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?
Friday, March 26, 2010
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?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
