Life Groups: Generations - Pastor Chris

Titus 2:6-8

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁶ Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. ⁷ In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.


I love this picture! Last Wednesday we were praying for some of the men in our life group that were getting baptized on Sunday. We asked them to sit in the middle of the room and we would pray for them. No one told my son Luke to put his hands on these guys, and no one told him to pray the Lord's prayer over them, he just did it. Why? Because we have set the example for Him. I praise God for the men and women of our Life Group. People that He has placed into our lives to influence us and set the example for our children.

Sadly in so much of church life the children are separate from teens, and the teens from the adults, and the adults from the seniors and so on. How are we supposed to learn from one another? How are examples supposed to be portrayed? Do we really think it is going to happen while we all stare at the back of each others heads on Sunday Morning? Nope, this is what Life Group is all about, Doing Life Together and learning from one another.

What kind of example are you setting for the younger ones in your Life Group?

Comments?

God Bless
Pastor Chris

Life Groups: Taking the Christian Life Seriously-Linden Malki

Life Groups aren't for wimps! Folks in Life Groups are brave enough to take the Christian life seriously. You could be old or young in years, old or young in the faith, or even just curious about what it's about. A Life Group is a safe place to share insights, ask questions, and figure out what God is doing in your life. And God isn't content with just listening to us talk. There is a "Life" that we're called to live as well. He has something up His sleeve that we are supposed to be doing, both as individuals and groups. I have found that after spending time and prayer with a group, it is easier for me to let God into my everyday life, and am amazed at some of the conversations I have with amazing people that God puts in my path. 

Back when the Choir was just a group who sang in church, we talked about going out to care facilities and sharing the Gospel in music. For the last year and a half, the Choir Team Life Group has put feet to our talk, and gone to an average of one facility or home a month with a program of traditional hymns and country Gospel. This has given us an opportunity to put music to what we hear on Sundays and discuss within our group, and share it with people who can't get out to worship. 

But the most important member of each Life Group is Jesus Himself, who promised to be with those who gather in His name. We are called to be His Body; He is the Head at the center of what we do, in worship, in our LIfe Groups, and in our 24/7 lives.
Linden Malki

Life Group: No Excuses - Frank Zummo Jr.

I don’t feel very good. My stomach hurts. My back hurts. I think I’m coming down with something. I should go straight to bed. After a day like today, I need to relax. I’d rather not be around any people tonight. Some “me” time is what I need. There’s a game on tonight. It’s too cold outside. It’s raining. Gas is too expensive. No one will miss me anyway. I’ve got to get up super early tomorrow. The kids have too much homework. I’m just buried at the office. We’re not going anywhere until this house is clean! I can’t find my pants. I have to wash my cat!

“We don’t have a cat Frank” my wife says, “now quit whining and get ready for life group!” Am I the only one who tries to talk my way out of going to life group? Doesn’t their always seem to be a good reason not to meet with your life group week after week? Why does it seem like there’s a weekly obstacle in our way to prevent us from doing life together with our church family? Could you imagine our Heavenly Father telling the angels that He’s too busy to meet tonight? Or Jesus complaining about being too tired to go to someone’s house? Of course not!!! Has God not called us? Has Jesus not died for us? Does the Holy Spirit not dwell in us? Uhhhhm is this a trick question?

I must confess that I have been guilty of trying to get out of going to life group once or twice. Now, granted, there are legitimate reasons for not making it, but more than not, they’re just excuses. And once I am there and singing songs, eating snacks, hugging family members, laughing, crying, praying, listening, learning, loving on others and being loved on by others, I forget all about my excuses and remember why it is so important to be doing life together! We are not in this alone! God’s Grand Design calls for us to come along side of one another and journey together and finish well the marathon that is before us! See you in life group.

Frank P. Zummo

Easter Sunday Life Group Notes - Pastor Paul

THE GOOD NEWS 1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-11 4/8/2012

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy
Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence!
Enjoy this time with God and one another.

Word: On Sunday we had the privilege of hearing the Good News and celebrating the
wonderful experience of Baptism with several believers who are pressing on with their
faith! Today we are going to explore some more into the Apostles proclamation of the
Christian faith!

What thoughts go through your mind when you see people baptized?

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The following questions tie to the verses in 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. Share your
thoughts and observations about what the Apostle is teaching us!

What is it that Paul preaches? [1]

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What does Paul mean when he says, “if you continue to believe?” [2]

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C.
Consider the term “passed on.” What does this tell us about the method God uses
to advance the Good News? [3]

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What are the three parts of the Good News that Paul gives us in verses 3 and 4?

D.

