Know Grow Show

20220612 | Intervention | The Greatest Intervention of all time (Romans 5.1-5)

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The Passage: Romans 5:1-5
The One Thing: The Greatest Intervention of all time and you want me to do what?
Growgroup Discussion Starters
Know
K1 What am I known for boasting about? Without telling anyone, pick one thing you boast about (if you were to boast) - i.e favourite sports team, car, grandkids, cottage, church, spouse. Have the people in the room try to guess what it is. Then reveal your answer after everyone has had a guess. For example, Pastor Dan might boast about being from Wales. He silently picks that one bragging point and then you go around the room and try to guess what his answer might be. At the end of everyone having a guess - reveal your answer. See who can guess the most correct answers.
Grow
G1 Read Romans 5:1-5 What makes the gospel the greatest intervention of all time?
G2 According to Paul, why does having peace with God make it possible to boast or rejoice in our pain?
G3 Paul says that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, character hope and hope brings us to a deeper awareness of God’s love. Have you experienced this? Or witnessed someone grow in such a way through suffering? If you are willing to, share your experience.
G4 In this passage how do you see the Trinity at work? How does each person of the Trinity express love?
Show
S1 If you are in the midst of pain and suffering:
Get help - whatever you are dealing with seek expert help-don't suffer for the sake of suffering
In the time of suffering - pray: Call out to God the Father for relief and healing
Invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your pain and seek His peace
Focus on God’s greatest intervention, His Son Jesus, and what He wants you to know in this time It will help you persevere - as we have eternal life and this pain is temporary
Remember you are building Character
Lean into the Hope we have
Let that hope lead you to God’s faithful love
Rejoice in God’s presence and peace, and His greatest Intervention
If you are not suffering: Be available to those in suffering and be a presence of God’s peace
Unless you are an expert, don’t offer solutions. Instead offer comfort by way of support and prayer.

20220605 The Surprising God of Backfiring Plans (Acts 6:16-34)

Weekly teaching from Cornerstone Church, North Gower (Ontario) FOLLOW US #northgowercornerstone WEBSITE https://www.knowgrowshow.ca/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/northgowercornerstone/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/northgowercornerstone/ The Passage: Acts 16:16-34 The One Thing: The Surprising God of Backfiring Plans Growgroup Discussion Starters Know K1 Have you ever had a plan backfire on you? What were the consequences? Grow G1 Read through Acts 6:16-34 and note where you see various people’s plans backfiring G2 Why did the demon preach the gospel (Acts 16:17)? G3 Which of the following is more accurate: “God INTENDED and PLANNED for series of plans to backfire so that the jailer would come to faith” or “God REDEEMED these backfired plans which ultimately led to the jailer coming to faith”? What is the difference between the two statements? Why does it matter? G4 What was the significance / purpose of the earthquake and the doors opening if no one escaped the prison? G5 Acts 6:25. Why were Paul and Silas singing hymns and praying? What would you have been doing if you were in that position? G6 What prayers do you think Paul and Silas were praying? What type of hymns were they singing? How can you follow their example when you’re in dark place? Read James 5:13. G7 Acts 6:25 Who do you think might be listening to you and watching you as you go through the hardships of life? Show S1 Think back over our Easter series: Peter’s “Surprising Conflict of Allegiances” (Acts 5:27-32) Saul’s “Surprising Change of Circumstances” (Acts 9:1-6) Tabitha’s “Surprising Heirloom” (Acts 9:36-43) Cornelius’ “Surprising Dimensions of a Doorway” (Acts 11:1-18) Lydia’s “Surprising Game of Hot and Cold” (Acts 16:6-15) The Surprising God of Backfiring Plans (Acts 16:16-34) What has the Holy Spirit said to you through one of these sermons (or this series as a whole)?

