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?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
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?
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