The sermon for this week from the series “Kickin’ It Old School: Genesis” is titled “God’s Purpose Through Pain“.

START IT – Connecting with each other

• Joseph was 17 in Chapter 37 when he had his dream.  Did you have any dreams for your life when you were that age?  How have they changed in the years that have gone by?
• What are one or two things that struck you as interesting in the sermon?  What did you find challenging?

STUDY IT – Genesis 37-45

• What was it about Joseph that made his brothers angry enough to send him into slavery?
• While Joseph was in prison he interpreted two dreams.  What were they and what was their significance?
• What was Pharaoh’s dream?  How did this dream come true in the years to follow?
• What was it about the personality of Joseph that allowed him to follow God through prison and then to eventually become a leader of Egypt?
• What was God’s purpose through pain?

LIVE IT – Applying the truth of Scripture to life

• Have you ever been deeply jealous of someone?  What was that experience like and how did it affect your relationship with that person?
• In Genesis 39:20-23 we read that (1) that Joseph was put into jail and (2) that the Lord was with Joseph.  How can this be?  If you were Joseph would you have blamed God for what was happening to you?
• What insights and personal applications did you find in the sermon?

PRAY IT

• Joys and Challenges:  What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
• Application:   Thank God that he is in control of our lives, and that even though things can be painful it is all done for our good.
• Here at Northminster:  Pray for all of the small groups, that God would reveal himself in new ways to every person who is in a group.
• Beyond Northminster: Pray for all those in our neighborhood who have not experienced the life-giving love of God.

The sermon for this week from the series “Kickin’ It Old School: Genesis” is titled “Chosen“.

START IT – Connecting with each other

• If someone were going to prepare you a tasty meal what would you want them to make?

• What are one or two things that struck you as interesting in the sermon?  What did you find challenging?

STUDY IT – Genesis 27:1-41

• Read the story of Jacob and Esau from Genesis 27:1-41 out loud.  What stands out for you in this passage?  What questions do you have?
• In this passage we learn that Isaac was tricked into giving his blessing to Jacob instead of Esau.  Do you think that God was also tricked by this? (See Genesis 25:23)
• What was the blessing that Jacob was given?
• What was the future for Esau that Isaac described?
• Why would God bless Jacob even though he lied to his father?

LIVE IT – Applying the truth of Scripture to life

• How does it make you feel that the Bible is filled with stories of God blessing people who have the same failings that you and I have?
• In Genesis 32 Jacob wrestles with God.  In verse 28 God changes his name to Israel which means “He struggles with God.”  Why do you think God chose to name his people with this title?
• What insights and personal applications did you find in the sermon?

PRAY IT

• Joys and Challenges:  What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
• Application:   Thank God that he chooses to bless us in spite of our shortcomings and failures.
• Here at Northminster:  Pray for Northminster’s Worship Band.  Let’s thank God for all their hard work preparing music to help us worship each Sunday.  And ask God to encourage and guide them as they continue to lead us in worship each week.
• Beyond Northminster: Pray for those in our neighborhood who are struggling financially during this recession.  Pray that God would provide for them.

The sermon for this week from the series “Kickin’ It Old School: Genesis” is titled “Tested“.

START IT – Connecting with each other

• In Genesis 12:1-4 we heard about the long journey that Abram was sent on by God. Talk about a long journey that you have been on.
• What are one or two things that struck you as interesting in the sermon? What did you find challenging?

STUDY IT – Genesis 22:1-14

• Read the story of Abraham in Genesis 22:1-14 out loud. What stands out for you in this passage? What questions do you have?
• Why would God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son?
• How does Abraham respond to God’s request to sacrifice Isaac? Does this surprise you?

LIVE IT – Applying the truth of Scripture to life

• Have you ever felt like God has asked you to let go of something that you are holding on to tightly? How did that make you feel?
• It was through Isaac that God brought about his people Israel. Reflect on what it means those who are God’s children are a people offered as a sacrifice to God. How does He want us to live?
• Genesis 22:12 records God saying these words to Abraham: “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God.” What does it mean to fear God? In what way does He want us to fear him?

PRAY IT

• Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
• Application: Ask the Lord to grant you the fear of him that he desires, that our lives may be shaped by the reality that he is the main character in our stories.
• Here at Northminster: Pray for the Young Life and Wyldlife ministries here at Northminster. Pray for the kids being reached, as well as the staff (Kevin Curtis and Stephen Wescott) and all the volunteers.
• Beyond Northminster: Pray for those in our neighborhood who are struggling financially during this recession. Pray that God would provide for them.

The sermon for this week from the series “Kickin’ It Old School: Genesis” is titled “A Tale of Two Hearts”.

START IT – Connecting with each other

• What is the longest time you have ever spent in a boat?  Do you get seasick easily?
• What are one or two things that struck you as interesting in the sermon?  What did you find challenging?

