The Dwelling Church: Recent Episodes
The Dwelling
Table TalkThe Way of Courage Scripture:
Judges 6:11-16
Discussion:
- How does knowing your identity make you brave?
- Do you have an example of how God’s love has given you courage?
- In the message, Lauren defined encouragement as putting courage into someone. Who is the Lord prompting you to encourage right now?
- How has community emboldened you?
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkServants and SonsScripture:
Luke 15
Discussion:
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkA Better Way Scripture:
Psalm 91
Matthew 11:28-30
Psalm 127
Discussion:
- What does the “unhurried life” look like?
- How is the “unhurried life” different from laziness?
- In what areas are you feeling crushed right now? What is your first step to getting in the yoke with Jesus? (Matt. 11:28-30)
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkThe Way of Princes and PaupersScripture:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 5:3
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” - Ephesians 2:1-7
“This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me. “What is your name?” the man asked. He replied, “Jacob.” “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.” “Please tell me your name,” Jacob said.
“Why do you want to know my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.
Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.” The sun was rising as Jacob left Peniel, and he was limping because of the injury to his hip.” - Genesis 32:22-30 NLT
Discussion:
- What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”?
- Why is humility an essential part of walking in our identity in Christ?
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkThe Way of AbidingScripture:
“And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.” - Ephesians 2:22
“…Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…” - 1 Cor. 6:19
“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” - Matthew 9:36
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20
Main Points:
- We make room for God.
- We make room for people.
- We make room for more.
“Everything Jesus modeled for us, the Holy Spirit empowers in us.”
“The Father is looking for a house He can put His name on. We will be that house.”
Discussion:
- What practical step are you going to take to make room for God’s relational presence in your life?
- Who is the Father calling you to pour your life into? Who will you ask to pour into you and disciple you?
- What is your next step of obedience when it comes to serving in God’s family?
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkThe Way of AbidingScripture:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. - John 15:1-8
Discussion:
- What does it mean to abide?
- What are some practical ways you stay connected?
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkThe Way of WorshipScripture:
Genesis 22
Discussion:
- What essentially is worship?
- How has worship impacted your life?
- What does worship look like on a daily basis for you?
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkThe Way of Life Scripture:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6
Discussion: (It’s TESTIMONY time!)
- How has Jesus been “the way” for you?
- How has Jesus been “the truth” for you?
- How has Jesus been “the life” for you?
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkThe Way of the Cross Scripture:
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.” - Matthew 4:1-11 ESV
“And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” - Matthew 16:22-26 ESV
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:5-11 ESV
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” - Romans 12:1 ESV
Discussion:
- Why is death to self necessary to walk with Jesus?
- What is the difference between self-denial and self-loathing? What is a healthy way to approach this?
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Consider the following quote from Sunday’s message. Do you agree? Why or why not?
- “It’s not evil to want to be seen and heard. It’s called being human.
But it’s pride and arrogance when I demand it.
And it’s idolatry when I try to find it in anything or anyone else but Him.”
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkThe Word and the Way Scripture:
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” - Joshua 1:8-9
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” - Psalm 1:1-2
Discussion:
- What is biblical meditation?
- How does scripture memory help us combat the enemy’s lies?
- Where will you begin in your scripture memory journey?
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkThe Way of Rest Scripture:
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. - Genesis 2:2-3
Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.' - Mark 2:27-28
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. - Exodus 20:11
Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28
Discussion:
- Sabbath was the Father’s idea. What does that reveal about Him?
- What are your obstacles to fully experiencing Sabbath as a gift?
- What steps are you going to take to pursue Sabbath as a regular rhythm?
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkThe Way of Fasting Scripture:
“Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” - Matthew 9:14-15
“And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.” Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” - Matthew 17:14-21
“Suddenly, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man who is highly precious. Consider carefully the words that I am about to say to you. Stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had said this to me, I stood up trembling. “Do not be afraid, Daniel,” he said, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision concerns those days.” - Daniel 10:10-14
Discussion:
- What is the Father saying to you?
- Why do we fast? What’s the goal?
- What does fasting accomplish?
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkThe Language of The Way Scripture:
“The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant.” - Psalm 25:14
“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” - John 15:15
After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” - John 13:21-27
Discussion:
- What is the Father saying to you?
- How does how you see yourself affect how you hear God? Does it?
- If we have the Bible in written form, why should we desire to hear God’s voice?
- Have you ever received a message from God from another person? How did it impact you? (negatively or positively) And what did you learn or gain from the experience?
Take some time in your community today to pray together and ask the Father for encouragement from His heart to others in the room.
Table TalkThe Way of Solitude Scripture:
“He says, ‘Be still and know that I am God…’” - Psalms 46:10
“But He [Jesus] would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” - Luke 5:16
Discussion:
- What is the Father saying to you about solitude?
- What is the difference between solitude and isolation?
- What are your biggest struggles in practicing solitude and silence?
- What practical steps are you taking to incorporate the discipline of solitude into your life?
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
God has called us to live holy lives. Grace makes it possible.
Table Talk Holiness and GraceScripture:
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time...” - 2 Timothy 1:9
When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” - Luke 7:36-50
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. - Hebrews 4:16
Questions for Discussion:
- “I am as clean as Jesus.” - What are your reservations, if any, about that statement? Is the truth of who you are dependent upon your behavior or what God says about you?
- “God calls us to live holy lives. Grace makes it possible.” - Have you seen evidence of this in your own life? Explain.
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkBecoming A House of PrayerScripture: "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.'" - Matthew 21:13
- SECRET PLACE - What would it look like for your home to become a house of prayer? Ask the Father to show you what your first step should be.
- FAMILY SPACE - What are your reservations, if any, about praying together with others? Ask the Father to show you what to do to take a step in that direction.
- MARKETPLACE - What could be possible if you determined to pray for your place of work/school and invited Him into your day on a consistent basis? Ask the Father to show you how to best do that in your work or learning environment?
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkPrayer and Revival Scripture: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. - Acts 2:1
After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. - Acts 4:31
Take some time in your community today to pray together.
Table TalkLiving Life On The Altar “I have built the altar and laid the wood in order, and have prepared the offering; I have only to wait for the fire.” - Evan Roberts Scripture: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” - Romans 12:1
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. - Psalm 51:17
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20
Discussion: 1. What does complete surrender to God look like? 2. Have you known anyone who modeled total surrender? 3. How would your life look if you were totally surrendered to God? 4. Ask the Lord to reveal to you the areas in which your mind needs renewal. What does He say?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
Table TalkGenerosity and Vulnerability Scripture:
Acts 2:42-47
Acts 4:32-35
2 Corinthians 8:13
Discussion: 1. How can we establish a culture of generosity and vulnerability? What will it require of you? 2. How would you answer the question, “How are you?” if you were 100% vulnerable? 3. Respond to each other’s needs with generosity.
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK Revival - The Way Back “Revival is when God bursts on the scene and displays His glory.” - Del Fehsenfeld
Scripture:
Jeremiah 6:16
1 John 1:9
Proverbs 28:13
Psalm 145:4-7
Evan Roberts’ simple revival message:
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Confess all known sin.
- What do you need to confess to God / others?
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Forsake anything doubtful.
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What habit, choices, routines do you need to abandon?
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Obey the Spirit immediately.
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What is He telling you to do?
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Confess Christ publicly.
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When will you share your story? Who will you share it with?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALKRevival - Returning to First LoveRevelation 2:25
Group Discussion
- What is currently taking the place of “first love” in your life?
- What does returning to first love look like in your life right now?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK Grieving and Receiving EVERYTHING YOU LEAVE YOU FIND IN JESUS.
EVERYTHING YOU LOSE IS FOUND IN JESUS.
Questions for Discussion:
- What sin do you need to grieve and repent of?
