Blog

Uncategorized

13
Feb

SMALL GROUP GUIDES FOR YOUTH: FRESH (Week 3)

Big Idea of the Series: This four-week series is about tackling any image problem we may have of God, ourselves, and the Church.  During this series, we want to encourage students to gain a “fresh” perspective of the value of being the Church and being connected.  We will suggest that the most “fresh” approach to our community together is actually really old. Instead of creating something new from scratch, we’ll learn from the church in Acts about ways to truly live out a faithful presence in the world.

Week 3

Text: Acts 2:36–41

Topic: Evangelism, Charity, Mission

Big Idea of the Message:  We can’t always change the way we are viewed by the world; we have to trust God to change people’s minds.

Application Point: We must learn how to present the gospel to a dying world, but we must also trust the Holy Spirit to convict people’s hearts because we can’t do that.

Key Statement:

  • I can trust God with every area of my life.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
    1. What is the hardest part of having to live out the Gospel?
    1. How do you feel knowing that you can’t guarantee changing someone’s heart?
    1. What kinds of bad things can happen if we think we can do all the work ourselves?
    1. What do you think is most attractive to other people about the church?
    1. How can we share our weird message in a loving way?

Steps:  Challenge students pray about sharing their faith in creative ways through social media this week.


06
Feb

Small Group Guide for YOUTH: FRESH (Week 2)

Big Idea of the Series: This four-week series is about tackling any image problem we may have of God, ourselves, and the Church.  During this series, we want to encourage students to gain a “fresh” perspective of the value of being the Church and being connected.  We will suggest that the most “fresh” approach to our community together is actually really old. Instead of creating something new from scratch, we’ll learn from the church in Acts about ways to truly live out a faithful presence in the world

2/6/19

Text: Acts 4:32–35,

Topic: Unity, Generosity, Evangelism

Big Idea of the Message: Practicing generosity and evangelism show the world that Christ unifies and strengthens us.

Application Point: Effective evangelism requires us to GIVE AS WE LIVE out our faith in our church, school, and community.  This reflects God’s generous character.

Texto: Hechos 4: 32–35

Tema: Unidad, Generosidad, Evangelismo

Gran idea del mensaje: Practicar la generosidad y el evangelismo muestran al mundo que Cristo nos une y nos fortalece.

Punto de aplicación: El evangelismo efectivo nos exige DAR MIENTRAS VIVIMOS nuestra fe en nuestra iglesia, escuela y comunidad. Esto refleja el carácter generoso de Dios.

Key Statement:

  • MS: I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
  • HS: I must put others first and treat others the way God treats me.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
    1. What is one thing we can learn from the early church?
    1. What possessions are you least likely to share or give away? Why?
    1. How can you serve other people in our church in a way that gives away your time, talents, or treasure?
    1. What can we do about that?

Review our Church STRATEGY:  LOVE = CARE + SHARE.  CARE about others and their needs by compassion in action.  SHARE what we have, what we know, and who we know (Jesus).  Because God has been good to us, we should be good to others to show others how good God is! (Matt 5:16)

Good to know:  This verse is used to say that Jesus was a socialist, which is false.  The people gave freely without the government telling them to.  If the government takes from some without their permission to give to others, that is not Christian generosity.  That’s stealing.

Steps:  Challenge students to be generous this week at school and at home with their TIME (hang out with someone, help around the house), TALENT (tutor someone, serve), or TREASURE (buy a friend, a stranger, parent a gift).

30
Jan

Small Group Guide for YOUTH: FRESH (Week 1)

Big Idea of the Series: This four-week series is about tackling any image problem we may have of God, ourselves, and the Church.  During this series, we want to encourage students to gain a “fresh” perspective of the value of being the Church and being connected.  We will suggest that the most “fresh” approach to our community together is actually really old. Instead of creating something new from scratch, we’ll learn from the church in Acts about ways to truly live out a faithful presence in the world.

Week 1

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10–17

Topic: Division, Status, Unity

Big Idea of the Message: When we fight over what “group” we belong to and we don’t look for ways to include others, we aren’t showing the world the message that unites us.

Application Point: Champion “OUR” group as a Church.

Key Statement:

  • MS: I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
  • HS: I must put others first and treat others the way God treats me.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
    1. Have you ever felt embarrassed of your faith or your church? What kind of negative stereotypes did other people have? Were the stereotypes accurate in any way?
    1. What divisions do you think we struggle with the most?
    1. Have you ever had a leader or a celebrity disappoint you? What did you do?
    1. How can we connect with each other better to encourage each other better?
    1. How can we make sure our loyalty is highest to Christ?
    1. How can I pray for you?

Our love for one another is going to inspire the world.

Step: Challenge kids to draw a bigger circle and interact with someone inside their small group that they don’t know very well. 

04
Sep

Aviva TDD = Revival Week 2018

(Read in English below)

“Inclina mi corazón a tus testimonios.
Aparta mis ojos, que no vean la vanidad;
Avívame en tu camino.  Confirma tu palabra a tu siervo,
Que te teme”. Salmo 119:36-38

¿Qué es un despertamiento espiritual?   Cómo podemos encender un avivamiento, en nuestra vida personal y comunitaria? Avivamiento es renovación de vida.    Un avivamiento no es nada más,  que un nuevo comienzo de obediencia a Dios, y relación de intimidad con Dios.

El primer paso hacia un avivamiento, que rasgue el corazón y nos postre en   el polvo delante de Dios con verdadera humildad y abandono del pecado es el arrepentimiento de las obras muertas   pecaminosas que nos asechan diariamente. El segundo paso es la conversión del alma por medio de la Fe en la Palabra del Evangelio. Y el tercer paso es la   oración intencionada y fervorosa de las almas sedientas de la Presencia de Dios.

Durante 21 días, tú y yo vamos a tener la oportunidad de separarnos para Dios participando de esta cruzada avivadora de despertamiento espiritual.

Ora diariamente, haz lectura de los textos bíblicos y ayuna bajo la dirección del Espíritu Santo. Acerquémonos a Dios con un corazón dispuesto para avivar el fuego del don del Espíritu Dios que está en nosotros por amor al Señor Jesús! ¡Móntate sobre la ola del avivamiento   del Tabernáculo de Dios!

AVIVA T.D.D es tu nueva ventana     temporal de despertamiento espiritual. Señor, ¡avívanos en tu camino!

Instrucciones Especiales:

Durante los próximos 21 días te recomendamos pasar un mínimo de una hora diaria en la presencia de Dios, alabando, orando y meditando en la Palabra. Y durante tus tiempos de oración siempre deberás pedirle al Señor que te revele las áreas de tu vida que aun necesitan ser avivadas por el Espíritu.

En adición, ayunarás un mínimo de una comida al día (te recomendamos el ayuno de Wesley de 12:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. diariamente). Recuerda que ayunar es NO COMER. Ayuna buscando la dirección de Dios bajo la unción de su Espíritu. Ayuna como el Señor te indique que debes ayunar. No ayunes con una   actitud de religiosidad … para ser oído por Dios.       Separa un tiempo especial para leer las meditaciones bíblicas y mientras las lees, reflexiona en el mensaje renovador de la Palabra, prestándole atención a la voz del Espíritu Santo. ¡Dios desea hablar a tu corazón!

Aprovechemos esta ventana de avivamiento.

¡Empecemos esta jornada de renovación espiritual!

 

Día 1                                                                                

Tema: Avivamiento es Obediencia a Dios

Lectura bíblica: Salmo 119:33-40    Avivamiento es un nuevo comienzo de obediencia a Dios que nos postra en el polvo delante de Dios con verdadera humildad, contrición y abandon del pecado que nos asecha.

