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This week’s Bonus Feature – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Matthew 6:19-21

Discussion Questions:

  1. Treasure does not necessarily mean money. Your treasure is whatever you prize in life, so where is your treasure right now? In the Bible, the heart is the focus of one’s whole being. Jesus says your heart will follow your treasure, so where is your heart?
  2. The Lord describes two kinds of treasure—one of Earth and one of heaven. What are examples of the “treasures of Earth?” What are examples of the “treasures of heaven?” What happens to each of these?
  3. What motive, desire, or habit will you ask God to help you change so that you are able to treasure Him above everything else?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Matthew 6:19-21 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.

Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this part.

In our passage this week (Matthew 6:19-21), Jesus warned His listeners against the sin of living for the things of this life and emphasized the sad consequences of covetousness and idolatry. In what ways would you like to rearrange priorities in your life and start living for heavenly treasure? Follow the filling of the Holy Spirit, and He will enable you to be liberated from materialism.

Discuss ways you can encourage each other this week to come up with some practical ways to rearrange priorities and start “storing up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

Engage the World Around Us

We can’t all be heroes like Indiana Jones, but everyone can be a hero to someone whose life they impact for good. Faith Promise is engaging the world around us to share the hope and real love of Christ in tangible ways. Challenge your group to check out several opportunities to serve our community with together this fall:

https://faithpromise.org/love-local.

Be a hero!

Expand God’s Kingdom

Billy Graham said, “God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with.” What gifts, talents or blessings has God given you? How will you turn around and use them for His Kingdom and His glory? Time is short! We live in a broken world filled with real problems, and Christ-followers have the one thing that can give hope- that is the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Who at your school, job, or in your neighborhood will share your story and God’s story of real love with this week? If that’s too big a step, write down the name of someone you would like to share with, give the name to someone in your group, so they can pray for and follow-up with you this month.

Leader’s Notes

  1. Christ followers treasure Jesus first and foremost! From that, we naturally commit our time, resources, money, and talents to His work in this world, all for His glory. The Lord will abundantly and graciously reward the child of God, and this will far outweigh any trouble, inconvenience, or persecution we may face (see Romans 8:18). Your heart moves toward what you cherish, and God wants you to move toward Him.
  2. Answers will vary, but all earthly treasures are subject to destruction. We’re meant to use possessions and love people, not love possessions and use people. Our eternal perspective affects our earthly priorities. God offers us treasure that lasts forever: a relationship with Him that begins here and continues for eternity in heaven. “Treasures of heaven” extend beyond our tithing and include all of our actions that are in obedience to God and impact His eternal Kingdom.
  3. Answers will vary.
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This week’s Bonus Feature – The Princess Bride

Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 24:35, Hebrews 4:12

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your plan to get into God’s Word? How does your group dive into God’s Word? Find a Bible reading plan on the YouVersion Bible App or join Faith Promise as we read the Bible in a year.
  2. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, that all scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, reproof, correction, and training. What are some scriptures that have been helpful to you as you commit to live like Christ daily? Find one or two verses that you can consistently remember to help you grow closer to God.
  3. What does the Bible say about discipleship? How are we to follow Jesus? Find one or two verses that can help you disciple those in your group, your family, or your life, helping them grow closer to God.
  4. A disciple follows the example of their leader. Have you followed Jesus in baptism? Why or why not? Next week there will be a baptism opportunity at all campuses. Talk to your group leader or campus pastor if you are ready to be baptized.

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Hebrews 4:12 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.

Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this part.

What are some struggles you have when reading the Bible? Is it hard to be consistent with your reading? Is it hard to understand what you read? Share where you are and where you want to be in your scripture reading. Hold each other accountable to continue on this adventure of learning more about God through His Word.

Engage the World Around Us

One of our values at Faith Promise is We Grow Together.

How could you and others you already connect with socially during the week encounter God? If you share common interests with people you hang out with – you could start an Embrace group. If you have a book club or Bible study  – you could start an Encounter group. If you serve a local charity or give to a community cause – you could start an Engage group. Or if you meet with other leaders for development – you could start an Expand group.

What is stopping you from starting a group at Faith Promise?

Talk with your group leader or let us know here.

Expand God’s Kingdom

Are you enjoying how Faith Promise is connecting faith and film?

Many of the movies we see and books we read tug at our heartstrings because they contain echoes of the one true story of God’s redeeming love for His people—us!

Next time you are talking about a book you have read or a movie you have watched with a friend, see if you can hear the echoes of God’s story. You might have an interesting talk about faith!

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This week’s Bonus Feature – Ghostbusters

Encounter God

Primary Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17

Discussion Questions:

  1. Looking through the armor of God, do you use every piece daily?
  2. What parts do you know how to use, and what parts do you not use?
  3. How is faith a shield that protects us?
  4. How is God’s word a sword? On what/whom should we use this sword?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Ephesians 6:10-17 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.

Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this part.

Pastor Kyle talked about how heavy the proton pack was for the actors filming Ghostbusters. One way to make our burdens lighter is to set some things down. Another way to make them lighter is to share the load.

How can your group help you carry your burdens? Commit to pray for one another and take action to meet needs in the group.

Engage the World Around Us

We may not be Ghostbusters, but we can still clean up the area around us. One of our Faith Promise local ministry partners is Operation Backyard, a ministry of Knoxville Leadership Foundation. Their motto is “repairing the community, one home at a time.”

Visit http://www.klf.org/index.php/programs/operation_backyard/ for more information on how your group can serve.

Expand God’s Kingdom

Do you know someone fighting an unseen battle? Maybe they are struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief. Meet them where they are, and share the hope you’ve found in the real love of Jesus.

Tell them about the tools you have in the armor of God and offer to pray for them right there.

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This week’s Bonus Feature – Back to the Future

Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Philippians 3:13-14, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Deuteronomy 8:2, Hebrews 8:12, Romans 5:3-5

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did God do to pull you through a dark time?
  2. Look at a past mistake or two, and think of them not as something to change or regret, but as something God can use to show His glory. How does your perspective change when focused on glorifying God?
  3. How can we focus on the present, not necessarily forgetting the past, but using its potential to follow the filling? 
  4. God reminds the Israelites of their past for the sake of instruction. Remembering who God is will be our best way not only to regard our past, but also to define our present, and to guide our future. What can you do this week to glorify God?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Romans 5:3-5 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.

Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this part.

Past mistakes often require forgiveness of yourself or others. Share who you need to forgive this week? How can you show yourself grace, as God does?

Engage the World Around Us

Creating Back to the Movies and these Bonus Features involved hundreds of Promisors, from writing and producing, leading in worship, planning the decorations, constructing the props, popcorn makers and servers, and the weekend team of parking, ushers, greeters, and fpKids area.

Faith Promise could not be the movement of God it is without people like you, serving in a capacity that best suits the gifts and talents God gave you.

Where are you serving? Have you been through Next Steps?

Expand God’s Kingdom

We have four more weeks of Back to the Movies. Who are you inviting to the weekends and to your group? This is the perfect opportunity to invite your friends, co-workers, and neighbors who don’t normally go to church. Have a movie night and invite people to watch the movies for the series, then invite them to connect faith and film and maybe find the real love of Jesus for the first time!

September 7-8 Ghostbusters
September 14-15 The Princess Bride
September 21-22 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
September 28-29 E.T. (Shhh – this is a secret!)

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Mind Monsters Week 4 – Discussion Guide

Getting Started

Main Idea: 
The mind is a powerful place; what you feed it can affect it in a powerful way.

Discussion Starter: 
What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time?

Introduction: 
This week, we continued to explore Mind Monsters, which are emotions that have moved from under our beds to inside our heads. So many of us struggle with a complicated life—one filled with with difficult situations involving marriages, kids, parents, etc. But, we as Christ Followers can ENJOY life…how? By following the filling and accessing the power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience joy even in the midst of darkness. Jesus promises us joy that no one can take that away from us. Joy is our reminder that darkness is temporary.

Encounter God

Primary Scriptures:  Philippians 4:8, Galatians 5:22-23
Discussion Questions:

  1. Read Philippians 4:8. What we put into our minds determines what comes out in words and actions. Paul tells us in this verse what God wants us to dwell on in our minds. What harmful things can people dwell on today? Consider memorizing this verse and repeat it to yourself as you encounter things that are unwholesome this week.
  2. God calls us to dwell on things that are true, but Satan works by telling us lies. He is a liar! (John 8:44). In what ways has the enemy distracted you with worry? The next time he tries to gain control of your mind and corrupt it, how will you turn to the Holy Spirit and His truthful ways? See John 17:17; 1 John 5:6.
  3. We acknowledge that there are many things in our world that are not honorable, right, pure, lovely or of good repute, but we do not focus on them or allow them to control our lives. Right thinking is the result of daily meditation on the Word of God. We are “to put off our old self… and to be made new in the attitude of our minds” (Ephesians 4:17-24) What honorable, right, pure, lovely things will you dwell on this week? How might that play out in action?
  4. Read Galatians 5:22-23. These character traits were perfectly embodied in the character of our Lord Jesus. Discuss the difference between works and fruit. How do Christ Followers exhibit the fruit of the Spirit today? Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to grow in you?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Philippians 4:8 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore how Christ followers are to think rightly in this world.

Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.

Getting to know you: Paul reminds us what is available when we plug-in and walk in the Spirit. In what ways have you been passively lead by your circumstances instead of by the power of the Spirit? At Faith Promise, we say, “Where the Spirit leads…we will follow!” Why don’t we follow Him? How will you prayerfully turn from your circumstances and turn to God?

Getting to know them: Discuss ways you can encourage each other this week with the truth that joy is simply a reminder that the light is coming back, that darkness is not forever—it’s just for a moment. When we follow the filling, we are able to block those Mind Monsters from coming in and taking up residence in our life! Pray for specific, dark circumstances group members may be experiencing. Pray we will be open to allow God to work by the power of His Spirit!

