Believe Actively – Session 1 Our mission: fulfill our call as Christ’s Ambassadors, bringing the message of reconciliation to the world. It is based on 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (NIV) 11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Today we explore:

· What it means to live with an active faith. · How an active faith participates in the ministry of reconciliation given to us through Jesus Christ. · The mission call from our Lord is not optional, but essential for us as ambassadors of Christ.

Watch Video Our call is to carry out a ministry of _____________________ as ambassadors of Christ. It is not that we should effect a reconciliation, but instead that we should ___________________ in bringing people back to God.

For our purposes, believing actively can be broken down into three main parts. Having a strong __________________, carrying out God's ___________________, and coming to God. A firmly rooted and established faith can withstand _______________ and ________________ in life and to our spiritual well-being. In Ephesians 2, we learn that we were _________________ in Christ to do good works. The church has a distinct mission of making _________________, and God calls on existing disciples to accomplish that work. A life lived with an active faith is constantly ___________________ to God with a repentant heart and a confessing mouth. Recognize - Making observations in light of the topic. Describe your faith in God by choosing one of the following: __ It sizzles and rages like a wildfire, too strong to contain. __ It sits in cold storage waiting to be used someday. __ It sits on a shelf and is taken out on Sunday to attend worship; then it is tucked away again. Is believing actively important to you? How is your faith on display in your daily life? How do you act it out or put it to work? Reflect - How does the topic interact with your life? Believing Actively means having a strong faith. A strong faith is made up of the following.

A) Reliance and trust in God Isaiah 28:16 - So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. Rate yourself on the following scale. I rely only I rely only on myself on God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Why do you rate yourself as such? B) Being free from the doubts of sin Mark 11:23 - “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” What doubts do you have about God, Christ, or the Gospel? Write down all that comes to mind. C) Being rooted firmly in Christ Colossians 1:23 – … i f you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

How do you best grow the roots of your faith? What do you do or read or hear to continue in and more firmly establish your faith? Believing Actively means carrying out the mission of Christ. This involves you doing the following. A) Active good works John 14:12 - “ Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” What good works have you done in the last seven days? How have you served others? B) Obedience Romans 1:5 - Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. Do you feel Trinity Lutheran Church exists to serve you? Why or why not? Do you feel it is necessary that you work to make disciples or is it someone else’s responsibility?

C) A life of witness Isaiah 43:10 - “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” When was the last time you gave testimony to someone who is not a Christian that you have faith in God? What did you say? Believing Actively means coming back to God. Mark 1:5 - The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 1 John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” What sins do you confess at this moment about having a strong faith and carrying out the mission of Christ ? Write them here. Check those for which you are ready to repent, to turn away from and do the opposite.

Together, as a group, read these words – “If we confess our sins, (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. God has forgiven us! Alleluia!!” (Cf. from 1 John 1:9) Repent - How is God challenging you to change in light of the topic?

What obstacles are in the way of you believing actively as we have explored above?

Personal obstacles – Professional obstacles – Spiritual obstacles – Emotional obstacles –

What can God do in your life to remove or help you overcome these obstacles? Respond - What will you do moving forward in light of the topic. What two actions can you take this week to believe more actively? (You may list more.) Make sure they are measurable (you will know when it has been completed) and attainable (you know you are capable of doing it) Are willing to complete them before your next Grow Group gathering?

Be sure to share how it went next week when you gather with your group. Conclusion Throughout the next six weeks, we want to invite you to join us on a mission of prayer. The way this will work, is that each of us is going to identify one person in our lives who needs to come back to God. Perhaps they grew up in the church and have since left, perhaps they have never really stepped foot in a church, but need Jesus. As we have gone through so much in 2020, life has become increasingly difficult to manage. To do so without faith, hope, and love in Christ Jesus seems unbearable. The focus of our series is to help people come back to God. We do this by being ambassadors of Christ, as though God were making His plea through us. Today we are starting a journey of prayer for each person identified. Each week as your group closes in prayer, be sure to pray for the individuals identified by people in your group. If you are comfortable sharing details, pray specifically about situations in that person’s life. At the same time, as you learn what it means to fulfill the six objectives or principles of our series, our hope is that you will begin to see how they apply to your relationship with this person and move you toward action in their lives. Today we start by identifying that individual in your life and praying for them by name. I will be praying for ____________________________ that they come back to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Love Sincerely – Session 2 Our mission: fulfill our call as Christ’s Ambassadors, bringing the message of reconciliation to the world. It is based on 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (NIV) 11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Today we explore:

· Loving sincerely requires that we first experience true love through Jesus Christ. · Many times we struggle to allow God to love us creating barriers between us and the love of God. · To love sincerely is to have compassion for someone. It’s always about others experiencing the love of God.

Watch Video In other words, it is ____________________ for us to love without first being loved. There is no better place to experience His love than in _________________ and ________________, again letting His Spirit fill and surround you.

Romans 5:5 says that "God's love has been poured into our ___________________ through the Holy Spirit, who had been given to us." That's one of the core truths of loving sincerely; it is ____________________. With love, it's not always about ___________________. The way that Scripture describes love is through ___________________. The Bible often explains sincere love as having ___________________. Compassion is a deep gut feeling that moves you to action. To love others is an intentional act of ___________________ on the relationship you have with others and making ________________ to reflect the love of God into that relationship. We can provide for people a place of __________________ and __________________ where they can encounter and experience the love of God in Christ Jesus. Recognize - Making observations in light of the topic.

1. In the video Pastor John talked about pouring from an empty cup. Why do you think we end up pouring (or loving others) from an empty cup? What things in your life empty your cup or fill your cup?

2. How are your actions of loving others connected to you being and feeling loved?

Read through 1 Corinthians 13, a chapter you may have heard before (Raise your hand if you have heard this read at a wedding. Now raise your hand if it was a verse at your wedding.) These verses depict what sincere love is. It is not just love in a marital sense, but in how we love our neighbor, how we love God, and how He loves us ! Yes, how He loves us. God's love is in action for you. He sent his Son to die for you, He is continually forgiving and renewing us, and He does it over and over. He sincerely loves you, and now He has commanded us to love one another. We are to look past the outside of people and see what God sees. Every person is made in God's image, His creation, and we are called to love them. "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." Reflect - How does the topic interact with your life?

3. Consider if you have recently stopped to really hear what God says about His love. When you know God's love for you, then how well are you capable of loving others?

4. What does loving sincerely look like to you? Do you have an example of a time you have been shown sincere love?

Read the following verses and note what is said about loving sincerely. List out the benefits of loving sincerely. Colossians 3:22 2 Corinthians 6:6

5. How does loving sincerely change lives? How does it enhance the gospel message?

Repent - How is God challenging you to change in light of the topic?

6. Read through 1 John 3:23 . What are we commanded to do? How well have you personally followed this command?

7. Maybe there is a person in your life that requires compassion and needs to be shown the same unconditional love that is given to us every day through Jesus. What stops us from taking action? Why can it be difficult?

Respond - What will you do moving forward in light of the topic.

8. Read James 3:17 . What encouragement can you find in this verse that will help you take action to love sincerely?

Loving sincerely means suffering for good. Loving sincerely is never about us, and where we are at. It's always about where others are and how they need the love of God that has been poured into us, poured into them. We want to help you love sincerely. Work through the following steps and seek God's guidance on how to move forward.

· Step 1 - Identify someone who is hurting and needs to hear or feel God's love right now? · Step 2 - What are the circumstances of their hurt or needs? · Step 3 - Identify how your relationship with them, your gifts, and your personality can help them to experience true and sincere love. · Step 4 - Identify a single specific action that will show them love and so it.

9. Look back at question 7 when the challenges were discussed of what keeps us from taking steps forward to intentionally love. What will you ask God to help you overcome so you can move past those challenges? As a group, create a prayer list for the group to prayer over tonight as you close your time together.

Conclusion Last week we asked you to identify and begin to pray for one individual in your life who needs to come back to God. This week, we will continue to pray for that person by name. We want to consider in what ways they need to experience the love of God and ask that God make His love known to them. But we also want to encourage you to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in ways you can show love to this person.

