Living in the Lion's Den: Part 9 - Predictable
MICRO CHURCH GUIDE
November 12, 2023
Sermon Page
YouVersion
Sermon Slides
_____________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Christmas Parades are Coming!
This year, OneLife will be in the Powell and Downtown Knoxville Christmas parades December 1st & 2nd. It’s a great way to represent our church out in the community, plus, it’s a lot of fun! Here’s how to get involved: #1 - Parade float construction and decorating. Whether you’re a handyman, crafty decorator, or just want to hang out and get to know people, you’ll love helping out! #2 - Walk in the parades. Come represent our church, help pass out candy, and hand out invite cards to our Christmas services. Sign-ups are available at onelifeknox.com/parade or write “Christmas Parades” on your Connection Card.
OneLife’s Angel Trees
This year OneLife is continuing our partnership with the McNabb Center’s Dear Santa program as well as providing angel tree gifts for children on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in Montana. The Angel Trees are up in the lobbies starting today, so check them out! Gifts can be returned to your campus November 19-26.
Jingle Jam - November 26th & December 3rd
Jingle Jam is a Christmas Party big enough for the whole family! It’s an interactive Christmas presentation for kids and parents that’s full of exciting music, fun characters, and a unique perspective of Christmas like you’ve never experienced! Jingle Jam will be held Sunday night November 26th at our North Campus and Sunday Night December 3rd at our East campus. Save the date and we can’t wait to see you there!
Join a Volunteer Team
Did you know it takes over a hundred volunteers every week to make a service at OneLife happen at our campuses? So if you haven’t started volunteering, then it’s time to get on the team! From First Impressions & Security, to Kid City, to Production & Worship, to OneLife Students, weekday teams, and more - there’s plenty of opportunities for everyone to serve. Plus our volunteer Christmas banquet is coming up on December 10th so now is a great time to join a team. Mark the Volunteering box on your Connection Card to get started!
___________________
GIVE BACK
Give Jesus your best! Make a one-time tithe or offering or to set up a recurring tithe or offering: Click Here To Give Online.
_____________________
BOTTOM LINE: My predictable God is my trustworthy God.
Daniel 9:1 NLT
1 It was the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, who became king of the Babylonians.
Daniel 9:21-23 NLT
21 As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He explained to me, “Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. 23 The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully so that you can understand the meaning of your vision.
God is on record and wants me to understand.
Daniel 9:24 NLT
24 “A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion, to put an end to their sin, to atone for their guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to confirm the prophetic vision, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.
Ultimate victory is coming.
Daniel 9:25-26 NLT
25 Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler—the Anointed One—comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times. 26 “After this period of sixty-two sets of seven, the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end.
The math checks out.
Daniel 9:26-27 NLT
26 “After this period of sixty-two sets of seven, the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end. 27 The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.”
Daniel 8:25 NIV
25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.
Ultimate victory is coming...yet again!
____________________
START TALKING
When have you seen that someone or something being NOT predictable made them or it untrustworthy? And from the more positive way of looking at it, when have you seen someone or something be predictable and as a result it naturally made them or it trustworthy?
START THINKING
Read Jeremiah 25:8-12. Then read Daniel 9:4-19. What do you see in the prophecy of Jeremiah 25 that has come true in the life of Daniel and that he prays about in Daniel 9?
What do you think is the importance of this? Why does it matter?
How do you see Daniel referring back to Jeremiah 25 when he prays in this chapter? What do you think this could mean for us when we pray? What are some principles we can learn from and also do when we pray?
START SHARING
Read Daniel 9:21-23. What does this teach us about the power of prayer? When have you seen that the moment you started praying was the moment that God started answering, even if you didn't see it in the moment?
What does it teach us about the character and nature of God that he wants Daniel to understand? What else do you see about the nature of God in this passage? When have you experienced that God wanted you to understand and was patient with you until you began to understand more and better?
Read Daniel 9:26-27. There are two prophesies in these verses - one has been fulfilled and one has yet to be fulfilled. Which is which? How do we know that the first has been fulfilled? What does it mean for the promise of the second one?
How does this build your faith about the things to come? How does it build your faith for the day to day challenges you face that test your faith?
START DOING
What do you sense the Holy Spirit is telling you to trust your predictable Father with? What would you do differently if you truly trusted him?
What are some promises from Scripture that come to mind for you that - if your predictable Father can be trusted - help you to trust Him in a real-life circumstance or situation you find yourself in?
How does what we have talked about today impact the way that you live your life on mission? How do these truths impact the people in your life that don't yet know and follow Jesus, and how can you tell them the story of your predictable, trustworthy Father?
START PRAYING
Pray for what each of you shared in the Start Doing section. Commit to pray for each other through out the week and to hold each other accountable to do what God is telling you to do. Ask God to show you how the Prince of princes has won and is winning each and every day, even when it seems like the enemy is advancing!
____________________
CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, click here.
_____________________
MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
- Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
- What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
- How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
- How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
- Who in your life do you think could be disciple-able or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
_____________________
WHAT'S NEXT?
