What is SOAP?

SOAP is an acronym for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. As you prepare for participating in City Group this week, we invite you to write down your thoughts in a journal. Journaling is a great way to record and process your thoughts & what God is sharing with you.

Week of February 15th
Living an Innocent Life

OVERVIEW

Freedom looks good on you!!! As a church we have embarked on a journey that is designed to help believers move from the experience of salvation to the abundant life that Jesus desires for them. This week, we are looking at the Tree of Life and its ability to set us free from incorrect thoughts about God and ourselves.

KEY POINTS

  • The Tree of Life results in fellowship with God.
  • Fellowship with God results in innocence—not the other way around.
  • Innocence is a conduit of God’s power.
  • Innocence results in freedom.

4 ways to live in the Tree of Life

  • We must remember that relationship with the Father is essential to living in the Tree of Life.
  • Recognize the two environments where you can live: the Tree of Life or the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
  • Ask the Lord to help you to make life-giving decisions every day.
  • Renew your mind with what the Word of God says is true. 

SCRIPTURE

As we read aloud through these verses, let's pause, reflect, and listen for what Holy Spirit might be saying to you through the Word of God.

Key scriptures from Sunday. 

  • John 8:36 "if the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free!”
  • John 10:10 “I have come that you may have life and life to the fullest.”
  • Galatians 5:13 "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.”

Additional Scriptures

  • John 17:3 NIV “Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” 
  • 1 Corinthians 14:20 “Brothers, stop being childish in your thinking. Be like infants with respect to evil, but think like adults”. 
  • Matthew 18:3 “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
  • Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 
  • John 15:5 (NIV) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
  • Psalm 37:23-24 “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.” 
  • Romans 8:1–2 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”
  • Romans 12:2  says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” 

OBSERVATION

Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying to you into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step.

Q1. Living in the Tree of Life result in Innocence. Innocence keeps our minds and hearts pure, helping us continually recognize our need for God. We are no longer proudly puffed up with knowledge and arrogance, nor do we do life and minstry alone. Instead we grow dependent on God. We develop a child-like dependence on our heavenly Father. How do you see yourselve developing an attitude of dependence on God? How do you see this mindset being a fertile ground for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to do His work in us and through us? 

Q2. Do you currently feel completely innocent before God? If not, how do you think this could be different? How do you think your perspective of innocence is impacting you fellowship with Him?

Q3. Do you currently see yourself living your life as a true son/daughter or as a servant? (Galatians 4:7) If not what do think would help for that to change? If you are, how can you help someone else see themselves as a child of God?

Q4.  Approaching life with innocence allows us to see the good things in front of us. In what wasy would you like to see your perspective improve?  

Personal Reflection Question:

  • What practical steps can I take to increase my fellowship engagement with God?

APPLICATION

  • These are choices we must intentionally make in order to continue living in the Tree of Life.
    -We can choose to renew our thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs in God’s Word
    -We can choose to put on holiness and righteousness (put on Christ). 
    -When we do, we will begin to experience true Tree of Life living!

    Philippians 4:8-9 says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

  • Consider how you could love others by serving on a team this Sunday at BeLoved.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank You for the freedom to live by your Spirit, so freely given, that we may freely receive, empowering us to live, give, serve like you. Help us to grow in our awareness of your presence and power at work in our lives. Help us to slow our minds and lives so that we may hear your small still voice. Help us to have your Holy confidence to share the good news of Jesus. Holy Spirit come, work in us and through us, that you God may be gloroified in the earth today. In Jesus name, Amen.

JOIN THE TEAM WHAT'S NEXT?
Next Steps

Our heart for you in taking a "Next Step" is to help you grow in becoming more and more like Jesus.

  • Invite. Everyone is only one invitation away from coming to church with you. We are here to reach 1% of our city. Take a step, be bold, bring someone to church with you Sunday.
  • Invest. Investing financially at BeLoved helps us to stay on mission. You can find the best way to give at belovedchurch.ca/give Take a step, start your faithful practice of tithes and offering.
  • Discover. Embark on the journey at belovedchurch.ca/grow Take a step and invest into your discipleship journey at BeLoved.
  • Serve. Jesus came to serve rather than to be served. Love on others like Jesus by jumping on a team and serving on the weekend at BeLoved. Help move God's great Church forward.
  • Get baptized. Congratulations! Take a step to "Go ALL IN for Jesus." Register online at belovedchurch.ca/baptism