Know Grow Show

On mission with Christ (Pete Naylor)

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca
 
 
 
Growgroup Questions 06 May 2018
Speaker: Pete Naylor
Title: On Mission with Christ 
Passage: Acts 8:1-8; 26-40
 
Know
What encouraged you about Pete’s message today?
 
Grow
Trace the connection between the descriptions given in Acts 8:1 and 11:19-20 - What effect does persecution have on the Mission?  (see also Paul’s words in Philippians 1:12-13).
Likewise, Acts 8:3 says that “Saul began to destroy the church.”  What was really happening?
 
The intense persecution that resulted in Stephen’s death also resulted in intense proclamation of Christ(8:5).  In Canada, when we experience various forms of persecution, does it cause us to speak up, or shut up? 
Can you think of some current happenings in Canada where Christians have (or should be) taking opportunities to proclaim Christ?
 
Philip started proclaiming Christ in Samaria with amazing results. How does this differ from what we might have expected from what we previously know about Samaria?
Yet, the Holy Spirit was clearly leading, preparing the way! What does John chapter 4 show us about the work of Christ in preparing this region to receive the Gospel?  (see especially 4:39-42).
 
Acts 8:26, the Lord sends Philip away from the very place where he is experiencing the greatest ministry success. How would you feel about this? What does Phillip’s willingness teach us about his relationship with Christ?
 
What passage for scripture did Philip use to teach the Ethiopian about Jesus?  What does this teach us about the use of scripture in the Mission of the Gospel.  (Consider also Jesus’ technique in Luke 24, especially v.27.)  (see also, John 5:39-40)!!
 
Philip proclaimed the Gospel to the Ethiopian man. In what way does the Ethiopian then make his proclamation of faith in Christ?
 
Bottom Line: Philip is attentive to Sprit’s leading and submissive to where/when/how God calls him to go. Not surprisingly, we see amazing Gospel-Mission results!  It seems that all too often our Missional efforts produce too few results. What are some things that could change about us as individual Christians and Churches, that we too could experience empowered and impactful Christ-centred Mission in our communities?
 
Show
Pete said how his church “Finds the needs in the community that aren’t being met and tries to meet them”. Try to apply that to North Gower and area. What are some needs that we as a church could be meeting?
Pete said “Think of 3 people and make them your personal mission”. Who would you be intentional praying for, investing, loving and sharing Christ with?

Ultimate Questions - The Problem of Evil

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca
 
 
 
Know
Try to put the problem of evil in your own words
Have you ever wrestled with the problem of evil yourself?
Grow
What would it be like to worship a God who was all-powerful but not all-good? 
What would it be like to worship a God who was all-good but not all-powerful
What does it mean that God is the uncreated Creator or the Uncaused Cause? Why is it so important to have a first cause to everything?
How would you respond to some who said that Creation could not have been perfect if there was the potential for sin?
With all the suffering that has happened throughout history, and if God knew it all beforehand, why do you think He didn't just decide not to create anything?
What is the difference between moral evil and natural evil?
How is the presence of evil a powerful evidence for the existence of God?
How does our free will as humans help explain the problem of evil?
Show
With all the suffering in the world, why has God not yet brought everything to an end (2 Peter 3:9 gives us a clue)?

Inheritance - Joshua 20.1-21.45

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca
 
 
Know
Can you think of any famous stories (movies, book, folk tales) that have the theme of seeking refuge?
Grow
What was the purpose of the cities of refuge? What do we learn about God as we see how He made this provision?
Share your response to the fact that it was the responsibility of the nearest relative of the individual who died to find and kill the person responsible.
What does this arrangement teach us about God and about mankind?
What might be the significance of the fugitive waiting to leave his or her place of refuge until the death of the high priest? Numbers 35:26-28 provides a clue.
Why is it important that the Cities of Refuge were on high ground and evenly spread throughout the land?
What did you make of hearing about other Places of Refuge in such far flung places like New Guinea and Hawaii that served the same purpose as the Cities of Refuge in Joshua? What would you say to someone who says it’s just a coincidence?
What are some comparisons and contrasts between cities of refuge and our salvation in Jesus Christ?
Show
Have you fled to Jesus for refuge from sin and from your past? If so, take a minute to share what that was like? If not, what’s fleeing to Jesus for sanctuary?

