NCF Podcast

Welcome: What is the longest trip you have ever taken? Where did you go and what did you do?

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another.

Word:
1. If you could be better at one thing, what would you want to improve?

Read 2 Peter 1:3-11

Read the Life Application Commentary Summary of 2 Peter 1:3-11
“Salvation does not depend on positive character qualities and good works; rather, it produces those qualities and works. A person who claims to be saved while remaining unchanged does not understand faith or what God has done for him or her. Faith in and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ that leads to growth in these qualities causes believers to make a difference in their world and persevere to the end.”

2. Do you see anything in the scripture that is not mentioned in the Life Application Bible summary?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What words or phrases stand out to you in this summary? Why?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. How equipped do you feel for life and godliness? Why do you feel that way? Is your feeling rooted in reality or in insecurity?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. Which of the qualities listed by Peter do you consider to be the most important to add to your faith? Why?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. Which of the character qualities that Peter listed do you find the most difficult to practice?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. Why is it easy to forget what God has done for us? (v. 9)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. What are you going to do, starting today, because of what we have studied in this time together?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Witness: 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG)
15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ,
your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

SAVED, SANCTIFIED, GIFTED, AND SERVING 1 PETER 4:1-11 3/10/12
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week Peter gives us a wonderful progression of growth steps for our Christian journey. He talks to us about turning from sin and self to God. Then he challenges us to live free from the friends who would drag us down. The next step is to recognize the gifts God has given us. Finally yet importantly is the call to put your gifts into practice. Today you are going to check your progress on the journey from salvation, to sanctification, through gifting, and on to serving. Enjoy your journey!

1. Which part of a road trip do you like best? Do you like the planning, packing, driving, or arriving? Why?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Salvation: What is the difference between chasing your own desires, and doing the will of God? Is there ever a conflict between the two? 1 Peter 4:1/2

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Sanctification: At the center of our Christian discipleship is the call to flee from sin. Our friends can either help us follow Christ, or they will lead us away from Him! Reflect on 1 Peter 4:3/6. Do you have any relationships that need adjustment?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4. In 4:7/9 Peter inserts several topics in the midst of his teaching. What challenges can you find? Which ones speak to you personally?
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. We are not simply saved so we can go to heaven. We are saved for service here on earth! Read 1 Peter 4:10/11. Who has God given a gift? Are all gifts the same? If you had to chose just one category of gifting… are you more of a speaker, or a server? If we use our gifts properly, what will the result be?
6. Which of the four points best describes your current place on the journey? And “Yes”, you can be in the midst of more than one at the same time?
GETTING SAVED---BEING SANCTIFIED---DISCOVERING YOUR GIFTING---SERVING

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: Be in prayer for those you desire to invite to our Easter Celebration. Let your Life Group be praying for those God is leading you to bring!

1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

FROM SUFFERING TO HEAVEN 1 PETER 3:13-22 3/4/12
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: The Christian faith is not simple. We commit to a lifetime of reading, praying, sharing, learning, and growing. Suffering and sharing our faith are parts of the journey. And at the end of the journey there is a paradise promised. Jesus is our mentor, our model, and our master. Today we are going to examine the words of St. Peter as he leaves his teaching on hypotasso and soars into the heavenlies.

1. How many people shared the gospel with you before you became a Christian? If you are not a Christian, has somebody shared with you the way to begin a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ?

_____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

2. Read 1 Peter 3:13/14. Think of situations in your life or family where you might be experiencing suffering or stress because of your faith. What is God’s promise to you for your faithfulness?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Peter continues to connect suffering with witnessing. Identify the specific instructions in 1 Peter 3:15/17 that teach us how to share our faith.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Compare 1 Peter 3:18 with the words of Brigham Young, second President of the Mormon Church. This is a timely question given the current interest in the Mormon faith. It is important that Christians are knowledgeable about the unique claims of Christ!
“Suppose you found your brother in bed with your wife, an put a javelin through both of them, you would be justified, and they would atone for their sins, and be received into the kingdom of God. I would at once do so in such a case; and under such circumstances, I have no wife whom I love so well that I would not put a javelin through her heart, and I would do it with clean hands...There is not a man or woman, who violates the covenants made with their God, that will not be required to pay the debt. The blood of Christ will never wipe that out, your own blood must atone for it. (Journal of Discourses, vol. 3, p. 247).”
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Read 1 Peter 3:20/21. Have you been baptized? Have you asked God to wash away the stain of your sin and give you a clean conscience? Are you ready to leave your old life behind, and live the new life that Christ gives you?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. Close with 1 Peter 3:22. Jesus went through earthly suffering and ended up on the cross. But on the other side of the cross was a crown. Take some time and pray specifically for the trials that you might be going through. Ask God for the grace and strength to live as His witness in your current situation.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: Be in prayer for those you desire to invite to our Easter Celebration. Let your Life Group be praying for those God is leading you to bring!

1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

FINALLY 1 PETER 3:8-12 2/26/12
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: For the past several weeks, we have looked at relationships between citizens and the authorities, masters and slaves, or bosses and employees. Last week Michael White led us through the challenging territory of husband and wives. This week Peter begins with the word finally. He is going to wrap up what he has been saying and address his comments to “all of you.” So today is for all of us, no matter whom you are!

1. Can you think of a TV program where the main characters live in regular conflict or drama with one another?

2. How close is this program to modern life? Why?

3. In 1 Peter 3:8-12 the Apostle gives us a series of very descriptive commands. They give us a clear picture of how we should treat one another. As you consider each scripture give yourself this little “self test.” Share the results if you are willing!

I USUALLY DO THIS FAIRLY WELL!
I NEED A LITTLE MORE WORK ON THIS ONE!
I USUALLY CRASH AND BURN ON THIS ONE!

A. 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. [Live in harmony with others.]

B. Sympathize with each other.

C. Love each other as brothers and sisters.

D. Be tenderhearted,

E. and keep a humble attitude.

F. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

G. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

H. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

I. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

4. Throughout Peter we have seen his concern for our witness as believers to those who do not yet know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. How do these words of Jesus challenge us to live out the instructions of Peter? Why?
John 13:34-35 (NLT) So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

Husbands and Wives
2/19/12
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

Michael White
1 Peter 3:1-7

CHRISTIANS AS ROMAN SERVANTS 2/12/12
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: Last week we spoke about [HYPOTASSO] the challenging topic of submission to authority. Sunday, Peter stretched us a little bit farther. He moved us from submission to suffering. Peter tackled the painful subject of Christians who were Roman Servants. How do we, as God’s children, behave in a situation when we are not in control? More importantly, how do we respond to people in authority over us who use their power and position to mistreat us? Sadly, the principles of oppression and abuse have not left the world in the past 2,000 years. We might not be chained to a master, but we might well have a boss, teacher, or coach who seems to “have it in for us!” On Sunday we looked at the principles Peter gave to slaves in the early 60’s A.D. Today we are going back to 750 B.C. and look at the prophetic words of Isaiah. This passage is often titled, “The Suffering Servant.” As you discover who the prophet was speaking of… consider how living out his words might impact your life and ministry.

1. Have you ever been stuck in a job, school, sports team, or other situation where you were treated unfairly, but you could not leave? How did you handle it?

I believe that the words of Peter and Isaiah apply to contemporary life. Many people have been, or currently are, stuck in “no-win” situations. This icebreaker is designed to frame the ancient text in a modern context. Hopefully, you here a story that sets up today’s notes.

2. As you examine the following verses… consider the example you are being given. Then ask yourself… How can I be more like God’s servant in my life situations? [These cross references only scratch the surface of this amazing text.]

Scholars universally accept the “suffering servant” passage given by Isaiah as a prophetic declaration of the death and life of Jesus. We are going to connect with passage with primarily N.T. cross references. [A cross reference is a verse that has a direct connect with another verse of scripture.]

A. Compare Isaiah 53:1 with John 12:38 and Romans 10:16.

1 Who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm.
John 12:38 (NLT)
Jn 12:38 This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: “LORD, who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm?”
Romans 10:16 (NLT)
Ro 10:16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “LORD, who has believed our message?”

B. Compare Isaiah 53:2 to Isaiah 11:1.

2 My servant grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.
Isaiah 11:1 (NLT)
Isa 11:1 Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.
C. Compare Isaiah 53:3 and Matthew 27:39-44.

3 He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.
Matthew 27:38-44 (NLT)
Mt 27:38 Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. 40 “Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!” 41 The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. 42 “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! 43 He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.
D. Compare Isaiah 53:4 with Matthew 8:17 and 1 Peter 2:24.

4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins!
Matthew 8:17 (NLT)
Mt 8:17 This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.”
1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)
1Pe 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.
E. Compare Isaiah 53:5 to Romans 3:24-26.

5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
Romans 3:24-26 (NLT)
Ro 3:24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
F. Compare Isaiah 53:6 and 1 Peter 2:25.

6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.
1 Peter 2:25 (NLT)
1Pe 2:25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.
G. Compare Isaiah 53:7 with 1 Peter 2:23 and Luke 23:9.

7 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.
1 Peter 2:23 (NLT)
1Pe 2:23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
Luke 23:9 (NLT)
Lk 23:9 He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer.
H. Compare Isaiah 53:8 to John 11:50.

8 Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people.
John 11:50 (NLT)
Jn 11:50 You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”

I. Compare Isaiah 53:9 and John 19:38-42 (NLT)

9 He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave.
Jn 19:38 Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. 40 Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. 41 The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. 42 And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
J. Compare Isaiah 53:10 with John 12:24 and Hebrews 2:13 and Revelations 1:18.

10 But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
Hebrews 2:13 (NLT)
Heb 2:13 He also said, “I will put my trust in him,” that is, “I and the children God has given me.”
Revelation 1:18 (NLT)
Rev 1:18 I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

K. Compare Isaiah 53:11 to Revelation 5:9.

11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.
Revelation 5:9 (NLT)
Rev 5:9 And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

L. Compare Isaiah 53:12 and Philippians 2:8-11 (NLT)
12 I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
Philippians 2:8-11 (NLT)
Php 2:8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

3. How do the character traits of Isaiah 53 challenge you in your day to day behavior with those you work for, work with, and live with? How closely do you resemble the Suffering Servant?

This is the moment for application of the principles you have looked at in Isaiah 53 and the N.T. Life of Jesus. How can the actions of Jesus and the prophecy of Isaiah speak to us in our world today?
The clearer and more practical the application, the better.

Witness: 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

TO SUBMIT, OR NOT TO SUBMIT. THAT… IS THE QUESTION!
1 PETER 2:13/16 2/5/12
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: On Sunday, we barely scratched the surface on the issue of submission to those in authority. This is a dynamic and difficult topic. There is such a fine line between doing what I am told to do, and becoming a doormat or agent of evil. When do we say yes? When do we say no? How do we know if there is wrong we should oppose, or if we are simply being sinful, willful, and rebellious? I pray that the Holy Spirit gives us special wisdom for today’s topic!

1. Have you ever rebelled against authority when it was truly proper to do so?
Was there a price to pay for your actions? Share the story with your Life Group!

2. 1 Peter 2:13-14 (NLT) 13 For the Lord’s sake, [respect or submit to] all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.

Consider the verse above and the descriptions below. Which best fits you?

A. I always recognize authority as God given and joyfully obey what they say!

B. I usually recognize authority as God given and willingly obey!

C. I do not know who put these people in charge but I will try and do what they say!

D. I have no intention of obeying these lunatics!

3. How has your approach to authority worked for you? Have you ever experienced a pattern of punishment related to your view of authority? This might be a great learning moment. Let the Holy Spirit connect the dots in your life.

________________________________________________________________________

4. Consider Hebrews 12:10-11 (NLT) How does this apply to your life?

________________________________________________________________________

5. Reread 1 Peter 2:13-14 For whose sake should we obey authority? What does it mean that we should hypotasso all human authority? What does this say to you about how God laid out the structure of human society? How does this idea of submission strike the willful parts of your personality?

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

6. Throughout this letter we will see Peter’s concern for the evangelistic work of the church. How does 1 Peter 2:15-17 (NLT) speak to our life and witness in the world?
15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 17 Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Again we find Peter leading us right into Witness: 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

LIVING STONES FOR GOD’S HOUSE 1 PETER 2:4-12 1/29/12
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: For multitudes of Christians church is a building that you visit on Sunday morning to recharge your spiritual battery for the week ahead. That’s not bad… but it is not nearly enough. Christians don’t just go to church… Christians are the church. And Peter doesn’t simply call us stones in the church… he calls us living stones! Because living stones have something special, wonderful, and important to do! Today we are going to look at who you are, and what God has for you!

1. What is the coolest building or structure you have ever visited? Describe it!

2. In 1 Corinthians 12:27 what does Paul declare you to be?

________________________________________________________________________

3. What does Romans 12:5 declare us to be?

________________________________________________________________________

4. I have been in some very clique churches. There was an in-group, and an out-group. There were the cool people, and the other people. Throughout church history, people have been excluded because of their color, social status, education, or economic position. Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-20. What is Paul saying about the unique history and gifting of each of us? How does that affect our place in the Body of Christ?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

5. Ephesians 4:11-16 gives us a great picture of the relationship between pastors and God’s people. Study the following passage carefully. Underline the words or phrases that show the pastors call. Then underline and identify the words and phrases that describe God’s goal for each of His children. This scripture is powerful, defining, and instructive for who God wants us to become and what God wants us to do.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NLT)
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles,
the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work
and build up the church, the body of Christ.
13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith
and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord,
measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children.
We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.
We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies
so clever they sound like the truth.
15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more
and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does
its own special work, it helps the other parts grow,
so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

6. Was there something you underlined or discussed that applied directly to you, or challenged you in a special way? Is there a step God is calling you to take?

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

A CALL TO HOLY LIVING 1 PETER 1:13-25 1/22/12
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: Peter continues to paint with a very broad brush. He points forward to the end of time. He connects the Old Testament call to holiness with the same call in the N.T. He reminds us that there will be rewards and consequences at the end of our earthly journey. He calls us to love one another as we travel together. Finally yet importantly, he reminds us again that the Good News is the key to all of these things!

1. Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

________________________________________________________________________

2. APOKALYPSIS=REVELATION 13
If Peter were to speak to you in modern language and tell you the following three things… what would he be saying to you personally?

PULL UP YOUR PANTS!
PUT DOWN YOUR DOPE!
DECIDE WHERE YOUR GOING!

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

As we reflect upon 1 Peter 1:14-25 apply each of these thoughts to your life. It is likely that different sections of the passage will connect with different people in your life group. More than anything else… let the Holy Spirit be your teacher and connect the scriptures with your life. For each statement below ask the question… What does this say to me?

3. YOU ARE CALLED TO BE HOLY 14-16

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
4. THERE WILL BE REWARDS OR CONSEQUENCES FOR HOW YOU LIVE 17

________________________________________________________________________

5. JESUS RANSOMED YOU FROM YOUR SIN WITH HIS BLOOD 18-21

________________________________________________________________________

6. GOD CALLS US TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER FROM THE HEART 22/23

________________________________________________________________________

7. GOD’S GOOD NEWS IS FOREVER 24/25

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Thought:
Today’s passage ends with a very natural transition into the witness portion of our Life Notes. In the weeks ahead, we are going to be redoing our OIKOS list and refocusing upon the 8-15 people that God has uniquely placed around us. We are going to pray this year that God will connect us with people seeking Jesus, and allow us to share the Good News with them.

Witness: 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

THE HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE 1 PETER 1:3-12 1/15/12
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: After a brief two-verse introduction, Peter comes out swinging. He launches right in with the scattered church and challenges them in multiple areas. He goes after issues of salvation, faith, and trials. He calls believers to a life of love, faith, and trust in the midst of trials. At the heart of his challenge is the good news!

Apply the words of Peter to your life. As you think on his key points allow the Holy Spirit to bridge the centuries and make his teaching relevant for you today!

1. What trials do you see facing Christians in our current culture?

________________________________________________________________________

2. Ye must be born again. What does it mean to be born again?

________________________________________________________________________

3. Keep the faith. Has anything happened this past couple of years to shake your faith? Take time to pray for one another as the Lord leads.

________________________________________________________________________

4. Trials are for a little while. Each of us may go through test and trials. Peter is letting us know this is normal.

________________________________________________________________________

5. We looked at four areas of life that caused trials for the first century Christians. Do any of these areas create tension for Christians with their culture today?

A. The issue of Lordship. Does your Christian faith ever cause stress with family, friends, work, school, sports, or spouse? Is there another area of conflict?

________________________________________________________________________

B. They challenged financial structures. How might a Christians use of money be different than a non-Christian? How might Christians annoy pagan culture?

________________________________________________________________________
C. We play by different rules. How does living by God’s values and principles fit with modern American culture?

________________________________________________________________________

D. We behave differently. Think about the moral code of God and the way of life celebrated by modern culture. How would living like a Christian cause your behavior to be different from non-Christians?

________________________________________________________________________

6. Gain a genuine faith. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?

________________________________________________________________________

7. Love and Trust Him. Does your life reflect His Lordship?

________________________________________________________________________

8. Share the good news! Are you sharing the good news with your OIKOS?

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

GREETINGS FROM PETER 1/8/12
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we begin a journey through 1 Peter that will raise the bar of our personal and corporate discipleship! Peter was the undisputed leader of the disciples, and the fledgling church of Jesus Christ. Peter was always willing to speak up and act out. Peter wanted to build a worship center on the mountaintop, walk on the water, and draw swords against the men who took his Lord. Peter ran the gambit from sinful fisherman to reluctant fisher of men. He was outspoken and bold in his commitment to Christ. He was willing to say he did not know Jesus. He was ready to go back to fishing. When Jesus called his name, he was once again the first one out of the boat. Moreover, on the day of Pentecost Peter truly stood and delivered in the power of the Holy Spirit. Church history tells us that at the end of his life, in fulfillment of prophecy, he asked to be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to be crucified like his Lord!
In 1 Peter we are going to see the passion and message of this remarkable man. We are going to hear his encouragement to a scattered and persecuted church. And we are going to hear the call to holiness from the lips of a transformed Christ follower!

1. How do you usually respond to an aggressive challenge?
Does this hold true in the spiritual arena?
________________________________________________________________________

2. We are going to begin this week with a look at some key moments in the life of Peter. Getting the flavor of the man will help us better understand his letter. As you read the passages, look for what they say about the man! Limit your study to the verses given. Look for character traits. Notice the pattern of bold declarations.

A. Matthew 4:18-20 ________________________________________________

B. Matthew 14:24-30 ________________________________________________

C. Matthew 16:21-22 ________________________________________________

D. Matthew 17:4 ________________________________________________

E. Matthew 19:27 ________________________________________________

F. Matthew 26:35 ________________________________________________

G. John 18:10 ______________________________________________________

H. Matthew 26:74 ________________________________________________

I. John 21:15 ______________________________________________________

3. As you consider the life and personhood of Peter look at yourself.

A. Are you ready to jump up and follow Jesus?

________________________________________________________________________

B. Are you ready to risk making huge mistakes?

________________________________________________________________________

C. Are you willing to be forgiven by Christ and move on?

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: At the heart of the Christian’s call is the concept of being a fisher of men. God desires to use each and every one of his children in this global venture. As we commit ourselves to grow in Christ God will give us men and women for us to help on their journey! May God prepare each of us for the work He has for us!

PURSUE GOD’S WILL FOR 2012
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: As we begin the New Year my prayer and challenge is that we will pursue God’s will for our dimension of our lives. The New Year is a great time for dreaming, planning, and goal setting. In today’s Life Group we are going to reflect forward in a very broad manner and consider what God may be saying to you for 2012.

1. Where did you spend New Year’s Eve?

________________________________________________________________________

2. Compare the following scriptures to set the stage for today’s conversation.

A. Read Ezekiel 43:10-12. What is God’s standard? What was He calling His people back to?

_______________________________________________________________________

B. How do the words of Jesus connect with Ezekiel? Matthew 6:9-10

________________________________________________________________________

3. We are going to look at several different spheres of influence. As you consider each one ask this simple question! HOW CAN YOU PURSUE GOD’S WILL IN THIS AREA? Do some dreaming, some thinking, and some planning. How can God use you to impact His world?

A. Pursue God’s Will for our World!

________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

B. Pursue God’s Will for our Country!

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________
C. Pursue God’s Will for our State!

__________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
D. Pursue God’s Will for our City!

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________
E. Pursue God’s Will for our Church!

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________
F. Pursue God’s Will for your Family!

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________
G. Pursue God’s Will for Yourself!

__________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Witness:
Begin the New Year by offering yourself and your OIKOS up to God.
Whom does God want you to connect with this year?
Are you willing to prepare for your ministry?

FINDING CHRISTMAS IN THE CAROLS
#5. SILENT NIGHT HOLY NIGHT! 12/23/11
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: It is possible that Silent Night is the most widely translated and often sung of all the Christmas Carols. You can find some version of the translated words in almost every language and dialect. The words are so simple, and yet so powerful How amazing that something written by a humble Parish Priest on Christmas Eve 1818 has travelled around the world and touched hearts on every continent. What an example of how God can take a mustard seed and create “the largest plant in the yard.”

1. What was your favorite moment this Christmas Season?

2. Today we are going to look at an ancient translation from the original German of Silent Night. The words are different than the modern version we sing. But the charm, tone, and message are the same. Reflect on what Josef Mohr wrote and what Franz Gruber set to music one Christmas Eve almost 200 years ago. What does each verse teach us about the Christ of Christmas, His Father, and their plan for mankind?

A. Silent night! Holy night! All′s asleep, one sole light, Just the faithful and holy pair, Lovely boy-child with curly hair, Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace!

B. Silent night! Holy night! God′s Son laughs, o how bright. Love from your holy lips shines clear, As the dawn of salvation draws near, Jesus, Lord, with your birth! Jesus, Lord, with your birth!

C. Silent night! Holy night! Brought the world peace tonight, From the heavens′ golden height Shows the grace of His holy might Jesus, as man on this earth! Jesus, as man on this earth!

