Pulpit Curriculum
iFollow
How To Survive Life’s Storms
by Pastor Kurt Gebhards
Prov. Luke 6:46-49
You are not expected to cover every detail of this Pulpit Curriculum, rather, consider it a resource to help you in guiding your group
to a deeper understanding and application of the Word. As you participate in your Lifegroup use the box to the right to identify
GETTING AFTER IT NOW moments to help you plan and be better equipped to grow in your response to the Word.
LIFEGROUPS MAY WISH TO CONTINUE ONE MORE WEEK WORKING ON THE GOSPEL PROJECT AND
WEAVING THE GOSPEL INTO YOUR TESTIMONY. Check with your Lifegroup leader to be ready this week.
Introduction
It is good to know the rock and to have our lives firmly anchored there. The recent
typhoon in the Philippines reminds us that storms may come and we need to be ready.
The best way to be prepared is to have a firm foundation, to follow Jesus, to know Him
and to be one of His disciples. Are you His follower? Have you been discipled by another?
Are you discipling someone? This is how iFollow!
1. Talking and Walking Alignment v.46
Jesus punctuates the end of the Sermon on the Mount with a question. He asks, why do
you call me Lord, Lord? Jesus knew that they were knowledgeable and earnest but not
really sincere. Why do we stop at appearances when it comes to following Jesus? Who
are we trying to fake out? How will playing games with God turn out? How can you know
that and do you have Scripture to prove it?
We love the fact of our position before God, accepted, forgiven, justified, God’s friend.
Like the wise man, we have come, we have heard but now we must take action. Why is
doing the best evidence of our sincerity to follow Jesus? Whose eyes are on our sincere
service and can see the motivation of our heart? This message is for the hypocrite in us
all. We know much but to obey is very difficult. This is why we must anchor our life upon
the rock.
2. Building on the Rock v.47-48
A follower comes to Christ, hears and acts on His words. We are all building a house. On
what are you building your life? Is it the rock Jesus? What evidence would you give?
What does it mean to come to Jesus? What is the implication of hearing Him? What will
it look like if you act on His words?
Many choose not to build on the rock. What are some reasons you may give why people
make that choice? To reach the bedrock you must dig deep. How does one do that? Why
does Bible knowledge alone come up short? What more is needed?
3. Survive the Mega Storm v. 49
The person who listens to many sermons, takes careful notes but does not do what they
hear in the sermons is facing imminent catastrophe. Job 5:7 tells us that trouble is a sure
thing in every human’s life. It can take many forms and approach from many angles. How
will acting on what you hear guarantee your survival in the storm? How might Lifegroups
serve you by assisting you to apply the Word? What are the GAIN moments that you
noted from Sunday’s message?
GAIN moments
He wants your walk and your talk to align and to remember that you cannot bamboozle Him, He knows
your heart. So how is your alignment?
Is the Rock yours? Have you found each of these qualities listed in the following Scriptures?
Ex. 33:22; Num. 20:11; Dt. 32:15; Psa. 18:2; 40:2; Isa. 26:4; Mt. 16:18; 2Sam. 22:2.
Mutual Ministry: Mutual Ministry: A time to confess sin to
one another (James 5:16), exhort to love and good deeds
(Hebrews 10:24), encourage the weak (1 Thessalonians
5:14), bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and offer
biblical edification to one another (Ephesians 4:29). This
week’s message challenged you to wisdom. Be transparent
about your missing wisdom’s desire.
Pray for our church as we continue to expand our influence
in the Hickory region by being radical loving followers of
Jesus Christ. Pray for church giving for the next phase of
work to provide offices at Harvest and for future phases of
children’s classes that need to be finalized and approved.
Pray as our people build relationships to invite others to our
services and to live as Christ’s ambassadors in their everyday
life. Pray for Gospel opportunities. Pray for Lifegroups to
lovingly care for, reach out to and encourage people so as to
continue to make a difference in the lives of friends.
The “Intercessory Prayer” groups during our worship
services 11/24/13:
1st hour – J. Turner
2nd hour – Jacobs
Special Lifegroup
Prayer Focus
We are asking our Lifegroups to
set aside time to pray and fast in
the coming months regarding
several very important aspects
of our ministry. Please partner
together to regularly bring the
following requests to the throne
of God.
 Pray for Lifegroup leaders to
be raised up immediately to
allow multiplication and to
minister to new people
coming to our fellowship.
 Pray for Apprentices to be
identified, to take leadership,
receive training and to enjoy
serving as a future leader.
 Pray for the start of gender
specific Lifegroups for Men
and for Women so they may
meet during other times of
the day than our present
couples groups.