The Best Part of the Journey

This is the Life & Leadership weekly email from Pastor Troy Gramling.

I remember a couple of years ago, on a particular weekend, I had a hard time catching my breath. It could have been the weather change or the chili I ate the night before. Either way, due to heart disease and stents in my heart, when coupled with chest pain, you start wondering if it's the "Big One." What if that weekend had been my last opportunity to proclaim the Good News? That simple thought brought a flood of emotion because my favorite part of teaching is your response to God's word. It's your transformation when the light bulb turns on. For me, teaching doesn't start with an idea that I have, but with the questions you have. My responsibility is to walk through the Bible with you to find the answer... and the best part of the journey is YOU.
Obviously, that weekend was NOT my last weekend to teach, but it did serve as a reminder of the power of God's word and the reason I love to teach. This week, look inside yourself and identify the best part of being who God created you to be!

The Aphrodisiacs: Tempted - Week Two

Tempted is our new series dealing with how to have a fulfilling sex life, and how to avoid the traps that lead to bad choices about sexuality. This is Week Two.

Read Matthew 4:3-7, Ephesians 4:26&29, and Proverbs 25:11

• The devil wants to tempt you to stay at surface level with communication. Pastor Brian said, "A satisfying sex life starts with good communication." Discuss.
• Can you trust that people always say what they mean? What is an example of a spouse not saying what they mean? How might this affect the couple's sex life?
• What are some non-verbal forms of communication?
• Can something the husband or wife does in the morning have an effect on their intimacy at night?
• Timing (knowing when to bring something up), tone (think about how they will receive it), and temperature (it it gets too hot, cool it... if it's been cold for a while, heat it up) are all crucial in communication. In light of Pastor Brian's message, give some practical examples of how this is true.

The Aphrodisiacs:
Read James 1:19, 1 Peter 3:7b, Genesis 2:24, and Ephesians 4:31-32. Discuss each of the items below. How can they contribute to emotional and physical intimacy?

• Actively LISTEN
• Intentionally LEARN
• Remember your LINK
• Passionately LOVE

Connect Group Challenge - this week, focus on really listening to other people, intentionally trying to understand what they are saying (or not saying) both in their words and body language.

Apologetics Class starts next week at FLAMINGO!

Do you have an answer for people who talk to you about other religions? Do you feel "stumped" when people ask you questions about your faith? Are you intimidated by discussions about whether or not the Bible is true?

So are most people! This is why we are offering the next class in the Seminary Gear. The textbook is When God Goes to Starbucks: A Guide to Everyday Apologetics, by Paul Copan.

"Apologetics" seems like a big word, but it simply means learning to articulate what you believe, and give a strong explanation of your faith. It doesn't mean to apologize!

Please don’t be intimidated. Dr. Lema has tons of grace for people who feel inadequate with all of this. As an example: in our last class, in an exercise we used Viva La Vida, by Coldplay as our text! Dr. Lema has a direct and easy to understand teaching style, and is super approachable. The classes are relaxed, and you can feel free to ask questions. If you are serious about ministry, and don’t want to get left behind, this class is for you. There is a good buzz around this class, and we are excited.

Please consider taking the time to participate in this class, and encourage your team members to do so. It is only five weeks long, on Thursday evenings at the Cooper City campus. Cost is $90 (with a $25 registration fee if you did not take the summer class).

Please email questions to Janis Whipple, who is coordinating the class, at jwhi954@aol.com.

Thank you for thinking about this! And if you have any questions please contact Barby Ward at ext 220 or at barby.ward@flamingoroad.org

Tempted - Sex, Lies & Adultery

This week's iMAX (weekend discussion guide) comes with a PG-13 warning! Tempted is our new series dealing with how to have a fulfilling sex life, and how to avoid the traps that lead to bad choices about sexuality. This is Week One.

Read Matthew 26:41; I Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 4:1-4

• The temptation Jesus faced was to satisfy normal desires, but at the wrong time in the wrong way. Have you faced similar situations?
• Pastor Troy said, "Life is about more than two naked bodies, techniques or an orgasm." Discuss.

Celebrate Our Love - Read I Corinthians 6:16-17; John 8:10-11

• "For sex to be fulfilling it has to have: Purpose, meaning and commitment. Outside of marriage, it becomes a competition." What does this mean?
• What are some physical consequences of being sexually active outside of the marriage relationship?
• What are some mental consequences of being sexually active outside of the marriage relationship?
• What are some spiritual consequences of being sexually active outside of the marriage relationship/
• In the light of John 8:10-11, what hope can you give to a person who has been involved in this way, and now wants to change?

Capture Your Mind - Read Matthew 5:27-29; Romans 8:5-7

• Some people feel that, if thinking it is the same as doing it, they might as well do it. Pastor Troy said, "It is the same betrayal, but not the same consequences, because of the number of people involved." Discuss.
• "If you feed your lust, it will grow into a monster. Lust is the ultimate act of selfishness." Discuss.