D. Silent night! holy night! Where today all the might Of His fatherly love us graced And then Jesus, as brother embraced. All the peoples on earth! All the peoples on earth!
E. Silent night! Holy night! Long we hoped that He might, As our Lord, free us of wrath, Since times of our fathers He hath Promised to spare all mankind! Promised to spare all mankind!
F. Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds first see the sight. Told by angelic Alleluia, Sounding everywhere, both near and far: "Christ the Savior is here!" "Christ the Savior is here!"
G. Silent night! Holy night! Long we hoped that He might, As our Lord, free us of wrath, Since times of our fathers He hath Promised to spare all mankind! Promised to spare all mankind!
H. Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds first see the sight. Told by angelic Alleluia,
Sounding everywhere, both near and far: "Christ the Savior is here!" "Christ the Savior is here!"
God came in the flesh [incarnation] to die on the cross [crucifixion]
to pay for my sins [substitution] so that I might live forever with Him [glorification].
Never forget that the story which begins in a manger, had it’s foundation in heaven.
And the story which seemed to end with a cross, truly ends with a crown!

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, God, and King?
Would you like to receive Him right now?

Witness: When I was a seeker I sought both night and day, I asked the Lord to help me, And he showed me the way. He made me a watchman Upon a city wall,
And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain, Our Jesus Christ is born.

FINDING CHRISTMAS IN THE CAROLS
#4. WE THREE KINGS! 12/18/11
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we are looking at our fourth Christmas Carol. We Three Kings opens up one of the more visually powerful moments in the Christmas Story. Interestingly enough, the Kings probably showed up when Jesus was approaching two years of age. I pray this series has helped you to ponder the great truths, and themes, of the Christmas Season. Since we have already spent time looking at the significance of Gold, Incense, and Myrrh we are going to focus in a different direction with today’s song!

1. Have you ever had any fun or funny travel experiences at Christmas time? Would you share them? What does the distance we are willing to travel say about the importance we place on spending Christmas with our families?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Now let’s look at some Biblical travelers who journey far to visit Jesus.

I think a great many people know more about the Christmas story from Christmas cards than from the Bible, and therefore they have many inaccurate impressions... First, you will notice that the record doesn't tell us there were three wise men. I don't know how many there were, but I doubt whether three wise men would have disturbed Herod or have excited Jerusalem. I do believe that three hundred men would have done so. These wise men who came from the East evidently came from different areas. They had been studying the stars, and when this new star appeared, they joined forces and came to Jerusalem. Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee. [Matthew 2:1]

3. We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star

The Kings saw a star and travelled to meet Jesus! Think about your “journey to Jesus?”
What was your “star?” What was it that brought you to Jesus Christ?
4. King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign
Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- A Thai criminal court has sentenced a Thai-born American to 2 1/2 years in prison for insulting the monarchy, the latest case involving controversial laws for defaming, insulting or threatening the royal family. Joe W. Gordon, whose Thai name is Lerpong Wichaicommart, cooperated during the investigation of his case and pleaded guilty, resulting in a lenient sentence, his lawyer said. But the charge of writing and posting articles insulting the monarchy under the Southeast Asian country's lese majeste laws can yield a sentence as high as 20 years in prison in the Buddhist country, where the king is highly revered.
We Three Kings sings of Jesus as King, God, and Sacrifice. We worship Jesus as God and thank Him for dying for our sins! Do we really understand what it means to serve a king?

5. Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb,
Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice

God came in the flesh [incarnation] to die on the cross [crucifixion]
to pay for my sins [substitution] so that I might live forever with Him [glorification].
Never forget that the story which begins in a manger, had it’s foundation in heaven.
And the story which seemed to end with a cross, truly ends with a crown!

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, God, and King?
Would you like to receive Him right now?

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: When I was a seeker I sought both night and day, I asked the Lord to help me, And he showed me the way. He made me a watchman Upon a city wall,
And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain, Our Jesus Christ is born.

FINDING CHRISTMAS IN THE CAROLS
HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING! 12/11/11
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: In 1739 Charles Wesley gave us the original words to one of the most sung songs in the Christian church. The words have evolved and the melody line has been turned from serious to joyful. But for 272 years the amazing theology of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” has been sung. May God teach and challenge us today as we discuss these powerful lyrics.

1. Did your family sing Christmas Carols when you were a child?
What are your earliest memories of sing the Christmas Carols?
________________________________________________________________________
Consider: In the course of his career, Charles Wesley published the words of over six thousand hymns, writing the words for a further two thousand, many of which are still popular. These include: "And Can It Be That I Should Gain?" "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing"
2. We are going to look at some key thoughts from the original text of Wesley’s work. As you reflect upon these words think about the depth of Biblical understanding that Charles was drawing upon when he assembled this Carol. What Biblical truth is being taught by each of the key lines?
A. Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”

B. “Christ the Lord is born to-day!” Christ, by highest Heaven ador’d,
Christ, the everlasting Lord:

C. Offspring of a Virgin’s womb!

D. Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate deity!

E. Mild He lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth; Born to give them second birth.

F. Rise, the woman’s conquering seed, Bruise in us the serpent’s head.

G. Now display thy saving power, Ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join, Thine to ours, and ours to thine.

H. Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface; Stamp Thy image in its place.
Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in thy love.

I. Let us Thee, though lost, regain, Thee, the life, the inner Man:
O! to all thyself impart, Form’d in each believing heart.

Is there anybody in your Life Group today who would like to invite Christ to come into their believing heart? Has anyone in your group “lost Christ” but would like to pray and “get Him back?”

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: When I was a seeker I sought both night and day, I asked the Lord to help me, And he showed me the way. He made me a watchman Upon a city wall,
And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain, Our Jesus Christ is born.

FINDING CHRISTMAS IN THE CAROLS
WHAT CHILD IS THIS! 12/4/11
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: What Child is This? is the most important question anyone will ever ask. The answer to the question will direct your life and determine your eternal destiny. How amazing that a Christmas song written by a depressed Insurance Manager in 1865 is still sung today. The years may pass, but the invitation to enthrone Christ as the Lord of your Heart will never change!

1. Have you ever watched a baby being born? What were you thinking?

2. Today we are going to look at some lyrics from What Child is This?. As you dig into the song let the words challenge your life!

A. What child is this who, Laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?

What do you think the shepherds were thinking when the angels lit up the sky?
How might the arrival of the shepherds have encouraged Mary and Joseph?
Have God’s people ever showed up and encouraged you?

________________________________________________________________________

B. Why lies he in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good christians, fear, for sinners here, The silent word is pleading.

Think about the Palace of Saddam Hussein, Buckingham Palace, and the White House. Then think of Christ being born in a barn, in a manger. What was God trying to tell us?
How can this encourage your relationship with Christ?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

C. Nails, spear shall pierce him through, The cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the word made flesh, The babe, the son of mary!

Why would William Dix add a verse about Nails, a Spear, and a Cross into such a beautiful song about a baby in a manger?

________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

D. So bring him incense, gold and myrrh;

Think about the wise men coming to Christ with their threefold gifts.
What do these three gifts tell us about the babe in the manger?

________________________________________________________________________

E. Come peasant, king to own him. The king of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone him.

Think about some of the people who came to Jesus in the Gospels. Share the names and professions of those who come to mind? Is Dix right in declaring that peasants and kings can own Christ? [Own means to know and embrace.]

________________________________________________________________________

F. Raise, raise, the song on high, The virgin sings her lullaby,
Joy, joy, for christ is born, The babe, the son of mary!

Who do you say this child is? Have you bent your knee at the manger and enthroned Christ within your heart as Savior and Lord? Would you like to do this today?

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: When I was a seeker I sought both night and day, I asked the Lord to help me, And he showed me the way. He made me a watchman Upon a city wall,
And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain, Our Jesus Christ is born.

FINDING CHRISTMAS IN THE CAROLS
JOY TO THE WORLD! 11/27/11
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Life Group Notes:

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: Some of the most excellent theology around can be found in our Christmas Carols. When melody and lyrics hook up and hang around together for hundreds of years something good just might be going on. This Christmas we are going to look at the story behind, and the scriptures inside, some of our best-loved hymns. I pray that as our understanding grows deeper that our worship will reach much higher! Pastor Paul

1. What special part of Christmas excites you?

________________________________________________________________________

2. Check out these verses from Joy to the World. Apply them to your life!
A. Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King…
How does this apply in your world? Do your friends, family, fellow students, and co/workers receive Christ as King? What does it mean to serve a King?

___________________________________________________________________

B. Let every heart prepare Him room…
What does it mean to prepare Him room? How does this apply to your life?
Is there an area of your heart/life where Christ would like a little more room?

________________________________________________________________________

C. Joy to the world, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ…
What can you do to celebrate Jesus this Christmas? Is there a special activity that your Life Group, family, or OIKOS can do to worship the Lord?

________________________________________________________________________
D. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground…
Are there any sins, sorrows, or thorns infesting your ground?
Is there a step God is calling you to take?

_________________________________________________________________

E. He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found…
Check out the following verses! What do they say about God’s power to restore?

Job 42:11-17 ____________________________________________________________

Jeremiah 15:19 __________________________________________________

Jeremiah 31:18-19 __________________________________________________

Joel 2:25-28 _______________________________________________________

Isaiah 1:18 _______________________________________________________

F. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love

John 3:16 (NLT)
16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

3. As you close your time today… consider the scope of Joy to the World!

Adams Sin, the Curse Sin Caused, Christ’s Incarnation,
His Invitation to Salvation, Our Redemption, the Curse Breaking,
His Lordship, His Reign, Creation Worshiping, US Worshiping,
Blessings, Truth, Grace, Righteousness, and God’s Love
Witness: When I was a seeker I sought both night and day, I asked the Lord to help me, And he showed me the way. He made me a watchman Upon a city wall,
And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain, Our Jesus Christ is born.

Called to Trust! 11/13/11
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

Life Group Notes:

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we looked at our call to trust God. It is easy for the events taking place in our world and our own personal challenges to distract us or undermine our faith. My reading and study has shown that times of trial, doubt, fear, and foundering faith are not all that unusual. The great saints of the faith have written for centuries about the journey God will allow us to travel as He works His will within us.
We are living in a wild and crazy world. The nightly news overflows with job data, crime data, financial drama, and events stemming from the breakdown of the family and the instability of people’s emotions. Current events feature sex scandals, missing children, and disgruntled people Occupying Wall Street. I pray that this discussion allows people to be honest about their faith, and spiritual health. I think God would rather here about honest angst than phony faith! I think God welcomes truth in worship.
Thanks for diving into this intense topic! I love you all, Pastor Paul

1. Give your own explanation of what it means to trust God.

_______________________________________________________________________

2. Can you think of some specific areas of life where we are called to trust God? What does it look like to trust God in those areas?

____________________________________________________________________

3. Can you think of an area where it is hard to trust God?

__________________________________________________________________

4. Jeremiah was an O.T. prophet who warned Israel of their pending doom. Throughout his preaching God gave Jeremiah two words that could have saved His people from disaster. Let’s look at those words, and God’s warnings to His people. Apply those words to your life today! Do you see a connection?
A. Jeremiah 17:7 & 39:18 ______________________________________

B. Jeremiah 11:4 ____________________________________________

5. Now look at God’s warnings… apply these words to your modern life!

A. Jeremiah 11:3 ___________________________________________________

B. Jeremiah 17:5 __________________________________________________

C. Jeremiah 48:7 _________________________________________________

D. Jeremiah 9:4 __________________________________________________

E. Jeremiah 12:6 _________________________________________________

F. Jeremiah 13:25 ___________________________________________

6. Consider what Madame Guyon wrote about trusting God three centuries ago.

When a Christian has reached this wilderness, this desolate place, this dark night of the senses, this time that touches the very experience of Christ when He cried out Why??”… it is only at that time, when the believer walks by naked faith, that he begins to become truly established and well founded in his Lord. When you can go beyond that place and, not seeing your Lord, believe He is there by the eyes of faith alone; when you can walk further and further into Christ when there are no senses, no feelings, not even the slightest registration of the presence of God; when you can sit before Him when everything around you and within you seems to be either falling apart or dead,
and when you can come before your Lord without question and without demand, serene in faith alone, and there, before Him, worship Him without distraction, without a great deal of consciousness of self, and with no spiritual sense of Him, yet with your whole being centered and turned on Him, then will the test of commitment
begin to be established. Then will begin the true journey of the Christian life.
Madame Jeanne Guyon 1648-1717

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

Boundary #7. The Law of ProActivity! 10/23/11
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

LIFE GROUP NOTES: [Prior reflection makes for a much better Life Group!]

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we looked at a very interesting stage on the Boundaries journey. When the lights go on, and the truth of our situations explode in our minds, it can lead to a dramatic reaction. While the dramatic reaction is normal, it is only a phase. And we eventually need to move from being a reactive person, to a proactive person. Today’s Life Notes will examine several steps on this journey!

1. Can you think of some movies where the main character goes through a dramatic change because of a new experience with their traditional circumstances?

__________________________________________________________________

2. Can you think of stories or people who live in never changing, “long suffering” situations?

__________________________________________________________________

3. Can you think of a time in your life when you got a “wake up call?” [Not from the operator!] What was it? How did it come? How did you respond to it?

____________________________________________________________________

4. Has God ever called you to take a “searching and fearless moral inventory?”
What did you learn? Could God be calling you to take a personal inventory now?

___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________
5. Have you ever gone through a Reactive Stage, after a wake up call? Are you going through one now? Is there an area of your life where you need to forcefully and radically change?

_____________________________________________________________________

6. How has Christ helped you to establish Proactive Boundaries in your life?
Are there any Boundary issues that this sermon series has been challenging?

__________________________________________________________________

7. There may be issues you are dealing with that don’t really have a clear and easy answer! Take some time and pray for one another!

___________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

________________________________________________________________________

Boundary #6. The Law of Evaluation! 10/16/11
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

LIFE GROUP NOTES: [Prior reflection makes for a much better Life Group!]

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we looked at the need to evaluate the effect that our boundaries will have on other people. We examined the challenge of balancing the demands of family expectations, job expectation, God’s expectations, and our own need for time and space. We talked about the impact our boundaries may have on others and the possible need for confrontation with others in regard to our boundaries. We looked at four New Testament stories from the life of Jesus. Today we are going to apply the words of Jesus, and His ability to define boundaries and confront, to our own lives. Enjoy!

1. When it comes to personally confronting someone are you a lion, a lamb, or an ostrich? Why? Give an example if you like.

2. Who do you know that is very strong, confident, and straightforward in their ability to confront a person or a situation? What makes them so effective?

3. How do you think the family of Jesus responded to the boundaries He set in the following verses?

A. Luke 2:41-49

________________________________________________________________________

B. Mark 3:20-21

________________________________________________________________________

4. How do you respond when your family or friends makes a decision that you do not like? Do you nag them, support them, accept them, confront them, ignore them, emotionally blackmail them, etc.?

________________________________________________________________________

5. How do your family and friends respond when you draw a boundary with them? Do they accept and respect your boundaries?

________________________________________________________________________

6. Now let us look at how Jesus confronted some people. How do you think the people he spoke with handled His words? Consider how directly Jesus spoke to these people.

A. Matthew 16:22-23

________________________________________________________________________

B. Luke 7:44-47

________________________________________________________________________

7. Could you speak this directly to a person?

8. How would you handle somebody speaking this directly to you?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD
Boundary #4. What Motivates YOU? 10/9/11

LIFE GROUP NOTES: [Prior reflection makes for a much better Life Group!]

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we looked at some negative motives that can lead us down dark and dangerous paths. As followers of Christ, we should serve and give generously out of a full and overflowing heart. Giving and serving from wrong motives can rob us of our joy and produce a bitter spirit. The excited service we once offered to Christ can become a never-ending drudge! May God deliver us from unhealthy motives!

1. Think about believers you have personally known. Who consistently served the Lord with a special joy and freshness? What made them special?

___________________________________________________________________

2. Think about a crabby Christian you have known who served in the church. Don’t name any names, tell any stories, or hint at who they were!!! In a very generic way share what signs you saw that suggested a lack of joy in their service?

___________________________________________________________________

3. Now we are going to look at eight motives that can spoil our joy. As you look at the list allow the Holy Spirit search your heart. Do any of these motives ever cause you to miss the mark of joyful service to God and others? Take the time to do some reflection and discern where this trait may have come from in your life.

A. Fear of loss of love or abondenment.

________________________________________________________________
B. Fear of another’s anger.

_________________________________________________________________
C. Fear of loneliness.

________________________________________________________________
D. Fear of losing the good me inside.

__________________________________________________________________
E. Guilt.

___________________________________________________________________
F. Payback.

__________________________________________________________________
G. Approval.

__________________________________________________________________
H. Over-identification with another’s loss.

__________________________________________________________________

4. Close your time with a reading of 2 Corinthians 9:5-8 (NLT). Point out the key words that indicate a healthy way in which to give and serve!

5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop.
But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.
“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have
everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD
Boundary #4. What Motivates YOU? 10/9/11

LIFE GROUP NOTES: [Prior reflection makes for a much better Life Group!]

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we looked at some negative motives that can lead us down dark and dangerous paths. As followers of Christ, we should serve and give generously out of a full and overflowing heart. Giving and serving from wrong motives can rob us of our joy and produce a bitter spirit. The excited service we once offered to Christ can become a never-ending drudge! May God deliver us from unhealthy motives!

1. Think about believers you have personally known. Who consistently served the Lord with a special joy and freshness? What made them special?

___________________________________________________________________

2. Think about a crabby Christian you have known who served in the church. Don’t name any names, tell any stories, or hint at who they were!!! In a very generic way share what signs you saw that suggested a lack of joy in their service?

___________________________________________________________________

3. Now we are going to look at eight motives that can spoil our joy. As you look at the list allow the Holy Spirit search your heart. Do any of these motives ever cause you to miss the mark of joyful service to God and others? Take the time to do some reflection and discern where this trait may have come from in your life.

A. Fear of loss of love or abondenment.

________________________________________________________________
B. Fear of another’s anger.

_________________________________________________________________
C. Fear of loneliness.

________________________________________________________________
D. Fear of losing the good me inside.

__________________________________________________________________
E. Guilt.

___________________________________________________________________
F. Payback.

__________________________________________________________________
G. Approval.

__________________________________________________________________
H. Over-identification with another’s loss.

__________________________________________________________________

4. Close your time with a reading of 2 Corinthians 9:5-8 (NLT). Point out the key words that indicate a healthy way in which to give and serve!

5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop.
But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.
“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have
everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

BOUNDARIES #3. POWER AND RESPECT 10/2/11
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

LIFE GROUP NOTES: [Prior reflection makes for a much better Life Group!]

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: On Sunday we looked at the power we have to act in our own lives, and the respect we need to give others when they show us their boundaries. Today we are going to work on applying these principles to actual situations in our lives.

1. Think about your extended family of origin. As a group, did your family have a healthy sense of power over their own lives? Or was there a sense of powerlessness? Did your extended family tend to respect the differences and boundaries of others…
or did they sometimes get trampled?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. The Boundaries book gives six specific thoughts on the Law of Power. These six steps line up very clearly with principles from the scriptures. Look at each of the six principles given. How do you go about putting each of these six into practice? Are there principles that you have difficulty putting into practice?

A. Confession: You have the power to agree with the truth about your problem!
James 5:16

B. Surrender: You have the power to submit your inability to God!
Psalm 40:1-3

C. Teachable: You have the power to ask God and Others to help you Psalm 139:23-24 clarify your boundaries!

D. Repent: You have the power to turn from the evil that is within you!
Matt. 4:17

E. Humble yourself. Ask God and others to help you with your developmental Luke 14:11 injuries and leftover childhood needs!

F. Restitution: Seek out those you have injured and make amends!
Matt. 5:23-24

3. Remember: You will want people to respect the Boundary steps that you are taking. At the same time, you need to respect the Boundaries that people might begin to draw with you! When we accept others’ freedom, we don’t get angry, feel guilty, or withdraw our love when they set boundaries with us. When we accept others’ freedom, we feel better about our own. Boundaries (p. 90)

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

Boundary #2. Sowing, Reaping, and Responsibility 9/25/11
WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

LIFE GROUP NOTES: [Prior reflection makes for a much better Life Group!]

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: Today, we are going to look at Boundaries in Friendships. The Boundaries book defines a friendship as “a nonromantic relationship that is attachment based rather than function based. A friend is somebody we want to be around simply for their own sake.” [P. 137] Our primary connection isn’t work, ministry, or a hobby. This person is simply our friend because we like being with each other.

1. Think back to your growing up years. Who was your best friend? Why?

2. Boundaries speaks about four types of friends. Begin by describing these people.

A. Complaint: The person who always says yes and goes with the others plan.

B. Aggressive Controller: This person takes what they want from the relationship. They always make the plan, borrow the car, or invade the others time and space.

C. Manipulative Controller: When this person fails to plan, prepare, or purchase then their drama becomes the problem of the friends they whine and beg to. They are experts at making their problem your problem.

D. Nonresponsive: This persons coasts in the relationship. They respond when it meets their need and suits their purpose.

3. Think about you and your friendships. Which of these types’ best describes you? Why?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
4. Imagine the different types in friendships. What would they look like?

A. A compliant with an aggressive controller?

B. A manipulative controller with a nonresponsive?

C. An aggressive controller with a manipulative controller?

D. What other interesting combinations can you think of?

5. Let’s look at some descriptions and actions in one of the Bibles
greatest friendships. How do the following verses describe true friendship?

A. 1 Samuel 18:1

B. 1 Samuel 19:1-7

C. 1 Samuel 20:1-9

D. 1 Samuel 20:16-17

E. David wrote a song to memorialize Saul and Jonathan after their death. Look at the power and intensity of David’s words. 2 Samuel 1:25-26

6. Do you have any friendships that need to be rebalanced, redefined, or adjusted to make them more fair and healthy? Do you have any toxic friendships that you need to get out of? Do you have any great friendships that you are thankful for?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

#1. What’s so Big about Boundaries John 17:4 9/18/11

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

LIFE GROUP NOTES: [Prior reflection makes for a much better Life Group!]

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we are going to apply the Laws of Boundaries to our Families. Let me encourage all of you to be very gently and tender with one another during this time. It is very possible that these questions and discussions about Boundaries will probe deeply into experiences of the past and the present. Sometimes the scab needs to come off, and the wound needs to be cleaned, before a true healing can begin. Be sensitive to the work of the Spirit if He begins such a work in your midst!

Your family of origin:
1. How were decisions made, and boundaries set, in the home where you grew up?

2. How do you, or did you, feel when you go to visit your parents home?

3. Did your family of origin have healthy boundaries? When people tried to carve out their own healthy space was their loving acceptance, anger, guilt, shame, or another emotion shown? Who showed it?

Your family today:
4. Are you comfortable with the boundaries that your spouse has with their family of origin? Are there changes you would make?

5. Do you have healthy boundaries with your adult children? What do healthy boundaries look like?

Triangulation---is the failure to resolve a conflict between two persons and the pulling in of a third to take sides. This is a boundary problem because the third person has no business in the conflict, but is used for comfort and validation by the ones who are afraid to confront each other. This is how conflicts persist, people don’t change, and enemies are made unnecessarily. Boundaries: When To Say Yes, How to Say No (p. 128)

6. Think about the definition of triangulation.
Use the concept to work through the following questions:

A. If you have a problem with someone is it hard or easy for you to confront them?

B. If somebody has a problem or “teaching moment” they wish to bring to you how well do you receive it?

C. Think about your family, friends, co/workers, fellow/students, etc. Can you think of any triangulation relationships that you are involved in? What are they?

Are you the person with the issue, needing to go to another?

Are you the problem, and somebody needs to come and talk to you?

Are you the “third wheel” that somebody has sucked into the drama?

7. Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17. Based upon His teaching, how does Jesus feel about triangulation?

8. What damage can we do by triangulating in our relationships?

9. What would Jesus have you do about the triangulated situation you are in?

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

Northpoint Christian Fellowship
September 11, 2011
“The Cost of Discipleship
Michael White

Notes from the Sermon… ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Life Group Discussion Notes…

Welcome… Take few moments to share about a person you know personally who exhibits strong Christian faith and how you wish your faith was similar.

Worship… Now take some time and connect with God. Sing, pray, meditate, listen to a song. Enjoy this time of putting off the weeks challenges, and relaxing in the presence of God.

Word… This past Sunday we discussed the difference between being a lukewarm follower of Jesus and being His true disciple. We discussed the “cost” of discipleship and it’s implications on our salvation. This week in your Life Group, we’ll spend time discussing the “conditions” and “tests” of true disciples as soundly laid out in Spiritual Discipleship by J. Oswald Sanders.

In Luke 14, Jesus provides 3 “conditions” for true discipleship with no exceptions or exemptions…

1. An Unrivaled Love – Read Luke 14:26…
 What does this verse say is REQUIRED to be Jesus’ disciple?
 Do you really think Jesus means “hate” or is He getting at something else?
 Read Mark 12:30 & Exodus 20:3 to help clarify what Jesus means.

2. An Unceasing Cross-Bearing – Read Luke 14:27 & Matthew 10:38…
 What does this verse say is REQUIRED to be Jesus’ disciple?
 What “cross” is Jesus referring to? Was it voluntary or imposed on Him?
 Read 2 Corinthians 4:8,9 & Acts 20:24 to clarify what Jesus means.

3. An Unreserved Surrender – Read Luke 14:33…
 What does this verse say is REQUIRED to be Jesus’ disciple?
 Did Jesus mean what He said to be taken literally? Everything?
 Read Matthew 19:21,22 & Philippians 3:7,8 to clarify what Jesus means.

In Luke 9, Jesus provides 3 “tests” that reveal whether a person is a true disciple or merely a follower…

1. The Impulsive Volunteer – Read Luke 9:57…
 Note that this person approached Jesus. What warning is Jesus giving with His cryptic response in verse 58?
 Read Luke 14:28-31 to help clarify what Jesus means.

2. The Reluctant Conscript – Read Luke 9:59…
 Note that Jesus approached this person but not at random…this man was a follower of Jesus. (Read Matthew 8:21 for reference)
 Why do you think Jesus replies so harshly in verse 60?
 Reconsider the “unrivaled love” we discussed in connection with Luke 14:26 to help clarify what Jesus means.

3. The Half-Hearted Volunteer – Read Luke 9:61…
 What did Jesus’ response in v.62 reveal about this person’s heart?
 Compare this person’s reluctance with Elisha’s exuberance to follow Elijah in?
 Read 1 Kings 19:19-21

Concluding Thought… Where do you line up within the “conditions” and “tests” of true discipleship? Pray and ask God to reveal areas in your life that need to be released so that you can run to Him unhindered for His purpose and glory.

Witness… Take some time to discuss and pray over those in your OIKOS that need to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to hinder Satan from blinding them to His truth. Make a plan to deliberately see them this week.

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD
COMPETENCE AND CHARACTER 9/4/2011

Message Notes:

Competence is what we ______Know How______________ to do;
Character is ___Who we are__________________ while we do it!

__________________________________________________

_____________________________________________

__________________________________________________

LIFE GROUP NOTES: [Prior reflection makes for a much better Life Group!]

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we took a very quick look at Competence and Character. We took a look at the life of David. He was a warrior, poet, and king who led with amazing Confidence and Competence. However, David had a Character flaw which opened the door to God’s wrath. Today in our Life Group we are going to look at five essential Character traits that will greatly affect our standing with God and people.

1. Have you experienced anything lately that revealed a really positive character trait in someone? Who was it and what good thing did they do?

2. There are many positive Character traits that we could mention. Among them are the fruits of the Spirit which we studied in Galatians. We are going to look at five which, if practiced diligently, will help keep us from harm and advance us in life. Here we go!

3. We will look at several scriptures for each of the five words given.
As you consider the scriptures, ask the question, “How will this trait keep me from harm, and help me to live a more successful life?”
A. Honesty

Proverbs 10:18 _____________________________________________

Proverbs 12:19 _____________________________________________

Psalm 120:1-4 _____________________________________________

B. Fidelity

Proverbs 6:27-32 ______________________________________________

C. Sobriety

Proverbs 20:1

Proverbs 31:4-7

D. Industry

Proverbs 6:6-11

Ephesians 4:28

E. Thrift

Proverbs 22:7

Proverbs 37:21

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

www.northpointsb.com

August 14,2011

Hows Your Dirt "Follow the Leader"
Pastor Paul Reinhard
Luke 8:4-15

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD
The Cross of Christ GALATIONS 6:11-18 8/7/2011

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we finished the book of Galatians. In his closing thoughts, in his own hand, Paul made a profound declaration about the cross of Christ. Today we are going to follow up on that declaration. We are living in a world where many say that all roads lead to heaven. Nothing is farther from the truth. Let’s examine an ancient story and see how it connects to the teaching, mission, and cross of Jesus.

1. Why do you think John 3:16 is one of the most memorized and quoted Bible verses? Can somebody quote it? When did you learn it?

2. Now that we have considered John 3:16, let’s read some additional verses to give it a broader context. Read John 3:13-21.

A. Does reading John 3:16 in context change the feel of the verse? How?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Now let’s look way back in the history of Israel to find the roots of John 3:16. Read Numbers 21:4-9.

A. What were the people doing in verses 4 and 5?

________________________________________________________________________

B. What did God do in response? [Verse 6]

_______________________________________________________________________

C. What did the people do in verse 7?

_______________________________________________________________________

D. What did God do in verses 8 and 9?

_______________________________________________________________________

E. What did the people need to do to be saved? Does it sound overly simple?
Can we complicate the call of Christ?

_______________________________________________________________________

4. What is the connection between Numbers 21 and John 3?

_______________________________________________________________________

5. What does this discussion say to you about the importance and intentionality of the cross in the life of Christ and the plan of God?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

6. How does today’s discussion impact the idea that all roads lead to heaven?

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD
A NEW WAY OF LIFE GALATIONS 6:1-10 7/31/2011

Message Notes:

Lend a helping _____________________.

Have the right ____________________________.

Check out _____________ ________________ __________________.

_________________ with those who feed you.

We ______________ what we ___________________.

_________________ __________________ ________ on what is right!

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: Paul the apostle wrote Galatians and gave us 4 ½ chapters of theology. Then he gave us a ½ a chapter of spiritual application. Now, in the last chapter of Galatians Paul will get very gently, very personal, and very applicable. Today we are going to explore a very powerful, important, and difficult topic! Today we are going to look at how we walk together in Christian community.

1. Can you name some movies, or comic books, where the hero is a “Lone Ranger?”

2. Can you think of movies, or comic books, where the hero’s work as a team?

3. What are the differences between working on a team and being a Lone Ranger?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 12:13-14 & 27. What is the Apostle teaching us?

________________________________________________________________________

5. Are Christians called to be Lone Rangers or Team members?

________________________________________________________________________

6. Read the following verses. What challenge do we see? How can you apply it?

A. 1 Corinthians 1:10. How can we “cultivate a life in common?”

B. Romans 15:5. What does it take to live in harmony?

C. Colossians 3:13. What does Paul call us to do if we are wronged?

7. Read 2 Timothy 4:1-4. Read this from the perspective of a Pastor, Shepherd, Intern, or Coach. What are the leaders and teachers of a church called to do? Now consider the passage from the perspective of a church member. How do we respond when someone challenges us with the word?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

8. Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-7. This is a very serious and extreme situation. However, it shows us how seriously the Apostle viewed sin in the church. How would you respond if you were a member of a church that received this letter from Paul?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

A Verse for Reflection: Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD
THE ISSUE IS LOVE GALATIONS 5:1-15 7/17/2011

Thoughts from the Message:

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship:Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Wordn Sunday, we examined the difference between law and love. As rough as rules can be, they are often times easier, or harder, than love. Love will reach out farther and reign in tighter than rules ever will. Today in Group we are going to look at some teachings and verses regarding love… and apply them to our lives.

1. Think about leaders you have worked for. Which ones led with grace, love, and common sense? Which ones led with rules, laws, and rigidity? What was the difference in the experiences?

2. Read the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:34-40.

A. What point was Jesus making?

B. How do you think the law keeping leaders received the Lord’s words?

C. How do you respond to the call to love?

3. Lets look at some of the specific demands of love. As we read these verses, apply them to your home life, your work life, your school life, and your church life.

A. How does Ephesians 4:15 teach us to speak truth? How well do you do this?

B. Read Matthew 5:43-48. This is a very challenging teaching of Jesus.

a. What does Jesus teach us here?

b. Does this square with our American way of life and your upbringing?

c. What practical issues does this teaching raise for you?

d. Are there “common sense clauses” that you might apply to this?

e. Are there any current issues in your life that this teaching speaks too?

ALLOW TIME FOR PRAYER!
It is very possible that this discussion has pointed to a strained or broken relationship. It is possible that confrontation, discussion, restitution, repentance, or forgiveness is in order. Loving and forgiving those who have mistreated us is never easy. But it is the Lords command! Take time to share and pray as the Lord leads.

Then take the time to read the words of Peter below… and pray for your blessing list!

Witness:Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
If you need a good definition of love try 1 Corinthians 13

www.northpointsb.com

July 10,2011

Mark A Lambert

Galatians 4:21-31

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD
FREEDOM GALATIONS 4:8-20 7/3/2011

Thoughts from the Message:

Don’t go ______Backwards________________________________.

Live free from the _________Past___________________________.

Listen to the _________Truth____________________________.

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we celebrated the 4th of July and Galatians 4. Both speak about freedom and truth. It has been said that freedom is free, but never cheap. It cost Christians the blood of Christ, and it cost America the brave blood of her patriots. The message concluded with a challenge.

IT IS TIME FOR CHRISTIANS TO DRAW THEIR LINES IN THE SAND AT EVERY SINGLE LEVEL OF LIFE. FAMILY, CHURCH, SCHOOL, SPORTS, WORK, MILITARY, POLITICS, AND MEDIA. WE MUST SAY WITH OUR LIVES THAT CHRIST IS KING AND THE DEVIL MAY NOT PASS OUR POST!