Work Persuasively – Session 3 Our mission: fulfill our call as Christ’s Ambassadors, bringing the message of reconciliation to the world. It is based on 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (NIV) 11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Today we explore:

· What it means that your life is a form of persuasion. · How we live serves as a support to our testimony of our faith; the two go hand in hand. · Everyday tasks, such as going to the office, parenting, or interacting with family and friends is to be done as though working for the Lord.

Watch Video Paul urges the pastor to teach that godly ___________________ must follow God's salvation in Christ. We must recognize that our life is a form of __________________.

In Colossians 3:1 Paul reminds us that we "have been __________________ with Christ" and that we are to "set our __________________ on things above, where Christ is." There is no compartmentalizing of faith to one place in life. It's fully ________________ into whatever we do. We ____________________ the Lord in our work, we ___________________ the Lord in our work, we __________________ His image in our work. Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your conversation be always full of ___________________, seasoned with _______________, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Recognize - Making observations in light of the topic. There are numerous bible verses that address the subject of work, however, most often “work” is referred to as a verb. In other words, what “working” persuasively might look like. For example, 2 Corinthians 5:11 reads “ Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. (ESV) But what about “work” as a noun? The place where we go to work! Not too long ago most of us spent at least a third of our waking hours in a place outside of the home, surrounded by others. Many of these people are not necessarily walking with Christ. At least, we wouldn’t necessarily know it. We are focusing on the work of Christ—spreading the wonderful gospel message to those around us over which we have influence. This can include your family, friends, neighbors, etc. Frame this week’s study around your current situation. If you are retired or not working outside of your home, think about the people with whom you have regular contact and the ability to exert influence and work persuasively.

This week we’re going to be looking at what it means to work persuasively and to what it could mean to be persuasive at work.

1. Imagine yourself walking into “work” one morning. What do you see? What do you hear, sense, and generally observe? Recognize that “work” doesn’t have to be an office. It’s anywhere that you invest and dedicate a large amount of your time. This means that your place of work could change throughout your life.

Assuming, of course, that you’ve already said your morning prayers upon waking and spent at least a little time in your personal daily devotion, you are ready for the day! You may have even listened to KSBJ for a bit, so you are full of the Spirit and ready to share the good news. Right? Romans 12:11 reads “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (ESV) Are your coworkers happy to see you and eager for you to tell them why you look so fresh and exuberant and are you ready with an answer? 1 Peter 3:15 “Sanctify the Messiah as Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to make a reply to anyone who asks you to explain the hope that is in you.” (ESV) Or, do they see someone who reminds them of themselves, possibly averting their eyes and hoping you won’t try to talk to them, at least not before another cup of coffee?

2. How do you feel about sharing your faith at your workplace? How do you think they feel about it? 3. Consider other places than just the office, such as organizations where you may volunteer your time, how do you feel about sharing faith in those places?

4. As “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), especially in environments where

evangelism may at best be barely tolerated and at worst, restricted by written

policies or even laws, how can we be effectively persuasive for the Lord?

5. Many times there are cultural “restrictions” placed on us at family gatherings or

within friend groups concerning our faith. These “restrictions” make you feel

limited in what you can say about your faith. Have experienced any of these

cultural restrictions in your own life? Describe them.

Reflect - How does the topic interact with your life? Let’s go back to the fishing theme for a bit and draw this analogy. What successful angler ever drops a hook or casts a net without first observing his surroundings, the “landscape,” and adapting his methods accordingly? Conditions are important. So too it is with being a successful witness in the workplace and beyond. We can cast a wide net, or we can observe others who we feel may be initially more receptive to our witness. Actually. maybe we can do both! Sometimes we can easily see that there are like-minded people we can speak freely with. It may be something they say or the way they dress, the jewelry they wear, or the way they decorate their office or cubicle. We can pick up little clues in casual conversations about how we spend our weekends or spare time. These are the people we can create an informal support group with, encouraging each other and perhaps even discussing ways to share the good news appropriately in that setting.

