NATIVITY CHURCH
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House Church Resources

Hope through Suffering (Barnabas Fund)

26/9/2022

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Picture

Sentence

“Through him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2 

Collect

​God of resurrection, where there is death, you bring new life; challenge our attachment to wealth and power, so that we may release others from the chains of poverty, hunger, and injustice, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through the Risen Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Readings

  • Romans 5:1-5   
  • Mark 10:31-41   

Questions

  1. What might a fair comparison and contrast between modern notions of “hope” and a biblical one produce in our Christian life and expression?
  2. What nuances of the Christian hope may be gained from reading and meditating upon the continual theme through Romans?  (See – Romans 4:18; 5:1-5; 8:20-25; 12:12; 15:4, 12-13)
  3. Is it fair to contend that our deepest and most intimate experiences of God are infused with some aspect of hope through suffering?
  4. When was the last time you articulated the Christian hope?  To whom and in what context?
  5. As one student once asked me, “Is it possible to have hope without some element of suffering?” Discuss!
  6. Trace the deepening effect of Christian hope on the believer as per the passage in Romans 5:1-5 and ask when was the last time you actually saw this in action?
  7. What have I learned of the Christian hope from Scripture, and the Church across the globe and how do I maintain it in daily life?
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The Parable of the Shrewd manager

18/9/2022

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Picture

Sentence

“No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Luke 16:13

Collect

God our true wealth, may we be faithful in things both small and great, and serve the needy and the poor, so that finally we can be entrusted with your true riches; through Jesus Christ our Liberator, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Readings

  • Psalm 79:1-9 7
  •  Luke 16:1-13 

Questions

  1. Discuss some of the issues money presents for you. What are the ways in which money is a temptation and the blessing?
  2. Discuss what you think affects economic changes the most in our world today. What are some of the values and views of money that are most prevalent?
  3. Jesus says at the end of the parable, 'I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.' What does it look like for you to use your resources for the goals of the kingdom?
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The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

11/9/2022

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Picture

Sentence

​“And the king will answer them,  ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:40

Collect:

​Christ who reigns, you care for the least amongst us, give us courage to enact your gospel in all the world, that all people may see your glory.  For you are alive and reign with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen.

Readings:

  • Matthew 25:31-46 
  • Revelation. 21:1-8 

Questions:

  1. Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Along with the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25, on what basis do people gain eternal life?
  2. Discuss times when you have helped people in need and times when you haven't. What are some of the difficulties or issues with helping people in the way Jesus describes?
  3. Why do you think Jesus lists these particular needs - hunger, thirst, nakedness, being a stranger, sickness, in prison?
  4. St Augustine said this, about the moment when the communion elements were held up before the congregation, 'Behold what you are, may you become what you receive'. Discuss what practices help you become more like Christ
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Giving

4/9/2022

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Picture

Sentence:

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 "

Collect:

​God of gentleness, you give up all to be with us; enable us to love, obey, and hold fast to you alone, so that we may complete what we have started, built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Readings:

  • Deuteronomy 8:16-18
  • Mathew 6: 25-33
    ​

Questions:

 1.      Why is it important to give first to God in all that we do?
2.       How did you learn about giving as a Christian?
3.       When did you last review your giving including time and other resources?
4.       Have you ever been called to change your giving, including stopping one ministry
          or starting a new one?

5.       When was the last time you talked to a family member or friend about giving?
6.       What would be useful for you to be able to have discussions teach others about joyful
​           giving as a part of the Christian life?

 
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    We have a variety of tools that we are working on to help small groups 'connect'. These include activities that you can choose to do together as a small group worship service.
    Remember that these are simply a starting point for your small group - you may discover other tools or activities that suit you better. If you do discover something fabulous, please share it so others may also be encouraged.

    We thank the Diocese of Wellington for their work in forming the framework for the house church liturgy.

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Nativity Church
P: 03 578 3909     E: info@nativity.org.nz     A: 76 Alfred St, Blenheim 7201
  • Home
  • About
    • Faith
    • What We Believe
    • History
    • Meet Our Team
    • Service Times 2022
    • Calendar
    • Ministries >
      • Children and Youth >
        • Preschool >
          • First Steps
          • Tunes 4 Tots
        • Primary
        • Intermediates
        • Youth
      • Families
      • Small Groups (Care Cells)
      • Women
      • Men
      • Senior Adults >
        • Care
      • Prayer
      • Missions
    • Our Governance >
      • Vestry FAQS
      • Diocesan Synod
    • Contact Us
  • How We Help
    • Repair Cafe
    • Healing Horticulture
    • Baptisms
    • Weddings
    • The Marriage Course >
      • FAQ - Marriage course
    • Funerals
    • Counselling >
      • Bereavement Care
      • Personal Counselling
    • Facilities Hire
    • Blue Door
  • Giving
    • Serving
    • Financial
  • Sermons
  • News
    • News and Events
    • Prayer Wall
    • Building Project
    • Vicar's News
    • Bishop's Apology
    • Health & Safety