1. If we sang the words of the 4th stanza of our National Anthem, approved by Congress and the President, at school sporting events, what would people say?

Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation
Then conquer we must when our cause it is just
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."

2. Look at the three thoughts from the message. Fill them in for the folks that don’t have them. Let’s do some thinking and sharing about these things.

A. What tempts you to go backwards in your life? What would going backwards look like?

B. Have you fully accepted the forgiveness of Jesus Christ? Do you ever beat yourself up over things you can’t do anything about?

C. Consider John 8:31-32. What does Jesus say is the key to freedom? Have you ever heard people misuse or misquote this passage? How?

D. Do you remember the famous courtroom scene where Tom Cruise shouted at Jack Nicholson, “I want the truth!” The famous reply was, “You can’t handle the truth.”

What about you? Do you want your spouse, boss, teacher, coach, Shepherd, Pastor, and the Lord Jesus to speak truth into your life? How do you handle the truth?

E. Read Hebrews 5:11-14. Think about the Apostle Paul talking to the Galatians about truth and freedom. Think about Galatians 4:16 (NLT) 16 Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth? And Galatians 4:19 (NLT) 19 Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. Do you think the writer to the Hebrews was frustrated with the Christians? What does this passage say to you?
CLOSIING THOUGHTS: As you think about today’s discussion is there some theme that jumps out and speaks to you? What is God saying to you? Would you share it?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

June 26, 2011

Pastor Paul Reinhard
Galatians 4:1-7

Pastor Chris Reinhard

Sunday June 12th, 2011

Sermon Notes

Questions to the Galatians

Faith like Abraham

Galatians 3:28

Genesis 15:1-7

Romans 10:17

Christ Took our Curse

Deuteronomy 27:26

Romans 10:17

Welcome

Who is one person in your life that you have always been able to count on?

Worship

Take some time as a group to focus on God. Whether that is through a song, poem, or scripture reading allow your focus to turn away from the craziness of life and toward God.

Word

1. How has your Faith changed through the different stages of your life? (Childhood, Teen Years, Adulthood, Parenthood, new Christian, established Christian, etc...)

2. Read Matthew 18:2-4. What lesson is Jesus trying to pass on?

3. As we have seen over the last few weeks the Gospel Message and salvation is simple (ABC), why do we tend to complicate it?

4. If faith is trusting that God is who he says he is, has done what he says he has done, and will do what he says he will do; isn't it important for us to know what he says? Take some time in your group to go through the following passages in regards to God's Promises.

How do these verses challenge or encourage you, what questions do have about them?

a. John 3:17

b. Romans 10:9-10

c. Romans 10:13

d. Ephesians 2:8-9

e. 1 Timothy 2:3-4

f. Hebrews 6:18

5. Where are you at in your faith journey currently and how can your life group be praying for you?

Witness

Take some time to pray through your blessing list, share the opportunities you have had to bless others around you.

"Live Simply, Work Diligently, Give Generously!"

Where Religion Finally Dies!

Pastor Chris Reinhard

Sunday June 5th, 2011

Sermon Notes
Beware of Religious hypocrisy
Be willing to take correction
We Affect Others
Pass on your Freedom
We are not justified by the Law
Die to the Law

Welcome
Describe your first experience with Religion using Ice Cream Flavors, Explain.

Worship
Take some time as a group to focus on God. Whether that is through a song, poem, or scripture reading allow your focus to turn away from the craziness of life and toward God.

Word

1.Have you ever pretended to be someone or something you are not, when, why, what happened?

2.Read Galatians 2:11-14, what was Peter's Mistake?

3.Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, how is this different that what Peter did?

4.On Sunday we sang the song Fields of Grace, in that song it says "There's a place where Religion Finally dies." What is that referring to, and what does it mean that religion finally dies?

5.You may have heard the Cliché, it's not a religion, and it is a relationship. What does that mean?

6.In what ways do we sometimes make it a religion again? (Galatians 2:18)

7.If we truly are dead to the law, it has no more power over us, and we are living in total Freedom, what is our responsibility moving forward; can you think of any scripture that encourages us in a particular direction?

8.It is said that Conviction comes from God, and Guilt from Satan. Are there any areas of your life that God has given you freedom through forgiveness, which Satan wants to make you feel guilty of. If comfortable share those with the group so they can pray for you experience the Freedom that God is offering you.

Witness
Take some time to pray through your blessing list, share the opportunities you have had to bless other around you.

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

IRON SHARPENS IRON

GALATIONS 2:1-11

5/29/2011

Thoughts from the Message:

Avoid drama by meeting _______privately____________!

Seek a spirit of _______agreement___________________!

Guard the _________gospel______________ from invaders!

All of God's children should have the ________right heart__________!

Discover your unique _______gifts_________ and ___________place_________,

then serve with all the _____________power_________ God gives you!

Be open to ______suggestions_______!


Welcome:Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship:Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God's leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word:This week we examined the Apostle Paul's visit to the leaders in Jerusalem. We found that Paul was seeking unity with the leaders, confirmation of his message, and a spirit of partnership for the work of the gospel. We also learned that Paul was not willing to compromise with those preaching something other than the God given good news. Today we are going to apply these principles to our own lives!

1.Begin by filling in the blanks above. These points come from Galatians
2:1-11.
THIS WILL HELP PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT IN CELEBRATION ON SUNDAY TO CONNECT WITH THE MESSAGE. IT WILL ALSO, HOPEFULLY, OVER TIME, ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO ATTEND CELEBRATION. RALPH ALWAYS SAYS THAT CELL CHURCH IS A TWO WINGED BIRD. WE NEED LARGE GROUP CELEBRATION, AND SMALL GROUP INTERACTION AND FELLOWSHIP. WITHOUT BOTH WE FLY IN CIRCLES.

2.Have you ever been involved in a confrontation that was not handled in private,and that did not go well? Share what happened, and what you learned, without breaking any confidence or speaking ill of someone else.
HELP PEOPLE TO SHARE, BUT TRY AND KEEP THEM FROM BASHING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS WILL CONNECT WITH A PAINFUL MEMORY... AND SOME SHARING MIGHT BE NECESSARY TO GET TO HEALING. USE YOUR JUDGEMENT, AND THE LEADING OF THE SPIRIT.

3.As you think about the stories that you shared... how would meeting privately and seeking a spirit of agreement have helped the process?
HELP YOUR PEOPLE TO SEE THE VALUE OF MEETING PRIVATELY, WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE.IT IS SO EASY TO GET INTO A PUBLIC MOMENT, WHEN OUR EGO GETS TOTALLY INVOLVED, AND OUR ANGER AND MOUTH TAKE OVER. PRETTY SOON WE ARE DEFENDING OUR TURF AND PLAYING FOR THE CROWD!!!!! THIS IS NOT THE SPIRIT THAT PAUL HAD IN MEETING WITH PETER, JAMES, AND JOHN.

4.What do you think it means to guard the gospel from invaders in our time?

How can we do this?

THERE IS A DELICATE BALANCE HERE BETWEEN HARSH, RIGID, JUDGMENTAL FUNDAMENTAL CHRISTIANITY THAT ARROGANTLY DECLARES ITSELF RIGHT, AND THE OTHER WRONG... VERSES... MANY IN THE CHURCH WHO HAVE THROWN OUT THE BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF ABSOLUTE REVEALED TRUTH.
FOR MANY CHRISTIANS THERE IS A READY WILLINGNESS TO ALLOW EVERYBODY TO BELIEVE WHAT SEEMS RIGHT FOR THEM. THIS IS THE ROAD TO ERROR. THREE IS A BALANCE BETWEEN BIBLICAL TRUTH, AND GRACIOUS HUMBLE LOVE. WE MUST STAND FOR THE TRUTH, WITH THE RIGHT SPIRIT. I HAVE OFTEN SAID THAT I WOULD RATHER BE STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND WITH LIBERALS I DISAGREE WITH, THAN CONSERVATIVES I AGREE WITH, BECAUSE THE LIBERALS WOULD BE SO MUCH NICER TO BE WITH!!!!!!!

5.Have you ever meet prominent Christian leaders that were truly kind and humble? Who were they and what was it like to be around them? How did they make you feel? How can we have that same attitude?

I ALMOST ASKED IF YOU HAVE EVER BEEN AROUND A PROMINENT CHRISTIAN LEADER WHO DID NOT HAVE THE RIGHT SPIRIT. BUT I DID NOT WANT TO SEND US DOWN THAT NEGATIVE ROAD. THE POINT IS THIS... IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE LEAD, OR HOW IMPORTANT OUR MINISTRY IS. BILL BRIGHT WOULD ATTEND CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH AND HE WAS ONE OF THE KINDEST AND MOST GRACIOUS MEN I HAVE EVER MET. THE FIRST TIME I PREACHED WITH DR. BRIGHT IN THE HOUSE I WAS TERRIFIED. ONCE I GOT TO KNOW HIM A LITTLE IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE HIM THERE. HE LED A GLOBAL MINISTRY, BUT ALWAYS HAD A KIND WORD!!!!!! OH, THAT WE COULD ALWAYS BE SO!!!!!

6.How is your Life Group different than other Life Groups and Bible Studies that you have been a part of? What makes it unique? Is there a unique group of people that your Life Group can reach out to and connect with?

THIS IS NOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO BASH ANYONE ELSE, BUT IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE HOW UNIQUE AND SPECIAL YOUR LIFE GROUP IS. BECAUSE OF YOUR UNIQUENESS, WHO ARE YOU ESPECIALLY EQUIPPED TO REACH OUT TO AND WELCOME INTO YOUR GROUP. CONNECT THE CONCEPT OF OIKOS EVANGELISM HERE!!!

YOU CAN ALSO TOUCH BASE ON THE FACT THAT EACH PERSON IN YOUR GROUP IS DIFFERENT AND SPECIAL. THEY ARE NOT GOING TO DO MINISTRY THE SAME WAY. THEY WILL NOT ENJOY THE SAME THINGS. THAT IS OK... GOD MADE THEM THAT WAY, SO ENJOY IT!!!

7. As you go through life, are you open to suggestions? Are you willing to live out Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) 17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. What does this verse look like in practice? Can this sometimes hurt a little?

THERE IS A GREAT TEACHING MOMENT IN THIS PROVERB. SOMETIMES CHRISTIANS BUTT HEADS AND SPARKS FLY. SOMETIMES FAMILIES FIGHT. BUT IF WE ARE MATURE ENOUGH TO HEAR THE TRUTH IN A CRITICISM, THEN WE CAN GROW AND PROSPER FROM WHAT WE HEAR. THE SADDEST THING I WHEN CHRISTIANS GET THEIR FEELINGS HURT AND LEAVE GROUPS. WE MISS THE CHANCE TO LEARN AND GROW. AT THE SAME TIME WE MUST BE VERY CAREFUL TO "SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE." AS A PREACHER ONCE SAID... THERE IS MUCH SPEAKING, LITTLE TRUTH... AND NO LOVE! MAY IT NOT BE SO!!!

