The Heart of God - Week 1 Looking Beyond - To those who are far from God and yet to come Study by: Life Group Ministry Team Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel Leader Guidelines Read these guidelines in an encouraging way to the group as you begin the first 3 or 4 weeks: We are gathering to listen to God through His word, then put into practice what He speaks to us. Focus on what the passage is saying. Expect God to speak. Give people time to respond. Silence is OK. Listen to each other and the Holy Spirit. The Life Group Leader will facilitate discussion, not be the teacher. 1. Sharing Our Journey Praise, Thanks and Reflection Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. It can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song. What are you thankful for? Where have you seen God at work? How has God used you? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus? Where and with whom have you witnessed to the love and good news of Jesus? Care and Prayer In prayer capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Opening God’s Word Read: Luke 19:1-10, John 10:11-18 Take turns reading these verses from several different translations. What first caught your interest or stuck out to you as you read these verses? Alternatively, what questions do you still want answered? Looking at Luke 19:10, how did Jesus’ reason for coming differ from their expectations or preconceived ideas? Who are the ‘lost’ and the ‘other sheep’ that Jesus was describing in John 10:16 when He spoke these words 2000 years ago? Who are they now? What truths do these verses teach us about God’s heart? How does God want you to live this out in your life? 3. Living out the Heart of God Please watch this Relational Map video by Ali Laslett One of the ways we see the Gospel spread so rapidly in Scripture is through our own Oikos (Oikos is the Greek word for household), sphere of influence / relational networks. This appears to be an intentional and strategic method used by both Jesus and the Apostles (John 1.35-51, Acts 10.34-48; 16.14-15, 30-33). The Relational map is a tool that helps followers of Jesus identify and intentionally pray for and serve people in their lives. Steps to make your Relational Map: Get a blank sheet of paper and put your name in the middle and circle it. Think about where you live, work and play… Pray and ask the Lord for 5 people… Set an alarm on your phone for 10:02 am or pm… Pray desperately to the Lord of the harvest. Plan for ways to share life and love… Keep this Relational Map in a safe place… Share with your Life Group what unfolds & be accountable & supported. Prayer for each other Break into 2s or 3s to pray: Praying for your 5 (from your relational map) Pray for each other as they seek to live out God’s Word Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au