WEEKLY HOME GROUP GUIDE

Belong
Welcome In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus leaves the crowd and talks with His closest followers. He then calls them Salt & Light. Funny isn't it? As kids, we were told its not nice to call people names, but as believers, we should long for Jesus to call us a name that would show that we belong to Him.

June 10-16, 2012

Become
Family Time Isnt it interesting that Christ told His disciples they were Salt & Light before they did any good deeds. On the otherhand, a Golfer becomes a pro by playing lots of golf. A carpenter becomes a master from the countles hours working with wood. A doctor becomes a Fellow after more than a decade of instruction and practice. But you are Salt & Light, as declared by Christ. Our culture exalts experts who are experienced as apposed to relying on the inward transformation to influence others. What do you have as a Christ follower that the disciples did not yet have at the time of the Sermon on the Mount? (Holy Spirit) Is the world around you influenced by your deeds leading them to praise God? (read vs. 16)

Kids Time Put a good pinch of salt on one childs tongue...allow the others to observe what does he want now? (water) Runners use salt pills to make themselves thirsty and keep water in them as they exercise. Jesus calls his disciples salt so that they would be reminded that people don't naturally want God. Our deeds and actions can help others want God like salt helps a runner want water. If you are in total darkness, how much light is needed to escape? (very little) Our schools and neighborhoods are a very dark place and need your good deeds to show people who Christ is and what He has done for them. God in you, influences others lost in the darkness. Once a tea bag has turned water into tea, it is forever changed. Adding clear water to clear water will never result in tea. In the same way, Christians are to be so different that when they do something others would see God in you and want to be changed too.

Adult Time Read the passage. How did the disciples become Salt & Light? -Read 2 Corinthian 5:17 (By faith they were transformed from old to new) We often add a little salt to make things more palatable. The lost don't need to feel a little better, they need to see their need for Christ. Our good deeds are to be an instrument that would prevent decay and death. Are your good deeds for you or are they for the lost? What does it mean to hide your light? What keeps us from letting it shine? What kinds of good deeds point others to Christ and cause them to see Him clearly?

Prayer Time Pray that God will remove the hindrances that keep you from being salt and light. Ask God who in your world needs Him, the true light. Then pray that He will give you wisdom to know how and when to shine and testify about Christ.

Beyond
Community Calendar Before it gets too hot, plan a night at the park with your HG or CG. Plan a backyard BBQ & swim night with your group! Take advantage of the summer activities & make some memories with your church family! Church Calendar Register online (www.pantego.org) for the Womens Ministry Summer Studies! Morning & evening classes begin June 13. Childcare is available (childcare@pantego.org).

Pantego Bible Church