Cherish Their Body - Read I Corinthians 7:3-5; Ephesians 5:25-28

• Do people ever use sex as a weapon or bargaining tool? Is this wrong? Is it ever okay? Why or why not?
• In light of the scripture in Ephesians 5, how is the marital relationship meant to parallel/mirror our relationship with God? What does it say about how God "feels" about us?
• Is it possible for married couples to continue to have a sexually fulfilling relationship throughout the lifetime of their marriage?

Connect Group Challenge - How can the Church help single people to deal with this issue? What encouragement can you give to the singles in your life? If you are a single Christ follower, how can you encourage other singles?

When God Goes to Starbucks

Do you have an answer for people who talk to you about other religions? Do you feel "stumped" when people ask you questions about your faith? Are you intimidated by discussions about whether or not the Bible is true?

So are most believers! This is why we are offering the next class in the Seminary Gear. It will feature the book When God Goes to Starbucks: A Guide to Everyday Apologetics, by Paul Copan. We will also use the Holman Quicksource Guide to Christian Apologetics, by Doug Powell.

Dr. David Lema has a direct and easy to understand teaching style. The classes are relaxed, with an atmosphere where you can feel free to ask questions. They are ideal for lay people who want to be more informed, and for people who are considering becoming more involved in ministry.

Please consider taking the time to participate in this class, and encourage the members of your Connect Group to do so also. It is held for five Thursday evenings, from 7-10 pm at the Cooper City campus. It is fully accredited through the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

We look forward to seeing you there! Please email gears@flamingoroad.org if you have any questions. You can register online here.

Thought of the day!

"The way you deal with life each day depends on what you bring to life each day"

Colored Perception

This is the Life & Leadership weekly email from Pastor Troy Gramling.

It is amazing how experiences color perception. There are two companies that carry a trusted brand name, but a couple years ago, we had bad customer service with both of them. Now on numerous occasions, they had done the right thing. But this ONE time they didn't, and that ONE time colored everything. I wonder how many people we don't get second chances with? How many people have ONE bad experience at church and it ends up coloring their entire perspective? It may not be fair, but it is true. The fact that I may never walk into either of those companies again doesn't have eternal consequences but when people give up on the Church it could. This week, as you go about your normal routine in your usual environment, take time to ask, "What am I doing to make sure the experience I'm offering is getting colored with the best perception?"

Are You Mutating?

This is the iMAX (weekend discussion guide) for Heroes & Villains week five. The only way for any of us to fulfill our potential is to allow God to transform us!

Read Romans 12:2 and Philippians 2:5, 9-11

• Pastor Troy said, "Most people live life as Christ-followers trying to convince God to bless us." What did he mean by this?
• The Bible makes it clear that we have to be transformed ("mutated") by changing the way we think. Do you believe it is possible to change the mindsets people have had for years?
• When we allow God to transform us, promotion is given, opportunities abound, and leadership is recognized. Have you experienced this? Share some examples from your life or the life of someone you know.

Read Philippians 2:6-8, and 3:13-14

• The first step in the transformation is to position your mind. What does this mean?
• How can a person be intentional about doing this?
• The next step is to embrace your emotions. Do you show your emotions easily?
  
• The third step is to humble your heart. Jesus emptied himself, "pouring out" his reputation. How many times has God asked you to do something, but because you were afraid of what people would think, you disobeyed?
• Can you share an instance of this with the group?
• Other examples of this are: being unwilling to forgive, or unwilling to step out and take a risk in ministry. Discuss.
• The fourth step is to focus your strength. do you ever feel like your priorities are unbalanced?
• "There are a lot of things you can do, but you have to focus on the one thing you were created for." What is your reaction to this statement?

Connect Group Challenge - Pastor Troy encouraged us to not focus on all the things we need to pour out of our lives, i.e. all the darkness we feel is there. He told us to focus on pouring the four steps outlined above into our lives. How can the members of your Connect group help each other be transformed, so each one can reach his or her God potential? Spend some quality time exploring this.

Connect for the G!

This weekend is our chance to participate in the G Offering. On a personal note, Peter and I are looking forward to the G. Why?

• Because there are orphans and widows in distress.(James 1:27)
• Because there are people who are hungry and thirsty. (Matthew 25:35)
• Because there is a need to go into the world and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19)

I read this quote today: God takes full responsibility for a life wholly devoted to him (Charles Stanley). Over the years, in so many situations, we have experienced God's faithfulness and miracles. Even in a difficult situation, or with a harsh economic reality, it is a joyful thing to choose to give toward making other people's lives better.

We each have a part of the offering that is our responsibility. Have you prayed about your part? As leaders, we are an example in tone and the attitude to the members of our connect groups. Have you asked your connect group to pray about their part in the offering? Will you please take the time today and tomorrow to encourage your people in this area? The Connect Ministry can make a huge difference in the outcome of the G!

You are awesome leaders, dedicated to doing life with others. You help people grow, you give of your time and energy for the well-being of your people. Thank you!

Let's help others experience the same peace of knowing God and not doing life alone. Let's Connect for the G!
~Barby

Sneak Peek Service Tonight at Cooper City, 7pm!!!