- What happens when we confess our sin to each other?
- What have you lost that you need to grieve?
- What will you receive from Jesus?
Scripture Engagement:
- *Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” - Isaiah 40:1-5*
- Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? - Romans 2:4
- Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. - James 5:16
- “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK “The ‘Orphan Spirit’ refers to a spiritual condition in which we profess outwardly to know God as Father, but experience an internal contradiction to that belief.”
The Test of Discipline Questions for Discussion:
- Have you experienced the discipline of the Lord in your life?
- How have you responded to His discipline in the past?
- What is the difference between punishment and discipline?
Scripture Engagement:
- Hebrews 12:1-11
- Hebrews 5:8
- 1 Peter 5:6
“The Orphan Spirit is not cast out. The Orphan Spirit must be healed.”
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK “The ‘Orphan Spirit’ refers to a spiritual condition in which we profess outwardly to know God as Father, but experience an internal contradiction to that belief.”
When God is Silent: A Test of Sonship Questions for Discussion:
- Have you ever felt that God has been silent in your life?
- How did you respond?
- Are you in a season of silence now?
- How could His silence be an invitation for you?
Scripture Engagement:
- Psalm 27:14
- James 4:8
“The Orphan Spirit is not cast out. The Orphan Spirit must be healed.”
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK “The ‘Orphan Spirit’ refers to a spiritual condition in which we profess outwardly to know God as Father, but experience an internal contradiction to that belief.”
Questions for Discussion: 1. Do you think disappointment has ever influenced your view of God? In what ways? 2. Are you dealing with disappointment right now? How can community walk with you through it? How can you come alongside someone else dealing with disappointment? 3. What is the Father saying right now? What specific step will you take to obey or respond?
Scripture Engagement:
- Luke 8:43-48
Disappointment: The Test of Sonship 1. Faith Hopes. 2. Faith Moves. 3. Faith Rests.
“The Orphan Spirit is not cast out. The Orphan Spirit must be healed.”
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK “The ‘Orphan Spirit’ refers to a spiritual condition in which we profess outwardly to know God as Father, but experience an internal contradiction to that belief.”
Questions for Discussion: 1. What is the Father saying to you? 2. Do you find it difficult to view God as a Father? 3. Are there times when it’s more difficult than not? When? 4. What steps will you take to begin renewing your mind about His true nature as a Father? (Scripture memory? Declarations?) 5. What would be a good way to active your faith when it’s hard to connect to Him as a son/daughter?
Scripture Engagement:
- John 8:39
- Romans 8:15
- John 1:12
Marks of an Orphan Mindset: 1. Competition
* *Spiritual orphans do not feel accepted and feel the need to prove their worth.*
* *Perceives the strengths of others as competition*
* *Secretly takes satisfaction in the weaknesses of others*
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Independence
- Deep down the orphan does not feel as though they belong in the family.
- Suffering a sense of abandonment, the instinct of an orphan is to go it alone.
- Withdrawing physically or emotionally from others
- Insecurity
- Orphans feel uncovered and unprotected, so they feel the need to protect themselves.
- Orphans have a constant need of reassurance
- Lack of confidence or overly confident in their giftings
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Performance
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The spiritual orphan feels rejected—therefore believing that he or she must compensate by working hard or performing well in order to be recognized.
- Judges the weaknesses of others
- Mistrusts others
- Fear of being punished
“The Orphan Spirit is not cast out. The Orphan Spirit must be healed.”
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK Scripture Engagement:
- Luke 12:1-12
- Mark 12:30-31
- Nehemiah 4:12; 6:1-4
- Hebrews 12:1-2
Main Points: (Distraction)
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Distracted in our ATTENTION
- The Religious spirit doesn’t care what you’re doing as long as it’s not “the Father’s business.”
- It is possible to be busy FOR God but not busy WITH God.
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Distracted in our AFFECTION
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This makes the difference between service to God that burns you out and service that lights you up.
- The Religious Spirit COMPLICATES things. Jesus SIMPLIFIES things.
- Distracted in our MISSION
- Keep you eyes on the prize and your hand to the plow.
- Stop the noise. Hear the voice.
Questions for Discussion: 1. What is the Father saying to you? 2. In what ways have you been distracted? 3. What will you do to eliminate distraction from your life?
“Take courage. Stand firm. Do not shrink back a single step. Do not delay for a single instant. Leave the enemy no illusion. Show him that he is wasting his time and effort with you. Through the welcome you give him, force him to recognize within the disciple the Master who defeated him in the wilderness." - Adolphe Monod
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
- Luke 12:1-12
- Ephesians 6:12
- John 8:32
Main Points: (Dragon’s Dictionary)
- The Religious Spirit will REDEFINE terms.
- The Religious Spirit will RENAME terms.
- The Religious Spirit will REVERSE terms.
Keys to Discerning Half-Truths:
1. Intimacy with God.
2. Wisdom in Community.
Questions for Discussion:
- “When a struggle becomes an identity, it is no longer something to be conquered but something to be embraced.” - What struggle have you embraced as part of your normal life that Jesus is wanting to set you free from?
- “One of the half-truths we often believe is that being right is more important than being together.” - What have you put before unity in the body of Christ?
- What is the Father showing you about terms you have redefined in your life?
- Are you lacking hunger for His presence? Ask your community to pray for you.
- Are you teachable? Are you willing to let others speak into your life to confirm or to challenge what the Father is saying to you?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK
A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
- Luke 12:1-2
- James 4:7
- Genesis 3:6-7
- Matthew 5:3
- Psalm 51
Main Points:
- Religion is a load of “should.”
- Rebellion and sin, is in essence, leaving our covering.
- If BOLD FAITH is how you oppose fear, then the way you oppose shame is BOLD HONESTY.
Questions for Discussion:
- What is one thing you’re ashamed of?
- In what ways do we try to cover our inadequacies?
- What are your “fig leaves”?
- Do you believe that God’s grace is enough to cover that area of shame you feel?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK
A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
- Luke 12:1-2
- Proverbs 9:10
- Genesis 2
- Psalm 32:8-9
- James 4:7
Main Points:
- The Religious Spirit wants control.
- The Religious Spirit seeks to control through fear.
- Fear often comes in the form of “What if?”
- Worry is meditating on the Enemy’s words.
- The Father doesn’t lead with a harness. He leads with His nearness.
- The Religious Spirit isn’t cast out. The Religious Spirit must be broken.
- Resist = Oppose - Come in the opposite spirit.
- When you’re paralyzed by fear, it might be time to JUMP.
Questions for Discussion:
1. What does a healthy fear of the Lord look like?
2. Do you ever rehearse the negative “what ifs” in your mind?
3. What does it mean to “submit to God”? (James 4:7)
4. What does it mean to “resist the devil”? (James 4:7)
5. What are you most afraid of?
6. What is your action step to oppose fear in your life?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK
A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
- Luke 12:2
- 1 Corinthians 13
Main Points:
- The religious spirit only has power and influence when we agree with it.
- The worst thing the religious spirit does is minimize love.
Questions for Discussion:
1. Have you learned to love?
2. What do your family, friends, and community say?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
- Luke 9:52-55
- Proverbs 23:7
- Romans 12:2
- 2 Corinthians 4:4
- Ephesians 4:17-24
- 2 Corinthians 11:3
- Galatians 3:1
- John 8:30-33
- Luke 12:1
- Matthew 23:1-4
- Matthew 7:3-5
- Matthew 16:13-19
Main Points:
Traits of the Religious Spirit:
- Makes God out to be a distant taskmaster who is impossible to please.
