Group Resource

Let’s Talk Notes – Week of June 7, 2015

Message:    When Purpose Collides With Opposition

Scripture:   Exodus 4:10-13

1)   Scientists have identified that human nature tends towards to lean towards fighting or fleeing when there is opposition. Where would you put yourself on this spectrum? Is your reaction different when it comes to spiritual matters and trusting God?

2)    As you reflect back on this weekend’s sermon, what one principle or insight stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp? Were you challenged in any area of your personal walk with God?

3)    Read Hebrews 10:35. The writer identifies that believers need patient endurance in order to continue doing God’s will. What are ways that we can exhibit patient endurance in our trials? What does impatient endurance look like? According to Hebrews 10:36, what is the benefit of walking in patient endurance?

4)    Read Exodus 5:22-23. How did Moses respond to the opposition from Pharaoh and his own people? Was it fair for Moses to protest that God had “done nothing to rescue them.” In what ways was Moses’ perspective correct? In what ways was his perspective incorrect? How should we approach God when it seems that our obedience causes more opposition?

Example: The cries of our heart, the conditions that we face, and the wisdom to deal with the conditions

5)    In response to Moses’ protest, God told Moses to put aside his broken spirit and feelings of inadequacy and return to the people. God affirmed that He was actively involved in bringing about the deliverance of the children of Israel. Read Matthew 11:28. Why should we bring our petitions to God rather than carrying them by ourselves?

6)    Are there any areas of your life that God is challenging you to not shrink back? What can you do to strengthen your faith so that you have the courage to continue?

Sermon: When Purpose Collides With Opposition

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

General Ministry Announcements

• Morning Prayer takes place on 

• Monday (6:00-6:15am),
  Wednesday (6:00-6:30am),
  Friday (6:00-6:15am),
  Saturday (8:00-8:30am), and
  Sunday (10:30-11:00am)

• M, W, F, Sat all take place via conference call, Sunday takes place at church. Lets all commit to praying together on Sunday, as well as one other morning during the week! 

Conference Call Number: (712) 775-7000

Join Code: 623651#
 

Group Resource

Let’s Talk Notes – Week of May 31, 2015

Message:    Here I am Lord, Send Me!

Scripture:   Exodus 4:10-13

1)    As you reflect back on this weekend’s sermon, what one principle or insight stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp? Were you challenged in any area of your personal walk with God?

2)    Courage Check-up. What are some Godly burdens that you committed to at the beginning of this year? How are you doing in pursuing those commitments? What are your greatest challenges? Are there any new areas in which God is asking you to walk in courage to start, stop or continue? How can your real.life group keep you accountable?

3)    List 3 things that you have perceived about yourself? Have any of these items caused you to assume whether you are qualified/unqualified for God’s assignments? How can premature judgments about your calling hinder God from displaying His greatness through your life?

4)    Read Exodus 3:1 - 4:17. What things challenge you about either Moses' responses or God's responses in these chapters?

5)     Pastor Joseph shared that when we feel most inadequate, God can do amazing things

• He can change us,
• He can change our circumstances through us,
• He can demonstrate His power through our weakness, or
• He can send others who will partner with us in our assignments

What are some of the benefits/challenges with each of these methodologies? Are any of His ways particularly difficult for you? Share a personal experience in which God made provision for your inadequacies in time, talent, resources, or finances.

6)    Read Jeremiah 1:4-10. What were the prophet’s weaknesses? How did the Lord deal with those weaknesses? Did the Lord change his weaknesses?

Sermon: Here I am Lord, Send Me!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

General Ministry Announcements

• Morning Prayer takes place on 

• Monday (6:00-6:15am),
  Wednesday (6:00-6:30am),
  Friday (6:00-6:15am),
  Saturday (8:00-8:30am), and
  Sunday (10:30-11:00am)

• M, W, F, Sat all take place via conference call, Sunday takes place at church. Lets all commit to praying together on Sunday, as well as one other morning during the week! 

Conference Call Number: (712) 775-7000

Join Code: 623651#
 

Group Resource

Let’s Talk Notes – Week of May 24, 2015

Message:    Unity through Agreement - Part V

Scripture:   Ephesians 4:11-16

1) What makes you feel included in a community? What makes you feel excluded? How does a thriving community protect from becoming an exclusive community. Do you find it challenging to love the church while still loving and reaching out to the people who are not a part of the church?

2) Read 1 Corinthians 3:4-9. What was happening in the Corinthian church? How did the Apostle Paul respond to their challenges? How does the unity of Paul and Apollos serve the mission of Christ Jesus?

