StoneBridge Community Church
Senior Pastor Neal Nybo
Introduction to Hearts and Minds Message Series
Written by the Apostle Paul, the first seventeen verses of Colossians chapter three is like a “how-to” guide for following Jesus. This nine week, Hearts and Minds message series will unpack and explore these practical "how-to's" and inspire us to live them out.
Introduction to Living Life Together message
Do you find it hard to engage with random people? Even if they are being friendly, do you dismiss it when random people engage with you?
It’s like we are alone wherever we go, no matter how many people are around us. Is there another way? A place we can be part of something where our participation matters and we welcome others opinions and input into our lives?
Our text gives us a way to have helpful interaction and a sense of belonging where we are safe to share.
Colossians 3:16 NIV
1. Join the group.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another...
At its best, the church is a community of people, not a collection of individuals. Why is this so important? For the same reason a person will happily take advice and direction from a stranger at an ultimate frisbee game but will report the very same behavior at a gym to gym management. It’s all about our expectations.
Reflection / Growth Group Discussion Questions
1. When have you been in a group or team committed to doing something together - like an ultimate Frisbee group?
2. When have you worked beside someone but not with them – like walking on treadmills at a gym?
3. What benefits and deficits do you see in both of these experiences?
4. Which kind of experience is more like your expectations and experience at church?
2. Join a spin class.
... with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Our church has our own version of spin classes. We call them growth groups. They have a common goal of going further in faith. Each group is a small and supportive community. You can find one at a time and place convenient to you.
Reflection / Growth Group Discussion Questions
1. Known by different names in different churches, if you have been in a small group, cell group, Bible study or growth group, what has been one of your best experiences?
2. If you have not been in a growth group, why not?
3. Can you see how a growth group can be a middle ground between a highly committed team experience and an isolated individual activity?
Next Steps:
1. As an initial step into group life, think about a person whom you trust and would accept teaching from and even be admonished by. Formalize that relationship by writing them a note and thanking them for being someone you trust with your personal growth.
2. Decide to commit or recommit to a growth group in the new year. Be on the lookout and join ALPHA or Financial Peace or the next sermon series based growth groups.
