Tuesday, December 31, 2013

January 5 Study Helps and Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Well, we are finally beginning our new Connect Group year. I am very excited about all God has in store for us. While the rolls are not complete you can check to see who is already committed to your group by going to your login page on our website.

Please keep in mind, these are not completed. We are still working to add individuals to each roll. You will receive a more complete roll at the Leadership Breakfast and Briefing Saturday morning along with other very important Connect Group information. Please be sure to let us know if you are attending by completing the form at this link:

Leadership Breakfast & Briefing - RSVP

If you have other leaders who need to attend, you may add their names as well.

BIBLE STUDY HELPS
As I prepared the teaching helps I thought about how important it was for Jesus to leave so the Holy Spirit could come. When He came, believers everywhere were given the blessing of having God with them. As Jesus was God with us, so the Spirit is God with us! As Jesus poured His life into His disciples in His last days here, He paved the way for Holy Spirit to pour His life into all believers, everywhere.

Yet, knowing this, we forget so quickly that Holy Spirit is there to be our Counselor. -- The Greek noun Paraclete [PAR uh kleet] literally meaning someone who is “called alongside” to render help.  I have organized this week's study of John to help us communicate the importance of the Holy Spirit always being with us, standing beside us, rendering help as we live our Christian lives.

The outline of John 15:26-16:15 has been tweaked to reflect this approach: The Holy Spirit is there, standing alongside of you . . . 
  • When your testimony meets hostility.
  • When sorrow fills your heart.
  • When you share Christ with others.
  • When more understanding is needed.
I suggest you review the following resources to help you prepare to respond to questions regarding the doctrine of the Holy Spirit:
I have also recommended some video clips and prepared a few PowerPoint slides as options:
I hope this study will encourage and remind you as it did me that, as Jesus said, "I will not leave you as orphans" (John 14:18).

Download January 5 Teaching Helps: Depending on the Holy Spirit

Download Directions: Click the above link. When the file opens choose "Download" located in the upper right corner of the window. Let me know if you have any questions. Feel free to copy, paste, delete, or edit any of the content.