Please share your response to one of the following:

• Tell the Group of a significant accomplishment in your life?
• What is one thing that gives you satisfaction?
• What is one thing you are good at? How did you get that skill?

Study

Read the following verses and share your responses to the questions below:

Psalm 19.1-6

• In what ways has creation reminded you of the presence of the Creator?

Colossians 1.16-17

• With these verses in mind, what image of Jesus do you have?
• Knowing that the universe is so immense, what does that say about our God (Jesus)?

1 Kings 8.22-26

• In what ways do you see God as being “unique”?

2 Samuel 22.1-3

• How is God your: rock; fortress; deliverer; shield; horn of falvation; stronghold?

John 20.27-29

• Why do you think Thomas wanted to touch Jesus’ nail prints and side?
• When he encountered Jesus, why do you think he used the word, “MY” in his expression?

Deuteronomy 6.4

• Why is it important to remember that God is OUR God, not just A God; The God; or My God?

Apply

• How has your view of God changed over the years?
• Which attribute(s) of God are most appealing to you now?
• Why do you think understanding the history of a culture (such as Israel) is helpful to the present? To the future?
• What does it take to grasp an understanding of who God is and what he wants us to do?

Please discuss with your Group your response to one of the following:

• What are you like when awakened from a deep sleep?
• What project do you most want to complete (home or work)? What will it take to finish it?

Study

Please read Zechariah 4.1-10 and share your responses to the following:

• What do the symbols of the vision represent? (vv. 3, 14; Revelation 11.3-4)

• Golden Lampstand
• Bowl of Oil
• Olive Trees
• Capstone
• Plumb Line

Apply

• Why do you think our strength cannot be in our numbers or our money?
• How hard is it for you to trust in the intangible (God) over the tangible (our church’s size; our finances)?
• What is the correlation between our trials and our dependence on God?
• What are some ways you can definitely say God has directed your steps? What did you accomplish when He did?
• In what ways was the rebuilding of the temple a beginning, not an end?

Please discuss your responses to one of the following:

• What is the most powerful storm you have witnessed? How did you feel?
• As a teenager, what did you not like about yourself that you changed?

Study

Read Romans 1.16-17 and discuss the following

• Why do you think the FACTS of the gospel are important as in 1 Corinthians 15.3-4?
• How do: Facts-Understanding-Action interrelate?
• How does Paul express his personal transformation by saying, “I am not ashamed of the gospel?”
• In what ways does the gospel “Re-Form” us – even after we are believers in Jesus?
• In what ways is the gospel good news? In what ways could it be bad news?
• How would you explain verse 17 to someone who does not speak “Christian-ese”?

Apply

• How have you seen the gospel change people?
• How has the gospel changed you? How is this change a process? How is it instantaneous?
• What failure in your life can you look back on and NOW see good from?

Please share your response to one of the following:

1. What is the hardest “good-bye” you have had to make? What made it hard?
2. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

Study

Please read 1 Corinthians 15.3-11 and discuss the following with your group:

1. How would you describe the facts of the gospel?
2. Why do you think the scriptures were at the center of Jesus’ proofs of his resurrection?
3. What is so important about so many eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection?
4. Which people in Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances are most significant to you?
5. What makes you think this was not a hoax?
6. Why does Paul emphasize “grace” in verses 9-11?

Apply

1. If you had been an advisor to Jesus during the 40 days he spent with his disciples after the resurrection, what things would you have encouraged him to teach? Why?
2. If you had been one of the people who had literally seen Jesus after the resurrection, how do you think you would have reacted?
3. Knowing Jesus is alive, how do you react?
4. When hearing the accounts and evidences of Jesus’ resurrection, how do you respond?
5. If you were to explain the gospel to an interested friend, what would you say?

Share your response to one of the following:

1. What is your idea of a great party?
2. Tell of a tradition in your family and what it means to you.

Study

Please Read 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 and discuss the following

1. In what ways do you see the ancient feasts of God (Leviticus 23) as pointing to Jesus?
2. What is significant in the Passover about Jesus? What parallels do you see in the original purpose of Passover and its symbolism in Jesus?
3. What is significant in the Feast of Unleavened Bread? How does this speak to the body of Jesus?
4. What is significant in the Feast of First Fruits?
5. Why do you think the resurrection of Jesus is so important?

Apply

Read Romans 6.1-4 – what is the result of following Jesus?

1. In what ways are you like a chameleon? In what ways are you different?
2. How can you encourage your fellow believers to “stand out” in the crowd as disciples of Jesus?

Open

Please share your answer to ONE of the following:

1. What do you like best about parades? Least?
2. When purchasing an important item, what is your criterion for selection?
3. What makes you cry?

Study

Please read John 12.12-16 (or another selection from above) and discuss the following with your Group:

1. In what ways do you see this as Jesus’ “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem?
2. How does this scene depict God’s selection for HIS Passover sacrifice?
3. How do you think this Passover impacted the Father? The Son?
4. What do you think is the significance of the “Hosannas” that the crowd was shouting?
5. Jesus expressed great emotions (as weeping over Jerusalem; anger in clearing the temple), which one(s) surprise(s) you?
6. What is significant about the Donkey on which he rode? (see also Zechariah 9.9)

Apply

1. What kind of reception would Jesus get if he came to our town?
2. How has Jesus ridden into your life?
3. In addition to sin, what areas of your life do you need him to step in and save?
4. How do you envision the NEXT coming of Jesus? What is significant about Philippians 2.9-11?

Please share your response to one of the following:

• Share a way in which you dealt with a stressful situation this week.
• What is the best (or worst) trip you have ever taken?
• How have you been recruited for volunteer ministries?

Study

Please read Isaiah 6.1-13 and discuss:

• What could be the significance of Isaiah mentioning the year that King Uzziah died in relationship to his vision?
• Why do you think God chooses to reveal himself to Isaiah?
• What things in this revelation are the most striking to you? How would you have felt in seeing it?
• What does this encounter tell you about the nature and purpose of God?
• What significance do you see in Isaiah’s response in verse 5 compared to verse 8?
• What would be the impact of Isaiah’s work?
• What is key about the last half of verse 13?

Apply

• How does your experience with God compare to Isaiah’s? To the people to whom he was to preach?
• If you were Isaiah, which of your senses would be most impacted by the vision? (i.e., sight; sound; etc.)
• If the members of your HOME Group “responded to the invitation” Sunday morning and said, “Here we are, send us!” What reaction do you think there would be?
• What is something you are learning about God (either from this lesson or in other ways)? How are you responding to it?

Please share your response to one of the following with your group:

1. What key experience have you had in answered prayer that you can share with the Group?
2. For fun, recite any prayers you memorized as a child?

Study

Please read Luke 11:1-4 and discuss:

1. Why do you think the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray?
2. Why do you think they did not ask about teaching or preaching or healing, etc.?
3. What significance do you see in calling God, “Father” and in “hallowing” his name?
4. What is key to you about DAILY bread?
5. How do you see prayer and forgiveness relating?
6. How do you feel about the brevity of this prayer (see also Matthew 6:9-13)?

Apply

1. How does this prayer relate to your prayers?
2. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your prayer life?
3. What are areas you wish to improve? What can you do improve these?
4. How has your concept of prayer changed over the years?
5. When do you feel that God is NOT listening?
6. What issue are you facing that the Group can pray for right now?

Discuss one of the following with your Group:

• How do you feel when someone asks you to keep a secret? Can you tell of a time that keeping the secret was especially difficult?
• Who is your favorite fictional detective? What is special about him/her?

