Author Archives: openarmsmike
The Heart of Neighboring
- What was one thing about this message that you found particularly compelling, encouraging, challenging, or beneficial?
- In what ways is the moral fabric of our nation becoming unraveled? How ought the church live in the midst of such divisive days?
- Read and discuss Luke 6:40, Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 12:30-31. What do these show us about Jesus’ mission and vision for His church?
- Read through and consider the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. How does the gospel compel us to love others with the love of Christ?
- How does Jesus turn the word “neighbor” from a noun into a verb? What are the implications of this?
- What is the difference between “do no harm neighboring” and “active/present neighboring”? What do the Scriptures call us to?
- How would you describe the depth of love you have for your neighbors?
- Why do you think God has put you in the lives of the people around you? What obstacles keep you from neigbhoring well?
- What is one practical way you can grow in your love for others? In what ways do you need to “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37)?
- Spend time in prayer for things you’ve discussed. Give thanks to God that in Jesus, He was neighbor to us. Pray that He would give you strength, passion and a plan to obey in the direction of His command to love our neighbors.
If we truly know Jesus, we will not allow time, fear of awkwardness, a judgmental spirit, or other obstacles to hinder us from loving our neighbors as ourselves. To follow up on The Heart of Neighboring message, here are some resources and starting points for you to consider as you apply Jesus’ call to “be neighbor” to those around us (Luke 10:36-37).
EQUIPPING THE SAINTS COURSE: The Art of Neighboring
This course looks at “His Kingdom come” in your neighborhood – practical ways to be salt and light close to home. This 4-session class will include a biblical basis for neighborhood ministry and will cover the means, methods, and resources available. We’ll discuss topics like meeting felt needs in Jesus’ name, the impact of everyday kindness, youth coaching and other community involvement, and the power of hospitality, among others. You’ll hear from other RBC brothers and sisters and learn from their victories as well as their failures. Our next session will be held March 8-29, 2020 on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
BOOKS & ONLINE RESOURCES
- The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World (Amazon)
- The Simplest Way to Change the World: Biblical Hospitality as a Way of Life (Amazon)
- The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door (Amazon)
- TheNeighboringLife.com Resources (Website)
Lessons from Marriage, Part 1: Adjust Your Aim – Marriage and the Glory of God (audio)
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to “glorify” or “magnify” God?
- In what ways can we do the “right” things, but fail to glorify God?
- How can this principle protect and nourish your marriage or your parenting?
- Can you share practical examples of glorifying God in marriage or parenting?
- What things do you need to repent of, that have become roadblocks to glorifying God in your family?
Body, Soul, and Spirit: Intimacy in Marriage, Part 4 (audio)
Intimacy is far more than simply the physical or the sensual. Intimacy in marriage is a beautiful and intricate dance between body, soul, and spirit.
Discussion Questions
- Remember – What kinds of things did you “do at first” that you have let die?
- Repent – What attitudes or excuses have you let stop you from investing in your marital intimacy?
- Return/Repair – Do you have any ideas for things you can do “as you did at first”?
- Rejoice – What is/are the top 1 or 2 things about your spouse that you love and value the most? What is your favorite thing about being married to your spouse?
Body, Soul, & Spirit: Intimacy in Marriage, Part 3 (audio)
Intimacy is far more than simply the physical or the sensual. Intimacy in marriage is a beautiful and intricate dance between body, soul, and spirit.
Notes & Discussion Questions
Roadblock removal & Bridge Repair
- Bridge Repair in the Spirit
- Prayer & Confession (James 5:6, Matt 18:19-20)
- Abiding in the Word (John 15:4 & 7)
- Abiding in the Body (Hebrews 10:25, 1 John 1:3)
- ?
Bridge Repair in the Soul
- Know yourself (Lamentations 3:40, Romans 12:3)
- Know your spouse (1 Corinthians 12:21)
- Find ways to “do” life together
- Take care of your emotional health (Proverbs 14:30, 17:22)
- ?
Bridge Repair in the Body
- Take care of the “temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 3 John 1:2)
- Men: Woo & pursue (Song of songs 5:2)
- Ladies: Desire & entice (Song of songs 3:4)
- ?
- What bridges have you found to be either washed out or damaged? How has that shown up in your relationship?
- What heart/attitude adjustments do you need to make?
- What steps can you be taking together to rebuild those bridges?
- How can we be praying for one another in our marriage?
Body, Soul, & Spirit: Intimacy in Marriage, Part 2 (audio)
Intimacy is far more than simply the physical or the sensual. Intimacy in marriage is a beautiful and intricate dance between body, soul, and spirit.
Week 2 – Roadblocks to Intimacy
Discussion Questions
- Do you agree with what Mike said about the importance of the sexual aspect of the marriage relationship? Why or why not?
- Which roadblocks have you, or are you, experiencing in your marriage?
What obstacles are keeping you from experiencing greater intimacy in your marriage; body, soul, and spirit?
- Roadblocks in the Spirit
- Unbiblical view of intimacy in marriage
- Broken fellowship
- Lack of vitality in your Christian walk
- Isolation from Christian community
- Roadblocks in the Soul
- Unbiblical view of ourselves
- Broken relationship
- Lack of vitality in the friendship
- Boredom in the Bedroom
- Roadblocks in the Body
- Poor physical health/fitness
- Low energy
- Stress
- Disparate Drive
Body, Soul, and Spirit: Intimacy in Marriage, Part 1 (Audio)
Intimacy is far more than simply the physical or the sensual. Intimacy in marriage is a beautiful and intricate dance between body, soul, and spirit.
Discussion questions:
- On a scale of 1-10, how awkward is this topic?
- Do you agree with the statement regarding the reversal of body, soul, and spirit in the marriage relationship? Why or why not?
- Of the four areas we touched on, which is the one that resonates the most, and can you give an example from your marriage?
Key Verses
Part 1 – God’s Design & Intention
God’s objective for your marriage: Oneness – Body, Soul, & Spirit
– Ephesians 5:31
The Three Bridges to Intimacy
- Joy, Delight, & Desire
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- Proverbs 5:18
- Ecclesiastes 9:9
- Song of Songs 2:3
- Song of Songs 7:7-10
- Proverbs 5:18
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- Purity, Honor, & Faithfulness
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- Song of songs 2:2-3
- Proverbs 5:15-17
- Hebrews 13:4
- Malachi 2:15
- Song of songs 2:2-3
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- Romance & Love
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- 1 Corinthians 7:5, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
- Song of Songs 2:16
- 1 Corinthians 7:5, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
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Welcome to the Jungle: Parenting, temptation, and the digital jungle
Fathers must be diligent and intentional about protecting their sons and daughters and preparing them to walk through the “jungle” of digital technology.
Bootcamp to Battlefield – Colossians 3:1-17
A message given at Reston Bible Church – October 14, 2018
When you put your faith in Christ, you enter into a new life, you place yourself under a new authority, you take on a new identity, you are given a new purpose, and you have a new love.
DOWNLOAD AUDIO HERE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- What was one thing from this message that you found particularly interesting, helpful, or challenging?
- If someone were to ask you to explain what Christianity is all about, what would you tell him?
- What do life, authority, identity, purpose, and love look like in the world? How are they different in Christ? How did your life change when you came to faith in Christ and “put on the new self”?
- Read and discuss Colossians 3:1-17. How does this passage describe and instruct your new life, new authority, new identity, new purpose, and new love in Christ?
- What does it mean to say that Christ “is your life”? Can you profess that with a whole heart? If not, what is holding you back?
- What does unity in the body of Christ look like? Why is that unity such a powerful testimony to the world?
- Spend some time in prayer that God would help you so that “whatever you do, whether in word or deed” would be done in the name of Jesus.
