next steps - Harrisonville Community Church
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T STEPS
Sermon Series: AWAKEN JOY Message: “Boosts, Blasts and Blends” Text: Nehemiah 8:1-17 FIRST STEP: (GROUP DISCUSSIONS – Pick one or two to discuss) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What was the best Christian celebration that you have ever been to? Why was it great? What does “THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH” mean to you when you hear it? What new truths or practices have you incorporated from the AWAKEN JOY series? How have you handled the “joy killers” in your life during this series? In what ways has JOY BEEN AWAKENED in you? Where do you need awakening still?
SECOND STEP: (BIBLE INTAKE – Dig as deep as you desire) 1. Read (Nehemiah 8:1-8): Imagine never hearing the Word of God ever in your life and then having a bible teacher explain it to you. What would be your thoughts, emotions and reactions? What principles and practices from this experience at the Water Gate could we potentially apply in the church today? What exactly do you believe that Ezra taught them? 2. Read (Nehemiah 8:1-2): Describe what was meant by the phrase they “gathered as one man”. Read Psalm 133 – How does this Psalm relate to the attitudes and behaviors of this new covenant community? What is the significance of men, women and children being present to hear the Word of God? How can we make the Word of God relevant today for all people? 3. Read (Nehemiah 8:3-8): What does the detailed description of Ezra, the leaders and the people reveal about their attitude towards the Lord and the Law of Moses? What role should the Word of God play in corporate, small group and individual times with the Lord? (See also Psalm 19, Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17) How does God’s Word awaken joy? 4. Read (Nehemiah 8:9-12): What is the big takeaway from Nehemiah 8:9-12? Why did the leaders not want the people to grieve and to weep? Why did they want them to celebrate? What role should celebration, enjoyment and fun play in our journey of following Christ? How can we as a church body practically apply the truth of these three verses in our culture and day? 5. Read (1 Chronicles 16:25-27): How does David’s song of praise help us understand the meaning of “The joy of the Lord is your strength”? How would an OT saint describe JOY and STRENGTH? Is the JOY OF THE LORD his joy of us or our joy of him and his salvation? Why do you think that? 6. DISCUSS: Pastor Mark talked about the BOOSTS of God’s Word, the BLASTS of conviction and the BLENDS of celebration. Which of these awaken the most joy in you? Which of these need your attention and focus? What does HCC need the most; a BOOST, BLAST or BLEND? Why?
THIRD STEP: (APPLICATION – Be doers of the Word) Pick three baby steps you can do from the AWAKEN JOY SERIES, NEXT STEPS and EXCERICES!
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T STEPS
Sermon Series: AWAKEN JOY Message: “Boosts, Blasts and Blends” Text: Nehemiah 8:1-17 FIRST STEP: (GROUP DISCUSSIONS – Pick one or two to discuss) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What was the best Christian celebration that you have ever been to? Why was it great? What does “THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH” mean to you when you hear it? What new truths or practices have you incorporated from the AWAKEN JOY series? How have you handled the “joy killers” in your life during this series? In what ways has JOY BEEN AWAKENED in you? Where do you need awakening still?
SECOND STEP: (BIBLE INTAKE – Dig as deep as you desire) 1. Read (Nehemiah 8:1-8): Imagine never hearing the Word of God ever in your life and then having a bible teacher explain it to you. What would be your thoughts, emotions and reactions? What principles and practices from this experience at the Water Gate could we potentially apply in the church today? What exactly do you believe that Ezra taught them? 2. Read (Nehemiah 8:1-2): Describe what was meant by the phrase they “gathered as one man”. Read Psalm 133 – How does this Psalm relate to the attitudes and behaviors of this new covenant community? What is the significance of men, women and children being present to hear the Word of God? How can we make the Word of God relevant today for all people? 3. Read (Nehemiah 8:3-8): What does the detailed description of Ezra, the leaders and the people reveal about their attitude towards the Lord and the Law of Moses? What role should the Word of God play in corporate, small group and individual times with the Lord? (See also Psalm 19, Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17) How does God’s Word awaken joy? 4. Read (Nehemiah 8:9-12): What is the big takeaway from Nehemiah 8:9-12? Why did the leaders not want the people to grieve and to weep? Why did they want them to celebrate? What role should celebration, enjoyment and fun play in our journey of following Christ? How can we as a church body practically apply the truth of these three verses in our culture and day? 5. Read (1 Chronicles 16:25-27): How does David’s song of praise help us understand the meaning of “The joy of the Lord is your strength”? How would an OT saint describe JOY and STRENGTH? Is the JOY OF THE LORD his joy of us or our joy of him and his salvation? Why do you think that? 6. DISCUSS: Pastor Mark talked about the BOOSTS of God’s Word, the BLASTS of conviction and the BLENDS of celebration. Which of these awaken the most joy in you? Which of these need your attention and focus? What does HCC need the most; a BOOST, BLAST or BLEND? Why?
THIRD STEP: (APPLICATION – Be doers of the Word) Pick three baby steps you can do from the AWAKEN JOY SERIES, NEXT STEPS and EXCERICES!