Study

Read Romans 16.25-27 and discuss the following with your Group:

• How would you summarize the “Gospel” to someone? Would you emphasize the facts, commands, or promises? Why?
• In what ways do you think the gospel is more than just about heaven?
• In what ways can you say the gospel is, “My Gospel”?
• In Luke 24.13-35, Jesus meets two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus. Why do you think they do not recognize him at first? What caused them to finally know it was the Lord? What was significant about their actions once they realized they had been with Jesus?
• Why do you think it was a surprise to bring Gentiles into the church?
• How do you think obeying God brings him glory?
• How would you define “glory”?

Apply

• What are the best ways for you to show the gospel in your life? What are positive things you do and negative things you avoid?
• Aside from heaven, what is your favorite promise of the gospel? How does your life reflect this promise?
• How do you stay focused on the big picture of the gospel?

Please share your response to ONE of the following with your Group:

1. If we surveyed your friends from High School, what two adjectives would they use to describe you?
2. Tell us something you have learned about yourself this year.
3. What is the greatest peer pressure you felt as a teen? As an adult? How did/are you handling it?

Study

Please read Matthew 16.13-20 and discuss the following with your Group:

1. If you were to describe Jesus in one or two words, what would you say?
2. Why do you think Jesus asked what others were saying about him?
3. What is the significance of the list of individuals that people thought Jesus might be?
4. What is significant about Peter’s confession?
5. How do you think the Father revealed this to Peter?
6. What is/are the rock(s) on which Jesus would build his church?
7. How is the church a spiritual temple? How are we living stones in that temple?
8. Please respond to this quote: “We should attempt things so great that they are doomed to failure unless God intervenes.” (Henry Blackaby)

Apply

1. What is good or bad about hearing what others say about Jesus?
2. In what ways is this inconsequential?
3. Who is Jesus to you?
4. Having answered the above question, what does this imply for your life? (Stewardship; Scripture-based Judgments)

Please discuss one of the following with your Group:

1. If you have met a celebrity, tell the Group about it. How did you feel meeting this person?
2. What are the biggest questions you have about your relationship with God?

Study

Please read Psalm 8 and discuss the following with your Group:

1. Why do you think the Psalmist opens and closes the Psalm the same way?
2. How does gazing into the heavens impact us?
3. What does this say about our relationship to God?
4. How do you think children glorify God?
5. In what ways is his “name” majestic or glorious in all the earth?
6. In what ways are we a little lower than the heavenly beings (literally, “Elohim” or God)?
7. How are we crowned with glory and honor?
8. What is our role before God? What are some implications?

Apply

1. In what ways are we stewards of the creation? How does this play out in your life?
2. In recognizing the greatness of God, how do you feel about His knowledge of you?
3. What response does this elicit from you?
4. What things do you know about our Creator just by observing the world and universe that He created?

Share your answer to ONE of the following:

1. Which is taller this week – your IN box or your OUT box?
2. What is your ideal job?
3. What three barriers keep you from reaching your full potential? What would help you overcome these barriers?

Study

Please read Exodus 18:13-23 and discuss the following with your Group:

1. From your knowledge of Moses, what do you infer was his job description from God?
2. How do you think Moses and his father-in-law got along? Why would Moses listen to him?
3. What were the key elements to Jethro’s plan? In what ways was he “on target”?
4. Why do you think Moses might have had a hard time with this idea? Why would he adopt it?
5. What is a key role of church leaders today (Ephesians 4:11-13)?
6. Why do you think church leaders may get off track from their calling?

Apply

1.  On a church level:

• How can you help our church leaders’ stress levels?
• What criteria will you use to select our next elders? Which is biblical and which is personal?

2.  On a Personal Level:

• As a Group, create a list of your top 5 Stresses.
• Now, help each other deal with your top stresses.

Please share your response to one of the following with your Group:

• When are you the most happy? Do other people play into this happiness? Why or Why Not?
• How can people tell if you are angry? Is it usually easy or hard to tell?

Study

Please read Jeremiah 29:10-14 and share your responses to the following:

1. What seems to be the reason for the exile?
2. How do you think the goodness of God is attractive to people?
3. Do you think people are attracted to God to avoid his wrath?
4. What do you see as God’s primary purpose for us? What are some examples?
5. Why is it important that we do not procrastinate when it comes to following God? (James 4:13-14)
6. Why do you think God demands whole-hearted effort from us?

Apply

• Do you think God uses evil to accomplish good? Why? Why Not?
• When have you seen God bring good out of a bad situation?
• Is there an easy way to learn our lessons?
• Why do you think it takes 100% effort on our part to seek and find God?
• How do you KNOW God has your best in mind?
• What do you think it takes to find God?

Please share your response to one of the following:

• What do you want to be remembered for?
• Are you comfortable going to dinner or a movie alone? How about a vacation? Why or why not?

Study

This study will come from Acts 7.17-44 and Exodus 3-4. Please refer to the appropriate texts as you discuss the following with your Group:

• How do you think Moses was viewed by others (Acts 7.20-22)? By God; His parents; etc.
• How do you envision his self-image before he left Egypt?
• What significance do you see with the burning bush? Why do you think it was represented in the Hebrews lamp (Menorah) in the tabernacle and temple?
• Which of Moses’ excuses (Exodus 3.10-4.13) seemed the lamest to you? The best?
• Why do you think God makes compromises for Moses and allows him to use Aaron (Exodus 4.14-17)?

Apply

• How might we imitate the bad example of Moses taking matters into his own hands?
• Do the ends ever justify the means?
• What typically happens when we do not do things God’s way?
• Why do you think God does not operate by a democratic process?
• In what ways does Moses effectively pursue God? How does this apply to us as a church? To you as a follower of Jesus?
• Since God does not ask you to be anything you are not, what do you need to do to be the person God made you?

Please share your response to one of the following:

• What is the worst thing that can happen if you take a risk and fail? What is the best thing that could happen if you take a risk and succeed?
• What is the worst rejection you have experienced? How did you handle it?
• Do you think it is possible to live with no regrets? Explain.

Study

Please read Acts 7.9-16 and discuss the following:

1. What were some of the reasons Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him? (See Genesis 37)
2. How do you think Joseph felt when he rose in status in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39)? When he went to prison? When he became “second in command” in Egypt (Genesis 41)?
3. How do you think Joseph was able to endure his circumstances?
4. What do you think were his greatest struggles?
5. How does Joseph gift of dream interpretation become a “gift and a curse”?
6. How do you think Joseph gained wisdom in his life?
7. How do you think Joseph is able to honor God and not blame him in Genesis 50.20?

Apply

• What do you wish others knew/understood about you that you think they usually do not? How does the account of Joseph apply to your situation? What can you do to improve others’ view of you? Your lack of understanding with others?
• How is the Joseph account a lesson on parenting? On faith?
• What responsibilities do you see in connection with the abilities God gives us? (As Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams; Genesis 40.8; 41.16, 25, 32)
• How have you gained wisdom through your trials?
• How do YOU know God is in control, even in the dark times?

Please share your response to one of the following with your Group:

• When you discover a new interest do you tend to jump in with both feet or pace yourself? Give an example.
• Who is your favorite story teller? Why?
• What was your favorite bedtime story as a child?

