Generosity Series - Revealed in Prayer

If you were unable to be with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

Read Acts 10 (This is long!)
1. Think back to when you first began giving financially to the church.  What were you thinking?  How did you feel?  What moved you from a place of not giving to a place of giving?  Was it 'one and done' for awhile, or was it the beginning of regular giving?
2. Why do you think it is so hard for us to talk about our giving to the church?
3. Mtr. Mary spoke of how when we're 'prayed up,' spending regular time with God, that we feel more connected to God and so know his will for us more and more.  What has been your experience of prayer and your relationship with God?  What was a sign or indication to you that your relationship with God was deepening?
4. As we are formed by God in prayer he requires more of us.  Why do you think this is?  Why is God not content to leave us where we are?  Share with the group an example of how this has been true for you.
5. Part of being formed by God in prayer is moving from a 'me-centered' existence to a God-centered existence.  Share with the group an incident or realization that brought this home for you.
6. Richard Rohr says that all spiritual growth comes from shedding or letting go, versus through adding or taking on.  If this is true, why might it be true that we need to let go of our stuff and money to move closer to God?  What are some examples of the things in life that we cling to instead of letting them go?  Share with the group an example of clinging to something/someone that you should have let go.
7. What is the scariest aspect of submitting your will to God's will?  What do you think could help you with this?
8. Are you living as if you trust that Jesus came so that we might have life...and that abundantly?

Week of January 13, 2013

1. Read Deuteronomy 26:1-11.
2. Do you know someone who you think is a really grateful person?  What makes them that way?  What are they like?
3. Do you know someone who is ungrateful?  What makes them that way?  What are they like?
4. Note the future tense in v. 1-2.  God had a good plan for Israel! Do you think He has a good plan for you? What does that plan involve?  How do you know what that plan is?
5. What do you think of the concept of first fruits?  Why is this important?
6. Is it hard for you to be grateful to God for where you are going?  Why or why not?
7. Read v. 3.  When they make their offering their offering, the Lord wants them to take ownership of their blessing "today"!  What is keeping you from being more grateful today? 
8. Read v. 4-10.  Why does God ask them to retell their story as they give?  
9. Do you know the history of St. Andrew's?  Tell it in your group for those who may not know.
10. What is your story?  How has God been faithful to you?  Can you be grateful for where you've been?
11. Is there a connection between gratitude and generosity do you think?  What steps can you take this week to be more grateful?

Week of January 6, 2013

1. Read Matthew 2:1-12.
2. Who are three "Magi" or wise men to whom you look for input into your life today?
3. What do you know about Bethlehem?  Why was it important that Jesus be born there?
4. Why do you think that the Magi left everything behind to follow a star?
5. Why was Herod so concerned that the baby be found?
6. What kind of Messiah does the prophecy from Micah portray?
7. Trace the responses of the Magi upon seeing Jesus.  How is that similar to the response that Christians make to Jesus?  How is it different?
8. Why didn't the Magi return to Herod?
9. What do the star, the Magi, the gifts, the homage, the hostility, and the prophecy teach about the nature and significance of Jesus?
10. What "star" are you following right now?  Where is it taking you?
11. In your journey toward God, how are you like the Magi?  Unlike them?  How far along that journey are you?
12. What is the "gold, incense and myrrh" in your life?  How much of this (time, talent, riches or whatever) have you offered to Jesus?
13. Pray for one another....