Coming November 13th, a brand new series from Pastor Buddy Owens at Saddleback Church.

Are you looking for God? The pursuit of God is the chase of a life time. In fact, its been going on since the day you were born. The question is: Have you been the hunter or the prey? This small group study is not about music. Its not even about going to church. Its about living your life as an offering of worship to God. Its about tapping into the source of power to live the Christian life. And its about discovering the secret to friendship with God.

In this four-week study, Buddy Owens, author and teacher, will help you understand the meaning of worship. Through his very practical, engaging, and at times surprising insights, Buddy shares truths from Scripture and from life that will help you understand in a new and deeper way just what it means to be a worshiper.

Be sure to subscribe today so you don't miss this great new series!

Where do you get the power to be dedicated? In this episode we look at Jesus's own answer to that important question.

CATCHING UP/LOOKING AHEAD

What has been most meaningful to you in what we have studied together during these seven weeks?

KEY VERSE

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12:1

DISCOVERY QUESTIONS

1. Are there ways you’ve discovered that help thankful joy take the lead in your life?
2. How have you seen purity expressed in what you pursue?
3. How have you personally experienced the truth that the
4. greatest joy in life comes not from what you get but from
5. what you give?
6. What are some specific places you’d like the group to pray
7. for as you seek to keep your dedication refreshed?

LIVING ON PURPOSE

God’s five purposes for each of us are evangelism, discipleship, fellow- ship, ministry, and worship. In this section, we’ll look at how we can take practical steps to fulfill one of those purposes based on the truths we’ve looked at in this study.

WORSH I P

Spend some time this next week reviewing and thanking God for the truths that grow out of the book of Nehemiah. Dedicate yourself to living these truths through the power that God gives in Christ.

PRAYING TOGETHER

Pray for one another’s needs.
As you finish this study, talk about whether there is another

book you’d like to read together and discuss as a group.

How are you being restored in order to rebuild? God is working in your life to restore you in order to give you the strength to rebuild. Find out how God is doing so and in what ways.

CATCHING UP/LOOKING AHEAD

1. Did you have the opportunity to encourage someone this week? Did God give you some ideas for a ministry to others that can grow out of what he is restoring in your life?
2. Would you rather celebrate quietly or celebrate loudly?

KEY VERSE

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10

DISCOVERY QUESTIONS

1. Is there someone you need to put things right with so you can deepen your celebration in worship?
2. Describe a time when the truth of God’s Word shone out to you as you worshiped with others.
3. How have you found celebration in feasting, in sharing with others, or in stillness?
4. How do you relate to the following sentences from this chapter?

“You find yourself grinding away at spiritual habits, trying to become more powerful, when the real intent is that you become more joyful. Feeling powerful is not your strength; the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

LIVING ON PURPOSE

God’s five purposes for each of us are evangelism, discipleship, fellow- ship, ministry, and worship. In this section, we’ll look at how we can take practical steps to fulfill one of those purposes based on the truths we’ve looked at in this study.

EVANGELISM

A burst of joy often comes when we share with someone else the good news of what God is doing in our lives. Go around the group and have each person share the name of someone they’re praying for to begin a relationship with Christ.

In the week ahead, pray for these people whose names have been shared—that they will come to faith in the Lord Jesus.

PRAYING TOGETHER

Pray for this group of people you just mentioned and for one another’s needs.

Talk about whether there is another book you’d like to read together and discuss after you finish this study next week.

What makes someone a good "rebuilder"? What tools and skills do I need to be a good rebuilder? Pastor Tom Holladay shares from the book of Isaiah the skills needed to be, not just a rebuilder, but a great rebuilder.

CATCHING UP/LOOKING AHEAD

1. Ask if anyone had a victory in the face of the opposition we inevitably face as we put things together again.
2. What God-given successes are you most grateful for?

KEY VERSE

So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.

When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.

Nehemiah 6:15–16

Wouldn't it be great if rebuilding was done with only help from friends? But that rarely happens! You're going to face opposition and challenges. How did Nehemiah handle opposition and how can we learn from it?

CATCHING UP/LOOKING AHEAD

1. Talk about your experiences of writing a thank-you note to someone each day (or even one day) this last week.
2. When you face opposition, is your first reaction to want to engage or to want to escape?

KEY VERSE

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Ephesians 6:13 NLT

DISCOVERY QUESTIONS

1. What helps you redirect your thoughts in the face of negative talk or gossip?
2. Is there a new strategy you need to consider in order to reposition your forces as you face some kind of attack on your faith, family, or business?
3. Is there an area of discouragement you’re facing where the group could pray for you?
4. When you face distraction, what helps you regain your focus?