Study

Please read Acts 7.2-8 and discuss the following:

• Why do you think Stephen begins his defense with Abraham? In what ways could his “Hellenistic” background have influenced this?
• If God called Abraham twice (once before Haran and once in Haran – see Genesis 11.31-12.1), what does this say about God? What does this say about Abraham?
• When God tested Abraham in the sacrifice of Isaac, what point was He making with Abraham? What did Abraham learn? What does this say about his faith (see also Hebrews 11.19)?
• How does the account of Isaac’s sacrifice parallel what God did in Jesus?
• In what ways did God reward Abraham (see Genesis 12.1-3)?

Apply

• What causes you to hold back in your walk with God? What can you do to “let go and let God” lead you?
• How does it affect you knowing that God works with us in our imperfections? – Does it energize you to live in the power of God’s grace? Does it make you slack off and take advantage of him?
• What ONE thing do you have trouble giving to God? What causes you to hold on to it?
• As a church, how can we learn to “leave it on the field”?

Please share with your Group your response to ONE of the following:

• As a child did you ever run away from home or want to run away? Where did you go or want to go?
• What is one thing you dream of trying if you knew you could not fail and money was not an issue?

Study

Please read Luke 15.11-32 and discuss the following:

• Why do you think the younger son wanted to leave home?
• What are some significant things about:

• The son’s request?
• The father’s gift?
• The father looking for his son?
• The father RUNNING to his son?
• The father restoring his son?
• The father throwing a party?
• What brings the young son to his senses?

Apply

• With whom do you most identify in this story? (Father; Older Son; Younger Son) – Why?
• How is this story a picture of what Jesus was doing?
• In what ways have you been like the “prodigal”? What snapped you out of your delusions?
• What can we do to help modern “prodigals” return home? In what ways could this be awkward for us?

Please share your response to one of the following with your group:

• What is the most expensive item you have ever lost? Found?
• What was your first nickname?

Study

Please read Luke 15.8-10 and discuss the following:

• Why do you think that losing ONE coin was such a big deal to this woman?
• How does this coin represent repentance and salvation for us?
• Who does the woman represent in the story?
• In what ways is this significant? How is it unusual?
• What is important about the woman admitting that she lost the coin?
• Why was the coin hard to find?
• What is the reason Jesus mentioned the woman lighting the lamp?

Apply

• What is the key point Jesus is making with this story (and whole chapter)?
• How do you feel knowing that God has expended immense energy and resources to find YOU?
• When you have been found by God, what motivations do you have?

Please share your response to one of the following:

• In the “Lost & Found Department” do you lose more or find more?
• If you were to pick one place to live the rest of your life, where would that be? If you had to live in several places, where would they be and why?

Study

Please read Luke 15.1-7 and discuss the following questions with your Group.

• What do you think are some significant things about the purpose of this parable?
• Why do you think Jesus (as well as other rabbis) chose to speak in parables?
• What is the point of this parable? How does it indict the Pharisees and Scribes?
• In what ways had the religious leaders misunderstood God?
• How is the shepherd in this story a symbol of Jesus? Who does the lost sheep represent?
• What is the value of the sheep to the shepherd? Of a person to God?
• Why is there a celebration over the sheep that was found? Over the sinner who is found?

Apply

• How did God seek you?
• How does this story make you feel about your worth to God?
• Why do you think we may wander from God?
• How can this story help some you know who have wandered from God?

Please discuss your response to one of the following:

• What memory aids do you have to keep you from forgetting things?
• What are three things you are thankful for? How do you demonstrate that thankfulness?

Study

Read Deuteronomy 8.1-20 and discuss the following:

• Why do you think we tend to forget the things God does for us? How does prosperity enhance this memory lapse?
• In what ways do you think the time in the wilderness was a blessing to the Hebrew people? Why does these seem unlikely to us?
• What lessons do you think they learned in the wilderness?
• How does God discipline us as a father disciplines his children? (similarities/differences)
• Why do you think God wants us to bless him AFTER we have eaten and are satisfied? (8.10)
• How is God the source of all blessings?

Apply

• What do you think it will take to keep us mindful of the things of God?
• What lessons can we learn by observing the Hebrews in the wilderness? In the promised land?
• In what ways is the prosperity of our land detrimental to us?
• What do you think God wants us to do with the blessings he has given us?

Please share your answer to one or two of the following:

• What is the most significant thing that has happened to you since we last met?
• How long have you ever held a grudge against someone? How did you (or will you) resolve it?
• Where did you grow up?

Study

Please read Matthew 18.21-35 and discuss the following with your group:

• In what ways do you see forgiveness as an obligation? As an opportunity?
• Why would it be a good idea to be “extravagant” in forgiveness?
• See Genesis 4.23-24 – How is Jesus using this event to teach about forgiveness? How do we generally feel about taking revenge?
• How does forgiveness bring a sense of freedom to us? How is an unforgiving spirit imprisoned?
• What are some consequences to an unforgiving attitude?
• Based on the parable Jesus taught, what is God’s forgiveness like? Ours?
• How is forgiveness life-giving to the one who forgives? How is it life-giving to the one forgiven?

Apply

• Why do you think it is hard for us to be forgiving to others? What specific things can we do to become more forgiving?
• What role does Bible study play in the forgiveness process?
• What are some reasons we may not want to forgive? How can we overcome these?
• In what ways is forgiving a threat to you? What would help you to feel less threatened?

Please share your response to one or two of the following:

• As a child, how did you get along with your siblings? What did you tend to argue/fight about? How did your parents handle the rivalries?
• Thinking back on your childhood, who were your best neighbors? What made them stand out to you?
• When you were growing up, who in your neighborhood or school did you have trouble getting along with? Explain.
• When do you recall your family doing a service project together?

Study

Please read Luke 22.24-30 and discuss the following:

• Why do you think change is hard for us? How is it inevitable?
• Why is serving others so hard?
• In what ways do we battle “self”?
• Why do you think the Disciples were hung up on being the greatest in the kingdom?
• How is leadership in the church the opposite of worldly leadership? What happens when the church is run like a business? When should business principles be employed in the workings of the church?
• How does Jesus exemplify servant leadership (see also John 13.1-17)? Why do you think he chose to use this demonstration? What are some by-products of servant-leadership?

Apply

• Why did you choose to attend this congregation? In what ways are you served? In what ways do you serve?
• What are some practical steps to get out of the “serve me” and into the “serve others” mode?
• What are some anonymous things you can do to stimulate the serving spirit within yourself and encourage others at the same time?

Choose one of the following to open your Group:

Favorite T-shirt

Ask attendees to bring (not wear) their favorite T-shirt to the meeting. Once all participants have arrived, ask each person to show the shirt to the group and explain how the T-shirt best resembles their personality.

Finish the Sentence:

A celebrity (living or dead) I admire is _______________ because ______________.

Study

Read Luke 18.15-17 and Discuss the Following:

• What reasons can you think of that people would bring their babies to Jesus? Does this still happen?
• Why do you think the disciples wanted to keep these babies from Jesus?
• How do you think Jesus feels about the disciples’ actions? Why?
• In what ways do you think God is “child-like”? [Examples – Creative/Wonder-filled; Sense of humor; Celebrations (parties); Teachable]
• In what ways has God given blessings to people in the Bible? What were their reactions?
• What impact can parents verbally and physically blessing their children have?
• What potentials are there in touch?

Apply

• How can you bless someone?
• How can you become more like children in walking with Jesus?
• How can you reach out to those who are neglected by the mainstream Christian?
• What is ONE quality that a child possesses you want to incorporate into your life?

