First Responders
First Responders - Part 12
November 30, 2022 • Justin Nichols • John 13:34–35, 1 John 3:18–24, 1 John 4:7–19, Colossians 3:12–14, Ephesians 4:1–3
Called to love people well, particularly in their difficult moments or seasons. From the grand gestures to granular moments redeemed new creations in Christ, we GET to respond and love well by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit reigning in our lives. John 13:34-35 1 John 3:18-24 1 John 4:7-19 Love through presence the day-to-day, face-to-face relationships, and interactions we have with others Colossians 3:12-14 Ephesians 4:1-3 Ephesians 5:1-2 What does it look like to walk in love? -Saving a life -Letting someone stay at your house -Defending someone who's getting picked on/slandered -Giving someone a generous gift (monetary or otherwise) -Asking for forgiveness for something you did or said -Extending forgiveness for something someone else did or said against you -Praying for someone who's going through something -Asking about someone's day or week (and listening to the response) -Being slow to speak and quick to listen to your spouse/s.o./kids/co-workers -Asking God to give you perspective about and patience for someone who's difficult -…and thousands more... We need to be assertive in looking outward-- SEEING people for real-- and extending the compassion and kindness of Jesus to them. We can do this because we've been adopted into the family of our Almighty God, who now indwells us and empowers us with His grace! ...Christ in you, the hope of glory! (Col. 1:27b) Discussion questions: 1) What does loving people well mean to you? 2) What does responding and loving well look like (from the grand to the granular) practically in your life? List things you think of. 3) As responders of love, to whom in your life do you think you could extend more compassion and kindness? 4) Is there anyone you need to forgive?
First Responder - Part 11
November 23, 2022 • Proverbs 31:8–9, 1 Timothy 2:1–4, 1 Corinthians 16:13–14
What does God desire for all men? “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants ALL men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2:1-4 (NIV) Do you judge the marginalized or lesser among us? Or do you defend the rights of the poor and needy? “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) Do everything in love “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Cor 16:13-14 (NIV) Things to ponder? Do I pass judgment on the homeless? Drug addicted? Mentally ill? If so, why? How can I serve the less fortunate in this current season? What would it look like to be courageous and do everything in love?
First Responders - Part 10
November 16, 2022 • Andy Coulombe • Matthew 13:31–32
“God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful.” - Mother Teresa “Success” through the teachings of Jesus looks like this: We must simply respond to the movement of GodWe must then continue to listen for the Spirit of GodOur motivation must come from a love for God (and therefore others)It must be directed toward the advancement of the Kingdom of God We are all first responders. Anchor Verse: “Here is another illustration Jesus used: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.’” Matthew 13:31-32 (NLT) Questions What does “success” look like in the Kingdom of God? Does having this adjusted outlook of success discourage or encourage you to respond?Where have you seen God moving in simple, yet powerful ways?What simple act of love [for God and others] could you do this month? this week? or even today?
First Responders - Part 9
November 9, 2022 • John 15:13, Joshua 1:9
FAITH FAMILY FIRE THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIORITY SELFISHNESS LED TO FEAR - by way of struggles “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13 FEAR “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 THE ULTIMATE DISPATCH Questions: What are your fears? What are they preventing you from? Are they controlling you and leading you down other roads?There is so much ability in this room. What is getting in the way of your dispatch? Is your balance off? What Kind of foundation are you building in your home? Have you lost your voice in your own home? My battles kept me from having a voice in my own home. We live in a crazy world right now. How are you calling people forward instead of just out?
First Responders - Part 8
November 2, 2022 • Anthony Kollias • Ephesians 5:20, John 15:2, Isaiah 57:1, Hebrews 12:6–7, James 1:2
Radical Change- Radical Trust- Purpose of Suffering- Anchor Verses: John 15:2 Isaiah 57:1 Hebrews 12:6-7 James 1:2 Ephesians 5:20 Tony's Take-Aways: God is completely trustworthy How we handle suffering is up to us We can either shake our fists at God or we can approach Him with a heart of thankfulness. Discussion Questions: How have I suffered? Did I trust God through it? How can I change my mindset to trust God when I suffer?
First Responders - Part 7
October 26, 2022 • Keith Callaway • Matthew 28:18–20, 2 Peter 1:3, John 13:34–35, Matthew 5:14–16
First Responder qualifications Jesus first responders (trained, dispatched, run to, assess) A Mess Grace (internal and external) Why are WE the first responders. The great commission “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus COMMISIONED us all as first responders Your past uniquely qualifies you to reach a certain people group. God gave you a gift. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness” 2 Peter 1:3 Your authenticity is the key to influencing those around you. How can I be an everyday first responder? “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples-when they see the love you have for each other” John 13:34-35 MSG “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 Food for thought? How can my mess become my message? Where can I grow and lean into a gift or calling? Jesus used the most broken and marginalized people to carry the message, can you relate with the everyday men He called to be apostles? Why?
First Responders - Part 6
October 19, 2022 • Ben Pickthorn • Joshua 2
A Jesus First Responder Refresher Must be trained Commissioned and dispatched Run to not from Assess, treat, and monitor God can use ALL things for His glory Joshua 2 - The Story of Rahab The Canaanites worshiped many gods. They had shrines, temples, and idols across the land of Canaan, and their religious practices included things like ritual prostitution and child sacrifice. Rahab was part of that culture. Yet God chose to write her into His story “But do not forget this one things, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 The discipleship pathway Is to reshape the misshapen NOT bobblehead theologians Incarnational (Jesus Is Lord) impact In our neighborhoods Requires a reshape of self HIGHLY relational Our faith is more than about having a sound morality: sacrifice, commitment, repentance, community, exploration, formation, etc. Stop overthinking It! Yes. What's the question? This may feel uncomfortable at times Time to answer the call! “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.” Ephesians 6:12 AMP Discussion Questions: Christ used a prostitute In his lineage, what significance does this have in our own story? In what areas is God stretching you? Are you opening your home up for Church in Community? Why or why not? Implore one another to talk with Matt or Ben If anyone has any questions whatsoever about this.
First Responders - Part 5
October 12, 2022 • Nikki Rodolph • 1 Peter 4:10–11, Mark 12:28–31, 2 Corinthians 1:3–6, 1 Peter 2:19–21
Responding to Jesus encourages us to prepare, know, and use our gifts for His Kingdom “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 Responding to Jesus is simple, but not always easy. “And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31 Responding to Jesus brings sacrifice and awareness of suffering, so count the cost and be ready. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-6 “For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:19-21 Discussion Questions: What gifts do you have that you can steward well when responding to Jesus and his dispatch? Because God first loved you, who can you identify to love more genuinely? Has the cost of suffering or sacrifice kept you from saying yes when you are dispatched by God?
First Responders - Part 4
October 5, 2022 • Hebrews 12:1–2, Psalm 18:1–3, Psalm 23:1–4, Proverbs 31:8–9
Psalm 18:1-3 I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield[b] and the horn[c] of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. Psalm 23:1-4 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Proverbs 31:8-9 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, or the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. What is God calling you to do within your chosen profession? If not working, where is God leading you or calling you to go? What is holding you back from following the plan or the path God has chosen for you? Do you have a trusted friend/mentor who you can talk with and who can pray for you?
First Responders - Part 3
September 28, 2022 • Ben Pickthorn • Ephesians 4:1, Matthew 28:17–20, 1 Corinthians 12
A movement toward God or stagnant to self? Don’t confuse busy with productive. We are a sent people God is a SENDING God When we answer the call to follow we become a SENT people We are all CLERGY We are all MISSIONARIES Having NO PRIESTLY CASTE is an original idea with Jesus Some theological perspectives: Importance of the Trinity: Trinity proves the social nature of God and His desire to be in community. The Sending nature of God is evident in the Father sending the Son, and the Father and the Son sending the Spirit. This should help us understand the importance of how we are to live on mission. Missio Dei: basic translation to “God at work”. A more in-depth understanding is that God is on mission (missio) everywhere and at all times. We join God in His mission, not by asking him to join ours. +Incarnation: God showing up in a very specific way/place in humanity and showing himself. =Witness: the expression of God’s mission and him (specifically) showing up in tangible ways fulfilling that mission We are a sent people God is a SENDING God When we answer the call to follow we become a SENT people We are all CLERGY We are all MISSIONARIES Having NO PRIESTLY CASTE is an original idea with Jesus “Theology is not the private reserve of theologians. It is not a private affair for professors... Nor is it a private affair for pastors...Theology is a matter for the church. It does not get on well without professors and pastors. But its problem, the purity of the church's service, is put to the whole church. The term laity is one of the worst in the vocabulary of religion and ought to be banished from Christian conversation.” -Karl Barth “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:17-20 Discipleship is an essential aspect of the church and an essential component of the co-mission with Christ. “Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer Do you hear that? Don’t miss out on your call. Calling and vocation are synonymous Both stem from the root word (VOCARE) meaning “to call” Vocation is not a goal we pursue but a calling we hear “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” Ephesians 4:1 Three primary gift passages: Two where the gift is external, to us: 1 Corinthians 12- “manifestation gifts”: Wisdom, knowledge, faith, powers, prophecy, distinguishing spirits, tongues Romans 12- “praxis gifts”: prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leading, mercy. One where the people are the gift: Ephesians 4 - “calling gifts”: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher A Mega Church is not based on the size of its seating but rather on the amount of its seeding.
First Responder - Part 2
September 21, 2022 • Leo Keelan • Romans 8:28, Matthew 9:37, Romans 13:9, Jeremiah 29:11–13, Proverbs 3:5–6
The Journey: We all have a journey, a story, a testimony to tell. Jeremiah 29:11-13 Proverbs 3:5-6 What is your testimony? The Call: We all have a purpose. 2 Timothy 9 Romans 8:28 Matthew 9:37 What is a Chaplain? The Answer: We all have the ability to respond. 10 commandments can be summed up in LOVE Romans 13:9 LOVE Mathew 5:43, Mathew 19:19, Mark 12:31, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8 Leviticus 19:18, Luke 10:27, Mark 12:33 What is a Probie? 1 Corinthians 8:1 The Busy Signal/Caller ID: What is holding you back? Exodus 6:12 Exodus 6:30 2 Timothy 1:7 Philippians 4:6 Questions: Have you ever felt called or pulled to something? (Your testimony shaping you). Have you felt the nudge to talk/help someone but didn't or did respond? What is holding you back (preventing you from answering/serving)?
First Responders - Part 1
September 14, 2022 • Skyler Rodolph • 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Proverbs 4:2, Proverbs 3:1, 2 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 2:2–3
The First Responder Defined as someone designated or trained to respond to an emergency First Responders Are trained specifically for their unique responding Have been commissioned and assigned to a “station” Immediately respond when dispatched Run TO where most want to run FROM Assess, Treat, and Monitor The Jesus First Responder Must be trained ( 2 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 2:2-3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Proverbs 4:2, Proverbs 3:1, Joshua 1:8, Proverbs 2:6-8) Are commissioned and dispatched (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 8:20-40) Need to Run To not From (Acts 8:26-40, Acts 9:10-20) Assess, Treat, Monitor (Luke 10:25-37)