Month / December 2014

by In Light Of The Cross

Growth Group Lesson #13 – Share

DIALOGUE # 013 – SHARE
by Pr Denis Sand – sanddenis@gmail.com

Objective of today’s dialogue: invite the group to give themselves completely out of love and to live as a family of God in their Growth Group.

Worship (15) – Worship
• Read Psalms 95:1-7
• We want to see
• Draw me close to you
• Who shared something with you for which you are thankful? Take time to thank God for those He placed in your life that have share what they have with you. Pray in groups.

Welcome (10) – Fellowship
• What kind of sacrifices your parents had to do for you?
• What kind of things were you willing to do, even sacrifice, for your sweet heart or loved one?

Word (25) – Discipleship
• Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
• Why Paul says that his visit to Thessalonica was not a failure? v1,2
• What was the double motivation behind their visit and what should be ours in our GG? v3-6
• What is and how can we accomplish the two-fold mission of our GG? v8
• How do we get to have this love for people as our motivation so we are delighted to do it? v8
• How can we have the kind of commitment Paul had, especially for the members of our GG? v9
• Why do you thing Paul mentions the kind of live they lived among them? v10 Any teaching for us here?
• How can we accomplish the job described in v11-12 in our GG?
• What changes do we need to make in order to apply today’s message?
• What did you hear God telling you tonight?

• To do: Challenge the group to memorize and live our GG key text: 1 Thessalonians 2.8

Works – Witness (20) – Ministry & Evangelism
• Leader, this is the time to shared the vision with passion! invite everyone to join the vision not simply a group meeting. Invite them to become the family of God that reaches for the lost.
• Being this the first meeting of this new group, reflect with the group on how are we going to make this group not only work but multiply?
• Talk about details: when will we meet, where, who will be invited, how are we going to work, who are the leaders, what are our responsibilities
• How can this group pray for you tonight?

Refreshments– Fellowship – (all groups together)
• When you talk, concentrate on praising God for what He has done with out GG!
• Get to know people.

Additional Resources: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 25

by In Light Of The Cross

Growth Group Lesson #14 – Worries

DIALOGUE # 14 – WORRIES
by Pr Denis Sand – sanddenis@gmail.com

Objective of today’s dialogue: Challenge members to take their worries to God and to experience God’s peace.

Welcome (15) – Fellowship

• What are the things people worry the most today and why?
• What are the things that you have been worrying about the most lately?

Worship (15) – Worship
• Read Psalms 113:1-9
• I’m a friend of God
• Holiness
• Take time in groups of three to thank God for the prayers He has answered in your life.
• Pray together giving thanks

Word (30) – Discipleship
• Read Philippians 4:4-7
• Why do you think Paul challenges us twice with the imperative to rejoice? v4
• How can we practically rejoice always?
• Why should our gentleness be know to everyone? v5
• What kind of relationship is there between the Lord is near, rejoicing and our attitude? v5
• Why should Christians not worry? v6
• How can prayer become effective against worries? provide examples
• How is it that prayer can bring peace to our lives and minds?v7
• How did God help you not to worry? Briefly share your story.
• What are you going to do this week to reduce your anxieties?
• How can you improve your time of talking and listening to God?
• If you heard God speaking to you through today’s message, how will you apply it this week?

• To do: In order to reduce you anxieties memorize: Philippians 4:6-7

Works – Witness (15) – Ministry & Evangelism
• Share with the group the vision God has given you for your group. Talk confidently about the multiplication of your group and the target date.
• Ask people to share the names of those that need to be invited so they can have the peace and joy of God. Make a list and before the next meeting call everyone and ask if they invited them.
• Finalize asking the group: How can this group pray for you tonight?

Refreshments– Fellowship
• Be open to talk, to get to know and find the needs of people

by In Light Of The Cross

Growth Group Lesson #15 – Wise

DIALOGUE # 015 – WISE
by Pr Denis Sand – sanddenis@gmail.com

Objective of today’s dialogue: Invite members to analyze their way of living and to choose to be wise by following God’s advice.

Welcome (15) – Fellowship

• What do people consider foolish in our days?
• What was one of the most stupid things you have ever done and why?
• What could have made you not do it?

Worship (15) – Worship
• Read Psalms 106:1-2
• Blessed be the name
• Above all
• Have a popcorn prayer giving only thanks to God for the wise decisions He helped you to make in your life.

Word (30) – Discipleship
• Read Ephesians 5:15-21
• Why do you think is so important for a Christian to live a “wise” life? v15
• How can we “make the most of every opportunity”? v16
• Paul urges us not to be fools, but to understand what God’s will is. How can we get to know and understand God’s will? v17
• Why is it so important to be filled with the Holy Spirit and not with other substances? v18 How do you know the Spirit is controlling your life?
• Why do you think it is so important for a wise Christian to sing, praise God and talk to others about it? v19
• How can we fulfill the command to “sing and make music in your heart to the Lord’? v19
• What is the relationship between giving thanks always and for everything to God and being wise? v20 How can we do it?
• What does it mean to submit to another out of reverence for God? v21 Why is this wise?

• How will you apply this year what we have studied today?
• What changes is God calling you to make?

• To do: Be wise and memorize any verse from: Ephesians 5:15

Works – Witness (15) – Ministry & Evangelism
• Talk to the group about their not so wise friends who need to know God. Ask each one to write their names on sticky notes and pray for them as a group.
• Remember to ask the group: How can we pray for you tonight?

Refreshments– Fellowship
• Direct the conversations during this time to how to live out what we have just studied.
• Talk to people, and listen.

by In Light Of The Cross

Growth Group Lesson #16 – Understanding

DIALOGUE # 16 – UNDERSTANDING
by Pr Denis Sand – sanddenis@gmail.com

Objective of today’s dialogue: challenge people to be ready and willing to help others get to know God and understand his Word..

Welcome (15) – Fellowship

• What kind of things were hard for you to comprehend when you were in elementary school and why?
• Who helped you understand and how did he do it?
• What is hard for you to understand now?

Worship (15) – Worship
• Read Psalms 8:1-9
• I’m a friend of God
• What are some of the joys that God has given you for which you are thankful? Pray fervently giving only thanks.

Word (30) – Discipleship
• Read Acts 8.26-40
• What kind of Christian was Phillip considering the fact that an angel gives him a mission and he rapidly obeys it? v26,27
• What kind of a man was the one sitting on the chariot? v27-34
• How does staying near  people help us to fulfill God’s mission? v29 How should we do it?
• When should we ask people if they understand? v30 Give examples.
• How can we help people “understand” the Bible, God and current events? v31,35
• What are the four principles found in Acts 8.35 that we need to follow when helping people understand the Bible? (Principles: begin where they are; explain it with the Bible, show how it’s good for them; center it all in Jesus)
• How prepared are you to help others understand the Bible? How could you be ready to help others understand the good news? v35
• Where can we get help so we understand?
• Why do you think the man asked for baptism? What is necessary to be baptized? v36-38
• What is the relationship between rejoicing in life with accepting Christ and being baptized? v39 How have you experienced it?
• What do you think God is trying to tell you tonight?
• How would you apply today’s message from now on?
• To do: Memorize a verse on how to teach the Bible to others: Acts 8:35

Works – Witness (15) – Ministry & Evangelism
• Ask someone from the group to share the vision of our group.
• Ask group members if they feel ready to help others understand? what can we do as a group to be prepared in the basics of faith in order to help others?
• Do you know anyone who wants to understand more about God, the Bible and current events? Write down the names and challenge group members to invite them to our group.
• Finalize asking: How can we pray for you tonight?

Refreshments– Fellowship
• Listen, listen, listen (you can eat too, but keep ears open).

Additional Resources: Acts of the Apostles, 106-111

by In Light Of The Cross

Growth Group Lesson Plan #17 – Decisions

DIALOGUE # 17 – DECISIONS
by Pr Denis Sand – sanddenis@gmail.com

Objective of today’s dialogue: challenge people to consider the consequences of their decisions and to choose to live by God’s principles.

Additional resources: Read and study the material in the following pages.

Welcome (15) – Fellowship
• What was your favorite food your mom prepared you?
• How easy is it for you to decide what to eat when you go out?

Worship (15) – Worship
• Read Psalms 34.1-5
• Shout to the Lord
• Come
• What are some of the decisions that God has helped you to make for which you are thankful to God tonight?
• Pray in groups of three

Word (30) – Discipleship
• Read Daniel 1:1-20
• Place yourself in Daniel’s shoes and consider, how would you feel about God if you were only 17 and taken away from your country, family, and friends into captivity to a foreign land?
• Why do you think Daniel took the decision not to “defile himself”? v8
• When your loyalty to God is tested, how do you react?
• What is the relationship between what we eat and drink with the God we serve?
• How prone are you to remain faithful when no one is watching you? Why?
• What should we do with our principles when we face challenges? Explain. v8,12
• What do you think prepared Daniel and his friends to face this challenge?
• Consider the consequences/end results of the decision Daniel took in facing the test of loyalty. Why do you think it was all worth it or not? v8,12,15,17-20
• What principles should we take into consideration when making everyday decisions?
• What has the Lord taught you tonight?
• How would you apply it this week?
• To do: Challenge the group to repeat together and to store in their minds Daniel 1:8

Works – Witness (15) – Ministry & Evangelism
• Allow one of the co-leaders or apprentices to share the vision God has given for the group.
• Invite people to study the Bible in order to have the right principles in making choices.
• Who do you know that needs help in making wise decisions and being loyal to God?
• Plan a social activity as a group: let members chose the what, when, how and who will be invited. Have some ideas ready. Remember visitors should be invited to this social/evangelistic activity.
• Finalize asking: How can we pray for you tonight?

Refreshments– Fellowship
• Informally as you eat something, ask your group members the names of the people they will be inviting to the social the group is planning.

Additional Resources: Prophets and kings, Chapter 39 – In the Court of Babylon, 379-390

by In Light Of The Cross

Growth Group Lesson Plan #18 – Useful

DIALOGUE # 18 – USEFUL
by Pr Denis Sand – sanddenis@gmail.com

Objective of today’s dialogue: challenge people to make the Bible their guide for life, and to study it daily.

Welcome (15) – Fellowship
• What is the most un-useful gift you have ever received?
• What are the characteristics of a useful gift?
• What is for you the most useful thing in your house today?

Worship (15) – Worship
• Read Psalms 119.89-91
• Thy word is a lamp to my feet
• Sanctuary
• Take time to praise God giving thanks for leading you in times of difficulties, challenges and temptations. Share your praise with the people in your group. Show God is ALIVE and working.
• Pray together

Word (30) – Discipleship
• Read 2 Timothy 3.14-17
• What is Paul challenging young Timothy to do? v14
• How can we teach children-youth to really know the Bible? v15
• According to Paul what is the origin and purpose of the Bible? v16
• What are some of the practical things the Bible can do for us? or, what kind of benefit do we get from reading it? v15-17
• What does it mean that the Bible is God-breathed? v16
• Why is knowing the Bible so crucially important as Christians? v16
• How much time are you devoting to reading, studying and memorizing the Scriptures? Why?
• How would your life change if you were to read, study, memorize the Bible everyday?
• How would you summarize today’s study in one sentence?
• What is God telling you tonight to do?
• What changes do you need to make to your daily schedule in order to take full advantage of God’s Word?
• To do: Read together, repeat it out loud, challenge to memorize 2 Timothy 3.16

Works – Witness (15) – Ministry & Evangelism
• As the main leader of the group, share the vision of multiplication with passion.
• Challenge the group to read the gospel of John during this week. Ask each one to read 3 chapters a day. Ask for commitments. If someone doesn’t have a Bible, get one from church and give it as a gift. Give them also a guide to read the whole Bible in a year so they can mark this week reading and continue from there on.
• Take time to pray for people needs, you can ask: How can we pray for you tonight?