Hot 5 for CLT

Global CLT! Below are the top HOT 5 items in our forefront to be intentional about as you run after IT & communicate with your Connect Leaders:

* Sneak Peek Service is tomorrow at Cooper, 7pm & on Thursday at Hallandale, 7pm. Lets get our people there ready with anticipation & energy!!!

* The "G" offering is being collected this weekend. Challenge & encourage your Leaders, groups & families to pray and act in some way towards G. Its not about the amount, but the intentionality behind it. We should ALL participate in what God will do thru "G".

* Be thinking of those "next steps" for your Heroes & Villains Groups. Encourage Leaders to continue gathering if they are feeling that nudge. A couple of ways they can do that is by downloading the iMax (or weekend discussion guide) available on Mondays on our Connect Blog (www.flamingoroadconnections.com). The iMax provides an Icebreaker & a series of group discussion questions around the weekend's teaching as well as a Connect Group Challenge of the Week!  Leaders could also choose from a variety of books and launch a book study, and even change the setting of gatherings.  The key is to continue to the connecting.

* Save the Date!  We are planning a Connect Leader Day Retreat in October! A time for us to "disconnect" from the speed, but connect with each other & dream, make memories & enjoy some of what Florida has to offer. Friday Oct.23rd from 9am to 9pm. More details to come! 

* Take time this week to honor 1 of your Leaders in some creative way. It will go a long way. Keep in mind as we run after it, to not use people to do ministry, but use ministry to build people!

Honored to have you each in Connect!  50, 100, 150

Inspiration

Ran across Proverbs 3 yesterday in the midst of so many details, deadlines, to-do's and had to share its essence. It sustained me, refreshed me in SO many ways. 

"Do not forget my teaching (no matter how FAST you are running :), but keep my commands in your heart, for they will PROLONG your life many years & bring you prosperity...let LOVE & FAITHFULNESS never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your HEART. Then you will win favor & a good name in the sight of GOD & man. Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart & lean not on your own understanding....He will make your paths straight when you acknowledge him"

Proverbs 3: 1-6

Word up from one of our CHAMPIONS!

 

FLAMINGO has asked the CHAMPIONS to speak with their respective Connect Group Leaders about the G Offering that will be taken at the end of the Super Hero Series. The Church asks that you take time to speak with each of your groups this weekend to share Pastor Troy's vision for missions in this area. If each member of the Church, or even each member of a Connect Group gives something, imagine how far we could go in reaching our goals.  Keep in mind the real goal is the salvation of souls!

 

I'm sure many of you are struggling in these financially difficult times (I know I am) and may have no idea where you could possibly come up with more money to give in another offering. Remember Your Father has an endless supply of resources and it is virtually impossible to out-give Him. I would recommend you suggest to each member of your group that they pray on this issue throughout the coming week and ask God for His guidance in this area.

 

Now is the time to start thinking about whether your group will continue on at the end of the Super Hero series. If you group will continue, make sure the information on your "regular" group is updated with the date your group will start up, make sure the date/time/location of the meeting for the "regular" group is accurate in its listing and you can start entering your members (the same as you did for members in your Super Hero group) over the next few weeks so you don't have to do it all at one time.

 

This is the time to start thinking about what topic your group will cover at the end of the Super Hero series. The Church is putting together at least 3 topics that will have DVD's you can use (much as you did in the SH series) and some materials to help you transition to your next group. We strongly recommend all new leaders select one of these pre-selected topics that have been put together for you at least for your next series. Once the topics have been finalized and the Champions informed, I will be sure to let you know additional information on these materials.

 

In God's Love, CHAMPTION - Linda!

iMax (Weekend Discussion Guide for Week 4 of Heroes & Villains)

Connect Group Guide for Week 4 of Heroes & Villains

Wonder Woman v/s Peace

IceBreaker: In what era would you most like to have grown up?

Connect Group Discussion Questions

• Read together Psalm 23:1-6  -  This passage describes how God is our Shephard. What are some ways we can HONOR God with our lives? How do you know your God is your Shephard?
• What are some ways you have resolved conflict in the past?
• Pastor Troy shared how you can choose to see life through two lenses: ABUNDANCE or SCARCITY. Which one do you tend to mostly see life through?
• God is a God of abundance clearly, of limitless supply. Why do you think most of us trust Him with our eternity and not our finances?
• Can you recall a time in which you were obedient in following His nudge, and how God used the situation to bless you and the recipient?
• Psalm 23:6 - remind the group how if we have God in our lives, we essentially have ALL we need.
  
• What are some ways we can prepare for the "G" offering as individuals, as families, or even as a Connect Group?

Connect Group Challenge of the week:  What are some ways we can honor God when facing conflict? Keep Him in the forefront as you encounter situation & people. Pondering the question, what WOULD he do (wwjd :)

Leaders, one last thing, remind your groups SNEAK PEEK service this week at Cooper & Hallandale Campus. And lets be praying & getting ready for the "G" offering this coming weekend. Together, we can CHANGE THE WORLD!!!!!!!!