Open

Leaders – Please lead one of the following exercises with your Group:

My Name Is

Go around the group and ask each person to state his/her name and attach an adjective that not only describes a dominant characteristic, but also starts with the same letter of his name e.g. generous Graham, dynamic Dave. Write them down and refer to them by this for the rest of the evening.

Word Link

This is a word association game. Ask the group to sit in a circle. The first person starts with any word they wish i.e. red. The next person repeats the first word and adds another word which links to the first i.e. tomato. The next person repeats the previous word and add another word link i.e. soup, and so on. To keep this moving, only allow five seconds for each word link.

Study

Read Micah 6.6-8 and discuss the following with your Group

1. Which do you think matters more to God: Making financial sacrifices or having a good attitude?
2. Why do you think God is so concerned with our inner person?
3. When you think about who God is, what descriptive words come to mind?
4. How do you think our worship is connected to our activities outside the worship services? (see also Matthew 25.31ff)
5. How do you think we can better allow God to “show through” in our lives?

Apply

1. What things about God do you want to imitate in your life? How do you think you can achieve this?
2. How does Jesus typify these things for you?
3. Do you think it is good to have heroes?
4. How do other Christians impact you?
5. In what ways are you impacting others by the life you are living? Are you helping people get closer to God or are you leading them away from him?

Please share your response to one of the following:

• When you were in school, what did it take to be “in”? “Out”?
• Who is the “greatest” person you have met? What made that person great?

Study

Please read Luke 18.9-14 and discuss the following:

• In what ways did these men have a similar worship experience?
• In what ways was it different?
• What was the significance of the animal sacrifice to the Jews?
• Where does prayer fit into the scene? What do you think the people prayed about?
• How were the Pharisee and Tax Collector different in their approach to God?
• In what ways do you think this parable was a “surprise” to Jesus’ hearers?
• Why do you think God applauds humility?

Apply

• It is easy to hear lessons and think that someone else needs to hear them. Maybe that is true, but how does this parable impact YOU?
• How would you respond if a person who was very different from you (in appearance; lifestyle; religious belief; political philosophy; etc.) wanted to become a member of our church?
• When have you been like the Pharisee in your approach to God?
• When have you been like the Tax Collector?

Please share your responses to one of the following:

1. How do you feel when you are in a crowd?
2. What three things in your life would you like to send to the recycle bin?

Study

Please read Luke 8.42-48 and discuss:

1. What do you think is significant about the woman’s issue of blood? How has it affected her Socially?; Financially?; Ceremonially?; Emotionally?; Spiritually?
2. What connection do you think there is with the fact that Jairus’ daughter was 12 and the woman had the issue of blood 12 years?
3. What is the role of faith in this story?
4. Why do you think she grabbed the “Tzizit” (fringes) of Jesus’ Tallit (Prayer Shawl/outer garment)? What things was she aware of? (see also Malachi 4.1-3)
5. Why do you think Jesus asked who had touched (literally held on to) him?
6. Do you think she was a “righteous” person? Why or why not?

Apply

1. When are the times you have felt desperate? What role did your faith play in those times?
2. Have you ever been too frightened to bring a problem to God?
3. How does God see our issues?
4. What are some ways you have expressed faith?

• How do you respond when you realize someone has “pulled the wool over your eyes”?
• What is your better means of motivation – the “carrot” or the “stick”?

Study

Please read 2 Chronicles 7.11-22 verses and discuss with your Group.

1. Why do you think God appears to Solomon in dreams? (see also 2 Chronicles 1.7ff)
2. How does he motivate Solomon?
3. What is the original situation for verse 14?
4. What are the promises to Solomon? What are the conditions to the promises?
5. Why do you think God makes his promises conditional?
6. Are God’s warnings harsh to you? Why?
7. What is the significance of verse 18?

Apply

• Although the initial intent of verse 14 was to Israel, how may we apply it?
• Contrary to modern history books, America was established on Biblical principles. How do you see our country’s alignment to the scriptures today?
• If you were the “Monarch of America,” what would you do to fix our problems (short answers, please).
• If we honor God as a nation, what will he do for us? What if we don’t?
• What are things YOU can do to help America get back on track?

Please share your response to one of the following:

• As a high school student what did you do in your spare time? (Sports, student government, band, scouts, etc.)
•  
• Outside of your family, where would you say your personality, who you are today, was shaped?

• Junior high school
• High school
• Church
• Club or Organization
• College First Job

Study

Please read the following passages and share your responses to the following questions:

Matthew 22.34-40

• In what ways does this passage simplify our walk with God?
• Why do you think we try to complicate our faith?
• What happens to people when we make things harder than God intended?

Exodus 17.12-13

• What is the symbolism in this passage?
• Who do you think the Amalekites represent?
• What is significant about Moses’ hands?
• What is exemplified by Aaron and Hur? Joshua? His army?
• How does the steadiness of Moses’ hands represent our faith?

Deuteronomy 7.6-12

• What do you think is significant about the “steadiness/faithfulness” of God to us?
• What mutual obligations do we have?

Apply

• How would you say you are “chosen” by God? How is this similar to Israel? What obligations come with it?
• When you feel like wavering from God, what do you do to steady yourself?
• What battle has God won (or is winning) in your life lately?

Please share one of the following with your Group:

• Do you prefer to buy clothes at – a garage sale or a Macy’s? Why?
• What is the greatest act of generosity you have ever seen? What made t so?
• In Dickens’ “Christmas Carol,” which Scrooge do you identify with – the miser or the one who shared?

Study

Please read Matthew 6.19-24 and discuss the following

• Why do you think the eyes are significant in Jesus’ statements here?
• Why would God describe generosity as the “good” eye? Stinginess as the “evil” eye?
• In what ways does the evil eye “see” itself?
• What is the connection between treasure and heart? Where do our eyes fit in?
• How does our choice of treasures affect our actions?
• How do our actions now produce rewards in the world to come? Why is this not about salvation?

Apply

• How do our eyes affect our actions?
• How does thinking as God thinks impact how and what we see and do?
• How can we cultivate an attitude that emphasizes others?
• What role does thanksgiving play?

Open

Please discuss one of the following with your Group:

• Where were you when you heard the news of 9.11.01?
• What would you say was your most daring adventure?
• When you are afraid, where do you go?

Study

Please read Matthew 14.22-33 and discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to walk on the water to the disciples (rather than choosing another way)?
2. If you had been in the boat with the disciples and seen someone walking on water, what would you have said?
3. How do you think Jesus’ words calmed the disciples?
4. What do Peter’s actions tell you about him?
5. Why did Jesus allow Peter to sink before rescuing him?
6. What do you think the disciples have concluded about Jesus as a result of this experience?

Apply

• In what ways do you think Jesus is inviting us/you to “get out of the boat”?
• When have you felt like you were sinking? How did Jesus save you?
• When it comes to taking risks, how would you assess yourself?
• Which of the following 911 scriptures is most significant to you? Why?

Psalm 9.11

Ecclesiastes 9.11

John 9.11

Nehemiah 9.11

Psalm 91.1

Please share your response to one of the following:

• As a kid, what did you find difficult to confess to your parents?

• I can explain my life as an animal and that animal is a ___________

Study

Please read Nehemiah 8:18 – 9:5 and share your response to the following:

• Why do you think it is important to confess God’s greatness? What may happen if we don’t?
• Why do you think it is important to confess our own shortcomings? What may happen if we don’t?
• What is the significance of the 3 parts of their worship in this instance? (i.e., Instruction from the Word; Confession of God’s greatness; and confession of sin)
• What is significant to the setting of this account (return from Babylon)?

