Teaching them to OBEY - The Beatitudes
Be A Peacemaker
March 26, 2023 • Jim Moynihan • Matthew 5:9, Matthew 5:23–26, Matthew 18:15–20
"Be A Peacemaker" Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/be-a-peacemaker Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion: 1. Do you tend to go too big (peace-breaking) or too small (peace-faking) in conflict? 2. Review the Four G’s listed above. Which one is hardest for you and why? 3. What stands out to you as the most important truth for you to remember and apply today? 4. Is there any ongoing conflict in your life that is still not resolved? What steps can you take, even today, to begin the peace-making process with that individual? 5. What are some biblical reasons for engaging in peace-making?
Be Pure in Heart
March 19, 2023 • Jim Moynihan • Matthew 5:8
"Be Pure in Heart" Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/be-pure-in-heart Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion: What does it mean to be "pure in heart"? Why would this statement have been so amazing to the Jewish audience? The writer of Hebrews said that "without holiness no one will see God" (Hebrews 12:14b). How is the Gospel "good news" for us in this regard? What does John exhort us to do in light of becoming the children of God? (1 John 3:1-3) What are the thoughts, words, and actions flowing from your heart right now that you know are not of the Lord? What influences are you allowing into the "wellspring" of your heart and mind that may be negatively influencing you?
"Be Hungry and Thirsty for God"
March 5, 2023 • Gerald Gruber • Matthew 5:6
Be Hungry and Thirsty for God Digital Bulletin -https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/be-hungry-and-thirsty-for-god Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion 1. In referring to Matthew 5:6, can you think of a circumstance/situation in your life that might help you understand this intense, urgent desire for God? 2. In what way(s) are you passionately pursuing God? 3. What do we mean when we say that there is vertical and a horizontal nature to how we understand righteousness? 4. Have you been “made right” with God? Have you placed your faith in Jesus, His work and death on your behalf, as Savior and Lord? 5. We talked about four areas of our lives that should reflect the righteousness of Christ (ambitions, attitudes, desires and relationships). Which area in your life do you struggle the most with? How can you pray into this?
Be willing to mourn
February 19, 2023 • Jeff Heinaman • Matthew 5:4
Be willing to mourn Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/be-willing-to-mourn Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion: 1. How have you experienced God’s comfort in times of mourning or pain? 2. What has been your experience with confession of sin to others? 3. How have you dealt with differences or things that were wrong with a church or group that you were part of? 4. Is there anything you are sensing that the Lord would be willing to mourn with you over?
Be Humble
February 12, 2023 • Jim Moynihan • Matthew 5:3, Luke 18:9–14
Be humble (Matthew 5:3) Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/be-humble-matthew-53 Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion: 1. Take some time and work through the “Search Me O God” worksheet, asking God to reveal those are of pride (lack of brokenness) and prayerfully discern what humility in that specific area might look like. 2. What is the kind of heart that God esteems (Isaiah 66:2)? Does this describe your heart currently? What needs to change? 3. In what ways does someone who is poor in spirit experience NOW the Kingdom of God?