Level Up: Level Up Strength

This Week’s : Video Announcements & Message

Additional Cell Group Resources

Family Meal Discussion

Greeting + Meal

Take the first 45 minutes to gather into the home, share some food, listen to each other.

Storytelling

Transition from the dining table to a more relaxed area, like the living room, if possible.

This weeks story to share:

*Taken from Psalms, Romans, Galatians, Proverbs, Ephesians, Psalm, & Isaiah

The worship songs and poems in Psalms express how going through tough times will build us up to be stronger people:

And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn—Zion! God in full view! (Psalm 84:6-7 MSG)

Paul shares to the Roman and Galatia church how our troubles turn into passionate patience and being in community with others will help you through the tough parts of life writing, "

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! (Romans 5:3-5 MSG) Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience. (Galatians 6:6 MSG)

The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off even when no one’s after them; Honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions. (Proverbs 28:1 MSG) Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. (Ephesians 4:29 MSG) Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon. (Psalm 31:24 MSG)

The Hebrew Prophet, Isaiah shared God's promises of rescue and restoration for God's people writing, "

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, “God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”? Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. (Isaiah 40:27-31 MSG)

3 Ways to Level Up in Strength:

Suffer Through Pain. What's a time where suffering through pain made you stronger?
Exercise Courage. What's a time in your life you had to exercise courage?
Tap Into God's Strength. How do you tap into God's strength?

Closing + Goodbyes

Ask if anyone has additional thoughts or questions about the story or points. Close with an appropriate prayer time based on the faith level of those there tonight.

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DNA Group Discussion

DISCOVER (PRE-WORK) Before and while you read these passages ask the Spirit of God to illuminate your heart and mind and bring conviction and clarity of his truth for your life. Take some time during your own personal study to read through these four key questions:

1. Who is God (what does this passage tell me about God’s character)?
2. What Has God Done (how do I see God’s character in action here)?
3. Who Am I (How does God’s character and action shape how I see myself)?
4. What Do I Do (if I believe 1-3 how would I respond and relate to others)?

Scripture: Psalm 31, 84; Romans 5; Galatians 6; Proverbs 28, 30; Ephesians 4; Isaiah 40

QUESTION: What did you DISCOVER during your study?

NURTURE Confess out loud to one another areas of personal struggle or unbelief that the Spirit revealed during your personal study.

In light of this week’s sermon, consider these questions together:

What's a time where suffering through pain made you stronger?
What's a time in your life you had to exercise courage?
How do you tap into God's strength?

QUESTION: How will you REPENT and BELIEVE the gospel?

ACT In light of your time together, what steps will you take to act on your new discoveries and affirmed beliefs?

Consider these questions:

1. What is a tangible way that you can bear witness to the gospel in your school, workplace or neighborhood this week?

2. How can you demonstrate God’s involvement in your life? How can you be more aware of it and draw attention to it?

3. What does it look like to bear witness in the midst of adversity? What adversity are you facing currently and how can you bear witness to God’s control?

4. Is there someone in your life that you think struggles with the secular narrative they hear around them? Who are they and how can you bear witness to the greater reality of the transcendent God this week?

QUESTION: What will you DO and who will you TELL about what God has done?

ESV brought to you by Crossway (a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers)

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What Child is This?Diversity ChurchJanuary 21, 2018Luke, Matthew, Hebrews, John