Alice Drive Baptist Church Podcast Alice Drive

·       PIX: Folded Clothes in the dryer

·       What happens in a relationship when there is a failure to communicate? 

·       What happens when we miss the point Jesus is trying to make

·       We have already made up our minds what Jesus wants to say.

·       We are afraid of what Jesus will say, so we don’t listen

·       Our needs drown out Jesus’ message. 

·      Matthew 16:5-12 - 5 When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” 8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the
five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

·      What could you bring into your life that could destroy you? 

·      The Pharisees = Super Spiritual. 

·      Do rules and rigidity help people draw closer to our Heavenly Father? 

·     You must follow the rules to follow Jesus. 

·      The Sadducees = The Super-Sophisticated. 

·      Do power and wealth help draw people closer to our Heavenly Father? 

·      If we get enough power and money, we can make people obey Jesus. 

·      John Ortberg: If we elect all the right people, and pass all the right laws, will we have solved all the
problems of our country? 

·      Jesus: Do not let this thinking get in your head. 

·      Ephesians 2:5b – It is by grace you have been saved. 

·      Dale Bruner – The temptation of Christians is to look at what we have instead of who we have.

·      Do you ever miss the real message of Jesus? 

·      Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus

·      Do you pay attention to what you add to your life? 

·      Lord is it wise to think or behave this way? 

·      Lord, change the way I think.  Remove this from my life.

·       Am I taking next steps with Jesus or am I a rule keeper or luster of power and wealth? 

·      Are you listening to what Jesus is really saying? 

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Starter Question: Have you every had “a failure to
communicate?  What was that like for you?

1.      Read Matthew 16:5-12

2.     Would you say you are more tempted to keep the rules or gain status and wealth?  Why do you think that temptation is greater for you?

3.      Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples – Why do you think they miss Jesus’ point?

4.    Jesus reminds the disciples what he did.  What
helps you remember the power and abilities of Jesus?

5.     What kind of thinking do you need to pay attention to?  What kind of teaching/thinking is dangerous for you or might interfere with you following Jesus?

6.      What could you do that would help you more clearly understand what Jesus is trying to communicate to you?

·       The exclusion dilemma: I choose something, I exclude other options. 

·       22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was
against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out
to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I.
Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter
replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said.

·      If Jesus needed to pray this much, what’s your excuse?

·      Our minds are limited, but do not let your mind limit God. 

·      Is your faith bigger than your fear? 

·       You grow your faith by doing what you have not done before.

·       Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw
the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”  32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were
in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

·       You can only focus on one thing. 

·       Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, and all these things will be added to you.

·       What is one thing that takes your focus off Jesus? 

·       Father, Help me focus on your son Jesus.

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Starter Question: Describe someone you know whose life is scattered.  What makes his or her life that way?

1.      Read Matthew 14:22-29a

2.     Why do you think Jesus choose to walk on water toward the disciples?

3.      The disciples are terrified by the sight of Jesus walking on the water.  When God does the unexpected, what emotions do you experience?

4.     In the first moments Peter walks on water, what do you think he is feeling?

5.      Read Matthew 14:29b-33

6.      What causes you to take your eyes off Jesus?  Why do those things have such power?

7.      Jesus saves Peter, and then tells him he has little faith, then asks him why he doubted.  In your opinion, why does Jesus say these words to Peter?  Are they words
of encouragement or discouragement?  How would you react if Jesus spoke these words to you?

·       Matthew 8:23-27 - 23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are
you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

·       Does Jesus ever ask you “Why are you such a coward?” 

·       Do you allow other people’s anxieties to control how you follow Jesus

·       Am I following the herd or am I following Jesus

·       Do I accept responsibility for my own spiritual health? 

·       Do I want a quick fix or am I committed to long-term spiritual growth? 

·      Oligopistoi

·      Oligos

·      Pistoi

·       Praise reminds you nothing is impossible for God. 

·       Do you praise God in your prayers? 

·       Thanksgiving gives God credit for what He has done. 

·      When we do not praise God and give Him thanks, we
incur short-term faith memory

·       “What did you do with that new heart I gave you?”

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Starter Question: Do you know someone who makes a promise to God and then doesn’t keep the promise? 
Why do you think that happens?

1.    Read Matthew 8:23-27

2.    Have you ever felt out of control, like the disciples in the storm?  What were the circumstances?

3.    In crisis, would you say your prayers are:

a.     Desperate cries for help.

b.     Statements of faith.

c.      Non-existent.

d.      Other

Why do you think this is your response?

4.      Jesus calls the disciples “cowards.”  How do you
think they felt when they heard Jesus call them by that name?

5.      Jesus tells the disciples they have “little faith,” or “short faith.”  In a crisis, what would it look like to have
big faith, or tall faith?

6.     What are specific steps you can take to not be a coward and to grow your faith?

●      How can we honor our country, with all its success and failures, while living as kingdom citizens?

●      Romans 12:1- I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

●     Your most important citizenship is in God’s Kingdom.

