1. Pastor Mike outlined some scriptures that he noted that he wasn’t fond of and are difficult for us to understand (see below for examples).  From this list of portions of scripture which ones are most difficult for you personally?

Statements I’m not fond of:

·        Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute

·        If you get hit in the face because of your faith, let them hit you again

·        Give to those who unfairly demand of you (clothes or time)

·        Go a second mile even though you are only obligated to go one

·        You’re blessed when you’re persecuted

·        If you want a great life, you must be the servant/slave of all

2) It was stated that there are 3 steps (give up, take up and get going) that we can take to stay connected to Him (Jesus) regardless.  With that in mind:

How do we Give up and Take up what Jesus said to Give up and Take up, so we keep going regardless?

3) There were 5 ways to be washed in the word of God that are listed below.  How are you applying each of these to your life?

·        Read it daily

·        Memorize it regularly

·        Study it consistently

·        Meditate on it constantly

·        Practice it faithfully

4) With our lives being washed in the word of God, how is your being washed effecting those around you?  Is there someone in particular that you are impacting?  Likewise, is there someone that is impacting you?

5) Are you connected in community within the church body?  If not, what is holding you back?

1.  Pastor Joey listed 7 problem areas that people face that sometimes causes them to turn away from following Jesus. 

Have you struggled with one of these? How did you overcome it? 

I’M WITH JESUS UNTIL…

1. DEATH of a spouse, child, parent, or friend. 
2. DIVORCE because of an affair or because I fell out of love.  
3. DREAMS are lost. Lost job, lost my business, lost hope for future. 
4. DISEASE- Cancer diagnosis.  Chronic pain.  Trauma or Accident.  
5. DAMAGED- Relationships, abuse, abandonment, betrayal. 
6. DESERTED by God, spouse, dad, mom, or friends. 
7. DESTINY- I am not where I want to be in this stage of my life.    

2. Read John 6:22-71. The crowd of disciples were offended by Jesus’ teaching and they left. 

 I’m with Jesus UNTIL I am offended.   

John 6:61 (NLT) Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? 

John 6:66-67 (NLT) At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

John 6:68-69 (NLT) Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.  We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”

3. Pastor Joey used an illustration about making allowance for other people’s faults. He used a money jar showing how much God has forgiven us and how we should be prepared to forgive others. 

Why is it difficult to forgive? Are you struggling to forgive anyone? Are you offended at God? 

Colossians 3:13 (NLT) Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

4. Pastor Joey concludes by giving people a time to forgive people and to once and for all restore your relationship back to God if you have been offended at Him. 

Explain what was going on with you. How would life be better if you could forgive and be restored to God?

Going Deeper sermon questions

1. Pastor Jeremy and Misti spoke of the difference between a contractual marriage and a covenant marriage. What are some covenants God made to the people of the Bible? How did He keep the covenants? Does He always?

2. If you and your spouse have talked through the oneness challenge for this week, what is something you can share with others about lies that you have believed about your spouse? How did your spouse dispel those lies and affirm the truth? How can you encourage others around you to affirm truth in you as well?

3. There were 5 areas to focus on to protect oneness in your marriage. Of the 5, what have you and your spouse decided to focus on first? Share this with others, and discuss how you might take steps in this direction? Look for insights from others as well. (Make a COVENANT Marriage, Maintain Intimacy, Manage Your Mind, Monitor Media, Minimize Temptations)

Oneness Challenge:

1. Sit on the couch or go for a walk and share with your spouse 3 things that you find interesting about them.
2. Discuss 3 ways that you can demonstrate a Covenant Marriage to the world.
3. Share with your spouse a lie that you believe and when that lie often pops into your mind?
4. Each spouse speak to the lie the other spouse is believing with truth. Encourage them with truth and love.
5. What mess have you walked through in marriage that you can now praise God for victory?
6. Both of you end by thanking God for and blessing your spouse in prayer.

1. What does it mean to be in a covenant marriage? Oneness starts with a covenant. How is a covenant different than a contract?

2. Pastor Jeremy said that we are to look to our spouse as God sees the church. How does God view the church, or the family of believers? What has He done, and is doing for the church? Does your marriage do the same for one another?

3. Oneness is not sameness. How are you different than your spouse in the areas discussed in service (finances, family, communication, family, parenting, etc.). How should you understand and celebrate those differences, instead of responding out of pride (my way is best)?

4. What are the things those in your group can do to best fight and protect your marriage? If not in a group, what steps can you take to join a group or find your people?

ONENESS CHALLENGE THIS WEEK:

1.  Find a place with no distractions and discuss the following questions. 

2.  Describe 3 valuable characteristics that your spouse brings to your marriage.

3.  Describe a time this past year when you felt truly one in your marriage.

4.  What does your spouse do that makes you feel one?

5.  Where do you think your marriage is vulnerable to a oneness attack?

6.  What are some ways that you can counter the attacks on oneness in your marriage?

7.  Hold hands and pray for God to guide you to a great place of oneness.