3) Pastor Joseph shared that the mission of the body of Christ is both within and outside of the four walls of the church. “We must grow in unity as a church while still reaching the world outside of the church.” As a group, list 5-7 ways that the body of Christ can serve both within and outside of the four walls of the church. How can you personally improve fellowship at Mars Hill and contribute to the overall mission of furthering God’s message continuing to spread?

4) Read John 21:15-17. What did Jesus expect of Peter? How does a passionate love for God transform how we accomplish the mission and work of the church?

5) The fourth instruction that Pastor Joseph shared was that we must love the work of the church. The work of the church can often be messy. How do you remain committed to the work of the church when the work gets messy? How can we encourage one another in the body of Christ? Read Galatians 6:9.

6) 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 reminds us that we are Christ’s ambassador. Think about some of the places that God is sending you as His ambassador. How effective are you in sharing the light? How can your real.life group pray for you so that you can continue to be a light in the darkness?

Sermon: Unity Through Agreement - Part V

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Read Sermon Notes Online

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

General Ministry Announcements

• Morning Prayer takes place on 

• Monday (6:00-6:15am),
  Wednesday (6:00-6:30am),
  Friday (6:00-6:15am),
  Saturday (8:00-8:30am), and
  Sunday (10:30-11:00am)

• M, W, F, Sat all take place via conference call, Sunday takes place at church. Lets all commit to praying together on Sunday, as well as one other morning during the week! 

Conference Call Number: (712) 775-7000

Join Code: 623651#
 

Group Resource

Let’s Talk Notes – Week of May 17, 2015

Message:    Unity through Agreement - Part IV

Scripture:   Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 13:17-19

1) As you reflect back on the last two weekend sermons about being in agreement with one another, what one principle or insight stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp? Were you challenged in any area of your personal walk with God?

2)  Read Romans 10:14-19. How does the Apostle Paul challenge believers to encourage and build one another up? What are some ways in which other members of Mars Hill Fellowship Church have challenged, encouraged and built you up in the Lord? What are some of the gifts that God has given you that can be used to encourage others? What are potential stumbling blocks that we should be careful of in the church?

3)  Author John Bevere writes, “Being mistreated does not give you permission to hold on to an offense. We must come to the place where we trust God—not our flesh—to protect us from offense.” Read Genesis 45:1-11. How did Joseph deal with the offense from his brothers? How did Joseph model forgiveness? Think about a time when you offended someone or that you were offended. What was difficult to confront/or be confronted with the offense? In what ways did it help/hinder the situation?

• For an ideal way of handling conflict, Peacemakers has a 4-step biblical process: Glorify God; Get the Log Out of Your Eye; Gently Restore and Go and Be Reconciled.
• http://peacemaker.net/project/the-four-gs/

4)  In your own words, what does it mean to practice hospitality? What are some things that you could do to make both your heart and your home more open and hospitable to strangers and to those who don't know you well?

5)  Practicing the 10 one-anothers requires us to be devoted to God’s people and be willing to bear with one another. Are there any areas in which you find it difficult to bear with others? What does God expect of us when a relationship is difficult to maintain?

6)  The Word instructs us that prayer for one another is of primary importance. To close today’s session, each real.life group member should share a way that the group can pray for them and each person should pray for the person on their right.

Sermon: Unity Through Agreement - Part IV

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 Read Sermon Notes Online

Download This Week's Sermon Notes + Let's Talk Notes

ANNOUNCEMENTS

General Ministry Announcements

• Morning Prayer takes place on 

• Monday (6:00-6:15am),
  Wednesday (6:00-6:30am),
  Friday (6:00-6:15am),
  Saturday (8:00-8:30am), and
  Sunday (10:30-11:00am)

• M, W, F, Sat all take place via conference call, Sunday takes place at church. Lets all commit to praying together on Sunday, as well as one other morning during the week! 

Conference Call Number: (712) 775-7000

Join Code: 623651#
 

Group Resource

Let’s Talk Notes – Week of May 11, 2015

Message:    Unity through Agreement - Part III

Scripture:    Ephesians 4:11-16;  John 13:35

1) The sermon reminded us that the gospel is ultimately expressed in community. What is community and how are you called to be a part of a gospel community? How does isolation and lack of community hinder the body of Christ from growing and being healthy? Give some practical ways that the church can be a community.

2) Pastor Joseph identified 3 confessions of faith that every believer needs to make in order to walk in agreement with one another:

1. God has gifted ME with a responsibility in the body of Christ that others need.
2. God has gifted OTHERS in the body of Christ with things that I need.
3. God brings these giftings together to make the church healthy, growing and full of love.

