Know Grow Show

O Cannabis! (Legalization in Canada - a conversation)

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab. 
The Passage
2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Corinthians 6:12, Ephesians 5:15-19
The One Thing
O Cannabis! Legalization in Canada: a conversation.
Growgroup questions
Know
K1 When you were growing up, how were you raised to think about cannabis or marijuana?
Grow
G1 What do you think of the idea that the cannabis plant was part of God’s good creation?
G2 How would you respond to someone who says that “because God created it, it’s obviously good for us to use recreationally. Toke away!”
G3 From scripture and your own understanding, should there be a differentiation between recreational and medicinal use of cannabis? Explain your reasoning.
G4 Share your response to the conversation with Cody. Was there anything he said that surprised you, made you think or encouraged you? Did he change at all your view of cannabis?
G5 Read 1 Corinthians 6:12 - how can we apply the two conclusions of this text to recreational cannabis usage?
G6 Ephesians 5:15-19. What are we putting at risk when we indulge in intoxicating / addictive habits? What is the connection between “not getting drunk” and “worship and gratitude”?
G6 In what ways can we speak Jesus’ good news, truth and wisdom into the lives of the children who are growing up in a world of legal cannabis?
Show
S1 growgroups wrap up this season on 8th What is your Fall show project? It’s time to git ‘er done!

Looks Like Love - 1 John 4:1-6

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab. 
The Passage
1 John 4:1-6
The One Thing
Everything is worship.
Growgroup questions
Know
K1 Dan talked about skiing. Do you have any stories about skiing or another winter sport?
Grow
G1 The Gnostic (Gnosis = knowledge) teachers taught that we are divine sparks trapped inside sinful matter; that our true self is our soul, not our body. Where do you see this kind of thinking in our culture today?
G3 Have you ever had a moment where your spirit it troubled at something you’ve read or heard from a Christian teacher? How could you tell this feeling was from God or just yourself? What did you do?
G4 Read 4:2. Why is the incarnation of Jesus Christ THE test by which we can know true teachers from false teachers? How can we apply this test to, for example, what we’re reading or what we’re listening to?
G4 3:20 tells us that God is greater than our hearts. 4:4 tells us that God is greater than the one who is in the world. Try to draw a line between these two truths. How can reminding ourselves of them be a source of strength?
G5 Read 4:5-6. How could these verses be abused / misused in the local church setting? How would you respond to someone who says “Well, that’s just typical Christian circular reasoning”?
G6 Our circumstances are the landscape. God is the snow, covering our circumstances. Worship is skiing. What part of your current landscape do you need to remind yourself that God is there, and worship is possible? This week choose to put on your skis.
Show
S1 Where is your Christmas show project going to be? Who’s going to be doing what? This week, the gg coordinator should email Dan with a summary of the plan.

Looks Like Love - 1 John 3.11-24

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab. 
The Passage
1 John 3:11-24
The One Thing
God is greater than your heart
Know
K1 Share your funniest / most frustrating customer service experience.
Grow
G1 How is the view of the heart in Jeremiah 17:9 at odds with how today’s culture views the heart? In light of verse 9, Is verse 10 a comforting or troubling verse to you?
G2 “God is greater than our hearts”. The Greek word for greater in this verse is “mega”. Brainstorm different words in English that have the word “mega” in them. How do these words help us to grasp how much greater God is than our hearts?
G3 Read verse 20 + 21. Look at the phrases: “if our hearts do / do not condemn us”. What is our source of confidence (verse 19) is each case? How can 1 John 2:1-2 shed further light on these verses?
G4 Read 1 John 3:15. Try to explain / describe the hatred being referenced in this verse. What does it look like? Compare with 1 John 2:9-11. What does it mean that John included this statement (3:15) in a letter to the church?
G5 Both 1 John 2:28 and 1 John 3:21 talk about confidence in God. What is the source of this confidence? Do you have this confidence? What does it take to actually have this confidence as a daily reality?
G6 Verse 16, verse 19 and verse 24 all use the phrase “This is how we know…”. According to these verses, what can the ordinary Christian know and what is the source of that knowledge?
Show
S1 As we start to move towards Christmas, take time to firm up the show project you can do to live out 1 John 3:17-18. Choose a point person and decide the when, where, who and how.

