Another Basic Training Course completed

Today we finished week 8 of the Basic Training Course, and we are on schedule to start back over next Saturday with Lesson One. This Wednesday is the Fourth of July, and we plan to have the whole evangelism team out in force. Last year there were about 40,000 people in attendance and I doubt I will be able to get everyone there a tract, but I am sure going to give it a try.

Watch Your Talk

Welcome
Did you have any nicknames growing up that you would be willing to share?
Or
Share the most positive name you have ever been called.


Worship

As we attempt to fill our language with good things, let us start with praising the Lord for the good things he has done in our life. Read Psalm 111 and then begin to pray with praise for the Lord.


Word

• Read Eph. 4:29. What are the kinds of “unwholesome” talk you have heard in the last month?

• Ephesians 5:4 talks about “obscenity, foolish talk and coarse joking.” What impact does this kind of talk really have on us and our relationships? Can you give any personal examples?

• Based on Matthew 12:34, we know there is a relationship between our mouth and heart. How can we allow the positive and encouraging things that are in our hearts to better flow from our mouth?

• How do you react when someone uses the Lord’s name as a profanity?

• Share with the group some of the ways you have learned to deal with profanity in your own life.
  

• What are some ways you can focus on the “right, noble, pure, lovely, admirable” things as Philippians 4:8 tells us?
  

• Break into groups of two or three and pray for each other in this area of the language we use.

Witness
In your group of two or three share how you can remove or improve something to be a better witness for Christ.

Right God, Wrong Image

Welcome

What is the one thing in your life that you simply can’t do without?
Or
Describe your dream vacation.

Word
Read Exodus 20: 4-6

1.In this passage what is the difference between the first commandment and the second commandment?
2.In vs 5, what kind of God does God say He is? Why do you think He says that?
3.In our society, who or what do we tend to make idols of? Why?
4.Pastor Dudley noted that an idol is anything that you worship rather than God. If you are not careful, what can easily slip into the “idol” position in your own life? Explain.

Read Psalm 115:1-11

5.In the first vs. how does the Psalm set the tone; Who gets ALL of the Worship?
6.How does the psalmist compare and contrast God with other idols? (vs. 3-8)
7.In verses 9-11 what does the psalmist encourage us to do, and why?
8.Dudley’s final point last Weekend was, “Idolatry is really just a subtle form of self-worship.” List out two or three things you can do each day to keep your focus off of yourself and on God.

Witness
If you have not done so already, assign a person (s) to coordinate your summer outreach. It does not have to be complicated. In fact the simpler you make it the more likely it will get done. Do weekend warriors, volunteer at your local shelter; decide to do breakfast for your local fire department to show them how much you appreciate them.

Worship
Quietly reflect on what things you may tend to focus on more than you focus on God. After a few moments confess to God in prayer what comes to your heart. Then, someone read Psalm 117 to the group.

Numero Uno

Welcome
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
OR
What is your favorite Ice Cream flavor?

Word
Read Exodus 20 1-3
1. What does the term “God” mean to you, in other words how do you determine if something is being a “God” to you?

2. What are some thing, that people in our society, have made “Gods” in their lives?

3. Which one of these do you struggle with?

4. Name a person who you think does a good job at putting The Lord God first in their life.

Read Matthew 22:34-38
5. How do the “Greatest Commandment” and the First Commandment support each other?

6. Share what it means to you to put love God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind?

7. Pastor Dudley talked about the “FIRST” test to see if you are putting God first in your life. The test asks what is the emphasis on the following areas of your life:
Focus, Income, Relationships, Spiritual Food, and Time.

Go around and share how you score on the test.

Witness
Do you want to see your group grow closer than ever before? Outreach events are the greatest contributor to group members growing closer together. This summer is going to be a great opportunity to do at least one outreach project with your group. Start thinking and talking about stepping out in faith and blessing others as God blesses you.

Worship
Take some time to quietly (on your own) go over where you stand on the FIRST test. Go around and pray to make a commitment to put God first in every area of your life.