LEADERSHIP GUIDE - APRIL 2022

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ 3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.’” (Luke 15:1-7 NIV) 

In Luke 15:1-7, the Pharisees are upset that Jesus is spending time with tax collectors and sinners. In response to their grievances, Jesus tells a parable about an owner of 100 sheep. This owner leaves the ninety-nine sheep when one goes missing and is full of joy and celebration when he finds and brings his lost sheep home. Jesus then compares the lost sheep being found to someone repenting of their sins: “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (v. 7).

Jesus shares this parable to address why He left the comforts of heaven and came to earth—to seek and save the lost so that even “one lost sheep” could repent of their sins, receive the gift of salvation, and have eternal life. The Pharisees did not understand that Jesus’ heart broke for the lost, which is why Jesus regularly spent time in relationship with sinners. As Christ-followers, our hearts should also break for the lost around us and like Jesus, we must also be present in their life. 

God has placed “lost sheep” in our family, friend groups, working places, and campuses for the sole purpose so that we could one day share the Gospel with them and that they would repent of their sins, receive Jesus as their Lord, and Savior, and “return home” into Jesus’ loving arms here on earth, and then one day in eternity. For that to happen, we must all leave the comforts of our Christian circles (the ninety-nine) and go after our “one,” just as Jesus did.

Discussion Questions: (15 minutes)

  • Who is the one person (whether unchurched or de-churched) that God is calling you to “leave the ninety-nine” for? Share why God has placed this person on your heart.

Application:

  • Ask each member in Small Group this week who their “one” is. Encourage each member to stay close with them and to look for opportunities to pray for them, serve them, and share the Gospel with them.

Prayer Points: (25-30 minutes)

  • Pray for the salvation and ongoing discipleship of the person God has placed on your heart to reach.

  • Pray that your group would grow and be filled with new people coming into a relationship with Jesus.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Zoom Reimbursement
Due to the ongoing pandemic and the uncertainties of people's schedules, we will continue to reimburse Zoom “Pro Package” subscriptions until further notice. This will enable you to keep hosting virtual Zoom meetings and not neglect meeting as a small group.

Once you have received your Zoom Pro invoice for the month, kindly forward them directly to info@pearlside.org in a timely manner. Thank you, leaders, for continuing to shepherd your people well during this time.

Easter At Pearlside | April 15-17
One historic event changed everything. It changed the course of human history, and it can change your life. More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus rose from the dead. Two centuries later, that one event is still radically changing lives: bringing rest to the weary, peace to the anxious, hope to the hopeless. Come and experience how Jesus Changes Everything! 

For more information and digital invites, go to pearlside.org/easter.

Marriage Huddle | April 23
Saturday, 9:00am - 3:00pm @ Main Campus
When marriages encounter bumps or potholes this may bring misalignment or friction into the marriage relationship. In our Marriage Huddle, John and Lisa Bevere, nationally known Christian speakers and authors, teach biblical principles of marriage and share their personal stories of challenge and victory in their DVD “The Story of Marriage.” This workshop includes viewing the DVD series, followed by small group discussions and related activities. These times of reflection and repentance have led to realignment and reuniting for many couples who have attended. Cost: $20 per married couple / Childcare available, $5 per child.

For more information and to register, go to pearlside.org/life-matters.