Christ Church Spitalfields

The Apostle Paul calls us, as disciples, to keep in step with the Spirit. (Gal 5:16) That is not something we can do alone. He goes on to encourage the Galatians to bear one another burdens. (Gal 6:2) That is why we ask everyone in the church to belong to some form of discipleship, nurture and accountability group which collectively we call Root Groups.

If you don’t yet belong to a Root Group, find one or two others and form one yourself, or else register your interest with your branch community leader who will help you connect with the right people. If you do belong to a Root Group, simply let us know.

Roots Groups meet as often as their members feel appropriate. Some meet every week, others fortnightly or monthly. They can meet at any time of the day at any point of the week at any location. They should involve the bible, prayer and copious amounts of coffee or tea.

We want each Root Group to be shaped by its members, but we do want to offer some suggestions and resources.

Getting Started

Here are two questions that might be helpful as you start meeting together:

1. What is God saying to you at the moment?
2. How are you responding to what God is saying?

Digging Deeper

Each week, we hope to post some questions raised by the sermon preached the previous Sunday. Here are some questions related to this week's Sunday sermon.

Wonderful - Isaiah 9:1-9 (27 November 2011)

1. Jesus the light of the world – Isaiah and Malachi both prophesy that Jesus would be the light of the world, and for them and their generation this meant ‘Hope’ From where does your Hope come? [Is9 & Mal4]
2. John’s gospel reminds us that Jesus is both the source and the fulfilment of life – how does this impact your understanding of life, the world and the way the world might work better? [Jn1]
3. Jesus says ‘I am the light of the world’ He is God with us and yet many are in darkness, some prefer it there. Who will you talk to this Christmas about the reality of Jesus? –who of those you care for are ‘in the darkness’? [Jn8]

Jesus the King - Matthew 2:1-2 & Matthew 27:11-14 (20 November 2011)

1. How has your understanding of Jesus as King changed through this service?
2. What does it mean for you to put Jesus and his kingdom first?
3. What one thing will you do differently now as you search for his kingdom?

Jesus the High Priest - Hebrews 6:13-20 (13 November 2011)

1. In the first part of the sermon, we talked about Jesus as "an anchor for the soul" (v. 19). When we feel insecure or adrift in
   life, how can we "anchor" ourselves? Do you ever try to put down other "anchors" in money, success or relationships? Can these other anchors ever reach the bottom?

2. The second part of the sermon was about Jesus as our "ancestor." He is a priest in the order of Melchizedek (v. 20) and has qualified us to join his royal priesthood (see 1 Peter 2:9). In which parts of Christ Church life can we act as priests to each other and to wider society?
3. The final section of the sermon was about Jesus as our "advocate" or barrister, who acts "on our behalf" (v. 20). What does it mean to rely on Jesus to advocate for us in the small courtrooms of daily life? David Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said "The very essence of the Christian faith is to say that He is good enough and I am in Him." What does this mean? What does it mean to you personally?

Life in the Vine - John 15:1-17 (23 October 2011)

1. Why do you think Jesus uses the image of a vine?
2. What do you think it means to remain in the love of Christ?
3. What might v11 mean for you? How would God receive joy in us and how would our joy be complete?
4. How are you experiencing security, strength and satisfaction in your life of faith?
5. What three things might you do differently, to better live out ‘the life God intends’ for you?

Good Stewards - 2 Corinthians 8:16-20 (16 October 2011)

1. Paul cites Titus as being of both godly character and useful for practical tasks. How do you see the way you use your skills money and experience to be a reflection of God’s character being formed in you?
2. How much do you see your money and processions and treasures as gifts from God? for him to be involved in all that you have and all that you give and all that you do? Ref 1 Chronicles 29:10-14
3. You have an unknowable amount of time left here on earth. How might you modify the way in which you give that to God and seek his plans and purposes?
   a. Have you considered booking a prayer consultation with Sophie Maggs, Lynne Sivyour and the prayer team?

Reaching Outwards - Matthew 28:16-20 (2 October 2011)

God calls each of us to live in community with one another and Jesus so we are moving onwards in discipleship, fellowship and calling.
1. In what ways are you currently seeking to grow in your faith in Jesus and your daily walk with God?
2. What do you bring out of who you are that is a gift to our church community? Is it being recognised?
3. If you had to write your epitaph tomorrow; how would you describe your true God made self? and would it surprise those who knew you?

The Life God Intends - John 10:7-18 (18 September 2011)

1. "A Mercedes, not a BMW" (from Jeremy Crossley's sermon). What image or experience of God best describes for you, the fulness of life in Christ Jesus? In the last week, how have you been surprised beyond expectations by God's grace?
2. "In a dry and parched land" (Psalm 63:1). God longs to refresh us and for us to be close to Him. At times in your life when He has seemed far away and prayer-time barren, what has brought you back into His embrace? What practical things can you do to develop an awareness of God this coming week?
3. "Not more clarity, but trust" (from Johnny Douglas' sermon). We need to take hold and remind ourselves of God's faithfulness, to proceed onwards even when we don't know all the answers. Think of five reasons why you can trust Him; include examples both from your personal Christian walk and from how you understand God is, has been and will be!

Growing the Life - Matthew 9:35-38 and John 10:10 (11 September 2011)

1. TOGETHER – the church is all its people, what ways recently have you felt like part of the church outside of Sunday services?
2. GROWING THE LIFE GOD INTENDS – put into order of which is currently most present in your life the following aspects of that ‘life’: [a] relationship with God, [b] God infused relationships with others, [c] sharing Christ’s love with the world, [d] stewarding the time talents and treasures God has given you influence over.
3. IN SPITALFIELDS AND BEYOND – God needs us here in Spitalfields to change people’s lives and through them to change the wider world, how does that opportunity excite you?

Different Paths - Acts 15:36 - 41 (4 September 2011)

1. How do you see the ultimate goal? What is your task in the missionary endeavour? How can you support it?
2. Love and forgiveness: how do you deal with conflict with other Christians? how do you agree to differ over secondary issues without bitterness or malice?
3. How does God's unlimited grace influence your attitude towards others? Jesus says to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Do you find this easy, or possible?

Sharing in the task - Acts 6 (17 July 2011)

1. Stephen is named! Jesus calls us by name! Yet so often we don't hear because selfishness wars with service -What choices result from Christ's love for you?
2. Billy Graham says 'We have been given two hands; one to receive with and one to give with, we are not cistrens for hoarding but channels for giving' True faith produces a life full of action, not a head full of facts. How does this speak to you?
3. Stephen and the other deacons do not seek glory or recognition. Success occurs in the Christian life when no one cares who gets the credit. Is there something here for you to ponder further or do something about?

Tried - Acts 4 (10 July 2011)

1. This week we considered more fully the christian life under trial -Is there enough evidence in your life to convict you of following Jesus?
2. Peter acts and speaks in the name of Jesus, he declares Jesus name as his ultimate authority behind a name lies identity and power -How does the name of Jesus shape your daily life?
3. Peter finally becomes himself when he submits to the name of Jesus, before the Sanhedrin he declares that it is all about Jesus, in so doing he becomes the 'Peter the rock' the name given him by Jesus -how much do you want to be fully the person Jesus wants you to be?
4. And how far are you willing to let Jesus be the focus in your life?

Healing the lame man - Acts 3 (3 July 2011)

1. Here the Early Church begins moving to the Ends of the Earth by pushing out first to the fringes of the church community -What would that look like for you?
2. Peter in the power of the Holy Spirit brings a lame man to his feet, they both 'Walk with God' from henceforth -How are you 'walking with God'?
3. Walking with God is Living with him -It is real life, choosing Jesus when the clouds gather, choosing Jesus even when the world screams otherwise -how can you help others at Church to choose Jesus -to choose life?

The Great Mystery - Acts 2:22 - 41 (19 June 2011)

1. In the sermon, we compared this passage to the final resolution scene in a mystery story. Reread the two quotes from David's Psalms (v. 25-28; v. 34-35). How do these show that David was looking ahead to Jesus?
2. What other prophecies or references in the Old Testament can you think of that provide clues pointing to Jesus? Read Luke 24:25-27. What does this say about the purpose of all the Scriptures?
3. What clues do you find in your own experience that are fingerprints of what God is doing? Does God seem to be working in your life in ways that go beyond your control? If not, why not?
4. Peter ends his sermon with a simple promise (v. 38-39). Where do you stand with this promise? Is it something you can invite others into also?

Pentecost - Acts 2:1 - 15 (13 June 2011)

1. Jesus gives his followers the commission to "be (his) witnesses to the ends of the earth". What role is he calling me to play in carrying out this commission? (in my workplace, in my neighbourhood, with friends and family?)
2. How am I preparing myself for my role? For example, how, when and where will I make the time to study the Bible, discuss my faith with other Christians and ask the Holy Spirit to fill me?
3. Finally, what encouragement has the Holy Spirit given me recently that I can hold onto when I feel challenged?

To the Ends of the Earth - Waiting - Acts 1:1 - 2:1 (5 June 2011)

1. How will you this week practice the spiritual discipline of waiting?
2. The discipline of waiting fosters relinquishment - dependence and trust in God. How are you growing in 'waiting' on the Lord?
3. In the passage the disciples' waiting turns to a welcoming of the Holy Spirit. Which area of your life do you currently need to welcome the Holy Spirit into?

"You have been raised with Christ" - Colossians 3:1-17 (29 May 2011)

1. What does it mean to ‘set your mind’ on something? What things have you ‘set your mind’ on? What was the outcome?
2. Paul instructs the Colossians to ‘set your minds on things above.’ (v2) What does that involve?
3. What is the relationship between Paul’s instruction to ‘set your minds on things above’ (v2) and his instruction to ‘take off your old self with its practices and put on your new self which is being renewed in knowledge’? (v9). How are our thoughts translated into action or behaviour?
4. Paul gives the Colossians some amazing things to think about (v1, 3, 11). How do these ideas and thoughts make you feel and how do those feelings result in real change in your life?
5. What book are you going to read to help you ‘set your minds on things above’?

A New Creation - 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (22 May 2011)

1. Paul says in his second letter to the Corinthians, "Christ's love compels us" (verse 14). How do you identify this pull? What does it look like?
2. Having read verses 16-17 and 21, how would you describe your new identity? What difference does it make?
3. What does reconciliation with God mean? What is your role within that ministry of reconciliation?

"You must be born again" - John 3:1-21 (8 May 2011)

1. John portrays Nicodemus as a learned and religious man intrigued by Jesus spectacular ministry. Why does Jesus respond to him the way he does? How does that make you feel?
2. How would you describe the effects of the new birth in your life? Does Ezekiel 36:24-27 resonate with you?
3. 1 John 5:1 says belief is one result of the new birth. How does that change the way you share the Gospel with your friends?
4. 1 John 3:9 says new birth results in change. What are your deepest desires? Are they for holiness and obedience? Why?What experiences have you had of death? How did you feel? In what ways does death exercise power over us as human beings in our day-to-day lives?

Resurrection! "You will never die" - John 11:25-26 (1 May 2011)

1. What experiences have you had of death? How did you feel? In what ways does death exercise power over us as human beings in our day-to-day lives?
2. What is the resurrection? How would you describe it? What is its significance?
3. John holds together abundant life, eternal life and the resurrection. How does the resurrection change the way you live today?
4. Faith is more about trust than belief. In what practical ways do you demonstrate your trust in Jesus?

Palm Sunday! Who is this Jesus? - Matthew 21:1-13 (17 April 2011)

Jesus wears the badges and fulfils the roles rooted in Judaism: Prophet Priest and King. This Easter ask yourself:

1. If Jesus is ‘the prophet’ do I go solely to him for my understanding of God and his truth?
2. If Jesus is ‘the great high Priest’ is his atoning sacrifice sufficient for me and do I live the freedom it attained for me?
3. If Jesus is the ‘King of kings’ do I let him rule my life and do I seek to live under his reign?
4. How can we tangibly live out our 'forgiven-ness' in light of Jesus’ work on the cross this week?

"Father, forgive them" - Luke 23:8-34 (10 April 2011)

1. How is Christ’s prayer from the cross, “Father, forgive them” inspiring or challenging to you personally?
2. What should we do when we are moved to extend forgiveness to someone who hasn’t asked for it or is unrepentant? Where do we see biblical examples of this?
3. What are a few small steps you can take this week to begin the process of either asking for forgiveness or extending forgiveness to someone in your life?
4. How can we tangibly live out our “forgiven-ness” in light of Jesus’ work on the cross this week?

"Take This Cup" - Mark 14:32-42 (3 April 2011)

1. Mark says Jesus was greatly distressed and troubled. Why was Jesus so fearful of his own death? Was it simply the physical and psychological suffering to come or was it something more?
2. God the Father said 'no' to his son's prayer so that he can say 'yes' to you. How does that make you feel?
3. Is this an example of unanswered prayer? How can you tell the difference between an unanswered prayer and a refusal? How should you respond?
4. Like the disciples we find the discipline of prayer difficult. How does Gethsemane help us pray?

Responding to God in the church - Ephesians 6:18-23 (27 February 2011)

1. Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him. He asks them to pray for the right words and for courage. If you were to ask someone to pray for you, what would you ask them to pray for? Who is praying for you? Who are you praying for?
2. In verse 18, Paul tells them how they should pray. How would you describe your prayer life? How do you keep it going?
3. Paul is open about who he is and what he is doing. How transparent are you with the other members of the church or your root group? Why is that?
4. Song of Songs 8:6-7 speaks of the intensity of God’s love for us and our love for God. How does God’s jealous love for you impact how you feel about him?

Responding to God against the odds - Ephesians 6:10-18 (20 February 2011)

1. Read through the pieces of the full armour of God (v. 14-17). Take a moment to reflect on each piece and what it means (in a practical way) to put this piece on. Where are the chinks in your armour? What small steps could you take to be better equipped?
2. Think about a struggle you are facing now, or may be facing soon. What encouragement does this passage give in facing that struggle? What role can "the Lord's people" (v. 18) play in facing that struggle?
3. In the sermon we spoke about how Christ won the "D-Day" victory for us through his death and resurrection. Although there are still hard struggles until we reach "VE-Day," Christ has secured the ultimate victory. How can faith in this reality provide us with reassurance in our struggles?

Responding to God in the workplace - Ephesians 6:5-9 (13 February 2011)

1. Ephesians 6 speaks about relationships in the home and the workplace –yet these fit into a much bigger perspective –our relationship with God, what have you learnt helps you to hold onto your discipleship to Christ ahead of all the other hats you wear?
2. Eph 6.7 tells us that as we work we are serving the Lord. How might you be reminded during the working day that your work is an offering to God over and above any earthly bosses?
3. Eph 5.21 tells us to submit to one another. Eph 6.5-8 show what that looks like in the work place. As members of staff teams how might you better serve your colleagues, ministering to their real needs, whilst carrying out your work tasks.
4. In what ways might you choose to exercise the power you have at work to effect kingdom changes, for yourself, those around you and the organisation you work for?

Responding to God in the home - Ephesians 5:21-33 (6 February 2011)

1. How do you define submission and in what ways do you submit to others in the church community?
2. Paul calls on wives to submit to their husbands. How does that make you feel? Why is that?
3. Paul asks husbands to do something different. Why? What does he ask of husbands and how is that expressed in your marriage?
4. Paul uses the analogy of the body and the head. What is the significance of this analogy?

Faithful God? - Jacob - Genesis 35:1-16 (23 January 2011)

1. Jacob was shaped by the difficult relationships he had with his family. How have your family shaped you and your relationship with God?
2. Jacob is not interested in the promise given to Abraham his grandfather. He’s much more interested in God’s blessing his prosperity, fertility and security. What does your prayer life look like? What would it look like if it centred on God’s promises rather than on God’s blessing?
3. Jacob uses God to get what he wants and yet God remains faithful to him throughout his life. Eventually this divine grace melts Jacob’s heart and he pledges allegiance to God. How does God’s grace motivate you?
4. As part of his repentance, Jacob instructs his family to change their clothing. The New Testament takes up this language. (Col 3:7-10, Eph 4:22-24) How do you take off your old nature and put on Christ? What does that process look like in your life?

Faithful God? - Issac - Genesis 26:12-25 (16 January 2011)

1. Isaac is best known in the stories of others. He is nearly sacrificed by Abraham his father. His son Jacob steals his father's blessing from Esau his elder brother. Isaac leads an ordinary, uneventful life and yet is part of God's story. How does that make you feel?
2. Isaac enjoys both material blessings as well as conflict and persecution. How do the differing fortunes of our lives impact our relationship with God?
3. Isaac opens wells in order to survive in the desert. When the Philistines block them up, he opens another one. What are the spiritual wells in your life? What things block them up and how do you build new ones?

Faithful God? - Abraham - Genesis 12:1-20 (9 January 2011)

1. God keeps his promises. What are the promises God has made to you, both as one of his people and as an individual?
2. Throughout his life Abraham fails to trust God's promise. When have you taken matters into your own hands or tried to engineer God's promises as Abraham does here with Pharaoh (Gen 12) and later on with Hagar (Gen 16)?
3. God doesn't give up on Abraham or his world despite our disobedience. Instead he faithfully keeps the covenant he has made with us. What has it cost God to remain faithful to his people and what response does that provoke in your heart?
4. Abraham lived his life in tents. He held his life lightly. However, he built altars of stone, permanent memorials, to remind him of his encounters with his faithful God. How do you remember God's faithfulness to you?