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Tag Archives: In the Fishbowl

//Punishment

April 18, 2010 – 1:29 pm

In the Fishbowl
Week 6: Punishment
April 18, 2010
Pastor Jon Hand
James 1:19-21
Matthew 5:43-48
Romans 12:9-21
Proverbs 24:21-22

Podcast Listen to Sermon: Punishment

Questions for conversation:
Why is our initial instinct to punish people who hurt us?
According to the passages, how and why should we forgive those who hurt us?

Digging In:
Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace - Miroslav Volf
This is one of the best books I’ve read on the forgiveness from a Christian perspective. Everyone (secular and religious) agrees that forgiveness is a good idea and healthy for human behavior. However, the pathways to forgiveness are not equal in power to fill the human heart with love. Volf gives a vivid description of forgiveness and love from a Biblical perspective.

Community Group Discussion Guide

In the Fishbowl: Punishment

Getting Started

  1. What does our culture teach is the best way to respond to hurtful behavior, both on a personal and societal scale? How does this compare to what God teaches us through Scripture?
  2. When someone hurts you, is it your natural inclination to get angry and fight back, or to smolder and withdraw? Can you think of a time when this has happened?

From the Book

  1. Read Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12:9-21. According to these passages, how are we to respond to those who hurt us? What actions are we to take? What does God teach us about vengeance?
  2. Proverbs 25:21-22. Many Biblical scholars understand the phrase “heap burning coals on his head” as a way of saying that our love and good deeds towards our enemies may cause them to be ashamed of their actions and apologize. Do you think this is possible? Have you ever experienced this? What would the result be if we respond with anger and fight, or withdraw into passive aggression?
  3. Read Matthew 5:43-48. In verse 44, what actions does Jesus teach us to take towards our enemies? Have you ever prayed for an “enemy”? What was it like? In verse 48, Jesus says we should be “perfect.” Is this possible? Can we really respond in love towards our enemies ALL the time? What would make this possible?

So What?

  1. On a 3×5 card, write down the name of a person or institution who has wronged you or towards whom you feel resentment and anger. Ask God to help you surrender your resentment. Carry the card with you this week, and pray for that person or institution when you think about it.
  2. Take a few minutes to consider whether there are situations in your life where you feel like you are being “overcome with evil.” (Rom. 12:21) Ask your community group to pray for you, praying that God would give you the strength to “overcome evil with good.”
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//Obsessed with Image

April 11, 2010 – 4:27 pm

In the Fishbowl
Week 5: Obsessed with Image
April 11, 2010
Pastor Jon Hand
James 2:1-11

Digging In:

Who do you find yourself plotting and going out of your way to impress? What happens to you when you feel like they don’t accept you? Does it bother you? Or do you fall apart, lose sleep, and can’t let it go?

From a spiritual perspective where does our desire come from to impress others and gain their approve?

How much of your time do you spend thinking about your body, your appearance, your image?How much time do you spend praying, thinking, or reflecting on who you are as a person and who you are becoming? Think about who you are today? What direction are you going? Who you are today will determine what kind of person you will be 5, 10, 15 years from now. Picture who you could be? Picture who God wants you to be? Picture who you want to be? Ask an honest question. Can you get
there without God?

Community Group Discussion Guide

In the Fishbowl: Obsessed with Image

Getting Started

  1. In the real world what is the “ideal” image most people feel pressure to conform to? Or what is the ideal image to have in our culture? What value is placed on appearances? How is acceptance connected with appearance?
  2. Have you ever found yourself trying to appear or act a certain way to gain acceptance with a person or group? What was that experience like?

From the Book

  1. Read Matthew 23:1-12. According to Jesus, what is motivating the scribes and Pharisees to do the things they do? Why do you think they valued honor and prestige over truly seeking to follow God? Why is it so tempting for us to try and project some ideal image of what we think others want us to be, or an image that gives us greater social status?
  2. Read Matthew 23:25-28. Why are the actions of the scribes and Pharisees particularly despicable in Jesus’ eyes? Instead of outward appearance, where does Jesus say our focus should be? What does that mean for those who take Jesus seriously?
  3. Read 1 Samuel 16:1-7. In this passage, Samuel is sent to find a new king for Israel. When he saw Eliab, the oldest and strongest of Jesse’s sons, what did he think? Why? What did God tell him instead?

So What?