Día 2                                                                                        

Tema: Avivamiento Es Renovación Espiritual

Lectura bíblica: Salmo 85:1-7  Avivamiento es la renovación de la vida spiritual que Dios nos ha dado en Cristo Jesús. No hay vida abundante sin un proceso constante de renovación espiritual y relación íntima con Dios.

Día 3                                                                                          

Tema: Avivamiento Es Búsqueda Espiritual                                                                                                                                         Lectura bíblica: Oseas 10:1-12  Uno de los requisitos importantes del avivamiento  es la búsqueda del reino espiritual de Dios; por ende, el que desea avivamiento tiene que buscar al Señor.

Día 4                                                                                        

Tema: Sin Arrepentimiento No Hay Avivamiento.  Lectura bíblica: Hechos 3:11-21 El que desea recibir un nuevo tiempo de refrigerio  y despertamiento espiritual tiene que arrepentirse de sus pecados, para acercarse al Santo de Israel.  Es tiempo de auto examinar nuestra vida cristiana.

Día 5                                                                                        

Tema: Sin Gracia No Hay Avivamiento.  Lectura bíblica: Zacarías 12:10-11 Los que miramos al que fue traspasado por causa de nuestras transgresiones, nos arrepentimos al pie de la cruz para recibir por gracia un deseo vivo de buscar el rostro de Dios en oración.   ¡Miremos al traspasado!

Día 6                                                                                

Tema: Sin Oración No Hay Avivamiento.  Lectura bíblica: Romanos 8:20-27  Los que en esperanza fuimos salvos, dependemos de la dirección del Espíritu Santo para la búsqueda de nuestra renovación y despertamiento espiritual.

Día 7                                                                                        

Tema: La  raciónAvivadora                                                                                                                                                                                 Lectura bíblica: Santiago 5:13-16  Juntamente con el arrepentimiento y la onfesión  de las ofensas a Dios y al prójimo ofendido, llega el perdón y la restauración, con el poder de la ración.   ¡Confesemos y oremos para ser sanados por Dios!

Día 8                                                                                      

Tema: El Poder de la Fe. Lectura bíblica: Marcos 11:20-24. Nada acontece por casualidad o coincidencia.    Los avivamientos nacen cuando la iglesia ora creyendo que Dios es Dios y que él es el Avivador de su pueblo.    Oremos al Señor con fe por nuestro avivamiento.

Día 9                                                                                         

 Tema: El Descuido Espiritual. Lectura bíblica: Hebreos 5:11-14  Los cristianos tenemos más culpa de no ser reavivados  que los pecadores de no ser convertidos. Por tanto, debemos buscar el avivamiento para evitar la apostasía.

Día 10                                                                                        

Tema: Frivolidad Espiritual o Avivamiento                                                                                                                                                     Lectura bíblica: Apocalipsis 2:1-7  Lejos del fuego del Espíritu el corazón se va enfriando hasta llegar a una condición de tibieza espiritual     diferente al primer amor cristiano. Y tu corazón, ¿cómo está? ¿Cómo está tu relación con Dios?

Día 11                                                                                        

Tema: La Hipocresía de la Religiosidad.   Lectura bíblica: Mateo 6:16-18  Los que se esconden detrás de fachas religiosas,  como los fariseos, tienen la apariencia de ser espirituales… sin ser espirituales. Avivamiento no es un asunto de religión, sino del corazón.

Día 12                                                                                         

Tema: La Necedad de la Carnalidad.   Lectura bíblica: Gálatas 5:16-26   Cuando hay disensiones, celos y murmuraciones entre los que profesan ser cristianos, entonces hay gran necesidad de un avivamiento. ¡Andemos en el Espíritu para no satisfacer los deseos de la carne!

Día 13                                                                                        

Tema: La Trampa de la Mundanalidad.  Lectura bíblica: 1 Juan 2:15-17 Es evidente, que cuando hay un espíritu mundano en la Iglesia. La iglesia necesita avivarse en al fuego del Espíritu Santo. ¡Dile que no al amor del mundo!