An educator in a local public school district recently shared what the environment is like in her workplace. We would expect to hear that anything having to do with religion was strongly discouraged and therefore avoided. Surprisingly, she and a group of her colleagues meet regularly over lunch or after the school day is done, for Christian fellowship and mutual encouragement. Moreover, they are not meeting in secret. It is known and accepted by the administration without prejudice or judgment, at least not overtly.

6. How would you describe the openness or willingness of workplaces to hear or receive the gospel? Have there been times when you have been surprised by the openness of a place? 7. Have you ever been “shut down” because you have been open about your faith in Christ? How did you respond? 8. Turn things around and consider family and friends. Are there groups that you are part of that are more accepting of your faith and it’s outward expressions? In situations where faith is discouraged, how do you typically handle yourself, especially as it relates to your faith?

Repent - How is God challenging you to change in light of the topic? Working persuasively is oftentimes about the spirit you exhibit. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (ESV)

9. What spirit are you exhibiting in your life? Is it one of fear and timidity, or one of power, love, and self-control? If you’re not sure how to answer the question, talk to those you trust who have observed you in different settings.

10. Christ has already given us a spirit of power, love, and self-control. Many times we let ourselves get in the way of Christ’s Spirit. We do this for a variety of reasons. Consider the statements below and mark any that resonate with you. I struggle to:

- Believe that Christ’s Spirit is truly living in me. - Trust that Jesus is in control of the situation. - I’m hesitant to risk my reputation or what others think of me. - I simply don’t want to be bothered to exhibit openly my faith. - I live as though my faith is passive rather than an active part of my life.

Respond - What will you do moving forward in light of the topic. We each have a responsibility to witness with grace and sensitivity. Our words and actions must reflect the grace that Christ bestows on all of us. 1 Corinthians 10:33 reads “just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” (ESV)

11. Based on the statements that you marked in the previous question, what might need to change in your life? Discuss with your group that change and what steps you could take to make that shift a reality for you.

Many times the images we wear or display communicate what we believe. For example, a stylized Alpha & Omega ring can serve as a conversation piece as many don’t know what the image and letters mean, or why you would wear them. Stretching and growing in your own faith allows us to set an example for our family, friends, and co-workers. Remember these encouraging words from Romans 15:18 “For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed.” (ESV) Conclusion We hope that over the last two weeks, praying for someone by name has been a powerful experience for you. We also hope that you are beginning to see or at least sense how God might be moving in that person’s life. We know that God hears our prayers and answers them according to His will and timing. So we wait patiently on the Lord, and pray unceasingly for those that need Jesus in their lives. In addition to prayer, we would like you to consider ways that you can begin to influence your friend. In what ways might your life be an influence or testimony of your faith to them? In your prayers today, ask God to give you guidance and clarity on how best to give testimony to Christ’s work in your life and influence the one you’ve been praying for with the hope that they too would come back to God through Christ.

Apply Truth Gracefully – Session 4 Our mission: fulfill our call as Christ’s Ambassadors, bringing the message of reconciliation to the world. It is based on 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NIV) 11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Today we explore:

· A person or even a group of Christians who overemphasizes truth at the expense of grace can be judgmental and not empathetic or loving. · A person or even a group of Christians who overemphasizes grace at the expense of truth can take God less seriously than they should or encourage actions that are not Godly. · We must have both when dealing with each other and ourselves; this only comes through Christ.

Watch Video Jesus turns to the woman and says, "Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." I don't condemn you - is the fullness of _________ ; leave your life of sin - is the fullness of ___________.

On the one hand the truth that we are a ____________, dictates condemnation. On the other hand, grace dictates ___________ and mercy. So, if we apply grace, it may seem we are letting people off the ___________ for their sins. If we apply truth it may seem we are _____________ the grace of God freely given in Christ. John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one only Son, who came from the Father, _ ____________ grace and truth." In Jesus Christ, both grace and truth come in their fullness, not on their own, and not in a balance between the two. It’s not 50/50 but ________ % of both. An application or exclusion of truth in favor of grace can lead a church to leave behind our desperate ______________ for a Savior and ironically, for God’s grace altogether. Jesus desires for you and me, to apply the fullness of grace and the fullness of truth in your own life and in the __________________. Recognize - Making observations in light of the topic.