●    13 Let everyone be subject to the governing
authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right
and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be
afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

●      Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, there is no authority except that which God has
established. Romans 13:1

●      whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so
will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who
do wrong. Romans 13:2-3

●      The one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear
the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4

●      Those in authority should promote the good.

●      Proverbs 20:28: Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.

●      Those in authority should reprimand the bad.

●      Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. Romans 12:19

●      5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:5

●      18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 

●      6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:5-7

●      Is prayer the defining factor in your view of authority?

●      15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the
imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not?”

●      18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”22 When they heard this, they
were amazed. So they left him and went away. Matthew 22:15-22

●      Give to God what is His…your life!

●      Are you living as a responsible, godly citizen?

●      Do you pray faithfully for those in authority? 

●      Does your life reflect the image

·      The average American will earn over $1.7 million over his or her lifetime. 

·      You are richer than you think!

·      The average American spends about $3.3 million over his or her life. 

·      Who teaches you to make decisions about money?

·      Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honor the LORD from your wealth; and from all your first products.  Your storehouses will be filled with plenty and new wine will burst open your wine vats.

·      Involve God in all your financial decisions. 

·      You can earn it. 

·       Proverbs 14:23 - All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

·       What did I gain by working today? 

·       Proverbs 28:25 - The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

·       Heavenly Father, guide me about earning decisions.

·       You can spend it. 

More is not better; contentment is.


·      Proverbs 19:23 - The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. 

·      Heavenly Father, guide me before I spend.

·      You can save it. 

·      Money cannot buy happiness, but it can provide margin. 

·       Proverbs 21:20 - The wise store up choice food and
olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. 

·       To save, spend less than you make. 

·       Heavenly Father, give me the strength to save money.

·       You can borrow money. 

·       Proverbs 22:7 - The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. 

·       Heavenly Father, is it wise for me to borrow this money?

·       You can give it. 

·       Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD from your wealth; and from all your first products. 

·      Giving is the #1 way we attack selfishness in our lives. 

·      Giving reminds you that God is first. 

·      Proverbs 3:10 - Your storehouses will be filled with plenty and new wine will burst open your wine vats. 

·      You cannot put God first until you are humble. 

·      Would you rather: a) Have $10,000,000 a year for the rest of your life? Or b)Have peace with God? 

·      Matthew 6:24b – You cannot serve God and money. 

·      Are you honoring God with your money? 

·       Do you choose God over money? 

·       PIX:
William Borden

·       No reserves

·       No retreats

·       No regrets       

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 

Starter Question: There are five things you can do with
money: earn it, spend it, save it, borrow it, and give it.  Which one of these is easiest for you?  Why? 

1.      Read Proverbs 3:9

2.     Who in your life have you seen put God first in their financial decisions?  What was his or her life like?

3.     Read Proverbs 14:39

4.      How would you define hard work?  How would define the benefit of hard work?

5.      Read Proverbs 28:25

6.      Have you ever seen a greedy person stir up conflict? 
What happened?

7.      Read Proverbs 19:23

8.     What does contentment look like to you?

9.      Read Proverbs 3:10

10.      What would you say are the top three ways God could bring abundance into your life?

11.      What would it mean for you to honor God with all your financial decisions?

PIX: Jessica Rocha. 

Exodus 20:12 - 12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your
God is giving you.

Attachment is the secure bond you have with someone. 

Honor what you can and forgive the rest.

How to be parents worthy of honor and how to honor our parents. 

Proverbs 1:8-9 – Listen my son, to the correction of your father; and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.  9For they are a garland of grace for your head; and a necklace for your neck.

Proverbs 15:20 – A wise son causes joy for a father; but a stupid man despises his mother. 

Martin Luther – There are few things wholly good or wholly evil. 

Do you bring joy to your parents or are you stupid? 

Proverbs 20:20 – One who curses his father and his mother – his lamp will be snuffed out by deep darkness. 

There are no perfect parents. 

Forgive your parents. 

Proverbs 30:17 – The mocking eye toward a father, and the eye that despises a mother, The ravens of the valley
will pick out that eye and the son of a vulture will eat it.

More curiosity, less judgment. 

Proverbs 23:25 – Your father and your mother bring joy and the one who gave birth to you rejoices.

Be parents of joy. 

Dallas Willard: Joy is a deep, pervasive sense of well-being. 

Are you honoring your Father and your Mother?    

Are you forgiving your Parents for not being perfect?

Do you have a strong relationship with our Heavenly Father to fill in the gaps your parents couldn’t fill?            


LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

 Starter Question: What is one positive thing your mother gave you in life? 

1.    Read Proverbs 1:8-9

2.   What instruction did your parents give you that turned out to be a garland of grace?

3.    Read Proverbs 15:20

4.    What advice did your parents give you that rejected, but it turned out they were right?

5.    Read Proverbs 20:20

6.    Have you known someone who stayed angry at their parents?  What was his or her life like?

7.    Read Proverbs 30:17

8.    Have you mocked your parents?  Do you need to ask
forgiveness?

9.    Read Proverbs 23:25

10.  What do you need to do to be a parent who brings joy to your children?