Video: Stolen identity “Child of God”

This is a small group/devotional series I created a couple of years ago while working in Las Vegas, Nevada.  I hope it sparks thoughts and conversation in your lives as well. Enjoy.

Stolen Identity: Child of God from Mike Arnold on Vimeo.

Open Up

1.    Have you ever experienced the “wildness” of the West?

2.    Followers of Jesus are often considered anything but wild?  In fact many people consider the Christian life boring.  How were the lives of Jesus and those around him wild or radical?  In what other ways do you see God being “wild” in Scripture?

3.    Does your view of your identity limit or expand the possibilities of your life?

Digging In

1 John 3:1-2:  Who are your parents?  How have the shaped your identity?  How does it change your perspective on your daily life when you consider yourself a child of the king?

1 John 3:6 What does this passage mean?  Does God expect us to live perfect lives?

1 John 3:9-10 How should being a child of God affect the way we live our lives?  How does the way you live your life reflect on your eternal Father?

Living Out

1.    What would you do if your were the child of the president, the son of a world leader or daughter of a king?  What can you do to make a difference as a child or God?

2.    In what way is it freeing to place your identity solely in God?

3.    How can you live our your faith in a wild way this week?  What frightens you when you think of this?

Video: Stolen Identity "What makes you . . . you?"

 This is a small group/devotional series I created a couple of years ago while working in Las Vegas, Nevada.  I hope it sparks thoughts and conversation in your lives as well. Enjoy.

  Stolen Identity:  "What makes you . . . you? from Mike Arnold on Vimeo.

Opening Up

1.    What in your life battles for your identity? (Can you give examples?)

2.    What were you the most proud of back in high school?  Does it really matter now?  Did it really matter back then?

3.    Do you remember who won the Oscar for best Actor in 2000?  Do you know who is the present prime minster of Canada is? D you remember what team won the World Series in 2001?  Can you name the five richest people on earth today?  Who won Mr. Universe in 2003?

Fame, power, sports, wealth beauty, intelligence—these are things that many of us use to build our identity.  They often seem important, but do they really matter in the end?

Digging In

Read Luke 18:18-30.  What is happening in this text?

Luke 18:22 Jesus tells those he is talking with to sell everything they own and give it away?  Does this apply to us today?  Why do you think Jesus asked the rich young ruler to do this?

Luke 18:23 “When he heard this he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.  We become upset when we lose the things that seem to hold our identity.  What part of you would you find difficult or upsetting if Jesus asked you to strip it away?

Luke 18:24-27 “Why is it hard for the rich to get into heaven?  How do other kinds of success prevent you from focusing on God?

Luke 18:28-30 “We can del with losing the external aspects of success.  What do you think about losing those closest to you to pursue God?

Living Out

1.    What does it look like for you to place your identity in Jesus?

2.    How can this decision give you more peace in life?  How could it be more challenging?

3.    How can others help you keep this commitment?