Conversation Questions:
Have you ever been helped by someone when you were in need? If yes, tell the story!
Scripture Questions:
Read Luke 10:26-37
What are some characteristics of The Robber?
What is The Robber concerned about? What motivates a robber?
What might be some characteristics of The Priest and the Levite?
What might The Priest and Levite be concerned with?
What scenario might The Priest and Levite be willing to help?
What are some characteristics of the Samaritan?
What is the Samaritan concerned about?
What motivates the Samaritan to help the beaten man?
Where do you think the desire for the Samaritan to do good come from?
In verse 28 Jesus says, "Do this and you will live." Now look at v. 37. According to v. 37 what is, "this" when Jesus says, "do this"?
Hopefully you answered, "Mercy".
Do you think you can "do" mercy without being merciful?
Is "doing" and "being" in this passage the same thing?
Heart Question:
Take a moment to think about what characteristics you have.
Are they a mixture of the Robber the priest and Levite and the Samaritan? What are they?
In order to make a difference in what you "do"(giving, using belonging for good, and spending time for good) what characteristics need to change?
Close in prayer.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What Could Be Part 1: It's Not My Problem
“What Could Be?” Series (Joint series with CFC Churches)
November 7, 2010 “It’s Not My Problem!”
Group Study Questions
Introductory Questions:
Have you ever had anyone be a “Good Samaritan” for you?
Have you ever been a ‘Good Samaritan” for anyone else?
If so, what motivated you?
Have you ever declined an opportunity to be a Good Samaritan, and regretted it later?
What caused you to hesitate?
Bible Questions:
Read Luke 10: 25-29:
Why do you think the Religious Lawyer asked the question to Jesus in the first place?
Luke writes that the man “wanted to justify himself”, so he asked “Who is my neighbor?”
Why would someone who can answer correctly (vv. 27-28) want to justify himself?
Read Luke 10: 30-37
Jesus tells the story and has a Priest and a Levite be ‘the bad guys’. Why would He do this?
Why would 2 people who know all about God—His heart, His law, His commands—do what they did?
In what ways were the Priest and the Levite like the Religious Lawyer who was asking the question?
Jesus’ point was not only to teach the lawyer to ‘be nice to those around him’, but to show him that he had not ‘arrived’, and was still in need of God’s grace.
Why is it so easy for religious people to forget their need for God’s grace?
Read Matthew 23:23-28:
Why was Jesus so strong in his condemnation of the religious leaders?
What can that teach you, today?
Read 1 John 3:17-18:
John seems to assume that God’s love, if active in a person, would motivate them to be generous and compassionate.
Why can this be so hard?
How can we let God’s love show through us more?
Application Questions:
How does the story of the Good Samaritan—specifically the part about the Religious Lawyer, the Priest and the Levite, impact you?
In what ways have you been like them?
How (if at all) do you think God would want to change you?
What has to change in our hearts if we are to be more like the Good Samaritan?
November 7, 2010 “It’s Not My Problem!”
Group Study Questions
Introductory Questions:
Have you ever had anyone be a “Good Samaritan” for you?
Have you ever been a ‘Good Samaritan” for anyone else?
If so, what motivated you?
Have you ever declined an opportunity to be a Good Samaritan, and regretted it later?
What caused you to hesitate?
Bible Questions:
Read Luke 10: 25-29:
Why do you think the Religious Lawyer asked the question to Jesus in the first place?
Luke writes that the man “wanted to justify himself”, so he asked “Who is my neighbor?”
Why would someone who can answer correctly (vv. 27-28) want to justify himself?
Read Luke 10: 30-37
Jesus tells the story and has a Priest and a Levite be ‘the bad guys’. Why would He do this?
Why would 2 people who know all about God—His heart, His law, His commands—do what they did?
In what ways were the Priest and the Levite like the Religious Lawyer who was asking the question?
Jesus’ point was not only to teach the lawyer to ‘be nice to those around him’, but to show him that he had not ‘arrived’, and was still in need of God’s grace.
Why is it so easy for religious people to forget their need for God’s grace?
Read Matthew 23:23-28:
Why was Jesus so strong in his condemnation of the religious leaders?
What can that teach you, today?
Read 1 John 3:17-18:
John seems to assume that God’s love, if active in a person, would motivate them to be generous and compassionate.
Why can this be so hard?
How can we let God’s love show through us more?
Application Questions:
How does the story of the Good Samaritan—specifically the part about the Religious Lawyer, the Priest and the Levite, impact you?
In what ways have you been like them?
How (if at all) do you think God would want to change you?
What has to change in our hearts if we are to be more like the Good Samaritan?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Forgotten God Part 5: Spiritual Warfare
Intro. Questions:
Do you believe that Satan is real? Why—what evidence do you see to his reality?
Why do you think most people in our world don’t believe in him?
Have you ever sensed any kind of Satanic or demonic ‘attack’ or ‘influence’ in your life? (Note: don’t go into a lot of detail—we don’t want to give him any more attention than he deserves!)
Bible Questions:
Read Genesis 3:1-15: What were the messages that the serpent (entered into by satan) gave to Eve in order to get her to doubt God?
How does he promote those same messages in our culture today?
Read Luke 4:1-13: What were the messages that satan tried to use to distract Jesus from His mission?
How did Jesus defeat him? What can we learn from that?
Read 2 Corinthians 2:11: What are some ways that YOU might give satan an ‘opening’ in your life which enables him to sidetrack you?
Read 1st Peter 5:8-9: How do we defeat our enemy’s work within?
Read Ephesians 6:10-18: Identify each element of spiritual armor that God has given us, and specific ways it can help you overcome satan’s attacks.
Application Questions:
Dave said that satan and the demons “only do as much as they NEED to do in order to defeat us, spiritually”. Looking back, what ways have you seen his influence/work in your life?
How have you made it ‘easy’ on him?
Is there some way in which you have “taken yourself out of the fight” (like Dave’s football example, leaving the huddle and sitting on the sidelines)?
How have you seen God give spiritual VICTORY in your life—or others’ lives—in the past?
PRAY this week, asking God to expose satan’s strategies/devices in your life, the meet them head-on, with the Word!
Do you believe that Satan is real? Why—what evidence do you see to his reality?
Why do you think most people in our world don’t believe in him?
Have you ever sensed any kind of Satanic or demonic ‘attack’ or ‘influence’ in your life? (Note: don’t go into a lot of detail—we don’t want to give him any more attention than he deserves!)
Bible Questions:
Read Genesis 3:1-15: What were the messages that the serpent (entered into by satan) gave to Eve in order to get her to doubt God?
How does he promote those same messages in our culture today?
Read Luke 4:1-13: What were the messages that satan tried to use to distract Jesus from His mission?
How did Jesus defeat him? What can we learn from that?
Read 2 Corinthians 2:11: What are some ways that YOU might give satan an ‘opening’ in your life which enables him to sidetrack you?
Read 1st Peter 5:8-9: How do we defeat our enemy’s work within?
Read Ephesians 6:10-18: Identify each element of spiritual armor that God has given us, and specific ways it can help you overcome satan’s attacks.
Application Questions:
Dave said that satan and the demons “only do as much as they NEED to do in order to defeat us, spiritually”. Looking back, what ways have you seen his influence/work in your life?
How have you made it ‘easy’ on him?
Is there some way in which you have “taken yourself out of the fight” (like Dave’s football example, leaving the huddle and sitting on the sidelines)?
How have you seen God give spiritual VICTORY in your life—or others’ lives—in the past?
PRAY this week, asking God to expose satan’s strategies/devices in your life, the meet them head-on, with the Word!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Forgotten God Part 4: Interacting with the Holy Spirit
Conversation Questions:
Have you ever been really spooked? Why was it spooky?
Have you ever been afraid of something that was unknown to you at the time? If that thing became more known to you, did it continue to scare you?
Study Questions:
Read John 14:16-19
What does this passage tell us about why we should listen to the Holy Spirit? Are there other reasons besides what is in this passage that you can think of for listening to the Spirit?
Two things that keep us from listening to the Spirit is: Noise and Comfort.
How does noise distract us from hearing the Spirit?
Read Mark 1:35 and Psalm 46:10
Why did Jesus set aside time for prayer and alone time?
What could you do to turn down the volume in your life?
How does comfort keep us from hearing God?
When is comfort good? When is comfort bad?
What can you do to have a healthy balance of comfort and challenge in your life?
Do you believe getting out of your comfort zone can help you hear God? Is the idea of interacting with the Holy Spirit sound spooky to you? Why or why not?
Heart Questions:
Bill Hybels in "Whisper" talks about ways we can know when it's The Holy Spirit who is sspeaking to us by asking these questions:
Is it truly from God?
Is it scriptural?
Is it wise?
Is it in tune with your character?
What do people you trust think?
If you have heard a word from God before or if you have heard someone say they had a word from God, tell others about it and run through this test.
Was it The Holy Spirit or not? Why or why not?
Read Ephesians 4:16-21
What are some promises in this passage that Paul (the author of Ephesians) say will come if we listen to the Holy Spirit?
End by praying with emphasis on God helping you listen to the Holy Spirit and the courage to respond to what he might say.
Have you ever been really spooked? Why was it spooky?
Have you ever been afraid of something that was unknown to you at the time? If that thing became more known to you, did it continue to scare you?
Study Questions:
Read John 14:16-19
What does this passage tell us about why we should listen to the Holy Spirit? Are there other reasons besides what is in this passage that you can think of for listening to the Spirit?
Two things that keep us from listening to the Spirit is: Noise and Comfort.
How does noise distract us from hearing the Spirit?
Read Mark 1:35 and Psalm 46:10
Why did Jesus set aside time for prayer and alone time?
What could you do to turn down the volume in your life?
How does comfort keep us from hearing God?
When is comfort good? When is comfort bad?
What can you do to have a healthy balance of comfort and challenge in your life?
Do you believe getting out of your comfort zone can help you hear God? Is the idea of interacting with the Holy Spirit sound spooky to you? Why or why not?
Heart Questions:
Bill Hybels in "Whisper" talks about ways we can know when it's The Holy Spirit who is sspeaking to us by asking these questions:
Is it truly from God?
Is it scriptural?
Is it wise?
Is it in tune with your character?
What do people you trust think?
If you have heard a word from God before or if you have heard someone say they had a word from God, tell others about it and run through this test.
Was it The Holy Spirit or not? Why or why not?
Read Ephesians 4:16-21
What are some promises in this passage that Paul (the author of Ephesians) say will come if we listen to the Holy Spirit?
End by praying with emphasis on God helping you listen to the Holy Spirit and the courage to respond to what he might say.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Forgotten God Part 2
The Holy Spirit: What does He DO? Small Group Discussion
Introductory Questions:
Have you experienced any “move” of the Holy Spirit over the last few weeks? Are you asking God to make you more sensitive to His leading? Have you noticed any changes in your Spiritual relationship?
Our bodies need good ‘fuel’ to run on, or they begin to get run down…similarly, our The Spirit within us needs good ‘raw material’ to work with in order to make us more like Jesus.
What kind of ‘fuel’ have you been giving Him to work with lately? Have you noticed a positive (or negative) impact on your Spiritual vitality?
Bible Study Questions:
Read the following Scriptures and fill in the blanks. Comment on this work within YOUR life.
1) The Holy Spirit ________me.
a. John 16:7-8
2) The Holy Spirit ________ me.
a. John 6:44; 3:5-6
3) The Holy Spirit ________ me .
a. John 14:23-26
4) The Holy Spirit ___________ me.
a. 2 Peter 1:3-4; Colossians 1:10-12; Ephesians 3:16-21
5) The Holy Spirit ________ me.
a. Galatians 5:16-25; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
6) The Holy Spirit ________ me.
a. John 16:12-14
7) The Holy Spirit _________ me.
a. Revelation 2:4-5; 3:20; Psalm 80:19
Two Keys: Hearing and Obeying
Read the following Scriptures: Acts 8:29; 11:16; 13:2; 21:1
What stands out to you about the early church’s experience?
Romans 12:1-3: What are the steps necessary in order to know and experience God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect will”?
Application Questions:
Look at the list of the things the Holy Spirit does in our lives (note: that list is NOT all-inclusive)!
What are the top 2 of those areas where you sense God wanting to do more work in your life?
Introductory Questions:
Have you experienced any “move” of the Holy Spirit over the last few weeks? Are you asking God to make you more sensitive to His leading? Have you noticed any changes in your Spiritual relationship?
Our bodies need good ‘fuel’ to run on, or they begin to get run down…similarly, our The Spirit within us needs good ‘raw material’ to work with in order to make us more like Jesus.
What kind of ‘fuel’ have you been giving Him to work with lately? Have you noticed a positive (or negative) impact on your Spiritual vitality?
Bible Study Questions:
Read the following Scriptures and fill in the blanks. Comment on this work within YOUR life.
