Posted on August 27, 2018 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey
Heartland Community Church
August 26 – September , 2018
Growing Up: Apostle
By Adam Pontier
Until it was mentioned by Dan last week, I never thought much about the word apostle. It was a church and bible word that I just assumed meant you followed Jesus. I never considered what it meant and I’m intrigued now that I can put it in context.
I get what it means to be an entrepreneur. I am one in my business life and growing up my father and uncles were (and still are) entrepreneurs. This I can relate to. I never considered how this could be used in my relationship with Jesus.
I’ve spoken and written before about my impulsive nature as a child who would try and do anything. I figured out how that can be used by God. I’m not afraid to be in new and awkward situations. I meet new people in tense situations everyday for work. I’m comfortable with that.
This message connected a few more dots for me. Now that this thought is growing, I’m excited to see where God can take it. I want to know how God can use my entrepreneurial nature, too.
I’ve never thought about what breaks my heart. This has me thinking and wondering what God wants to break my heart with. Where can I make impact? I can’t say I’ve ever had a passion for any particular cause. I’m often happy to help with other people’s passions to solve problems. I’ll be praying and listening to figure this out.
Maybe you already know what breaks your heart. What is it about this that drives you? What are doing you about it? Do you know someone else who holds the same passion but has not found away to serve God with it? Can you invite them to come with you?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Do you have a holy discontent for something that you’d love to change? Where do you sense God giving you a vision for making an impact? Have you been inspired by someone’s vision to get involved and invest your time and energy? If so, who can you invite to go with you? Are you sensing a shift in the direction God wants you to serve, or invest your time or resoources? What can you do about that shift this week?
CLICK HERE to learn more about all of the roles and choose an opportunity to explore them on our Growing Up page.
As you read the verses each day, make notes of questions you have about what you’re reading as well as answering the reflection questions below. Grab a friend or two to discuss what you are learning and what God is doing in your lives.
To dive deeper into Luke 20-21, CLICK HERE or on the image below and check out this great video from Seth Davidson.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Because of the parable of the wicked tenants, the Pharisees begin to try to trap Jesus with his own words. Have you felt like someone was trying to use your words against you?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: In this passage, the Sadducees try to trick Jesus with a lengthy question about marriage. They want to disprove he is who he says he is by comparing this world to the world to come. Jesus points out that this world is not God’s final plan. Are there times you try to make sense of heaven by measuring it with earthly understanding?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: "For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." (21:4) Where do you give out of your abundance? Where do you give with a sincerity and selflessness?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: "…for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict." (21:15) In the passage from Monday Jesus shows that he cannot be tricked by seemingly unanswerable questions. In the face of the destruction and persecution predicted in this passage Jesus offers hope to his disciples that they don’t need to prepare the words, but they do need to endure hardship. Can you find hope in knowing that Jesus has all the answers even in our darkest times?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Today’s passage warns for people to "watch yourselves" and "stay awake." These warnings are referring to spiritual alertness. In what ways do you strengthen your spiritual alertness?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Jesus asks his disciples to prepare for the Passover Meal in part by looking for a man carrying a jug of water who would lead them to a room. Do you think they were used to looking for signs, miracles, or the well-laid out plans of Jesus? Do you think they ever had doubt that things would happen just as he said?
{community discussion questions}
We weren’t meant to experience the life of Jesus alone, so we encourage you to rally a few others to discuss what you are hearing, reading, and reflecting on together. Whether you are meeting as a Journey Community group, talking with a few friends throughout the week, or bringing up spiritual conversations around your table at home, feel free to use some of these questions as conversation starters on your journey.
Can you name a takeaway or challenge from the Sunday message?
How has that been relevant, challenging, or meaningful to your life this week?
What have you observed about God, Jesus, yourself, others, or God’s plan for you from these readings?
Where do you need a breakthrough from God this week?
Who do you need to share what you’re learning about God with?
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources).
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get a free Bible for your phone, tablet, and computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
Please visit us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and share what you are learning, questioning or experiencing. We love conversations!
