God’s Amazing Grace Continues

May 14, 2023

Aspire welcomes our special guest, Bob Bumgarner. Bob currently serves as the Lead Missional Strategist of First Coast Churches (formerly known as Jacksonville Baptist Association). He has served as a Replant Pastor, Executive Pastor, and the Church Development Division Director of the Florida Baptist Convention. His passion is coaching churches to discover and do what God has called them to do where they are. Bob lives in the greater Jacksonville area with his wife, Tina. They enjoy living close to their adult children and their six awesome grandchildren!

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Passage

Ephesians 2:1-10

Christians are not just ____________ ____________. By God’s grace, we are ______ and ______________ __________________ in Christ.

God’s grace is amazing because our situation is so __________________. (Ephesians 2:1-3)

God’s grace Is ________________________ ________________ toward us. (Ephesians 2:4-7)

Salvation is God’s grace-filled ________ to us. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Followers of Jesus are God’s __________________________. (Ephesians 2:10)

We are God’s ____________ workmanship. (Romans 1:20)

He is ____________________ us to help others know and follow Him. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

Our discipleship path Is __________________________ prepared. (Genesis 50:20)

God invites us to be transformed as we walk His path for us. (Matthew 4:18-20)

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

Last week we discussed developing strategies for spiritual growth. What, if anything, did you do differently this week because of that conversation? What were the results?

What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Which of those do you find easiest (heart, soul, mind, or strength)? Which do you find most challenging?

We tend to gravitate toward our strengths and avoid our weaknesses. While this may be good in certain aspects of our lives, it can harm our spiritual well-being. Do you agree? Why or why not?

In Step Three of Next Steps, we help individuals develop a sacred rhythm for loving God with their head, heart, and hands. Whether you already live in a sacred rhythm, need to get back into a sacred rhythm, or have never established a sacred rhythm, we want to use today’s conversation to strengthen and encourage one another.

HEAR

Loving God with Your Head (Mind). Orthodoxy: right thinking.

Read Philippians 2:5-8; Romans 12:1-2; John 15:1-7. Based on these verses, what can we learn about loving God with our minds? How can our minds be transformed? How do we attain the mind of Christ? How do we remain in Christ?
What is at least one practical step you will take this week to love God will all your mind?

Loving God with Your Heart (Heart and Soul). Orthopathy: right feelings.

Read Matthew 22:37-40; John 13:34-35; John 15:12-13; 1 John 4:9-12. Based on these verses, what can we learn about loving God with our hearts? Describe the connection between loving God and loving others. Whom should we love first, and why does that matter?
What is at least one practical step you will take this week to love God will all your heart?

Loving God with Your Hands (Strength). Orthopraxy: right doing.

Read Genesis 1:26-28 & 2:15; Ecclesiastes 9:10a; Colossians 3:23-24; Matthew 11:28-30. Based on these verses, what can we learn about loving God with our hands?
For someone committed to following Jesus, should there be any distinction between sacred and secular work? Why or why not? How might this affect the way you think about your job?
Give examples of sacred rest versus self-medicating escapist behavior. To which of these do you typically default?
What is at least one practical step you will take this week to love God will all your strength?

HUDDLE

Among loving God with all your head, heart, and hands, which do you find most challenging? Why? What will you do this week to focus on loving God in your area of weakness? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Readings

Most of the letters in the New Testament were written to congregations. As we read through 1 & 2 Corinthians this month, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you about our church and the part He has for you in it.

Day 1: 1 Corinthians 8
Day 2: 1 Corinthians 9
Day 3: 1 Corinthians 10
Day 4: 1 Corinthians 11
Day 5: 1 Corinthians 12
Day 6: 1 Corinthians 13
Day 7: 1 Corinthians 14

Think Deeper

Whose path am I on?
Would those who know me best agree with my answer?
If I am not sure, how can you know?

Suggested Resources

Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You, by John Ortberg

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul Tripp

Check out these and other suggested books at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB