Jacob's Well: pray

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Sunday, August 16, 2015

I Belong: Counting Sheep

August 15/16, 2015

READ Matthew 18:10-14;
Luke 15:1-7; Matthew 9:36; Matthew 10:6

PRAY as a group for insight on these passages.

THINK about and ANSWER these questions as you study the verses above.

What is your favorite sentence or verse from these passages? Why?
What are a few of the most crucial words in these verses?
Is there anything in these verses that's challenging or confusing? Why?
How can we see Christ through these passages? Describe the characteristics of God as you view them through the shepherd.
What insights do you see?
What conclusions can you make?

Let's TALK about counting sheep. You likely came to the conclusion that Jesus cares for lost sheep. Sheep count to God, and we want to count sheep. You matter and others matter too. "We are God's masterpiece. He has created us so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Eph 2:10

At Jacob's Well, we're going after the lost sheep. You can help by letting us know you're here by filling out a super communication card if you haven't done so already. This fall we'll be calling those who don't respond to find out where they're at on their journey.

The big question: Are you the shepherd or the sheep?

*** Perhaps you're feeling like a lost sheep. We all have our seasons of feeling lost. We encourage you to lean on your small group for support and guidance. Truly, that's what a small group is meant for.

*** If you see yourself more as the shepherd, then how can you begin to go after the lost sheep? What's God calling you to? What's your next step?

WORSHIP
A shepherd is dependent upon weather, vegetation, and protection from predators. All of those are under God's control, therefore, the shepherd is dependent on God's grace. When we recognize the grace of God in our lives, it's only natural that we worship and thank Him. Is God calling you to worship more fully or regularly? Have you ever done a study of what it means to worship God? Hint: It's more than music. What does it look like to worship God with our whole life?

BELONG
Sheep belong together with other sheep and with their shepherd. This is how they survive and thrive. Since you're reading the small group study guide, you likely already belong to a group. How has your group helped you survive and thrive? Is God calling your group to reach out to other individuals to join your group? Is He calling your small group to get involved together to make an impact? Is He placing individuals in your lives that you can encourage and support emotionally, financially, or to take another step? THINK of one person? PICK one thing you can do this week to reach out to them by calling, writing or inviting them to come back to church.

This fall our church is going to be studying the book of Romans. We’re challenging you as a group to dig deeper into this amazing book. Also, the devotions will lead you to not just read Romans, but to begin a more serious Bible study. We’re encouraging you to BRING your Bible to church, MEMORIZE a verse of scripture every week, and MAKE a prayer commitment as part of this series. You can also CHECK OUT the @home Center for resources that will challenge you and help you grow. Will you and your group commit to study through the book of Romans with the church? If so, let Tony know at tony@jacobswellec.org.

GROW
READ 1 Samuel 17:34-37. You can bet when David needed to fight off the lion and the bear, he grew...stronger, braver, wiser. When a shepherd sets off to find a lost sheep, he's sure to grow as well...more caring, wiser, more courageous. How is God calling you to grow? Do you have a regular prayer or study time? Is there someone you can mentor? Do you need to invite someone to join you at church? Do you need to reach out to someone who's walked away from God and see how they're doing? SET a time this week to connect with God, and SET a time to connect with a friend or family member.

Maybe you're unsure of what God is calling you to do. This fall we are also offering Discover Your Design on September 23 and October 28. In this class you’ll learn how God has designed you with gifts, passions, abilities that make you a perfect fit in a ministry area. COME and LEARN more about yourself so that you can serve God, His church and others better. This teaching could improve every part of your life.

SERVE
What does a shepherd sacrifice for the benefit of his sheep? How does he serve his sheep for their own survival and growth? What small way can you serve others in order to show you care for their well-being? Is God calling you to take a next step in sacrificing your time, talents, or treasure in a great way? We have Serve Tours on September 26/27&30 and October 31/November 1&4. Every week it takes hundreds of volunteers to make Jacob’s Well the amazing place we love. We’d love to have you join us in helping others take steps to know and become like Jesus.

SHARE
A church isn't just a denomination or a building or a staff. It's all of us who follow Christ. WE ALL are the church. In a way, we all are the sheep as Christ is the Good Shepherd. In another way, we are the shepherd tending the sheep for the Owner of the sheep. So as you think of yourself as a shepherd, what are some ways that you can draw others into the presence of the Owner? What are ways you can love others like the Owner loves them?

