Overflow

We All Need a Fresh Start

Review this week’s message.

Key Scriptures

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 NIV

... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24 NIV

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” ...
2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NIV

And Saul approved ...
Acts 8:1 NIV

... Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
Acts 8:3 NIV

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
Acts 9:1-2 NIV

... “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.
Acts 9:4-5 NIV

... He got up ... and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
Acts 9:18-20 NIV

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
Acts 9:26-27 NIV

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4:36-37 NIV

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

Where have you seen God’s grace this week?

Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

Which part of this message was most impactful for you and why?
What does “grace” mean to you? How is your definition similar to or different from God’s definition of grace?
Read 2 Corinthians 12:8-9. When have you experienced God’s grace in your weaknesses?

Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.

Share about a time when someone encouraged you. How did that encouragement grow your faith?
How could you use generosity and encouragement to make a way for grace in the lives of the people around you?

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

Father, thank You giving us Your unconditional grace. We know we’re far from perfect, but because of You, we’re able to share Your grace with others. Please help us live generously in our grace so we can be an encouragement to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

Find one way to encourage someone around you this week. Share your experience with your LifeGroup.
Sometimes we feel uncomfortable talking about generosity. Learn why it can feel uncomfortable on the You’ve Heard It Said podcast: www.go2.lc/YHIS57
Start the Being Generous: With and Without Money Bible Plan using Plans With Friends: www.go2.lc/overflow
Consider how you could love others by serving on the weekend (www.life.church/serving) or with a Local Mission Partner (www.life.church/localmissions).