Looks Like Love - 1 John 2.28-3.10

The Passage
1 John 2:28-3:10
The One Thing
God grace lets you launch out, hang tight, aim true.
Know
K1 Take a couple of minutes: each person grab a piece of paper and make a paper aeroplane. See whose flies the farthest. The winner wins the title of Grace Glider 2019.
Grow
G1 Are you more a law-lover or a freedom junkie? How is being a grace-glider a better, and more biblical alternative?
G2 What does grace-gliding mean to you? How can we glide through life on God’s grace?
G3 3:5 and 3:8 give different reasons why Christ appeared. What are they? How are they different? What connects them?
G3 According to Dan, what is each member of the Trinity’s role in helping us grace-glide?
G5 Compare the Christ appeared (verses 3:5 and 3:8) with the future tense of “when Christ appears” (3:2). How can this encourage us in living for Jesus?
G6 This might seem like a redundant exercise, but have someone read 3:1 up till “That is what we are” over and over again, emphasizing different words (See what great love the Father has lavished…see what great love the Father has lavished…see what great love the Father has lavished). What word spoke most clearly to your heart? Share with the group some of your thoughts about what God is showing you through this.
Show
S1 Take time this week in your time alone with God, to imagine the reality that you are buoyed up on the grace thermals of God. Feel them around you. Allow the Holy Spirit to keep directing you into God’s grace, when you are tempted to steer away.

Safe Church Action Plan (Training Session October 2019)

Cornerstone believes that childhood innocence is a gift from God. Children are naturally trusting. They readily place their faith in adults who care for them. It is Cornerstone’s responsibility to safeguard that trust. Cornerstone commits to: implementing procedures to provide a safe environment for children and other vulnerable persons; and adopting a zero tolerance policy for abuse in any form. 
If you missed the October 2019 training session, you can listen to the entire 90 minute audio.

Ultimate Questions (How do I tell others about Jesus?)

The Passage
1 Peter 3:13-18
The One Thing
Be ready to share the reason for the hope that you have.
Know
K1 Ask if there’s anyone ready to “give an answer for the reason for the hope that they have” (either share their salvation story or an account where they have experienced Jesus). Time them. They have 1 minute. After the 1 minute, stop them talking. Ask them what was it like to give an answer for the reason for the hope that they have? Did they feel prepared? Why or why not?
Grow
G1 Why is it so important to “set apart Christ as Lord” before sharing the “reason for the hope you have”?
G2 The word translated as “respect” in verse 15 is translated in most other places in the New Testament as “fear”. What might Peter mean by saying “do this in gentleness and fear”?
G3 Take a look at Colossians 4:6. What does it mean to have your conversation seasoned with salt, and how does this connect to your “knowing how to answer everyone”?
G4 How might Jesus suffering in verse 18 be connected to our suffering for doing good? Why do we need to keep a clear conscience when sharing Jesus with others? What does Peter mean by this?
G5 Talk about Dan’s suggestion to stick with a conversation topic for 5 questions without changing topic. Why do you think this might open doors to a God conversation? Why do we so rarely allow conversations to go this deep?
G6 How prepared would you say you are to “give an answer to everyone who asks”? Be honest. What’s one thing you can do to be more prepared?
Show
S1 This week, when making small talk with someone, intentionally keep asking them questions about the topic that is on their mind. Try to ask at least 4 questions without changing the subject. Do this prayerfully and share with someone (and Dan) if this leads to a “God conversation”.

Looks Like Love - 1 John 2.18-27

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab. 
The Passage
1 John 2:18-27
The One Thing
A life full of Christ cannot be crushed
Growgroup questions
Know
K1 Briefly share your best (or worst) flight story.
Grow
G1 Look at verses 22-25. Why is John trying so hard to connect the Father and the Son? What point is he trying to make?
G2 Do you think that someone can be anti-Christ in the sense of verse 18-19 and not be aware of it? Do you think we should call anyone who leaves the local church anti-Christ? Why or why not?
G3 John talks a lot about “the anointing” (verse 20 and 27). What is this anointing?
G4 What does John mean by “you do not need anyone to teach you”? What would you say to someone who says “I don’t need church or other Christians because I have the anointing and the bible says I don’t need anyone to teach me”?
G5 Consider the analogy of the can Dan used in the message. What stops the can from being crushed? How can you apply this to your spiritual life?
G6 Dan talked about in flight services being available only to people who are flying. What are some of the in Christ ‘services’ that we have access to?
Show
S1 Start brainstorming something that you as a growgroup can do this season to SHOW the love of Jesus to those who desperately need Him.