Refreshments– Fellowship
• Keep asking group members to invite their friends to the meetings and group activities.

by In Light Of The Cross

Growth Group Lesson Plan #19 – Rescued

DIALOGUE # 19 – RESCUED
by Pr Denis Sand – sanddenis@gmail.com. Revised by William Earnhardt

Objective of today’s dialogue: invite people to accept Jesus as their personal Savior and to live for Him!

Welcome (15) – Fellowship
• Have you ever participated in recuing someone?
• Were you ever rescued from a situation where your life was in danger?
• How does it feel to be rescued?

Worship (15) – Worship
• Read Psalms 40:1-3
• Mighty to save
• You are worthy
• This is the time to give thanks. Praise God for those time that He rescued you. Share your motive of thankfulness with the group
• Pray in groups of three

Word (30) – Discipleship
• Read John 3:13-16
• Why did Moses have to make the bronze serpent?
• Why did Jesus have to die? v15
• Do you truly believe that without Jesus we are lost? Why are we lost? v16
• What does this rescue mission teach you about God? v16
• If salvation is only found through Jesus, where does that leave all other religions? v17 Read Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5
• Why is God so interested in giving us Jesus? Why is this gift so especial? v16
• What happens to all those who decide not to believe in Jesus? v16 Why?
• Do you believe in Jesus and accept Him as Savior and Rescuer of your life? Do you choose to believe?
• What have you heard God telling you tonight?
• What changes do you need to make in order to apply –live today’s message?

• To do: Read at least three times out loud, and commit to memorize John 3:16

Works – Witness (15) – Ministry & Evangelism
• Mention the names of people in your circle of influence who need to truly believe in Jesus?
• What can we do as a group to bring them closer to the great Rescuer?
• Ask: Why are we here tonight? What is our vision as a group? How does our vision relates to John 3:16?
• Ask: How can we pray as a group for your needs and challenges?

Refreshments– Fellowship
• Go around during refreshment time and get to know people more in depth.

by In Light Of The Cross

Growth Group Lesson Plan #20 – Ambassadors

DIALOGUE # 20 – AMBASSADORS
by Pr Denis Sand – sanddenis@gmail.com

Objective of today’s dialogue: As the leader, help the group discussion concentrate and emphasize the idea that God has chosen us as His ambassadors, that this is a lifestyle to be lived at school, work, with friends, in parties, etc; and our mission is to call people the be reconciled with God.

Welcome (15) – Fellowship
• If you were to be chosen to be an ambassador for a country, where would you like to be sent and why?
• What do you think is the main job of an ambassador?
• Have you ever represented someone? Share with the group how it felt.

Worship (15) – Worship
• Read Psalms 89:1-2
• Your love is deep
• Amazing Grace
• Take some time to give thanks to God and today concentrate on giving thanks for those who brought to you God’s message of Salvation. Mention who were the key messengers who helped you believe and know God.
• Pray in groups.

Word (30) – Discipleship
• Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20
• What does it really means to be a new creation? v17
• What are some of the old things that are gone from your life? V17
• What is the meaning of being “in Christ”? v17 How can we do it today?
• Why do you think God has chosen teenagers, young adults and adults as His ambassadors? V19-20
• How can you be a full time ambassador of Christ in school, work, with friends, in parties?
• What is this ministry of reconciliation that we have received? V18-20
• How should we invite and call friends to be reconciled with God? V20
• How are you going to be an ambassador from now on?
• How would you summarize today´s message in one phrase?
• Ask group members: What have you heard God telling you to do?

• To do: Read out loud as a group, and commit to memorize 2 Corinthians 5:20

Works – Witness (15) – Ministry & Evangelism
• What could we do as a group to become better ambassadors of Christ?
• Share the names of friends who need to be reconciled with God?
• Pray for each of the names mentioned and make plans to invite them to your group.
• The vision of our groups is to share as ambassadors the beauty and love of Jesus with others. Challenge group members to join this vision!

Refreshments– Fellowship
• Get to know visitors, stay close to them, find out what they do, their passions and challenges.

by In Light Of The Cross

Growth Group Lesson Plan #21 – Identity

DIALOGUE # 21 – IDENTITY
by Pr Denis Sand – sanddenis@gmail.com

Objective of today’s dialogue: Invite the group to embrace our true identity. Also help the group discussion concentrate and emphasize the idea that we are God’s creatures by simply being born, but in order to become His children there is a choice each one needs to make. Talk also about the advantages of becoming a son/daughter of God.