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Read verses 5-7. What testimony is Paul giving us about Jesus?

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How does Paul describe himself in 8-11? Read Acts 9:1-18. How do you think
Paul’s past impacted his understanding of God’s grace?

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Is there something in today’s passage that spoke to you, or challenged you?
What was it?

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1 Peter 3:15 (MSG)
thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ,
your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way
you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

15 Through

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Playing Hookey - Michael White

Playing Hooky!

By Michael White

I loved “playing hooky” from school! In fact, back in my junior year of high school, I
ditched school over 40 days. I thought it was so cool being away to play. Sometimes
I even ditched just to get caught up on legitimate school work.

Ever “played hooky” from church? Yes, me too! There have been days when I just
wanted a break or to play with my family. There are also times when I just need
extra time to get important work done. Who doesn’t…right?

Yet, there’s a part of my high school story that you need to know. Even though I
had great reasons to be away, I ended up with poor grades and even failed English.
You can’t expect to excel when you’re not there to grow. A truth I was painfully
reminded of during summer school and in my senior year as I retook junior English!

Too often we “play hooky” from church and somehow still believe we can excel in
our faith. I’ve heard so many people say, “I don’t need to go to church to worship
God. I can do that anywhere.” Yes that’s true BUT…the Sunday Celebration service
isn’t just about worshipping God. That’s a daily given, not just reserved for Sundays.

Sunday Celebration is one of the primary avenues where we hear the word of God.
It’s delivered through testimonies and the sermon. Since nearly everyone I know
would confess that they don’t read their Bibles nor pray as often as they’d hope to,
ditching church on Sunday, often means abandoning the one time each week we
take in God’s word. And no…going on an Air 1 music binge won’t fill the gap!

Sunday Celebration is more than just a time to worship. It’s also about gathering
with other believers, growing in common belief, overcoming common challenges,
and most importantly, hearing testimonies and God’s word!

Take a few moments to reflect on where/how you commit yourself to hearing God’s
word. Ask yourself if you’re excelling in your faith and if playing “hooky” is having
any impact on that?

Celebration - Pastor Paul

Mom is in the shower, dad is making the coffee, junior and sis are still sleeping in their beds!  The clothes are laid out, the car is clean, and somewhere else people are getting ready.  The neighbors are sleeping in, completely unaware of the importance of the moment.

Mom and dad awaken the kids who slowly emerge from the warm comfort of their beds.  Breakfast is ready, clothes are put on, and it is almost time to go.  Everybody gets their books and climbs into the family car.  Once in the parking lot it is time to greet old friends and make new ones.

Hit the potty, get some coffee, and find a seat because it is time to begin.  The band kicks it up, the preacher mixes it up, and God smiles!  His children have come home for a visit.  As the songs are sung the soul is fed.  When the sermon is preached minds are stretched.  Prayers are prayed, communion is eaten, and souls are saved.  Barriers are broken, fears are conquered, and broken stories are replaced with dreams.

Hugs and smiles encourage those who almost didn't come.  Prayers prayed and hands laid lift spirits and carry friends for another week.  Life Notes are tucked safely into Bibles where they will be ready for that weeks Life Group. Another layer was added to the foundation.  More branches grew on the tree.  The children who participated took another step toward their destiny.

The sleeping neighbors have just finished their cartoons and Sunday paper.  As they look out the window they notice their neighbors coming home from someplace with old books under their arms and hopeful smiles on their faces!  They wonder where they have been, and make a mental note to ask them about it.

Do You Come Ready - Pastor Chris

Hebrews 10: 24, 25

²⁴and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,²⁵not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Two nights ago I did something new, I laid out my running gear before I went to bed.  You see, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings I am scrambling around the house at 5:19am trying to find my running shoe, sweatshirt, or running pants, so I can be outside by 5:20. Yesterday morning was much more peaceful.


I have learned that If I don't plan for distractions or diversions I will end up being late or miss whatever I was planning on doing. How about you. Do things ever get in the way of you getting out of the house prepared? A family argument, clothes are not dry, kids waking up late, or the car is low on gas?


Do you ever think about what you need to prepare yourself for Sunday Celebration. I am not talking about just the physical things, though those are important as well. 


Do you show up ready to minister to someone that may need ministry. Or are you dragging in late after a long night out, showing up empty with the mantra of the Venus flytrap, "feed me Seymour!"


How much of our Sunday Morning stress could be avoided if we did a little preparation the night before. How much more amazing could Sunday Celebration be if we all showed up prepared and ready to minister. 


What do you do to prepare you and your family for Sundays? Where do you fall short? Share with us here to encourage one another. 


God Bless
Pastor Chris