CONSIDER opening seats in the Auditorium for those who are new to Jacob's Well by moving to the North Venue. This is a great way to share Christ with others by ensuring people aren't turned away from a service. There are many who love the small coziness of the North Venue, and you may too!

In order for the church to be all that it can be, it takes resources to accomplish meeting all the needs within a congregation and a community. This fall at Jacob’s Well, we are asking people to recommit to giving the tithe. The giving of tithes and offerings is another very critical part of being the church. If this is a growth area for you, CONTEMPLATE going back and listening to a message from March 22, 2015 called the King of Skittles.

jacobswellec.org/media.php?pageID=95

Getting God’s view of money could change your whole life.

As You Go: Your Story

May 30/31, 2015

READ Acts 26:12-29
Saul turned Paul has one of the most powerful stories in the Bible.

What are the points of Paul's story that you find most compelling?
Do you feel that you need to be speaking to kings to make a difference?
Would you agree or disagree that through the lens of Paul's transformation, there's hope for all of us to become more like Jesus as we go?

SHARE with each other a story from the Bible that means a lot to you. What is it about this story that touches you? What have you learned as you've spent time contemplating this story? What makes you passionate about it?

What about your story? How does that fit into God's story? Can you define your story and explain it simply? Maybe it's time to come to know your own story. CHECK out the next steps below for some ideas. HELP each other fine tune your stories.

What about other people's stories? How do their stories intersect with your story and with God's story? Often, the best way to share our story with others is to listen first to their story. Are you intentional about building relationships and getting to know a person? Do you seek to LISTEN and ASK good questions to clarify and draw out a person's story?

How do you LIVE OUT your story as a way of sharing with others? Are you aware of those people God places in your life each day who need to see Jesus?

SPEND TIME with your small group sharing your story.
SHARE with your group how your story has intersected with another person's story. CELEBRATE those moments God has brought you together for His purposes.
MAKE A LIST of people in your lives who need to hear God's story. TAKE this list with you this week to continue praying for people as they journey.
PRAY Colossians 4:2-6 together.
PRAY for opportunities to share with others.

The Consequences of Ideas: The Church and LGBT

May 2/3, 2015

READ Ephesians 4:1-2

PRAY as a group to that God's love and truth will co-exist in us and in the church. Together, may we speak truth in love with gentleness and with all humility.

Take Time to Discuss:

Many say the discussion about LGBT is a simple issue is this true? What are some of the aspects of this topic that makes it so difficult?

Embracing an attitude of humility will help in dealing with people with same sex attraction and gender confusion, especially if these are issues with which we have never personally struggled. What questions in regard to these issues do you have?

Do you know people who are LGBT? How has this impacted your relationship with them?

Do you think it is possible to be in a relationship with a person who is LGBT even if you believe that LGBT behaviors are outside God’s will?

Would you be willing to walk with people who are struggling with same sex attraction or gender confusion?

READ Romans 1:24-2:1

How does Paul use this passage of Scripture to show that we all are in danger of God’s judgment and need his mercy and forgiveness? Notice how he uses the words “They” and “You.”

What would you say to the claims “Christians are judgmental” or “Christians put homosexual sin in a special sin category?”

How has your use of humor about LGBT behaviors or even outright bullying added to the perceptions that "Christians hate gays?" What needs to change in you for God to use you to be a friend to someone struggling with gender confusion or same sex attraction?

READ James 1:19; Jude 1:3-4

Many Christians are reacting to the LGBT debate by becoming afraid or getting angry. Others are giving in to the pressure of popular culture and endorsing LGBT lifestyles and gay weddings. What is your natural tendency to react regarding the LGBT issue?

How should Christians respond to the aggressive LGBT lobby?

READ 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

What would it look like for our church to respond to those struggling with same sex attraction and gender confusion with love?

How does the Jacob’s Well Vision guide us as a church as we seek to minister to people with complicated life situations like same sex attraction and gender confusion?

Wherever we are on our journey,

we will take steps together

to know and become like Jesus.

SPEND some time with your group discussing things you've learned over the past few weeks. What has God revealed to you about your own life? How has your heart changed about marriage and sexuality and the LGBT community? What's your next step?

Bonus: Watch the short Film called The Third Way: Homosexuality and the Catholic Church. http://brandonvogt.com/third-way-homosexuality-catholic-church/ We should be clear that we are not endorsing the Catholic church and its doctrine but this short video does a good job showing the struggle many face with same sex attraction and the healing that is possible. The people in this video found healing in Jesus through the Catholic Church. What would it take for people to experience this type of healing at Jacob’s Well?