Witness:Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.
AS ALWAYS... MAKE TIME FOR PRAYER FOR ONE ANOTHER, AND FOR THE BLESSING LIST. BE THINKING OF HOW YOU CAN DO FUN, LIGHT, INEXPENSIVE OIKOS REACHING FELLOWSHIP EVENTS THIS SUMMER. VOLLEYBALL IN THE PARK, SOFTBALL GAME, BARBECUE, SWIMMING, EVEN A BEACH TRIP OR MOUNTAIN GETAWAY

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

SAVED TO SERVE

GALATIONS 1:11-24 5/22/2011

Welcome:Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship:Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word:Sunday we looked at the call of St. Paul. We focused in particular on the concept of the call. What does it mean to be called? How does God call? Who does God call? What are we called to? These are all great questions! Today we are going to explore the call on our own lives! What is God say to YOU?

1. When you hear the term, “The call of God” what do you think of?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. 1 Peter 4:10-11 is one of my most favorite passages! Spend some time reading this aloud from two or three different translations.

A. Who gives the spiritual gifts? ________________________________________
B. Who gets a spiritual gift? ___________________________________________
C. Is there one specific spiritual gift? ____________________________________
D. What should we do with our God given gifts? ___________________________
_________________________________________________________________
E. Peter breaks the gifts down into two general categories. One he calls speaking gifts. The other he calls serving gifts. Think about your own personality and temperament. Which category do you best fit in? Are you both?
________________________________________________________________________
F. Based upon your personality type… what kinds of jobs might you enjoy doing in the life of our church?
________________________________________________________________________
G. Peter gives us guidelines for how to use the gifts that God has given us?
Do we use the gifts in our own strength and wisdom? What does Peter say?
________________________________________________________________________
H. Lastly, what will be the result if we use our gifts God’s way?
________________________________________________________________________
REFLECT UPON THE CHALLENGE OF THIS CASTING CROWNS SONG
It's crowded in worship today
as she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carying farther than they know
farther than they know

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
the weight of their judgemental glances tells him that his chances
are better out on the road

Jesus paid much to high a price for us to pick and choose who should come
and we are the body of Christ
If we are the body why aren't His arms reaching
why aren't His hands healing why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body why aren't His feet going
why is His love not showing them there is a way
Jesus is the way

Witness:Keep the words of Peter in your mind as you continue to pray for those on your blessing list. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG) 15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

THE GOOD NEWS 5/15/2011

Talking Points:

Jesus ______________________ for our _____________________.
Jesus was ____________________.
Jesus ______________ on the _______________ _______________.

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move
and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one
another!

Word: Today we are going to reflect upon the heart of the gospel message. We are going to look at the
three key points of the Good News. I pray that God would impress upon us the simplicity and the profundity of
the Christian faith as we meet today.

1. What do different religions teach about the way to get to heaven?
2. Did the idea of good works come up as a way to get to heaven?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. Focus your attention on verses three and four.

A. What do you think Paul meant when he said these things were of “first importance?”

4. Now let’s look at the three key points one by one.

A. Why was it necessary for Jesus Christ to die for our sins? Hebrews 9:18-28
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

B. Why was it necessary for Jesus to be buried? Matthew 12:38-41

C. Why was it essential for Christ to rise again? Isaiah 53:10-11
The central theme of the gospel is given here. It is the key text for the defense of Christianity. The three points
that are most important are as follows:

1. Christ died for our sins. Without the truth of this message, Christ’s death was worthless, and those who
believe in him are still in their sins and without hope. However, Christ as the sinless Son of God took the
punishment of sin, “dying for sin” so that those who believe can have their sins removed. The phrase as
the Scriptures said refers to the Old Testament prophecies regarding this event, such as Psalm 16:8-11
and Isaiah 53:5-6. Christ’s death on the cross was no accident, no afterthought. It had been part of God’s
plan from all eternity in order to bring about the salvation of all who believe.

1. He was buried. The fact of Christ’s death is revealed in the fact of his burial. Many have tried to
discount the actual death of Christ, from the false teachers of Paul’s day to false teachers today. But
Jesus Christ did die on the cross and was buried in a tomb.

1. He was raised. Christ came back to life from being a dead person in a grave on the third day as noted
in the Gospels (Friday afternoon to Sunday morning—three days in Jewish reckoning of time). This also
occurred as the Scriptures said (Psalm 16:8-11; 110; Jonah 1:17) .
Life Application New Testament Commentary

5. Close with Romans 10:9-15. What invitation is here for an unbeliever?
What challenge is here for a believer?

Witness: Take time to pray for the needs in your Life Group and for those on your Blessing List. Ask God
to show you how to love, serve, and bless the people around you. Remember that Jesus said they would know
we are disciples by our love! John 13:35

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

LIFE IN THE BODY

5/1/2011

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

TALKING POINTS:

The Body has many ________parts_____________________. 12/14

We _____need______________ each part. 15/17

I can’t _______cut______ ___________you_______ _________off__________. 18/21

Care for the _____weaker_____________________ _______parts______________. 22.24

__________together_____________, you are Christ’s Body. 25/27

Make a commitment to ____Christ___________ and ____one_____ _______another_____. Eph 4:1-6

______________forgive__________ one another. Colossians 3:12-15

Speak ___________honestly________________ to one another. Ephesians 4:15-16

Keep your ________biscuits_____________ in the ____oven_____________ until they are

_______________golden__________ ________brown_________________! Romans 8:29

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Life Group Notes: Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 prior to meeting.

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!
Word: This week we spoke about Life in the Body. We talked about several keys to successfully maintaining the unity of the Body of Christ. Today in Life Group we are going to unpackage these thoughts! We are living in some very divided times. Parents are divided from one another, and kids are often divided from one or both parents. Violence and abuse are rampant in our society. This is not God’s plan! So let’s look at some tools and teachings God has given us to make things better.

1. Who lives in your house? What is your relationship to them?

2. Read Ephesians 4:1-4. What key commands does Paul give the church?

Do any of these commands challenge you? Which ones?

3. Apply Colossians 3:12-15 to your family, your Life Group, your OIKOS, your business, school, and church. Are there any situations that this principle speaks to right now? What are they? What do you need to do?

4. In Ephesians 4:15-16 Paul tells us what he is going to do, and why he is going to do it. What is Paul talking about? Do we do this with others? How do we handle it when people do it with us?

5. Read Romans 8:29 from several translations. What does it reveal as God’s goal for your life? Are you a willing participant in this plan? Is there anything holding you back?

Witness: Take time to pray for the needs in your Life Group and for those on your Blessing List. Ask God to show you how to love, serve, and bless the people around you. Remember that Jesus said they would know we are disciples by our love! John 13:35

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

EASTER SUNDAY FAMILY CELEBRATION
4/24/2011

TALKING POINTS:

God ____________________ you
Jesus came to ___________________ you
Christ _________________________ for you
He ________________________ for you
He is _____________________ _________________ for you
_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Life Group Notes: Read Matthew 28 prior to Life Group

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we had a special service of Celebration, baptism, and food with our brothers and sisters. We looked at five dimensions of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This week we are going to apply these things to our lives, and ministries.

Begin you time together today by sharing about your Easter Sunday Celebration.
Were there any special moments for you?

1. Examine John 13:34-35. Think about the ways that God has loved us. What are some practical ways that we can love one another?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
2. Read Luke 12:35-40. What is Jesus teaching about servant hood? What is His promise for us? What must we do to get this? What areas of your life can you apply this teaching to? What would it look like?

________________________________________________________________________

3. Read John 15:12-14. What challenge does Jesus have for us? How can we do this? Are we willing to do this?

________________________________________________________________________

4. Read James 5:16. Jesus prays for us. What can we do for one another? Think about some of the terrible headlines from just the past weeks. People have killed themselves, others, and even their own children. How different might these terrible things have been if these people had a trusted friend, with whom they could share their deepest fears, dreams, and sins? And what if that trusted friend had loved, prayed, and encouraged them with all of their heart, mind, and soul?

________________________________________________________________________

5. What did the angel tell the women to do in Matthew 28:7? What did Jesus tell the disciples in Acts 1:8? As we see the crazy things taking place in the world, it should be a constant reminder to tell people the story of Jesus!

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: Take time to pray for the needs in your Life Group and for those on your Blessing List. Ask God to show you how to love, serve, and bless the people around you. Remember that Jesus said they would know we are disciples by our love! John 13:35
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

PALM SUNDAY’S PARTS

4/17/2011

Jot Your Thoughts:

The __________________________. Matthew 21:1

The ____________________________. Luke 19:41-45

The ______________________________. Zechariah 9:9

The ________________________________. Matthew 21:8-11

The __________________________________. Matthew 21:23-27 & Luke 19:39-40

The ____________________________________. Matthew 21:14-16

The ______________________________________. Matthew 21:12-14

Life Group Notes: [Read Psalm 118 prior to Life Group]

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: Today we are going to look at the Psalm behind Matthew 21:9.
J. Vernon McGee says, “This wonderful psalm [118] is the last of the Hallel psalms; for this reason we know it was the psalm which our Lord sang with His disciples the night before His death. In the Upper Room that night there was an air of informality but also of awe, an air of sadness and of joy and of anticipation. Our Lord ate the Passover feast with His disciples; then on the dying embers of a fading feast, He reared something new. Out of the ashes of the past, He took frail elements -- bread and grape juice which will spoil in a few days, the weakest things in the world -- and He raised a monument.”

Let’s reflect on Psalm 118 as we prepare for Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Let God prepare your hearts and minds for our coming Resurrection Celebration!

1. What declaration is repeated several times in verses 1-4? Is this a message that people need today? Why? How does it speak to you?

________________________________________________________________________

2. Now read 5-13. What did these verses say to Israel? To You?
What might these verses have said to Jesus as He prepared for His crucifixion?

________________________________________________________________________

3. What attitude do you sense in verses 14-16? What key words and phrases does the Psalmist use to describe the Lord? How do you think these verses encouraged Jesus on His journey to the Cross? Allow these words to encourage you!

________________________________________________________________________

4. Vereses 17-21 were spiritually true for Jesus. How can these verses encourage you, in any situation?

________________________________________________________________________

5. Now read 22-29. As you read, think about the Father, the Son, and yourself. What do the different verses say to the different personages? Again, how could the Lord have been encouraged by these verses? How are you encouraged?

________________________________________________________________________

6. Now read 1 Peter 2:4-10. As you read these verses be thinking about what Jesus did for us. Think about Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Understand that the work of Jesus was prophesied 1,000 years before He was born. And the song He sang with His disciples the night before His death was written for Him! One thousand years before He was born!

________________________________________________________________________

Witness: Take time to pray for the needs in your Life Group and for those on your Blessing List. Ask God to show you how to love, serve, and bless the people around you. Remember that Jesus said they would know we are disciples by our love! John 13:35

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

The Final Word 4/10/2011

Malachi 1-4

TALKING POINTS:

I have always ___________________ ____________________. Mal 1:1-2

Bring a worthy ________________________. Mal 1:6-10

Beware the dishonest __________________ or ___________________. Mal 2:1-9

Marry a ___________________________. Mal 2:10-12

Be faithful to your ____________________. Mal 2:13-16

Look for God’s _____________________________. Mal 3:1-5

Don’t ________________________ God. Mal 3:6-15

Be the One who _______________________________________. Mal 3:16-18

Embrace the ___________________________________________. Mal 4:1-6

Life Group Notes: [Read the book of Malachi before your Life Group meets.]