20220529 A Surprising Game of Hot and Cold (Acts 16:6-15)

Weekly live worship service from Cornerstone Church, North Gower (Ontario) FOLLOW US #northgowercornerstone WEBSITE https://www.knowgrowshow.ca/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/northgowerc... FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/northgowerco...
The Passage 
Acts 16:6-15 
The One Thing 
A Surprising Game of Hot and Cold 
Growgroup Discussion Starters 
Know 
K1 Did you ever play the game of hot and cold? What was your favourite childhood game? 
Grow 
G1 Is following God more like Simon Says or Hot and Cold? Explain your answer.  
G2 Acts 16:6-7 | How did the Holy Spirit “STOP” Paul and his companions? Could they have pushed through regardless? What might the consequences have been if they had? 
G3 Dan said that when God says “COLD” to us, it’s not a condemnation. He’s merely wanting to move us to where He wants us. In day to day life, what form might God’s pronouncement of “COLD” take? How might it look? 
G4 Acts 16:9-10 | Have you ever received a burden for a person, people group or situation? Might this be God telling you “WARMER…”? Think of how you could determine if this is the case. 
G5 Acts 16:11-14 | Read these verses. What are the indicators we read that imply that God allows us to use our own wisdom and common sense in fulfilling His call on our lives.  
G6 Is following God more like Simon Says or Hot and Cold? 
G7 Why is it so important for us to quiet the voices of anxiety, fear and worry? How can the STAR exercise (STOP | TAKE A BREATHER | APPRECIATE JESUS | RESPOND) help us quieten these voices down? What do they replace them with? 
Show 
S1 Practice the STAR exercise at home by yourself, particularly when faced with the noise of anxiety and worry.  
STOP | Don't fix the situation. 
TAKE | Take a breather. Calm down.  
APPRECIATE | Appreciate and connect to Jesus.  
RESPOND | Respond to Jesus in faith and love. 

20220515 The Surprising Dimensions of a Doorway (Acts 11:1-18)

Weekly live worship service from Cornerstone Church, North Gower (Ontario) FOLLOW US #northgowercornerstone WEBSITE https://www.knowgrowshow.ca/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/northgowerc... FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/northgowerco... The Passage: Acts 11:1-18 The One Thing: The Surprising Dimensions of a Doorway Growgroup Discussion Starters Know K1 Have you ever excluded anyone? What was the reason? Have you ever felt excluded? What emotions did you experience? Grow G1 The early church had to wrestle with the "lapsi" (believers who left the church because of persecution and then wanted to return to fellowship). How would you have handled this situation? G2 What are the current issues that the church is trying to decide on regarding "who is in and who is out"? G3 The Muslim man who said to Dan "We all worship the same God". Is he correct in this? Why is why not? G4 Dan said that Acts 10 (and 11) is as important as Pentecost. Why is this? G5 Dan said “It is true the gateway to Kingdom Life in Jesus is wider that cultural and geography and politics. But it does not open one inch wider than Jesus.” Take some time to ponder this. G6 In what ways can we make the door to Kingdom Life too narrow? Read Acts 10:30-33. What "signs of life" did Cornelius show? Why wasn't this enough to enter the Kingdom? G7 In what ways can we make the door to Kingdom Life too wide? Read Acts 10:34-43. List how many specifics are mentioned in this account. Why is it important that the door has dimensions? Show S1 How can you be a doorman or doorwoman (doorboy or doorgirl) for someone this week? How can you show them the wideness of the doorway that leads to the Kingdom? Remember, you’re just one beggar telling another beggar where you found bread! Start praying for creative and surprising opportunities for you to open the door for them. Be ready to share with them why you love and choose Jesus.

20220508 | A Surprising Heirloom (Acts 9:36-43)

The Passage: Acts 9:36-43 The One Thing: A Surprising Heirloom Growgroup Discussion Starters Know K1 Think of what you own. What are you most likely to pass on as an heirloom? Grow G1 At first reading, Tabitha’s story appears to be a “basic” healing story. What most surprises you about the story of Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43)? G2 What is the significance of Tabitha making both the inner garments (chiton) and outer garments (himation) for the widows? G3 It is likely that Tabitha was a widow. She also ministered to widows. What in your experience might give you an advantage in ministering to people? Given this experience, who might God be calling you to reach? G4 The idea of an heirloom (in its original sense) is a tool or implement that can be passed on. What tools or knowledge do you need to be passing on? G5 Dan said, “You do not need to have a blood relative to create an heirloom”. What did he mean by this? G6 Why is Tabitha’s story so encouraging to people who struggle with Mother’s Day or who have experienced loss? Show S1 Consider donating to the “Get On” fund to help Ukrainian refugees get on line and get on the road. We have $3470 to go!

A Surprising Change of Circumstances (Acts 9.1-6)

Weekly live worship service from Cornerstone Church, North Gower (Ontario) FOLLOW US #northgowercornerstone WEBSITE https://www.knowgrowshow.ca/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/northgowerc... FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/northgowerco... The Passage: Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) The One Thing: A Surprising Change of Circumstances Growgroup Discussion Starters Know K1 If you had the power, what “exterior circumstance” of yours would you most like to change? (Location? Job? Family? Appearance? Friendship group? Etc) Grow G1 Think about the idea Dan introduces of “interior circumstances”. In what way can what goes on inside you be considered a “circumstances”. How does using the word circumstance change how you view your inner self? G2 Which of Saul’s transformations was the most impressive in your mind? The change of what came from his heart? His mouth? His hands? G3 What was the moment Saul was saved do you think? Was it Acts 9:3-5 where Jesus appears to Saul or Acts 9:17-18 when the scales fall from his eyes and he is filled with the Holy Spirit? What does Saul’s experience teach us about the nature of “salvation in Jesus”? G4 Why is being willing to suffer for Jesus such a powerful testimony? What is the difference between someone being willing to suffer for Jesus and a suicide bomber? G5 Why is encountering Jesus (being saved) not enough? Why is it necessary to then be filled by the Spirit? G6 What is the significance (if any) of Saul continuing on to Damascus after his encounter with the Risen Christ? Imagine the state of mind of the Christians as he came to the city. Have you ever doubted someone’s conversion experience because you knew them before? Show S1 Have you encountered Jesus? Have you been filled with the Spirit? Take time this week on your own to pray “Jesus save me”. “Holy Spirit fill me”. Ask Him to terraform your interior circumstance through a “Road to Damascus” experience.

A Surprising Conflict of Allegiances (Acts 5:27-32)

Weekly live worship service from Cornerstone Church, North Gower (Ontario) FOLLOW US #northgowercornerstone WEBSITE https://www.knowgrowshow.ca/
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The Passage: Acts 5:27-32 The One Thing: A Surprising Conflict of Allegiances Growgroup Discussion Starters Know K1 Would you give up your faith in Jesus for $70,000 or not (like Sister Hua)? Grow G1 Have you ever been tempted to disobey human authorities for ethical / Biblical reasons? Share as much as you feel comfortable (don’t incriminate yourself or place others in an uncomfortable position!) G2 When it is right to disobey authorities? G3 What do we make of Paul advocating for civic obedience under Nero’s tyrannical regime (Romans 13:1-2)? G4 What was the track record of the Sanhedrin demanding obedience from Peter and the apostles? Why is knowing the track record of human authority / God important in deciding how we respond? G5 How does Jesus’ response to Pilate in John 19:10-11 help us understand the power dynamics at work in the world? G6 The Sanhedrin demanded obedience “because we said so”. We can be similarly simplistic in our desire to “obey the Bible”. What factors should we take into account when trying to understand commands / laws we find in the Bible? Show S1 Questions to ask yourself when determining whether to disobey human authorities Why should I obey God? Do I know His love? Do I see His external witness in the world around me? Do I know the internal witness of the Holy Spirit? Who is it that is demanding my obedience? Why should I obey them? Would it honour God to obey them even if I don’t agree with their worldview or their way of understanding life? Is there anything in what they are asking that should move me away from the default Biblical principle of obeying those in authority? Is what I’m being asked to do by human authorities in conflict with Kingdom Principles that Jesus preached? Have I prayed and sought wise counsel regarding how to proceed? Am I willing to pay the price?
 

Press On Through From Wondering To Wonder (Lent)

Weekly live worship service from Cornerstone Church, North Gower (Ontario) FOLLOW US #northgowercornerstone WEBSITE https://www.knowgrowshow.ca/
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The Passage: Luke 24:1-12 The One Thing: Press on through from wondering to wonder
Know K1 Do you live life mostly in a state of wondering (questioning, doubting) or WONDER (awe, amazement)? Recall the last time you “WONDERED”.
Grow G1 From our passage today (Luke 24:1-12), where can we see that wondering (questioning, doubting) is an essential part of WONDER (awe, amazement) particularly when it comes to our life of faith in Jesus?
G2 Why is it important that despite their grief, the women WENT to embalm or anoint Jesus’ body? What does this tell us about them?
G3 Track the women’s journey with Jesus in Luke 8:1-3, Luke 23:49, Luke 23:55-56 and Luke 24:1. What do we learn about the relationship of these women to Jesus?
G4 “He is not here; he has risen!”. Why is this statement such good news? (reference 1 Corinthians 15:17-22) G5 Read Luke 24:12. In what way does Peter’s journey mirror the journey of the women? What does this tell us about the important of telling others of the WONDER we’ve experienced?
Show S1 When it comes to your faith, what are you wondering about (questioning or doubting)? Take time to tell God your wonderings. And then ask Him to lead you through this wondering to a place of WONDER.

Press On Through To Obedience In The Mystery (Lent)

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Know K1 Consider the “Rock in the road” story. Dan said “Your obedience sets in motion a chain of events that you cannot control”. Have you ever done the right thing and then had an unexpected blessing as a result?
Grow G1 Put yourself in the shoes of the two disciples Jesus asked to take the donkey for Jesus. Would you have been eager to obey Jesus command or nervous? G2 Reflect on Luke 19:31, 34. How far are we willing to forego property or time simply because ‘the Lord has need’ of it? G3 In our passage, who did Jesus rely on? What do you make of the idea of God the completely sufficient NEEDING something? What does this tell us about the way God interacts with our world? G4 What do you make of God’s claim over you, your life and your “stuff” being absolute? G5 For further study: In Luke 19:30, we see our Lord’s sovereignty over creatures that would otherwise kick and fight to have the rider removed. Consider his dominion over creatures in Matthew 17:27 (see also 1 Kings 17:2-6 and Jonah 1:17; 4:6) G6 Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” What are you doing to help “all the nations” hear about Jesus? Show
S1 For further study: In Luke 19:30, we see our Lord’s sovereignty over creatures that would otherwise kick and fight to have the rider removed. Consider his dominion over creatures in Matthew 17:27 (see also 1 Kings 17:2-6 and Jonah 1:17; 4:6)

Press On Through To Pour Out (Lent)

Weekly live worship service from Cornerstone Church, North Gower (Ontario)
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The Passage: John 12:1-8
The One Thing: Press on through to pour out
Growgroup Discussion Starters
Know
K1 What is one of your favourite memory smells?
Grow
G1 Who do you relate with best: Serving Martha? Socializing Lazarus? Sensible Judas or Sacrificial Mary?
G2 Has anyone ever made you uncomfortable in their worship of Jesus? What did you do in that situation? What would you do now?
G3 What do you think Jesus meant when He said “John 12:8 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (NIV)”
G4 Where do you think was going through Mary’s head (and Mary’s heart for that matters) when she was pouring out the Nard Perfume on Jesus’ feet?
G5 If Judas hadn’t been stealing from the money pot, do you think the point he made about selling the perfume and giving it to the poor was a good point? Would it have been a better use of the perfume?
G6 Has anyone ever made you uncomfortable in their worship of Jesus? What did you do in that situation? What would you do now?
Show
S1 Take time to ask Jesus this question “Jesus (without worrying if it makes sense to others) how can I pour out my love to you?”. Listen to impressions or thoughts you get in that time of quiet and take these as His words to you.