Sunday, April 26, 2015

The Consequences of Ideas: The Christian and Sexuality

April 25/26, 2015

The Christian Covenant of Marriage

We believe the Christian covenant of marriage by which one man and one woman establish a lifetime partnership for the protection and well-being of the spouses and the procreation and bringing up of offspring is to be honored as holy. This covenant should only be entered into by two professing followers of Jesus Christ. This is a binding covenant between the man, the woman and God.

Jacob’s Well Church believes that the Bible mandates that sexual activity is to be enjoyed exclusively between a man and a woman that have been joined together in holy matrimony. All other sexual activity violates the Biblical standard for Christians.

This covenant may only be broken in the extreme cases of marital infidelity, abuse or abandonment.

There's a lot to talk about in this declaration. It can be a very passionate topic for many of us as we try to balance our belief in God's word with loving people. What are your beliefs about marriage and sexuality, and where have those ideas come from?

READ Matthew 5:27-30
Jesus uses hyperbole in these verses to make the point that sexuality is powerful. It often begins with a look or a touch, and our lustful imaginations are set into motion. Unless we guard our minds from these thoughts, the power of our sexuality and our imaginations can quickly take us down a road of pain and heartache. Our ideas begin to take action, and our actions can have devastating consequences. If you're open to sharing with your group, how have you seen this concept play out in your life or the lives of those around you (without naming names)?

Paul spoke this past weekend on a few points. One by one, DISCUSS with your group what these mean.

Our culture is broken in regards to sexuality.
You and I are all born broken in regards to sexuality.
Sexuality is powerful and needs the safety of marriage.
We need to rediscover the purposes of sex.

1. Establishing, renewing, and deepening of the covenant of marriage
2. Reunion of the separate complementary genders
3. Creation of children within the safety of family

READ 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

"And such were some of you." Yep, you and me. Many of us have practiced sexuality outside the covenant of marriage or outside the scope of God's intentions. But more than that, this passage includes other ways that we may have sinned in our past, or maybe even our present. Do you idolize something or someone? "Thieves, the greedy, and swindlers" can refer to the lust for money. "Drunkards" speaks for itself. "Revilers" or "slanderers" (depending on your version of Scripture) refer to those who speak abusively. "And such were some of you."

And then there's this beautiful word, "but."

"But" means it's not the end of your story.

"But you were washed."

"But you were sanctified."

"But you were justified."

All under the new covenant of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Have you accepted that gift of life yet? Have you faced your past with God's guidance? Have you been forgiven yet? What a glorious freedom there is in choosing to follow Jesus, to know Him, to become like Him, to be washed and sanctified and justified. God may be calling you to this take this step on your journey. If so, reach out to those in your small group and ask them to walk alongside you. Let them help you heal.

Christ's healing is for all believers to become chaste

LOOK up the word chaste and TALK about it as a group. Many of us have preconceived notions of this word. What does it mean to you? What does it mean for God's children to live a chaste life in today's culture? How difficult does our culture make living a chaste life? How does Christ's healing help us live chaste, and how does His healing heal us?

GO DEEPER

If you have time and are interested, READ Hebrews 11. NOTE those people from the Old Testament who were sexually immoral. This may require looking up a few of their stories for reference.

And yet, after failing to live within God's plan for marriage, they made a choice to change direction and live a chaste life. "These all were commended for their faith." (v. 39a) You and I can choose every day, through thick and thin, to live within God's guidelines of sexuality. Then, when all is said and done, we can be "commended for our faith" too.

The Consequences of Ideas: The Christian Covenant of Marriage

April 18/19, 2015

Recapping last week:

ideas > beliefs > actions > consequences

As Christians we define right and wrong based on

the nature and character of God

as revealed in Jesus Christ

as described in the Bible

READ John 4:1-42

You may know Jacob's Well is named after this story. Jesus meets this woman where she's at and offers her life like she's never known it before. That's who we want to be...people who journey together to know and become like Jesus. It's a great story to remember that people have been living outside God's idea of marriage for centuries. This is nothing new. It's also a great example of the consequences of living outside of God's best for us and how God can always redeem less than ideal circumstances.

