Introduction:

This is our seventh meeting for the Winter Semester of the Men’s “Called” Growth Group. Friendly reminder that anyone is welcome to join, and you do not have to have attended a previous meeting to join this week. We meet at 7:00 pm and will continue meeting through the end of February (Feb. 28 th , 2024). We will not be meeting in the month of March 2024, stay tuned for more information about the next semester.

This semester, Called Men’s Group is conducting a Bible study of the Book of Romans, which is a letter from the apostle Paul to the Roman churches. Paul’s letter focuses on the doctrine of salvation, which is given to believers through Jesus Christ. Paul’s purpose in writing the letter was to share spiritual strength and provide encouragement to the believers in Rome. Now Paul’s letter shares spiritual strength and gives encouragement to us all.

UPCOMING MEN’S CONFERENCE:

Freedom Life Church, Main Campus, 447 Noble Road, Christiana, PA 17509 (About 1 hour 45 minutes from FV Church) Friday, March 15, 2024 (6:00-9:00 pm, dinner included) – Saturday, March 16, 2024 (8:00-12 noon; breakfast included) $30 General Admission: https://www.freedom.life/upcoming-events/mens-conference

Preplanning, to discuss at this week’s meeting (02/21/2024):

Fri: We could possibly meet at FV Church at 3:00 pm Friday, Depart FV at 3:15 pm. (Arrive at Freedom Life Church, around 5:45 pm). (Depart FLC at 9:00 pm, arrive FVC 11:00 pm)

Sat: We could possibly meet at FV Church at 6:00 am Saturday, Depart FV at 6:15 am. (Arrive at Freedom Life Church, around 8:05 am). (Depart FLC at noon, arrive FVC 2:20 pm)

This Week’s Thought-of-the-Day 1 :

Does What I think Really Matter? (Ronnie Littleton)

Pause for just a moment and try to not think. Keep trying. It appears to be impossible to stop thinking, doesn’t it? Thinking is a necessary and unavoidable part of life. Not only that, our thoughts actually shape who we are, what we believe, what we do, and how we treat others. If our thoughts are this powerful, it seems obvious that we should avoid incorrect thoughts, for incorrect thoughts will lead to problems as we make decisions and form opinions based on bad information. On the other hand, correct thoughts will lead to good outcomes. This is why the Apostle Paul commands believers to transform their thinking. (Romans 12:2)

( 1 Commentary copied from the Apologetics Study Bible for Students; Holman Bible Publishers, page 1215.)

Scripture:

Read - Romans Chapters 13:1 – 14:23

Observation: Identify/Discuss Among the Group

  • What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?

  • What and where is this happening?

    • What makes what was happening meaningful?

    • Is there anything special about the location (or locations)?

  • Who is involved?

    • How do they respond to God?

    • What character traits do you notice about them?

    • What is the significance of their involvement?

  • What do you think is the key message?

  • Did anything stand out, or something that surprised you? What was it?

  • Were there any repetitive words or themes that stood out to you? What were they?

Application & Questions: Identify/Discuss Among the Group

  • How should we apply the message to our lives?

  • Was there anything in the scripture that indicates how we should change our current behavior or actions?

  • What does the scripture show/indicate to you about people (both believers and non-believers)?

  • Was there anything in the chapters that left you with more questions?

    • If yes, research your questions/discuss with the group.

  • Was there anything in the passage that jumped out to you?

  • What do you think the overall message was?

  • Biggest takeaway?

  • Prayer: Meditate and pray for the Lord to show you how to use and apply the scriptures to your life.

  • Read: Romans Chapters 15:1 – 16:27

  • Is there anything that stands out when reading these verses? Be ready to discuss it at the next meeting.

Friendly Reminder: Next week (02/28/2024) is our last meeting of the semester. Stay tuned for more information and visit FV.chruch/events for more information about the upcoming spring Semester beginning in April.

References/Acknowledgements:

1. Apologetics Study Bible for Students; Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee, copyright 2009, Holman

Christian Standard Bible (HCSB, now known as the Christian Standard Bible - CSB).

https://csbible.com/bible-search-tool/bibles/9781433651151/

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