1. What have you experienced more in your life from other people, the application of grace, or the application of truth?

2. Consider what it was like growing up in your family as a child. Was there more truth applied or grace applied?

During a British conference on comparative religions in London, C.S. Lewis was delayed from arriving on time by a traffic jam. A panel of the world’s most highly esteemed religious scholars from many religions debated what belief, if any, was totally unique to the Christian faith. Incarnation? Other religions had gods appear in human form. Resurrection? Other religions tell of those returning from the dead. The debate went on for some time until C. S. Lewis wandered into the room. "What's the rumpus about?" he asked and heard in reply that his colleagues were discussing Christianity's unique contribution among world religions. Lewis responded, "Oh, that's easy. It's grace." Lewis was right. No other religion places grace at its theological center. It was a revolutionary idea. Grace “seems to go against every instinct of humanity.” We are naturally drawn to covenants and karma, to cause and effect, to earning what we receive, reaping what we sow. Grace is different. It is the unmerited favor of God, unconditional love given to the undeserving. It’s a difficult concept to understand because it isn’t entirely rational. Grace defies reason and logic. None of us are deserving of God’s grace, so it’s not dependent on social status, wealth, or intelligence. There is equality with all humans. From the video: “Think about that, a graceless world that has turned its back on truth.”

3. What part of that statement resonates with you the most? Is it that we live in a graceless world, or is it that we live in a world that's turned its back on truth?

4. Which way do you lean on when dealing with others and yourself? Are you a grace or a truth person?

Reflect - How does the topic interact with your life? Truth-oriented Christians love studying Scripture and theology. But sometimes they’re quick to judge and slow to forgive. They’re strong on truth, weak on grace. Grace-oriented Christians love forgiveness and freedom. But sometimes they neglect biblical study and see moral standards as “legalism.” They’re strong on grace, weak on truth. A dog and two tennis balls. When a dog has a tennis ball in its mouth, the others on the floor. When it goes for the second ball, it drops the first. Similarly, our minds don’t seem big enough to hold onto grace and truth at the same time. We go after the grace ball—only to drop the truth ball to make room for it. We need to stretch our undersized minds to hold them both at once. Grace and truth aren’t really contradictory. Jesus didn’t switch on truth, then turn it off so He could switch on grace. Both are permanently switched on in Jesus. Both should be switched on in us.

5. How hard is it for you to hold both truth and grace at the same time?

Truth without grace breeds a self-righteousness legalism that poisons the church and pushes the world from Christ. Grace without truth breeds moral indifference and keeps people from seeing their need for Christ.

Attempts to “soften” the gospel by minimizing truth keep people from Jesus. Attempts to “toughen” the gospel by minimizing grace keep people from Jesus.

6. How do your circumstances change or influence your ability or desire to “soften” or “toughen” the gospel? Think about situations such as with family, in your household, at work, in your church, etc..

It’s not enough for us to offer grace or truth. We must offer both. If you are a grace person you are most concerned about being loved. If you are a truth person you are most concerned about being right even it means being unloved. Both have their dangers. Something is wrong if everyone hates you, and something is probably just as wrong if everyone loves you. It’s what the Bible is all about… Grace and truth meld together in the gospel message to form a key distinction of Christianity over other religions. In all other religions, grace and truth are never balanced. Instead, the deity being worshiped either dispenses justice at the expense of grace or dispenses grace at the expense of justice and truth. Christianity is unique in that God delivers grace through His justice and truth. A person and community that understands both becomes a community of grace and truth, love and safety in the truest sense. God is both full of grace and full of truth. Read the following passages and note what they say about grace and truth. Gal. 6:1 2 Tim. 2:24-26

Repent - How is God challenging you to change in light of the topic? 7. Consider your relationship with those in your household, at work, and at church. Do you tend to overemphasize grace or truth to the exclusion of the other? If so, what are some examples? What are some of the consequences?

First-century Jewish culture understood truth far better than grace. As such, they also applied truth far more than grace.

