Break the ice. If we visited your hometown, what local spots would you suggest we see?

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John 17:24-26 - 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Matthew 28:16-20 - 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

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Discuss the first core, essential belief of Citizens Church: the doctrine of God.

1. We learn a lot about God by asking, what was he doing before creation? According to John 17:24-26, what was God doing before creation, before anything else existed?
2. “God” is a loaded term today. We mean many different, cultural things by saying “I believe in God” or “I love God.” What are the non-negotiable beliefs about the Christian God?
3. The eternally loved Son comes to us to share with us the very love that the Father has always lavished on Him. God is love and gives his life away. How has God called you to love and give your life away?
4. How do you envision loving God by serving the body of Christ called Citizens Church? If this is a new thought, how might God be encouraging you toward loving service?

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Rest in God’s promises from 1 John 2. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
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Close in prayer. God, you are love, and you are trinity. Father, we ask you to change us by empowering us to live under the gracious rule of Jesus Christ, our authority and king, through the Spirit who dwells in us. As followers of Christ, we are called to live on mission for your kingdom, and we need your help. We ask for courage to be a light and to push back the darkness of this world. We ask with full confidence for you, Father, Son and Spirit, to bring someone to the knowledge of your love for them as you reveal yourself to them this week. Amen.