Looks Like Love - 1 John 2.12-17

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab. 
The Passage
1 John 2:12-17
The One Thing
Your soul needs a feast. Stop feeding it snacks.
Growgroup questions
Know
K1 Can you think of a time when you “ruined your appetite” by snacking?
Grow
G1 1 John 2:12-14: Look at the encouraging reminders (“because…”) for the children, the young men and the fathers. Why are these reminders so important for us in holy living?
G2 Read James 4:4. Why can’t we have both friendship with the world and friendship with God?
G3 How do you see the “lust of the flesh” operating in the world? How do we combat it?
G4 How do you see the “lust of the eyes” operating in the world? How do we combat it?
G5 How do you see the “pride of life” operating in this world? How do we combat it?
G6 Dan said that hell is “You want to know what hell is? The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life extending into eternity with no restraining influence, with nothing to check them, control them, curb them. In other words, life without God. This is hell”. How do you feel about this?
Show
S1 Be honest, in what ways are you snacking on sin instead of feasting on God?

Looks Like Love - 1 John 2.1-11

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab. 
The passage
1 John 2.1-11
The One Thing
Love not lived out is not love
Know
K1 What’s the most awkward thing you’ve heard spoken from the pulpit, or you’ve heard in a public setting?
Grow
G1 If a trusted friend was to ask you the question “Is Jesus enough?” what would you say?
G2 “You can have commitment without love, but you cannot have love without commitment”. Agree or not?
G3 1 John 2:7-8 What does John mean when he says He’s writing an old command (not a new one), but also a new command?
G4 Share about what you think the “darkness is passing and the true light is already shining” in verse 8 means. What is this true light?
G5 Dan said that a way that we can “hate” each other (verse 11) is by not doing life together. What are the biggest hurdles to doing life together as Christians? How can we overcome these?
G6 Dan shared about feeling low this past week. What do you think might have been the cause of this lowness? As Christians, are we good with sharing our struggles? Why is this do you think?
Show
S1 If you know that you are struggling with feeling low, loneliness or depression, be bold and confide in someone this week. If you have no one, please call Dan and set up a meeting.
S2 By faith, keep reminding yourself this week, whatever you’re going through that “Jesus is enough”

Ultimate Questions: How can I know I am saved?

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Church, North Gower, Ontario. 
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
To listen on your favourite podcast provider (Spotify, Stitcher, Apple or Google) visit knowgrowshow.ca and click on the podcast tab. 
 
The One Thing: How can I be sure that I am saved? Examine yourself.
Know
K1 If resources were unlimited, what would you change about Cornerstone? (This is the second of the townhall questions – remember that the Cornerstone Townhall will take place on October 6th at 6:30pm)
Grow
G1 Someone asks you “How do you know that you are saved?”. Whether you consider yourself a Christian or whether you don’t, how would you answer this question?
G2 Being in spiritual denial (thinking you’re a Christian but you’re not) or being a Spiritual Hypochondriac (doubting you’re a Christian, but in fact you are): which is worse? What are the potential consequences of each condition?
G3 Read 2 Corinthians 13:5 – what does it mean to examine / test yourself? What does it meant to fail the test? How does Psalm 139:23-24 shed light on 2 Corinthians 13:5?
G4 What does it mean to have Christian or Biblical Assurance? Is having assurance simply being presumptuous? Why or why not?
G5 What are the three evidences that Dan said can lead us to assurance?* Do you believe that to be a Christian you need to have assurance that you are Christ’s? Do you have assurance?
G6 Read Isaiah 59:1. Dan explained that sin puts us into quarantine from God, that we are in isolation from Him. What did you make of that analogy? What scriptures back up or speak against this sort of imagery?
G7 Dan explained that, on the cross, Jesus infected Himself with our soul-sickness and then rose from the dead with an anti-venom or antidote that we can now apply to ourselves. Do you find this a helpful way of viewing Jesus’ work on the cross? Why or why not?
Show
S1 If you have assurance (from the 3 evidences – Holistic Cure, Holy Spirit, Holy Living) take time this week to thank God. If you don’t have assurance, why not? Talk to God about this and see what He reveals through your conversation with Him, with others and through His Word.
*1) Embracing the Holistic Cure of Jesus (repent and believe) 2) The Holy Spirit 3) Holy Living