ICEBREAKERS
Make sure to start off with prayer. Then choose one or more questions to open up with.
1. What are some of your holiday traditions?
TALK-IT-OUT
Go through each main point and scripture from the message and use the corresponding questions in discussion with your group.
Main Scripture: Genesis 22:1-3
Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Early the next morning Abraham got up………he set out for the place God had told him about.
Scripture Context: At this point Abraham had been on his journey through Palestine for 25 years and had seen God's promises come to fruition, including the birth of Isaac. It is important to know that human sacrifice is not a practice of Judaism or Christianity, and in fact God prohibits it (Deuteronomy 18:10). This request of Abraham came at a time when Abraham was enjoying peace with his neighbors and was prospering greatly. Their destination, Mount Moriah, is most likely located in present day Jerusalem. This event was meant to test Abraham's faith, who after all was to become the father of many nations, but also to foreshadow what was to come with our Heavenly Father sacrificing His only son so that we may have salvation and life in him. There would be no need for God to ever give the same command today as we have already seen the ultimate sacrifice by Jesus on the cross.
Opening Question: What stands out to you about this event in scripture? OR What questions do you have about this scripture?
POINT 1: YOU HAVE TO GO ALL IN FOR SAND AND STARS.
John 3:16 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
TALK-IT-OUT: How would you describe what God has done for you?
TALK-IT-OUT: Are you currently going all in for your sand and stars dreams?
POINT 2: YOU’RE NOT CREATED TO PLAY IT SAFE.
TALK-IT-OUT: In what way are you currently playing it safe?
TALK-IT-OUT: What is a risk you know you need to take?
POINT 3: AS GOD'S PEOPLE WE’RE NOT HERE TO CONDEMN THE WORLD. WE’RE HERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.
TALK-IT-OUT: How do you want to be remembered? What do you need to do differently to be remembered that way?
WRITE-It-Out
Encourage your group to start writing things down. Do the following exercises:
- Do a SOAP devotion. (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) Read Ephesians 5 and write down at least one observation, at least one application for your life, and one prayer inspired by this scripture.
Live-It-Out
Encourage your group to start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- Pray, plan, and participate in Legacy Offering. We have a vision that this year's Legacy Offering will help us to start a new Champions Centre campus in 2018. Begin to prepare your best for Legacy Offering weekend on November 18/19.
- Complete Growth Track. Every Saturday in Tacoma 6:00pm, and every Sunday at all of our campuses. Bellevue 9:45am & Tacoma 11:30am.
- Consider serving together as a life group. To view serving opportunities with Champions Foundation, click HERE.
Closing Thoughts
- Finish group with prayer requests and praise reports.
- More resources are always available here: Group Resources.