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LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE Wednesday Night, December 3, 2003 “Community of Networks: Reaching Out” 5 Minutes Welcome & Prayer 10 Minutes OPEN What does “being available” mean to you? What contexts help you understand the concept of availability (dating, reservations, telephone calls, etc)? How does availability in these contexts compare to being available to others in deeper and more significant contexts? What does it communicate when someone takes the time to make him self available for you?
Looking back over the last few days, have you sent any messages (verbal or non-verbal) this week that you’re not available? 15-20 Minutes DIG Using three different text, Mark 5:1-20 (The Healing of the Demon- possessed Man); Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan); and Isaiah 6:1-8 (Isaiah’s Call), Chuck highlighted in his Sunday Night Sermon three essential ways we need to make ourselves available –
1. To Our Families 2. To Others 3. To the Lord.
The admonition to make ourselves available to our families is striking in light of Jesus’ instruction in Mark 5:19, “go home and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” What does this suggestion imply about our own understanding of what the Lord has done for us and of how he has changed our lives? Surely, it implies that we, ourselves, must know how God is working in our lives. But do we? What do you do that helps you to remain vigilant to see God’s work in your life? Are you adequately sharing this message with your family members? What steps can you take to improve your witness with your family?
From the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus sites three characteristics that are vital to our having an effective witness for Christ – 1. We must possess a sensitive heart which puts others above ourselves. 2. We must develop a servant’s attitude and be willing to do whatever necessary to make a difference in someone else’s life. 3. We must become sacrificial and ready to give without any expectation to receive. Go around the room and allow everyone to reflect on this question – “With which of these three characteristics must you make dramatic changes to improve your witness with others?” What difference would we make in this city if we followed Jesus' instruction, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37)?
In regard to making ourselves available to the Lord, why is it first necessary that we like Isaiah realize that Jesus has atoned for our sins? How would you describe your availability to the Lord such that you are (1) able to hear His call and (2) then be ready and willing to respond to His call – “here am I, Lord, send me”? Be specific. Provide some past examples or stories if they help you to answer this question (i.e., have you moved, changed jobs, made a significant family decision, decided not to go into further debt, etc.?). 15 Minutes REFLECT What does all this have to do with being evangelistic? How does thinking of evangelism as being available to share your heart, abilities, and time with those around you in need change your view of evangelism?
10 Minutes PRAYER TIME Remember the “empty chair.” Pray that new members will be added to the group this month.
In what ways are you struggling tonight to be available? What keeps you from being available to the needs of others? How can this group help you become more available?
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