- Puts an unbalanced emphasis on the outward appearance and religious form
or practice. 3. Marked by criticism and cynicism. 4. Pride is at its root. 5. Harshly judges those who don’t meet their standards for righteousness 6. Don’t meet their own standards for righteousness 7. Controlling. Manipulates through fear and shame. 8. Counterfeits the work of the Holy Sprit. 9. Tries to shut down the work of the Holy Spirit. 10. Charms those who agree with it. Crucifies those who don’t.
Questions for Discussion:
1. Do you see God as an impossible task master?
2. Are you critical?
3. Do you hold others to a higher standard than you hold yourself?
4. Do you try to control the people in your life and use God to do so?
5. Do you believe the Lord has assigned you to “keep them straight?”
6. Do you think He won’t love, like you, or bless you until you’re acting right?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
- Genesis 18
- Isaiah 51
- Hebrews 11
Main Points:
- Disappointment tempts us to try and “fix” the problem ourselves.
- “People will never be perfect, even if we think they should be or hope they will be. And not saying He wants us to sit around and let people treat us badly. But God rights injustices like nobody else. If a leader or someone you look up to has failed, you do the right thing. God will take that disrespect and turn it into honor, like He did for Sarah.”
- “Like Sarah’s, our story is one tiny piece of a huge one. Important enough that He’d show up at our tent door and call us by name, but way too vast for us to see how it all fits together. If God’s hand in Sarah’s life can take her from where she was to where she ended up, then yes, I want to be like Sarah.”
Questions for Discussion:
1. Is there any disappointment in your life you need to acknowledge?
2. In what ways do you feel inadequate? How can you take steps to trust God in that area of your life?
3. Do you believe that God is still writing your story? What are you hoping in Him for?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
- Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7
- When I kept silent, my bones became brittle
from my groaning all day long. - Psalm 32:3 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. -John 14:27
- From my distress I called upon the LORD;
The LORD answered me and set me in a large place. - Psalm 118:5-6 - When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. - Psalm 94:19
- When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up. - Psalm 94:19 MSG
- Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! - Romans 6:5-6 MSG
- Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. - Proverbs 16:3
- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - Matthew 11:28-30
Main Points:
- Don’t just PRESS ON through your stress.
- Don’t try to PUSH DOWN your stress.
- Don’t PURSUE PLEASURE to relieve your stress.
- Take your stress into His PRESENCE.
Questions for Discussion:
- Are you stressed out?
- What have you used to alleviate your stress other than Him?
- Are you a “Press On” or a “Push Down” person?
- What will you do practically to take it to the Lord the next time you are stressed?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and preach in their cities. Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.” - Matthew 11:1-6
“And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” - Exodus 19:9 ESV
“Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses,
“You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.”
“Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.” - Exodus 20:20-21 ESV
Main Points:
-
How to deal with offense:
- Don’t try to go around it. That’s denial.
- Don’t try to get above it. That’s pride.
- Don’t try to fight against it. That’s useless.
- The only way to approach offense is to go under it. That’s humility.
Questions for Discussion:
- Have you ever been offended at God? Explain.
- If so, how have you overcome it?
- If you are currently offended at God, what is the cause?
- Was God responsible for the disappointment?
- What is He saying to you about it?
- What will you do to move beyond offense to trust?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
Matthew 26:36-45
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedeealong with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrowto the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. 45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.”
Genesis 32 - Jacob wrestles at Penuel
Main Points:
- “The test doesn’t change you. The test reveals who you’ve become.” - Kris Vallotton
- Jesus is cancelling our co-dependency with the Church.
- The only way to own your own faith is to wrestle.
- Jesus stayed on assignment because He said yes to His Father.
- In the kingdom, a limp doesn’t disqualify you. A limp qualifies you in the kingdom.
Questions for Discussion:
- How has your faith been tested during the last few months?
- What does “co-dependency” look like in the Church? Do you notice it in your life?
- Have you wrestled with God? What did you learn? What was the outcome?
- What was the most challenging part of the message to you?
- How will you respond to what God is saying to you?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
Psalm 100:1-3
Matthew 12:25
Acts 2:42-47
Main Points:
- The Church is Family.
- The World Is Desperate.
- Lost People Are A Treasure.
Questions for Discussion:
- What does unity look like in the Church?
- What does unity look like in your family?
- Are you ready to meet the Lord?
- Do you have friends and family who are not ready to meet Him?
- How will you be on mission with the Father to bring His kids home?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
“My sheep listen to My voice, and they follow Me.” - John 10:27
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6
“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” - Hebrews 4:14-16 MSG
“Every high priest selected to represent men and women before God and offer sacrifices for their sins should be able to deal gently with their failings, since he knows what it’s like from his own experience. But that also means that he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as the peoples’.” - Hebrews 5:1-2
Main Points:
- Teaching moments require empathy.
- Our Father empathizes with us in our pain, testing, and challenge.
- The Father teaches us the ways of the Kingdom before He calls us higher up the mountain.
- Don’t let fear keep you from following your Father to the top of the mountain.
Questions for Discussion:
- Where are you on the mountain with the Father?
- How has He called you higher lately?
- Are you resisting going higher because of fear?
- What will you do with the fear you feel?
- What will you do now to act in obedience to what the Father is asking you to do?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority.Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." - John 14:9-18 NIV
Main Points:
- Jesus revealed the Father. (verse 9)
- The works Jesus did revealed the Father. (verses 10-12)
- Those who believe reveal the Father by doing what Jesus did. (verse 12)
- Greater works are possible by those who believe. (verse 12)
- The Father is glorified by our works that are done through the Son. (verses 12-13)
- The power for works that reveal Him are available upon request. (verses 13-14)
- Doing the works is a command. (verse 15)
- Love for Jesus drives us to keep the command to do the works. (verse 15)
- The ability to do the works are possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. (verses 16-17)
- Doing the works of the Father is the privilege of sonship. (verse 18)
Questions for Discussion:
- What does Jesus’ ability and willingness to heal the sick communicate about the Father’s heart?
- What did Jesus mean by the “greater works?” (John 14:12)
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
Psalm 103:13
Psalm 68:5-6
Matthew 6:26
Proverbs 10:22
1 John 4:17-19
Deuteronomy 32:11
Psalm 121:1-3
Isaiah 59:1-2
Main Points:
- The Father is a CREATOR (who stays connected).
- The Father is a PROVIDER.
- The Father is a PROTECTOR.
Questions for Discussion:
- When do you feel most connected to God? Why?
- Do you worry about lack or loss?
- Do you live with fear of danger for yourself or your family?
- What is your first step this week of believing that He is your Father?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALKA dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
This is what the Lord says to Israel:
“Seek me and live;
do not seek Bethel,
do not go to Gilgal,
do not journey to Beersheba.
For Gilgal will surely go into exile,
and Bethel will be reduced to nothing. Amos 5:4-5 NIV
_____________________________________
“I hate, I despise your religious festivals;
your assemblies are a stench to me.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:21-24 NIV
Main Points:
Bethel: A place of encounter became a place of idolatry.
Gilgal: A place of celebration became a place of separation.
Beer-Sheba: A place of promise became a place of presumption.
Questions for Discussion:
- What are the defining encounters you have had with God?
- Are you living with an expectation of encountering God every day?
- How can worship become a bad thing?
- How do you know you are walking “with” God? What are the marks of a disciple?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:1-3
Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. - Ephesians 6:11-13
Since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love mercy/kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God? - Micah 6:8 ESV
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. - 1 Peter 3:8-9
Main Points:
Racism and prejudice is a direct attack on the image of God.
When you see the REAL BATTLE you’ll pick the RIGHT WEAPONS.
We cannot ask Him to move if we are unwilling to move ourselves.
We’ve got to have our HEADS in Heaven and our HANDS to the work.
Questions for Discussion:
- What was your first experience with racism?
- How are you feeling about what’s going on in our nation right now?