LIVING ON PURPOSE

God’s five purposes for each of us are evangelism, discipleship, fellow- ship, ministry, and worship. In this section, we’ll look at how we can take practical steps to fulfill one of those purposes based on the truths we’ve looked at in this study.

DISCIPLESHIP

Scripture memory has proven to be one of the keys to victory in the lives of many believers. Memorize the key verse for this week, or one of these verses that address the four strategies for winning the battle.

When you are ridiculed

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

When you are attacked

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; per- plexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:8–9

When you are discouraged

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6–7

When you are distracted

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

PRAYING TOGETHER

Share and pray for one another’s needs as you close your group meeting.

How do you stay motivated over the long haul? Appreciation is one of the most powerful tools for staying motivated and inspired to rebuild.

CATCHING UP/LOOKING AHEAD

1. Did you see any answers to prayer this last week?
2. Who is one of the most thankful people you know?

KEY VERSE

How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence.

1 Thessalonians 3:9 NLT

DISCOVERY QUESTIONS

1. What person are you thankful for?
2. How have others’ expressions of appreciation to you made
3. an impact on your life?
4. What do you think would help you be more appreciative
5. and get better at expressing appreciation to others?
6. What did this chapter say to you about how you express
7. appreciation to God?

LIVING ON PURPOSE

God’s five purposes for each of us are evangelism, discipleship, fellow- ship, ministry, and worship. In this section, we’ll look at how we can take practical steps to fulfill one of those purposes based on the truths we’ve looked at in this study.

MINISTRY

Write a note of thanks and encouragement to someone each day this week.

PRAYING TOGETHER

Pray prayers of thanksgiving to God together as you end your group discussion.

For most of us, the hardest step is the first step. That's not only true for you, but for many in the Bible, including Nehemiah and Isaiah. We're going to be looking at people from the Bible, just like you, who overcame the challenges of rebuilding.

CATCHING UP/LOOKING AHEAD

1. Talk about what you experienced in your fasting or prayer times during this last week.

2. When you think about how a baby takes his or her first steps, what does it say to you about first steps in our lives as adults?

KEY VERSE

The king said to me, “What is it you want?”

Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

Nehemiah 2:4–5

DISCOVERY QUESTIONS

1. Is there some point where you already have taken—or still need to take—a stand for what God wants to rebuild?
2. What can you do to prepare for what you’re dreaming God will do?
3. How have you seen God work to calm your fears as you’ve faced a risk of faith?
4. Is it easy or difficult for you to ask for help?

LIVING ON PURPOSE

God’s five purposes for each of us are evangelism, discipleship, fellow- ship, ministry, and worship. In this section, we’ll look at how we can take practical steps to fulfill one of those purposes based on the truths we’ve looked at in this study.

FELLOWSHIP

Who can stand with you as you rebuild? Who do you need to ask for help?

Start with this group and ask them to specifically pray for you. To see how God works during these seven weeks of meeting, start a group prayer request sheet.

PRAYING TOGETHER

Pray for the requests you shared a moment ago, as well as for other needs your group members might have.

When you've just suffered loss, crisis, or disaster, how can you get your life put back together? How can you become a rebuilder when you're still reeling from the loss? Tom Holladay shares from the Bible beginning in the book of Nehemiah how to be encouraged to become a rebuilder.

CATCHING UP/LOOKING AHEAD

1. If you’re meeting for the first time as a group, go around the room and share your name, where you were born, and something about your life.
2. What picture comes to your mind when you hear the word rebuild?

KEY VERSE

The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding.

Nehemiah 2:20

DISCOVERY QUESTIONS

Remember, it’s not vital to get to every question every week. The goal is to find just one question that prompts some good discussion and encouragement.

1. What is it that you would like to put together again?
2. How do you find yourself reacting to your problems right
3. now—with faith, doubt, fear, anxiety, hope, or some other
4. response?
5. Is there a place in your life where you are currently
6. mourning a loss?
7. How has prayer helped you see an opportunity for faith?
8. What do you do when you don’t feel full of faith as you pray?

LIVING ON PURPOSE

God’s five purposes for each of us are evangelism, discipleship, fellow- ship, ministry, and worship. In this section, we’ll look at how we can take practical steps to fulfill one of those purposes based on the truths we’ve looked at in this study.

WORSHIP

Plan to do a one-day fast in the week ahead or to have a more extended time in prayer if you’re not able to fast. Start by focusing on who God is and then open your heart to what he wants to impress on you about who you are.

A tip on this one: If all you’re hearing are negatives about you, listen more closely. God is love, and he has words of encouragement as well as correction for his children.

PRAYING TOGETHER

Ask for God’s strength and blessing in those “this is what I want to put together again” areas that each group member shared.