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?/giveback/giveback
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
November 12, 2023
Sermon Page
YouVersion
Sermon Slides
_____________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Christmas Parades are Coming!
This year, OneLife will be in the Powell and Downtown Knoxville Christmas parades December 1st & 2nd. It’s a great way to represent our church out in the community, plus, it’s a lot of fun! Here’s how to get involved: #1 - Parade float construction and decorating. Whether you’re a handyman, crafty decorator, or just want to hang out and get to know people, you’ll love helping out! #2 - Walk in the parades. Come represent our church, help pass out candy, and hand out invite cards to our Christmas services. Sign-ups are available at onelifeknox.com/parade or write “Christmas Parades” on your Connection Card.
OneLife’s Angel Trees
This year OneLife is continuing our partnership with the McNabb Center’s Dear Santa program as well as providing angel tree gifts for children on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in Montana. The Angel Trees are up in the lobbies starting today, so check them out! Gifts can be returned to your campus November 19-26.
Jingle Jam - November 26th & December 3rd
Jingle Jam is a Christmas Party big enough for the whole family! It’s an interactive Christmas presentation for kids and parents that’s full of exciting music, fun characters, and a unique perspective of Christmas like you’ve never experienced! Jingle Jam will be held Sunday night November 26th at our North Campus and Sunday Night December 3rd at our East campus. Save the date and we can’t wait to see you there!
Join a Volunteer Team
Did you know it takes over a hundred volunteers every week to make a service at OneLife happen at our campuses? So if you haven’t started volunteering, then it’s time to get on the team! From First Impressions & Security, to Kid City, to Production & Worship, to OneLife Students, weekday teams, and more - there’s plenty of opportunities for everyone to serve. Plus our volunteer Christmas banquet is coming up on December 10th so now is a great time to join a team. Mark the Volunteering box on your Connection Card to get started!
___________________
GIVE BACK
Give Jesus your best! Make a one-time tithe or offering or to set up a recurring tithe or offering: Click Here To Give Online.
_____________________
BOTTOM LINE: My predictable God is my trustworthy God.
Daniel 9:1 NLT
1 It was the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, who became king of the Babylonians.
Daniel 9:21-23 NLT
21 As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He explained to me, “Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. 23 The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully so that you can understand the meaning of your vision.
God is on record and wants me to understand.
Daniel 9:24 NLT
24 “A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion, to put an end to their sin, to atone for their guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to confirm the prophetic vision, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.
Ultimate victory is coming.
Daniel 9:25-26 NLT
25 Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler—the Anointed One—comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times. 26 “After this period of sixty-two sets of seven, the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end.
The math checks out.
Daniel 9:26-27 NLT
26 “After this period of sixty-two sets of seven, the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end. 27 The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.”
Daniel 8:25 NIV
25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.
Ultimate victory is coming...yet again!
____________________
START TALKING
When have you seen that someone or something being NOT predictable made them or it untrustworthy? And from the more positive way of looking at it, when have you seen someone or something be predictable and as a result it naturally made them or it trustworthy?
START THINKING
Read Jeremiah 25:8-12. Then read Daniel 9:4-19. What do you see in the prophecy of Jeremiah 25 that has come true in the life of Daniel and that he prays about in Daniel 9?
What do you think is the importance of this? Why does it matter?
How do you see Daniel referring back to Jeremiah 25 when he prays in this chapter? What do you think this could mean for us when we pray? What are some principles we can learn from and also do when we pray?
START SHARING
Read Daniel 9:21-23. What does this teach us about the power of prayer? When have you seen that the moment you started praying was the moment that God started answering, even if you didn't see it in the moment?
What does it teach us about the character and nature of God that he wants Daniel to understand? What else do you see about the nature of God in this passage? When have you experienced that God wanted you to understand and was patient with you until you began to understand more and better?
Read Daniel 9:26-27. There are two prophesies in these verses - one has been fulfilled and one has yet to be fulfilled. Which is which? How do we know that the first has been fulfilled? What does it mean for the promise of the second one?
How does this build your faith about the things to come? How does it build your faith for the day to day challenges you face that test your faith?
START DOING
What do you sense the Holy Spirit is telling you to trust your predictable Father with? What would you do differently if you truly trusted him?
What are some promises from Scripture that come to mind for you that - if your predictable Father can be trusted - help you to trust Him in a real-life circumstance or situation you find yourself in?
How does what we have talked about today impact the way that you live your life on mission? How do these truths impact the people in your life that don't yet know and follow Jesus, and how can you tell them the story of your predictable, trustworthy Father?
START PRAYING
Pray for what each of you shared in the Start Doing section. Commit to pray for each other through out the week and to hold each other accountable to do what God is telling you to do. Ask God to show you how the Prince of princes has won and is winning each and every day, even when it seems like the enemy is advancing!
____________________
CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, click here.
_____________________
MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
- Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
- What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
- How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
- How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
- Who in your life do you think could be disciple-able or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
_____________________
WHAT'S NEXT?
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?/giveback/giveback
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
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