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Dog Days of Summer (3 Things About God I Learned From My Dog)

Dog Days of Summer (3 Things About God I Learned From My Dog): Leave It

July 21, 2024 • Russ Smith • Proverbs 26:11, 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 3:9–10

1. What are some things in your life that maybe God is telling you: “leave it”? 2. Out of all those things that you feel like God is telling you to “leave”, which one are you going to do something about? Since you know you “ought to” leave it, which one will you “fight” to leave? 3. Remember this Bible verse from the message: The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) Maybe the “way out” that God provides for you is to “leave it” or even run (“Run, Forrest, run!”) from those temptations. From your past, what are some ways out of temptation that God provided for you? (Or, in the past, how did you “leave” or “run” from temptations?) 4. In the message we looked at the “hand” illustration and how memorizing some Bible verses can be helpful because they might come to mind (or God might bring them to mind) when you’re in a tempting situation. What’s a Bible verse that you could memorize? [How about: Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:9-10 (NIV)] 5. We already talked about this, but seriously: That thing you keep going back to–what if this week you decided to “leave it”? You know you ought to, so what if you fought to?

Dog Days of Summer (3 Things About God I Learned From My Dog): Part Of The Family

July 14, 2024 • Russ Smith • Romans 5:6–8, Romans 7:14–19, Galatians 4:4–7, Ephesians 1:3–5, Romans 8:14–17

1. Dogs or cats - are you more of a dog person or a cat person? Tell us why! (and it’s ok if you like dogs AND cats) 2. Did you have a pet when you were growing up? What was its name, and what kind of animal was it? 3. What’s a fun memory you have about a pet you have (or once had)? 4. These days, do you feel far away from God, or close to God, or somewhere in the middle? 5. What do you think about the idea that we were once excluded from being in God’s family? 6. Russ mentioned Bible verses from Galatians 4:4-5 that talked about “sonship”. What do you think about the idea that we can be fully adopted into God’s family with all the rights and privileges that come with it? 7. For Russ and his family, it was their pleasure to adopt Bella. What do you think about the idea that it was God’s pleasure to adopt you? 8. If you’re a Jesus-follower, the challenge for this week is to enjoy being in God’s family - celebrate it! How will you do that this week? 9. If you’re not a Jesus-follower, then what’s your next move with God?