Sharings and Encouragements from the I2 Gatherings

“What Good is God?” (07-28-08)

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:51:42 GMT

Only Jesus can give the peace that we desire. We all have wants and desires, but God gives us what we need. At some point, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross becomes real to each of us. We don’t need to worry that we can’t figure out what God is doing in our lives. We just need to hold on to the truth that God is good. God is enough. Let go and let God’s peace overwhelm you.

Matthew 10:9ff

Discussion questions:

1. Do you have enough in life?
2. How much is enough?
3. When did the cross and the empty tomb become real for you?
4. What does it mean to repent?
5. Why did Jesus send the disciples out with nothing?
6. How do you get fed spiritually?
7. What gives you peace?

“Taste the Word” (07-13-08)

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:33:03 GMT

What do we tell people when they ask us why God is allowing them to suffer? It’s all right to say, “I don’t know”. God is beyond our comprehension. We do know, however, that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was obedient to His Father and died in order to wash away our sins. Words aren’t always required. Learn to be silent. Be there, hold them, and listen to the voice of God.

Matthew 10:16-20

Discussion questions:
1. Do we listen to each other?
2. Do we listen to God?
3. When we have troubles, where is God?
4. Why does God allow us to struggle?
5. What does it mean to be there for each other?

“Doctrine and Truth” (08-29-08)

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:25:42 GMT

Pride keeps us from seeking help from God and from other people. But we can reach more people by sharing our authentic stories. When Jesus shows up in your life and provides for you, tell someone about it! Doctrine has been misunderstood and thought of as divisive, but doctrine and truth go hand in hand. Speak the truth in love, gentleness, peace, and mercy. We are called to proclaim the truth. Christ will use us if we let Him.

1 Timothy 3:15; Romans 8:27-30; Matthew 10:9-16

Discussion questions:

1. What role does pride play in your life?

2. What does God want from us?

3. How does God prepare us for the journey?

4. Are we more concerned with political correctness than truth?

5. Did Jesus tell the truth? Why?

6. Do we undermine the Gospel when we don’t spread God’s truth?

7. What has the Holy Spirit recently nudged you to do or to say?

"Reach Out" (06-15-08)

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:47:15 GMT

A shepherd’s job is to train, teach and equip the flock. We are all called to be shepherds. We are called out to love and reach out to those in despair. We all know someone whom we can shepherd or disciple. We are to: 1) Reach out to others, 2) Heal and care for people, and 3) Take hold of the authority that Jesus has given to us. Jesus showed love and compassion and he touched people. He sat with sinners and upset the church. The mission that Jesus gave us is crucial, shared, sustained, complex, strategic, demanding, and Jesus-shaped.

Matthew 10; Ezekiel 34

Discussion Questions
1. As we reach out to others, how do we react when we are opposed?
2. How has the church failed in its efforts to disciple people?
3. When we “have it all”, why don’t we feel a need for Jesus?
4. How do we learn to be non-judgmental with others?
5. Who do you know who hasn’t heard the message of grace?

“Get in Tune” (06-08-08)

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:17:42 GMT

God disciplines us in a similar way to how we discipline our children. Jesus will give us the words to reach others. Be in tune To Him, surrender, and open up to Him. If He brings a Bible passage to mind, use that when you are discipling others. Our purpose in Christ is to do the will of God. Grace, mercy, and peace from Christ are only meaningful after we recognize what fallen people we are.

Matthew 9:35-38; Matthew 10:1-10; John 20:21

Discussion questions:
1. How does/did discipline help your children grow?
2. What has God done in your life to discipline you and help you grow?
3. Are you able to appreciate God’s grace without recognizing your need for that grace?
4. What should you do when you doubt God’s presence?
5. How can God use you to reach others?

"I was Blind, But Now I See" (6-01-08)

Sat, 31 May 2008 14:08:30 GMT

Martin visited Yakima, Washington this past weekend along with a few I2 members. This podcast was made there as he introduced the members of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church to the concept of simple churches.
Matthew 28: 18-20; John 9: 1-34

Encountering God—Part 9 “The Lord Looks at the Heart” (05-25-08)

Tue, 27 May 2008 02:54:25 GMT

Note: Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, there was no gathering this week to podcast. Instead, we repeat for you one of the excellent messages from our archives. This message was originally podcast in August of last year.

It was a clash of two worlds when Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. God had been working on Saul all of his life. At that moment God changed everything for Paul, his heart and his way of thinking. Story of the John Merrick, the “Elephant Man”—he showed love despite the way he was treated. God changes us and He does it by changing our heart. Acts 9:5, Acts 26:1-14, Psalm 139:11-12, 1 Samuel 16:7

Encountering God—Part 8 “Let Go and Surrender” (5-18-08)

Sun, 18 May 2008 16:51:43 GMT

Note: Martin is out of town this week so there is no normal podcast. Instead, we repeat for you one of the excellent messages from our archives. This message was originally podcast in August of last year.

Just like in Saul’s life, God knows the journey we are on. He brought Saul to his knees and Saul saw the man that he truly was. Saul totally surrendered to Jesus and turned his life around. We are called to do the same—to let go of who we are and become what Jesus Christ wants us to be. Acts 9:1-4

Seek the Kingdom of God (05-11-08)

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:33:02 GMT

What are you seeking out of life? Most people want to be loved, to have power, control, inner peace, etc. What did Jesus mean when he told his disciples to seek His kingdom? The parable which Jesus told about the four soils is misinterpreted by many people today. God sowed the seed, the seed is the Word, and the Word is Jesus. God chooses us and reveals the truth to us through the Holy Spirit. We are then called to bring the Good News to others.

Discussion questions:
1. What are you seeking out of life?
2. What does Jesus mean when he tells the parable?
3. How do we seek the kingdom of God?
4. What does Jesus mean when he says we should live abundantly?
5. How do we spread the Good News about Jesus?

Luke 12:31, Matthew 13:1-23; Luke 8:11-15; Joshua 1

Encountering God—Part 7 “Don’t Look Down, Keep Looking Up” (05-04-08)

Mon, 05 May 2008 02:36:04 GMT

Note: On the first Sunday of every month, we have a pizza gathering, so there is no normal podcast. Instead, we repeat for you one of the excellent messages from our archives. This message was originally podcast in August of last year.

C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity writes: “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”

Romans 1:17, Habakkuk 2:4, Acts 22:4-5, Acts 26:9-10, Galatians 1:13-14, 1 Timothy 1:13