EKKLESIA: THE Church and This church
Join us this fall for a new series called “EKKLESIA” as we look at the first expression of the Church as recorded in the book of Acts. We will also explore who we are as a church here at Live Oak. What was the Church like THEN and how should that shape who the Church should be NOW? We will also explore who THIS church is by exploring our mission, strategy and core values, as well as start exploring “what’s next” for Live Oak Community Church.
Week 9: God’s Word Matters
One of Live Oak’s core values is God’s Word Matters. Why does it matter? How do we see that in the early church? How should THIS church live out that value?
LIVE OAK CONNECTION POINT:
It’s time for our Fall Giving Initiatives! You can participate in this effort that happens every fall to reach out across the street, across the globe, and into the next generation. We have opportunities to partner with Operation Christmas Child, Lubbock Impact, and Faith Comes By Hearing. We would like all giving initiatives returned by Nov. 17, with a final turn in of Nov. 24. You can check out more at live-oak.org/give2024
DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- What was a HIGH and a LOW from this past week for you?
- What is your earliest memory of being around a Bible?
- What has been your overall experience of engaging the Bible on your own?
READ: Acts 17:10-14
Spend some time SOAPing this passage. You can either spend time SOAPing individually and documenting for a several minutes and then spend time sharing with each -OR- SOAP in real time with each other. Either way make as many observations as you can.
OBSERVATIONS: What are the things that stand out to you about this passage?
Read the following passages and talk about what it tells us about God’s Word:
Hebrews 4:12
Matthew 7:24-27
Matt. 22:29
John 14:15
James 1:22-25
Hebrews 5:12-14
2 Timothy 3:14-17
Live Oak’s Strategy is to connect ourselves and connect others to:
GOD – GOD’S WORD – GOD’S PEOPLE – GOD’S MISSION.
- What are some ways you can connect to God’s Word? What are some ways you can connect others to God’s Word?
5 Application Questions based on 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
Teaching: What is the basic truth God wants me to know?
Rebuking: What error in judgment, understanding or behavior might this passage be rebuking in my life?
Correction: How might this passage correct, balance or redirect me?
Training: What does this passage present to prepare me for living a God honoring life or for facing some future challenge?
Equipped for Every Good Work: How might this passage equip me for serving God and people
- What else stood out from this week’s sermon?
- What is your big takeaway from this week’s sermon?
NEXT STEPS:
Everyone has a next step to apply what we have learned. What is your next step? Be specific.
MEMORY VERSE: *Challenge yourself or your group to commit this verse to memory:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
PRAYER:
Spend some time praying for each other. And pray this prayer as a group: “Jesus, build your Church and show me my part and show us our path. Amen.”
***Challenge your group to make this a daily prayer throughout this series:
“Jesus, build your Church and show me my part and show us our path. Amen.”
Scripture References:
Acts 17:10-14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17