Welcome (15) – Fellowship
• Ask everyone present to hug four people and to tell them why you are glad they are at the group meeting tonight.
• If you were ever confused with someone else, how did it make you feel?
• If you could be someone else for a day who would you be and why?

Worship (15) – Worship
• Read Psalms 139:13-17
• Holy is the Lord
• Who am I
• Take time to give thanks to God for the family in which you grew up. Mention some qualities of your family for which you are thankful to God.

Word (30) – Discipleship
• Read 1 John 3:1-3 and John 1:12-13
• What is your first reaction in knowing you are loved by God? 1 John 3:1
• What is the difference between being a creature of God and being children of God? John 1:12-13
• What do we need to do in order to become children of God? John 1:12
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of CHOOSING to be a son/daughter of God? 1 John 3:1
• Why do you think we need to choose to become God’s children? 1 John 3.1
• The world tries to define who people are by their race, color, education, passions, for what they wear, or who they listen to, but who should define our true identity and why?
• Since it’s hard for the world to know and understand our identity, what role do our actions play in letting the world know who we are? 1 John 3:1
• What changes should it bring to my life knowing my true identity and purpose in life? 1 John 3:3
• How can we “believe him” and “receive him” tonight? John 1:13
• Are you a son/daughter of God? Would you like to become one?
• Ask people to respond and share: What do you think is God telling you tonight?

• To do: Read out loud as a group, and memorize 1 John 3:1

Works – Witness (15) – Ministry & Evangelism
• Plan an activity as a group in which you can invite friends who don’t know they need to chose to be children of God.
• Ask how can we pray for you?

Refreshments– Fellowship
• Ask people about their friends who don’t know Christ, challenge them to bring them to the group meetings.

by In Light Of The Cross

Growth Group Lesson Plan #22 – Storm

DIALOGUE # 22 – STORM
by Pr Denis Sand – sanddenis@gmail.com

Objective of today’s dialogue: Challenge people to experience the peace that God wants to give us in the midst of the storms of life and to share that calmness and hope with others.

Welcome (15) – Fellowship
• What are some of the most usual difficulties that your student friends (or people in general) face in our days?
• How do they handle the stress from those situations?
• How do you usually handle stress or very difficult situations? Do you panic, look for distractions, procrastinate?

Worship (15) – Worship
• Read Psalms 46.1-3
• Shout to the Lord
• How great is thou art
• Take time to give thanks to God for the deliverance that he brought to you when you went through some hard times, storms of life. Briefly share it with the group.
• Pray together giving thanks

Word (30) – Discipleship
• Read Mark 4:35-41
• Why do you think Christians have to go through storms? V37
• Where is Jesus when we suffer in the midst of life’s storms? Why?V38
• How could Jesus sleep when His loved friends were scared to death and suffering? V38
• How do you feel and how do you react when Jesus seems to be sleeping while you are finding no way out of the storm?
• Since Jesus has the power to even control storms, what practical steps should we take when we find ourselves in one of them?
• Why is faith so important in facing the storms of our lives? V40
• How has God helped you cope with your storms or difficulties in life? Allow people to share 3 short testimonies.
• How can each one of us grow this week in our faith in Jesus? Give real ideas! Romans 10:17
• What do you think God is trying to tell you tonight?

• To do: Please read out loud as a group, and challenge members to memorize Psalms 46:1-3

Works – Witness (15) – Ministry & Evangelism
• Ask each person in the group to write down the names of friends who are going through some heavy storms.
• Ask each one to think and plan how they could share today’s message with them.
• When praying in groups of two, pray specifically for those names.
• Once again ask, each person if they need to be prayed for?

Refreshments– Fellowship
• Keep moving around, being friendly, getting to know people, loving them as Christ has loved you!

Additional Resources: Desire of Ages, 333-341 Chapter 35 – “Peace, Be Still”