Key Verse: "Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.'" -  Luke 9:23

• Have you ever felt like your life is so messed up that you have blown your chance with God?  Explain.

• Christ does not love us based on our performance, but what He did at the cross for us.  Have you ever struggled with feeling that you’re not doing enough for God?  Why do you feel that way?

• In the Christian faith, the cross symbolizes everything we believe.  What does the cross of Christ mean to you?  

Key Verse:

…for You gave Him authority over all flesh; so He may give eternal life to all You have given Him. This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent —Jesus Christ. I have glorified You on the earth by completing the work You gave Me to do.
John 17:2-4

Discussion:

1. Who has shown you loyalty during your career in sport?  Tell us about it.
2. How do people express loyalty at various levels of sport?
3. Let’s read about a remarkable expression of loyalty in Ruth 1:15-18.
4. How did Ruth demonstrate loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi?
5. From what you read, what are the limits of Ruth’s loyalty?
6. Do you find such loyalty among your teammates and coaches?  What factors contribute to that situation?
7. What have we learned today that could build loyalty on our team?

Summary: