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?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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?
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