the Other Side of Normal
Our roots as Christians are not in the things we don’t do; they are in God’s grace. In this series, we begin at the root of grace and then discover how moral boundaries, spiritual disciplines, and confession are tools God uses to lead us toward holiness.
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THE HEARTBEAT OF the OTHER SIDE OF NORMAL
This series is for those who have decided to redefine normal but don’t know what to do next. Once we’ve crashed through the glass ceiling of the factory known as the status quo, all of us who dare to take flight suddenly are confronted by a new challenge: What do we do now?
The Other Side of Normal is our way of providing some practical next steps for those who have chosen to redefine normal with their lives. The series rises to the occasion by honestly and strategically laying out our identity and responsibility as revolutionary members of the Kingdom of God. We created The Other Side of Normal for anyone who doesn’t just want to read about an adventure; they want to take one. It is for all those who want to do more than just study history; they want to make history. It is for the ones who are crying out: So what? Now what? Then what? It is for those who want to fly. ABOUT THE ART
The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night. --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
It is hard to be brave, when you're only a Very Small Animal.
--Piglet, Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A. A. Milne
I’ve never seen a pig fly – and to be honest, that might be best left unseen. I bet it would be an amazing sight. But I propose that there is an even more amazing sight. What? There could be something more amazing than seeing a pig fly (rabble, rabble)? Yes, and that thing is… drum roll… seeing the same pig fly for the second (or third or fourth) time. Ta da! Because let’s face it, flying is tough for a pig (given the risk of becoming bacon). But the rewards are greater than the risks (i.e., the thrill of not becoming bacon). Getting wings and taking to the skies is incredible, but if you really want an adventure… keep flying.  SESSION OUTLINE
Session One
When Pigs Fly: The identity of grace
Galatians 2:19-21
As we begin moving to live on the other side of normal, we must begin with what our identity truly is now. We are no longer what we once were, because grace has changed our identity, and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us.
Session Two
Training Wings: The responsibility of discipline
Philippians 3:12-14
In this session, we see how disciplines give us training wings so that we can be passionate pursuers of Christ and people who exude faith, hope, and love.
Session Three
Flying High: The opportunity of morality
Colossians 3:1-14
In this session, we see that God gives us an opportunity to fly high in our lives. But this opportunity is unusual, because the opportunity is morality. God wants us to take off by putting earthly things to death and clothing ourselves in God’s things.
Session Four
Tailspin: The vulnerability of confession
1 John 1:5-2:2
As we seek to live on the other side of normal, we quickly realize that no matter our identity, and no matter what responsibility we’ve taken to include disciplines in our lives or to live morally, we mess up. When we do this, we’re tempted to cover our tracks and hide our true selves. But Jesus invites us to the vulnerability of confession.
TEACHING GUIDES and LESSON SAMPLES
Master Teacher's Guide [ view sample ]
The Master Teacher's Guide is designed for use in large-group settings such as Wednesday night gatherings, combined Sunday School classes, summer camps, and other worship gatherings. It contains background information, explanation and application points, opening illustrations and stories, prompts for personal stories, and life-changing Turning Point activities. Leader's Guide [ view sample ] The Small Group Leaders Guide is perfect for use in Disciple Now settings, in-home small groups, individual Sunday School classes, and other settings with one leader and 10-15 students. It contains background information, explanation and application points, group activities, discussion questions, and life-changing Turning Point activities. Gathering Tool The Gathering Tool is designed to provide an opening illustration for groups that meet together in a large group before dividing into small groups or Sunday School classes. This will allow small groups to experience the series video and will add to the overall experience of going through the series. Supply List |
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