2017

LIFE GROUPDISCUSSION

GUIDES

RECLAIMED (ADVENT):HOPE // Week of November 26, 2017Ruth 1

Someone read this passage to the group: Romans 5:1-11Recommended Song for Reflection/Praise: I Have This Hope (Tenth Avenue North) WATCH IT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBg9jHQtE44

DISCUSSWhat are some typical phrases people use to try and give others hope? READ Ruth 1:1-5Naomi flees a famine only to see her husband and sons pass away.

• What is your typical response to “it can’t get any worse than this” moments?• How has living through those moments changed your perspective on life in light of eternity?

Naomi decides to return home but gives Orpah and Ruth the freedom to return to their people and their gods. Nao-mi is bitter but still surrendered to the Lord.

READ Ruth 1:15-18Ruth’s devotion to Naomi doesn’t only commit her to Naomi but to Naomi’s people and God.Ruth even swears an oath in the name of the Lord, showing submission to the one true God.

• When has your faith led you to give up comfort, convenience, or security? -Why is it easy to let duty motivate those sacrifices rather than hope?

• How would you encourage others when all hope seems lost?

READ Matthew 1:18-21The hope of Christmas is the promise that Jesus saves! May that promise echo louder than voices of the world.

DETERMINE1. What have you put your hope in other than the Lord?2. What truth will you cling to this week to remain hopeful in Christ?3. Who do you need to share the hope of Jesus with this week?

• Pray for each other.• Pray for those who are discouraged and how you might minister to them.• Pray for opportunities to make Jesus known and share about the hope you have.• Pray for the salvation of unbelievers you know.

I HAVE THIS HOPETenth Avenue North

As I walk this great unknownQuestions come and questions goWas there purpose for the pain?Did I cry these tears in vain?

I don't want to live in fearI want to trust that You are nearTrust Your grace can be seenIn both triumph and tragedy

I have this hopeIn the depth of my soulIn the flood or the fireYou're with me and You won't let go

But sometimes my faith feels thinLike the night will never endWill You catch every tearOr will You just leave me here?

But I have this hopeIn the depth of my soulIn the flood or the fireYou're with me and You won't let go

Yes, I have this hopeIn the depth of my soulIn the flood or the fireYou're with me and You won't let go

So, whatever happens I will not be afraidCause You are closer than this breath that I takeYou calm the storm when I hear You call my nameI still believe that one day I'll see Your face

I have this hopeIn the depth of my soulIn the flood or the fireYou're with me

I have this hopeIn the depth of my soulIn the flood or the fireYou're with me and You won't let go

In the flood or the fireYou're with me and You won't let goIn the flood or the fireYou're with me and You won't let go

RECLAIMED (ADVENT):PEACE // Week of December 3, 2017Ruth 2

Someone read this passage to the group: Psalm 85:7-11Recommended Song for Reflection/Praise: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (MercyMe): WATCH IT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4Gmm5Iw7tc

DISCUSSWhat’s the most peaceful place/environment you’ve ever experienced? READ Ruth 2:8-13Ruth has been gleaning from the field of Boaz, diligently working to feed Naomi and herself.Boaz takes notice and steps in. Ruth then finds real peace (security) in the abundant grace that Boaz shows to her, the foreigner.It was expected that Boaz allow Ruth to glean, but his going the extra mile is all grace.-Describe a time when you tried to earn something but it was freely given to you instead.(And you can’t just say, “Jesus”… DESCRIBE it!)

Peace in the Bible means more than the absence of conflict.It includes the presence of harmony and flourishing.Ruth, on her own, achieved absence of conflict.Boaz brought peace.

READ Isaiah 9:6The peace of Christmas is the fact that Jesus reigns! Live today in light of the peace Jesus brings.

DETERMINE1. What will you quit striving after in life and turn over to Jesus?2. Whose good will you fight for even if they don’t deserve it? (This is showing grace to others!)3. Who do you know that needs peace and how can you help them this week?

• Pray for each other.• Pray for peace in such divided times (politically, racially, religiously, etc.).• Pray that your life would be a testimony to the peace found only in Christ.• Pray for the salvation of unbelievers you know.

I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAYMercy Me

I heard the bells on Christmas DayTheir old familiar carols playAnd wild and sweet the words repeatOf peace on earth, good will to men

And thought how as the day had comeThe belfries of all ChristendomHad rolled along the unbroken songOf peace on earth, goodwill to men

I can hear themI can hear themI can hear themI can hear them

And in despair I bowed my head“There is no peace on earth,” I saidFor hate is strong and mocks the songOf peace on earth, goodwill to men

Then pealed the bellsmore loud and deepGod is not dead nor does He sleepThe wrong shall fail, the right prevailWith peace on earth, goodwill to men

I can hear YouI can hear YouAnd I can hear YouAnd I can hear YouI can hear YouI can hear You…

I can still hear YouI can hear You nowI can hear You now…

RECLAIMED (ADVENT):JOY // Week of December 10, 2017Ruth 3

Someone read this passage to the group: Psalm 95:1-5Recommended Song for Reflection/Praise: Hymn of Joy (Chris Tomlin): WATCH IT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzAS4jXvXtI

DISCUSSHow would you define joy? Is it different than happiness? READ Ruth 3:9-13Ruth submits herself to Boaz for redemption. Boaz knows another kinsman has first right to step in but promises to redeem Ruth if the first kinsman passes.There is great joy in knowing you will be rescued even if, like Ruth, there is still some time of waiting in store.

• When has a yet-fulfilled promise brought you joy? -How does this joy stand up in the midst of trials? -What does wavering joy reveal about us?

Boaz’s promise to Ruth secured her future and eclipsed her past and current hardships.For the time, Boaz’s promise also required Ruth to trust.

• What promises has God made to you and fulfilled?• What promises has God made but has yet to fulfill?• What impact do these fulfilled and “not yet” promises have on your faith?

READ Luke 2:10-11The first Christmas sees a promise unfolding. The promised Savior is born!May you be filled with the joy of knowing our Savior has come.

DETERMINE-What brings you joy that you neglect to thank God for regularly?-What promise from the Lord will you cling to this week?-Who is discouraged, lacking joy, that you will encourage this week?

• Pray for each other.• Pray for joy for the many who are hurting, especially during holidays. • Pray that your life would reflect the joy only Christ can bring.• Pray for the salvation of unbelievers you know.

HYMN OF JOY Chris Tomlin

Joyful, joyful, we adore TheeGod of glory, Lord of loveHearts unfold like flowers before TheeOpening to the sun aboveMelt the clouds of sin and sadnessDrive the dark of doubt awayGiver of immortal gladnessFill us with the light of day

Rejoice, rejoice!EmmanuelYour love has comeHere to dwell

All Thy works with joy surround TheeEarth and heaven reflect thy raysStars and angels sing around TheeCenter of unbroken praiseField and forest, vale and mountainFlow’ry meadow, flashing seaSinging bird and flowing fountainCall us to rejoice in Thee

Rejoice, rejoice!EmmanuelYour love has comeHere to dwellRejoice, rejoice!EmmanuelYour love has comeHere to dwell

Mortals join the happy chorusWhich the morning stars beganFather love is reigning o’er usBrother love binds man to manEver singing march we onwardVictors in the midst of strifeJoyful music leads us sunwardIn the triumph song of life

RECLAIMED (ADVENT):LOVE // Week of December 17, 2017Ruth 4

Someone read this passage to the group: Galatians 4:4-6Recommended Song for Reflection/Praise: Hark, the Herald Angles Sing (Paul & Hannah McClure (Bethel)):WATCH IT:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuW1wlZ434w

DISCUSSHow do you know when someone loves you?Potential follow up: What’s your love language – acts of service, physical touch, receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation? READ Ruth 4:13-15 Boaz steps in as Ruth’s kinsman redeemer, giving her new life.To really love someone is to want their good and fight for their good.Boaz constantly works for Ruth’s good.

• When have you thought you loved someone but then realized you didn’t really want their good?• Describe a time when fighting for someone else’s good cost you something.• Who in your life (besides Jesus) has been a great example of selfless love?

Boaz’s love for Ruth would have a much farther reaching impact than he knew.Boaz’s son became David’s grandfather, meaning Ruth went frombeing a “nobody” to being a part of the lineage of Jesus!

• What other examples of far-reaching love can you think of?• Why does God so often use “nobodies” to be a part of great things?• What are some ways you can love on outsiders or unknowns?

READ John 3:16The love of Christmas is knowing that God, because He is kind and merciful,made it possible for us to have new life by sending His only Son.

DETERMINE-How will you remind yourself and others of God’s love this week?-Whose good will you fight for this week? What is one way you can do that?-Who is on the “outside” that you will show love to this week?

• Pray for each other.• Pray that you would learn to love others better.• Pray that God would show you “outsiders” and “unknowns” that need to be loved.• Pray for the salvation of unbelievers you know.

HARK, THE HERALD ANGELS SING Paul & Hannah McClure (Bethel)

Hark! The herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King;Peace on earth, and mercy mild,God and sinners reconciled!”Joyful, all ye nations rise,Join the triumph of the skies;With angelic host proclaim,“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”Hark, the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest Heaven adored;Christ the everlasting Lord;Late in time, behold Him come,Offspring of a virgin’s womb.Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;Hail the incarnate Deity,Pleased as man with men to dwell,Jesus our Emmanuel.Hark, the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace!Hail the Sun of Righteousness!Light and life to all He brings,Risen with healing in His wings.Mild He lays His glory by,Born that man no more may die;Born to raise the sons of earth,Born to give them second birth.Hark, the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!”