LifeGroups are taking a closer look at the grace-filled approach Jesus had with those who were in desperate need; both physically and spiritually.

Stepping In: Getting things started!

1- Jesus was not “ordinary”. What were some of the things He did that really changed it up from the “normal” of the day?

Building Up: What is God Saying? 

Read Matthew 9:1-2. What is unique about the friends of the paralyzed man? Why did Jesus respond to this man?

Read Matthew 9:3-8. The religious leaders/teachers of the law were deeply offended by Jesus actions and words. What were the things that made Jesus’ approach in this situation anything but ordinary?

Read Matthew 9:9-10. Even with his past, Matthew becomes an amazing example for all of us to follow. What stands out to you about Matthew in this story?

Read Matthew 9:11-13. How does this story help us understand the “church” is not supposed to be a place for people who have it all together? How should we respond if someone comes into a worship service that is far from God and living a life far from what God would want?

**What are the important similarities between these two stories?

Living Out: How do I obey?

1- The guys in the first story tore a hole in a roof to get their friend to meet Jesus. Matthew invited his friends to his home. What are some ways you can bring your friends to meet Jesus?

2. Plan a service project you can do as a group.

LifeGroups start back up this week as we reboot our HIStory series. Here's this week's study.

Stepping In: Getting things started!

1- Take a moment to reconnect after our break and introduce each other for any new people in your group.

2- What’s the best thing that happened to you in the month of April?

Building Up: What is God Saying? 

Read Matthew 13:53-56. These were the people who saw Jesus grow up, so their response to Him makes us wonder…

*Did they always know He was different?

*Did they not like the way His perfection made them uncomfortable?

Read Matthew 13:57. They took offense at Him. Why is it that different people can see the same evidence, experience the same events, meet the same people and yet come to very different conclusions?

Read Matthew 13:58. What does this verse say about the role of our faith?

How have you seen Jesus show up in your life as a result of your faith in Him?

**Pastor John mentioned 3 results of unbelief in our lives. Which one have you seen in your own life recently? (Critical, Cynical, Sterile)

Living Out: How do I obey?

1- What is one practical way you can demonstrate your FAITH in Jesus this week?

2. Begin your discussion of a service project you can do as a group sometime during the next 9 weeks.

This weekend we start back up with our journey through the Bible. This week we look at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and look at the heart of what He still wants to accomplish in us and through us.

This is a great weekend to invite your friends. From now until the end of June we’ll be working our way through the New Testament. It’s going to be something very, very special.

See you soon!

So much of the mission of the church is summed up in one tiny little word: GO. Jesus has died, risen from the dead and now spent 40 days with His disciples. Finally, at the end of Matthew 28 He’s ready to go back to the Father. His last words are what we call the Great Commission.

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 28:1-20

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 28:19-20

Go. Make disciples. Baptize. Teach.

It really is that clear. We tend to make it complicated, but if we’re not going, making disciples, baptizing and teaching…we’re NOT doing what Jesus told His church to do.

Living Out: APPLY IT

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

Can you say, “A COMMAND TO OBEY?”

Dear Father, I love watching people as they are Stepping In to a relationship with You, Building Up that relationship and Living Out that relationship. Here at Community we are so blessed to see your great commission in action. But Father, I think we have a long, long way to go. Don’t allow us to get too comfortable. I want to keep going. I want to keep making disciples. I want to keep baptizing and teaching. Bring your very presence into our weekend services today and tomorrow. As we gather, prepare us to GO all over again next week.

The four Gospels bring different details to light concerning Jesus crucifixion. If you have the time, you might also want to read Mark 15, Luke 23 and John 19.

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 27:1-66

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 27:27-31

I know you’ve read a lot of verses today, but slow down and read these again. See again what Jesus went through for you and me. It was real. It was painful. It was personal.

Living Out: APPLY IT

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

Today we praise God for His sacrifice.

Dear Father, I struggle reading through these verses because of the pain and horror I see. I just have to again say thank you Lord for loving me so much that You were willing to go through all of this for me. Let me life forever show You that I am grateful. Since You DIED for me, I will LIVE for you.