Welcome To Go First

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
- Genesis 1:1-3

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So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
- Genesis 1:27-28

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The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
- Psalm 24:1

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The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
- Luke 12:42-46

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“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
- Matthew 25:26-27

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From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
- Luke 12:48

Mixer

What is something you never thought would bring you so much joy as an adult?

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‘Neighborly’ - Daily Devotional

To get the Daily Devotionals delivered to you every morning, text ‘dailydevotional’ to 97000.

1. In the 9/19/22 entry, Boasting About Tomorrow, Pastor Ken reminds us that God controls our future. What about your future are you worrying about today? What other scriptures come to mind that remind you that God has a plan for that tomorrow, and that you can find rest in living just for your today? Journal these and use them when the uncertainty of tomorrow sneaks up on you again.
2. In the 9/21/22 entry, It’s In The Choosing, Som Tami asks us why is it so challenging to walk in the truth that we are God’s image bearers? In the reference verse is this statement: “...and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Reflect on how this is true in your life. Who are you, and Whose are you? Make a list of the freedoms that come from this truth and the difference they make against your worries!

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Sermon Questions

Scriptures:  Genesis 1:1-3, 27-28; Psalm 24:1; Luke 12:42-46, 48; Matthew 25:26-27

1. What impacted or challenged you in today’s message?
2. Read Genesis 1:1-3, 27-28. God could have just made more people to fill the earth, or set up Himself to keep the order, but He turned it over to us. Why do we continue to make the same mistakes Adam and Eve did, going second - not first - to achieve for ourselves. What are some of the ways we choose the serpent over gratitude?
3. Read Luke 12:42-46, 48. What does Jesus teach about accountability in this passage? Which of the servants do you identify with, and why? When you were a child and your parents left you in charge while they were out, how did you respond, and why? What motivates you now to live in light of verse 48?
4. Read Psalm 24:1. What are your thoughts about God as owner of everything you have, and you are only the manager? How do you live in a world that encourages an “ownership” mindset to certain things: your home, your car, etc.? How does an “ownership” mindset prevent you from Going First?
5. Do you ever feel like the guy Pastor Jared spoke of, that got a promotion at his job - the position wrought with problems? Now, YOU are being called to be a Go First leader in your situation, your family, your job, the supermarket, etc, called to move from passivity to passion. What are your thoughts, fears, and curiosity about that?
6. Pastor Jared asked: “Do you want this for yourself?” What is he really asking? Reflect this week on Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Go First with someone this week - who will it be?

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Serve

As we unpack our Go First message series, be thinking about how your group can be Go First Leaders in serving others! From a “team takeover” on a Sunday or Tuesday Youth Night (or more!), serving along with our leaders in our NextGen ministries... to mobilizing your group or your family at our ongoing Impact campaigns in the neighborhood, we have opportunities to be filled!!

• Serving in Middle & High School: cristina@thechurchrb.org CRB Kidz: heidi@thechurchrb.org or lisak@thechurchrb.org
• Greeting on Sunday mornings: sal@thechurchrb.org
• Impact Opportunities: Check out this link!

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Pray

Pray over our mini-Good Neighbor Day happening this Saturday, Oct 1st. We will aim to pack more than 5,000 nutritious, shelf-stable meals with The Outreach Program California ( https://outreachprogramca.org/ ) that will then be sent to Ukraine and surrounding areas to aid those affected by the crisis.

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

Luke 6:21