Apply

• Why do you think confession is so difficult for us?
• Why do we hesitate to praise God for victories in our lives?
• What things can we as a church do to make confessing sin (or praise) easier? How can this group help?
• How does it help you to recount “God’s story” with Israel in regard to confessing His greatness and your weakness?

Jesus was the ultimate example of the correct attitude. He came to serve God – period. Note his teaching on serving in Matthew 20:25-29. A key to following God is not to seek reward but God.

The night of his betrayal and arrest was action-packed. He met with his disciples and ate their final Passover meal. As the meal unfolded, Jesus demonstrated the power of God in the emblems that he would use regarding his death, burial, and resurrection.

During the supper, Jesus also took off his outer robe, put on the towel and washed the FEET of the disciples to demonstrate the right thing in serving one another. He washed the feet of his betrayer. He washed the feet of the one who would vocally deny him. He also washed the feet of the “disciple whom he loved.”

Jesus did not pick and choose. He did not decide to wash John’s feet and then omit Peter and Judas – or the others who fled for their lives. He served them all with no strings attached – either to them or to God. It is always right to do right things. We may not always receive a reward for it, but it is right to do right.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Please share your response to one of the following:

• Would you say you have a “green thumb,” a “brown thumb,” or you are “all thumbs”?
• What is your favorite “success story”?

Study

Please read Luke 8:4-15 and discuss the following with your group:

• Why do you think Jesus uses this parable?
• How would you describe the soils in modern terms?
• Which of the soils do you think is the most difficult to change (either for the good or for the bad)? Which is the easiest?
• What role does the word of God play in impacting the soils?
• Why do you think it is important to keep sowing the seeds of God’s words on ALL soils?

Apply

• How would you describe the soil of your heart right now? Five years ago?
• How would you say your heart has changed over the years?
• What will be helpful for you to produce 100 times more than has been sown?
• What are some ways you can sow the seed of the kingdom on all soils?

Open

Please share your response to one of the following:

• What are three words that you hope people would use to describe you in ten years?
• What is something you enjoy doing? What makes it fun?

Study

Read Ecclesiastes 5:8-12 and discuss the following with your group:

• Why do you think there is a constant oppression of people in the world? In what ways is the “chain of command” a comfort? How can a king/leader be a good thing? (vv. 8-9)
• What would you say is meaningless in vv. 10-11-12?
• Why do you think we have so much trouble being content with what we have?
• Why is this especially true about money? Why do we want more and more?
• How can workers have “sweet sleep”? What keeps the wealthy from it?

Apply

• What applications can you make from the writer’s observations in 5:13-17?
• Where do you put the pursuit of wealth in your life?
  • At the Top
  • In the Middle
  • On the Bottom
  • Off the Chart
• Playing the “devil’s advocate,” defend the pursuit of wealth. How much is “enough”?
• Which of Jesus’ teachings helps you the most in regard to the issue of wealth and contentment? (example – Matthew 6:28-34)
• In your experience, how does contentment feel? What suggestions can you give to help the group achieve it? (see Philippians 4:12-13)

Share with the Group one or two of the following:

• If I could throw caution to the wind and really risk, I would. . . . .
• The comic character I would like to be like is. . . . .
• The most important decision of my life was/is. . . . .
• As a child, my favorite game was. . . . . .
• My favorite movie of all times is. . . . . .
• What makes me laugh is. . . . . .
• Today, I like to play by. . . . . . .
• I cry when . . . . . . . .

Study

Read Mark 10:35-45 and discuss the following with your group:

• What do you think motivated James and John to make this request?
• How do you think they saw the “kingdom”?
• If you had been James or John, how would you have felt about Jesus’ response?
• What were the cup, baptism, and glory Jesus spoke of?
• Why did the other disciples respond to James and John as they did?
• Jesus did not” waste the crisis.” What lesson does he teach? How does it go contrary to the norm?

Apply

• When have you seen a sacrificial spirit of service? A submissive spirit of service? How did you feel about that kind of person?
• What values has Jesus turned upside down in your life? How has it impacted your life?
• In following the example of Jesus, what is one way you can display a servant’s heart this week?

Please share your response to one of the following:

• How do you respond when someone cuts you off in traffic?
• Which animal most describes the way you tend to settle disputes?
  • Ostrich – Ignore them
  • Tiger – Confront them
  • Parrot – Gossip about them
  • Monkey – Joke about them
  • Gazelle – Run from them
  • Other ____________

Study

Read Matthew 5:21-24 and Matthew 18:15-20 and discuss the following with your Group:

• Why do you think this is such a difficult issue for us?
• When have you seen someone ignore a problem and “it went away”?
• What do you think of the “procedure” that Jesus details in 18.15-20? Why will this work? What happens if we don’t follow it? What is a “supernatural by-product” of the process?
• Why is it important that we “straighten out” matter is we are the offender OR if we are offended?
• What do you think is the relationship of resolving our conflicts and worship?

Apply

• For you, what is the hardest part about asking for forgiveness from another person?
• What is the hardest thing about giving forgiveness?
• What is the hardest thing for you about any kind of conflict?
• What do you need to do to improve?
• As a community of faith, how can we do better at resolving our issues?

Open:

Please share your answer to one of the following:

• If you have given blood, tell us about the positives and negatives (pun intended) that you experienced.
• Tell about an unusual mess or stain you had to clean up. How did it turn out?

Study:

Read Hebrews 9:11-28 and discuss the following with your group.

• In what ways was Jesus’ priesthood different than the Old Testament priests? (11-14)
• How was his cleansing of people different than the old? (15-22)
• In what ways do you think Jesus’ covenant is new? (15-22)
• What is the significance of Jesus’ entrance into heaven on our behalf? (23-28)
• How do you think his sacrifice is superior to the old way? (23-28)
• What is significant here about Jesus’ return? (23-28)

Apply:

• When you hear of the sacrifice of Jesus for your sins, how do you feel?
• Humbled
• Bored
• Grateful
• Knowledgeable
• Other ___________

• What do you think people outside of church think when they hear the story?

• What analogies can we use to help people grasp the seriousness of sin and their value to God?

Please share your response to one of the following with the group.

• Apart from Bible characters, if you could be related to a famous person, who would you choose? Why?
• Who was your favorite teacher in elementary school? Your hardest teacher?

Study

Read Galatians 3.21-28 and discuss the following:

• In what ways do you see the “Law” as a “prison”?
• What were God’s intentions in the Law?
• How is “faith” a release from “prison”?
• Why do you think people wanted to go back to the “Law”?  
  • It was familiar territory
  • It was easier for them
  • Family/Peer Pressures
  • They trusted themselves more than God
  • They misunderstood about Grace
• How does Christ use our faith to break down the barriers we set up?
• What is so important about being Abraham’s descendants?

Apply

• What has been your experience with rule-keeping? When has it been good? Bad?
• How has your faith grown from rule-keeping to faithful obedience? What is the difference? How have you accomplished it?
• What can you do personally to expand the kingdom of God beyond “us”?

• If you could visit one place you have never been, where would you go?
• Who would you like to meet (living or dead)?

Study

Please read Romans 1:1-17 and discuss the following:

• What do you think is significant about Paul’s use of the words, servant and apostle? Of called and saints?
• What are some implications you can see about the “gospel” (good news)?
• Why do you think God chose NOT to reveal who started the church in Rome? What does this say about “regular people” and church work?
• Why do you think it was so important to Paul to go to Rome?
  • He wanted to preach to Caesar
  • Rome was key to the spread of the gospel
  • He wanted to encourage young believers
  • He wanted to be like Jesus
  • Other ___________________
• What do you think Paul included in his prayers for the Romans?
  • Spiritual Gifts
  • Conversions
  • Courage
  • Harmony within the Church
  • Other _______________

Apply

• How have you seen or experienced the power of the gospel?
• How have you been mutually encouraged in the faith?
• In addition to heaven, what practical, day to day things can be impacted by the gospel? (v. 17)
• What mission or task do you sense God is leading you to do?

*Group Option: Spend the majority of your time together telling your spiritual stories. Let everyone answer this question:

How has God transformed your life?

Then close in prayer.

Scriptures Supporting HOME Group Ministry

• God values relationships – Genesis 1:26; 2:18
• Moses’ use of the ” Jethro Model” for Ministry – Exodus 18:13-26
• Jesus’ Use of the Rabbinical Model – Mark 3:14
• The Early Church’s Use of Jesus’ Model – Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; 5:42
• Churches in Homes
• o The Example of Philippi – Acts 16
• o The Example of Rome – Romans 16:3-15
• o The Example of Corinth – 1 Corinthians 16:19
• o The Example of Colossae – Colossians 4:15
• Paul’s House – Acts 28:30-31
• The 20/20 Vision – Acts 20:20

Scriptural Values for HOME Groups

• Discipleship – Matthew 28:19-20
• Outreach – Matthew 9:17; 9.37-38; John 4:35; 2 Timothy 4:5
• Mutual Encouragement and Relationships – John 17:3; 1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 4:16
• Ministry Opportunities – John 14:12; Ephesians 4:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:2
• Spiritual Multiplication – Genesis 1:28; Acts 6:1, 7; 9:31
• Mentoring – 1 Corinthians 4:15-17; 1 John 2:12-14

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Whenever I start a church endeavor, the first thing I do is look for the biblical validity for the effort. If I cannot find it, I move on to other things. However, I appreciate Bill Hybels’ sentiment, ”If it is in the word it should be in the world.” God’s ways are far superior to ours. What is the biblical foundation for establishing a ministry of Small Groups within a congregation? Consider the following biblical examples for Small Group Ministry.

• Small Groups are a way to nurture and care for each other. (Acts 2:44-46; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12; 1 Peter 5:1-5)
• Small Groups were Jesus’ primary means of training his 12 disciples. (Matthew 17:1; Mark 3:13-14)
• Small Groups were part of the first century church. (Acts 2:42-47; 5:42; 20:20)
• Small Groups provide an effective environment for instruction, encouragement, prayer support, and accountability. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 1 Corinthians 12:24-26; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:24- 25; James 5:16)
• Small Groups promote spiritual multiplication (2 Timothy 2:2; Exodus 18:13-27)

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

• What are some family rituals from your youth that you still observe today?
• Describe your most embarrassing moment.

Study

Read Galatians 3.1-9 and discuss the following:

• What is the point Paul is making about receiving the Spirit and observing the Law? Why do you think this is a big deal to him?
• What do you think the relationship of their “suffering” (3.4) and Christ’s death (2.21) is in regard to this matter?
• How does Paul use Abraham to support his point?
• How do gentiles (non-Jews) become children of Abraham? Why is this important?
• Where does human effort come into the salvation story?

Apply

• What is the tension between faith and works? Why do you think it is hard NOT to try to work for salvation?
• In what ways would you say faith requires effort for you?
• How is faith different from earning salvation or favor with God?
• It has been said that if we are “good,” God won’t love us any more; and if we are “bad,” God will not love us any less. How is this an encouragement to you? How can it be abused?

• What is one thing that really bugs you?
• What book (other than the Bible) has impacted your life?

Study

Read Galatians 2:15-21 and discuss the following with your Group:

• How have you heard the word, “justified” used outside of church? How do you think Paul is using it?
• Compare Paul’s words here with Acts 13:38-39. What is Paul’s main point? Why do you think it is so important to him?
• How would you explain being “justified by faith” to someone who was searching for God?
• What do you think is the difference between “rule-keeping” and obedient actions? (See also James 2:24).
• What are the dangers of trying to be justified by “rule-keeping”? What are the dangers of “faith only”?
• How might we abuse God’s grace?

Apply

• How do you feel knowing that you can never do enough good things to earn God’s favor?
• How do you feel knowing that God loves you enough to “pay your way” by his grace?
• What “additions” (traditions) to the gospel might people want? How can we keep our focus on Jesus and off of ourselves in these?
• In what ways does a proper view of grace motivate you to act?

• If you had to pick one year of your childhood to live over, which year would you choose and why?
• . If you could choose to live the title of one of the following books which one would it be and why?
  •  Unveiled (Francine Rivers)
  •  Be a People Person (John Maxwell)
  •  Fresh Power (Jim Cymbala)
  •  Servant Warfare (Steve Sjogren)
  •  Recovering Pharisee (John Fischer)

Study

Read Galatians 1.11-17 and discuss the following with the group:

• Why do you think Paul was so adamant about how he received the gospel?
• What do you think is significant about the message of Christ being revealed to Paul by Jesus himself?
• Why do you think Paul went to the desert place of Arabia? How is that similar to Israel’s exodus wanderings? What do you think they learned in the desert? What do you think Paul learned?
• Why do you think Paul did not consult anyone before he committed to following Christ?
• What do you think was Paul’s primary concern in jis relationship to God? How was he able to give up his traditions to follow Jesus?

Apply

• What does it mean for us when we know that we are reading a message that is a revelation from Jesus Christ?
• How did believing that the gospel message was from God impact your conversion process?
• How does the inspiration of the scriptures affect your daily walk with Jesus?
• For what do you think God has set you apart? How does this shape your daily walk? How much effort do you put into this goal?

• What causes you to lose your cool most often?
• In your life, who do you see as an authority in the “gray areas”?

Study

Read Galatians 1.3-7 and discuss the following:

• In what ways does the gospel seem “too good to be true”?
• What do you think is the difference between gospel and tradition?
• How can traditions be good? Bad?
• What additions to the gospel have you seen, heard of, or experienced?
• Why do we have trouble taking the bible as it is and then making our own applications?
• Why are we hesitant to allow others this freedom? (Sunday School vs. Non-Sunday School, etc.)
• In what ways is the gospel NOT a “do your own thing” faith?

Apply

• What is one way that the gospel has changed your life? How does this prove the reality of the gospel to you?
• When have you felt angry/distressed because the truth of the gospel had been distorted? Why did this matter to you? What did you do?
• How do you think we can be disciples of Jesus without being written off as intolerant fanatics?

Please share your response to one of the following:

• What is the greatest regret of your life?
• If you could not fail, what would you like to do?

Study

Read Galatians 1:10-24 and discuss the following:

• What is the origin of Paul’s message? Why do you think he emphasizes it? How do you think it impacted his actions?
• What would you say is Paul’s primary point in this reading?
• Why do you think Paul did not consult anyone after his encounter with Jesus?
• What was the value of solitude (i.e., the desert) to Paul? How does his story reflect his Hebrew roots?
• How do you think Paul benefited by being with Peter and James in Jerusalem? What are some of James’ observations about faith and action?

Apply

• Since our strongest beliefs determine our actions, what would you say your actions indicate about your beliefs?
• How is faith revealed in actions? What are some examples?
• How do you guard against showing “favoritism” in your life?
• How have you experienced the desert in your life? How has it been of benefit to you?
• Who has been your Peter or James? How have they helped you?

• What is a lesson on money that you learned from your parents?
• Tell of a time when you received a generous gift. How did you feel?
• Tell of a time when you gave a generous gift. How did you feel?

Study

Read 2 Corinthians 9.10-15 and discuss the following:

• As you read the text, why do you think Paul reminds them of that God gives our necessities?
• Why does he mention the multiplication factor for their resources?
• How do you think that generous giving is an acknowledgement of the gospel?
• To certain Jews, “righteousness” involved giving to those in need. Jesus said that our righteousness was to exceed theirs (Matthew 5.20). In what ways do you think our righteousness is generous? Where are we lacking?
• What are the real motivations for giving generously to those in need?

Apply

• When have you received something by being generous?
• How does God’s promise in verse 8 help your giving?

That principle holds true in many situations.  Elders; Deacons; Teachers; HOME Group Leaders (etc.) need to take this to heart. As they lead groups, teach lessons, shepherd, and serve, they must not neglect themselves.  One of the best things church leaders can do for the church is to maintain a strong relationship with God.  The stronger they are, the more able they will be to lead and help others, especially in times of need.

Church Leaders, regardless of your capacity, let me encourage you to take the time to study God’s word – just for you.  Take the time to pray, not only for your others’ needs, but for yours as well.  Take time to practice spiritual disciplines.  Take the time to worship in spirit and truth.  You will be glad you did and so will your Church Family!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Share your responses to one of the following:

• Tell of a time you experienced a meaningful worship service. What made it that way?
•  Special effects
•  A change from the norm
•  My situation
•  Other

• The last time you were called into the “Boss’ Office,” how did you feel? What happened?

Study

• Read Isaiah 6:1-8 and discuss the following:
• What picture of God do you get from this passage?
• Why do you think Isaiah mentions the death of Uzziah?
  
• It was a time reference
• Uzziah was god-like to the nation
• Uzziah was a powerful political leader
• Other

• How do you think Isaiah first saw himself in this experience? At the end? Why the change?
• What was Isaiah willing to do for God? Why?

Apply

• What experiences have you had where you could say, “My eyes have seen the king!”?

• A near-death experience
• A dream
• When I was in trouble
•  In a worship service
• In a personal “Quiet Time”
•  In a class
• Other:

• Which of the following is most difficult for you to say, “Here am I send me!”?

• To tell others about Jesus
• Lead a HOME Group
• Teach Children
• Teach Adults
• Visit Prisons/Jails
• Visit Hospitals/Nursing Homes
• Making ethical decisions at work
• Doing benevolence
• Open your home to others
• Befriend a lonely person/new member
• Foreign Missions
• Other

• Which of the following would help you most in your worship experiences

• A daily “Quiet Time” with God
• Purchasing worship CDs or DVDs
• Memorize Songs
• Memorize scripture
• Focus on one attribute of God each week (Holiness/Grace/ etc.)
• Ask God to search your heart
• Be a TRUE disciple by obediently say “Yes” to God in every area of your life

Please discuss one of the following with the Group:

• Tell about a time that you realized you are not totally independent.
• Barnabas (Acts 9.26-27) seems to be a “trusting” person; Thomas (John 20.24-28) seems to be more cautious. With whom do you identify more? Why?

Study

Please read 1 Corinthians 12:21-26 and discuss the following:

• In light of the “Tongues Speakers vs. Prophets” controversy, why do you think Paul chooses eyes, hands, feet, and head to illustrate his point?
• How do you think Paul deals with the issues of Pride and low self-esteem here?
• Why do you think:

          The weaker are indispensable?

          The less honorable receive special honor?

          The unpresentable are treated with special modesty?

          The presentable are not given special treatment?

• When the church body functions properly, how can we feel good when others are honored? How can we feel bad when others hurt?

Apply

• When do you struggle with:

          Jealousy of other Christians?

          Condescending to others?

          Ignoring others in their successes or pain?

• What do you need to improve your outlook?
• How can you “celebrate the weaknesses” of others? YOUR weaknesses?
• Where do you think YOU fit in the body of Christ? How can you help others to fit in?

Please discuss your response to one of the following:

• What was your first job?
• What is one unusual talent or feature you have (e.g., touching your tongue to your nose, double-jointed elbows, etc.?)

Study

Read the 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 and discuss the following:

• What do you think is going on in Corinth that would make Paul write on this subject?
• How is the unity of diverse gifts a reflection of God?
• Why do you think God has created the church body – with its parts – as he has? Why is each part so important to the whole?
• How do you think our personalities fit into the picture?
• What do you think is the overall purpose of the diversity of gifts?

Apply

• Which gifts listed here would you say are “YOU”?
• How satisfied are you with the gifts God has given you?
• What would improve your satisfaction level?
• How do you feel towards those who are gifted differently than yourself? How do you work with them?
• What things do you keep in mind as you fill your role in the church’s mission?

A Small Group Lesson:

Open:

Finish this sentence:

• On the way to this meeting, I was feeling ___________.
• One real strength I have is _____________________.
• One area of my life in which I’m proud of myself is___________.
• A talent or skill I have is ____________________________.
• An adult who had an impact on me as a teen was_________.

Study

Please read 1 Corinthians 12.1-13 and share your thoughts in the following:

• What is the context of these verses? Why do you think Paul emphasizes the one body to the Corinthians?
• What do you think is the significance of being baptized (immersed) into the body of Jesus? What do you see as key lessons from baptism?
• What is significant about Christians having the shared experience of baptism?
• What role do you think the Spirit plays?
• What role does baptism play in our relationship to God? To other Christians?
• How do you see people as gifts to the body?

Apply:

• Why is it important for us to grasp the concept of the unity of the body of Christ?
• What things were you saying to the world by your baptism? Do you think you are trying to live up to those statements?
• In light of the gift descriptions in 1 Corinthians 12, where do you see yourself?
• How does being baptized into the body release your potential in serving Jesus?

  Open

***Please share your ideas about the following:

Think about a recent commercials or advertisements. Which was:

• Most appealing to you?
• The worst or most obnoxious to you?
• The most outrageous to you?
• Normal to you?

What do you think our culture is communicating by the things we advertise? By the contents (clothing used; products displayed; etc.) of the advertisements?

***Leaders – to enhance this exercise, you may want to have newspaper or magazine ads available for your group to look through.

Study

Please read 1 Timothy 2:8-10 and 1 Peter 3:3-5 and discuss the following:

• What do you think is the relationship of the “holy hands” and prayers?
• How do you think outward appearances match inward characteristics (see also Mark 7:20-23)?
• Why do you think God does not give us a “uniform” as some religious groups have but gives us leeway in how we dress ourselves?
• Where does “culture” end and God’s will begin?
• Why is it so important that we display spiritual qualities as though we are “wearing” them (see Colossians 3:12-14)?

Apply

• What helps you keep the value of people in perspective? How do you KNOW that the man in fine attire is no more valuable to God than the man in “regular” clothes? How does this impact your treatment of them?
• How can you keep from judging others by appearances?
• What can you do to clothe yourself with Christ and his qualities? What kind of impact will that have on those around you?

Please discuss one of the following:

If I was on the TV show, Survivor, I would:

• Display blatant Christian behavior at all costs
• Blend in with the crowd
• Lie, cheat, or steal to win the $1,000,000
• “Be as wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove.”

