ran off to Tarshish! I knew you were sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness!

It’s almost funny when you read how Jonah describes the Almighty. Even while he’s upset, the worst thing he can say about God is…

…sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness!

Even on our worst day, God is still amazing! Seriously amazing!!

A few weeks ago I caught a raccoon that had been a real problem in our backyard. Here’s a pic of me trying to give him a new home.

Well, Saturday night we were out having smores in the backyard…and there he was on the wall. 

You ever have something like that in your life? Sure you do. We think we have some sin conquered and then it shows back up again.

Last time I tried to find the raccoon a new home, this time I might just put it underground. 

Romans 6 doesn’t talk about distancing ourselves from sin…it’s talk about putting to death our old life so that we can walk in a brand new one. (Romans 6:3-4)

Surrendering to Jesus isn’t about putting some safe distance between us and some bad habits. It’s about doing life, real life, in a whole new way.

What do you need to kill? That’s step one. Step two is finding the friend you trust enough to share your struggle. 

#wearebettertogether

This week in your LifeGroup discussion, you'll get a chance to look forward…to the end.

Stepping In: Getting things started!

1- Who do you personally know who “finished well?” What was the key to their success in how they did life?

Building Up: What is God Saying? 

Read 2 Timothy 4:1-2. We are not all “pastors”, but what can we all learn from these first 2 verses that will help us be a better follower of Jesus?

Read 2 Timothy 4:3-4. What are some clear examples of this today? Share with the group a “correction,” “rebuke,” or an “encouragement” you’ve recently gotten from God’s Word being taught.

Read 2 Timothy 4:5. HOW do we “keep our head in all situations?” What are some things that have helped you endure hardships?

Read 2 Timothy 4:6-7. Paul left nothing in his reserve tank. He used up every ounce of his life to serve Christ. How does that encourage or challenge you at this stage of your life?

Read 2 Timothy 4:8. How does having a clear picture of the reward help Paul with what he is called to do? How does it help you?

Living Out: How do I obey?

1- What would you like people to say about you at your memorial service?

2. What’s one thing you could do today to make that happen?

3- Plan a service project you can do as a group.

If you follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter you already know that we made it to the top of Mt. Whitney and back. It was an amazing trip. Here is one of my favorite shots from our campsite early Tuesday morning at dawn.