Have you wrestled with the magnitude of any of these confessions? Share a gifting that you have identified in yourself and a gifting that you have identified in one other individual in your real.life group.

3) What does it mean to be a church that accepts one another? Pastor Joseph stated that acceptance means that “we welcome one another in the body of Christ no matter what stage that one might be at in their walk with Christ” Read James 2:2-9. How was the church unaccepting of the poor man? What can you personally do to help the church excel at accepting one another.

4) Read Galatians 5:13-15. What does it mean to use our freedom to serve one another in love? How well do you pay attention to the needs of others? If serving is simply meeting a need, what are some needs that are in the church, your community, your neighborhood, your family or your workplace?

5) Listen to the following song “Membership” by artist Stephen the Levite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DZydYuElzg

Discuss the lyrics of Verse 1

Listen, this is written for long term visitors/

non-committers who get the word, but never get to work/

at least not in conjunction with a church/

they stay away and say they afraid of getting hurt//

but pain is never excuse for disobedience/

church wasn't created to cater to your convenience/

And God didn't give you gifts to be greedy with/

mission without the church is missing a main ingredient//

I know I rushed in without much of an introduction/

but membership is what we're discussin'/

committing to a community through a cov'nant/

and doing the 'one another's of scripture with brethren//

(membership!) it actually happens at salvation/

but practically it happens in active participation/

Sermon: Unity Through Agreement - Part III

 Subscribe to the Mars Hill Fellowship Sermon Podcast via iTunes

Read Sermon Notes Online

Download This Week's Sermon Notes + Let's Talk Notes

ANNOUNCEMENTS

General Ministry Announcements

• Morning Prayer takes place on 

• Monday (6:00-6:15am),
  Wednesday (6:00-6:30am),
  Friday (6:00-6:15am),
  Saturday (8:00-8:30am), and
  Sunday (10:30-11:00am)

• M, W, F, Sat all take place via conference call, Sunday takes place at church. Lets all commit to praying together on Sunday, as well as one other morning during the week! 

Conference Call Number: (712) 775-7000

Join Code: 623651#
 

Group Resource

Let’s Talk Notes – Week of May 3, 2015

Message:    Unity through Agreement - Part II

Scripture:   Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 13:17-19

1)      Give an example of a leader, trainer, or mentor that has impacted your life in a significant way. (They don’t have to be a spiritual leader). How did they help you grow?

2)      Read Matthew 8:5-10. What did the Centurion have to say about the role of delegated leadership? How did the Centurion officer show that he was both under authority and have authority? What was Jesus’ response to the Centurion’s statement?

3)      Read Pastor Joseph’s list of 6 key responsibilities of biblical leaders. Why is the presence of biblical leadership important to the church and important to your personal relationship with God? How have failures of biblical leaders shaped your understanding of submitting to Godly leadership? What happens when we distance ourselves from Godly leadership? Read Numbers 12:1-9

4)      What are some things that you can learn from the example of biblical leadership at Mars Hill Fellowship Church? Are there areas in your spiritual walk that you can give more diligence to based on their example?

5)      How is praying for biblical leaders a sign of agreement? How can you pray this week for the biblical leaders that are in your life?

Sermon: Unity Through Agreement - Part II

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 Read Sermon Notes Online

Download This Week's Sermon Notes + Let's Talk Notes

ANNOUNCEMENTS

General Ministry Announcements

• Morning Prayer takes place on 

• Monday (6:00-6:15am),
  Wednesday (6:00-6:30am),
  Friday (6:00-6:15am),
  Saturday (8:00-8:30am), and
  Sunday (10:30-11:00am)

• M, W, F, Sat all take place via conference call, Sunday takes place at church. Lets all commit to praying together on Sunday, as well as one other morning during the week! 

Conference Call Number: (712) 775-7000

Join Code: 623651#
 

Group Resource

Let’s Talk Notes – Week of April 26, 2015

Message:    Unity through Agreement

Scripture:   Ephesians 4:11-16; Acts 4:32-35

1)      What phrase(s) best describes your concept of unity. Give an example in which unity has made an impact in achieving a goal/outcome.

2)      What does the church look like when the church reaches unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son. What are some of the threats to maintaining unity in the church? Give an example of how the church can make a powerful impact in the earth through agreement.

3)      Read Acts 5:17 – 32. What opposition did the Apostles face? How did they remain unified through agreement despite the opposition to their message? What would have happened to the message of the gospel if they agreed to what the religious council asked them to do?

