Video: 7 Deadly Sins "Lust"

Every one of us wrestles with sin on some level. Whether it is something overt like a propensity toward road rage or something hidden like an addiction to pornography, we all sin in life.

In the late 6th century Pope Gregory the Great introduced the world to a list of 7 deadly sins: Pride, envy, anger, slothfulness, greed, gluttony and lust. Left unnoticed, Gregory believed these sins could destroy the heart and soul of man.

7 Deadly Sins is a small group series I created for Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. I hope this lesson will spark thought and insight in your life as well.

7 Deady Sins:Lust from Mike Arnold on Vimeo.

Video: 7 Deadly Sins "Envy"

Every one of us wrestles with sin on some level. Whether it is something overt like a propensity toward road rage or something hidden like an addiction to pornography, we all sin in life.

In the late 6th century Pope Gregory the Great introduced the world to a list of 7 Deadly Sins: pride, envy, anger, slothfulness, greed, gluttony and lust. Left unnoticed, Gregory believed these sins could destroy the heart and soul of man.

7 Deadly Sins is a small group series I created for Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. I hope this lesson will spark thought and insight in your life as well.

Video: 7 Deadly Sins "Envy" from Michael P Arnold on Vimeo.

Open up

In what ways are you blessed today?  How are greed and envy alike?  How are they different?  (Greed puts things before God and envy puts things between us and other people.)  Can you think of a time when you were envious of some else?  How did this affect you?  How did it affect your relationship?

Dig In

Read Exodus 20:17, Titus 3:3, Galatians 5:19-21, and proverbs 23:17

·      What do these texts say about envy?

·      Why do you think God takes envy so seriously?

·      Is envy a gateway to other sins?  Which ones?

·      Read Proverbs 14:30: Have you ever experienced this in your life?

Live Out

·      What can you do this week to avoid envy?

·      How can you change your perspective from looking at what you don’t have to seeing what you do have today?

·      Is there someone who you need to confess the sin of envy to in your life?

Video: 7 Deadly Sins "Greed"

Every one of us wrestles with sin on some level. Whether it is something overt like a propensity toward road rage or something hidden like an addiction to pornography, we all sin in life.

In the late 6th century Pope Gregory the Great introduced the world to a list of 7 Deadly Sins: pride, envy, anger, slothfulness, greed, gluttony and lust. Left unnoticed, Gregory believed these sins could destroy the heart and soul of man.

7 Deadly Sins is a small group series I created for Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. I hope this lesson will spark thought and insight in your life as well.

7 Deadly Sins: Greed from Mike Arnold on Vimeo.

Opening up

In what way do you struggle with greed?  Why do we want more?  What possession would be the hardest for you to give up?  What is the difference between enjoying an item and worshiping it?  Where is the line crossed?  How often do you worry about money?

Dig In

Read Philippians 4:10-13. 

·      Think about a time when you were in need.  Think about a time when you had plenty.  What was the difference in your disposition?

·      What is the key to Paul’s contentment in life?

·      Has there ever been a time when you have been in need and felt contentment in God?

·      How would your life be different if you solely found your contentment in Christ?

·      Read Philippians 4:13 again.  How can you practically live in the strength of God?

Live it Out

Jesus once said, “It is better to give than to receive.”  One of the best ways to address the sin of greed is to switch your focus from taking to giving.

·      What is one way you could give this week?

·      Is there something you were going to purchase this week that you don’t really need?  Can you delay this for a couple of weeks and use the resources to bless someone else?

·      Paul gave everything he had to advance the message of Jesus Christ.  In what ways should we give to do the same?

Video: The Plan

Everyone knows what it feels like to gain and lose hope in life. The plan is a look at how a small group of people can inspire hope in others. It is my goal to spark thought and discussion for those who watch it. Enjoy. This is a small group series I created for North Way Christian Community in Pittsburgh, PA. 

The Plan from Mike Arnold on Vimeo.

Discuss this quote from Margaret Mead:  “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.  Indeed, that is the only thin that ever has.” 

·      How has history been changed by a small group of people?

·      Think back over your life.  How have seemingly insignificant moments at the time made significant impacts in your life?

·      Is there an area of focus that God is leading you to in your life? 

Sharing Hope

Everyone knows what it feels like to gain and lose hope in life. Sharing hope is a challenge for all whom have found hope in Christ to share it with others through acts of kindness and service. It is my goal to spark thought and discussion for those who watch it. Enjoy. This is a small group series I created for North Way Christian Community in Pittsburgh, PA.

Sharing Hope from Mike Arnold on Vimeo.

Discussion 1

Read 1 Peter 3:15-17

·      Think of a time in your life when someone asked you why you lived differently.  How did you respond? 

·      What happened in that moment?  How did this exchange feel for you?

Discussion 2

Read Hebrews 6:10-12

·      When was the last time you have shown God love by loving His people?  Describe the experience.

·      How did these experiences help build your faith or make your hope sure?

·      Why don’t we actively pursue more of these serving opportunities in our lives?

Discussion 3

·      Take some time to think about a possible “Hope Project.”

·      Do you have a personal contact that may need some assistance?  Like and elderly neighbor or family in need?

·      Is there an area of need that someone else could help you with?

·      Is there an area of need that is specific passion for you?  Elderly, abandoned children, homeless?

Prayer

·      Pray that God will give you an opportunity to share hope with those in contact with you this week. 

·      Pray for courage to share hope in love.

Finding Hope

Everyone knows what it feels like to gain and lose hope in life.  Finding hope is a look at how we can ultimately find our hope in a relationship with our creator. It is my goal to spark thought and discussion for those who watch it. Enjoy. This is a small group series I created for North Way Christian Community in Pittsburgh, PA.

 Finding Hope from Michael P Arnold on Vimeo.

Discussion 1

Read Psalms 130 and 131

·      When was the last time you were reminded that you were not ultimately in control?

·      How did you react?

·      Share a moment in your life when you had to wait on the Lord like in Psalm 130.

·      What happened?  Are you still waiting?

·      When is the last time you quieted your soul?  Describe the experience.

Discussion 2

Read Romans 5:1-8

·      How does this understanding of Christ’s love for us give us hope?

·      When has someone done something for you when you did not deserve it?  Hoe did you react?

·      What is the role of the Holy Spirit in this passage?  Where is our hope placed in this passage?

Discussion 3

Read 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

·      In what ways are followers of Jesus called to be bold?

·      How can you better reflect to Lord’s glory this week?

·      How can you continue to be transformed into his likeness?

Prayer

·      Confess the areas of your life where you have not reflected the glory of God.  Ask for forgiveness.

·      Ask God to transform a specific area of your life that needs to be changed.

·      Ask God to reveal a person this week with whom you can share the hope of Christ.