1.5.20 — NEW LIFE: It's Never Too Late to be Born Again

Message on Sunday, January 5, 2020

It's Never Too Late to be Born Again

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE: John 3:1-16

Main Theme: Salvation, Born Again, Life Change

Guide for Crossroads Community Groups:

1. Welcome: Read the purpose of your group:

   Our purpose is to multiply groups. We do this by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and multiply God's kingdom.

2. Worship: Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Show a video with the lyrics, such as Way Maker.

3. Review:

   • What has God been telling you this week in your personal time with Him?

   • How did you do with what you wanted to apply from last week?

   • With whom did you share what you learned last week?

   • Who did you invite to the group for this week?

4. Opening Question:
   If you could be born again, what one thing would you do differently in your life?

5. Introduction: Read the background information below.

6. Word: Read John 3:16 aloud together several times.

   • What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

   • Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

   • What are the details? What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

7. Discussion: Discuss together the questions below.

8. Application: For these questions, you may want to divide into two groups for males and females.

9. Prayer Time:

   • Pray for an empty chair, representing new people you want to join the group. Think of specific people to pray for by name.

   • Divide into two groups for males and females to pray for the needs of the members of the group.

10. For Next Time:

    • Assign group members who are ready to do different parts of the next meeting as you prepare them (opening question; prayer time; read background info; lead group).

    • Ask each person the name of someone they will invite to the group for next week.
      
      

Background Information

Nicodemus was one of the religious rulers of the Jews. He was an older man and was highly respected in the society. He was a part of the religious group called the Pharisees who were known for following all of the commandments very closely. They believed that by doing that they would be saved.

Jesus mentions Moses lifting up a snake in the wilderness. This incident is found in Numbers 21:8-9. Jesus is using that incident to refer to his crucifixion, where he was lifted up on a cross.  

Key Verse:  You must be born again.  John 3:7

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE: John 3:1-16

Discussion Questions

1. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

2. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

3. What do you learn about people from the story?

4. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

5. What will you take away from this discussion?

6. What will you do with what you have learned? (make sure everyone answers this)

7. As a result of this study, what do you need to stop doing?

8. As a result of this study, what do you need to start doing?

Commitment — Obedience — Application

1. Jesus taught you this today because someone in your life needs to hear it. With whom in your inner circle of relationships will you share what you have learned through this study?

2. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study?