GATHERING / WORSHIP / PRAYER Take a few minutes to catch up with each other and build community. If you have new people present give time to getting to know each other. Possibly listen to ‘Jesus at the Centre’ by Darlene Zschech https://youtu.be/tYM05iaVu3I Pray that God would create in us new hearts that are pure in motive; following the example of our Saviour who humbly loved us and died for us. FOCUS Our series 'The Good and the Beautiful' is based on three books by James Bryan Smith. Our focus throughout June and July is from the second book 'The Good and Beautiful Life’. Jesus said he came to give life and give it to the full (John 10:10). What does that life look like? Through this second series of studies we will be encouraged to unpack Jesus’ narratives about life in the Kingdom of God. SETTING THE SCENE Jesus challenged the teaching of the Pharisees, which emphasised an outward show of religion, rather than a transformed heart within. Tragically, this masquerade to impress others, meant they became hypocrites who only honoured God with their lips, when their hearts were far from Him (Matthew 15:8). Yet God desires deep fellowship of the heart. Jesus taught that from the overflow of our hearts comes our thoughts, words and choices; whether good or bad (Luke 6:45). Proverbs 4:23 reminds us “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” After making heartbreaking mistakes as Israel’s King, David prayed for a clean heart and a right spirit within him (Psalm 51:10). Prophecies looking ahead to the new covenant declared that God would give us a new heart and remove our hearts of stone (Ezekiel 11:19); that He would write His law on our hearts so that we would know Him deeply (Jeremiah 31:33-34). And praise be to God, if anyone is now in Christ, they are a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). OPENING GOD’s WORD Warm Up Question: Can you think of a time you did the right thing for the wrong reasons or the wrong thing for the right reasons? Read: Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18 Take turns reading these verses from several translations. What first caught your interest or stuck out to you as you read this passage? The hypocrites described in this passage led lives with dedication towards giving, prayer and fasting. Why were their actions not enough? What important principles does Jesus teach his followers to remember when giving, praying and fasting? How do these verses challenge you personally to consider your heart or motives as you give, pray and fast? LIVING OUT GOD’s WORD How can we make time for Christlike giving, prayer and fasting this week? How can your giving, prayer or fasting be a blessing to someone else this week? PRAYER Pray that Jesus would create in us new hearts that seek to give, pray and fast as a heartfelt response to God’s perfect love for us. Pray that as we seek to follow Jesus, we would seek to give Him alone the glory. Contacts: If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au