8. How is our current culture in America similar to or different from that of first-century Judaism? How is the current culture within the church similar to or different from that of first-century Judaism? 9. What would you say needs to change within the church; a better application of grace or of truth? Why? 10. In what ways do you reflect both the church culture and the larger American culture?

Respond - What will you do moving forward in light of the topic. Read Eph 4:11-16 Speaking the truth in love is a critical way to apply both truth and grace. We usually consider this as we converse with others. But, we also apply truth and grace to ourselves.

11. What message of truth or grace do you need to be hearing or listening to right now? 12. What message of truth or grace do you, as an ambassador of Christ, need to be sharing right not? In particular with the individual whom you have been praying for.

Conclusion As you have been praying for your friend I’m sure that there have been times when it has been clear that the life they live is not in line with what God desires for us. The fact that their life may look very different than yours can create various levels of discomfort or even conflict within you and even between you and your friend. Today’s session on applying truth gracefully should help guide you through how to manage some of those differences. We always want to apply the truth but we also need to remember that it is done with grace in mind as well. Today’s prayer is not about your friend, but rather about you and your heart. Ask God to guide and direct your heart and your words so that you may share truth gracefully. If you find yourself struggling to be gracious towards your friend because of his or her

lifestyle choices, ask God to lead you in love, mercy, and grace. Keep in mind this great quote from Pastor Andy Stanley, “We were a mess, are a mess, or are one decision away from making a mess.” It helps keep everything in perspective.

Promote Christ’s Ministry at Trinity – Session 5 Our mission: fulfill our call as Christ’s Ambassadors, bringing the message of reconciliation to the world. It is based on 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NIV) 11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Today we explore:

· How your witness or testimony of what God is doing in your life can lead others to Christ. · The local church is the location of many great ministries and can assist in bringing people closer to Christ. · The only way people will find a connection with an ongoing ministry of Christ is through the people of the church being bold and promoting that ministry.

Watch Video A simple ___________________ of what Christ had done in her life brought others to Christ. This is what's at the __________________ of our 5th principle, Promote Christ's Ministry at Trinity.

The seeds of ministry should and ought to be carried out ____________________________ of the church building and beyond the reach of its _____________. It should be carried out by the _________________ that make up the true church. What's holding you back from _________________________ of the gospel in your household, in your group of friends, and your neighborhood? What is it that I feel when I have the ___________________ to share my faith with someone? Am I ____________________ of Christ's ministry in my life and at Trinity Klein? If not, why? Am I worried about ________ reputation, or am I worried about _____________ reputation? The ministry of Christ is marked by one primary thing, ___________. What we believe needs to happen is to have our doors swung ______________________ as wide as possible. Recognize - Making observations in light of the topic. What do you think of when you hear the word “witnessing”? Do you picture someone coming door-to-door and sharing pamphlets with you? Do you think of someone reciting a rote, rehearsed script of the story of Jesus? Does it cause anxiety to well up inside of you, thinking that you might not have the “right answers” if you would witness to someone else? In Mark 16:15-16, Jesus tells His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Jesus called His disciples – and all of us! – into His evangelism plan. He wants us to be His witnesses, telling others what God has done. The stories of how God is working in your own life need to be shared with others. You can then connect others to the Trinity family, where the seeds of faith can grow and flourish.

1. Is there much of a difference between evangelizing in general and promoting Christ's ministry at a local congregation such as Trinity Klein? If so, how would you describe that difference? 2. Usually, when we use the word promotion it implies marketing ploys or selfish motives. In what ways is promoting Christ’s ministry essential for both in-reach (to people of the church) and out-reach (people not in the church)?

Reflect - How does the topic interact with your life?

3. How comfortable do you feel talking with others about Jesus and what God has done in your life? What feels easy? What feels hard?

4. What makes you proud of Christ’s ministry in your life and at Trinity Klein? What are areas in the ministry that you could help make better? 5. In general, what is holding you back from being like the Samaritan woman and promoting Christ’s ministry?

6. Specifically, what is holding you back from sowing seeds of the Gospel in your household, in your group of friends, and in your neighborhood?

7. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Are you able to talk about your faith in a way that promotes gentle, respectful dialogue? How do you ignore or even sabotage God’s command to share with others what He is doing in your life?

