EKKLESIA: THE Church and This church

Join us this fall for a new series called “EKKLESIA” as we look at the first expression of the Church as recorded in the book of Acts. We will also explore who we are as a church here at Live Oak.  What was the Church like THEN and how should that shape who the Church should be NOW?  We will also explore who THIS church is by exploring our mission, strategy and core values, as well as start exploring “what’s next” for Live Oak Community Church.

Week 7: This Barnabas Difference.

Barnabas was a key person in the early Church as recorded in the Book of Acts.  He was generous with his money, but he was also generous with his time and influence by investing in others.  His example should challenge us to do the same.

LIVE OAK CONNECTION POINT: As we seek God for what is next at Live Oak your input is important and invaluable. This will help us in getting feedback and insights and we want to listen and learn from Live Oakers. If you haven’t filled out our Vision Sunday Survey, we would love to hear your feedback here

DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

  • What was a HIGH and a LOW from this past week for you?
  • WHO is someone you know who makes a difference in the world?  HOW do you see them making a difference?

***Briefly look at 3 scenes from the Book of Acts.  Look for the insights it gives us about influencing and investing in others and making disciples:

READ: Acts 4:32-37
Spend some time SOAPing this passage. You can either spend time SOAPing individually and documenting for a several minutes and then spend time sharing with each -OR- SOAP in real time with each other. Either way make as many observations as you can.

  • OBSERVATIONS: What are the things that stand out to you about this passage about investing in others?

READ: Acts 9:26-31
Spend some time SOAPing this passage. You can either spend time SOAPing individually and documenting for a several minutes and then spend time sharing with each -OR- SOAP in real time with each other. Either way make as many observations as you can.

  • OBSERVATIONS: What are the things that stand out to you about this passage about investing in others?

READ: Acts 11:19-30
Spend some time SOAPing this passage. You can either spend time SOAPing individually and documenting for a several minutes and then spend time sharing with each -OR- SOAP in real time with each other. Either way make as many observations as you can.

  • OBSERVATIONS: What are the things that stand out to you about this passage about investing in others?
  • Doug talked about how Joseph was given the nickname “Barnabas” by the Apostles, which means “Son of Encouragement”.  Barnabas came along side people and encouraged them so well it earned him a new nickname.  Who is someone who has been a Barnabas in your life? How did they come along side you and encourage you? Give specific examples.

  • Barnabas discipled and invested in Paul, and then Paul did that for Timothy.  Paul challenged Timothy to do the same thing for someone else.  READ: 2 Timothy 2:2.
  • In this season of life, do you feel you need more of the aspect of being invested in OR do you need to focus on doing the investing?
  • Doug said that we need to follow Barnabas’ example by: “Learn & grow all you can, identify whoever you can, invest in them as much as you, and do that for as long as you can.” 
  • Which part of that needs to be your focus in this season of life?


Doug gave these questions to determine our next steps:

  • WHO has invested in you spiritually?  WHAT did they do well?
  • Doug challenged us to, “make a list of those who have invested in you and write them to say, ‘thank you’”.  Who will you “thank” this week?  How and when?
  • HOW will you seek to keep growing and learning as a disciple of Jesus this week?
  • What is your plan to keep growing as a disciple of Jesus?

  • WHAT could a first or next step of investing in others look like for me?
  • What else stood out from this week’s sermon?
  • What is your big takeaway from this week’s sermon?

NEXT STEPS:

Everyone has a next step to apply what we have learned. What is your next step?Be specific.

MEMORY VERSE: *Challenge yourself or your group to commit this verse to memory:

2 Timothy 2:2   “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

PRAYER:
Spend some time praying for each other.  And pray this prayer as a group: “Jesus, build your Church and show me my part and show us our path. Help me be a growing disciple who is committed in discipling others. Amen.”

***Challenge your group to make this a daily prayer throughout this series:

“Jesus, build your Church and show me my part and show us our path. Amen.”

Scripture References:

Acts 4:32-37; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 9:26-31; Acts 11:19-30; Acts 16:1-5; 2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; Matthew 16:18