LG Questions :: 03/27/2011

“Deception” Series :: Shawn Cossin :: SLW

03/27/2011 :: For Further Consideration

Shawn asked us all to consider praying for area schools – make sure to visit http:://live-sent.blogspot.com, which is the web address for Pastor Shawn’s blog, where you will find additional prayer points.

Read Ephesians 6:12-13… what does this scripture remind us about the battle?

Shawn talked about how to train an elephant… what do you remember about his description of this process?

A phrase we keep coming back to is this… “A simple idea can change everything.” What ideas does Satan want to convince us of as we follow after God?

Barna Study :: Two Challenging Facts

59% of Christians surveyed agreed strongly that Satan is not a living being but a symbol of evil

58% of Christians surveyed agreed strongly that the Holy Spirit is not real but is simply a symbol of good

What does this survey reveal? How does this show the Enemy’s effectiveness?

Shawn showed us some of the things he used to wear on his trooper belt when he worked for the PA state police. He specifically emphasized his body armor, and said he never went on patrol without it. What would you think of him had he gone out on patrol without body armor? And what is the correlation for us as Christ-followers?

The Word of God, prayer, and the Holy Spirit are critical for Christ-followers to be the people God wants and needs them to be.

The Holy Spirit

Pneumatology – “Pneuma” is the Greek word for spirit and is found 385 times in the NT

The 3^rd person of the triune God, the Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son

Three Truths and a Lie

Shawn played a game called “three truths and a lie,” where he makes three statements that all sound true, but one of them is false. How does this fun exercise reveal the amazing challenge of overcoming the deceptions of the Enemy?

Read John 16:12-14… what does this scripture reveal to us about the Holy Spirit? Read Ephesians 1:13-14… what does this indicate about those who are in Christ? How does the Holy Spirit interact with us?

The Holy Spirit provides conviction, conversion, illumination, comfort, empowerment,

Read Luke 4:1-3… Shawn talked about Jesus, and how he faced temptation in the “power of the Holy Spirit.” What do you find enlightening and even encouraging about this truth?

Now What?

Shawn challenged us to make sure we’ve surrendered our lives completely to Jesus

Shawn challenged us to get baptized if we haven’t done so already

Shawn challenged us to begin (or continue) living fully in the power of the Holy Spirit

What’s your next step? (Shawn referenced a “backseat driver”… J)

IN CLOSING :: Pray for each other and for our church, asking God to help us be focused on his Word, prayer, and the leadings of the Holy Spirit.

LG Questions :: 03/20/2011

“Deception” Series :: Matt Irvine

03/20/2011 :: For Further Consideration

Matt shared two scary statistics – the average Christian prays about 3 minutes a day, and the average pastor prays about 5 minutes a day. Why is this stat so concerning?

Read this quote, then discuss…

“The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.” [Samuel Chadwick]

Matt put up statements he thinks some of us may struggle with/wonder about. Some of them are these… What others would you add?

Is God listening?

I’ve messed up too much.

I don’t have time.

Does prayer really work?

I don’t know the right words.

Read this quote, then discuss…

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” [Martin Luther King, Jr.]

The Truth about Prayer (a partial list – read the Scriptures and discuss other truths about prayer):

Our heart and sinful cycles change (Matt 5:44)

We trade our concerns for peace (Phil 4:7)

We ask for forgiveness and give Him our mistakes (Rom 10:9; Psalm 103:12)

Our plans begin to line up with His (John 15:7)

God’s power available to us (Mark 11:22-24)

We are equipped through the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31)

God grants us wisdom (James 1:5; Prov 2:6)

Matt talked about the highs and lows of life, and how we tend to pray MORE during the good times, but cry out to God during the difficult times. Though it’s not always true, it tends to be something most people can relate to. How have you seen this reality at work in your own life?

Matt talked about the highs and lows of Jesus’ life and ministry… What were some of the stories from the Bible he shared? What highs and lows from Jesus life can you think of?

Why was the constant of prayer in Jesus’ life so important? What would have been the temptation in the “high” moments of life if he hadn’t stayed grounded in prayer? What would have been the temptation in the “low” moments of life if he hadn’t stayed grounded in prayer?

BIG QUESTION :: If prayer was a constant in Jesus’ life (you know where I’m going, don’t you?), then what’s the implication for us? Is prayer a constant in your life, regardless of whether life is high or low?

Matt called us to be…

Reactive – To have an attitude of prayer, and react to life’s circumstances with prayer

Proactive – To carve out time and get alone to pray. Make it a priority.

Counteractive – To engage in the battle on behalf of Christ’s Kingdom and those at stake

IN CLOSING :: Pray for each other and for our church, that God would help us make prayer a higher priority as we attempt to draw close to God and avoid the deceptions of the Enemy.

LG Questions :: 03/13/2011

03/13/2011 :: Ken DePeal
"Deception" Series :: For Further Consideration

Read John 10:10, Ephesians 6:10-13, and John 8:44. What do all these Scriptures have to say about our Enemy, and how we are to think of him and respond to him?

Read 1st Corinthians 10:13. Pastor Ken talked about temptation being universal, limited, and overcomeable. What did you learn/what was affirmed as you heard him speak about these points?

"Temptation is not the same as sin." How would you best distinguish between temptation and sin?

Read 1st Peter 5:8. What does Peter make clear about our Enemy's intentions for us?

Read Luke 4:1-13, then consider...

:: Previous to chapter 4, what had just happened?

:: How did Jesus end up in the desert?

:: What was the purpose of this desert experience?

:: What were the three temptations Jesus faced, and how did he respond each time?


If Jesus was tempted physically, spiritually, and psychologically, do you think we will be, too? And while we're thinking of it, when is Satan most likely to tempt us? Pastor Ken shared a few - when we're physically drained, when we're waiting on God, etc. - what others did he mention, and what others would you add?


Read Hebrews 4:12. What does this verse indicate about the Word? Why is the Word so uniquely powerful and insightful?


Why is it so important to know the Word of God? In fact, why was it so important in Luke 4, when Jesus quoted Scripture to the Devil?


Why do you think most people don't give the regular reading of God's Word a higher priority in their lives?


When people say they're "too busy" to read God's Word, do you buy that? What do you think - are people really too busy to spend time in God's Word? What's the real problem?


Have you ever had success with consistently reading God's Word? Take a moment and share some insights with your group. Encourage each other with some ways to make God's Word a higher priority personally and as a group.


Pastor Ken asked the church to "commit to the consistent reading of God's Word." Did you make a commitment? If so, what do you think that will look like? What are your goals/objectives as a result?


IN CLOSING :: Ask God to help us - privately and corporately - to make the reading of his Word a higher priority. Ask God to enliven the Words of Scripture, so that they might take root in our hearts as we seek to avoid the deceptions of the Enemy.

LG Questions :: 03/06/2011

03/06/2011 :: Shawn Cossin

“Deception” Series :: For Further Consideration

Shawn showed us a claymore, a military weapon used positionally to protect a soldier from the enemy. He spoke about how the Army keeps it simple – stamped right on it are the instructions for directing it toward the enemy. How was the claymore and its positioning against our Enemy instructive for us as Christians?

Read Ephesians 6:10-13

As Christians, who is our struggle against?

As we struggle, what are we called to do?

What is the goal of the battle?

Shawn mentioned several times that “we need to understand (1) who the Enemy is, and (2) who we are in Christ, so we can know how to fight the battle.” Why are these two thoughts so important to understand?

Read Genesis 3:1-6

What does it say about the serpent (the Enemy)?

What did the serpent do to mess up the truth?

Why was his untruth so attractive to Eve, and eventually to Adam?

Take a closer look at his lie – how was his lie so close to the original truth?

Satan does NOT have control over our thoughts, but what he does is predict human behavior. As a result, he watches closely so he can plant an idea.

We watched a clip from the movie, “Inception,” where a guy named Cobb jumps into peoples’ dreams and attempts to plant ideas. Whether you’ve seen this movie or not, how was this thought relevant our talk about the Enemy’s deceptions?

Read John 8:44

What does this teach us about our Enemy?

He’s not just a simple liar. Additionally, what does John call him?

Shawn talked about the way Satan works…

First, he messes with us.

Then, he messes with our family and friends.

Next, he messes with our church relationships and connections.

Finally, he messes with everything he hasn’t yet touched so we end up ISOLATED.

“Isolation leads to vulnerability, and makes us susceptible to the Enemy’s temptation.”

BIG QUESTION :: If you were the Enemy, what idea would you plant in order to trip you up?

What has God given us to separate truth from error? His Word! Why is this so important?

Read Ephesians 6:10-13 again…

What is the emphasis of verse 13?

Here are some questions to consider and talk about before you pray as a group…

Where has Satan tended to come against you?

What are your most consistent areas of temptation?

What are you currently doing to avoid/overcome temptation?

How could the group pray for you to stay strong?

IN CLOSING :: Pray for each other and for our church, that we would stand strong against the Enemy, and accomplish everything Christ has called us to do through his strength and power.

LG Questions :: 02/27/2011

02/27/2011 | “Red Letter” Series @ SLW

Shawn Cossin | For Further Consideration

Take a few moments to review the entire “Red Letter” series? What are the main points we’ve covered each week as a church? (key words are ‘obey,’ ‘know,’ ‘trust,’ ‘love’)

What has God spoken to you about as we’ve covered the red letters of Christ? Any new areas of obedience or trusting? Any renewed power to love? Anything still unresolved that you need to discuss with your group?

How has God moved in your life with the “one anothers” of Scripture?

Today, Shawn spoke to us about the Kingdom. What thoughts come to mind when you hear the word “Kingdom”?

Read Matthew 28:19-20 – What do these verses indicate the Kingdom is all about?

Shawn asked, “What is the fruit of your life?” What does the following Scripture teach us about the responsibility to produce fruit? Matthew 21:43 – “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.”

Read Matthew 25:31-46 – What image does this paint about God’s heart for the things of his Kingdom?

SLW partners with The Bridge, and partners with our district for the purpose of church planting. We also partner with Haiti, and we are seeing increasing amounts of people (like the Mowrys) expressing interest in adoption. What other ways do you see our church partnering for the sake of the Kingdom?

As you close (and PLEASE make this a major portion of your time today/this week!), please pray for each other and for our church, that God would continue to reveal in greater and greater measure the ways he desires for SLW to partner with him for the sake of the Kingdom?

LG Questions :: 02/20/2011

SLW :: “Red Letter” Series :: Shawn Cossin

For Further Consideration :: 02/20/2011

Are we really following him? Take time to talk as a group about the ways in which you have been following Jesus more and more over the past few days and weeks.

What did you do with the “one another” challenge? How did you use the red pen to respond to the things God may have brought to your mind?

Today we played SLW’s “Let’s Make a Deal.” Since we all attend different services, take a few moments to talk about what happened with the “contestant” in the service you attended (815, 940, or 11).

Shawn made this statement repeatedly today…

“When we start protecting what we like, we stop pursuing what He loves.”

What thoughts/ideas/concepts come to mind as you reflect on this statement? How do you see people in life protecting what they like to the neglect of following God wholeheartedly?

Read Luke 9:57-62

Three people who are faced with a decision… what were their decisions?

First person :: “I will follow you wherever you go.” What is Jesus’ response, and what does it mean? What are the issues that Jesus is addressing with this response?

Second person :: Jesus says to him, “Come, follow me.” The man responds with, “First let me go home and bury my father.” What is Jesus’ response, and what does it mean (make sure to take time and examine Shawn’s explanation about this statement from a Jewish, cultural perspective)?

Third person :: “I will follow you, but first let me say goodbye to my family.” What is Jesus’ response, and what is the call he issues to his followers with this statement?

“The first call which every Christian experiences is the call to abandon the attachments of this world.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship)

Have you seen people who struggle to commit wholeheartedly to following Jesus? What reasons or issues or reservations do they usually express?

As Shawn asked us, I now ask you… What do you need to part with or pursue next? Can you think of moments over the course of your life where God has asked you to part with something or pursue something new? Share a few of these past life-learning moments with each other.

BEFORE YOU CLOSE :: If anyone is willing, take some moments to share what you sense God calling you to part with or pursue next. Then take time to pray for each other and for the people of SLW, that God would help us honor him with everything we are.

LG Questions :: 02/13/2011

SLW | “Red Letters” Series | Shawn Cossin

02-13-11 | For Further Consideration

Shawn took some time once again to review the “cycle” of following and being in relationship with God…

:: When we KNOW God, we can LOVE God

:: When we LOVE God, we can TRUST God

:: When we TRUST God, we can OBEY God

Out of all this comes the biblical reality that when we OBEY God, we really know Him. What strikes you most about this process?

Areas of STEWARDSHIP in this process ::

:: Multiplication – How can we partner with God in the Great Commission?

:: Purity – How can we fight for purity and lean into the “get to” aspects of knowing God?

:: “Stuff” – How can we ensure that nothing but God is sitting on the throne of our hearts?

“ONE ANOTHER’s” in SCRIPTURE ::

:: Forgive… Pray… Bear with… Accept… Be patient with.. Serve… Encourage

:: What other “one anothers” can you think of? Why are these so important to practice?

Read John 13:31-35, then consider the following…

:: What three-word statement do all the “one anothers” track back to?

:: Why do they track back? Is it possible to practice the “one anothers” without love?

THREE FROGS :: Shawn talked about three frogs on a branch, overlooking a pond. Two of the frogs decided to jump in, so how many are left on the branch? Shawn’s answer was three – why isn’t the answer one?

If deciding isn’t doing, and knowing isn’t obeying, and saying isn’t loving … what are the implications for us about putting our faith into action? Can you think of other Scriptures that support this thought?

Read 1^st John 4:19-20 – What is the clear implication of this verse? Why is this so challenging?

GOOD CHALLENGE :: What are you known for? If someone were to list out your top five attributes, would love make the “short list”? (NOTE: Is anyone in your group willing to have the group observe what they see? Would be a good, challenging exercise to review each other’s list if anyone’s willing – just be ready to help navigate conversation if it gets a little uncomfortable.)

Read 1^st Corinthians 13:4-8, then consider…

:: How do you measure up on this list?

:: How can we improve at love?

Read 1^st John 3:16-19, then consider…

:: What is the example we should follow as we seek to love?

:: What are some practical ways we can love others?

:: How do we know that we belong to the truth?

BIG QUESTION :: Where have you been selfish in relationship?

The ONE ANOTHER CHALLENGE :: This week, the challenge is to intentionally seek to offer a tangible expression of love to someone else in your life. Who would God put on your heart, and what would he have you do as an expression of love?

IN CLOSING :: Pray together, asking God to help us put our love into action. Confess any sin in this area before you pray – get honest with each other and with God as you wrap up your time together.

LG Questions :: 02/06/2011

“Red Letter “ Series | Shawn Cossin

FEB 06, 2011 | For Further Consideration

Shawn took some time once again to review the “cycle” of following and being in relationship with God…

:: When we KNOW God, we can LOVE God

:: When we LOVE God, we can TRUST God

:: When we TRUST God, we can OBEY God

Out of all this comes the biblical reality that when we OBEY God, we really know Him. What strikes you most about this process?

FUN ILLUSTRATION: Shawn went through his wallet and talked about how it gives clues to who he is. He said that the “wallets of our lives” (all the stuff we have and are) gives big clues to who we are, and whether we’re following God.

:: How does your wallet/purse give clues to who you are?

:: What other indicators are in your life that would help people know who you are?

:: As we focus on God, we want to make sure we’re really following Him – not just saying that we are. What is challenging about that thought?

CHALLENGING ILLUSTRATION : Shawn brought a stool up and said it represented the “throne of our hearts.” He asked us to consider who’s sitting on the throne of our hearts, and said that if we are the ones sitting on the throne then we’re not following Jesus as he requires. Great thoughts, for sure – what else stuck out to you about that?

Shawn said that what’s in our hearts should be reflected in our lives – how do you see that happening in the lives of people around you? How do you see that in your own life?

Read Mark 10:17-31

What was the young man’s question to Jesus?

Why would he (the young man) have asked that?

What was Jesus’ response?

Why did his (Jesus’) response seem different than you would expect?

What did the young man say to Jesus after that?

Why would he (the young man) have responded that way?

What did Jesus say after that? What did Jesus feel for this guy, and what invitation did he offer?

How do you think this response would have struck the young man?

He walked away… why do you think he did?

What was Jesus’ follow up with his disciples concerning this encounter?

Consider this – “Our stuff can get in the way, and Jesus wants our ‘stuff’ because he wants our hearts.”

:: Our “stuff” doesn’t have to be money – it can be, but it doesn’t have to be. What are some of the other things that Shawn mentioned as “stuff,” and what other items/issues can you think of that would be captured by the definition of “stuff.”

Read Matthew 6:19-21

What is this quote getting at? “Look for yourself and you will find loneliness and despair; look for Christ and you will find everything else.” [C.S. Lewis]

IN CLOSING :: Pray. Ask God to help you surrender the throne of your heart. Ask God to help you surrender your stuff. Ask God to help keep us close to Him, following His Lordship in our lives. Pray.

LG Questions :: 01/30/2011

01-30-11 :: For Further Consideration

Shawn Cossin :: “Red Letters” Series, Part 3

Shawn took some time to review the “cycle” of following and being in relationship with God…

:: When we KNOW God, we can LOVE God

:: When we LOVE God, we can TRUST God

:: When we TRUST God, we can OBEY God

Out of all this comes the biblical reality that when we OBEY God, we really know Him. What strikes you most about this process?

Read Matthew 28:16-20, then consider…

:: Last week, when Randy Swink asked the question, “What in the world are we doing” in regard to the action of today’s church (not just SLW, but the church worldwide), what thoughts came to mind?

Love and Obedience are connected … How do you see this truth at work in your life?

Read Mark 10:21

            What was missing in the rich young ruler’s life? Was it really about selling all his stuff?

Read Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

            We know purity is important, and that purity isn’t cool. Why is purity so important to God?

Shawn said, “Purity is NOT sacrifice; it is a form of obedience.” Why do you think it was important for Shawn to emphasize that purity is not sacrificial? What is the difference between sacrifice and obedience?

Read Jesus’ words from Mark 7:14-23, then consider…

            Why would Jesus speak like this? What was going on before verse 14? (look at 7:1-13)

            Why would people think food would defile them? What was taught at this time?

            Jesus moves them to understanding that what comes OUT defiles people. How did they respond?

            (Trick question, right?) We don’t know how they responded… but, how will WE respond?

IN CLOSING :: Take time to talk as a group … what is an area in your life where you need to more consistently obey/follow Jesus? Share some personal challenges with each other as a group. After a time of sharing these things, pray for each other and for our church, that God would help us as we make concrete decisions to honor Him.

LG Questions :: 01/23/2011

LG Questions :: For Further Consideration

“Red Letters” :: Rev. Randy Swink and Rev. Shawn Cossin

In the past week of living, what “Red Letter Words of Christ” have come to mind or resonated in your heart and life?

Last week, Shawn talked about the process of how God interacts with us…

:: When we KNOW God, we can LOVE God

:: When we LOVE God, we can TRUST God

:: When we TRUST God, we can OBEY God

Out of all this comes the biblical reality that when we OBEY God, we really know Him. What strikes you most about this process?

Read Matthew 28:16-20, then consider…

:: When Randy Swink asked the question, “What in the world are we doing” in regard to the action of today’s church (not just SLW, but the church worldwide), what thoughts came to mind?

:: When you consider the Great Commission call of Matthew 28, how is today’s church doing at fulfilling the call of Jesus?

Randy talked about the Missional Multiplication Movement, which is the call of our Western PA District of Wesleyan churches. What overarching themes did you hear coming through his message?

The Mission Jesus gave us requires action – “Go.” What are the implications of going, and how are we doing? What things do we need to do better as a church? What do you need to do personally?

:: Randy told a story about Patsy Clairmont and her interaction with a young Marine, and the young man said to her, “We were taught to never think of what might never be, to be fully available to where we are right now.” How does this statement relate to the mission of the church?

The Multiplication Jesus calls us to – “Make disciples.”  What are the implications of making disciples, and how are we doing? What things do we need to do better as a church? What do you need to do personally?

:: Randy told a story about Pavarotti, the world-famous opera singer, and how he spoke with his father about whether to be a singer or teacher. His father said he must choose “one chair.” How does this story relate to the multiplication movement of the church?

The Movement Jesus expects us to see – “obey everything I’ve commanded you, and surely I will be with you.” What are the implications of obeying everything, as well as understanding that God will be with us?

:: Randy told a story about a group of life guards in New Orleans, and a young man they whom they discovered had drowned as the lifeguards celebrated a successful season of lifeguarding. How does this story relate to our need to continue moving forward with eyes to see as we follow Jesus?

IN CLOSING :: Please pray for The Bridge – for Rick & Eunice, Jeremiah & Sarah – that God would bless this church plant mightily. Pray also for SLW, that God would continue to use us within the context of the Missional Multiplication Movement. And finally, pray that we would each see our individual responsibility to be a part of the Mission, the Multiplication, and the Movement Jesus calls us to.

LG Questions :: 01/16/2011

“Red Letters” Message :: For Further Consideration

Shawn Cossin :: SLW :: 01/16/11

Shawn asked, “Have you ever wondered how things are going to end up?” He spoke about his son, Daniel’s, stickers and also about tying his own tie. When it comes to the end of time, when we stand before God, have you ever wondered what that will be like?

Last week, we considered this question :: Are we really following him? Or is he following us? Discuss how you have personally pursued Christ in the past week.

Read Romans 10:9-10, then discuss these questions…

What does Paul articulate as bottom-line necessity for beginning a relationship with God?

            Someone once said, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is not alone.”

            Why do you think Jesus spoke so often of needing to follow His commands?

Read Matthew 7:21-23, then discuss these questions…

            Have you ever acted hypocritically? How do you think God feels about that?

            We can’t be perfect, but how do you stay on track with doing your best to follow Christ?

            Pause for a moment in your group and pray for some weaknesses represented in your group.

Shawn talked about the “process” of how God interacts with us…

When we KNOW God, we can LOVE God

When we LOVE God, we can TRUST God

When we TRUST God, we can OBEY God

And out of all this comes the biblical reality that when we OBEY God, we really know Him.

What strikes you most about this process?

Read John 14:23-24… What does Jesus make clear here?

Read 1^st John 5:3… Could it be any clearer?

Read 2^nd John 1:6… Again, could it be any clearer?

Consider the story of 1^st Samuel 15 (where Samuel tells Saul – King Saul – what God wants him to do. But instead of doing everything God has asked him to do, he does most of it but not all), and think about this…

            Why would Shawn desire to include this in his message today? What was the purpose of reading it?

What does this story uncover about the human heart, and how does it challenge us to live right?

What a great quote, and challenging - “God’s commands are designed to guide you to life’s very best. You will not obey Him if you do not believe Him and trust Him. You cannot believe Him if you do not love Him. You cannot love Him unless you know Him.” (Henry Blackaby)

Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) Can you think of contemporary examples where it’s hard to hear? Can you think of voices you’ve needed to listen to over the years? Discuss what you’re doing to better “tune in” to the voice of God each day.

IN CLOSING :: Pray for each other and for our church, that we’ll increasingly reveal obedience based on love for God. We don’t want to be legalistic, but we want to be a people and a church that increasingly shows our love for God through obedience. Thanks for praying!!

LG Questions :: 01/09/2011

For Further Consideration :: Sunday, January 9, 2011

SLW | Shawn Cossin :: New Year, New Life

As you begin… take time to catch up. How were the holidays? What did you do for Christmas and New Year’s? Any interesting gifts or stories?

Read Romans 6:4… Why would Paul articulate “buried with him through baptism unto death.” (italics mine) Why is the “unto death” aspect so important for us to understand and accept as Christians?

Read John 21:1-22, then consider… What does Jesus find his followers doing? What was the problem was that? What’s the conversation he had with some of his followers, and why is it instructive for us?

Shawn brought some volunteers up, and gave them instructions that they weren’t to share with each other. What happened as that exercise/demonstration unfolded? What was the Shawn’s point in having them do it?

Shawn asked, “Are you following Jesus, or is Jesus following you?” It’s a big question, but take some time to talk about two things…

            How can you know if someone is following Jesus? What would that look like?

            How can you know if someone isn’t following Jesus?

After you’ve talked about those two questions for a little bit, discuss this question – what’s the possible danger in defining to rigidly “what it looks like” to follow Jesus?

Shawn revisited our core values and practices… why is it so important to talk about these regularly as a church?

Deepen the Soul

Find Relationship

Join the Mission

As you watch the two baptism videos today (Luke and Courtney), what thoughts struck you as they shared? How would you want to encourage or pray for them as they continue to follow after God? Take some time to pray for these two as they follow after God.

IN CLOSING :: Pray that SLW will continue to see greater and greater levels of commitment to Jesus, and that we’ll continue to effectively reach out to our community, region and world.

LG Questions :: 01/02/2011

For Further Consideration | Life Group Questions

Sunday, January 2, 2011 | Shawn Cossin :: New Year’s Resolutions

How was Christmas and New Year’s for you this year? What did you do, and how did it go?

Resolutions – What resolutions do most people tend to make this time of year?

Have you made any resolutions yet? Have you broken any of them yet?

An actual study on resolutions found that…

            92% of resolutions go unfulfilled

            Over half are done/broken by the end of the 1^st week of January

            Of the remaining, more than 88% are done with by the end of January

            8% of resolutions actually make it to the end of the year

Read Romans 7:18-19… What does this indicate concerning resolutions, particularly resolutions of a spiritual nature?

Read 2^nd Chronicles 7:14-15, then explore the following questions…

            Why is the word “if” so critically important in this section of Scripture?

            What does God ask us to do? What does “humbling ourselves” look like?

            There’s a sense of corporate response here… Why is it important to do this as a “people”?

Read Revelation 4:8… What did Shawn want us to “catch” from this Scripture? (BIG HINT – God is the God of the past, present, and future.) Why would that be so important for us to understand?

Shawn particularly emphasized the “is to come” aspect of Christ’s authority. Why would that be such an emphasis, and why would that be critical for us to understand?

Three points were specifically emphasized. Take a moment to review them, and discuss their significance to you personally and as a group.

“We’re not bound by the past.”

“We’re not stuck in the present.”

“We’re not doomed in the future.”

Read John 14:12-13… What will those who believe in God do, and why will they do it?

BIG QUESTION… What do you need to do in 2011 for the Lord to do the greater things He’s prepared for you to do? Is there something to stop doing? Something to start doing? Discuss as a group.

As a church, we value “deepening the soul, finding relationship, and joining the mission.” Each and every day we desire to “live SENT.” How can we continue to stay focused in 2011 on these core values?

Read Ephesians 3:20… What does this Scripture communicate? What do you love about this prayer from the Apostle Paul?

Shawn challenged us to consider these “SLW Resolutions” for 2011…

            More people reached

            Greater impact through service

            More authentic relationships

            Deeper intimacy with God

            Increased prayer

IN CLOSING :: Please pray as a group for Shawn’s list of prayer requests. Ask God to help us as a church, and as individual people, to honor these goals for the new year.

LG Questions :: 12/19/2010

Matt Irvine | Sandy Lake Wesleyan

For Further Consideration | LG Questions

12/19/10 | Week 4 :: The Stories of Christmas

Today we talked about the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Who are some of your favorite characters from that movie? What are some of your favorite scenes? What’s the central theme/point of the movie?

Read Isaiah 53 and discuss the implications of its message…

Right up front, Matt asked a REALLY BIG question - What difference is my life making? Before you explore the difference your own life is making, take a moment to think of the impact OTHERS’ LIVES have made on you – here are the questions:

            What person/people have most dramatically impacted your life?

            What person/people have offered the most support encouragement?

            How would your life be different if this person/people hadn’t been in your life?

Consider John Ortberg’s thoughts about “Moral Therapeutic Deism”

            :: There is a god who created the earth and watches over it

:: God wants us to be nice, fair and good

:: The central goal of life is to be happy and feel good about yourself

:: God doesn’t need to be involved except when there is a problem that needs a “Celestial Performance Enhancement”

:: Good people go to heaven when they die

:: What’s missing? JESUS

Question: How do you see this (Moral Therapeutic Deism) attitude bleeding through our culture these days?

Read Acts 17:6, then consider the following questions:

            What was the reputation of these disciples?

            Why were they called in?

            What reputation do many of today’s Christians have?

George Bailey gets a second chance from God, and he basically acts like a crazy man running around wishing everyone a ‘Merry Christmas’ – Have you received a second chance from God, and how have you responded to that second chance?

Read Romans 12:1-2, then consider the following questions:

            What does it mean to “offer our bodies to God”? What would that look like?

            How would doing this be considered a “spiritual act of worship”?

Read Luke 2:13-14, then consider the following questions:

Before this proclamation, God had been silent for 400 years. How do you think that time of silence felt to generations that passed through during this time?

How is God NOT silent anymore? How has he spoken, and what has he communicated to us?

Matt asked, What difference has Christ made in your life? And what are you doing with your second chance?

IN CLOSING :: Take some time to thank God together as a group for the people who have positively impacted your lives. Take time to thank God for his work and impact in and on your lives. And take time to ask God to use us to make a difference in the lives of others.

LG Questions :: 12/12/2010

For Further Consideration :: Life Group Questions

Week 2 :: The Stories of Christmas | Shawn Cossin

What’s the weirdest Christmas present you’ve ever given or received?

What were you like as a kid when it came to anticipating Christmas?

The definition of “anticipation”:

A prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action

The act of looking forward, especially to a pleasurable outcome

Read Matthew 6:7-8

            Why is it important to note that Jesus said, “When…”?

            What does he suggest about our praying? Why would that matter?

            What do these scriptures have to do with anticipation?

Read Matthew 7:7-12

            What did Shawn say about “asking, seeking, and knocking”?

            What do we know of God’s desire to help his children?

            How has God been faithful to you?

Read this out loud to the group:

In “A Christmas Story,” the main character Ralphie wanted a Red Rider BB Gun. But his desire was tempered by his inability to trust his parents would get him what he asked for.

That’s just a fictional movie, but how does our inability to trust God and his provision affect our relationship with Him? (If it’s helpful, review Shawn’s illustration about the gift of a musket he wanted from his grandfather, too.)

In “A Christmas Story,” everyone told Ralphie that he’d “shoot his eye out.” In our relationship with God, we get impatient about timing and safety about a lot of things. Sometimes the best thing God can do is say “no” or “not yet” or “in a little while.” Can you think of any moments from your own life where you got impatient with God?

Shawn asked, “What are you asking God for this Christmas,” then asked if we would be willing to wait on God’s answer/response, even if it’s not coming right away.

Read Psalm 5:3 – How does that tie in with your group discussion/study so far?

In the end of “A Christmas Story,” Ralphie finally gets the BB gun. In life, we don’t always have the storybook ending. Sometimes we do, but sometimes we continue to wait in expectation. Take a moment  to share the “storybook ending” moments you’ve experienced, and also take a moment to share the things you’re still waiting and praying about.

IN CLOSING :: Take time to reflect as a group – what are you asking God for this Christmas, and what are you anticipating? How can you be patient as God works His plans out in your life? Pray for each other and for our church, too!

(Don’t forget – please drop me a line with a Life Group update – THANKS!)

LG Questions :: 12/05/2010

For Further Consideration :: Life Group Questions

Week 1, “The Stories of Christmas” | Shawn Cossin

What are some of your personal or family Christmas traditions? Share a few with your group.

Discuss – Ever said or done anything really dumb? Felt out of place? Considered yourself out of place?

Shawn invited us to explore what it means to feel like a misfit. He said that “being a misfit … fits us.” In what ways do we as Christ-followers sometimes feel like misfits?

Today’s Christmas story  was connected to Rudolph. What do you remember/recall about the story of Rudolph and the “island of misfit toys”?

Why do you think this story of Rudolph resonates with so many people?

Pretty fascinating background to the story, isn’t it? (Bob May wrote it for his daughter after his wife died of cancer. He didn’t have anything else to give his daughter for Christmas, so he wrote this story.)

A working definition of “misfit”:

One who is unable to adjust to one’s environment or circumstances or is considered to be disturbingly different from others.

A person not suited in behavior or attitude to a particular social environment.

Why do Christians so often feel like misfits?

Read this quote and reflect on it as a group: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” [C.S. Lewis]

Read John 17:13-16, then explore the following questions:

            What does this section of scripture communicate?

            Who was speaking, and why would that be important to know as you read this?

            Why in this prayer would Jesus ask that we be kept in this world rather than taken out?

Read Jeremiah 29:11-13, then consider – What does this communicate to us? What must we do if we expect to seek and find God?

Shawn listed several people mentioned throughout Scripture that were misfits, and said that God “uses misfits, and often chooses misfits to accomplish His purposes in the world.” Who are some of the misfits of the Bible you especially appreciate?

Read Isaiah 53:2 and John 1:10-11 … What does this tell us about Jesus?

Jesus himself was a misfit. Sounds strange to say, but it’s true. How was He a misfit, and how was He used for the sake of the Kingdom?

Read 1^st Corinthians 1:27-28 – What encouragement can we receive from this section of Scripture? How do you see this section of scripture at work in your life?

Big Question – What misfit part of your life does God want to redeem this Christmas? (Take a stand? Endure criticism? Wait on Him in faith? Realize who God made you to be? Something else?)

IN CLOSING :: Take time to pray for each other and for our church, asking God to help us embrace the reality that, as Christ followers, we are misfits in the world. Commit again to be used by God for His purposes.

LG Questions :: 11/28/2010

For Further Consideration :: Life Group Questions

November 28, 2010 | Shawn Cossin | Thanks & Giving

You may want to have several people read from the following verses…

Read Colossians 1::10-12

Read Colossians 2:6-7

Read Colossians 3:15-16

Read Colossians 3:17

Read Colossians 3:6-7

What do all these verses have in common?

What principles jump out at you as you read these verses?

Shawn talked about his nephew, John-John, and his love for Buzz Lightyear. (What a great story!) Who do you think of when you think of someone who responds with pure joy and thanks when receiving a gift? How can you more authentically give thanks?

Read 2^nd Corinthians 9:6-10, then take a closer look at verse 8…

Why do we have abundance?

            What are we to do with what we have?

Read 2^nd Corinthians 8:12

Read Luke 12:34

            Why is it important to know and apply these verses?

            How can one apply the “where your treasure is” principle?

            Can you think of ways you have helped properly prioritize your treasure?

Shawn said, “Thanks leads to giving, and giving leads to thanks.”

            How have you seen this principle demonstrated in your own life?

What advice would you give to someone considering how to become a better blessing with the resources God has provided?

What ideas come to mind for you personally? Are there some new thoughts or ideas or giving patterns that could begin showing up in your life?

IN CLOSING :: Pray for each other and for our church, asking God to help us offer thanks and also be a blessing. Thank God for who he is, what He’s doing, and how he would like to use us to bless others!

LG Questions :: 11/21/2010

For Further Consideration :: Life Groups :: November 21-27, 2010

SLW “But God…” series :: Week 3 :: Shawn Cossin

Read Ephesians 2:4-5, “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.” If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment or two to share some of your “But God…” moments. And if you’ve done this already, try and think of a few more “But God…” moments from your life that you haven’t shared yet.

Shawn reminded us of this truth – “What is doesn’t have to be.” How has this truth revealed itself in your life?

Read 1^st Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” Does this mean we play no part in God’s plan of redemption? What do these verses indicate about our role? What are we to do? What are we not to do? Who gets the credit?

The Story of Abraham & Sarah – What do we know about the story of Abraham? What about Sarah? What about their interaction as a married couple? (Feel free to flip to Genesis to remind each other of the many stories regarding Abraham & Sarah)

Read Genesis 18:10-15, then review the following questions: What was the promise in this story? What was Sarah’s response to the promise? What was the messenger’s response to her laughter? The question – “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

Shawn said, “God always keeps his promises.” True? If so, how have you seen this revealed through Scripture, life experiences, and in the lives of others?

“But God…” is two things…

  --Not our doing

  --Not an end in itself

  --What does Shawn mean by these two points?

Read Ephesians 2:7, “So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”

As you read Ephesians 2:7, what are the obvious points Paul is trying to help us understand? Take a look at the surrounding verses (both before and after 2:7). How do these verses help us better understand what Paul is communicating?