Día 14                                                                                          

Tema: No Hay Avivamiento Sin Evangelización.    Lectura bíblica: 1 Corintios 9:16-22  Una evidencia de la ausencia del avivamiento es el poco interés por la evangelización de los perdidos. Pablo procuró ganar a todos los perdidos, porque  su corazón ardía con el fuego de Dios.

Día 15                                                                                          

Tema: Avivamiento es Acercamiento a Dios. Lectura bíblica: Santiago 4:1-10 No hay vida espiritual sin Dios. No hay amor fraternal sin relación con Dios. Y no hay avivamiento en la lejanía de Dios. Acércate a Dios, y él se acercara a ti.

Día 16                                                                                          

Tema: Dios es el Autor del Avivamiento. Lectura bíblica: Habacuc 3:1-4.    Cuando nosotros nos humillamos, nos arrepentimos  de nuestros pecados y oramos, ¡Dios enciende la llama del avivamiento en nuestros corazones!

Día 17                                                                                          

Tema: Promesa de Avivamiento.  Lectura bíblica: 2 Crónicas 7:12-14   Este pasaje bíblico es muy conocido y citado por  todos los que anhelamos un avivamiento. Amado (a), es tiempo de hacer lo que Dios pide, para alcanzar  SU PROMESA de Avivamiento.

Día 18                                                                                          

Tema: La Unidad y el Avivamiento. Lectura bíblica: Mateo 18:18-20 La oración de acuerdo mutuo es muy poderosa,  y esta calidad de oración depende de nuestra unidad.   Oremos en acuerdo mutuo por nuestro avivamiento.

Día 19                                                                                          

Tema: La Obediencia y el Avivamiento. Lectura bíblica: 2 Reyes 18:3-6 Durante el reinado de Ezequías hubo avivamiento     porque Ezequías puso su esperanza en el Eterno, para OBEDECER sus mandamientos. Y tú, ¿lo harás?

Día 20                                                                                          

Tema: ¿Quieres cambiar o deseas ser igual?                                                                                                                                       Lectura bíblica: Romanos 12:1-2.   Los cristianos no debemos ser conformistas”.  Pablo menciona que no debemos conformarnos al mundo, si deseamos ser transformados por Dios.

Día 21                                                                                        

Tema: Avivamiento es Amor por la Palabra.  Lectura bíblica: Salmo 119:158-160 El camino hacia un avivamiento es el amor   y la perseverancia en la Palabra de Dios. ¡Amén!

 

 

REVIVAL WEEK 201

36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.

Psalm 119:36-38 (ESV)

 

What is a spiritual awakening? How can we ignite a revival, in our personal and community life? Revival is renewal of life. A revival is nothing more, than a new beginning of obedience to God, and a relationship of intimacy with God.

The first step towards a revival, that tears the heart and descends in the dust before God with true humility and abandonment of sin is the repentance of the sinful dead works that daily haunt us. The second step is the conversion of the soul through Faith in the Word of the Gospel. And the third step is the intentional and fervent prayer of the thirsty souls of the Presence of God.

For 21 days, you and I will have the opportunity to grow closer to God by participating in this revival crusade of spiritual awakening.

Pray daily, read the biblical texts and fast under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Let us approach God with a heart ready to stoke the fire of the gift of the Spirit God who is in us for the love of the Lord Jesus! Ride on the wave of the revival with us.

RISE UP TGC is your new temporary window of spiritual awakening. Lord, help us on your way!

 

Special instructions:

During the next 21 days we recommend spending a minimum of one hour a day in the presence of God, praising, praying and meditating on the Word. And during your times of prayer you should always ask the Lord to reveal to you the areas of your life that still need to be revived by the Spirit.

In addition, you will fast a minimum of one meal a day (we recommend Wesley’s fast from 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily). Remember that fasting is NOT EATING. Fast seeking the direction of God under the anointing of his Spirit. Fast as the Lord tells you to fast. Do not fast with an attitude of religiosity … to be heard by God. Set aside a special time to read the biblical meditations and as you read them, reflect on the renewing message of the Word, paying attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit. God wants to speak to your heart!

Let’s take advantage of this revival window.  Let’s start this journey of spiritual renewal!

 

Day 1 Theme: Revival is Obedience to God Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 33-40 Revival is a new beginning of obedience to God who prostrates us in the dust before God with true humility, contrition and abandonment of sin that haunts us.

Day 2 Theme: Revival Is Spiritual Renewal Scripture Reading: Psalm 85: 1-7 Revival is the renewal of the spiritual life that God has given us in Christ Jesus. There is no abundant life without a constant process of spiritual renewal and intimate relationship with God.

Day 3 Theme: Revival Is Spiritual Search Scripture Reading: Hosea 10: 1-12 One of the important requirements of revival is the search for the spiritual kingdom of God; therefore, the one who wants revival has to seek the Lord.

Day 4 Theme: No Repentance No Revival Scripture Reading: Acts 3: 11-21 He who wishes to receive a new time of refreshment and spiritual awakening must repent of his sins, to approach the Holy One of Israel. It is time to examine our Christian life.

Day 5 Theme: Without Grace No Revival Scripture Reading: Zechariah 12: 10-11 Those of us who look at the one who was pierced because of our transgressions, repent at the foot of the cross to receive by grace a living desire to seek the face of God in prayer. Let’s look at the pierced!

Day 6 Theme: No Prayer No Revival Scripture Reading: Romans 8: 20-27 Those of us who were saved in hope depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the search for our renewal and spiritual awakening.

Day 7 Topic: The Fiery Prayer Scripture Reading: James 5: 13-16 Along with repentance and confession of offenses to God and our offended neighbor, comes forgiveness and restoration, with the power of prayer. Let us confess and pray to be healed by God!

Day 8 Theme: The Power of Faith Scripture Reading: Mark 11: 20-24 Nothing happens by chance or coincidence. The revivals are born when the church prays believing that God is God and that he is the awakener of his people. Let us pray to the Lord with faith for our revival.

Day 9 Topic: Spiritual Neglect Scripture Reading: Hebrews 5: 11-14 Christians are more to blame for not being revived than sinners not to be converted. Therefore, we must seek revival to avoid apostasy.

Day 10 Theme: Spiritual Frivolity or Revival Scripture Reading: Revelation 2: 1-7 Far from the fire of the Spirit, the heart grows cold until it reaches a condition of spiritual warmth different from the first Christian love. And your heart, how is it? How is your relationship with God?

Day 11 Topic: The Hypocrisy of Religiousness Scripture Reading: Matthew 6: 16-18 Those who hide behind religious faces, like the Pharisees, have the appearance of being spiritual … without being spiritual. Revival is not a matter of religion, but of the heart.

Day 12 Theme: The Foolishness of Carnality Scripture Reading: Galatians 5: 16-26 When there are dissensions, jealousies and murmuring among professing Christians, then there is great need for a revival. Let us walk in the Spirit so as not to satisfy the desires of the flesh!

Day 13 Topic: The Worldliness Trap Scripture Reading: 1 John 2: 15-17 The church needs to be stirred up in the fire of the Holy Spirit when we care more about the ways of this world that God’s ways. Ask God to remove the love for the ways of this world!

Day 14 Theme: There is No Revival Without Evangelization Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9: 16-22 Evidence of the absence of revival is the lack of interest in the evangelization of the lost. Paul sought to win all the lost, because his heart burned with the fire of God.

Day 15 Theme: Revival is Approach to God Scripture Reading: James 4: 1-10 There is no spiritual life without God. There is no brotherly love without relationship with God. And there is no revival when there is distance from God. Get close to God, and he will approach you.

Day 16 Theme: God is the Author of Revival Scripture Reading: Habakkuk 3: 1-4 When we humble ourselves, repent of our sins and pray, God lights the flame of revival in our hearts!