  1. Read 1 Tim. 4:7-10 The context is image. What does it look like to put your hope in God when it comes to “Image”? How much time do you spend worrying about your appearance - your clothes, your makeup, your body? What would it be like if you dedicated the same amount of time to your inner, spiritual life? Ask God to help you make your spiritual life more of a priority.
  2. Who are the people in your life that you find yourself thinking how you can impress and gain their approval? Are there things in your life that you’re doing because you desire prestige and a good image? If so, how would your life be different if you first found your confidence and acceptance in Christ’s love for you? At work? With your boss? With your peer group? With your spouse? With your significant other?
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//An Addiction to Power

March 28, 2010 – 1:52 pm

In the Fishbowl
Week 4: An Addiction to Power
March 28, 2010
Pastor Kelly Chripczuk
Passage: Scenes from Peter’s life in all four gospels . . . and John 21:1-22

Podcast Listen to Sermon: An Addiction to Power

Digging In:

Think about the people you surround yourself with. What forms of power are valued and sought after by your community? How does a desire for power shape your own life?

Ask God to help you really see your life this week. What do you need to surrender? Ask God to help you begin letting go of power and control – to set you free.

Start to pay non-judgmental attention to your addictions, ask God to help you see them for what they really are. What things do you do out of compulsion and fear?

If you’re a male struggling with addictive behaviors, talk to Vern and find out more about his Tuesday night men’s group.

Check out the book Addiction and Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions, by Gerald May. May takes an in depth look at the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of addiction. Find a close friend you trust to read this book with.

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//Obsession with Stuff

March 21, 2010 – 4:21 pm

In the Fishbowl
Week 3: Obsession with Stuff:
March 21, 2010
Pastor Jon Hand
Luke 12:13-34

Podcast Listen to Sermon: Obsession with Stuff

Resources
Total Money Makeover - by Dave Ramsey. This morning we interviewed someone at Engage who has benefited greatly from this resource. Ramsey lays out a biblically centered and practical way to save money, reduces expenses, and relieve the weight of debt. His plan helps us live freely, generously, and healthily with our personal finances. If you feel stuck under the weight of debt. If you live tight-fisted with your money. If you feel like you have no extra money to give to things that matter most. This book will help you begin to learn how to handle your money in a way that honors God and benefits you.

Seed thoughts to ponder:

Our financial strain is hardly ever a money issue, it’s a contentment issue.

Our education, jobs, money, and possessions are just a means to an end. They are just tools for God to use in his larger mission.

Our least valuable possession is money and possessions.

How do you grow in faith, trust, and joy in God? You risk what’s most “valuable” to you by releasing it and trust that in turn God will creatively provide what you need.

Ask yourself: Am I trusting my possessions too much? Do I run to the store to try and purchase peace in my soul? Do I buy things for image sake–seeking acceptance? Do I buy things to make me feel safe–looking for security? Do I buy things because I’m bored–self-focused?

What if:
Imagine if for starters you began living on 80% of your income. Save 10% give 5% to church and give 5% to benefit and bless other people and organizations who are doing work for God that will last beyond you.

What if in response to God’s generosity in your life you challenged yourself to step out in faith by giving 1-2% more of your income for God to use.

What if you decided to give not just conveniently but to begin giving sacrificially to something or someone that’s aligned with God’s mission in the world.

What if you began opening your bank accounts to God by praying for the strength, courage to live more generously with your possessions, time, and money.

Community Group Discussion Guide

In the Fishbowl: Stuff

Getting Started

  1. What are your most treasured possessions? (Actual things you own.) What makes them so valuable to you?
  2. How do you feel when you buy something new? How long does that feeling last?
  3. What do you think our culture teaches us about money and possessions? What are some negative consequences of following our society’s path when it comes to our finances?
  4. How has your faith shaped the way you look at money? Have you changed?

From the Book
Read Luke 12:13-34

  1. In the story Jesus told, where did the rich man place his security? How did Jesus contrast that with the birds and flowers? Where does Jesus tell us to put our hope and trust?
  2. In this passage, what are the things Jesus tells us not to do? What does he say that we should do? What are the consequences of each?
  3. Reread verse 34. What do you think Jesus meant by this? Do you see this in other people? In yourself? Where does Jesus say is the best place to, “store our treasure?”

So What?

  1. In verse 31 Jesus says, “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” What does it look like, practically, to “seek His kingdom?”
  2. The way we spend our money says a lot about what we truly value. Take some time this week to audit yourself. Where are you spending your money? Does this reflect the values you want to have?
  3. In Luke 12:33 Jesus says, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” Go through your home and find something (or several things) that you don’t need or aren’t using anymore. Sell them on Craigslist (or have a yard sale). Then take the money you make and give it to charity.
  4. In response to God’s generosity in your life, challenge yourself to give a greater percentage of your income back to Him.
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//About Sex

March 14, 2010 – 4:26 pm

In the Fishbowl
Week 2: About Sex
March 14, 2010
Pastor Jon Hand
1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Podcast Listen to Sermon: About Sex

1 Corinthians 6:12-20
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins people commit are outside their bodies, but those who sin sexually sin against their own bodies. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

  1. Who is Paul addressing?
  2. What is the prevailing attitude about sex in Corinth?
  3. How does Paul answer, “Why does sexuality matter to God?”

Digging Deeper

There has been several books that have been highly influential our appreciation of God’s perspective on sex.

1. Sex God- by Rob Bell. This is the best book I’ve read on a popular level that answers the big WHY question. Why is sex such a big deal to God? How are we to understand sexuality as humans from a Christian perspective?  This book is excellent if you are single or married.  Please read this book.

2. A Holy Longing- Ronald Rolheiser. The book is great but his chapter on Sex and Spirituality is worth buying the book.

Community Group Discussion Guide

American Idols: Sex

Getting Started

  1. What messages about sex do we hear in our culture? According to our culture, what is the goal of sex? What are the destructive consequences that result from buying into some of the messages that we hear?
  2. There are many studies that report that happily married couples experience the most satisfying sex lives. How is this different from what we see and hear on TV and in the movies?
  3. What is the difference between lust and love? How can we tell which is the primary motivator behind our sexuality?

From the Book

  1. Read Genesis 2:15-25. What is God’s attitude towards sex? As the Creator of sex and our loving Father, what do you think is God’s desire for our sex lives? How is this different from thinking about sex and God in terms of rules and morality?
  2. Read Proverbs 5:15-23. What metaphor for sex is used in this passage? What are the benefits of attending to our own “fountains” and not allowing them to “overflow in the streets?” According to verses 22-23, what are the consequences when our sex lives deviate from God’s intended purposes?
  3. Read 1 Cor. 7:1-7. What role does sex play in the union between a husband and wife? How important is sex in marriage? Is God’s view of sex more about giving or taking? How is this different than the message we hear in our culture?

So What?

  1. If you feel like your current perception of sexuality has been more shaped by our culture than by God, take some time this week to read Proverbs 5-9. Meditate on the benefits of wisdom and the dangers of folly, particularly in the area of sexuality.
  2. If in the past your perception has been that God doesn’t approve of sex or that Christianity’s take on sex is stodgy and stiff, spend some time reading Song of Songs in the Bible. Meditate on the joy and delight for sex that God intends for us in our marriages.
  3. Many of us carry deep wounds in the area of sexuality. Some of us these wounds have been from the acts of others, some from our own actions. God’s heart is to heal us and restore us to a healthy sexuality. He wants us to know the joy and freedom of His purposes for sex. If you would like help in your journey with God back to a healthy sexuality, please talk with your community group leader or with Jon. We want to help you find the resources you need for healing and recovery.
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//Personal Freedom

March 7, 2010 – 7:40 pm

In the Fishbowl
Week 1: Personal Freedom
March 7, 2010
Pastor Jon Hand
Acts 2

Podcast Listen to Sermon: Personal Freedom

Community Group Discussion Guide

American Idols: Individualism

Getting Started

  1. It is said that America was founded on the value of “rugged individualism.” Do you think this is true? How do we see this value reflected in our society today?
  2. What are the negative effects of an individualistic view of the world? How has individualism negatively shaped our own culture?

From the Book

  1. Read Acts 2:1-13 and Matthew 18:19-20. At the beginning of Acts we read bout God sending His Spirit to the disciples as they were gathered together praying. Have you ever experienced a special presence of God when you were with other people? What does this tell us about God and His heart?
  2. When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples what did they begin to do? What does this reveal about God’s heart and His desire for the people who follow Him? How does this conflict with an individualistic understanding of the world?
  3. Read Acts 2:43-47. After experiencing God’s spirit and dedicating their lives to following Him, how did the first Christians view their possessions? Sharing meals? Worshiping together? How does this view of the world conflict with our American individualism?

So What?

  1. Consider some ways that you are selfish with your time, possessions, or talents. How can you begin to better share these with others?
  2. One of the most challenging aspects of sharing our resources and working together with others is personal conflict. Talk about the benefits of working through conflict rather than closing down or giving up.
  3. Ask God how He is calling you to reach out to others at Engage and elsewhere who are different than you. Pray that He would give you the courage to step out of your comfort zone.
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