If you are interested in getting involved with helping to plan the Convoy of Hope outreach event scheduled for September 6, there will be a vision casting meeting at Ebenezers Coffeehouse (2nd and F Sts. NE) tomorrow night from 7:30-8:30pm. If you need more information, check out theaterchurch.com/events or contact Chris Jarrell.

Reflection

• Godliness exemplified by actions, dedication, relationships/investment in others’ lives

Observation

• Verse 25: continue to study God’s Word
• Verse 27: caring for others is vital for God; example of Mother Theresa; importance of staying unpolluted by the world and the influence of others
  • “Unspotted” (NKJV)
  • Prayers for wisdom
  • Laying aside “filthiness”
• Verse 19: acting out in anger - what was going on at the time?
• Verse 21: “Therefore” goes back to verse 18, receiving the word and our spiritual birth through the word
  • Birth -> save -> implant -> do
  • Take away filth, implant word
• Verse 22: be doers of the word

Exploration

• Anger should be avoided; a godly life is rid of evil influences
• We deceive ourselves by not listening, justifying wrongdoings, financial decisions, being judgmental
• People who don’t obey God’s Word don’t act on what they’ve learned; they are unhappy; only listeners; unfulfilled
• Practice pure religion by ministering to those who are hurting; participating in conscious community

Reaction

• Taking a step back before reacting (having “ears to hear”)
• Protection from world’s influence: scripture, prayer, working to serve God and glorify him, removing yourself from certain situations, accountability, monitoring your thoughts, community of believers in action
• Demonstrate to others you are a Christian: attitude, priorities, caring/loving toward others, inward and outward actions

Hey all - here’s some notes I took during last week’s discussion. Enjoy!

• God chose and decided to give us life because we are the most important things to him (vs. 1
• Temptation occurs when we try to shirk personal responsibility –> God wants us to beat it
• Remain strong against temptation by surrounding yourself with believers, keeping your focus on God, and understanding/realizing your blessings
• Why is it tempting to blame God?
  • It’s easy
  • We forget he only gives good gifts
  • Human nature
• Source of temptation
  • Evil desires
  • Trapped (example: Pastor Mark’s message about the Johari Window)
  • Idea of the hook and bait - where does the worm come from?
  • Twisting of God’s resources
• Resisting temptation gives us an opportunity for good: God can work through us and against Satan
• We have an opportunity to learn from the experience of others and their reactions

Reflection

Godliness is not usually listed on many resumes. The word summarizes spiritual maturity, yet is difficult to clearly define. In extended relationships with other believers, we can usually tell who has made progress in godliness. Think of one person in your circle of relationships who truly exemplifies godliness. How has that person’s life been an example to you?

Observation

Read James 1:19-27

Exploration

How does this passage describe living a good or godly life? Where does anger fit in?
List some of the ways people can deceive themselves.
How does this passage describe people who do not obey God’s Word?
How does God bless those who study and obey his Word’s teaching?
How can you practice “pure and undefiled religion”?

Reaction

How can you have “ears to hear” God’s Word this week, and then do it?
What pressures does our culture put on us to disobey or disregard God’s Word?
List some practical ways to protect yourself from the world’s influence.
In what ways has your life changed since your conversion?
Why do we sometimes find it difficult to listen to theh Word and do what we know is right?
In what ways does your life demonstrate to others that you are a Christian?

Journaling

How has God helped me “hear” his Word recently and then obey it?

Saturday, March 8, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location: Ebenezers Coffeehouse
201 F Street NE map
Washington, DC 20002

If you are interested in starting an NCC small group or want to learn more about spiritual leadership and discipleship, register for Leadership 101. Email Pastor Heather for more information.

Reminder - this Sunday is Catacombs at 6pm at Ebenezers! It’s a great time of worship and reflection . . . encourage you to come and check it out!

Reflection

One of the classic hymns of the church is entitled ‘Count Your Blessings.’ It highlights our tendency to tally our temptations and count our complaints rather than counting our blessings. Take two minutes right now and compile as long a list as you can of all the items and people you consider as God’s blessings in your life. In what ways have you received good gifts from God?

Observation

Read James 1:12-18

Exploration

How can we remain strong to resist temptation?
How does God reward faithful people?
Why is it tempting for some people to blame God as the source of temptation?
How does James explain the source of our temptations?
List the results of continually giving in to sin.

Reaction

List new insights from this Bible passage about temptation. How does Max’s quote offer additional incentive to resist temptation?
How has the testimony of other believers helped you in your struggle against sin?
How does knowing that God is good and gives good things encourage you to fight against sin in your life?
What temptations are most difficult for you to resist? Based on this passage, how should you resist those temptations?
Is temptation itself sin? How are these two things related?
List some ways you can depend more on God for the strength to overcome sin.

Journaling

How has God set me free from sin and temptation?

We encourage you to check out the following websites that have been created for NCCers during the Lenten season:

40days.theaterchurch.com - NCCers post what they are giving up for Lent and how they are seeking God during the time leading up to Easter. This site is a great way to see what your fellow church members are doing and how God is working in their lives!

theaterchurch.com/prayer - The NCC prayer ministry has started a blog where they write out prayers each day. It’s a wonderful way to seek God during this season.

Also,  each NCC location will be hosting a Connection Cafe this weekend - it’s a great way to meet new people, even if you’ve been at NCC for a while. Jared and I will be at the Georgetown cafe on Sunday if you’d like to join us! It will be after the 10am service at Pizzeria Uno. Here are the details for the other locations:

• Ebenezer’s (Saturday) - after the 6:30pm service
• Union Station (Sunday) - after the 11:30am service, at Ebenezer’s
• Ballston (Sunday) - after the 10:30am service, Ballston Mall food court

Hey everybody, here are the questions from Chapter 1 of Life Lessons if you are unable to get the book before next week!

Reflection

The book of James deals with the practical side of faith, which means trusting God even in hard times. Think about the way you have responded to a recent problem or difficulty in your life. How would you describe your general attitude during this time? What does your response to this situation reveal about your view of God?

Observation

Read James 1:1-11

Exploration

How does Scripture encourage people to respond to trials? Why?
How has God brought good into your life through trials?
How can a person gain wisdom to deal with problems?
Why does God want us to ask for his help without doubting?
Who should not expect to receive anything from God? Why?

Reaction

How have life’s ‘thumps’ challenged you to seek God?
How has your relationship with God changed as you have gone through trials and difficulties?
In what ways does this passage relate to your present problems and frustrations?
How do you usually respond to life’s difficulties?
How can you find joy in your troubles?
Describe a time when God’s wisdom helped you through a problem.

Journaling

How can I grow closer to God through trials I am facing now?

The Free Admission small group will be focusing on the Book of James during the spring semester (February 5 - April 22, 2008). We will be using Max Lucado’s Bible study book Life Lessons: Book of James: Practical Wisdom.

If you plan to attend the group, please purchase the 2007 edition in the link.