Day 17 Theme: Promise of Revival Biblical reading: 2 Chronicles 7: 12-14 This biblical passage is well known and cited by all who long for a revival. Beloved, it is time to do what God asks, to receive His PROMISE of Revival.

Day 18 Theme: Unity and Revival Scripture reading: Matthew 18: 18-20 The prayer of mutual agreement is very powerful, and this quality of prayer depends on our unity. Pray in mutual agreement for our revival.

Day 19 Theme: Obedience and Revival Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 18: 3-6 During Hezekiah’s reign there was revival because Hezekiah put his hope in the Eternal, as he strive to OBEY his commandments. And you, will you?

Day 20 Theme: Do you want to change or do you want to be the same? Biblical reading: Romans 12: 1-2 Christians should not be “conformist.” Paul mentions that we should not conform to the world, if we want to be transformed by God.

Day 21 Theme: Revival is Love for the Word Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 158-160 The road to a revival is love and perseverance in the Word of God. Amen!

 

 

 

27
Aug
21
Mar

Day 17

Theme: Consecration of the Riches to God.

Bible Reading:

Micah 4:6-13 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Lord Shall Rescue Zion
6
In that day, declares the Lord,
I will assemble the lame
and gather those who have been driven away
and those whom I have afflicted;
7
and the lame I will make the remnant,
and those who were cast off, a strong nation;
and the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion
from this time forth and forevermore.
8
And you, O tower of the flock,
hill of the daughter of Zion,
to you shall it come,
the former dominion shall come,
kingship for the daughter of Jerusalem.
9
Now why do you cry aloud?
Is there no king in you?
Has your counselor perished,
that pain seized you like a woman in labor?
10
Writhe and groan, O daughter of Zion,
like a woman in labor,
for now you shall go out from the city
and dwell in the open country;
you shall go to Babylon.
There you shall be rescued;
there the Lord will redeem you
from the hand of your enemies.
11
Now many nations
are assembled against you,
saying, “Let her be defiled,
and let our eyes gaze upon Zion.”
12
But they do not know
the thoughts of the Lord;
they do not understand his plan,
that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing floor.
13
Arise and thresh,
O daughter of Zion,
for I will make your horn iron,
and I will make your hoofs bronze;
you shall beat in pieces many peoples;
and shall devote their gain to the Lord,
their wealth to the Lord of the whole earth.

Thought: The Lord promised us prosperity. Not for us! … But for his glory and kingdom.

04
Apr

Day 13 of Prayer & Fasting

Lamentations 3:39-41 (ESV)

39 Why should a living man complain,

a man, about the punishment of his sins?

40 Let us test and examine our ways,

and return to the Lord!

41 Let us lift up our hearts and hands

to God in heaven:

The verses for today outline a common theme that the prophets would declare to the exiled nation of Israel.  Their sin and rebellion produced a stubborn heart which eventually lead them to be enslaved by a foreign nation.  The same can happen to us.

It’s not likely that another nation’s army will invade your home because of your sin, but having a liberal approach to God’s way can lead us to a slavery of the mind, heart, and soul.

This is an example of one of Heaven’s paradoxes.  Sin says “Be free and surrender to YOUR own way”, but in the end you end up a slave.  God says, “Be holy and surrender to MY way” and as a result you will find liberty!

Application:

Ask the Holy Spirit today to reveal to you any areas of your lives that you have not surrendered to God.  If you return to God in this way God will lead you into a greater level of liberty while at the same time leading you away from being a slave to sin!

05
Jan

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT WITH YOUR FAMILY

Have you started your new years resolutions yet?  Have you but you’ve already given them up?

We found this great article from www.Christianity.com that features 30 ideas for 30 days to create some great habits.  CLICK HERE to read the article.

Also, make sure to select a Bible reading plan for this year.  YOUVERSION has some great ones that last a few days and cover one topic to reading the Bible from cover to cover in one year.

No matter what you do, make sure to SEEK GOD 1st and admire His love for you that He displayed in the life of JESUS CHRIST and you’ll see how 2016 will be better than 2015!