STUDY IT – Genesis 6:5-9:17

• Read the story of Noah from Genesis 6:5-9:17 out loud.  What stands out for you in this passage?  What questions do you have?
• What can we learn about the way God’s attitude toward mankind changed from the beginning of chapter 6 and the end of chapter 8?
• What does it mean in Genesis 6:6 that the Lord was grieved that he made humanity?  Have you ever grieved at the loss of something for which you had high hopes?
• Read Genesis 8:21, what does it mean that every inclination of the humans heart is evil from childhood?  How do you see this demonstrated in the world today?

LIVE IT – Applying the truth of Scripture to life

• Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you?  How is Genesis 8:1 good news to you when you feel forgotten by God?
• The story of the flood teaches us that God’s posture toward humanity is now and forever one of patience and grace.  How does that understanding affect your view of God’s character?

PRAY IT

• Joys and Challenges:  What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
• Application:   Thank God that he has chosen to regard us with grace and has given us his Son.
• Here at Northminster:  Pray for all the Sunday School teachers and volunteers and for the children they serve each week.
• Beyond Northminster: Pray for those in our neighborhood who are struggling financially during this recession.  Pray that God would provide for them.

The sermon for this week from the series “Kickin’ It Old School: Genesis” is titled The Brother Problem.

START IT – Connecting with each other

• What’s your favorite “Bible movie” (Passion of the Christ, The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, The Prince of Egypt, etc.)?
• What are one or two things that struck you as interesting in the sermon? What did you find challenging?

STUDY IT – Genesis 1:1-2:3

• Read Genesis 1:1-2:3 out loud. What stands out for you in this passage? What questions do you have?
• Compare the creation story of the Babylonians to that of the Bible. What can we see from the way that God relates to his creation?
• What can we understand about God’s intent for humanity and how we are to interact with his creation?
• What do you think it means that humans are “created in the image of God”?

LIVE IT – Applying the truth of Scripture to life

• It is clear in Genesis 1 that God’s intent was to have humanity take care of the earth. In the last sermon series we learned that God intends for humans to be good managers of his money. We learn here that we are also to be stewards of his creation. Discuss in what ways you are doing well at this, what are some difficulties?
• How does the truth that every human has been created in the image of God affect how we should relate to each other? How can we better relate to strangers?

PRAY IT

• Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
• Application: Thank God that you have been made in his image. Ask how you can be a better representation of him and his love.
• Here at Northminster: Pray for all of the small groups, that God would reveal himself in new ways to every person who is in a group.
• Beyond Northminster: Pray for all those in our neighborhood who have not experienced the life-giving love of God. Pray that we might connect with them so that they might experience God’s love through us.

The sermon for this week from the series “Kickin’ It Old School: Genesis” is titled Got Trust?.

START IT – Connecting with each other

• If you could have a picture of just one of the scenes of the creation story from Genesis 2 what would it be? (For example: God forming Adam out of the dust, God bringing the animals to Adam for the first time, or a panoramic view of the Garden of Eden?)
• What are one or two things that struck you as interesting in the sermon? What did you find challenging?

STUDY IT – Genesis 2:4-3:24

• Read Genesis 2:4-3:24 out loud. What stands out for you in this passage? What questions do you have?
• What can we learn about the way God intended for our relationship to be with him?
• What happened in the relationship between God and humans in this chapter?
• How was this relationship resolved? (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
• LIVE IT – Applying the truth of Scripture to life
• Adam and Eve’s fundamental issue had to do with trust. They just didn’t trust God to meet all their needs. Have you ever been where you’ve wondered whether you could trust God to take care of things? What was that like for you?
• In what areas of your life is it most difficult for you to trust God? Why? What would need to happen in order for you to trust God more?

PRAY IT

• Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
• Application: Thank God that he has provided a way for us to be reunited to him through his son Jesus Christ.
• Here at Northminster: Pray for the Young Life and Wyldlife ministries here at Northminster. Pray for the kids being reached, as well as the staff (Kevin Curtis and Stephen Wescott) and all the volunteers.
• Beyond Northminster: Pray for those in our neighborhood who are struggling financially during this recession. Pray that God would provide for them.

The sermon for this week from the series “Kickin’ It Old School: Genesis” is titled “What Does the Creation Story Really Teach Us?“.

START IT – Connecting with each other

• What’s your favorite “Bible movie” (Passion of the Christ, The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, The Prince of Egypt, etc.)?
• What are one or two things that struck you as interesting in the sermon? What did you find challenging?

STUDY IT – Genesis 1:1-2:3

• Read Genesis 1:1-2:3 out loud. What stands out for you in this passage? What questions do you have?
• Compare the creation story of the Babylonians to that of the Bible. What can we see from the way that God relates to his creation?
• What can we understand about God’s intent for humanity and how we are to interact with his creation?
• What do you think it means that humans are “created in the image of God”?

LIVE IT – Applying the truth of Scripture to life

• It is clear in Genesis 1 that God’s intent was to have humanity take care of the earth. In the last sermon series we learned that God intends for humans to be good managers of his money. We learn here that we are also to be stewards of his creation. Discuss in what ways you are doing well at this, what are some difficulties?
• How does the truth that every human has been created in the image of God affect how we should relate to each other? How can we better relate to strangers?

PRAY IT

• Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
  Application: Thank God that you have been made in his image. Ask how you can be a better representation of him and his love.
• Here at Northminster: Pray for all of the small groups, that God would reveal himself in new ways to every person who is in a group.
• Beyond Northminster: Pray for all those in our neighborhood who have not experienced the life-giving love of God. Pray that we might connect with them so that they might experience God’s love through us.

Small groups for the fall of 2010 are now forming.  They haven’t started yet and there is plenty of room for everybody who might like to take part.

More topical groups are available this fall along with sermon based groups.

If you would like to see the schedule click HERE.

The sermon for this week from the series “Acts in 3 Acts: Act 3” is titled “Is It Over Yet?“.

START IT – Connecting with each other

• What kinds of books or magazines do you read? Do you finish the books you start? Do you read your magazines cover-to-cover?

STUDY IT – Acts 28:17-31

• Read Acts 28:17-31 out loud. What stands out for you in this passage? What questions do you have?
• What’s the first thing Paul does when he gets to Rome (v. 17)? Why?
• Read Eph. 6:19-20, Phil. 1:14, and Col. 4:3-4. What was Paul’s constant prayer request for himself? Why?
• We’ve spent a lot of time looking at the life and ministry of Paul. Is Acts about Paul’s life and ministry? Why or why not? If not, what is Acts actually about?
• Why do you think Luke (the author of Acts) doesn’t finish the story?
• V. 31 is similar to other summary verses in Acts (see 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20). What does this ending reveal about Luke’s central concern in writing this book?

LIVE IT – Applying the truth of Scripture to life

• How does v. 31 set the stage for the way your life could become a continuation of Acts 28? In what way would you like to contribute an “Acts, chapter 29” to this movement of God during the next 2-3 years?
• Probably within a few years, Paul was killed by emperor Nero. How would v. 31 serve as a fitting epitaph on Paul’s grave? What might you build into your life now, so that your faith in Christ will be what people remember about you after you die?

PRAY IT

• Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
• Application: Thank God that you get to be a part of the continuing story of Acts. Ask God to help you faithfully live out your calling to be Christ’s witness to the ends of the earth.
• Here at Northminster: Pray for Kevin Curtis (our new Young Life Director) and his family as they settle into San Diego this week. Pray for him as he begins his ministry here at Northminster.
• Beyond Northminster: Pray for all of the recent graduates in our community. Ask God to guide them as they take the next step in their lives.

The sermon for this week from the series “Acts in 3 Acts: Act 3” is titled “Wherever You Are“.

START IT – Connecting with each other

• If you could take cruise anywhere, where would you go? Why?
• Have you ever been seasick? What happened? How did you recover?

STUDY IT – Acts 27:1-28:10

• Read Acts 27:1-28:10 out loud. What stands out for you in this passage? What questions do you have?
• What is Paul’s position as a passenger on this ship (27:1)?
• In 27:9-11, why do you think the centurion did not take Paul’s advice?
• Compare 27:31 with 27:11. How does the centurion feel about Paul now? About the God Paul serves?
• How do Paul’s attitudes and actions compare with those of the sailors? To what would you attribute Paul’s ability to remain calm under pressure?
• Name all of the ways in which Paul blessed (or at least tried to bless) those he was with during this voyage and once on the island.

LIVE IT – Applying the truth of Scripture to life

• In a crisis, Paul reacted with urgent forewarnings, maintaining hope, counseling, common sense, giving thanks, remaining calm, persevering to the end. In comparison, how do you react to crisis?
• Paul strove to be a blessing to everyone in whatever situation he found himself. Name one or two situations in your life where you could be a blessing to someone. In what way(s) could you bless the people in those situations?
• Is there a “stormy” situation in your life in which you could respond by being a blessing?

PRAY IT

• Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
• Application: Ask God to show you how you can be a servant and a blessing in a difficult situation.
• Here at Northminster: Pray for the family of little Maison Conroy, who was baptized this Sunday. Pray for strength and patience to raise Maison to be a faithful follower of Jesus when he grows up.
• Beyond Northminster: Pray for the families of Northminster Preschool as they move into summer. Pray that God would continue to work in each of their lives to draw them closer to him.