Getting to know Him: Challenge each other to memorize Philippians 4:8 this week. When faced with the darkness of this broken world, respond with the truth of this verse and dwell on “whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise”!

Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise:  Pastor Josh challenged active FP Core members to do their part this week and participate in the Charter Amendment vote. We need 75% of the Active Core to vote! In preparation for our future and continued growth, we need to heed this call. The Core of Faith Promise is being asked to vote on the amendment at a Church Conference that will be held at the Pellissippi Campus on Sunday, September 22, 2019, at 5:00 pm. If you are not an active Core member but are interested in learning more, please visit https://faithpromise.org/core.

Engaging in Community and the World: Next week Faith Promise goes BACK to the Movies! Those 1980’s movies we’ve seen and loved are back but with a spiritual twist. We can share this five week event with our family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Who will you invite to this entertaining and spiritually grounding series? This is a good place to give others the opportunity to connect with God.

Expand God’s Kingdom

Mark Twain wrote, “What a wee little part of a person’s life are his acts and his words! His real life is led in his head, and is known to none but himself. All day long, the mill of his brain is grinding, and his thoughts, not those other things, are his history.” Our thought life composes a major part of who we really are. That means it is crucial for each of us to bring our thought life into submission to Jesus Christ by learning to think biblically about every aspect of life. We are to immerse our thought life in that which is “true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise.” Our actions proceed from our thoughts. As Christ Followers, we are to let “your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) This world is full of darkness, but we as Christ-followers can share the light and the source of life… Jesus!!! With whom will you share the Good News of Jesus Christ this week? Pray for opportunities to be the light and to share the light!

Leader’s Notes

  1. People can dwell on impure thoughts through television, magazines, internet, books, conversations, and movies. We are called to dwell on pure and wholesome material as described in this verse. The best place to start is with God’s Word and prayer. We can ask God to refocus our minds to what is good and pure, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do this!
  2. Answers may vary. Discussion should include the truth that “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
  3. Answers may vary. One great way Christians can put “honorable” thoughts into action is by sharing the Good News of Christ with this world.
  4. Works are things done by effort, labor, strain and toil. Fruit, on the other hand, are things that are beautifully and quietly developed in a Christ Follower as the Spirit works to transform and unfold a life that more and more resembles that of God’s own Son, Jesus. By submitting to the power of the Holy Spirit and joining our lives to Jesus (see John 15:4-5), Christ Followers will exhibit fruit.

ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.

– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.

– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.

– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.

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Mind Monsters Week 3 – Discussion Guide

Getting Started

Main Idea: The Mind Monsters of emotion have moved from under our beds to inside our heads.

Discussion Starter: Have you known anyone to have some deep-seated fear, a fear that paralyzed them or prevented them from doing something?  Have you experienced any of these: fear of heights, speaking in public, tight spaces, spiders, snakes, etc.?

Introduction: There is more than one type of fear and the Bible has a lot to say about fear. This week we will look at how fear impacts us and how we can handle fears more productively, as well as supporting others as they work through some of their personal fears. Wouldn’t it be nice if this mind monster lost some (or all!) its control in our lives?

Encounter God

Primary Scriptures:  

2 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:18, Hebrews 2:14, Matthew 6:25-34

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do the passages in 1 John and Hebrews point to as the source of our fear?
  2. What does the passage in 2 Timothy say that God gives us?
  3. In this series, Pastor talked about parking our minds on the thoughts found on the “P48 Train.”  What similar thoughts/actions are we reminded of in 2 Timothy that God gives us to overcome Mind Monsters?
  4. How does the passage from Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 6:25-34 tell us to behave?
  5. What are some action items or thoughts we can take this week to help us with our fears?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Matthew 6:25 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.

Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.

Getting to know you: As you go through the week and encounter the Mind Monster of fear, consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-34 then reach out to your group and share ways you are encouraged.

Getting to know them: As a group, search for other scriptures on prayers to help arm you and your loved ones against the fear Mind Monster.

Getting to know Him: Commit in your groups to reading/memorizing one or two of the scriptures you found and praying for your group during your quiet time.

Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise:  Groups can be very intimidating to many.  Pray for all the new groups starting and for the Promisers who have yet to sign up.  Pray that they find their group and that the Mind Monster of fear doesn’t get in the way.

Engaging in Community: Pay attention this week as you are at work or with family and notice how fear is impacting the lives of those around you.  Things you may not have noticed before will be more evident. Share some of what you are learning, Jesus’ love, and your relationship with Him, and how this helps overcome fears.

Engaging the World: This time of year, students are heading back to school, teachers are meeting their new pupils, and we are approaching fall. Let’s say special prayers for those leaders in schools and all the students, because we know there are a lot of emotions including fear during this time.

Expand God’s Kingdom

One of the biggest obstacles for people taking their next step in becoming a leader is fear.  Who is someone who you know is afraid of moving forward and stepping up to their next level of leadership?  Reach out to them this week, and help them take their next step.

Leader’s Notes

ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.

– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.

– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.

– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.