GGBN (Week 2)

ICEBREAKERS

• What career did you want when you were a child?
• Would you rather lose your phone or have no internet?
• What was the last movie you saw?

OPEN IN PRAYER

MESSAGE REVIEW

It can be difficult to show people the love of God even when they have betrayed you or turned on you. When we have learned and received unconditional love from God, we can turn around and give it to others without conditions. The word says that if we have gifts and talents but do not have love, we have nothing. We do not want to be a cloud without water; in other words, not to be a church of only experiences. You may know people who know the word inside and out but do not have the love of God. You can see this because they do not show love to others. Love in its purest form has no expectation. God loves us, and He never gave us an explanation why. 

LET’S TALK ABOUT IT!

• Read Luke 10:25-37 In this scripture, Jesus confirmed that the way to be a “good neighbor” is to be gracious and merciful even as much as we would be for ourselves. At the end of the passage, Jesus instructs us to “go and do likewise,” as in the parable of the good Samaritan. After reading this passage and the story Jesus shared, would you say you are merciful to your neighbors? If yes or no, explain why you answered the way you did (give an example). 
• Read Luke 10:38-42 The bible says Mary & Martha had a visit from Jesus, and during his time in their home, there were two different protocols taking place. Martha was busy cooking and cleaning and concerned with many other things. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to His words, and soaked in His presence. When Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her, He said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Martha cared about stuff, and Mary cared about Him. He said what Mary did was more significant because she took advantage of that “moment.” Share with the group if you have leaned towards being more of a Mary or a Martha? Do you spend enough time being Mary so that you have strength to do the Martha work? 
• Take time this week to spend time in the Lord’s presence as Mary did so you can be filled by your “sustainable source,” which is God. Mary first sat at His feet then went to do her duty once her cup was filled. Martha will be able to prosper and grow in her work when she first sits at the feet of Jesus. Challenge for this week: Identify distractions that you may have in your life that take away from spending time with the Lord. Ask the Lord to help you “focus” on what is most important so that you can stay on course in a consistent way.

PRAYER FOCUS & REQUESTS

Ask your members if they have any prayer requests or praise reports. Pray and encourage one another to watch for the “Mary moments” and take advantage of them especially this week!