21 Dec “Generational Influence” | Part Seven – “” – All Locations –
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Guide
by Mary Ann Parsons
SAVE THE DATE: JANUARY 26 FOR A LIFE GROUP LEADER MEETING INCLUDING YOU AND ANY APPRENTICES YOU MAY HAVE.
REGISTRATION WILL BE OUT BEGINNING OF JANUARY! PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND.
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ALL LOCATIONS
The Life Group Leader Training has been changed to December 15. Please let your apprentices know that they have signed up. The registration is full, so I will be adding another one in January.
WATERS UNIVERSITY:
We’re looking to grow healthy Christians at Waters Church…spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, and relationally — that is the mission of Waters University.
As the Fall classes wind down, we’re looking forward to an early January 2026 start for Financial Peace University at the North Attleboro and Apollo Beach campuses. Go to https://watersu.org/ or click the link below now for more information on classes and to register.
WATERSU
Thank you!
WATERS UNIVERSITY – FINANCIAL PEACE STARTING IN JANUARY:
We’re looking to grow healthy Christians at Waters Church…spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, and relationally — that is the mission of Waters University.
As the Fall Waters U classes wind down, we’re looking forward to an early January 2026 start for “Financial Peace University” at the North Attleboro, Southcoast and Apollo Beach campuses. Go to https://watersu.org/ or click the link below now for more information on classes and to register.
WATERSU (https://watersu.org/)
Waters Class Schedule:
- Growth Track – Check the schedule and register on the events page.
- 4th Sunday: Baptism Class – after every service
Waters Help: Need marriage and family care, or have a group member who does? Click here: help resources page or visit waterschurch.org/help
Location Text Alerts:
| North Attleboro |
Text “subscribe” to 508 695-1300 |
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| Norwood |
Text “subscribe” to 781 762-3357 |
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| Apollo Beach |
Text “subscribe” to 813 642-6979 |
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| Woonsocket |
Text “subscribe” to 833 241-4837 |
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| Southcoast |
Text “subscribe” to 508 809-3490 |
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PLEASE CHECK YOUR NOTIFICATIONS AND OR YOUR PLANNING CENTER PROFILES FOR NEW MEMBER REQUESTS.
NOTE:
Two opportunities to pray:
Leaders only: Please be available at the end of services to pray for those who come forward. If you are not actively serving during the service you are attending, make it a priority to head to the front when the invitation is given. Your presence matters!
North Attleboro Leaders and members: If you are available, or any member of your group who currently serves is available, there is an opportunity to meet for prayer in the conference room off of the break room area during the second and third services. Please see Doug and Joanie White or Felix Shyllon if you would like to be a part of that ministry.
Please note: if you have a member who is not currently serving and would like to be part of the prayer during the service team, please have them take the appropriate steps to become a serve team member.
NORTH ATTLEBORO
Prayer at the Altar – AFTER SERVICES
If possible, please make an effort to be at the altar after this service to pray for others.
Your presence makes a difference—thank you for serving!
Just so you know, there will not be a guide next week ( New Year’s week), and the week after that is First Tuesday.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! SEE YOU IN 2026!
Below is a link to the Miracle after Miracle fasting devotional:
MIRACLE AFTER MIRACLE – 21 DAYS OF FASTING
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**Please read all scripture in the ESV, unless otherwise noted.**
Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 9
Ice Breaker Question:
What’s something you were told to do growing up that you didn’t understand at the time—but later realized it was actually for your good?
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Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and for the way You lovingly guide our lives. Help us to trust Your commands, especially when we don’t fully understand them. Open our hearts tonight to see how Your ways lead us to what is good, better, and best. Shape our faith, our generosity, and our obedience so they reflect Your heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Christmas was about God giving.
John 3:16 ESV
Giving saves the living. Giving is not a loss.
Three rules about God’s commands:
A. God’s commands are for MY GOOD.
Deuteronomy 10:12–13 ESV
Doing what God says benefits us.
B. God’s commands are for MY BETTERMENT.
Obedience brings blessing.
Psalm 19:7–8 ESV
God’s plans are not to rob you, but to better you.
Proverbs 3:1–2 ESV
Deuteronomy 28:1–2 ESV
C. God’s commands LEAD me to God’s BEST.
Acts 20:35 ESV
Big Idea: God commands GIVING for MY GOOD.
2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV
The word for “cheerful” is “Hilaros” in Greek (Hillarious).
There is something greater than personal betterment. It is when our lives make other people’s lives better.
Q. Where might God be inviting you to trust Him enough to give joyfully, believing that His “best” is found in blessing others?
- When we give, God GIVES PROPORTIONALLY.
2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV
Some people see giving as a loss of money. God sees giving like planting seed in soil.
Paul uses a farming illustration. The farmer knows that if you sow liberal seed, you will get a better harvest.
Proverbs 11:24 ESV
Luke 6:38 ESV
Sparing giving leads to sparing reaping. Bountiful giving leads to bountiful reaping.
There will be a proportionate response from God in giving to you that you give to God.
Q: What usually influences how much or how freely you give—faith, fear, habit, or circumstance?
Leader Prompt (use if needed):
If the group is quiet, ask: What fears or hesitations most often hold people back from giving generously?
Practical Application:
This week, intentionally give in ways that stretch your faith—whether through finances, time, or encouragement—and trust God with the outcome rather than controlling it.
2. When we give, God GIVES COMPREHENSIVELY.
2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV
Giving is not always about money.
Sometimes, the greatest blessing God gives is the satisfaction with what you have!
A discontented heart consumes. A contented heart gives.
Q: In what ways has God provided not just financially, but emotionally, relationally, or spiritually when you’ve chosen to trust Him?
Practical Application:
Take note this week of the different ways God provides—peace, strength, wisdom, or support—and thank Him daily for meeting needs beyond what money can buy.
3. When we give, God GIVES ABUNDANTLY.
2 Corinthians 9:9 ESV
God is in charge, protecting and guarding your life and your heart.
Q: Where have you seen God go beyond “enough” and show His abundance in your life or in someone else’s?
Practical Application:
Instead of focusing on what you lack, choose one area where you’ll operate from abundance—sharing resources, opening your home, or offering help without expecting anything in return.
4. When we give, God GIVES PURPOSEFULLY.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 ESV
The seed goes to the sower, the bread to the eater. Giving what God gives you will release God’s giving toward you so that you become more giving.
Q: How might God be using what He’s entrusted to you—not just to meet your needs—but to bless others and advance His purposes?
Practical Application:
Ask God this week, “Who is this for?”—then intentionally use one resource He’s given you to bless someone else in a meaningful way.
Sermon in a Sentence:
God never commands GIVING to ROB me—He commands GIVING to MULTIPLY my life.
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