4)      Have you ever wrestled with how the doctrines of the church shape your approach to a particular political/social issue?

5)      Pastor Joseph mentioned that the modern-day church should have the same boldness to agree with God above all things. What are some of the consequences if you do not prioritize agreement with God? From the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-8), find 2-3 instructions that we should agree with God about how to treat our fellow man.

6)      The sermon highlighted 5 ways that we can walk in agreement with God: We identify, submit, depend, walk like and talk like Him. Give a real-life scenario of how you can practice each area of agreement. Are there any areas that you find challenging to implement in your life?

Sermon: Unity Through Agreement

 Subscribe to the Mars Hill Fellowship Sermon Podcast via iTunes

 Read Sermon Notes Online

Download This Week's Sermon Notes + Let's Talk Notes

ANNOUNCEMENTS

General Ministry Announcements

• Morning Prayer takes place on 

• Monday (6:00-6:15am),
  Wednesday (6:00-6:30am),
  Friday (6:00-6:15am),
  Saturday (8:00-8:30am), and
  Sunday (10:30-11:00am)

• M, W, F, Sat all take place via conference call, Sunday takes place at church. Lets all commit to praying together on Sunday, as well as one other morning during the week! 

Conference Call Number: (712) 775-7000

Join Code: 623651#
 

Group Resource

Let’s Talk Notes – Week of November 23, 2014

Message:     Standing on the Promises of God

Scripture:    Psalms 145:13b

1)      Read Numbers 23:19 and Hebrews 6:13-18. What do the Scriptures say about God’s character regarding his promises? What did Abraham learn about God’s character?

2)      If God is faithful, then His ability to fulfill his promises is never in question. We either need to better understand the breadth of the promises (and whether God made it for us) or wait for the manifestation. How does patience help us to walk according to the promises of God? Can you think of the other fruits of the Spirit that are necessary in this process? (Refer to Galatians 5:22-23).

3)      God’s Word and the breadth of His promises need to be explored in their entirety. For example, we can’t pick certain verses and claim a promise from God outside of its context. How can you discern whether you have properly understood the breath of God’s promises? What are some things to avoid when discerning the promises of God (e.x. prooftext, partial obedience, etc.) 

4)      Read each of the 10 promises and its corresponding scriptures one-by-one. As a group, discuss how each promise affects your life. How can you continue to nurture each promise?

5)      Choose a promise that you can memorize and meditate on for the week.  Share the scripture with the group and why you are choosing to meditate on it.

Sermon: Standing on the Promises of God

 Subscribe to the Mars Hill Fellowship Sermon Podcast via iTunes

 Read Sermon Notes Online

Download This Week's Sermon Notes + Let's Talk Notes

ANNOUNCEMENTS

General Ministry Announcements

• Morning Prayer takes place on 

• Monday (6:00-6:15am),
  Wednesday (6:00-6:30am),
  Wednesday (7:00-7:15am) *NEW
  Friday (6:00-6:15am),
  Saturday (8:00-8:30am), and
  Sunday (10:30-11:00am)

• M, W, F, Sat all take place via conference call, Sunday takes place at church. Lets all commit to praying together on Sunday, as well as one other morning during the week! 

Conference Call Number: (712) 775-7000

Join Code: 623651#
 

Group Resource

Let’s Talk Notes – Week of November 16, 2014

Message:     Building Our Faith While Awaiting the Harvest

Scripture:    Proverbs 20:4, James 5:7-9

1)      Review the sermon notes from this past weekend. What one principle or insight resonated with you?

2)      Read the New Living Translation of Proverbs 20:4. Share your reflections on this verse.

“Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.”

3)      The Hebrew Writer declares that God’s righteous ones will live by faith. What are the qualities of someone who lives by faith?  In verse 36, the writer instructs us that we, “need to persevere so that after [we] have done the will of God, [we] will receive what he has promised.” What is the importance of the sequence outlined: (1) doing the will of God; (2) persevering; then (3) receiving what is promised? How does neglecting the prescribed sequence shortchange the quality or presence of the expected harvest?

4)      Meditating on the Word of God focuses our faith on the right expectations. Too often, our faith is grounded on what we desire rather than on God’s will being done.  What scriptures have grounded you in the seasons of seedtime or harvest?

5)      The sermon reminded us that walking by faith will always involve a level of risk. Pastor Joseph stated that, “we should not be afraid of encountering risk, but instead, evaluate whether our faith is properly grounded in Biblical promises so that it will sustain us until the time of harvest.” Has the fear of risk affected your faith? How can you overcome that fear so that you can properly walk in faith. Read Matthew 14:22-33. How did the fear of risk affect Peter’s faith?