Inheritance - Joshua 13.1-19.51

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca
 
The One Thing
Stop whining. Start working and enjoy the inheritance God won for you.
The passage
Joshua 13-19
Growgroup questions
Know
Think about a time when you moved location or house. Share one thing (either positive or negative, memorable or funny) that stands out to you from that transition.
Grow
The word inheritance is used over 50 times in these 6 chapters. Why is the word inheritance so important in the book of Joshua?
Why did the Levites not receive any land as inheritance? Read Deuteronomy 18:2 to learn more.
Why do you think there is so much detail of borders and boundaries in Joshua 13-19? Couldn’t the space have been used better in your mind?
Read the complaint of the people of Joseph in chapter 17:14 and 16. Read Joshua’s response to their complaints in verse 15 and 17. How do you think he handled their complaints?
Share about a time you’ve had a similar attitude to the people of Joseph in your spiritual walk.
Read Caleb’s words in 14:10-12. How is his attitude different from the people of Joseph?
Is there any word or phrase in what Caleb says that strikes a chord with you?
Show
Think of some practical steps that you or your growgroup can take to live life in the spirit of Caleb.

Inheritance - Joshua 10.25-12.24

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca

Fear and Joy (Easter Sunday)

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca

Ultimate Questions - MyStory Edition: Al Brown

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca
 
 
Announcements: Good Friday, meet at Cornerstone for the Procession of the Cross to North Gower United Church. The service starts at NGUC at 10am. Easter Sunday, meet at Cornerstone at 10am. Easter Egg hunt takes place afterwards!
Growgroup end of Winter Season. Just a little note to say that our Winter Season will wrap up this week - the week of Sunday March 25th, 2018.  We will take a repose from Growgroups over the Easter season and recommence with our Spring Session the week of Sunday April 23rd, 2018.
 
Know
Was there anything particular that touched you or challenged you about Al's story?
Grow
Al talks about struggling with depression and anxiety as well as being physically abused. Can you think of any Christians that you've seen rise above the tough hand they've been dealt? What impact has this had on you?
Al mentioned many people through whom God showed Al His hand on Al's life (Mrs Prosser, Kirkpatricks, Rev Marian Gilmer, LIllian Tousaw, Craig Peters etc). Can you think of anyone that God has shown His love and care and presence to you through? Describe why these people are so precious to you. 
Al talks very candidly about being rough with Teri while she was pregnant. This is when he decided to start attending church which was the start of his journey of total transformation. Back when he pushed her, if either Al or Teri had confided in you about what had happened, what would your counsel have been? 
Al shared Ken Thompson's words, that God refines us as we continue to walk in faith and obedience. He later said that we don't have to change everything at once, but He allows us to change as we mature. How quickly or slowly should we see change taking place in our life if we are Christians?
Al talks about using the restaurant, His auction-skils, the Used Furniture store and Walmart as platforms to share God in many ways. Can you remember any stories of how God used Al in these different places of employment.  How would you like to see God using you in your work, if you work?
Al shared about receiving the North Grenville Mayor's Volunteer of the Year award and later in Walmart receiving the Employee of the Year Award for Integrity and Compassion. Do you think he was being proud in sharing this with us? Why or why not?
Al talked about going forward, he believes God wants him to read more scripture, to seek His face, to pray about all things, to ask the Holy Spirit to intercede, to ask the Holy Spirit to help Al understand his role and God's will and to fully understand the power we have through the Holy Spirit. Think about your life. What do you think God wants you to do or to understand as your next stage of growth? 
When Al talked about desiring to understand the power we have through the Holy Spirit, what did he mean? What is the power we have through the Holy Spirit? Power to do what? How do we access it?
Show
Take some time to pray about how God wants to use your story to bless others and give Him glory. 
Have you done your SHOW project yet? Make sure your plans are finalized tonight, and when you do it, try to take some pictures and (if appropriate) send them to Dan / Stacey :-)

