Resolution (2) – Something to Show for It

Welcome to CROLCC, we are so glad you are here worshiping with us. In another few days many of us will be celebrating Chinese New Year. I want to again wish you a Wonderful 2017 for we have a wonderful God. I recently heard a pastor said this, when wonderful things happen to non-Christians they think it’s by coincidence. But when wonderful things happen to Christians, they know it’s because they have a wonderful God. I pray that as you read scripture this year and as you pray for the impossible things in your life that you will experience you have a wonderful Heavenly Father in 2017.

This is also the time of year when we become painfully aware of where we are not, who we are not, and what we need to do differently. Traditionally, it’s a season of self-absorption. We wonder how to get slimmer, stronger, smarter, and richer. We wonder how to get out of debt and make more money. We wonder how to become better people. We said last week that If you really want to become a better person, do something this year to make the world a better place. But how do you determine what you should do?

Moving Forward

What breaks your heart? What needs to change in your community? What can you do? Who can you partner with? Jesus invites you to a life of purpose. Devote yourself to more than yourself so you will have more than yourself to show for yourself.

Changing Your Mind

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Mark 8:34–35

Discussion Questions

1. Over the last week as you wrestled with the question, “What breaks my heart?”, what came to mind?

2. In what ways have you pursued significance throughout your life? How successful were those approaches?

3. Read Luke 14:25–27. Respond to what Jesus said in the passage. In what ways does it challenge your assumptions about your purpose in life? In what ways is it comforting?

4. How would you answer this question: “At the end of my life I would like people to line up and thank me for…”?

5. Based on your answer to the previous question, what might it cost you in terms of time, money, missed opportunity, or family time to pursue that desired future?

6. What is one thing you can do to begin to move toward that desired future? How can this group help you?