Unfinished – Fork Christian Church

Unfinished: No Half Measures: Paid in Full and Fully Given

November 24, 2024

Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Theme: Jesus’ finished work on the cross inspires us to live lives of radical faith, generosity, and resilience.

Icebreaker Questions

If you could fully devote yourself to one passion project, no matter the cost, what would it be and why?
What’s the most generous act you’ve ever witnessed or experienced? How did it impact you?
When you hear the word “unfinished,” what feelings or thoughts come to mind?

Scriptures for Study and Reflection

Primary Passages:

John 4:34-35 (NLT):
“Then Jesus explained: ‘My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.’”
- What does it mean to find nourishment in doing God’s will?
- What “ripe harvests” might God be calling you to see and act on today?
John 19:28-30 (NLT):
“Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture, he said, ‘I am thirsty.’ … When Jesus had tasted it, he said, ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
- How does Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” give you confidence to complete what God has called you to?
2 Corinthians 8:11-12 (NLT):

“Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.”

- What commitment have you started in your spiritual life that needs finishing?
- How can generosity reflect the sincerity of your faith and love for God?

Additional Scriptures for Reflection

John 17:4 (NLT): “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”
2 Corinthians 8:3-5 (NLT): “They gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.”

Discussion Points

Reflect on Jesus’ Example: How does Jesus’ commitment to finishing God’s work challenge or encourage you in your current season?
Identify Your Unfinished Business:
- What spiritual commitments, dreams, or projects have you left incomplete?
- What’s holding you back from finishing what God has called you to?
Generosity in Action:
- The Macedonians gave joyfully even out of their poverty (2 Cor. 8:2-3). How can we emulate this kind of radical generosity?
- What creative or courageous ways could you practice generosity in your life or community?
Living Faithfully: How does the promise of “ripe harvests” in John 4 inspire you to trust God’s provision as you step out in faith?

Action Steps

Prayerful Commitment: This week, pray about an area where God is calling you to finish what you started. Write down one tangible step to move forward.
Practice Generosity: Choose one of the following ways to give this week:
- Courageous Gift: Give something upfront to bless someone or support a ministry.
- Consistent Gift: Commit to a monthly act of generosity, whether financially or through time and talent.
- Creative Gift: Find an unconventional way to bless someone (e.g., selling something, sharing resources, etc.).
Encourage Others: Share this study with a friend or family member and invite them to join you in completing unfinished commitments to God.

Prayer:

God,

We thank You for sending Jesus to finish the work of redemption on the cross. Because it is finished, we have the freedom and courage to step out in faith and finish the work You’ve given us. Open our eyes to see the harvest that is ripe before us. Give us the strength to overcome obstacles, the courage to practice radical generosity, and the persistence to follow through on our commitments to You.

Holy Spirit, stir our hearts to excel in faith, love, and generosity. Teach us to give eagerly, joyfully, and creatively, trusting that You will provide for all our needs. May we glorify You in everything we do and inspire others to do the same.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Encourage group members to share prayer requests before ending the session.

Unfinished: The Good Work Continues – Unity and Commitment

November 17, 2024

Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Icebreaker Questions

Who is someone in your life who inspires you with their faith and commitment?
Share a time when you went out of your way to help someone. What motivated you?
If you could do anything to lead a loved one to Jesus, what would it be?

Scripture Focus

Primary Passage: Luke 5:17-26 (NIV)

Highlight: Luke 5:20 — “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.'”

Supplementary Passage: John 4:34-36 (NLT)

Highlight: John 4:35 — “Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.”

Discussion Points

The BIG Question: Who do you love the most that needs a saving relationship with Jesus?

How can your faith inspire action for those you love?

Why is it important to bring others to Jesus, even when obstacles arise?

The BIGGER Question: What would you be willing to do to get them to Jesus?

Reflect on the actions of the friends in Luke 5:17-26. What does their commitment teach us about faith in action?

What “roofs” may you need to tear through to bring someone closer to Jesus?

Faith-Led Unity

How does the unity of the friends in the story encourage you in your community of faith?

How can we support one another in our efforts to share the gospel?

Commitment to the Harvest

How does John 4:34-36 challenge your perspective on evangelism and discipleship?

What steps can you take to “wake up” and actively participate in God’s work?

Action Steps

Personal Actions:

Pray: Spend time in prayer for the person you identified in the BIG Question. Ask for opportunities and courage to share Jesus with them.

Invite: Commit to inviting this person to church, a small group, or a conversation about faith.

Tear the Roof Off: Identify and overcome one specific obstacle preventing you from introducing someone to Jesus.

Group Actions:

Partner with one or two others in the group to pray for each other’s loved ones.

Plan a group outreach activity to connect with the unchurched or those in need.

Share testimonies next week about actions taken and any spiritual conversations initiated.

Prayer Focus:

Pray for unity and courage in your group to live out faith-led commitments.

Pray for God’s leading in your interactions with those who need a saving relationship with Jesus.

Pray for open hearts and opportunities to share the gospel.

Faith in Action: Campaign Goals

Connect the spiritual lesson to the church’s ongoing Unfinished campaign:

Reflect on how faith-led unity can support the church’s vision to build, grow, and reach the lost.
Encourage group members to prayerfully consider their role in supporting the campaign through courageous, consistent, or creative giving beyond the tithe.

Unfinished: The Good Work Continues – This Community and Next Generation

November 10, 2024

Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Icebreaker Questions

If you could choose any age to relive, what age would it be and why?
Who was a significant role model in your life growing up? What did they do that impacted you?
Have you ever had a chance to share something you were excited about with someone younger than you? What was their reaction?

The BIG Question

What are you doing about spreading the Gospel around the world?

“You are either sent, sending, or stationary.”

The BIG Idea

What are you doing about spreading the Gospel around your community?

“You are either sent, sending, or stationary.”

Key Statistics and Concepts

The 4-14 Window: The term used to describe the age range (4-14 years old) when individuals are most likely to accept Jesus. Studies show that:
- 32% of children ages 5-13 accept Jesus as their Savior.
- This percentage decreases to 4% for ages 14-18 and 6% for adults over 18.
- 63% of believers chose to follow Jesus between ages 4 and 14.
Retention Challenge:
- Nearly 75% of Christian young people abandon their faith after high school. Providing a “safe haven” to express faith-related questions is critical for retention.

Scripture Reflections

Partnership in the Gospel
- Philippians 1:3-5 (NLT): “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.”
- Reflection: How can we view the younger generation as partners in spreading the Gospel?
Leaving a Lasting Impact
- Judges 2:10 (NLT): “After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.”
- Reflection: How can we help the next generation remember and acknowledge God’s work?
Encouraging the Young
- 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT): “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
- Reflection: How can we support and empower younger people to live out their faith?

Discussion Points

Sent, Sending, or Stationary: Which categories best describes your approach to spreading the Gospel globally and locally? What could help you move closer to being “sent” or “sending”?
Generational Impact: Judges 2:10 describes a generation that didn’t know the Lord. What steps can we take to prevent that from happening today?
Youth Influence: Reflecting on the 4-14 Window and 1 Timothy 4:12, how can we intentionally reach and disciple young people in our communities?
Creating a Safe Space for Questions: Studies indicate that young people are more likely to remain in the church if they feel safe questioning and discussing their faith. What are some ways we can create this environment?
Family Discipleship: Ephesians 6:4 encourages fathers to bring up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. What role does family play in sharing faith with the younger generation?

Action Steps

Pray: Dedicate time to pray specifically for young people in your life or community. Ask God to give them openness to His truth and to bring mentors alongside them.
Serve: Consider volunteering in children’s or youth ministries at your church or seek other opportunities to connect with younger generations in your community.
Mentor: Reflect on how you can be a mentor or role model for a younger person. Start a conversation, share your story, or simply listen to their questions.
Commitment: If you feel led, pray for how God may be calling you to join the Unfinished Movement and give to FCC to accomplish the mission of finishing the lower level to make more room. Prioritize reaching the next generation in our community and partnering financially with Choose Hope Women’s Center and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Closing Reflections:

Psalm 71:18 (NLT): “Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”

Challenge: What is one step you can take this week to “proclaim God’s power to the new generation”?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the privilege of sharing Your Gospel with others, especially the next generation. We know that each child, teen, and young adult is precious in Your sight and that You desire for them to know You deeply. Lord, help us to respond to Your calling with hearts that are sent, ready to go where You lead, and with resources to send others. Give us courage, wisdom, and compassion to reach the young with Your love. Strengthen our commitment today to share Your truth with those in our communities and to be examples of Your grace. We ask that You use each of us, no matter our age or stage of life, to proclaim Your goodness to those who come after us. Let this generation rise up, grounded in faith and prepared to share the Gospel with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Unfinished: The Good Work Continues – Worldwide

November 3, 2024

Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Icebreaker Questions

If you could visit any country or culture worldwide, where would you go and why?
What is one person, place, or event that has significantly impacted your faith journey?
Have you ever had an opportunity to share your faith in an unexpected way? What happened?

Discussion Points

1. Understanding the Mission of All Believers

- Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus says, “Go and make disciples of all nations…”
- Question: What does it mean to “make disciples of all nations”? How can we each contribute to fulfilling this command?
- Follow-Up: How can everyday Christians take part in reaching the unreached without necessarily being missionaries?

2. The Power to Witness

- Scripture: Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses… to the end of the earth.”
- Question: How does the Holy Spirit empower us to share the gospel? Can you recall a time when you felt this empowerment?
- Follow-Up: What challenges do we face in being “witnesses,” and how can we overcome them?

3. Embracing a Global Vision for the Gospel

- Scripture: Revelation 7:9-10 – A vision of “a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language.”
- Question: How does this vision of heaven inspire you to live out your faith today? Why is it important to think beyond our communities?
- Follow-Up: How can we recognize and respond to the diversity around us as an opportunity to share the gospel?

4. A New Perspective on Daily Life

- Scripture: Romans 15:20-21 – Paul’s ambition to preach “not where Christ has already been named.”
- Question: Paul’s ambition was to go to new places to preach the gospel. How can we adopt this perspective, even if we don’t travel far?
- Follow-Up: What steps can we take to reach others right where we are more intentionally?

Action Steps

Personal Reflection: Spend time each day this week praying for an unreached people group. Ask God to guide you in praying for a specific country or community that needs the gospel.
Engagement: Look for opportunities in your workplace, neighborhood, or social circles to have gospel-centered conversations. Start small by sharing what your faith means to you.
Support and Sending: Consider how you might financially support missions or partner with local or global mission-focused organizations.
Share Your Journey: Next week, come ready to share your experiences as you actively look for ways to share the gospel in your everyday life.

Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to be part of Your great plan to reach all nations with Your love and truth. Open our eyes to the needs of the unreached worldwide and the people You’ve placed right around us. Empower us by Your Spirit to live as true witnesses, sharing Your gospel with courage, compassion, and love. May our lives reflect Your heart for the nations, and may we never forget the calling You’ve given us to make disciples everywhere we go. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.”