We recognize that everyone comes with different perspectives on marriage. We want to be sensitive to the fact that each person has their own story. Some people are in great marriages, some marriages struggle, and some have lost a spouse they loved dearly. Some are single and happy, some are single longing to be married, and some are single knowing that they're "window of opportunity" has closed. Some are students who want to be married someday, but it's so far off it's hard to comprehend. Some are divorced, maybe not of their own choice, having to make sense of it all.

Take a few minutes to CHAT with each other about your past thoughts on marriage. Then let's look at scripture.

READ Matthew 19:1-6
where did you get that idea?
In our culture, marriage is often seen as a contract to be entered into or dissolved at will. There's an expectation that's developed over the years that our spouse is meant to "complete" us, as a famous movie quote states. We've lost the sense that marriage is a sacred spiritual covenant, where two become one and should not be separated.

the purpose of family...

to reflect the nature and glory of God

and thus…

create a foundation for society

create a safe place for a man and a woman to compliment one another

create a safe place to raise children

Do you agree or disagree with this statement in light of the scripture given? Is this statement on the purpose of family different than what you've sometimes thought about marriage?
If you're familiar with the Old Testament, how does the formation of the people of Israel parallel this statement on the purpose of family?
Notice in this scripture that people are looking for rules to justify doing what they want. Jesus' replies essentially saying, "That's not what God intended for your life. He has a better plan. He made a different rule for you." What are your thoughts to Jesus' response? DISCUSS this underlying idea of marriage as God intended.

READ Matthew 19:7-9

but that’s socially backwards

If some of us are honest, we'll admit this is a great question. Moses is this great leader, so why is he telling people to get divorced? What gives? There's so much of scripture that we read and don't understand. Don't we all have questions? Thankfully, Jesus gets to the point and helps us see that our hearts are at the center of our relationships with God and with each other.

How do we keep our hearts from getting hard even through all the difficult circumstances that we encounter?
"But it was not this way from the beginning." How does going back to the beginning, before sin entered the world, help us understand how God intends our marriages to play out? Would it be safe to say that there's a spiritual, emotional, and physical intimacy that binds a man and woman together allowing them to love one another through all sorts of circumstances? How does a hard heart make life more difficult?

READ Matthew 19:10-12

are you serious?

Jesus is calling some people to being single, whether by circumstance or choice. What's beautiful about this passage is that he doesn't force it on people. "The one who can accept this should accept it." Although being single can sometimes be lonely, companionship and meaning can still be found in friendships and serving for God's purposes. Those who are single can serve others in special ways that those who are married aren't able to accomplish. The apostle Paul is the perfect example. If he would have had a family to support and look after, he wouldn't have traveled and reached as many people with the Gospel. Being jailed for his faith was easier to do without providing for a family. Focusing on all of the churches he had spent time in wouldn't have happened if he would have had to focus on a family. Jesus tells us in this passage that the calling to be single has to come from a greater vision for God's Kingdom.

Have you ever thought about singleness is this way?
We all have a story of being single, even if it was from only from our high school years. What was your experience?
Can you think of other circumstances where being single rather than married could benefit the Kingdom? How so?

* * * * *

So what do we take away from all this? What's our next step? How can we improve our marriage ... prepare for marriage ... heal from a broken marriage? If we're living outside God's idea of marriage, how can we get back in line with His vision? How can we encourage each other? How can we pray for one another and for our families? TALK over some ideas with your small group. WRITE down prayers for one another and ways to take steps this week.

next steps

worship
PRAY for people this week, for those that come to mind. THANK God for these people, and PRAY for their growth in being single, married, or divorced. ASK God to heal what needs healing and show His love in meaningful ways.

belong
Summer softball teams are now forming, both co-ed and men's teams. Call Tony Engedal at 715.559.9548 or email him at tony@jacobswellec.org to find more info about spring practice and summer games.

grow

Check out the @home Center at JW for resources on being single, preparing for marriage, improving your marriage, or recovering from divorce. These resources are available for sale or to check out.

serve

Mother's Day is around the corner. We'll have six services again, and JW Kids will need a few more people to help that weekend. If your small group is willing to step into that role, we would love to have you join us for a little fun and laughter. Maybe childcare isn't something that fits your group, but you're willing to greet or make coffee or serve in some other way. Let us know and we can find a place for you. office@jacobswellec.org

Know someone who's loves technology? Invite them to serve on the JW Tech Team as a camera or media operator or sound tech. Contact Syd at 715.833.2050 or syd@jacobswellec.org.

share

Builders for Christ summer work trips are coming up soon. If this is something you’re interested in, there’s a planning meeting Saturday, April 25 in the Prayer Room at JW from 4-5pm. Email Rick Podolak at rpodolak@prodigy.net as soon as possible with any questions you may have. In the subject line write "interested in BFC."

