What does it mean to be a Jesus follower?

"'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life' ... The woman said, 'I know that Messiah' (called Christ) ' is coming.  When he comes, he will explain everything to us.'  Then Jesus declared, 'I who speak to you am he.'"  John 4 : 13 - 14 , 25 - 26

Is there a God?

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."  2 Timothy 1 : 7 

Application: Amazement

"When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."  Matthew 7 : 28 - 29 

God Answers

God Answers is happening again tonight and I am so excited for it!  Last year, God Answers completely exceeded my expectations.  So many people came, so many questions were asked, and conversations were started.  I can't wait to see what is in store this year. Tom wrote a bit about what he thinks of God Answers and why you should all be there with a friend!  

Application: Change

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7 : 24 - 27 

Application: Health

"'Watch out for false prophets.  They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers!''"

Application: Risks

Large Group was mixed up a little bit this week.  The older kids were able to learn about finances and practical Christian applications with their money.  The cool kids had the opportunity to manuscript study Matthew 25 : 14 - 30, the parable of the talents.   That's what I will be talking about.  If you weren't able to study this passage on Tuesday night, you should read through it and then join in on the conversation.  

Application: Pursuit

"'Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.'"  Matthew 7 : 13 - 14