8. What is the role that love and hospitality play in sharing our faith? Why are they so important?

Repent - How is God challenging you to change in light of the topic? As you have listened tonight to the concept of promotion, we hope that we have changed the connotation for you. At the start of our study, we asked you to consider that term and what it means because a thriving ministry requires Christians to put forth these ministries to others who need them.

9. As we consider this week’s principle, do you feel like your perspective on promoting Christ’s ministry needs to change in order for you to embrace this concept? If so what specifically needs to change? 10. Pastor John talked about how Jesus’ demonstration of love and hospitality toward the Samaritan woman caught her attention and transformed her life. How does your household show hospitality and love to others? Is hospitality something that needs to be developed as a key part of your spiritual life? 11. We can’t effect change in our lives on our own. Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection give the assurance that we are forgiven when we miss opportunities to share our faith. Each day is a fresh start with Jesus! God promises to guide, lead, and equip us as we serve Him and seek to share His story with others. Read the following three verses aloud. What comfort and hope do these verses provide when we think about sharing our faith?

a. Matthew 10:20 b. 2 Timothy 1:7 c. Isaiah 55:11

Respond - What will you do moving forward in light of the topic. Throughout this series, we have asked you to identify one person that needs to come back to God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Hopefully, you have been praying for that person every week and asking God to give you opportunities to be an ambassador of Christ to them. This week’s topic is about stepping out and sharing Christ’s ministry with them. It’s putting into action many of the other principles we have covered so far.

12. What action will you take this week to promote Christ’s ministry to that person and connect them to a sustainable source of grace and truth, love, and safety? 13. How can your fellow grow group members encourage and hold you accountable to do this?

Conclusion After weeks of praying for your friend, now might be the time to move towards them and be a little bolder in displaying your faith. I once heard it said, “Direction, not intention, determines your destination.” It has been our intention to serve our friends and be an ambassador of Christ to them. But, intention alone is not enough. We must also be moving toward them and guiding them to someplace. Now is the time to consider how you might invite them to join in the active ministry of Trinity Klein. The beauty of our growing ministry is that whether you are local or not, you can connect with us in worship, Bible Study, and care ministries. There are numerous ways for people to join Trinity Klein through our app with a simple download

to their mobile devices. The leap to coming to church is more than most can handle. We often like to dip our toes in the water before jumping in. The app is a great opportunity to do that. This week, we encourage you to share the app with your friend and invite them to download it and check out. As they do so, it’s a great opportunity for you to begin spiritual conversations about what they discovered. It’s conversations like these, along with the prayers that you have been offering that can make a huge difference in a person’s life eternally. Continue in your prayers today and ask God to make your friend’s heart receptive to the ministry of Christ.

Create an “Embassy Atmosphere” for Sinners – Session 6 Our mission: fulfill our call as Christ’s Ambassadors, bringing the message of reconciliation to the world. It is based on 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (NIV) 11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Today we explore:

· Being part of the church is as much about receiving God’s grace as it is showing God’s grace to others. · God has created His church to be like an embassy of light in a dark world. · Each of us serves as ambassadors in the embassy, helping others come back to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Watch Video Each Christian congregation stands as a _________________ of light in a dark world. I think that in general, when the church fulfills her mission as an embassy to sinners, it will have three significant hallmarks. The first is __________________ & _________________.

The second hallmark of a church that looks and functions like an embassy for sinners, is that it offers ______________________ and ___________________. The third hallmark of an embassy for sinners, the church becomes a place of _______________________ and ____________________. Our job is simple, but not always easy. We must keep the embassy __________________ and ________________. We must make sure that we take the _____________________ to them. Recognize - Making observations in light of the topic. When you walk into the doors of Trinity, what do you observe? How do you feel and think? For visitors, what do you think they see, feel, and think as they walk into the Narthex and then into the Sanctuary? Is Trinity a beacon of light in a dark world? Does it stand as an embassy of hope to all sinners providing a place of love, safety, and grace while providing shelter against the attacks of sin and the devil?