6)      Pastor Joseph shared the principle that “Biblical faith grows in community!” When we proactively live out our faith in community, we position ourselves to thrive and reach the expected harvest. What are challenges that hinder us from living in community? If you have had an experience in which biblical community helped to build your faith, please share the experience with the group. Has someone ever encouraged you during a difficult season and help build up your faith?

7)      The prayer of the righteous man or woman is: “Lord, increase our faith!” Share with the group one way in which you would like the Lord to build up your faith and pray for each other’s request.

Sermon: Building Our Faith While Awaiting the Harvest

 Subscribe to the Mars Hill Fellowship Sermon Podcast via iTunes

 Read Sermon Notes Online

Download This Week's Sermon Notes + Let's Talk Notes

ANNOUNCEMENTS

General Ministry Announcements

• Morning Prayer takes place on 

• Monday (6:00-6:15am),
  Wednesday (6:00-6:30am),
  Wednesday (7:00-7:15am) *NEW
  Friday (6:00-6:15am),
  Saturday (8:00-8:30am), and
  Sunday (10:30-11:00am)

• M, W, F, Sat all take place via conference call, Sunday takes place at church. Lets all commit to praying together on Sunday, as well as one other morning during the week! 

Conference Call Number: (712) 775-7000

Join Code: 623651#
 

Group Resource

Let’s Talk Notes – Week of November 9, 2014

Message:     Planted in Good Soil

Scripture:    Matthew 13:10-23

1)      As you reflect back on last weekend’s sermon, what one principle or insight stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?

2)      The parable of the sower reminds us that God plants His promises in our heart. The seed that was sown on ‘good soil’ represented those with a noble and good heart. Pastor Joseph identified that the only way to have a noble and good heart is to allow God to transform your heart. How does salvation change our heart from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh? Can you identify practical ways that your heart has changed since you have been saved?

3)      We are dependent on God’s transformational work to not only regenerate our hearts at salvation, but to also cleanse our hearts each day from the decay of life.  In explaining the parable of the sower, Jesus explained how the corruption of this life can cause hearts to become calloused and hardened. What are things that can corrupt our heart? READ PSALMS 139:23-24 aloud. How does praying this prayer bring freedom and liberty?

4)      True faith will always challenge us. READ JAMES 2:14-26. How was Abraham challenged by his faith? How did he hear, retain, and persevere in the promises of God? What was the fruit of Abraham’s obedience? Describe a situation that you have found challenging and whether your faith in God lead you to make different choices or to re-prioritize. What was the outcome of your choices?

5)      James 1:22-23 challenges us to not only listen to the Word of God, but to do what it says. Pastor Joseph shared that “The Word of God, though potent, will not fully produce fruit in our lives until it is planted. When a person hears, understands and believes the Word, then the seed is planted and rooted in the good soil of their hearts.” How can we plant God’s Word in our heart? What is the difference between merely listening to the Word versus hearing the Word and putting it into practice? Are there any seeds that God has been challenging you to plant and put into practice?

6)      Retaining the Word of God requires us to continually elevate God’s Word above our own thoughts and patterns. Pastor Joseph shared that we will always be tempted to abandon Godly methods for seemingly quicker or easier methods. READ JEREMIAH 17:7–8. How does striving to cultivate ‘good soil’ in our hearts benefit us? How do we know the difference between good soil and other soil?

Sermon: Planted in Good Soil

 Subscribe to the Mars Hill Fellowship Sermon Podcast via iTunes

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Download This Week's Sermon Notes + Let's Talk Notes

ANNOUNCEMENTS

General Ministry Announcements

• We are fasting this Wednesday in preparation for our transition to the Lawrence School. More information about the details of the consecration and prayer topics is here:  http://eepurl.com/6lfH1
• Worship Team Auditions continue this Saturday, November 15. Please e-mail info@marshillfellowship.com if you are interested in auditioning.
• Morning Prayer takes place on 
  

  Monday (6:00-6:15am),
  Wednesday (6:00-6:30am),
  Wednesday (7:00-7:15am) *NEW
  Friday (6:00-6:15am),
  Saturday (8:00-8:30am), and
  Sunday (10:30-11:00am)

• M, W, F, Sat all take place via conference call, Sunday takes place at church. Lets all commit to praying together on Sunday, as well as one other morning during the week! 

Conference Call Number: (712) 775-7000

Join Code: 623651#