Welcome: 15 Min. Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: 15 Min. Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts.Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!
Word: 40 Min.This last Sunday we looked at the last book in our Old Testament. The people of God had served 70 years of captivity in a foreign land. God graciously allowed them to return home. They rebuilt the temple under Ezra and rebuilt Jerusalem under Nehemiah. Worship was restored and the people had a great opportunity for prosperity and a season of God’s favor. However, the people followed an age old pattern of disobedience. God sent His prophet to His people. Today we are going to look at the Talking Points of Malachi… last of the Old Testament Prophets.

1. Read over the Talking Points. Keep in mind that Malachi taught 400 years before the birth of Jesus Chris and the writing of the New Testament.Which of these principles carry over into the New Testament?

2. Which of these principles do you see in our American culture?
Explain your answer! What impact is it having on our nation?

3. Which of these principles causes the most distress for Christians and churchgoers? Why do you think it is so? What does it look like?

4. Is there one of these principles that challenges you? Which one? Why?

5. Is there one of these principles that really encourages you? Which one and why?

6. What is God looking for in Malachi 2:15? How does this verse speak to our modern American culture? How can our Life Groups help with this?

Witness: 20 Min.Take time to pray for the needs in your Life Group and for those on your Blessing List. Ask God to show you how to love, serve, and bless the people around you. Remember that Jesus said they would know we are disciples by our love! John 13:35

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

The Call of God 4/3/2011

Jeremiah 1 and Ezekiel 2

TALKING POINTS:

Stop making ________________Excuses___________. Jeremiah 1:6

______Go___ where I tell you to _________Go______. Jeremiah 1:7

____Say___________ what I tell you to ___Say_____________. Jeremiah 1:7

Don’t be _____Afraid______________. Jeremiah 1:8

Speak my ______Words______________. Jeremiah 1:9

I am _____With ___________ _____You_______________. Jeremiah 1:17-19

Speak the truth if they ________Listen_________ _OR____ _________Not____. Ezekiel 2:5-7

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Life Group Notes: [Try reading and reflecting on the scriptures prior to Group!]

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: Jeremiah and Ezekiel lived in tough times, surrounded by tough people. God said that Israel was rebellious, stubborn, out of control, and headed for trouble if they did not change their ways. God called Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, to preach and prophecy to his people. Is it possible that modern day San Bernardino is a bit like ancient Israel? Is it possible that your friends, and neighbors, might be something like the people these prophets lived amongst and ministered to? Is it possible that you are a bit fearful of the work God may have for you to do? Today we are going to reflect upon the call of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Consider how your feelings might be like theirs!

1.Fill in the blanks on the talking points!

2.If God said Jeremiah 1:6 to you, what would He be talking about?

3.How would you feel if God spoke Jeremiah 1:7a to you? How could this impact your family, friends, work, home, etc.?

4.Are you prepared to do Jeremiah 1:7b. Are you willing? What do you need to be ready and willing?

5.When you think of serving God… is there any element of Jeremiah 1:8 in your heart? What is it? What causes it? What could heal it?

6.Read Jeremiah 1:9 and 2 Timothy 2:18 from several different translations. How does the Apostle Paul’s challenge to Timothy challenge you?

7.How does Jeremiah 1:17-19 and the last verse of the gospel of Matthew speak to you and your ministry? How can these verses encourage you?

8.Apply Ezekiel 2:5-7 to your oikos! What is your job? What is not your job? What are you responsible to do? What are you not responsible to do?

9.Was there one of these points that encouraged you in a special way?
Which one? How?

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

A Kingdom Hanging in the Balance 3/27/2011

1 Kings 11:26-40 and 12:1-20

TALKING POINTS:

Our ________decisions___________________ and ____________actions______________
impact the generations that come behind us!

The people were _______willing_____________ to follow!

Not __________listening__________________ ruptures relationships!

Oppression breeds _rebellion__________________________!

___________servant____________ leaders ______save________________ Kingdoms!

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Life Group Notes: [Try reading and reflecting on the scriptures prior to Group!]

Welcome: Have a snack, say hello, check in, and welcome your visitors.

Worship: Connect with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Word: This week we focused upon a key “change point” in the history of the nation of Israel. Israel was birthed under the Patriarchs, ruled by the Judges, and united under the Kings. The Davidic Kingdom was the high point for Israel as an earthly nation. David’s military conquests set the stage for a long and prosperous reign by his bloodline. Sadly, Solomon’s sin against God destroyed that possibility.

In Sunday’s message we looked at a single pivotal opportunity when David’s grandson could have united the tribes of Israel and maintained his position as King. But his fatal succession of flawed choices split the kingdom and set up a pattern of division and disobedience that resulted in the ultimate demise of the nation.
Today we are going to apply the principles we learned
in First Kings to five practical areas of our lives!

1. Fill in the blanks for the Talking Points.

2. There is a wonderful built in harmony to life. God has created all institutions to have leaders, and followers. When submission/obedience and servant leadership work together there can be tremendous peace and effectiveness in marriage, family, business, governments, and churches. See how these principles work in real life.

A. How do the Talking Points apply to your marriage? Ephesians 5:21-25.

B. How do the Talking Points apply to your parent-child relationships? Eph 6:1-4

C. How do the Talking Points apply to the current events in Libya, Syria, and Egypt?
How do they apply to the current political climate in America? Romans 13:1-7

D. How do the Talking Points apply to your work? Colossians 3:22-24

E. How do the Talking Points apply to our church? Mark 10:42-45

3. Did applying the Talking Points to everyday life reveal any patterns in your thoughts, attitudes, and behavior? What are they? Is there something in the pattern that you need to work on? What do you need to do?

Witness: Take time to pray for the needs in your Life Group and for those on your Blessing List. Ask God to show you how to love, serve, and bless the people around you. Remember that Jesus said they would know we are disciples by our love! John 13:35

WWW.NORTHPOINTSB.COM

PASTOR PAUL M. REINHARD

MARCH 20TH, 2011

SPECIAL ACTIVITY THIS WEEK

Worship: Begin your time together by connecting with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Activity: Today we are going to “Shift Gears!” We have been sensing for a season that it was time to increase our focus on the Witness portion of our Life Group time together. The events of this past weekend at Forest Home have confirmed our decision to begin using The Blessing List in our Life Groups! It is time!

Please take the time to read the following Blog aloud. It will give some important context and background to those who were unable to be with us for Celebration at Forest Home.

Worship: Begin your time together by connecting with God through songs, prayers, and creative arts. Invite the Holy Spirit to move and minister in your group! Be open to God’s leading and presence! Enjoy this time with God and one another!

Dear NorthPoint Family:

What an amazing time we had last weekend with almost all of our Children, Spouses, Interns, Shepherds, Board, and Staff! This was a special and wonderful time of playing, praying, dreaming, and waiting on God.
Our prayer going in was that God would speak to us. I personally wanted to hear from our leaders, and see what they sensed God saying to them! Several leaders shared that they wanted to hear what others were thinking. Many desired a deeper relationship with the brothers and sisters in Christ.
Friday night I spoke about Vision. Saturday morning Chris and Michael spoke about Mentoring. Saturday evening I spoke about Outreach and Chris spoke about Multiplication. Sunday morning I preached about the call of Gideon.
Many important things were said and done over the course of the weekend. I would like to share some key moments, and their significance with you.
On Saturday evening Chris was teaching and God showed up. In the midst of his message he became very focused, anointed, and challenged us to stop thinking of NorthPoint as an 86 year old church. Stop thinking, planing, and evaluating based upon the past. Those of us listening had a strong sense that someone above and beyond Chris had spoken to us!
We are a church plant. We are a new beginning.
We are not what we were... we are a new thing!

Then, on Sunday morning in the middle of worship, the second God moment happened. Doug Jr. shared, "When you begin a church plant you commission your pastors." In the midst of the worship service the congregation took over and laid hands on Karen, Shannon, Chris, and I for a time of prayer and commissioning. The spirit of the moment was very strong, and clear. We are a new work, we are a church plant. This is truly a new beginning. Interestingly, several others in the congregation had a sense that this needed to be done before Doug spoke up! The spirit was speaking to the congregation.
There are several powerful components to what happened.
Things that were spoken to us in the past suddenly connected with the present.
First were the words of Pastor Deon Robert spoken in Waco, Texas back in June of 2009. He challenged us to go home and kill our church. He challenged us to go home and die. This was not morbid heresy... it was directly from God's word. Galatians 2:20 (NASB) 20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer declared:
"When Jesus Christ calls a man He bids him come and die."

We can't build a church, but God can! We must be willing to die to our agenda, that Christ's life might flow through! God has taken us down paths that I never would have imagined or planned!
Then, the words of Harold Weitz came ringing back from Waco. This pastor/prophet from South Africa stopped our group in a hallway and said to us, "You are in a nine month pregnancy, and you will deliver!" I have pondered his words since that time but never sensed a fulfillment.
Sunday afternoon Doug Jr. made the observation that it was nine months from the time we left the Sierra Way property until our retreat at Forest Home. We checked the calendar and learned an amazing thing! Our first services at the Elks Lodge took place over the weekend of June 11, 12, and 13. Our Shepherds Retreat took place over the weekend of March 11, 12, and 13. This was exactly nine months!!!
I have spent the past week reflecting upon many things. In October of 1995 I came to Calvary Baptist Church to win souls and make disciples. Over the last 15 years we experienced arson fires, bankrupt insurance companies, the demise of a very selfish toxic church culture, the implosion of a school that was on our property, a financial meltdown, and the transition to a Life Group based ministry model!
It is safe to say that God has killed a church, and this pastor. I no longer see myself as the leader who will "build the Kingdom." I now see myself as fortunate to be a part of a grand experiment. What now excites me is the willingness of our Interns, Shepherds, Coaches, Board, and Staff to submit to one another, and to God. The decades old spirit of "us against them" has been killed! It is dead! It is gone!
Ralph Neighbour has taught me that there is a profound difference between a man formed, and a God formed movement. In many ways, Calvary Baptist Church was manmade! NorthPoint Christian Fellowship is in the process of being God made! I can feel the difference!
Last Sunday truly was a birthday for NorthPoint! The church born in anger and rebellion 86 years ago is dead! The work that was born Sunday March 13th is alive. We are going to humbly seek God's face, His will, and His plan for His church! I am happy to be dead, and agenda free!
I am ready to join with the NorthPoint family and see what God has for us! My prayers, love and blessings are with each of you whom God has called to take this journey! Only He knows what He has called us to be!

See you Sunday, Pastor Paul

The Blessing List: Now your Shepherd is going to lead you through the process of putting together your Blessing List. We are asking that each of our Life Groups take the time to begin this important part of our ministry. As I said in the beginning, we are shifting gears. As you begin to pray through the names on your Blessing List each and every day, expect God to begin moving and networking people, in ways that you have never seen before! Let’s say our prayers and see what God can do!
1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.
And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.

Northpoint Christian Fellowship

Shepherds Retreat 2011

Forest Home

Northpoint Christian Fellowship

Shepherds Retreat 2011

Forest Home

Northpoint Christian Fellowship

Shepherds Retreat 2011

Forest Home

Northpoint Christian Fellowship

Shepherds Retreat 2011

Northpoint Christian Fellowship

Shepherds Retreat 2001 Shepherds Retreat 2011