What new “But God…” moments do you think may be on the horizon for you or someone you know? Who are you praying for to have a “But God…” moment? What recent commitments have you made to God?

AS YOU CLOSE… Please take a few moments to ask God for more “But God…” moments in your own life, in the lives of people in your group, in the Body at SLW, and in the Western PA region and even world.

LG Questions :: 11/14/2010

Life Group Questions :: For Further Consideration

“But God…” | November 14, 2010 | Beth Cossin

Before you get into this study, please take a few moments to share with the group some more of your “But God…” moments. What stuck out to you from the “But God…” video we showed today?

Read John 4:4-42 – Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman

Why did Jesus sit down by Jacob’s well?

Jesus said, “I can give you living water.” What was so significant about this?

Why would the Samaritan woman be surprised that Jesus spoke to her?

What do we know about the woman at the well? Take time to discuss this, as well as reflect on some of the comments/insights Beth offered about these descriptions...

-Samaritan

-Woman

-Alone

-Adulteress

-Shamed

What else do we know about her, and why are these descriptors so important to helping us better understand her and her story?

Read John 4:10 – Why is this statement so important?

Beth talked about the “living water” – the gift of God

dorea (Greek) – “free gift”

Used in conjunction with God, Christ, Holy Spirit, righteousness

Why would this be so important to understand?

Notice that the woman deflected the conversation, attempting to turn it into a spiritual/theological discussion. Why is this important to notice? What does it suggest about the woman’s state of mind? And just as importantly, how did Jesus handle her deflecting comments?

Take a moment and compare the conversation of Jesus in John 3 with Nicodemus (go ahead, read it!) to that of the conversation of Jesus in John 4 with the Samaritan Woman. What does this revelation of grace communicate to the woman at the well?

What does the woman do in response to Jesus’ words to her? Read John 4:29, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out…” Why is this statement so significant?

Beth said that – when it comes to God – to “be known is to be loved, and to be loved is to be known.” How has this reality transformed and/or impacted your life?

Read John 4:39, “Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to Him (Jesus) because of the woman’s witness.” Consider her witness – what was her witness? “He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out.” If people already knew so much bad stuff about her (and they most likely did), why do you think this made such an impact on the people?

Read 1^st Corinthians 1:27-29, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”

Before you close your group time with prayer, reflect on these questions: Does your life reflect the gift? Are you willing to 'go and tell'? Have you bought into the lie of the Enemy that because you’re not perfect, you have no story to tell? Are there people you could lean into – just like Jesus did – that need to know they’re still significant and salvageable because of God’s love? Do YOU need to know that for yourself?

Pray as a group – for each other and for our church – that God will help us both know grace and also be agents of grace.

LG Questions :: 11/07/2010

Sunday, November 7, 2010 | Shawn Cossin, Lead Pastor

For Further Consideration | Life Group Questions | “But God…” Week 1

As you begin… Read Ephesians 2:4-5, then pray for understanding as you study.

Shawn showed a picture of contractors who got themselves stuck while pouring concrete and inserting post barriers in front of a restaurant. Funny, right? Well, have you ever “painted yourself in a corner,” or done something stupid like that?

Spiritually, we all start out in need of rescue. Read Romans 3:23 – “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are buried beneath sin and need God’s help. Do you think most people recognize this need? Why or why not?

Read Romans 5:6-8. What do these verses convey? And what is your “But God” moment? Take a few moments to share with your group some of your “But God” moments – when you got saved, how he rescued you from something, etc.

Shawn emphasized this reality – “What IS doesn’t have to BE.” God can change us from the inside out – our thoughts, attitudes, habits, words, actions, and more. What has God been up to in your life lately? How have you been conforming to the image of God in recent days and weeks? What’s he teaching you? Share with the group…

The Bible is full of stories – true stories – of people who were desperately in trouble without a “But God” moment. Peter is one of those people. What do you know about Peter? (Shawn mentioned… fisherman, Cephas/Petros, from Bethsaida, brother Andrew, married – what else do we know about him?)

Shawn walked us through a variety of “But God” moments in Peter’s life – what were some of the moments Shawn referenced, and how did God use those moments for Peter’s development?

Take another look at Romans 5:8 – What is the beauty of God’s work in Peter? And what is the beauty of God’s work in us?

Shawn made the statement, “If we don’t make room for ‘But God’ moments, we can end up loving stuff we should hate, and hating stuff we should love.” What are your thoughts about this statement, and how has that truth showed up in your life?

Even as we celebrate the “But God” moments in our lives (and if you haven’t yet done that as a group, please do it now!), we need to be aware of something. If we’re not careful, we can give up on having any “But God” moments. So, be honest – is there anything you’ve given up on? A habit changing? A relationship improving? Something in yourself? God’s ability to change? I encourage you to be honest, and if anyone is willing to please talk with the group about it.

Shawn talked about being a lifeguard earlier in his life, stating that he didn’t wait for someone to be rescued if they needing rescuing. He compared that to God’s love for us, and how he made grace available before we even realized it. What encourages you as you consider that biblical reality?

Look at Romans 5:8 one more time – the word “demonstrates” is in the present tense. What does that mean, and why is it so encouraging to note?

IN CLOSING :: Pray together as a group, thanking God for your “But God” moments and also praying for anyone that has struggled to trust for another “But God” moment.