When I play Monopoly I (circle 2)

• Get in fights
• Give up before the game is over
• Forget about being kind and generous
• Feel sorry for the ones who are losing and help them out
• Hang in until the bitter end
• Cheat
• Get bored (I hate games)

Study

Please read Ephesians 4:17-32 and discuss the following:

• What do you think controls the behavior of the non-believers? (see vv. 17-19)
• What role does “truth” play in our understanding of Jesus? How do you think that truth is to come out in our words and actions? (vv. 25-28)
• What impact does the heart have on our actions?
• How does Jesus affect the way we deal with: Anger? Honest work? Our words? Our relationship with the Holy Spirit?
• How do you think we benefit ourselves when we get rid of sinful behavior and embrace godly living? How does it impact others?
• What do you think is the power of forgiveness?

Apply

Discuss one or two of the following with the group:

• What “blocks” exist in your life (what keeps you from being all you know to be)?
• In what ways are you inefficient? Ineffective?
• What is one quality you have that is not usually seen by others?
• With whom would you like to get along better?
• How can this group assist you in these things?

Spectrum Lines

Pinpoint where you see yourself on these Spectrum Lines and explain one or two to the group.

Talker____________________________________________________Listener

Thinker___________________________________________________Doer

Leader____________________________________________________Follower

Rabbit____________________________________________________Turtle

Adenturer__________________________________________________Nester

Pitcher____________________________________________________Catcher

Study

Read James 2:14-26 and discuss your answers to the following:

• 1. How do you see the relationship of faith and works? When are works important and when are they unimportant?
• 2. What experiences have you had/seen with benevolent cases? How have you felt dealing with them? Why do you think benevolence is so difficult?
• 3. How do James’ three examples display faith?
•      a. Demons
•      b. Abraham
•      c. Rahab
• 4. What applications do you see to the body without the spirit and faith without works?

Apply

• 1. How would you rate your faith – Living or Dead? How do you know?
• 2. How can you strengthen your faith? How can this group help you?
• 3. On the line below write down the name of the person(s) you will encourage with a phone call this week:

I Will Call ____________________________________________________

Please share from the following:

1. What I need more than anything else from this Group is someone:

•  To talk to
• To belong to
• To support me
• To affirm me
• To share my concerns
• To stir up my dreams
• Other ____________________

2. What scares me about being in a close Christian community is that they might:

• Find me out
• Not accept me after they find out about me
• Expect something out of me if they accept me
• Not be my kind of people
• Upset my lifestyle
• Let me down

Study

Read Ezekiel 33:30-32 and discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the prophets had such a hard time getting people to believe their messages?

2. Why did the people “go through the motions” of listening to Ezekiel? What kept them from following through with their commitments to God? How do you see this today?

3. Why do you think we lose a sense of urgency about our relationship with God?

4. Why is it important that we not only KNOW what God says/wants, but that we put it into practice?

5. How does the “greatest command” (Deuteronomy 6.4-5) and the “second greatest command” (Leviticus 19.18) sum up our need to HEAR and DO?

Apply

1. When do you think that we are serious about spreading the kingdom of God? How can we tell if we are NOT serious about it? When are times you personally have been serious about it? When have you not been serious?
2. How does Christian community help you to keep on track with God?
3. What do you think are the stumbling blocks to having the kind of community of believers that we see among the early disciples (Acts 2, etc.)?

•  We don’t know each other
• We don’t know each other’s needs
• We don’t take time for one another
• We have more pressing issues
• We don’t feel urgency
• What spiritual things do you know but aren’t doing? How can this Group help you?

That attitude of independence also spills over into our spiritual lives. We tend to be independent and self-directing. We resist direction from leaders and often resent our preachers and teachers when they tell us what to do. After all, they are just people like me, what do they think they are doing?

I recently read a statement that has given me pause. “God does not create us for INDEPENDENCE, he creates us for INTERDEPENDENCE.” What a powerful reminder of God’s intentions and our needs!

Think of the various Bible scenarios where “people need people.” In the creation God gave Adam a helpmeet named “Eve.” He needed the interaction and encouragement of a person as well as God.

Roll the tape forward to the book of Acts after the church was formed. Even the great Apostle Paul would feel the need for interdependence. He encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, was struck blind, and was told to go into the city. There he encountered Ananias and received his sight as well as his baptism. Later, he would need Barnabas to help and direct him. Even later he would need some of the other disciples’ help to survive and continue his preaching ministry all the way to Rome.

Paul certainly needed help from other disciples. Yet, there is something that God puts in us that also shows our need to be helpers. Paul was trained under the Jewish Rabbi, Gamaliel. He becomes a rabbi himself. As a follower of Jesus, Paul takes his rabbinical training and applies it to the church. He trains disciples like the other rabbis did – just like Rabbi Jesus did. One of those disciples was the outcast, Timothy. Paul took him in and trained him to follow Jesus. He later becomes the lead Minister at Ephesus. He learned his lessons well.

We could go on and on with examples. Jesus had his twelve who had one another and then later their own disciples to train. All through the New Testament we read the “one another” passages and are reminded of how interwoven we must be. We are not independent, we are interdependent.

Somewhere I heard or read that the average person will know fifty people by sight and name. If our church is about fifty, we can know everyone and feel connected. The average church in America is somewhere around 100, twice the number we are able to know on average. Bible classes and small groups then become a crucial part of the interdependence we need. Large church services foster the “independent spirit” where we stand alone, unrecognized and uninvolved in the lives of others.

In the smaller settings we become aware of others. We recognize their needs and serve them. They recognize our needs and serve us. In all of this, we continually point one another to Jesus. We are interdependent, not independent!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

It is interesting how we tend to fail to learn from the past. We tend to repeat even the most basic things as we see in the account in Genesis 3. We fail to take personal responsibility when we make wrong choices. We want to blame others for our sins and mistakes. We shy away from accountability, yet that is what we need to help our spiritual walk.

I hope this lesson is useful to you.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Open

Please share your response to one of the following:

• When you were a child, what games did you enjoy playing? (Monopoly; Hide ‘n Seek; etc.)
• If you could capture a special moment from the last week which one would you frame? Why?

Study

Read Genesis 3.1-13 and discuss the following:

• What do you think the serpent’s role is in this story?
• Who do you think is really at fault in this story?
  •   Adam
  •   Eve
  •   Serpent
  •   God
  •   A Combination
• Why do you think Adam and Eve were so quick to “pass the buck”? Why do we?
• What role does choice play in this story? Why does God restrict their choices with the one tree?
• Why do you think they hid from God?
• Why did God judge them so harshly?

Apply

• Where are you most vulnerable to the serpent? When has he caused you to doubt God’s words? <”Did God really say __________?”
• What do you tend to do when you see your own sins?
  • Beat myself up
  • Shrug it off
  • Blame someone else
  • Ignore it and hope it goes away
  • Deal with it in a healthy way
• In what ways do you need to take responsibility for yourself?
• What can this group do to help you be accountable?

Shooter is not the only one to live in the past. How many people do you know who had their best years in the yesterdays of their mind? How many do you know who dwell in the past either in its regrets or in its glory?

Christians have the privilege of letting go of the past, both the good and bad. The best days for the Jesus followers are ahead, not behind. Faith and hope keep us going.

The following small group study is based on the sermon Richard May will present this Sunday, May 15, 2008. He has in mind encouraging the 2008 graduates to go forward and not live in the past. I hope this lesson is useful to you.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene