Bill Maye

Disciple Wk4 - Disciples Intentionally Connect

OK, so for all of you who were at the service yesterday your assignment was to find 3 other couples at BCC to invite to dinner where you can let your hair down, party and have fun and talk about what God is doing in your lives...  then you make a date to do it again before you leave.  

It would be cool if you could upload videos of your evening.  If you do I'll post them on my vimeo channel and on my blog.  Just let me know.  Here's my night out with a couple of friends that we showed on Sunday.  We had a blast.

Bill

Zumba Party - Disciple Wk4 from William L. Maye on Vimeo.

iwantanewmarriage - What's Got To Happen For a Marriage To Work? - Wk2

Marriage is tough. Without a passionate relationship with Christ, marriage becomes next to impossible.
Two people placed together with different backgrounds, beliefs, personalities and preferences that do
not have Jesus as the unchanging center of their lives, practically destines a marriage to fail. Jesus is that important. It’s not enough to say, “Yeah, we’re Christians.” In order for the marriage relationship to endure, our connection to Jesus must be dynamic.

>> Do you believe that marriage is sacred? Why do you think the divorce rate among Christians is no different than among non-Christians?

>> Why does God hate divorce? Why do so many believe that divorce is not a sin? (Malachi 2:16, Matthew 5:31-32)

>> Why does the misconception of love hurt so many relationships? Please read 1 Corinthians 13.

>> From a biblical standpoint, what is love? It has been said that love is a decision not a feeling. Do you believe that is true?

>> What misconceptions about marriage did you have before the nuptials? What kinds of questions should singles ask before marrying?

Many say, “God doesn’t want me to be miserable,” as a justification for seeking divorce.  Jesus tells us
in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will
have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  Is happiness your right as a believer?
How has Jesus made your marriage better?

>> What are you doing to make your relationship with Jesus stronger? How can you protect the integrity of your marriage?

>> How can you keep finances from becoming your Achilles heel?
>> Are you communicating well and enough?
>> Are you spending time together?
>> Are you meeting each others emotional and physical needs?

If you’re not asking your spouse these questions, you should start. Today.

iwantanewmarriage - Forgive & Live - Wk1

Here are some study notes for you guys that want to go deeper.

Bill

Read 2 Samuel 11.1-27. All the lies and deceit, the adultery and the murder began with David taking a stroll on the roof of his palace. For David, apathy toward his integrity led him to eventual personal disaster.  Everyday thousands of marriages end in divorce because couples fail to proactively protect their marriage.  Decisions made about your relationship early while things are going great will payoff later during times of hardship and temptation.

>> What are some things that can be done to affair proof a marriage? What is keeping you from proactively protecting your marriage?

>> What unrealistic views of marriage do you think exist among singles? What kinds of choices should be made about your marriage before actually getting married?

Read Matthew 5:27-30. What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it way”? What kinds of things can you remove from your life that will help your marriage?

Read 2 Corinthians 10:5. What strategies do you use to help you overcome temptation?     

Read Ephesians 6:10-18. What defenses have we been given against attacks from the enemy? How are you using those weapons to your advantage?

>> What do you feel is the biggest cause of adultery?

>> What do you think your needs are? Why is it difficult to communicate those needs to your spouse?

>> Do you think you’re expecting your spouse to meet needs that only God can meet?

Ephesians 5:1-3 says, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”  The Bible says that there should not be even a hint of sexual immorality and yet we’ve all caught ourselves asking the question, “How close can I get to the edge without falling?” Shouldn’t we instead be asking, “How close to Jesus can I get?”

Practical Atheist Week #4

Open

Describe what your life was like before coming to know Christ.

How was your life changed when you entered into an intimate relationship with Him?

Explore

Read Matthew 7:15-23. In this passage Jesus compares true disciples as being like trees that bear fruit. 

> Against whom did Jesus warn us? Why?  (7:15)
> What do false prophets look like on the outside? (7:15)
> What are false prophets like inwardly? (7:15)
> How did Christ say we could recognize false prophets? (7:16, 20)
> What does nature reveal about a tree and its fruit? (7:16)
> What kind of fruit do good trees bear? Why? (7:17-18)
> What type of produce grows on bad trees? Why? (7:17-18)
> What happens to trees that fail to produce good fruit? (7:18)
> Who will enter the kingdom of heaven? (7:21)
> How will some people try to talk their way into heaven? (7:22)
> What credentials or accomplishments will some people claim? (7:22)
> How will Jesus respond to these impostors? (7:23)
> What is necessary for entry into heaven? (7:23)

Reflect

>> Why do you think we continue to sin if we have Christ in our heart and the Holy Spirit in our lives?
>> What does this passage tell us about the importance of doing good works? 
>> How do good works and salvation fit together? 
>> How can people be "religious" yet not follow Christ?  
>> What kind of good works have you been working to produce  lately? 
>> What evidence in your life points others to your relationship with Jesus?

Apply

What are some specific things you can do this week that will help you allow God to cultivate a deeper relationship with you?

In what area of your life right now do you have the greatest opportunity to increase your  good works?  

Practical Atheist Week #5

For Further Study
 
John 12:12-19

Open: 

How do people usually react when they meet a celebrity? Why?  Who are today's religious celebrities?  

Explore: 

> What had the crowd heard about Jesus? (12:12) 
> How did the crowd greet Jesus when He arrived in Jerusalem? (12:13) 
> What prophetic event took place? (12:14-15) 
> When did Jesus' disciples realize the significance of these events? (12:16) 
> What did the crowd that was with Jesus do when He raised Lazarus? (12:17) 
> Why did many of the people go out to meet Jesus? (12:18) 
>How did the Pharisees react to this event? (12:19) 

Contemplate: 

>> What did you hear about Jesus that led you to seek Him? 
>> When are you reluctant to allow Jesus to take His rightful place as King in your life? 
>> How should we honor and worship Jesus as King?  

Apply: 

How will you honor and worship Jesus with your life today?

Psalm 96:1-13

Open: 

> What are some common elements of worship in your church? 
> For you, what can cause church worship services to become stale or boring?  

Explore: 

>> What call introduces the psalm? (96:1-3) 
>> How far did the psalm writer want the praise of God's people to extend? (96:1-3) 
>> What reasons did the psalm writer give to the nations to praise the Lord? (96:1-13) 
>> What does this psalm reveal about God's character? (96:1-13) 
>> Why should God's people be motivated to praise God? (96:4-6) 
>> Whom did the psalm writer call to worship God? (96:7-9) 
>> What will motivate creation to praise the Lord? (96:11-13)  

Contemplate: 

What should be our motivation in praising God? 
What about nature inspires you to praise God? 
What kind of worship does God desire?

Apply: 

What is one thing you can do to revive your worship of God or make it more meaningful?

Practical Atheist Week #3

Here's a study guide for those of you who want to go beyond the Sunday experience.

Open

What does it mean to you to be truly happy?
Why do most people want more money than they already have?

Explore

Read Ecclesiastes 5:1-20

This passage explores the futility of wealth and how it does not
lead to true happiness. 

>> How should a person go into the house of God? (5:1)
>> How did Solomon encourage us to conduct ourselves in the house
of God? (5:2-3)
>> What did Solomon say about vows made to God? (5:4-6)
>> Why should we stand in awe of God? (5:7)
>> What should not surprise us? (5:8-9)
>> What grievous evil did Solomon notice? (5:13-17)
>> What is good and proper for a person to do? (5:18)
>> What sort of experience did Solomon describe as a gift from God?
(5:19)
>> What does this verse say happens to the person who has wealth
and possessions? (5:20)

Reflect

>> Why is it important to approach God with the right attitude? 
>> Why is it hard to keep the promises we make to God? 
>> What does it mean to you to stand in awe of God? 
>> Why is money unable to bring happiness or contentment in our
lives?
>> If we cannot take anything with us when we die, why do you think
we work so hard to acquire things in our lives?
>> How should we go about finding satisfaction in our daily work? 
>> What does it mean to accept one’s lot in life?
>> What is the connection between accepting one’s lot in life and
finding happiness? 
>> Why is it so hard for us to accept our lot in life? 

Apply

What is one thing you can change today in your life that will help
shift your focus away from money and possessions and back 
towards God?

What can you do this week to accept and better appreciate the
things God has given to you? 

Practical Atheist Week #2

Here's a Study Guide for Week #2 for those of you who want to "go deeper"

For Further Study

To use this resource, simply select one or two questions from each category below that you think
will help your group discussion. Alternatively, you can use these questions and Scriptures in your
own personal devotions during the week.

Open

During your childhood or teenage years, describe the most disobedient thing you ever
did? How did your parents react?

Explore

Read Ecclesiastes 12: 9-14. Solomon concludes the book of Ecclesiastes in this 
passage by saving his most important  piece of wisdom for his final thought. (12:13-14)

How did Solomon conclude this book? (12:9-14)
What did the Teacher do with his knowledge? (12:9)
For what did the Teacher search? (12:10)
How did Solomon describe what the Teacher wrote? (12:10)
How did Solomon describe the words of the wise? (12:11)
What did Solomon say about books and study? (12:12)
What is a person’s whole duty? (12:13)
Why did Solomon tell his reader to fear God and keep His commandments? (12:14)

Reflect

With what mood would you say Solomon concluded this book?
What is the relationship between fearing God and keeping his commandments? 
How we can benefit from the wisdom of other Christians? 
In what ways can you be a teacher or advisor to at least one other Christian? 

Apply

What specific areas of your life are you struggling to obey God’s commandments? 
Who do you need to seek out for the wisdom they could provide in helping you with your
areas of struggle?

Practical Atheist Week #1

For those of you who are interested in further study and reflection here's a guide that we put together for you.  I'm interested to know what you're thoughts were on the weekend message.  In what ways do you feel God challenging you to take your next step in 2009?

Bill

I Believe in God, But I Don’t Want To Go 
Overboard — Week 1
 
 
For Further Study

To use this resource, simply select one or two questions from
each category below you think will help your group discussion. 
Alternatively, you can use these questions and Scriptures in your
own personal devotions during the week.

Open

How do people typically react when they meet a celebrity or 
famous athlete? Why do you think these are typical reactions?

Explore

Read John 12:12-19. 

This passage details Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem where
a multitude of passionate people came to greet Him.

• What had the crowd heard about Jesus? (12:12)
• How did the crowd greet Jesus when He arrived in Jerusalem?(12:13)
• What title did the crowd give to Jesus? (12:13)
• What prophetic event took place in this account? (12:14-15)
• What had been written about this event? (12:15)
• When did Jesus’ disciples realize the significance of these events? (12:16) 
• What did the crowd do when Jesus raised Lazarus? (12:17) 
• Why did many of the people go out to meet Jesus? (12:18) 
• How did the Pharisees react to this event?  (12:19)

Reflect

What did you hear about Jesus that led you to seek Him? 
Why do you think Jesus should be the ruler in our lives? 
When is it difficult for you to allow Jesus to take His rightful place
as King in your life? 

In what ways can we honor and worship Jesus as King? 
What are some practical ways we can earn the opportunity to 
discuss our relationship with Christ with others? 

Apply

How does your passion about Christ compare with the passion the
crowds exhibited in this passage? 
What specific areas of your life can your surrender to Christ that
will result in a stronger passion for Him?

What's God Doing?

I just wanted to get a recap out for everyone that attended our leadership meeting and SNL meeting Sunday night and help those who were unable to attend know where our focus will be for the next 6 months here at BCC.  First off it was an awesome weekend as we concluded our latest series "Got Questions" and I want to thank our staff and volunteers for doing an excellent job throughout this series.

Here's a summary of where we are headed.

1) We are focusing all of our attention and energy in gearing up for our Christmas ROCKFest outreaches which will included ministering at Bread of Life Outreach Center on Dec. 6th; Dec. 6th - Grocery give away along with gifts and meals to 135 elderly residences in Stewart Manor; Dec. 14th - Host a special Christmas party for 42 needy families from Get Smart and give gifts to thier children; Dec 14th - Take up a special Christmas Offering to continue raising money for the remaining projects in our ROCKFest Outreach Focus; Dec 21st - Special Christmas Service Outreach at BCC.

2) We are exploring another site for BCC that is south of Sanford by the new Walmart Supercenter on Wilson Road.  The building we are looking at is 60,000 square feet with 8 acres of land and would allow us to reach more people in our community.  In fact there are 35,000 more people within 15 minutes driving distance from that location than our present location.  To help us undertake such a large project, we have joined in partnership with ARKS, a christian based organization that assists churches like ours in purchasing, finances, and constructing new facilities.  This partnership will ensure that we are making the right move and will help us in taking our next step so that we can focus our attention on our mission and not be consumed with the host of burdens that are associated with a building program. When completed this new facility will be extremely economical and will allow us to increase our impact on the lives of people in the Sanford area.

3) Growth Groups - We are adding our next component into the ministry teams that have been so successful over the past two years.  These groups will be home based weekly meetings that will be surronded by topical studies, connection, prayer and outreach.  We will begin these groups on the week of January 11th, 2009 with our first topic "40 Days of Community".  Then we will finish the rest of that first trimester with a 6 week stewardship campaing that will be used to help us raise revenue for our new building.  These groups will meet in 13 week trimesters with 4 week breaks in between.  During the breaks the groups will have the option of choosing differnt curriculums that can be used for the next trimester.  This is going to really assist all BCC members and attenders in connecting with other, using and growing in their spiritual gifts and taking their next step toward Christ.

4) We will be shifting our communion services to the first Sunday of each month and endning our SNL service in order to allow for growth groups to take center stage in the life of the church.

I'm excited about the direction God is taking us as a church and I'm continually amazed at how you step up to every challenge that God puts before us.  I would not trade BCC for any other church in the world.  Keep praying, keep giving, keep serving and keep reaching and we will see God do amazing things through us and for us in the next 6 months.

Bill

Aug 25th

I really enjoyed preparing for yesterday's message in our "Get in the Game" series, it renewed the importance of not just hearing the word of God but doing what it says.  I also have some catching up to do since I didn't post yesterday, so I'm going to share my nuggets with you guys and comment further on Sunday's message.

Proverbs 24:12 "Don't try to avoid personal responsibility by saying you didn't know about it for God knows all hearts, and He sees you.  He keeps watch over your soul, and He knows you knew!  He will judge all people according to what they have done."

Busted!  Have you ever done this?  I have!  It's like you don't want to get caught in either doing something wrong or not doing what you should have done to start with.  SUCK IT UP!  If you screwed up admit it Bill!  Stop being a wimp!

Proverbs 25:2 "It's God's privilege to conceal things and the king's privilege to seek them out."

This is what it's all about, the journey.  Following God is a quest to discover who He is and in the midst of doing so we become like Him.  I''m reminded of Moses who asked to see God with his own eyes.  It's like I gotta know you!  Yesterday when I talked about hearing God's words and then putting them into action, I want you to understand that we do not have the ability in our own strength to become like God.  We are absolutely dependent on the Holy Spirit to produce in us the character of God.  That happens when we yield ourselves to God's authority and agree that His word is true, then something can happen in us.

God gives grace to the humble, and boy do I need grace.

Bill