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Owned: Evidence

March 14/15, 2015

read luke 19:11-26

responsibility

Stewardship is accepting responsibility without taking control. It is the privilege and responsibility to manage the possessions of the Owner, according to the directions of the Owner, for the purposes of the Owner.

DISCUSS with your group a list of the things for which God has given you responsibility.
How are you stewarding them according to His directions and purposes?

proper view of God

Your underlying belief about God affects how you live your life. THINK deeply through the following questions.

Do I believe God is good? Do I believe He cares? Does what I believe about God match with what the Bible says He’s like? Do I feel He will punish me or get mad at me if I mess up?
Do I honestly believe He can control my life better than I can? Does He really want total control or can I just ask Him to bless my life? Do I honestly trust Him—with every part of my life? Do your actions prove that you trust Him? Trust is the opposite of control, and is built through relationship and obedience. As you build your relationship with Jesus, trusting Him will be easier. A proper view of God enables trust; trust enables good stewardship, which leads to a healthy soul. A false view of God leads to control; control leads to ownership, which results in a toxic soul.

make every effort

What is your first reaction when you hear this statement?

Every area of our lives, every day, all the time.

How focused are you on being engaged in the business of the Kingdom?
How does this passage speak to you about the benefits of making every effort to be a good steward?

read galatians 5:22-23

evidence

Fruit is the evidence of stewardship and an authentic relationship with God. It is everything good in our lives, produced as God transforms us from the inside out.

According to Jesus, how is fruit produced in your life?
How have you tried to "produce your own fruit?"
What steps are you taking to remain/abide/keep connected/stay rooted in Christ?

next steps

worship

"What Now My Soul?" Join us in prayer March 17 @6pm in the Fireside Room at JW.

Also, if you attend a Sunday morning worship service, would you and your group pray and consider moving as a group to a Saturday night service? You could help those who are new to JW by opening up seats during the busiest times. THANK YOU to those of you who have chosen to make this transition!

Good Friday Services

7pm in the auditorium and north venue

Easter Weekend Services

auditorium Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am

north venue Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am

belong

Interested in getting to know some other women at Jacob’s Well? Come have dinner with Women of the Well, maybe meet some old friends or make some new friends. Fun and games included! Tuesday, March 17, 6-7:30pm in the North Venue. Childcare available upon request. For more information or to RSVP, contact Shelly Duda 715.723.3832 dudashelly@yahoo.com

J.O.Y. Connect is a group for those who are 50+. We invite you to join us on Sunday, March 22 @12:15pm in the North Venue Café for a soup and salad lunch, lots of great community, and a hymn fest. To RSVP or if you have questions, call or write Paula Downie 715.829.7712 bpdownie@att.net

grow

Further reading:

Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller

Soul Care is a short-term group meeting March 17 @7pm after prayer and continuing for the next few weeks on Tuesday evenings. Discover practical aspects of caring for your soul. Come as a group as a way to join each other on the journey.

Invest nine weeks to learn God’s way of handling money through a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University group. Whether you are completely upside down in debt or just want to be the best steward of the finances God has provided for you, FPU is a Biblically-based and proven plan that will set you up for success! Starts Tuesday, March 31, 6:30-9pm at Jacob’s Well. Sign-up at the Welcome Center or online at https://jwccfwi.infellowship.com/GroupSearch/ShowGroup/1602128

Got questions? Call the leader, Todd Hornquist at 608.879.0116 or email him at tchornquist@gmail.com

serve
Are you interested in serving but don't know where to start? Try out one of the many positions available on Easter weekend. To have a deeper conversation about the different options available, call Laura Garry, Serve Director at JW at 715.833.2050 or email her at laura@jacobswellec.org.

Know someone who's loves technology? Invite them to serve on the JW Tech Team as a camera or media operator or sound tech. Contact Syd at 715.833.2050 or syd@jacobswellec.org.

share

JW is hosting the Empowered To Connect Simulcast — a two-day conference equipping you to connect with and help children become all that God desires them to be. Join us April 10/11 from 9am-5pm each day in the North Venue. Registration is $5 and is available up until the event. Sign up at the welcome center or online at www.jacobswellec.org.

Jacob's Well

Sunday, August 16, 2015

I Belong: Counting Sheep

Sunday, May 31, 2015