Inheritance - Joshua 9.1-10.27

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca
 
 
Scripture: Joshua 9.1-10.27
The One Thing: God's faithfulness in Jesus swallows up our faithlessness
Growgroup Questions
Know
Was there anything about Sunday’s sermon on Joshua 9-10 that stood out to you...Perhaps it surprised you or alarmed you or spoke to you?
Grow
Joshua’s command from God was to clear Canaan of its sinful inhabitants including the Gibeonites. Their deception caused him to make a covenant with them and spare them. What was the right thing to do: honour God’s original command or honour a covenant based on deception made in God’s presence? What would you have done if you were in Joshua’s shoes?
What leadership or life lessons do you learn from 9:18-21?
Dan said that the Gibeonites had two choices: (1) lie and not die, or (2) tell the truth and die. Was there a third option?
Why do you think Joshua went to rescue the Gibeonites from the coalition army, when this army could have ‘taken care’ of the Gibeonite problem once and for all?
Read Joshua 10:12-14: Do you think the sun literally stopped in the sky (the earth stopped turning)? Or do you believe poetic license was used? Explain your answer.
In verse 14 what does it mean when it says,” There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being”? Is this incident unique in Scripture? Explain your answer.
Dan used the image of a toddler 'helping’ his Dad clean the car to explain how we humans work alongside God. What did he mean? How is this image helpful or true? How is it not?
What does it look like to live a life of ‘inquiring of the Lord'? (9:14). Should we inquire of God in all situations, or are there some situations when common sense is enough?
How was Saul’s slaughter of the Gibeonites in 2 Samuel 21 (300 years later) a consequence of Joshua's faithless decision?
In what way do we see redemption in Nehemiah 3:17?
Show
Who can you invite to the Easter Sunday service? Take time to pray about it.

Inheritance - Joshua 8.1-35

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca
 
 
The passage: Joshua 8
The one thing: Jesus is the one who gets us back on our feet again
Moving on after sin: (1) Do not fear. (2) Do learn from your failures. (3) Don't stay down. Get up! (4) Do follow God's word. 
Know
Like skier Millie Knight, have you ever had to overcome profound fear of failure? Share a little about this experience.
Grow
As they are skiing, Brett Wild communicates to Millie via a Bluetooth earpiece and skis in front of her wearing a bright orange jacket. In what ways can this be a picture to us of God?
The Israelites dealt with their sin in chapter 7. Why is chapter 8 so important as a next step?
Can you remember the four steps of moving beyond sin? (1. Don’t fear. 2. Do learn from your failures. 3. Don’t stay down, get up! 4. Do follow God’s word.)
Point 2 was Do learn from your failures. The Israelites had to learn not to underestimate their enemy: they brought the entire army with them. In your fight against sin, who is in your army? Do you share with anyone regularly and honestly about your battle with sin? Why or why not?
Dan said he has heard people say ‘I wouldn’t change anything about my past. It’s made me who I am today.’ But should we have this attitude about sins we’ve previously committed in our lives? Why or why not?
What do you make of the symbolism of Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim (the Israelites splitting into two groups and standing in front of the mountains, the writing of the 10 commandments, the reciting of the blessings and the curses? Why did God make it so elaborate?
Dan talked about Jesus being a curse-buster. What did he mean by this, and how does Galatians 3:13 shed light on this?
Dan talked about Jesus being a cosmic filtration system: curses in and blessings out. Is this a helpful analogy? Where does it fall short? Explain your answer.
Show
Think of someone in your life that you know is struggling with long term sin that they are not able to overcome. Perhaps they are a Christian. Perhaps not. Take some time to pray for them, and pray for the opportunity to speak God’s truth to them. Perhaps it’s as simple as sending them the link to Dan’s sermon this week.

Inheritance - Joshua 7.1-26

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca
 
 
Scripture: Joshua chapter 7
The one thing: Deal with sin: admit it, identify it, put it to death.
Know
What’s the biggest or strangest pest that you’ve ever had in your house? How did you deal with it?
Grow
Chapter 7 verse 1 says “But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things. Achan…took some of them”. What does this verse tell us about the impact of one person’s sin? Can you think of examples today where one person’s decision to sin impacts many?
We are given the backstory of why Israel failed at Ai, but Joshua didn’t have the whole story yet. What do you make of Joshua’s response in 7:7-9? Was Joshua’s despair and confusion justified?
Dan said that Joshua ‘admitted it’ (that there was a problem) before ‘identifying it’ (what the sin was). God
In 7:11 God reveals the specific sin to Joshua. How do we know if it is God highlighting areas we need to change or grow in – how do we know it’s not ourselves?
God’s response to Achan may seem harsh, given Achan’s specific sin. But this was much more than a small theft. Go back through the chapter and list the various descriptions of Achan’s sin.
7:16-18. God knows everything. Why then did He choose to gradually reveal the culprit (tribe by tribe, clan by clan and family by family)? Why not just reveal Achan straight away? What might this show us about how God deals with sin in our lives?
Read 7:20. Achan clearly confessed his sin, but the broader context of Achan’s confession, including its timing and what he didn’t say is not encouraging. What features of this account highlight the problem in Achan’s heart?
Did anyone get to read ‘My Heart, Christ’s home’? How did God speak to you through it?
Show
Finalize details for your show project and pray specifically for the people who will be impacted by it.