Luke 15:27 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed and troubled. Our purpose on earth is to swing wide the gates of heaven, stand against the attacks of the evil one, and bring others into the kingdom through ministry and reconciliation. Trinity needs to be the beacon of hope to all sinners and we should all rejoice when someone new enters the door, for our brother or sister is now in the house of the Lord.

1. In the video, Pastor John compared the church to an embassy with ambassadors. What new concepts emerge as you consider this comparison? How does it challenge previously held beliefs about what the Church is and isn’t? How does it support previously held beliefs about the Church?

Reflect - How does the topic interact with your life? Creating an embassy-like experience at Trinity Klein starts with evaluating our current experience and our individual participation in the experience. An embassy welcomes people and offers protection for people.

2. How would you rate Trinity as being open and welcoming to those in the community?

1 2 3 4 5

Closed Moderate Very Welcoming

Describe a time when you experienced Trinity based on your above rating.

3. What does it mean for Trinity to be an embassy of Christianity? How is this shown by the work that the Trinity congregation performs?

4. How would you rate yourself as an ambassador of Jesus Christ to those in the community?

1 2 3 4 5

Closed Moderate Very Welcoming

5. Is being an ambassador of Christ important in your life? Describe the actions you take that exemplify this ambassadorship.

Jude 20-22 states: “ 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt;”

6. In what ways can Trinity Klein, and you as an individual be merciful to those that doubt?

7. Trinity should be a place of rest and refuge so that everyone can find their way back to God. What can we do to ensure coming to church is not wearisome, so visitors do not feel lost in a foreign place?

Repent - How is God challenging you to change in light of the topic? Before we can be great ambassadors, we have to first experience God’s love for us through Jesus Christ. When we have felt and experienced the safety, comfort, and joy of being welcomed into the embassy that is the Church, then we fully understand the value of the church to its community.

8. Describe a time in your life that you have felt or experienced safety, comfort, joy, love, and grace in the Church. What impact did that experience have on your life?

9. Our role as ambassadors is to help people see what Christ is offering them. Describe what an ambassador for Christ does? Are there actions you are taking that are contrary to what you just described?

Respond - What will you do moving forward in light of the topic. As we consider the Church to be an embassy, we would be remiss if we did not also consider the impact that our digital presence can have in our community and beyond. Many times when we think of an embassy we think of a specific location that one must get to in order to experience the benefits of the embassy.

For the Church, we have no such boundaries! While we will always offer a specific place for people to come to and receive blessings and grace from Jesus, we have an opportunity to go to people. We can come to them whenever and wherever they are at with the message of good news and reconciliation in Christ. Inviting someone to download our app puts our church in their hands.

10. What are some of the hurdles that exist when you invite a friend to come to church? How might the app overcome or reduce those hurdles?

11. Write 3 actions you will take to assist Trinity to have a better Embassy Atmosphere or for you to become a better ambassador for Christ. Be specific and realistic.

12. What may prevent you from performing these actions? How are you willing to change to ensure obstacles can be overcome?

As we close out our series, we want you to consider what things God has done in your life that demonstrate the Lord as a refuge, a stronghold in times of trouble. One of the most powerful testimonies you have are these stories. Don’t be shy or afraid to share how Jesus has changed and impacted your life, both in big ways and in small ways. When others hear and know of the change that took place in you through the work of Christ, it can serve to encourage them toward faith and life in Christ.

Conclusion

This is our final week in our series, but it doesn’t have to be the final week of your prayers and engagement with your friend. Each week, you have prayed and sought the Lord’s wisdom and guidance on how to engage with your friend and invite them to come back to God. We hope that this constant prayer has not only made an impact in your

friend’s life (specifically their eternal life) but that it has also changed your heart and your actions.

We are ambassadors of Christ and we have an opportunity to serve by extending God’s love to others. We encourage you to not give up on your prayers or your efforts with your friend. Be sincere in your love for them. Show them grace when they need it and tell the truth in ways they can receive it. Be sure to invite them into ministry with you and let your life be a light to theirs. Above all, know that God is at work in Christ Jesus reconciling the world to Himself.

Today, as a group pray one more time for each individual asking God to continue His work in their lives.