Most of us have made commitments to lots of things in our lives…list some of the commitments you’re currently keeping. (Marriage, contract for work, mortgage, etc.)
Why do we make commitments?
Dave talked about the concept of “Koinonia”. Describe it, as best you can.
Read 1st John 1:6-7: Why are “fellowship with God” and “fellowship with each other” linked so closely?
If it is God’s goal that we would experience this type of ‘fellowship’, what kinds of commitments and behaviors should we be expected to make?
Read Philippians 2:1-8. If our example is Jesus, what do we learn from this, regarding our relationships with others.
Dave talked about the Church being a ‘safe place’. In what ways have you experienced that in the past?
Read Ephesians 4:31-32: How should we treat each other, according to this passage?
The KCC Commitment asked us to affirm our beliefs and commit to five Spiritual Practices. Personal sharing time: Did you sign it? Why or why not?
Over the last six weeks, you have joined as a group with some new, some old friends. You’ve studied, prayed, and been challenged. What do YOU think that God has done within YOURSELF during this time?
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Week 5: Choices
Dave talked about God’s vision of what “The Church” should be. Read Acts 2:42-47. Do you think the Church in America is living this out? Why or why not? (hint: try not to view only specific ‘practices’, but the big picture)
What broad “themes” do you think God is trying to write through the Church today?
We all make choices every day. Take a couple of minutes to write out your typical daily schedule:
If it’s true that God is writing THE Story today, and that you are one of the characters, how do you think He (the Author) feels about the times you “consult” with Him?
How do YOU feel about it? Why do you think we get distracted so easily?
Read Psalm 127:1-2: How does this principle apply to YOUR life?
KCC is challenging us and encouraging us…
What does that make you FEEL? What do you THINK about it?
KCC is asking us to commit to these things:
What broad “themes” do you think God is trying to write through the Church today?
We all make choices every day. Take a couple of minutes to write out your typical daily schedule:
If it’s true that God is writing THE Story today, and that you are one of the characters, how do you think He (the Author) feels about the times you “consult” with Him?
How do YOU feel about it? Why do you think we get distracted so easily?
Read Psalm 127:1-2: How does this principle apply to YOUR life?
KCC is challenging us and encouraging us…
What does that make you FEEL? What do you THINK about it?
KCC is asking us to commit to these things:
- Consistent attendance and participation: Read Hebrews 3:13-14; 10:24-25: What does these verses say to you about this?
- Bible study and prayer: Read Luke 5:16; Psalm 119:9-16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Why are prayer and Bible study so important to our spiritual development?
- Service to others: Inside the church (Galatians 5:13) and as a way of life (Mark 9:30-35). Why would serving others be so important in God’s eyes?
- Financial support for the church and other God-honoring causes: (Matthew 6:19-24). God clearly sees “where we put our money” as a spiritual issue. Why?
- Protect unity in the church and Pray for its leaders: (Ephesians 4:3-6), (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). How do church unity and submitting to church leaders go together? Is there ever a time when we should NOT submit to church leaders?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Week 4: Trinity
What is your understanding of the concept of ‘The Trinity’?
‘One God in 3 persons’ is difficult to grasp…but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong! Read some of the passages that assume the concept, and share how these might help establish it’s reality.
Genesis 1:26-27
Matthew 3:16
Matthew 28:18-20
2 Corinthians 13:14
Describe some of the characteristics of God the Father.
Describe some of the characteristics of God the Son.
What did Jesus say His primary roles were, while on Earth?
John 4:34, John 6:38
John 17:1-3
Luke 19:10
Mark 10:45
What is the role of the Holy Spirit, according to Jesus?
John 14:16, 25-26
John 16:7-18
The New Testament describes the Holy Spirit as our Leader, guide, helper and one who guides us.
Why do you think many Christians are uncomfortable with the Holy Spirit?
In what ways have YOU experienced the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?
Paul says that we can ‘grieve’ the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).
He also says that we should ‘be filled with’ the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
Which do you think YOU do more of (for personal reflection or sharing).
Paul writes that the Holy Spirit will transform our character, if we cooperate with him. Read Galatians 5:16-25. What are some ways you’ve noticed Him ‘transforming’ you?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Week 3: Faith
KCC “Membership Dance Mix” Week 3
Dave talked about “Defining Moment Decisions” we occasionally need to make. What is one that you’ve made that went really well for you (other than your faith)?
Dave talked about “faking” it as a guitar player. Have you ever faked in a similar way? Wanna share it?
Sometimes our faith is ‘fake’…have you ever sensed that yours was, in any way?
Read Romans 3:23: The Scriptures teach that mankind is full of sin, and that WE are ALL sinners…how do you react to that?
There is a gap between us and God. Have you ever tried to ‘bridge that gap’ in your own power? Share your experience.
Read John 3:16-17; Romans 3:23-24: In context, why is it so important that Jesus came?
One CRUCIAL concept to understand is GRACE.
Read Psalm 103:8-13: What does this teach you about God’s character?
Read Ephesians 2:1-9: What does this teach you about God’s grace vs. our attempts to ‘earn’ His forgiveness?
The Bible says we need to Believe AND Receive God’s Grace through our faith in Jesus. We need to ‘call out’ to Him. Read Romans 10: 9-13. Have you, personally, ever “called on the name of the Lord” to save you?
If so, briefly tell about it.
If not, are there any reasons you have for not doing so today?
Dave talked about “Defining Moment Decisions” we occasionally need to make. What is one that you’ve made that went really well for you (other than your faith)?
Dave talked about “faking” it as a guitar player. Have you ever faked in a similar way? Wanna share it?
Sometimes our faith is ‘fake’…have you ever sensed that yours was, in any way?
Read Romans 3:23: The Scriptures teach that mankind is full of sin, and that WE are ALL sinners…how do you react to that?
There is a gap between us and God. Have you ever tried to ‘bridge that gap’ in your own power? Share your experience.
Read John 3:16-17; Romans 3:23-24: In context, why is it so important that Jesus came?
One CRUCIAL concept to understand is GRACE.
Read Psalm 103:8-13: What does this teach you about God’s character?
Read Ephesians 2:1-9: What does this teach you about God’s grace vs. our attempts to ‘earn’ His forgiveness?
The Bible says we need to Believe AND Receive God’s Grace through our faith in Jesus. We need to ‘call out’ to Him. Read Romans 10: 9-13. Have you, personally, ever “called on the name of the Lord” to save you?
If so, briefly tell about it.
If not, are there any reasons you have for not doing so today?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Week 2:"Come as you are"
Ice Breaker:
What is your favorite restaurant? What is your favorite dish?
If you were to compare KCC to a restaurant, what place would it be?
When you travel long distances, what do you stay in? A camper? A tent? A Hotel?
When you go to someone's house, what do you expect from a host?
Read: Acts 2:46-47
Why do you think everyone went to peoples houses/homes after they heard the disciples speak?
What is more likely to happen in a small group that is less likely to happen in our Sunday services?
In what ways should the church be like a restaurant?
In what ways should the church be like a home?
Read: Leviticus 23:39-43
A booth is a tent. If you are staying in a tent you are most likely going somewhere or traveling. In what ways should the church be like a tent?
In what ways can our church move closer to God?
Is God moving you closer to Him or do you feel stuck?
Read Psalm 84:4-7 :
“Baca” means, “Valley of Weeping” and “Zion”, is a mountain in Jerusalem that was symbolic of heaven. If we are on a spiritual pilgrimage like someone physically travelling in a tent, God can take us on a journey closer to him and closer to heaven.
God desires us to come as we are (like entering a casual restaurant)...but he loves us too much to leave us that way. Be movable and see where He takes you.
Close in prayer.
What is your favorite restaurant? What is your favorite dish?
If you were to compare KCC to a restaurant, what place would it be?
When you travel long distances, what do you stay in? A camper? A tent? A Hotel?
When you go to someone's house, what do you expect from a host?
Read: Acts 2:46-47
Why do you think everyone went to peoples houses/homes after they heard the disciples speak?
What is more likely to happen in a small group that is less likely to happen in our Sunday services?
In what ways should the church be like a restaurant?
In what ways should the church be like a home?
Read: Leviticus 23:39-43
A booth is a tent. If you are staying in a tent you are most likely going somewhere or traveling. In what ways should the church be like a tent?
In what ways can our church move closer to God?
Is God moving you closer to Him or do you feel stuck?
Read Psalm 84:4-7 :
“Baca” means, “Valley of Weeping” and “Zion”, is a mountain in Jerusalem that was symbolic of heaven. If we are on a spiritual pilgrimage like someone physically travelling in a tent, God can take us on a journey closer to him and closer to heaven.
God desires us to come as we are (like entering a casual restaurant)...but he loves us too much to leave us that way. Be movable and see where He takes you.
Close in prayer.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Week 1: Belong
Share your faith story:
Do you consider yourself an “Explorer”, a “Friend of Christ”, one who is “Close To Christ”, or one who is “Christ Centered”?
What has God been doing in your life lately?
Explain your connection to KCC:
How long have you attended, and how did you find KCC?
In what ways has God used KCC to further your faith journey?
In the message we heard that “in this world, you will have trouble”
…in what ways have YOU experienced difficulties in your faith coming from ‘this world’?
Dave said that “It’s important that we have a source of encouragement and
development for our faith”, and that the church—KCC—can help with that.
Do you agree that developing our faith is important? Why/Why not?
Read Acts 2:42-47
Acts 2, talks about the early church being “devoted” to 4 things:
(1.) The Apostles’ Teaching, (2.)Fellowship,
(3.)Sharing Meals (including the Communion meal) (4.)Prayer
Do you think this is still a good plan for the Church?
What impact do you think it would have on your life if you ‘devoted yourself’ to these things?
What impact do you think it would have on KCC?
Would there be any noticeable difference, as far as ‘the world’ is concerned?
Read Hebrews 10:23-25.
What kind of relationship and behavior does the writer encourage people who’ve joined together in the faith to be involved in?
Why would that be important today?
Why do you think it would be important for the early church to NOT “give up meeting together”?
Is that still important in today’s church? Why/Why not?
Read the “One Another” phrases and record how we are to treat each other in the faith:
John 13:34-35
Romans 12:10, 16
Galatians 5:13:
Ephesians 4:2, 32
Colossians 3:13-16
1st Peter 3:8:
If we really treated fellow believers that way, what impact do you think it would have on the church? What would you notice different about KCC if we lived this out?
Close in Prayer.
Do you consider yourself an “Explorer”, a “Friend of Christ”, one who is “Close To Christ”, or one who is “Christ Centered”?
What has God been doing in your life lately?
Explain your connection to KCC:
How long have you attended, and how did you find KCC?
In what ways has God used KCC to further your faith journey?
In the message we heard that “in this world, you will have trouble”
…in what ways have YOU experienced difficulties in your faith coming from ‘this world’?
Dave said that “It’s important that we have a source of encouragement and
development for our faith”, and that the church—KCC—can help with that.
Do you agree that developing our faith is important? Why/Why not?
Read Acts 2:42-47
Acts 2, talks about the early church being “devoted” to 4 things:
(1.) The Apostles’ Teaching, (2.)Fellowship,
(3.)Sharing Meals (including the Communion meal) (4.)Prayer
Do you think this is still a good plan for the Church?
What impact do you think it would have on your life if you ‘devoted yourself’ to these things?
What impact do you think it would have on KCC?
Would there be any noticeable difference, as far as ‘the world’ is concerned?
Read Hebrews 10:23-25.
What kind of relationship and behavior does the writer encourage people who’ve joined together in the faith to be involved in?
Why would that be important today?
Why do you think it would be important for the early church to NOT “give up meeting together”?
Is that still important in today’s church? Why/Why not?
Read the “One Another” phrases and record how we are to treat each other in the faith:
John 13:34-35
Romans 12:10, 16
Galatians 5:13:
Ephesians 4:2, 32
Colossians 3:13-16
1st Peter 3:8:
If we really treated fellow believers that way, what impact do you think it would have on the church? What would you notice different about KCC if we lived this out?
Close in Prayer.
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