1) The Holy Spirit ________me.
a. John 16:7-8
2) The Holy Spirit ________ me.
a. John 6:44; 3:5-6
3) The Holy Spirit ________ me .
a. John 14:23-26
4) The Holy Spirit ___________ me.
a. 2 Peter 1:3-4; Colossians 1:10-12; Ephesians 3:16-21
5) The Holy Spirit ________ me.
a. Galatians 5:16-25; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
6) The Holy Spirit ________ me.
a. John 16:12-14
7) The Holy Spirit _________ me.
a. Revelation 2:4-5; 3:20; Psalm 80:19
Two Keys: Hearing and Obeying
Read the following Scriptures: Acts 8:29; 11:16; 13:2; 21:1
What stands out to you about the early church’s experience?
Romans 12:1-3: What are the steps necessary in order to know and experience God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect will”?
Application Questions:
Look at the list of the things the Holy Spirit does in our lives (note: that list is NOT all-inclusive)!
What are the top 2 of those areas where you sense God wanting to do more work in your life?
Forgotten God Part 3
Forgotten God, Week 3
Study Questions
Introductory Questions:
What is the best present you can remember getting, as a child?
Did you have any hesitation in opening it and using it?
Have you ever thought or felt that the Holy Spirit was giving you specific strength or ability to task?
Talk about it.
Have you ever heard of “Spiritual Gifts” or “Gifts of the Spirit”? Do you know what yours are?
If so, how do you know?
Bible Questions:
The Bible has quite a bit to say about Spiritual Gifts…
Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-12. What are some of the points that seem important here? What are some of the specific gifts mentioned?
Read Ephesians 4:11-13: These are the so-called ‘Leadership Gifts”. What is their purpose in the life of a church?
What attitude and behavior is necessary, in order to benefit from those the Lord has called to Leadership in the church?
Read Romans 12:3-10: Several gifts are mentioned here, but so are some crucial attitudes. Talk about why this would be important in the life of a faith community.
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: Why does Paul think this is so important to stress, in the midst of a discussion about Spiritual Gifts?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-27: How does God put so many different people with different gifts together in one church?
Application Questions:
Spiritual gifts can be a divisive, contentious area of study and discussion…but it doesn’t need to be.
What attitudes within the church are necessary in order for these to accomplish God’s will?
Pastor Rick Warren says that it’s not only “Spiritual Gifts” that prepare us for the service God has for us, but also our Heart (passion), Abilities, Personality and Experiences. Do you agree or disagree?
What do you think your area of Spiritual Giftedness might be?
In what ways are you actively using those gifts for God’s glory, and the good of the Church?
If you need help, go here: http://www.kodachrome.org/spiritgift to complete a free online Spiritual Gifts inventory as a starting point.
Study Questions
Introductory Questions:
What is the best present you can remember getting, as a child?
Did you have any hesitation in opening it and using it?
Have you ever thought or felt that the Holy Spirit was giving you specific strength or ability to task?
Talk about it.
Have you ever heard of “Spiritual Gifts” or “Gifts of the Spirit”? Do you know what yours are?
If so, how do you know?
Bible Questions:
The Bible has quite a bit to say about Spiritual Gifts…
Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-12. What are some of the points that seem important here? What are some of the specific gifts mentioned?
Read Ephesians 4:11-13: These are the so-called ‘Leadership Gifts”. What is their purpose in the life of a church?
What attitude and behavior is necessary, in order to benefit from those the Lord has called to Leadership in the church?
Read Romans 12:3-10: Several gifts are mentioned here, but so are some crucial attitudes. Talk about why this would be important in the life of a faith community.
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: Why does Paul think this is so important to stress, in the midst of a discussion about Spiritual Gifts?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-27: How does God put so many different people with different gifts together in one church?
Application Questions:
Spiritual gifts can be a divisive, contentious area of study and discussion…but it doesn’t need to be.
What attitudes within the church are necessary in order for these to accomplish God’s will?
Pastor Rick Warren says that it’s not only “Spiritual Gifts” that prepare us for the service God has for us, but also our Heart (passion), Abilities, Personality and Experiences. Do you agree or disagree?
What do you think your area of Spiritual Giftedness might be?
In what ways are you actively using those gifts for God’s glory, and the good of the Church?
If you need help, go here: http://www.kodachrome.org/spiritgift to complete a free online Spiritual Gifts inventory as a starting point.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Forgotten God Part 1
“Forgotten God; The Holy Spirit” series
Small Group Questions for week 1
Introductory Questions:
Have you ever felt like your Spiritual Life was similar to Dave’s illustration of “pushing a car with no engine”?
On a scale of 1 (terrible) to 10 (Perfect), how would you rate the following in your Spiritual Life?
1) Intimacy with God.
2) Confident Faith to Follow His lead.
3) Ability to ‘hear God’s voice’ clearly.
4) Times of real, deep-level prayer.
5) Consistency and quality of Bible reading and study
Do you want a closer relationship with God, or are you content right now with where you’re at?
Bible Study Questions:
Read Genesis 1:2, 26-27: How long has the Holy Spirit been around?
Read Luke 3:21-22: In what ways is the “Trinity” pictured here?
Read John 14:16-17; 16:7: In what way(s) was it good for the Disciples that Jesus went away?
Do you ever wish that Jesus was here—in person—so that you could learn from Him directly? Why is it “better” for us that we have the Holy Spirit?
Read Acts 2:1-4: Jesus had said (John 14:17) that the Holy Spirit “IS with you, and WILL BE in you”…this happened for the first time on the day of Pentecost.
Read Galatians 5:16, 24-25: Paul wrote that we “live by the Spirit”. What do you think he could mean here?
Application Questions:
In what ways are you nurturing your relationship to God?
Are there additional (or different) things you need to do in order to ‘live by the Spirit” more?
In what areas of your life do you think God wants to do the most work?
Small Group Questions for week 1
Introductory Questions:
Have you ever felt like your Spiritual Life was similar to Dave’s illustration of “pushing a car with no engine”?
On a scale of 1 (terrible) to 10 (Perfect), how would you rate the following in your Spiritual Life?
1) Intimacy with God.
2) Confident Faith to Follow His lead.
3) Ability to ‘hear God’s voice’ clearly.
4) Times of real, deep-level prayer.
5) Consistency and quality of Bible reading and study
Do you want a closer relationship with God, or are you content right now with where you’re at?
Bible Study Questions:
Read Genesis 1:2, 26-27: How long has the Holy Spirit been around?
Read Luke 3:21-22: In what ways is the “Trinity” pictured here?
Read John 14:16-17; 16:7: In what way(s) was it good for the Disciples that Jesus went away?
Do you ever wish that Jesus was here—in person—so that you could learn from Him directly? Why is it “better” for us that we have the Holy Spirit?
Read Acts 2:1-4: Jesus had said (John 14:17) that the Holy Spirit “IS with you, and WILL BE in you”…this happened for the first time on the day of Pentecost.
Read Galatians 5:16, 24-25: Paul wrote that we “live by the Spirit”. What do you think he could mean here?
Application Questions:
In what ways are you nurturing your relationship to God?
Are there additional (or different) things you need to do in order to ‘live by the Spirit” more?
In what areas of your life do you think God wants to do the most work?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Road to Recovery: Recycling My Pain
Conversation Questions:
Name a time when you had to go through some sort of pain in order to fix or improve something? (like a broken arm that had to be reset or some sort of physical therapy)
Did it make you better?
Scripture Questions:
In Genesis the bible says we are make in the image of God.
How are we made in the image of God?
Read Proverbs 20:30, 2 Corinthians 7:9, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, and Jonah 2:7
Why did God allow pain in Jonahs life?
Why does God allow pain according to Corinthians and Proverbs?
Why does God allow pain in your life?
Choice 8:
Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words.
Read 1 Peter 3:15, and Galatians 6:1-2
What does these passages say we can do to help others?
What do these passages say as to how we can share the good news to others?
How can you use your pain to help others?
Name a time when you had to go through some sort of pain in order to fix or improve something? (like a broken arm that had to be reset or some sort of physical therapy)
Did it make you better?
Scripture Questions:
In Genesis the bible says we are make in the image of God.
How are we made in the image of God?
Read Proverbs 20:30, 2 Corinthians 7:9, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, and Jonah 2:7
Why did God allow pain in Jonahs life?
Why does God allow pain according to Corinthians and Proverbs?
Why does God allow pain in your life?
Choice 8:
Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words.
Read 1 Peter 3:15, and Galatians 6:1-2
What does these passages say we can do to help others?
What do these passages say as to how we can share the good news to others?
How can you use your pain to help others?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Road to Recovery: Maintaining Momentum
Conversation Questions:
What is your favorite rollercoaster ride? What do you like about it?
What can rollercoasters teach us about momentum?
Part 1: Causes for relapse.
Read: Galatians 3:3, Zachariah 4:6, Hebrews 10:25, Proverbs 16:18, 1 Corintians 10:12
A relapse is a self defeating pattern that breaks momentum.
What can someone relapse from?
What can cause a relapse?
What can happen if you try to recover on your own?
Have you ever fallen because of Pride?
Part 2: How to prevent a relapse.
Say this together:
Choice 7: Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and gai the power to do it.
Read: Mark 14:38 and Psalm 1:1-3
How does Self examination prevent relapse?
In waht ways can someone evaluate?
How does Bible reading prevent relapse?
How does prayer prevent relapse?
How have these things helped you prevent relapse?
How has not doing these things caused it?
How can you plan to safegaurd yourself from falling back into sin in the future?
Close in prayer.
What is your favorite rollercoaster ride? What do you like about it?
What can rollercoasters teach us about momentum?
Part 1: Causes for relapse.
Read: Galatians 3:3, Zachariah 4:6, Hebrews 10:25, Proverbs 16:18, 1 Corintians 10:12
A relapse is a self defeating pattern that breaks momentum.
What can someone relapse from?
What can cause a relapse?
What can happen if you try to recover on your own?
Have you ever fallen because of Pride?
Part 2: How to prevent a relapse.
Say this together:
Choice 7: Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and gai the power to do it.
Read: Mark 14:38 and Psalm 1:1-3
How does Self examination prevent relapse?
In waht ways can someone evaluate?
How does Bible reading prevent relapse?
How does prayer prevent relapse?
How have these things helped you prevent relapse?
How has not doing these things caused it?
How can you plan to safegaurd yourself from falling back into sin in the future?
Close in prayer.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Road to Recovery: Repairing Relationships
Small Group Questions
Think back—before your faith became ‘real’ and personal. Before you were dedicated to following Christ.
Without too many personal details, what kind of person were you? How would you have described yourself then? Has there been a radical change in you since Jesus has become real to you?
Have you ever wanted to contact someone from your past and explain that “you’ve changed”(Like at a class reunion)?
If you’ve tried to do so, how did it go?
We all have things we regret in our lives…each of us have a list of those we’ve hurt—perhaps deeply—in our past. We also have a list of those who have hurt us—perhaps deeply.
Which of these two have more power to do damage to us now?
If we are going to continue on the Road to Recovery, we must embrace Step #6: “Evaluate all my relationships. Offer Forgiveness to those who’ve hurt me, and make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.”
Part 1 of this is to evaluate my relationships—specifically those in need of my forgiveness.
Again, without too many personal details, who are some of the people who have deeply affected you, and whom you think God might be moving you to forgive?
Read Ephesians 4:31-32: Who are the people in your life (past or present), who you are bitter or angry about?
Paul says that we should be ‘kind and compassionate, tender-hearted; forgiving each other…”
Why is this so hard in that situation?
Paul says we should forgive “As the Lord forgave us”.
Talk about God’s forgiveness…list as many truths as you can about it. (ie., undeserved, etc.)
Read Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9; Colossians 3:13.
As a follower of Christ, why should we forgive others?
Read Luke 7:41-47: Why does the woman care so much for Jesus?
How do you relate to that?
Rick Warren says that, in order to be free from my ‘hurts’, I should: 1) Reveal my pain (admit it, share it with a trusted friend, etc.); 2) Release the offender; and 3) Replace my hurt with God’s Peace.
Are there any ‘hurts’ or pain from your past that you’ve never shared with anyone?
Are there hurts that you’ve tried to ignore/pretend never happened?
Have you successfully “released” (forgiven) the offender?
How will you know?
If you can think of them w/o feeling anger/pain.
If you can pray for them.
If you can commit yourself to forgive, every time they come to mind.
If you can ask God to have mercy on them.
…then you’ve forgiven them.
Is there anyone that God is bringing to your mind whom you need to forgive?
Part 2: Make amends, “except when to do so would cause harm to them or others”.
Think back. Without too many personal details, who are the people that you’ve hurt in your life—at a deep level?
Read Matthew 5:23-24: Why would it be so important to Jesus that we go and “be reconciled” before proceeding to the altar?
Who (on my list of ‘people I’ve offended’) is the Lord leading you to go “make amends” to?
What is stopping you from doing so?
If the Lord moves you to, Rick Warren says that there are 3 things to keep in mind:
Timing, Attitude, and Appropriateness.
WHO is ‘in focus’ when you’re thinking about ‘making amends’?
WHAT should be our attitude? (Hint: Read Ephesians 4:15)
Read Matthew 7:12
HOW should we approach this situation?
Take some time to pray and consider—personally—What does God want to do with all of this in your life and relationships?
Think back—before your faith became ‘real’ and personal. Before you were dedicated to following Christ.
Without too many personal details, what kind of person were you? How would you have described yourself then? Has there been a radical change in you since Jesus has become real to you?
Have you ever wanted to contact someone from your past and explain that “you’ve changed”(Like at a class reunion)?
If you’ve tried to do so, how did it go?
We all have things we regret in our lives…each of us have a list of those we’ve hurt—perhaps deeply—in our past. We also have a list of those who have hurt us—perhaps deeply.
Which of these two have more power to do damage to us now?
If we are going to continue on the Road to Recovery, we must embrace Step #6: “Evaluate all my relationships. Offer Forgiveness to those who’ve hurt me, and make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.”
Part 1 of this is to evaluate my relationships—specifically those in need of my forgiveness.
Again, without too many personal details, who are some of the people who have deeply affected you, and whom you think God might be moving you to forgive?
Read Ephesians 4:31-32: Who are the people in your life (past or present), who you are bitter or angry about?
Paul says that we should be ‘kind and compassionate, tender-hearted; forgiving each other…”
Why is this so hard in that situation?
Paul says we should forgive “As the Lord forgave us”.
Talk about God’s forgiveness…list as many truths as you can about it. (ie., undeserved, etc.)
Read Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9; Colossians 3:13.
As a follower of Christ, why should we forgive others?
Read Luke 7:41-47: Why does the woman care so much for Jesus?
How do you relate to that?
Rick Warren says that, in order to be free from my ‘hurts’, I should: 1) Reveal my pain (admit it, share it with a trusted friend, etc.); 2) Release the offender; and 3) Replace my hurt with God’s Peace.
Are there any ‘hurts’ or pain from your past that you’ve never shared with anyone?
Are there hurts that you’ve tried to ignore/pretend never happened?
Have you successfully “released” (forgiven) the offender?
How will you know?
If you can think of them w/o feeling anger/pain.
If you can pray for them.
If you can commit yourself to forgive, every time they come to mind.
If you can ask God to have mercy on them.
…then you’ve forgiven them.
Is there anyone that God is bringing to your mind whom you need to forgive?
Part 2: Make amends, “except when to do so would cause harm to them or others”.
Think back. Without too many personal details, who are the people that you’ve hurt in your life—at a deep level?
Read Matthew 5:23-24: Why would it be so important to Jesus that we go and “be reconciled” before proceeding to the altar?
Who (on my list of ‘people I’ve offended’) is the Lord leading you to go “make amends” to?
What is stopping you from doing so?
If the Lord moves you to, Rick Warren says that there are 3 things to keep in mind:
Timing, Attitude, and Appropriateness.
WHO is ‘in focus’ when you’re thinking about ‘making amends’?
WHAT should be our attitude? (Hint: Read Ephesians 4:15)
Read Matthew 7:12
HOW should we approach this situation?
Take some time to pray and consider—personally—What does God want to do with all of this in your life and relationships?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Road to Recovery: Making Changes
Study Questions for Road to Recovery, Week 5
Making Changes
Have you ever “volunteered” for something that was demanding? Share about it.
Why did you do it?
What was the ‘payoff’—what did you get out of it?
The “Voluntary” element of Christianity is important. I must VOLUNTARILY CHOOSE to submit to God.
It seems that many people who believe in Jesus as “Savior” don’t want to embrace Him as “Lord”…they don’t want to “submit” to Him fully…why do you think this would be?
RECOVERY STEP #5: “I must voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my Character Defects.”
Have you identified the “issue” or issues that God might want you to work on during this series?
If you can, share with the group.
Read Matthew 5:6. What do you think it means to ‘hunger and thirst’ for righteousness? How have your ‘issues’ made this “hunger” and “thirst” more powerful?
There are 3 main areas that we choose to blame for our character defects, ‘issues’ and sinful behavior:
Our Chromosomes: Our DNA and the way we’re made definitely influence us.
Our Circumstances: The way we’re raised, the kind of environment we grew up in and live in now… …definitely makes a difference.
Our past Choices: The things we’ve chosen to do—the people we’ve hung with, the places we’ve gone, the standards we’ve adopted—these have also had an impact on us.
Which of these 3 areas have had the most influence in your life—especially over the “issues” God is dealing with in you right now?
Which of these 3 areas provides an excuse for your sins?
All of these play a role in our ‘issues’, sins, character defects and temptations…but NONE of them are ‘responsible’ for our current sins! (In the sense that they provide an excuse, so that we are not responsible.)
These “3 C’s” can make it very difficult to change…but read Philippians 4:13;…God has all the strength we need in order to live a life of freedom and victory!
HOW are we to gain victory?
First, in cooperation with God! Read Galatians 5:16-25: It is in cooperation with God’s Holy Spirit that His “fruit” is produced in my life. The fruit is FROM HIM!
Second, it may be a question of FOCUS (from Rick Warren)
*Focus on one defect—one hurt, habit, or hang-up, one sin—at a time:
*Focus on one victory—one temptation to overcome—at a time:
Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. Can you describe a time when you’ve clearly ‘heard’ the voice of God telling you to get away/get out of a tempting area, and have complied? Tell about it!
*Focus on GOD’s Power, not ‘my willpower’.
Read Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3. What are the only limitations to God’s power in our lives?
How can we grow more, so that His power can work more in our lives?
*Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.
Read 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8. Often, we focus so much on NOT doing/wanting something that we forget to focus on what we DO want—i.e., to please Christ! What are some of the things that you, personally, can focus on (Phil. 4:8) that will help you overcome?
*Focus on Progress, not Perfection.
We can only stand because of God’s GRACE. Jesus was the only Perfect person, ever. You will never be perfect in this life, and the Lord does not demand this from you! When the voices come trying to shame you because of your imperfections, stand on His grace!
Making Changes
Have you ever “volunteered” for something that was demanding? Share about it.
Why did you do it?
What was the ‘payoff’—what did you get out of it?
The “Voluntary” element of Christianity is important. I must VOLUNTARILY CHOOSE to submit to God.
It seems that many people who believe in Jesus as “Savior” don’t want to embrace Him as “Lord”…they don’t want to “submit” to Him fully…why do you think this would be?
RECOVERY STEP #5: “I must voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my Character Defects.”
Have you identified the “issue” or issues that God might want you to work on during this series?
If you can, share with the group.
Read Matthew 5:6. What do you think it means to ‘hunger and thirst’ for righteousness? How have your ‘issues’ made this “hunger” and “thirst” more powerful?
There are 3 main areas that we choose to blame for our character defects, ‘issues’ and sinful behavior:
Our Chromosomes: Our DNA and the way we’re made definitely influence us.
Our Circumstances: The way we’re raised, the kind of environment we grew up in and live in now… …definitely makes a difference.
Our past Choices: The things we’ve chosen to do—the people we’ve hung with, the places we’ve gone, the standards we’ve adopted—these have also had an impact on us.
Which of these 3 areas have had the most influence in your life—especially over the “issues” God is dealing with in you right now?
Which of these 3 areas provides an excuse for your sins?
All of these play a role in our ‘issues’, sins, character defects and temptations…but NONE of them are ‘responsible’ for our current sins! (In the sense that they provide an excuse, so that we are not responsible.)
These “3 C’s” can make it very difficult to change…but read Philippians 4:13;…God has all the strength we need in order to live a life of freedom and victory!
HOW are we to gain victory?
First, in cooperation with God! Read Galatians 5:16-25: It is in cooperation with God’s Holy Spirit that His “fruit” is produced in my life. The fruit is FROM HIM!
Second, it may be a question of FOCUS (from Rick Warren)
*Focus on one defect—one hurt, habit, or hang-up, one sin—at a time:
*Focus on one victory—one temptation to overcome—at a time:
Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. Can you describe a time when you’ve clearly ‘heard’ the voice of God telling you to get away/get out of a tempting area, and have complied? Tell about it!
*Focus on GOD’s Power, not ‘my willpower’.
Read Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3. What are the only limitations to God’s power in our lives?
How can we grow more, so that His power can work more in our lives?
*Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.
Read 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8. Often, we focus so much on NOT doing/wanting something that we forget to focus on what we DO want—i.e., to please Christ! What are some of the things that you, personally, can focus on (Phil. 4:8) that will help you overcome?
*Focus on Progress, not Perfection.
We can only stand because of God’s GRACE. Jesus was the only Perfect person, ever. You will never be perfect in this life, and the Lord does not demand this from you! When the voices come trying to shame you because of your imperfections, stand on His grace!
Road to Recovery: Coming Clean
Conversation Questions:
Who is the "clean" person in your family? Are you glad they clean up around the house?
Have you or someone in you family ignored a problem before (like clogged sink in the video)? What happened to that problem?
Message Questions:
Read: Psalm 32:1-2
What guilt in your life has been forgiven?
What do you still feel guilty about in your life?
What are some of the things that can happen to us when we live with guilt?
Read: Proverbs 28:13
Why should we not hide things from God?
How does mercy help us recover?
How to openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.
Take a personal inventory
Read: Lamentations 3:40 and Psalm 139:23-24
This verse asks us to take a personal inventory, why is "examining our way's" important for recovery?
What kinds of thing could you do to examine your ways?
Accept Responsibility
Read Proverbs 20:27 and I John 1:8
Who is always still there when you run away from a problem?
When a problem is 90% someone else’s fault, how should we deal with that person? What should you do with the 10% that's your fault?
Ask Forgiveness
Read Isaiah 1:19
Is there anything you have done that is unforgivable?
Admit to another person
Read James 5:16
What does confessing to someone you trust do to help you recover?
Do you know someone you can trust?
Will you come clean to that person?
Accept God's forgiveness and forgive myself
Romans 3:23-24
Have you accepted God's forgiveness?
Have you forgiven yourself?
Read Psalm 139:1-4, 23-24 together and close with prayer.
Who is the "clean" person in your family? Are you glad they clean up around the house?
Have you or someone in you family ignored a problem before (like clogged sink in the video)? What happened to that problem?
Message Questions:
Read: Psalm 32:1-2
What guilt in your life has been forgiven?
What do you still feel guilty about in your life?
What are some of the things that can happen to us when we live with guilt?
Read: Proverbs 28:13
Why should we not hide things from God?
How does mercy help us recover?
How to openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.
Take a personal inventory
Read: Lamentations 3:40 and Psalm 139:23-24
This verse asks us to take a personal inventory, why is "examining our way's" important for recovery?
What kinds of thing could you do to examine your ways?
Accept Responsibility
Read Proverbs 20:27 and I John 1:8
Who is always still there when you run away from a problem?
When a problem is 90% someone else’s fault, how should we deal with that person? What should you do with the 10% that's your fault?
Ask Forgiveness
Read Isaiah 1:19
Is there anything you have done that is unforgivable?
Admit to another person
Read James 5:16
What does confessing to someone you trust do to help you recover?
Do you know someone you can trust?
Will you come clean to that person?
Accept God's forgiveness and forgive myself
Romans 3:23-24
Have you accepted God's forgiveness?
Have you forgiven yourself?
Read Psalm 139:1-4, 23-24 together and close with prayer.
Road to Recovery: Admitting We Need Help
Study Questions for “Road to Recovery”, week 2
Believe and Receive
1) Have you ever used “Google Earth” to find your own house? (If not, try it…it’s really cool…and a little disturbing!)
2) When you consider the fact that God in heaven doesn’t just have “street view”, but has watched you from before you were born, and knows your heart and mind, what does this make you feel?
3) Dave said that we (Americans) are ready to depend on almost anything…except God. One way to test what you might be ‘dependent’ upon is to think of what you do when you’re stressed, depressed, anxious, angry.
a. What are some things you do to ‘cope’ with these times? (Eat, drink, shop, exercise, pray…)
b. Has this ‘strategy’ kept you from being dependent and confident in God?
c. THESE may be some of the things you need to ‘recover’ from.
Principle #2 in the Road to Recovery is: “Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.”
Rick Warren says that, in order to do this, we must do the following:
Acknowledge that God exists…read Psalm 19:1-4; Romans 1:20.
Understand His character…read Colossians 1:15-20. Paul says that, when we’ve seen Jesus, we’ve seen the Father. What, then, are some characteristics of God the Father?
One characteristic of God the Father is POWER. Read Ephesians 1:19-20: What power is at work in us?
Accept God’s Offer of Help…a conscious choice must be made. We are either going to try to do it ourselves, or depend on God. Given all we’ve learned about God and His power, is there any ‘issue’ that we might have which He could not overcome? Read Philippians 1:6;4:13. Do YOU have confidence in God’s commitment to bring you healing and victory?
The next Principle in the Road to Recovery is #3: “Consciously Choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s Care and Control.”
It is one thing to believe that God is able, it’s another thing to actually CHOOSE to commit my life to Him.
Giving up control—in any situation—takes a few characteristics. What are they? (For one, see Matthew 5:5)
Read Matthew 11:28-30.
Jesus said He had a “Yoke” for us to take up. A “Yoke” is farm implement which tethers 2 animals together to insure that they go in the same direction.
What is Jesus saying about the ‘direction’ we are to go?
He says that His yoke is ‘easy’ and His burden is ‘light’. Yet following Him can be hard sometimes. What could he mean by this?
Why is it difficult to give up control of our lives to Jesus? (List ‘bullet point’ reasons).
Which of this list do YOU, personally, struggle the most with?
Taking the step of Consciously Choosing to commit my life to His care and control is absolutely crucial—not only for ‘recovery’, but for all of life!
