MARCH 5
TRUST THE GOD OF THE FUTURE
You can trust God with your now and with your unknown.
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is the most impactful national or world tragedy you have lived through? What do you remember about that day or time?
2. Watch this Bible Project video in preparation for the following questions:
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/son-of-man/
3. Read Daniel 7:13-14.
-Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of man” more than anything else. Why would he prefer this title?
-Daniel’s vision both has come true (in Jesus’ death and resurrection) and will one day fully come to fruition (in His final return). What hope should this bring us as we continue to live in a world of beastly kingdoms that operate contrary to God’s Kingdom?
-Read John 10:35-45
-What role are we meant to play as we await Jesus’ final return? How do we demonstrate that we live for an eternal kingdom instead of these temporary ones?
-Do you view your life as part of a greater story and a greater kingdom? From the outside looking in, what kingdom would it appear you are living for?
4. Read 1 John 2:15-17 and John 16:33.
-Which of these instructions do you need to be reminded of currently?
-Is your present hope, satisfaction and security in a crumbling Kingdom? How might you change your pursuits to stir up your affections for Christ and His Kingdom instead of the passing pleasures of the world?
-Are you feeling pummeled by or overly anxious about the evil and destructive powers at work in the world? What are tangible ways you can pursue the peace that Jesus offers you IN HIM
5. Wherever you land on this spectrum, God knows and wants to help you live in His Kingdom now. Spend time asking for His help to do so.
KEY SCRIPTURE
Daniel 7:13-14 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
John 10:35-45 If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp. Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.
1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
TAKE A NEXT STEP
- If you want to stir up your affections for Jesus, spending time reading about Him is essential. If you are not used to spending time in the Scriptures on your own, consider joining Pastor Eric Bryant as he reads through the Gospel of Luke in March. Thoughtfully and prayerfully read the chapter for yourself when you get up in the morning, or as you’re heading to bed, and then watch the short video from Eric for a further reflection on the passage. Try it for a month- you can start today!
2. Another essential way to grow our love for Jesus is through doing life with others who love Him and are committed to following Him. We cannot, nor are we meant to, do this alone. Join one of our community groups to find out! https://www.gatewaychurch.com/group-finder/
FOR THE PARENTS
Hey, families! Here’s a look at what we’re covering with your kids so you can help them continue to grow at home during the week.
THIS WEEK
This week, kids hear about the transfiguration of Jesus and what the disciples learned from this.
- THE BIBLE: We change when we know who God is.
- THE BIG IDEA: Matthew 17:1-9
ASK THIS
Because sometimes you and your kid need a conversation-starter that isn’t,
“So . . . how was church?”
- How do you feel about change? What are some examples of change that are good? What are some that might feel scary or difficult?
- Who can you tell about the good changes God is making in your life?
REMEMBER THIS
This month, your kids are memorizing the Bible verse
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV), in case you want to work on them together.
EC: “The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinithians 5:17
Elem: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
NEXT WEEK
Next week, kids will hear about the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman.