Around Every Corner: Be a First Follower

StoneBridge Community Church

Pastor Neal Nybo

Locations & Times

StoneBridge Community Church
4832 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Saturday 5:30 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM, Sunday 10:30 AM
StoneBridge Growth Groups
Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA
Sunday 11:59 PM

Online Connection Card

Thanks for joining us today! Follow this link to our online Connection Card where you can let us know you were here and share any prayer concerns.

http://bit.ly/2z61Wwi

Introduction to Series: Around Every Corner

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Ministry just around the corner can be as effective as ministry around the world. This sermon series explores how our most effective ministry may be right in our own backyard. We know this because we see it all the time in our own people. People from StoneBridge volunteer at places like the Samaritan Center, Sarah's House, and even the Annual Charity Car Show.

We can make a difference within blocks of our homes and offices. We can have a longer, more personal impact where we live.

Luke 19:1-10 MSG

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1. Become a first follower.

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A first follower is anyone who offers someone else respect, acknowledges them, or in some way, expresses support when no one else does.

Luke 19:5 MSG

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How To Start A Movement And The Value Of First Followers

What does it take to start a social movement? Research points to the importance of influence and its effect on social networks.

https://bit.ly/2kvV5KA

Reflection Questions

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1. When have you been alone and had someone become a first follower and support you?

2. When have you become a first follower for someone else?

3. The narrator in the What It Takes To Start A Movement video said, "The First Follower transforms a lone nut into a leader." Why do you think first followers are so important?

The Text In Context

This Bible commentary that frames the story of Zaccheaus into a larger context and shares how to teach the story to children.

https://bit.ly/33nIyLZ

2. Grace transforms people.

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Grace is unearned favor, approval, kindness.

Luke 19:8 MSG

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Reflection Questions

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1. Why does it feel so good to be recognized and acknowledged?

2. Do you know people who have changed because they have been recognized or acknowledged?

3. Describe a time in your life when you experienced grace (unearned favor, approval, kindness).

3. Pushback is normal.

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Tax collectors were notorious for cheating their neighbors. It seemed obvious to the people in the crowd that if Zacchaeus was rich it was because he cheated them. Zacchaeus was not well-liked. The crowd’s anger was understandable.

Luke 19:7 MSG

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Reflection Questions

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1. In what ways or circumstances can you imagine people would push back against someone being a first follower?

2. Can you imagine and describe Zacchaeus' feelings about people's resentment before Jesus acknowledged him?

3. How might his feelings have changed after Jesus became his first follower?

4. Transformation leads to salvation.

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People in the world today are looking for something. Many feel alone and hopeless. Many actions are learned defensive responses to hurts and perceived injustices over a lifetime. People need baby steps before they can leap all the way to Jesus. Zacchaeus was looking for something and hoped he could find it in Jesus. He found more than he bargained for, more that he could have guessed.

Luke 19:9 MSG

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Reflection Questions

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1. Without using traditional Biblical or Christian language, describe what it means to be lost.

2. How might being recognized and appreciated help someone move away from being lost?

3. How might church attenders' behavior change if their first interest was to be a part of Jesus' work to find and restore the lost?

4. Which of the next steps will you work on this week?

Finding What Is Lost

3 Days

Read Plan

We are looking for a reliable Handyman to undertake the upkeep and repair tasks at StoneBridge. We’ll rely on you to keep our facilities in perfect condition by doing various odd jobs. Deft hands and technical knowledge are important parts of a handyman’s arsenal. You must be well-organized with strong general repair skills. A keen eye for detail and physical stamina are valued greatly in this job.

Handyman Job Opportunity

Click here for job description and to apply online.

https://stonebridgesimi.com/resources/handyman-position

StoneBridge Christian Recovery is designed to help you on the road to recovery of any hurts, habits, or hang-ups that are keeping you from a joyful and productive life. If you feel like you resonate with this, then please join us on Wednesday nights.

Weekend Worship Playlist

Enjoy this Spotify playlist with the songs played in worship this weekend!

https://spoti.fi/2OJalCX

Social Media @ StoneBridge

We encourage you to use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media to share images, quotes, links, or what you've learned from this week's message and YouVersion message notes. Social media can also be a great way of inviting your friends to worship and special events.

https://www.facebook.com/stonebridgesimi/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/stonebridgesimi/

Secure online giving

Thanks for partnering with us in our mission to reach people with the good news of God's love, to make disciples, and to send them out. Secure online giving via PayPal.

http://bit.ly/2glYW8E

Subscribe to our podcast

Subscribe to the StoneBridge Community Church podcast on iTunes and you'll never miss a message. Updates automatically.

http://apple.co/1RbdqkK

Watch us on YouTube

While there is no substitute for worshipping God with others, if you happen to miss a message you can always catch us on YouTube. We invite you to subscribe to our channel.

http://bit.ly/22uE939

Encouraging and challenging you to seek intimacy with God every day.

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Encouraging and challenging you to seek intimacy with God every day.

Ministry

Useful Links

A digital ministry of