How do we do it?
How, then, do I take this step?
1) I accept God’s Son as my Savior. (Acts 16:31)
2) I accept God’s Word as my Standard. (2 Timothy 3:16)
3) I accept God’s Will as my Strategy. (Romans 12:1-3)
4) I accept God’s Strength as my Strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Are there any of these areas that you are currently struggling with?
Believe and Receive
1) Have you ever used “Google Earth” to find your own house? (If not, try it…it’s really cool…and a little disturbing!)
2) When you consider the fact that God in heaven doesn’t just have “street view”, but has watched you from before you were born, and knows your heart and mind, what does this make you feel?
3) Dave said that we (Americans) are ready to depend on almost anything…except God. One way to test what you might be ‘dependent’ upon is to think of what you do when you’re stressed, depressed, anxious, angry.
a. What are some things you do to ‘cope’ with these times? (Eat, drink, shop, exercise, pray…)
b. Has this ‘strategy’ kept you from being dependent and confident in God?
c. THESE may be some of the things you need to ‘recover’ from.
Principle #2 in the Road to Recovery is: “Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.”
Rick Warren says that, in order to do this, we must do the following:
Acknowledge that God exists…read Psalm 19:1-4; Romans 1:20.
Understand His character…read Colossians 1:15-20. Paul says that, when we’ve seen Jesus, we’ve seen the Father. What, then, are some characteristics of God the Father?
One characteristic of God the Father is POWER. Read Ephesians 1:19-20: What power is at work in us?
Accept God’s Offer of Help…a conscious choice must be made. We are either going to try to do it ourselves, or depend on God. Given all we’ve learned about God and His power, is there any ‘issue’ that we might have which He could not overcome? Read Philippians 1:6;4:13. Do YOU have confidence in God’s commitment to bring you healing and victory?
The next Principle in the Road to Recovery is #3: “Consciously Choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s Care and Control.”
It is one thing to believe that God is able, it’s another thing to actually CHOOSE to commit my life to Him.
Giving up control—in any situation—takes a few characteristics. What are they? (For one, see Matthew 5:5)
Read Matthew 11:28-30.
Jesus said He had a “Yoke” for us to take up. A “Yoke” is farm implement which tethers 2 animals together to insure that they go in the same direction.
What is Jesus saying about the ‘direction’ we are to go?
He says that His yoke is ‘easy’ and His burden is ‘light’. Yet following Him can be hard sometimes. What could he mean by this?
Why is it difficult to give up control of our lives to Jesus? (List ‘bullet point’ reasons).
Which of this list do YOU, personally, struggle the most with?
Taking the step of Consciously Choosing to commit my life to His care and control is absolutely crucial—not only for ‘recovery’, but for all of life!
How do we do it?
How, then, do I take this step?
1) I accept God’s Son as my Savior. (Acts 16:31)
2) I accept God’s Word as my Standard. (2 Timothy 3:16)
3) I accept God’s Will as my Strategy. (Romans 12:1-3)
4) I accept God’s Strength as my Strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Are there any of these areas that you are currently struggling with?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Road to Recovery: The First Step to Freedom
Conversation:
Tell about a time when you relearned how to do something that previously you had been doing wrong.
Who told you you where doing it wrong? How did you react?
After you changed where you able to do it better?
Scripture questions:
Read Isaiah 57:18
How do you thnk the Israelites (the people God is talking to in this passage) where acting?
What does God say he will do?
Read Matthew 5:3
Look at the surrounding text and discuss the context of this passage?
Who is talking? Who is listening?
How do you know you are spiritually poor?
What do you think someone who is spiritually poor look like?
Read Romans 7:15-17
What is it that Paul (the author of Romans) recognizes about himself?
What is Paul's problem? Do you experience these same problems?
Paul sounds frustrated, as a result of this problem. What are some other consequences you can have when this problem (sin) is not adressed?
(Optional related verses: Psalm 32, Proverbs 28:13, Gen 3:10)
Read James 4:6
What is the cure for this problem of sin?
Heart Questions:
What Hurts, Habits and hang-ups have you had?
What needs changing in your life?
Close by saying together or one person reading out loud the first step to freedom:
Realize I am not God: I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.
"Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor." Matthew 5:3
Tell about a time when you relearned how to do something that previously you had been doing wrong.
Who told you you where doing it wrong? How did you react?
After you changed where you able to do it better?
Scripture questions:
Read Isaiah 57:18
How do you thnk the Israelites (the people God is talking to in this passage) where acting?
What does God say he will do?
Read Matthew 5:3
Look at the surrounding text and discuss the context of this passage?
Who is talking? Who is listening?
How do you know you are spiritually poor?
What do you think someone who is spiritually poor look like?
Read Romans 7:15-17
What is it that Paul (the author of Romans) recognizes about himself?
What is Paul's problem? Do you experience these same problems?
Paul sounds frustrated, as a result of this problem. What are some other consequences you can have when this problem (sin) is not adressed?
(Optional related verses: Psalm 32, Proverbs 28:13, Gen 3:10)
Read James 4:6
What is the cure for this problem of sin?
Heart Questions:
What Hurts, Habits and hang-ups have you had?
What needs changing in your life?
Close by saying together or one person reading out loud the first step to freedom:
Realize I am not God: I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.
"Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor." Matthew 5:3
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Grander Vision Living
Conversation Questions:
What is one of the coolest views you have ever seen? What made it so awesome?
What do you think "grander vision" is?
Scripture Questions:
Read Luke 5:1-11
What is Simon's job?
According to Jesus, what will be Simon's new job?
How would you feel if (Like Simon) you had a day you got paid 500x more than usual? Would the person who made that possible have your attention?
What makes fishing for men and women so much more important than our jobs and careers?
Does this mean we have to quit our jobs to do God's work?
If not, what does it mean?
What should be the priority between things(fish) or careers (fishing) and people?
Read Luke 5:27-32
What do you think it was like back then to be a tax collector?
What potential do you think Jesus saw in Levi (Matthew)?
What did Levi (Matthew) do after Jesus called him to follow?
What do you think Levi's party was like?
Heart Questions:
In the past has God asked you to follow him? What did you say or do as a result?
What kind of priority do you put on people?
Why is it so important to share Jesus with people?
What kind of potential does God see in you?
How can you share Jesus with in the next month?
What kind of party could you throw or be part of that could give you the opportunity to reach out and share Jesus with others?
Will you commit to throwing or being part of a "Matthew" party?
What is one of the coolest views you have ever seen? What made it so awesome?
What do you think "grander vision" is?
Scripture Questions:
Read Luke 5:1-11
What is Simon's job?
According to Jesus, what will be Simon's new job?
How would you feel if (Like Simon) you had a day you got paid 500x more than usual? Would the person who made that possible have your attention?
What makes fishing for men and women so much more important than our jobs and careers?
Does this mean we have to quit our jobs to do God's work?
If not, what does it mean?
What should be the priority between things(fish) or careers (fishing) and people?
Read Luke 5:27-32
What do you think it was like back then to be a tax collector?
What potential do you think Jesus saw in Levi (Matthew)?
What did Levi (Matthew) do after Jesus called him to follow?
What do you think Levi's party was like?
Heart Questions:
In the past has God asked you to follow him? What did you say or do as a result?
What kind of priority do you put on people?
Why is it so important to share Jesus with people?
What kind of potential does God see in you?
How can you share Jesus with in the next month?
What kind of party could you throw or be part of that could give you the opportunity to reach out and share Jesus with others?
Will you commit to throwing or being part of a "Matthew" party?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Walk Across the Room part 3: The Power of Story
Conversation Questions:
What is your favorite childhood story? What made it your favorite?
What's your favorite Bible story?
If someone were to write a story about you, what wouldn't you want them to leave out?
Bible Questions:
Read Acts 2:22-24
What do you think of Peter's presentation of the Gospel?
Given the chance to, how would you present the Gospel? What's your style?
Read Acts 26:9-20
What are the three basic parts of one's personal testimony?
When listening to someone give their testimony, which part do you usually connect with most?
What is unique about your testimony? Have members of the group share.
If you had to say one verse in the Bible sums up your faith or salvation experience, what would it be?
Is there a chapter to your story that God has recently added? Have you seen Him actively working? What did He do?
Heart Questions:
Read 1 Peter 3:15
Do you think you are ready to tell your story and God's story, if called upon?
What can you do to get ready?
Why is sharing one's testimony so scary?
Think of someone you know who needs to hear your story. Will you share it?
What is your favorite childhood story? What made it your favorite?
What's your favorite Bible story?
If someone were to write a story about you, what wouldn't you want them to leave out?
Bible Questions:
Read Acts 2:22-24
What do you think of Peter's presentation of the Gospel?
Given the chance to, how would you present the Gospel? What's your style?
Read Acts 26:9-20
What are the three basic parts of one's personal testimony?
When listening to someone give their testimony, which part do you usually connect with most?
What is unique about your testimony? Have members of the group share.
If you had to say one verse in the Bible sums up your faith or salvation experience, what would it be?
Is there a chapter to your story that God has recently added? Have you seen Him actively working? What did He do?
Heart Questions:
Read 1 Peter 3:15
Do you think you are ready to tell your story and God's story, if called upon?
What can you do to get ready?
Why is sharing one's testimony so scary?
Think of someone you know who needs to hear your story. Will you share it?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Just Walk Across the Room Part 2: Living in 3D
Intro. Questions:
Has God given you any opportunities this week to enter into “spiritual conversations” with non-believers in Jesus? Has God begun to make you more sensitive to those around you who don’t have a relationship with Him? Have you prayed to that end? Talk about it.
Dave said that “one of the reasons we don’t break out of our ‘cocoons’ and enter into those conversations is that we are just too busy. We stuff our schedules so full that God practically couldn’t show up if He wanted to!”
Has your busy schedule interfered with your Spiritual Life?
Talk about a rewarding ‘spiritual conversation’ you’ve had with someone, somewhere.
Bill Hybels says that people who are going to spread the Great News about Jesus are those who will “Live in 3-D”.
Develop Friendships; Discover Stories; Discern Next Steps. Each one takes a special set of skills.
What does it take (in your experience) to “Develop Friendships”?
How about to “Discover Stories”
Finally, what is required in order for you to “Discern your next Steps”?
Bible Questions:
Read John 3:16-17: How important is it to God that the world knows about Jesus? Why is it important to Him?
Read Luke 19:10: In Jesus’ own words, why did He come?
Read John 4:27-42: What was the impact of Jesus taking the time to have a ‘spiritual conversation’ with the woman @ the well?
What is his reminder to his disciples, and what does it have to say to us?
Within 3 years of the avg. Christian coming to faith, they have whittled their list of non-believing friends down to zero. Others, who continue to have non-Christian friends often fail to even talk about their faith at all, and simply blend in.
In your opinion, why are these things true?
How is it a Christian can maintain friendships with non-believers and confidently share their faith at the same time?
Skim Luke 15. After quickly reviewing the parables, what does it tell you (and the Pharisees, who were listening) about God’s love for all of his children, no matter their background?
Read Psalm 139:23-24: If God were to ‘search your heart’ with respect to the non-believers in your life, what would he find there? Is there any sense in which you need to ‘repent’—to ‘acknowledge where you are headed and turn the other (Godly) way’?
Read 1st Peter 3:15: What are the keys—according to this verse—to keeping a good approach to a non-believing world?
Reflection Questions:
The “Christian Bubble” is easy to get into and hard sometimes to ‘pop’. In what sense are YOU in a “Christian Bubble”? What is God calling you to do to ‘pop out of it’?
Is there anyone in particular that God is calling you to reach out to?
Has God given you any opportunities this week to enter into “spiritual conversations” with non-believers in Jesus? Has God begun to make you more sensitive to those around you who don’t have a relationship with Him? Have you prayed to that end? Talk about it.
Dave said that “one of the reasons we don’t break out of our ‘cocoons’ and enter into those conversations is that we are just too busy. We stuff our schedules so full that God practically couldn’t show up if He wanted to!”
Has your busy schedule interfered with your Spiritual Life?
Talk about a rewarding ‘spiritual conversation’ you’ve had with someone, somewhere.
Bill Hybels says that people who are going to spread the Great News about Jesus are those who will “Live in 3-D”.
Develop Friendships; Discover Stories; Discern Next Steps. Each one takes a special set of skills.
What does it take (in your experience) to “Develop Friendships”?
How about to “Discover Stories”
Finally, what is required in order for you to “Discern your next Steps”?
Bible Questions:
Read John 3:16-17: How important is it to God that the world knows about Jesus? Why is it important to Him?
Read Luke 19:10: In Jesus’ own words, why did He come?
Read John 4:27-42: What was the impact of Jesus taking the time to have a ‘spiritual conversation’ with the woman @ the well?
What is his reminder to his disciples, and what does it have to say to us?
Within 3 years of the avg. Christian coming to faith, they have whittled their list of non-believing friends down to zero. Others, who continue to have non-Christian friends often fail to even talk about their faith at all, and simply blend in.
In your opinion, why are these things true?
How is it a Christian can maintain friendships with non-believers and confidently share their faith at the same time?
Skim Luke 15. After quickly reviewing the parables, what does it tell you (and the Pharisees, who were listening) about God’s love for all of his children, no matter their background?
Read Psalm 139:23-24: If God were to ‘search your heart’ with respect to the non-believers in your life, what would he find there? Is there any sense in which you need to ‘repent’—to ‘acknowledge where you are headed and turn the other (Godly) way’?
Read 1st Peter 3:15: What are the keys—according to this verse—to keeping a good approach to a non-believing world?
Reflection Questions:
The “Christian Bubble” is easy to get into and hard sometimes to ‘pop’. In what sense are YOU in a “Christian Bubble”? What is God calling you to do to ‘pop out of it’?
Is there anyone in particular that God is calling you to reach out to?
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Just Walk Across The Room - The Single Greatest Gift
JUST WALK ACROSS THE ROOM
Small Group Questions
Intro questions: As a child, what was the best gift you remember receiving?
As an adult, what was the best gift you have ever given? What made this one stand out?
Dave said (Quoting Bill Hybels) “The single greatest gift a Christ follower can give to anyone is to point them to faith in God, through Jesus Christ”. Do you believe this? Why or why not?
Humanly speaking, who has had the most influence on you, and the development of your faith?
How did you first come to KCC? Have you invited anyone within the past 2 months?
Bible Questions: Read Romans 5:6-11. What is significant about the fact that God sent Jesus to die for us “While we were still sinners”?
Read Philippians 2:14-16a; 1 Peter 2:11-12: Why does the way we live matter?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20:
What does it mean that “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person”?
What does Paul mean when he writes that “WE are Christ’s Ambassadors”?
Read Matthew 5:13: What did Jesus mean when He said that His followers were the “salt of the Earth”? What impact does this have on our relationships with non-believers?
Read Acts 8:26-35. Do you think God still works that way? Have you ever had this kind of thing happen in your life? What would make it more likely to happen?
Reflection Questions: If we are Christ’s “Ambassadors”, and are God’s “Plan A”, why is it important that we be looking for opportunities to share our faith?
Why is it hard to enter “The Zone of the Unknown”? What is the worst that can happen? What is the best?
What reasons would most people have for NOT being open to “Just Walk Across the Room”?
Are these reasons legit? Why or why not?
Small Group Questions
Intro questions: As a child, what was the best gift you remember receiving?
As an adult, what was the best gift you have ever given? What made this one stand out?
Dave said (Quoting Bill Hybels) “The single greatest gift a Christ follower can give to anyone is to point them to faith in God, through Jesus Christ”. Do you believe this? Why or why not?
Humanly speaking, who has had the most influence on you, and the development of your faith?
How did you first come to KCC? Have you invited anyone within the past 2 months?
Bible Questions: Read Romans 5:6-11. What is significant about the fact that God sent Jesus to die for us “While we were still sinners”?
Read Philippians 2:14-16a; 1 Peter 2:11-12: Why does the way we live matter?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20:
What does it mean that “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person”?
What does Paul mean when he writes that “WE are Christ’s Ambassadors”?
Read Matthew 5:13: What did Jesus mean when He said that His followers were the “salt of the Earth”? What impact does this have on our relationships with non-believers?
Read Acts 8:26-35. Do you think God still works that way? Have you ever had this kind of thing happen in your life? What would make it more likely to happen?
Reflection Questions: If we are Christ’s “Ambassadors”, and are God’s “Plan A”, why is it important that we be looking for opportunities to share our faith?
Why is it hard to enter “The Zone of the Unknown”? What is the worst that can happen? What is the best?
What reasons would most people have for NOT being open to “Just Walk Across the Room”?
Are these reasons legit? Why or why not?
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Vision Sunday
Intro Questions:
In his message Sunday, Pastor Dave mentioned that our society has changed, re: Spiritual things. The Judeo-Christian worldview used to dominate morality, even with those who were not Christians.
Also, many people today prefer to put all religions together in a ‘hodge-podge’ of beliefs.
Do you know anyone that these changes describe? Have you had any spiritual conversations with them? Tell about it.
There are many people today who “Like Jesus”, but not the church. What might be some of the reasons for this change?
Do you think the Church is the main culprit, or is society mostly to blame?
How do you think this can change?
Bible Questions:
Read Genesis 1:1-31: Who created all things? As their Creator, who decides right/wrong, limits, etc. for all?
Read John 3:16-17: Why did God send Jesus? What was Jesus’ main mission?
Read John 3:3: What is it CRUCIAL that people understand, with respect to faith in Jesus?
Read John 14:6: Who/What did JESUS say He was? Why is it important?
Read Matthew 28:18-20: What did Jesus want His followers to do after He left? Is that still true today?
Given the changes in how our culture views the church, how are we supposed to ‘Spread the News’?
Read Luke 10:27-28: What are the crucial tests of faith—that haven’t changed—which will show you to be ‘the real deal’ as a Christ follower?
Read Matthew 5:13-16: Jesus calls his followers “Salt” and “Light”. Why are both descriptions important? Which (if either) is most prevalent in your relationship with those who Don’t believe? Which is most difficult for you to be?
Life Impact questions:
Dave introduced a new “Vision Statement” for KCC:
“At KCC…
We envision God forming a new and diverse kind of community—one in which we are committed to loving God with all we’ve got, and to Loving Others in the same way, sacrificing “self” for others.
Having experienced God’s grace and love, we will not close ourselves off from the larger world, but rather will move out into relationships in our communities, demonstrating God’s love in creative, practical, and unexpected ways.
We look forward to God’s healing and transforming impact in our hearts, our families, our local community, and in the world.”
What part of that—if it really happened—would change YOUR life (for the better) the most? Is there any part of this Vision that seems the most relevant or crucial to you?
What part would change the impressions of those we come in contact with the most?
Dave kept asking the question, “What are YOU ‘about’?” .
Given everything you’ve read and discussed, what changes do you think the Lord wants to make within
In his message Sunday, Pastor Dave mentioned that our society has changed, re: Spiritual things. The Judeo-Christian worldview used to dominate morality, even with those who were not Christians.
Also, many people today prefer to put all religions together in a ‘hodge-podge’ of beliefs.
Do you know anyone that these changes describe? Have you had any spiritual conversations with them? Tell about it.
There are many people today who “Like Jesus”, but not the church. What might be some of the reasons for this change?
Do you think the Church is the main culprit, or is society mostly to blame?
How do you think this can change?
Bible Questions:
Read Genesis 1:1-31: Who created all things? As their Creator, who decides right/wrong, limits, etc. for all?
Read John 3:16-17: Why did God send Jesus? What was Jesus’ main mission?
Read John 3:3: What is it CRUCIAL that people understand, with respect to faith in Jesus?
Read John 14:6: Who/What did JESUS say He was? Why is it important?
Read Matthew 28:18-20: What did Jesus want His followers to do after He left? Is that still true today?
Given the changes in how our culture views the church, how are we supposed to ‘Spread the News’?
Read Luke 10:27-28: What are the crucial tests of faith—that haven’t changed—which will show you to be ‘the real deal’ as a Christ follower?
Read Matthew 5:13-16: Jesus calls his followers “Salt” and “Light”. Why are both descriptions important? Which (if either) is most prevalent in your relationship with those who Don’t believe? Which is most difficult for you to be?
Life Impact questions:
Dave introduced a new “Vision Statement” for KCC:
“At KCC…
We envision God forming a new and diverse kind of community—one in which we are committed to loving God with all we’ve got, and to Loving Others in the same way, sacrificing “self” for others.
Having experienced God’s grace and love, we will not close ourselves off from the larger world, but rather will move out into relationships in our communities, demonstrating God’s love in creative, practical, and unexpected ways.
We look forward to God’s healing and transforming impact in our hearts, our families, our local community, and in the world.”
What part of that—if it really happened—would change YOUR life (for the better) the most? Is there any part of this Vision that seems the most relevant or crucial to you?
What part would change the impressions of those we come in contact with the most?
Dave kept asking the question, “What are YOU ‘about’?” .
Given everything you’ve read and discussed, what changes do you think the Lord wants to make within
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Marriage
Intro Thoughts and Questions:
Think about the good marriages you are aware of: Does God play a major role in all, most, some or none?
Describe one of the most Biblically-based marriages you know of.
Being in a God-centered marriage doesn’t mean you will be above challenges, but that you handle those challenges and issues in Faith, acting according to the Bible and not your feelings.
Describe a way you’ve seen this in your marriage (or another strong marriage).
Bible Questions:
Read Genesis 2:18-24; Matthew 19:4-6;
What are some of the lessons about God’s perspective on marriage, and his goals in marriage?
Dave said (quoting Gary Thomas in Sacred Marriage) that God’s primary goal in our marriages is not “to make us happy”, but to “make us Holy”. Discuss your reaction to that.
Read Romans 8:28-29
Dave cited Romans 8:28-29 as an indication that God’s goal may not be our temporary happiness, but rather, our long-term Christ –likeness.
What are some of the possible implications for this in YOUR life and marriage?
Remember James 4:1-4 from a couple of weeks ago…How would our ‘desires’ wage war against a Biblical Marriage?
How would “friendship with the world” harm God’s goal for our marriage?
Dave said that Biblical Marriage is actually a 3-step process:
Step # 1 is God moving toward you—God showing His grace, love, character to you.
Step #2 is you moving toward God—determining to live your life by faith, placing obedience to Him on a higher priority than your desires or feelings.
This is when you begin to notice “the Fruit of the Spirit” (read Galatians 5:16-25) as this passage relates to your marriage, what do you see that you’d want to eliminate?
What evidence do you see that the Holy Spirit is producing ‘fruit’ in your marriage?
Step #3 is you moving toward your spouse.
Why is it so crucial that we keep step #’s 1 and 2 in the right order if we want to have a closer relationship with our spouse?
Sharing Questions:
In what ways has God and your faith been ‘in the center’ of your marriage in the past?
What can you do to invite Him to have more influence over you?
…as an individual?
…as a couple?
Think about the good marriages you are aware of: Does God play a major role in all, most, some or none?
Describe one of the most Biblically-based marriages you know of.
Being in a God-centered marriage doesn’t mean you will be above challenges, but that you handle those challenges and issues in Faith, acting according to the Bible and not your feelings.
Describe a way you’ve seen this in your marriage (or another strong marriage).
Bible Questions:
Read Genesis 2:18-24; Matthew 19:4-6;
What are some of the lessons about God’s perspective on marriage, and his goals in marriage?
Dave said (quoting Gary Thomas in Sacred Marriage) that God’s primary goal in our marriages is not “to make us happy”, but to “make us Holy”. Discuss your reaction to that.
Read Romans 8:28-29
Dave cited Romans 8:28-29 as an indication that God’s goal may not be our temporary happiness, but rather, our long-term Christ –likeness.
What are some of the possible implications for this in YOUR life and marriage?
Remember James 4:1-4 from a couple of weeks ago…How would our ‘desires’ wage war against a Biblical Marriage?
How would “friendship with the world” harm God’s goal for our marriage?
Dave said that Biblical Marriage is actually a 3-step process:
Step # 1 is God moving toward you—God showing His grace, love, character to you.
Step #2 is you moving toward God—determining to live your life by faith, placing obedience to Him on a higher priority than your desires or feelings.
This is when you begin to notice “the Fruit of the Spirit” (read Galatians 5:16-25) as this passage relates to your marriage, what do you see that you’d want to eliminate?
What evidence do you see that the Holy Spirit is producing ‘fruit’ in your marriage?
Step #3 is you moving toward your spouse.
Why is it so crucial that we keep step #’s 1 and 2 in the right order if we want to have a closer relationship with our spouse?
Sharing Questions:
In what ways has God and your faith been ‘in the center’ of your marriage in the past?
What can you do to invite Him to have more influence over you?
…as an individual?
…as a couple?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Loyalty and Commitment
Conversation Questions:
What makes a true friend?
What sort of things would a true, loyal friend do? What wouldn't a true friend do?
Where would you rank loyalty in importance in your friendships?
Bible Questions:
Read Proverbs 17:17
When is it hard to love your friends?
What makes it difficult to walk through adversity with your friends and family?
How do you feel when your friends and family don't love you at all times or stand by you during trials?
Read Genesis 18:16-33
What do you notice about Abraham's interaction with the three men?
How did he show reverence?
Is there anyone in your life so important that you would have spoken up even once to God? How about 6 times?
If so, is that person anything like Lot?
Read John 15:13 and Romans 5:8
How would you describe Jesus' friendship?
Heart Questions:
How would your friends describe your friendship?
Are you a Proverbs 17:17 friend/brother?
Who do you more resemble: Abraham or Lot?
What makes a true friend?
What sort of things would a true, loyal friend do? What wouldn't a true friend do?
Where would you rank loyalty in importance in your friendships?
Bible Questions:
Read Proverbs 17:17
When is it hard to love your friends?
What makes it difficult to walk through adversity with your friends and family?
How do you feel when your friends and family don't love you at all times or stand by you during trials?
Read Genesis 18:16-33
What do you notice about Abraham's interaction with the three men?
How did he show reverence?
Is there anyone in your life so important that you would have spoken up even once to God? How about 6 times?
If so, is that person anything like Lot?
Read John 15:13 and Romans 5:8
How would you describe Jesus' friendship?
Heart Questions:
How would your friends describe your friendship?
Are you a Proverbs 17:17 friend/brother?
Who do you more resemble: Abraham or Lot?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Love=Self Sacrifice
From: 5/30/2010
Introductory Questions:
Dave said that one of the primary ways that we SHOW love is by sacrificing for those we love.
What is one way that your spouse, parents, or another significant person has sacrificed for you recently?
What is one way that you have sacrificed for someone else whom you love?
What is one of the ‘everyday sacrifices’ that you are called on to make regularly that is a struggle? (ie., washing dishes, giving up remote, filling gas tank, making dinner, etc.)
Bible Questions:
There are several examples of this kind of loving self-sacrifice in the scriptures.
Read 1 Samuel 20: Who sacrificed for whom?
John 15:9-15; Matthew 26:39: Talk about Jesus’ example.
Read Philippians 2:3-8: Why was Jesus’ example so remarkable? What does this do to our defense of our selfishness?
Read James 4:1-4: Why does James say that we have so many conflicts? What is at the root of it? How does “friendship with the world” play into this?
Read James 4:7-10: How are we to correct this?
Read Romans 12:1-2: How does God change us?
Sharing Questions:
In what ways do you typically let your ‘desires’ cause you to ‘wage war’ with those you love?
Is there a way in which you have become “friend to this world”, and are being “conformed to this world”? How might that be effecting you, spiritually?
If you knew that God was moving you to sacrifice for those you love in some way, would you?
Based on your own past behavior, on a scale of 1 (not at all) to 10 (totally), how self-sacrificing would you say you are (when it comes to those you love— esp. family)?
If you had the opportunity to become more sacrificial, would you take it? Would you be willing to change some priorities to accomplish this?
If so, what specific priorities do you think God would want you to change?
Introductory Questions:
Dave said that one of the primary ways that we SHOW love is by sacrificing for those we love.
What is one way that your spouse, parents, or another significant person has sacrificed for you recently?
What is one way that you have sacrificed for someone else whom you love?
What is one of the ‘everyday sacrifices’ that you are called on to make regularly that is a struggle? (ie., washing dishes, giving up remote, filling gas tank, making dinner, etc.)
Bible Questions:
There are several examples of this kind of loving self-sacrifice in the scriptures.
Read 1 Samuel 20: Who sacrificed for whom?
John 15:9-15; Matthew 26:39: Talk about Jesus’ example.
Read Philippians 2:3-8: Why was Jesus’ example so remarkable? What does this do to our defense of our selfishness?
Read James 4:1-4: Why does James say that we have so many conflicts? What is at the root of it? How does “friendship with the world” play into this?
Read James 4:7-10: How are we to correct this?
Read Romans 12:1-2: How does God change us?
Sharing Questions:
In what ways do you typically let your ‘desires’ cause you to ‘wage war’ with those you love?
Is there a way in which you have become “friend to this world”, and are being “conformed to this world”? How might that be effecting you, spiritually?
If you knew that God was moving you to sacrifice for those you love in some way, would you?
Based on your own past behavior, on a scale of 1 (not at all) to 10 (totally), how self-sacrificing would you say you are (when it comes to those you love— esp. family)?
If you had the opportunity to become more sacrificial, would you take it? Would you be willing to change some priorities to accomplish this?
If so, what specific priorities do you think God would want you to change?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Heart of Conflict
The Heart of Conflict” Questions
What is the core issue?
Force yourself to look beyond the circumstances to what the reason is—what is it you want that you’re not getting?
Does this issue really matter to ME?
WHY?
Is this a legitimate issue, or a mere preference?
”Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” (Proverbs 19:11)
Does this issue matter to GOD? (is a Biblical principle involved)?
If yes, what is that principle and what does the word teach about it?
(See Matthew 18:15-17)…Go to him and show him his fault…
If no, why does it bother me so much? (See James 4:1-4)
Ask God to search your heart—is this simply a ‘desire’ that you’re promoting to ‘need’ or ‘demand’?
(Ps. 139: “Search me o God and know my heart…”)
Have I communicated this desire inappropriately?
If so, what should I do (See James 4:7-10; Matthew 5:22-24) (If your brother has something against you…)
DON’T wait for them to come to you…it’s not “their problem”!
Is there a legitimate way to communicate this desire? (See Ephesians 4)
“In your anger, do not sin…”
If I’ve communicated appropriately, but my desires go unmet, what should I do? What are my options?
Argue B) Leave C) Overlook D)Forgive E) PRAY!
Remember: “Do all that you can to live at peace with everyone…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by doing good.” (Romans 12: 18, 21)
What is the core issue?
Force yourself to look beyond the circumstances to what the reason is—what is it you want that you’re not getting?
Does this issue really matter to ME?
WHY?
Is this a legitimate issue, or a mere preference?
”Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” (Proverbs 19:11)
Does this issue matter to GOD? (is a Biblical principle involved)?
If yes, what is that principle and what does the word teach about it?
(See Matthew 18:15-17)…Go to him and show him his fault…
If no, why does it bother me so much? (See James 4:1-4)
Ask God to search your heart—is this simply a ‘desire’ that you’re promoting to ‘need’ or ‘demand’?
(Ps. 139: “Search me o God and know my heart…”)
Have I communicated this desire inappropriately?
If so, what should I do (See James 4:7-10; Matthew 5:22-24) (If your brother has something against you…)
DON’T wait for them to come to you…it’s not “their problem”!
Is there a legitimate way to communicate this desire? (See Ephesians 4)
“In your anger, do not sin…”
If I’ve communicated appropriately, but my desires go unmet, what should I do? What are my options?
Argue B) Leave C) Overlook D)Forgive E) PRAY!
Remember: “Do all that you can to live at peace with everyone…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by doing good.” (Romans 12: 18, 21)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Conversations
Conversation Questions:
What are some sayings you misunderstood when talking with someone?
Have you ever had a hard time saying want you wanted to say to someone?
What is the primary way you communicate (email, phone, in person, text)?
Scripture Questions:
Read Exodus 4:9-11
How does this verse reveal the way Moses thinks of himself?
Why do you think Moses thinks he can't communicate well?
What is God's response and how does it give Moses a better perspective about who he is?
When having a conversation, why is it important to know who you are and how that has an effect on how you and that person will connect?
Read Proverbs 12:18
Why is it important to think about what you are trying to say and the words you are using to say it?
What would help you to make better choices in how you say things?
Read Psalm 40:1-3
When is something you need to say urgent and when is something you should say need to wait?
In verse 3 what is it that happens when you wait on the Lord? What does God give you?
Read John 1:14
What is the way God chose to send His Word?
Why is Jesus called "The Word"?
Beside Jesus' message what else did he do to spread God's "Word"?
Read 1 John 3:18
How can we communicate God's word besides using actual words?
Read Romans 8:26, 27
What does this passage say the Holy Spirit will do to help use communicate?
What can you do to better connect with people?
What can you do to better connect with God?
What are some sayings you misunderstood when talking with someone?
Have you ever had a hard time saying want you wanted to say to someone?
What is the primary way you communicate (email, phone, in person, text)?
Scripture Questions:
Read Exodus 4:9-11
How does this verse reveal the way Moses thinks of himself?
Why do you think Moses thinks he can't communicate well?
What is God's response and how does it give Moses a better perspective about who he is?
When having a conversation, why is it important to know who you are and how that has an effect on how you and that person will connect?
Read Proverbs 12:18
Why is it important to think about what you are trying to say and the words you are using to say it?
What would help you to make better choices in how you say things?
Read Psalm 40:1-3
When is something you need to say urgent and when is something you should say need to wait?
In verse 3 what is it that happens when you wait on the Lord? What does God give you?
Read John 1:14
What is the way God chose to send His Word?
Why is Jesus called "The Word"?
Beside Jesus' message what else did he do to spread God's "Word"?
Read 1 John 3:18
How can we communicate God's word besides using actual words?
Read Romans 8:26, 27
What does this passage say the Holy Spirit will do to help use communicate?
What can you do to better connect with people?
What can you do to better connect with God?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Jude Series, #3 v.22-25
Conversation Quesitions:
Have you ever been stuck or in a fix? (car stalled, stuck on a cliff, locked out, other) What was it like? How did you get out of that situation?
Did anyone come along and encourage you, warn you, help you?
Scripture Questions:
Read Jude 22, 23:
What does it mean to show mercy to those who doubt?
Is there anyone you know who doubts their faith or the validity of Jesus that you can show mercy to?
What does it mean to snatch others from the fire?
Do you know anyone or have met anyone who is good at snatching people up into God's grace?
Is there anyone you know who needs help to start following Jesus?
What does it mean to Show mercy mixed with fear?
Have you ever needed to be shown a danger that you were unaware of? What reaction did you have when you found out about that danger?
Why is mercy so important when you point out that someone is in danger?
To someone who does not know about the danger of sin, how can you show mercy mixed with fear?
Who did you know that you could help by showing mercy mixed with fear?
Read Jude v.24-25
Remember a time when God helped you and kept you from falling:
How did he keep you from falling?
Pray and close prayer by reciting v.24,25 together.
Have you ever been stuck or in a fix? (car stalled, stuck on a cliff, locked out, other) What was it like? How did you get out of that situation?
Did anyone come along and encourage you, warn you, help you?
Scripture Questions:
Read Jude 22, 23:
What does it mean to show mercy to those who doubt?
Is there anyone you know who doubts their faith or the validity of Jesus that you can show mercy to?
What does it mean to snatch others from the fire?
Do you know anyone or have met anyone who is good at snatching people up into God's grace?
Is there anyone you know who needs help to start following Jesus?
What does it mean to Show mercy mixed with fear?
Have you ever needed to be shown a danger that you were unaware of? What reaction did you have when you found out about that danger?
Why is mercy so important when you point out that someone is in danger?
To someone who does not know about the danger of sin, how can you show mercy mixed with fear?
Who did you know that you could help by showing mercy mixed with fear?
Read Jude v.24-25
Remember a time when God helped you and kept you from falling:
How did he keep you from falling?
Pray and close prayer by reciting v.24,25 together.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Jude Intro
Conversation Questions:
Vision: The picture you have in your mind of your future.
What are some of the most inspiring ‘visions’ that you’ve heard about over the years (ie. MLK’s “I have a dream” speech.)
What is your “vision” for your work or family?
What IS your “Spiritual Vision” for your future (how do you see yourself growing, spiritually)?
Bible Questions:
Jude (1-2) calls himself a “servant” or “slave” of Jesus Christ…What do you think he meant by that?
Jude says that his readers are “Called” by God, “Loved” by the Father, and “Kept” by/in Jesus. He also says that they have “Mercy, Peace and Love in Abundance”! Discuss the difference between Christians who live with this mindset and those who don’t.
Jude says that the threat that he’s writing about is that some leaders have ‘perverted the grace of God’, saying that it’s an excuse to sin. Read Romans 5:6-8, 20-21 and Romans 6:1-2. How does Paul treat this same issue?
Jude says that his readers must “contend (fight) for their faith”. How does the false teaching above endanger the Biblical Gospel message and real Christian faith?
How should they “fight for it”?
Jude cites several examples of people who’ve taken illegitimate approaches to God/faith (v.11):
· The Hebrews, who (despite all the signs and wonders by God on their behalf) refused to trust in Him and refused to go into the promised land. (Almost that entire generation died in the desert before the people went into the Land).
· Cain, who gave God an unacceptable sacrifice (approaching God on his own terms, rather than terms that God described), then killed his brother, Abel—who’s sacrifice God loved.
· Balaam, who prophesied for God, but refused to prophecy things—from God—that he disagreed with.
· Korah, who led a rebellion against God’s appointed leader (Moses).
All of these people approached God and his moves according to their own (human) wisdom, expedience, and sense of right/wrong and fairness. Neither of them really submitted to God. Each of them were punished.
In what way can WE relate that to OUR experience in 21st century, U.S.?
If God’s grace is not a ‘green light’ to sin, how are we to understand it, and how are we to understand the times we do sin? (Read Ephesians 2:6-10; 1st John 1:8-10; Titus 2:11-14)
Personal Sharing:
Read Psalm 139:23-24. As you ask God to “search you”, He probably puts his finger on some specific ways in which you may have been taking the grace of God for granted/giving into temptation too easily.
Share, as appropriate, what you think God is challenging you to give up/do differently in this area.
Pray this week that God would illuminate you and his Holy Spirit would make you aware of the mindset of compromise, motivating you to change!
Vision: The picture you have in your mind of your future.
What are some of the most inspiring ‘visions’ that you’ve heard about over the years (ie. MLK’s “I have a dream” speech.)
What is your “vision” for your work or family?
What IS your “Spiritual Vision” for your future (how do you see yourself growing, spiritually)?
Bible Questions:
Jude (1-2) calls himself a “servant” or “slave” of Jesus Christ…What do you think he meant by that?
Jude says that his readers are “Called” by God, “Loved” by the Father, and “Kept” by/in Jesus. He also says that they have “Mercy, Peace and Love in Abundance”! Discuss the difference between Christians who live with this mindset and those who don’t.
Jude says that the threat that he’s writing about is that some leaders have ‘perverted the grace of God’, saying that it’s an excuse to sin. Read Romans 5:6-8, 20-21 and Romans 6:1-2. How does Paul treat this same issue?
Jude says that his readers must “contend (fight) for their faith”. How does the false teaching above endanger the Biblical Gospel message and real Christian faith?
How should they “fight for it”?
Jude cites several examples of people who’ve taken illegitimate approaches to God/faith (v.11):
· The Hebrews, who (despite all the signs and wonders by God on their behalf) refused to trust in Him and refused to go into the promised land. (Almost that entire generation died in the desert before the people went into the Land).
· Cain, who gave God an unacceptable sacrifice (approaching God on his own terms, rather than terms that God described), then killed his brother, Abel—who’s sacrifice God loved.
· Balaam, who prophesied for God, but refused to prophecy things—from God—that he disagreed with.
· Korah, who led a rebellion against God’s appointed leader (Moses).
All of these people approached God and his moves according to their own (human) wisdom, expedience, and sense of right/wrong and fairness. Neither of them really submitted to God. Each of them were punished.
In what way can WE relate that to OUR experience in 21st century, U.S.?
If God’s grace is not a ‘green light’ to sin, how are we to understand it, and how are we to understand the times we do sin? (Read Ephesians 2:6-10; 1st John 1:8-10; Titus 2:11-14)
Personal Sharing:
Read Psalm 139:23-24. As you ask God to “search you”, He probably puts his finger on some specific ways in which you may have been taking the grace of God for granted/giving into temptation too easily.
Share, as appropriate, what you think God is challenging you to give up/do differently in this area.
Pray this week that God would illuminate you and his Holy Spirit would make you aware of the mindset of compromise, motivating you to change!
Jude Series, #2 Jude 17-21
Break the Ice questions:
Tell about a time you had a virus, (physical or computer)…it’s impact, it’s remedy, and any lessons learned as a result.
Have you ever heard people talk about the End Times? How did it make you feel? What if we ARE living in the “Last Days”—how would that change the way you live?
Bible Questions:
Read Jude 17-19: What is going to be one of the signs of the “last times” (NLT), according to vv.18-19?’
How does that match up with the following Scriptures:
1st Timothy 4:1-2
2nd Timothy 3:1-8
2nd Timothy 4:3-4
2 Peter 3:2-18
What evidence of the mindset/outlook presented here do you see… in our current culture?
…In the Church?
We may be in the “Last Days”…only the Father knows that. However, we DO know what to do—according to Jude 20-21.
What does Jude say we should do, in order to successfully resist all the challenges to our faith?
How can we accomplish that (specific strategies)?
Read Matthew 5:13-16: What roles does Jesus want us to play in this world?
Read Philippians 2:14-16 (Note that It’s plural—Paul is writing to the group). What are we to do together, and how are we to accomplish it?
Personal Sharing:
KCC has said it’s Mission is to “Creatively Demonstrate God’s Love”, and that we will do this by Seeking God, Loving Others, and Spreading the Word.
Out of those 3 main areas, where have you seen the most personal growth recently?
In the other areas, what are you likely to do in order to make these strong points of your Spiritual Life?
What is your vision—your hope—for your own relationship with God, in the midst of a hostile world?
Tell about a time you had a virus, (physical or computer)…it’s impact, it’s remedy, and any lessons learned as a result.
Have you ever heard people talk about the End Times? How did it make you feel? What if we ARE living in the “Last Days”—how would that change the way you live?
Bible Questions:
Read Jude 17-19: What is going to be one of the signs of the “last times” (NLT), according to vv.18-19?’
How does that match up with the following Scriptures:
1st Timothy 4:1-2
2nd Timothy 3:1-8
2nd Timothy 4:3-4
2 Peter 3:2-18
What evidence of the mindset/outlook presented here do you see… in our current culture?
…In the Church?
We may be in the “Last Days”…only the Father knows that. However, we DO know what to do—according to Jude 20-21.
What does Jude say we should do, in order to successfully resist all the challenges to our faith?
How can we accomplish that (specific strategies)?
Read Matthew 5:13-16: What roles does Jesus want us to play in this world?
Read Philippians 2:14-16 (Note that It’s plural—Paul is writing to the group). What are we to do together, and how are we to accomplish it?
Personal Sharing:
KCC has said it’s Mission is to “Creatively Demonstrate God’s Love”, and that we will do this by Seeking God, Loving Others, and Spreading the Word.
Out of those 3 main areas, where have you seen the most personal growth recently?
In the other areas, what are you likely to do in order to make these strong points of your Spiritual Life?
What is your vision—your hope—for your own relationship with God, in the midst of a hostile world?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Way Forward
Conversation Questions:
Have you ever recieved a gift that you were not fond of but later realized it was a good gift after all?
What is a time you were highly anticipating something and hada to wait for it?
Bible Questions:
Read: Acts 1:4-8
What is the gift the Father will be giving the disciples?
Do you think the disciples understood what they would be getting?
Have each person in your group pick out one of the following passages to read:
Mark 23:11, Psalm 143:10, Romans 8:1-2, Romans 8:16,1 Thess. 1:5, 2 Cor. 3:171 Corinthians 12:7, Galatians 5:22-27
After reading these passages, list out some of the things that the Spirit does.
What judging by what you just read is the Holy Spirit?
Look back at Acts 1:4-8
What is the Holy Spirit here for?
After looking at Jesus' story for the last four weeks, were do we in 2010 fit into His story?
Heart Questions:
Read Romans 8:11
Do you feel that the Holy Spirit dwells in you?
If God is using us through the Holy Spirit to move His plan forward, what can we do to have a larger part in this story?
Have you ever recieved a gift that you were not fond of but later realized it was a good gift after all?
What is a time you were highly anticipating something and hada to wait for it?
Bible Questions:
Read: Acts 1:4-8
What is the gift the Father will be giving the disciples?
Do you think the disciples understood what they would be getting?
Have each person in your group pick out one of the following passages to read:
Mark 23:11, Psalm 143:10, Romans 8:1-2, Romans 8:16,1 Thess. 1:5, 2 Cor. 3:171 Corinthians 12:7, Galatians 5:22-27
After reading these passages, list out some of the things that the Spirit does.
What judging by what you just read is the Holy Spirit?
Look back at Acts 1:4-8
What is the Holy Spirit here for?
After looking at Jesus' story for the last four weeks, were do we in 2010 fit into His story?
Heart Questions:
Read Romans 8:11
Do you feel that the Holy Spirit dwells in you?
If God is using us through the Holy Spirit to move His plan forward, what can we do to have a larger part in this story?
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Way In
Background Questions:
What have you ever known about "Palm Sunday"? Have you observed it in any way?
What does it mean--to you--to "Welcome" Jesus into your life?
Bible Questions:
Read Luke 18:31-33: If Jesus knew that He was going to be killed, why did He continue on His journey to Jerusalem?
Read Zechariah 9:9; Luke 19: 29-38: To those looking forward to a King and Savior, what would Jesus' actions have symbolized?
Does the fact that Jesus knew what He was doing (symbolically), make it any less 'real'?
Why or why not?
Read Luke 19: 38-40: What options were the Pharisees and other Religious Leaders left with, after Jesus made this entrance?
Why did they choose the option they did? (See John 11:45-53).
Jesus, we are told, in John 2:23-25, that Jesus "knows what is in a man", and knows our hearts.
In the midst of this 'parade' and joyful celebration, Jesus weeps (Luke 19:41-44) Why?
Personal Impact Questions:
Do you think you would've been more like the People, or the Pharisees?
The People were fickle. THey genuinely welcomed Jesus, but--at least partly because He didn't do what they expected and wanted--they turned on Him a short time later.
In what ways are YOU 'fickle' when it comes to Jesus?
Would Jesus 'weep' over you? Why?
Despite what Jesus KNEW was coming, He went into Jersualem anyway. He was committed to fulfilling His purpose, at least in part because of His love for you...what is your response to that?
What have you ever known about "Palm Sunday"? Have you observed it in any way?
What does it mean--to you--to "Welcome" Jesus into your life?
Bible Questions:
Read Luke 18:31-33: If Jesus knew that He was going to be killed, why did He continue on His journey to Jerusalem?
Read Zechariah 9:9; Luke 19: 29-38: To those looking forward to a King and Savior, what would Jesus' actions have symbolized?
Does the fact that Jesus knew what He was doing (symbolically), make it any less 'real'?
Why or why not?
Read Luke 19: 38-40: What options were the Pharisees and other Religious Leaders left with, after Jesus made this entrance?
Why did they choose the option they did? (See John 11:45-53).
Jesus, we are told, in John 2:23-25, that Jesus "knows what is in a man", and knows our hearts.
In the midst of this 'parade' and joyful celebration, Jesus weeps (Luke 19:41-44) Why?
Personal Impact Questions:
Do you think you would've been more like the People, or the Pharisees?
The People were fickle. THey genuinely welcomed Jesus, but--at least partly because He didn't do what they expected and wanted--they turned on Him a short time later.
In what ways are YOU 'fickle' when it comes to Jesus?
Would Jesus 'weep' over you? Why?
Despite what Jesus KNEW was coming, He went into Jersualem anyway. He was committed to fulfilling His purpose, at least in part because of His love for you...what is your response to that?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Way: Series Intro
Conversation Questions:
When you go places with a spouse or family meber, do you ever argue about what the best way to go somewhere?
When you don't know where you are going, how quick are you to admit it and ask for directions?
What's the worst you've ever been lost?
Scripture Questions:
Read John 14:5-6
Why do you think Thomas asked this question? (v.5)
What does this verse say about the philosophy that there are many ways to heaven?
Read Acts 15:11, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:8, and ,2 Timothy 1:8-10
How do these verses say we are saved by?
What do you think grace means?
Have you ever deserved something from someone you wronged and been shown mercy instead?
What did it feel like?
Read Mark 10:32-34
During Jesus' life, what showed that Jesus is "The Way"?
Do you believe that these are good arguments for supporting that Jesus is the only way to heaven? Why or why not?
Heart Questions:
Do you "Strongly Agree" that salvation is by grace through Jesus and that it is the only way to heaven? Why or why not?
Will you commit to sharing the message of Jesus to others during Easter?
If you believe that Jesus saved you tell everyone how and when that happened?
Pray and Close.
When you go places with a spouse or family meber, do you ever argue about what the best way to go somewhere?
When you don't know where you are going, how quick are you to admit it and ask for directions?
What's the worst you've ever been lost?
Scripture Questions:
Read John 14:5-6
Why do you think Thomas asked this question? (v.5)
What does this verse say about the philosophy that there are many ways to heaven?
Read Acts 15:11, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:8, and ,2 Timothy 1:8-10
How do these verses say we are saved by?
What do you think grace means?
Have you ever deserved something from someone you wronged and been shown mercy instead?
What did it feel like?
Read Mark 10:32-34
During Jesus' life, what showed that Jesus is "The Way"?
Do you believe that these are good arguments for supporting that Jesus is the only way to heaven? Why or why not?
Heart Questions:
Do you "Strongly Agree" that salvation is by grace through Jesus and that it is the only way to heaven? Why or why not?
Will you commit to sharing the message of Jesus to others during Easter?
If you believe that Jesus saved you tell everyone how and when that happened?
Pray and Close.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Building Block 6: The Church
SHARING QUESTIONS:
Tell about a time in which you were blessed to feel that you ‘belonged’ (with family, at church, school, work, clubs, or etc.), and how it impacted you.
Growing up, did you have sibling rivalry? How does your family relate to each other now?
At what point did KCC become “your church”? Why? Do you feel like you “belong” (why/why not)?
BIBLE QUESTIONS:
Read Acts 2:42-47: In what ways do you think our experience in 2010 is similar, and how is it different?
In the above, and in Acts 4:32-35, how did church members treat each other? Do we have that experience today? Should we? What prevents us from experiencing that?
Read John 13:34-35: Jesus said that one of the most distinct ways ‘Explorers’ would come to learn about Him is through the way His disciples treated each other! What are some ways that we could treat each other better, and how would that help Explorers to understand?
KCC’s Mission is all about “Creatively Demonstrating God’s Love”, and we do so by committing to “Seek God; Love Others; and Spread the Word”
SEEK GOD:
Read Hebrews 11:6: What do you think it means to “earnestly seek Him”?
We frequently lose sight of what’s really important…yet, God always invites us back. Read Jeremiah 29:13. Are YOU seeking Him with all your heart?
LOVE OTHERS:
We are to love each other within the church.
Read Colossians 3:16; Philippians 2: 3-8; 1 Peter 4:8-10. What are some ways we are to show this love? (Note: Clearly, we need relationships in order to do this!)
We are also to love others outside the Church.
Read Luke 10:25-37. Why are “loving God” and “Loving your neighbor” linked?
In vv. 30-37, Jesus tells a Parable: Did the religious leaders show ‘love’?
If not, who did?
From what you’ve heard before about Samaritans, why was this remarkable?
What is the implication for those who want to “Love God”?
SPREAD THE WORD:
Read Matthew 28:18-20: Who is Jesus talking to? What is His command?
Does that command still apply to Jesus’ disciples today?
Does Jesus mean for every one of us to go across the world?
What kind of “harvest” do you think Jesus was talking about in Matthew 9:36-38?
Who are the “workers” He’s talking about praying for?
Read 1 Peter 3: 15-16: According to these verses, How are we to approach spiritual conversations with those who do not (yet) believe? What sort of demeanor are we to have toward them?
What are some ways you can increase the likelihood of spiritual questions being asked of you with your classmates/neighbors/coworkers?
HEART QUESTIONS:
KCC wants to be a church that is “Creatively Demonstrating God’s Love”. In what ways are we hitting the mark? Where could we improve?
In what ways do YOU need to improve in the areas of “Seeking God; Loving Others; and Spreading the Word”
Tell about a time in which you were blessed to feel that you ‘belonged’ (with family, at church, school, work, clubs, or etc.), and how it impacted you.
Growing up, did you have sibling rivalry? How does your family relate to each other now?
At what point did KCC become “your church”? Why? Do you feel like you “belong” (why/why not)?
BIBLE QUESTIONS:
Read Acts 2:42-47: In what ways do you think our experience in 2010 is similar, and how is it different?
In the above, and in Acts 4:32-35, how did church members treat each other? Do we have that experience today? Should we? What prevents us from experiencing that?
Read John 13:34-35: Jesus said that one of the most distinct ways ‘Explorers’ would come to learn about Him is through the way His disciples treated each other! What are some ways that we could treat each other better, and how would that help Explorers to understand?
KCC’s Mission is all about “Creatively Demonstrating God’s Love”, and we do so by committing to “Seek God; Love Others; and Spread the Word”
SEEK GOD:
Read Hebrews 11:6: What do you think it means to “earnestly seek Him”?
We frequently lose sight of what’s really important…yet, God always invites us back. Read Jeremiah 29:13. Are YOU seeking Him with all your heart?
LOVE OTHERS:
We are to love each other within the church.
Read Colossians 3:16; Philippians 2: 3-8; 1 Peter 4:8-10. What are some ways we are to show this love? (Note: Clearly, we need relationships in order to do this!)
We are also to love others outside the Church.
Read Luke 10:25-37. Why are “loving God” and “Loving your neighbor” linked?
In vv. 30-37, Jesus tells a Parable: Did the religious leaders show ‘love’?
If not, who did?
From what you’ve heard before about Samaritans, why was this remarkable?
What is the implication for those who want to “Love God”?
SPREAD THE WORD:
Read Matthew 28:18-20: Who is Jesus talking to? What is His command?
Does that command still apply to Jesus’ disciples today?
Does Jesus mean for every one of us to go across the world?
What kind of “harvest” do you think Jesus was talking about in Matthew 9:36-38?
Who are the “workers” He’s talking about praying for?
Read 1 Peter 3: 15-16: According to these verses, How are we to approach spiritual conversations with those who do not (yet) believe? What sort of demeanor are we to have toward them?
What are some ways you can increase the likelihood of spiritual questions being asked of you with your classmates/neighbors/coworkers?
HEART QUESTIONS:
KCC wants to be a church that is “Creatively Demonstrating God’s Love”. In what ways are we hitting the mark? Where could we improve?
In what ways do YOU need to improve in the areas of “Seeking God; Loving Others; and Spreading the Word”
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Building Block 4: Prayer
Conversation Questions:
Have you ever had a “long distance relationship” that worked? If so, what made it successful? If not, what caused it to fail?
Remember the cell-phone commercials in which one person ‘dropped out’, making a REALLY awkward (but funny) situations? Tell about any ‘bad connections’ or miscommunications you’ve had which resulted in awkward/funny situations.
Tell about one time in which your prayers were answered in some important way.
Bible Questions:
In Matthew 6: 5-13, Jesus gives his followers a ‘template’ of how to pray.
What is the context of this (what is He responding to? vv.1-7)?
What are the main points of Jesus’ prayer?
V.9:
V.10:
v.11:
v.12:
v.13:
Does Jesus want us to memorize and recite this prayer? Why/why not?
In Luke 5:15-16, we read about an interesting practice that Jesus did.
Why would that be important for Him?
Is it important for you? Why/why not?
In 30 seconds, list all of the places/ways you’ve prayed over the years:
What KINDS of things do you think we should pray for?
In Matthew 7:7-11, we read of the Father’s perspective on answering prayer.
What does Jesus say about God the Father here?
What does He say about our approach to praying?
If the above is true, is there ever a time when the Father will NOT answer a prayer?
Under what circumstances?
Read 2 Corinthians 11:7-10.
Whatever Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was, God chose NOT to remove it.
What was his answer to Paul?
What does this mean, in practice, for us?
Read Psalm 37:4-5:
According to this passage, what is the key before we can see the Lord “give us the desires of our heart”?
What, then, is to be our response?
Heart Questions:
One author has written that “A life without prayer is a boast before God”…what do you think this means?
How often, in the past week, would you say that YOU have prayed? Do you think the Lord would want it to be more? If so, how can you make that happen?
Is there something you can share that you’ve been praying for that God has not answered?
How can your group members pray for you this week?
Have you ever had a “long distance relationship” that worked? If so, what made it successful? If not, what caused it to fail?
Remember the cell-phone commercials in which one person ‘dropped out’, making a REALLY awkward (but funny) situations? Tell about any ‘bad connections’ or miscommunications you’ve had which resulted in awkward/funny situations.
Tell about one time in which your prayers were answered in some important way.
Bible Questions:
In Matthew 6: 5-13, Jesus gives his followers a ‘template’ of how to pray.
What is the context of this (what is He responding to? vv.1-7)?
What are the main points of Jesus’ prayer?
V.9:
V.10:
v.11:
v.12:
v.13:
Does Jesus want us to memorize and recite this prayer? Why/why not?
In Luke 5:15-16, we read about an interesting practice that Jesus did.
Why would that be important for Him?
Is it important for you? Why/why not?
In 30 seconds, list all of the places/ways you’ve prayed over the years:
What KINDS of things do you think we should pray for?
In Matthew 7:7-11, we read of the Father’s perspective on answering prayer.
What does Jesus say about God the Father here?
What does He say about our approach to praying?
If the above is true, is there ever a time when the Father will NOT answer a prayer?
Under what circumstances?
Read 2 Corinthians 11:7-10.
Whatever Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was, God chose NOT to remove it.
What was his answer to Paul?
What does this mean, in practice, for us?
Read Psalm 37:4-5:
According to this passage, what is the key before we can see the Lord “give us the desires of our heart”?
What, then, is to be our response?
Heart Questions:
One author has written that “A life without prayer is a boast before God”…what do you think this means?
How often, in the past week, would you say that YOU have prayed? Do you think the Lord would want it to be more? If so, how can you make that happen?
Is there something you can share that you’ve been praying for that God has not answered?
How can your group members pray for you this week?
Building Faith Block Three: Worship
Conversation Starters:
What are some of your favorite songs or artists?
Why do you like them?
Scripture:
Read:
Romans 12:1,2 / John 4:23,24 / Acts 20:34-36
What does worshiping God mean?
What could it mean to worship in work or school?
Has your mind ever been in a “fog” or a “funk”?
What got you out of that “funk”?
How can renewing our minds clear out worry and anguish from our heads?
In what ways can you respond to God’s mercy?
How can you be blessed by helping the weak (Acts 20:34-36)?
Have you ever experienced a blessing like that?
Read Psalm 102:16-22
What does God respond to in verse 17?
Have you ever experienced God responding to you when you have responded to his mercy (Romans 12:1)?
An answered prayer?
A blessing?
Other?
God is good! End the study by taking prayer requests and responding to God with prayer.
What are some of your favorite songs or artists?
Why do you like them?
Scripture:
Read:
Romans 12:1,2 / John 4:23,24 / Acts 20:34-36
What does worshiping God mean?
What could it mean to worship in work or school?
Has your mind ever been in a “fog” or a “funk”?
What got you out of that “funk”?
How can renewing our minds clear out worry and anguish from our heads?
In what ways can you respond to God’s mercy?
How can you be blessed by helping the weak (Acts 20:34-36)?
Have you ever experienced a blessing like that?
Read Psalm 102:16-22
What does God respond to in verse 17?
Have you ever experienced God responding to you when you have responded to his mercy (Romans 12:1)?
An answered prayer?
A blessing?
Other?
God is good! End the study by taking prayer requests and responding to God with prayer.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Building Block 2: The Bible
Conversation Questions
Are you the kind of person who stops to ask for directions, or one who tries to figure it out on your own? Can you think about a time when this strategy backfired?
Have you ever learned a lot ABOUT someone before meeting them, only to find out that they were very different than you thought?
Have you ever tried—unsuccessfully—to start a consistent Bible reading time? Why did it not work well?
Bible Questions
Read Psalm 1:1-3 What is the analogy the writer makes to the person who loves the Word of God? Why is this so crucial in the life of a Believer?
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 What kinds of things does the Bible teach us?
2 Peter 1:20 and 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 Where, ultimately, do the Scriptures come from? How would understanding the Source of the Scriptures change our thinking about studying them?
Read Psalm 119:9-18, 97-105 What are some of the reasons the writer has for reading God’s Word?
Read Hebrews 4:12 God’s word can ‘divide soul and spirit’ and expose our innermost thoughts. This doesn’t sound very comfortable…so why would a person do it?
Read Hebrews 8:10-12 God promised to make a New Covenant, and we are living in that age…what are some of the characteristics of that covenant that we can experience?
Heart Questions:
Do you feel as though you know more ABOUT God, or that you “Know” Him? Which do you want? Why?
Obviously the Lord would want you getting into His word consistently. Have you done so? Will you do so in the future? Why or Why not?
It takes certain character traits and behaviors to learn from God’s Word. What do you think those are? Do you have them?
What can you do THIS WEEK to begin getting into God’s Word more consistently?
Are you the kind of person who stops to ask for directions, or one who tries to figure it out on your own? Can you think about a time when this strategy backfired?
Have you ever learned a lot ABOUT someone before meeting them, only to find out that they were very different than you thought?
Have you ever tried—unsuccessfully—to start a consistent Bible reading time? Why did it not work well?
Bible Questions
Read Psalm 1:1-3 What is the analogy the writer makes to the person who loves the Word of God? Why is this so crucial in the life of a Believer?
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 What kinds of things does the Bible teach us?
2 Peter 1:20 and 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 Where, ultimately, do the Scriptures come from? How would understanding the Source of the Scriptures change our thinking about studying them?
Read Psalm 119:9-18, 97-105 What are some of the reasons the writer has for reading God’s Word?
Read Hebrews 4:12 God’s word can ‘divide soul and spirit’ and expose our innermost thoughts. This doesn’t sound very comfortable…so why would a person do it?
Read Hebrews 8:10-12 God promised to make a New Covenant, and we are living in that age…what are some of the characteristics of that covenant that we can experience?
Heart Questions:
Do you feel as though you know more ABOUT God, or that you “Know” Him? Which do you want? Why?
Obviously the Lord would want you getting into His word consistently. Have you done so? Will you do so in the future? Why or Why not?
It takes certain character traits and behaviors to learn from God’s Word. What do you think those are? Do you have them?
What can you do THIS WEEK to begin getting into God’s Word more consistently?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Building Faith Block One: Lordship
Conversation Starters:
What was one of the first things you ever built or made all by yourself?
How did you do?
When you make or build something do you always measure, do you sometimes measure twice?
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever made?
Bible Questions:
Read Romans 12:3
What does Paul (the author) mean by, “measure of faith”?
Why is understanding your “measure of faith” important?
Read Matthew 7:24,25
In the analogy, what or who is the rock? What or who is the house? What could be the rain, streams and wind?
What words that Jesus said can you think of that you have put into practice?
Read Romans 7:19-26
What “things” do you think Paul is talking about?
Why can’t he do what he wants to do?
According to this passage, why does making Jesus our Lord free us to do what’s right?
Heart Questions:
How does making Jesus our Lord enable us to build our lives rightly?
What would you say your “measure of faith” is? (1- 10)
Have you had “rains, streams, or winds” in your life recently?
Have you stood like a house on a rock, or fallen?
What do you think you can do to be stronger the next time things get tough?
What can you do to start or continue building your life on Jesus ?
What can you do to make Him the Lord and Head Contractor in building your life?
What was one of the first things you ever built or made all by yourself?
How did you do?
When you make or build something do you always measure, do you sometimes measure twice?
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever made?
Bible Questions:
Read Romans 12:3
What does Paul (the author) mean by, “measure of faith”?
Why is understanding your “measure of faith” important?
Read Matthew 7:24,25
In the analogy, what or who is the rock? What or who is the house? What could be the rain, streams and wind?
What words that Jesus said can you think of that you have put into practice?
Read Romans 7:19-26
What “things” do you think Paul is talking about?
Why can’t he do what he wants to do?
According to this passage, why does making Jesus our Lord free us to do what’s right?
Heart Questions:
How does making Jesus our Lord enable us to build our lives rightly?
What would you say your “measure of faith” is? (1- 10)
Have you had “rains, streams, or winds” in your life recently?
Have you stood like a house on a rock, or fallen?
What do you think you can do to be stronger the next time things get tough?
What can you do to start or continue building your life on Jesus ?
What can you do to make Him the Lord and Head Contractor in building your life?
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