Saturday, March 21, 2015

Sunday Circles - The Extra Mile

Sunday Circles
        Building Your Family With Friends
Church On The Rock
Gtcotr/sc032215

Prayer
Hymn: Blessed Assurance
Memory Verse: Psalms 107:20 He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.

Lesson: The Extra Mile
Matthew 5:41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

Pastor remarks and intro of first principle

First Principle: Water for the Camels
Bible Character: Rebekah
Scripture Reference: Genesis 24:19 When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.” 
We see Rebekah willing to go out of her way to help a stranger.
Our willingness to positively respond to those in need can position us for blessing from God. 
More than just doing the absolute minimum, Rebekah looked for more she could do to be a blessing.
Question: Can you think of any incidents in your life when going the extra mile had positive results?
Follow Up Questions: How can we train our family and others around us to go the extra mile?
Conclusion: Rebekah was properly positioned that day by actually being at the well. She was at the right place at the right time, and she had a jug! But as well as being prepared physically she had the right heart and attitude and was prepared spiritually. She was willing to help and to respond positively to what was asked of her.

Pastor remarks and intro of second principle

Second Principle: Kissing or Cleaving
Character: Ruth
Scripture Reference: Ruth 1:14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
Both Ruth and Orpah went on their way to return to the land of Judah with their mother in law, Naomi.
They both went the first mile but only Ruth went the second mile.
Question: Describe the basic difference between a kisser and a cleaver.  
Follow Up Question: What do you think motivated Ruth to cleave to Naomi?
Conclusion: Becoming a blessing to those around us by contributing in abundance and beyond what is asked should be our way of life and not just an occasional occurrence. It should become natural and a pattern of habit in our daily life. In doing so, it positions us to not only be a blessing but to then be blessed.

Pastor remarks and intro of third principle

Third Principle: Righting a Wrong
Characters: Zacchaeus
Scripture Reference: Luke 19:8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
Zacchaeus had a life change.
He realized his responsibility to make restitution.
More than simply repaying what he had taken, he went the extra mile.
Question: How did Zacchaeus go the extra mile?
Follow Up Question: How do you imagine the poor and robbed felt about Zacchaeus afterwards?  
Conclusion: Zacchaeus went above and beyond to make restitution to those whom he had harmed. When someone has a true life change they will no longer complain about doing their part. In fact, they will go the extra mile. Are you a kisser or a cleaver?


Pastor closing remarks

    Connect Cards; Offering and Prayer
    Memory Verse

     Pre-Praise & Worship Prayer will be in the Sanctuary Studio. Worship will begin in just a few minutes.