- Have you noticed any prejudice in your own heart lately?
- How will you choose honor this week?
- How will you speak up for those who are hurting?
- What does it mean for you and your family to “do justice”?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement: “Our Father in heaven Hallowed be your name Your kingdom come Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” - Matthew 6:9-11
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength, and honor and glory and blessing.” - Revelation 5:12
Main Points:
Prayer is receiving.
When you get into His presence, you get His presents.
Questions for Discussion:
- What about Sunday’s message was highlighted by the Lord for you?
- What does it mean to be united with Christ?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you? Let Him complete this sentence to you. “My child, I love you, and I want you to know...”
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement: “Our Father in heaven Hallowed be your name Your kingdom come Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” - Matthew 6:9-11
“Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” - Matthew 18:21-35
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” - Mark 11:25
Main Points:
“You can’t be wrong with people and right with God.”
“Healing is on the other side of forgiveness.”
Questions for Discussion:
- What about Sunday’s message was highlighted by the Lord for you?
- Is there anyone you needed to forgive?
- Is there a “mess to clean up”?
- How can we pray for you as you take your first steps of choosing to forgive?
Praying Together:
Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you? Let Him complete this sentence to you. “My child, I love you, and I want you to know...”
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement:
Our Father in heaven
Hallowed be your name
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven - Matthew 6:9-10
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”
And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” - Luke 18:1-8
Main Points:
“The difference between begging and boldness is trust.”
“The root of all disappointment is misplaced hope.”
Questions for Discussion:
- Do you ever feel like you have to beg God for what you need?
- When did you start to believe that?
- When has God demonstrated His goodness in a time of waiting for you?
- Is there an agenda or timeline you need to surrender to Him?
- What have you been begging Him for that you will now starting asking BOLDLY for?
Praying Together:
- Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
- Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
- Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
- Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you? Let Him complete this sentence to you. “My child, I love you, and I want you to know...”
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.” - Matthew 6:5-9
Questions for Discussion:
- Do you see God as your friend or your king? Or do you see Him as both? In what ways?
- How do reverence/respect and friendship go hand in hand?
- Is it easy to have a relationship with God or does He seem distant/uninterested?
- Do You think less of yourself if you don’t feel “close” to Him?
- What does it mean to be a son/daughter of God?
Praying Together:
- Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
- Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
- Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
- Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you? Let Him complete this sentence to you. “My child, I love you, and I want you to know...”
The new framework is actually an old one. We are ALL priests. And worship and prayer is our first ministry.
TABLE TALK A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.
Discussion: What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most?
Scripture Engagement: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” - Acts 2:42-47
- Learning and Doing - “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” Q. What do we know that we need to do?
- Fellowship - Fellowship is knowing others and being known by others. Q. Who do we need to invite into our lives on a deeper level?
- Breaking Bread - Eating together Q. Who can we invite to our table?
- Prayer - It’s about connection with the Father’s heart. Q. How can I adjust our prayers to better connect with God?
Praying Together:
- Thank Him. What can we thank Him for?
- Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?
- Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through.
- Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you? Let Him complete this sentence to you. “My child, I love you, and I want you to know...”
New wine requires a New Wineskin. Pastor Gunter casts vision for the new season we are coming into as a family at The Dwelling.
This present crisis is helping us to see what really matters. The essentials of the movement are hearing His voice and doing what He says.
The Formula for the Movement is saying what He says and doing what He does. You can also watch our livestream via our website at www.thedwellingchurch.org.
Signs and Wonders point us to the heart of it all — Jesus. The Focus of the Movement is Him. And you are walking sign and wonder, pointing people to Jesus.
Encounter is the fuel of the movement. Acts 9 tells the story of how the Apostle Paul was radically transformed by an encounter with the risen Jesus.
In part one of this new series through the book of Acts we’re looking at The Framework for the Movement. What was Pentecost all about? Why tongues? And what does that have to do with me? It’s a much bigger story than it seems…